Dardenne Prairie City Zoning Code
ARTICLE X
Sign Regulations
Section 405.565 Purpose.
[Ord. No. 516 §18(18.01), 6-21-2001]
A.
It is the intent of this Article to regulate and control the location, erection, number and maintenance of signs and matters relating thereto within the City of Dardenne Prairie in order to promote public safety, health and general welfare of the community. These regulations are specifically designed to:
Section 405.570 Scope.
[Ord. No. 516 §18(18.02), 6-21-2001]
A.
The provisions of this Article shall govern the erection, alteration and maintenance of all signs and outdoor display structures, together with their appurtenant and auxiliary devices, with respect to location, size, content, construction, structure and fire safety.
B.
The following sign standards by zoning district are intended to include every district in the City of Dardenne Prairie. The districts are as defined by the zoning ordinance and official Zoning Map. Only permanently located signs as described herein and as may be described under temporary signs will be permitted in each particular district, except for public signs and City, State and Federal historic markers.
C.
If any district is omitted from this Article or if a new district is created after the enactment of this Article, no signs shall be permitted therein until this Article is amended to include the new district.
D.
Decals, numerals, names, addresses, hours, credit information, etc., attached to doors or windows and all of which occupy a total area of one (1) square foot or less are excluded from this Article.
Section 405.575 Definitions.
[Ord. No. 516 §18(18.03)), 6-21-2001]
The following definitions shall apply in interpretation and enforcement of this Article, unless otherwise specifically stated:
A sign which no longer correctly directs or exhorts any person, advertises a bona fide business, lessor, owner, project or activity conducted or product available on the premises where such sign is displayed.
Any sign which includes action or motion. For purposes of this Article, this term does not refer to flashing or changing signs, all of which are separately defined.
A plastic material more than one-twentieth (1/20) inch thick which bums at a rate of not more than two and one-half (2½) inches per minute when subjected to ASTM Standard Test for Flammability of Plastics in sheets of six one-hundredths (0.06) inch thickness as determined by the City Engineer.
Any structure entirely supported by the wall to which it is attached and which has a frame covered by canvas, cloth or other similar temporary material and/or which can be retracted or rolled to the structure by which it is supported.
The entire area of a sign on which copy could be placed but does not include permanent building surface.
All signs maintained by advertising agencies which advertise products of their customers or clients and all business signs individually or privately owned which primarily are not on the premises of the owner.
All window and wall area of a building in one (1) plane or elevation.
Any structure attached to a building at the inner end and supported on the other end or a freestanding structure with one (1) or more supports meant to provide shelter from weather elements onto which signs may be affixed or incorporated.
A sign on which copy is changed manually in the field, i.e., reader boards with changeable letters or changeable pictorial panels.
A sign such as an electronically or electrically controlled public service time, temperature and date sign, message center or reader board where different copy changes are shown on the same lamp bank.
A sign attached to the exterior of a church or located elsewhere on church premises and used to indicate the services and/or other activities of the church and including the church name, if desired.
City of Dardenne Prairie, Missouri.
The officially designated representative of the City of Dardenne Prairie responsible for the enforcement of the sign ordinance and other ordinances at the direction of the Board of Aldermen.
The wording or graphics on a sign surface.
See "SIGN, GROUND".
As defined under the zoning ordinance and Zoning District Map.
To build, construct, reconstruct, attach, hang, rehang, alter, place, affix, enlarge, move or relocate and includes the painting and repainting of existing sign structures.
The front or main part of a building facing a street. For purposes of this Article, the "facade" is defined as measured from the ground elevation to the head beam.
The entire area of sign on which copy could be placed. The area of a sign which is visible from one (1) direction as projected on a place.
Any sign which contains an intermittent or flashing light source or which includes the illusion of intermittent or flashing light by means of animation or an externally mounted intermittent light source. Automatic changing signs such as public service time, temperature and date signs or electronically controlled message centers are not classified as "flashing signs".
The length of the lot along the street side. The front of a lot bordering more than one (1) street is considered separate for each street.
The average level of the finished surface of the ground adjacent to a sign or the exterior wall of a building to which a sign is affixed.
Immediate surrounding grade.
The vertical distance measured from the surrounding grade to the highest point of sign.
A sign containing only the names and addresses of the occupant of business establishment.
A sign which contravenes this Article or a non-conforming sign for which a permit required under a previous ordinance was not obtained.
A sign identifying the institutional or governmental facility.
Property lines other than those forming a dedicated public right-of-way.
A letter, character or symbol used to represent a person, corporation or business enterprise.
A parcel, tract, plot or area of land accessible by means of a street or other permanently reserved principal means of access. It may be a single parcel separately described in a deed or plat which is recorded in the office of the County Recorder of Deeds or it may include parts of or a combination of such parcels when adjacent to one another and used as one (1) as determined by the Code Enforcement Officer.
The permanent part of a building which denotes the name of the building, date of erection, historical significance or similar information.
Any advertising structure or sign which was lawfully erected and maintained prior to such time as it came within the purview of this Article and any amendments thereto and which fails to conform to all applicable regulations and restrictions of this Article or a non-conforming sign for which a variance has been issued.
Any sign that does not contain electrical wiring or is not attached or intended to be attached to an electrical energy source.
A person recorded as such on official records and including duly authorized agent or notary, a purchaser, lessee, devisee, judiciary, any person having a vested or contingent interest in the property or business in question.
That portion of a building wall that rises above the roof level.
Any natural person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, company or organization of any kind.
An area of land with its appurtenances and buildings which, because of its unity of use, may be regarded as the smallest conveyable unit of real estate.
Any letter, word, sign device or representation used in nature of an advertisement or announcement projecting perpendicularly from the building.
Directional sign to subdivisions under construction and project site promotional sign.
That part of any street, road, alley or avenue dedicated for public use as a walkway or thoroughfare for pedestrians or motor vehicles, whether or not the public improvements thereon extend to the full dedicated limits of such right-of-way.
The highest point of the coping on a flat roof, false mansard or parapet wall; the deckline of a true mansard roof; the ridge line between the upper and lower slopes of a gambrel roof; or the mean height level between the eaves and ridge for a gable or hip roof. (See Figure 1 to this Chapter 405).
A sign mounted on the roof of a building.
A sign or portion of a sign which moves in a revolving or similar manner.
A sign which is not permanent and is limited to a specific activity or in the celebration of holidays or other special events.
The minimum horizontal distance between the right-of-way line and the sign structure as specified in a particular Section of this Article.
Any temporary sign advertising sales or specials attached to or within three (3) feet of glass surface of any fixed window (glazing) visible from a public right-of-way.
As shown on Figure 2 to this Chapter 405.
Any identification, description, illustration or device illuminated or non-illuminated which is visible from any public place or is located on private property and exposed to the public and which directs attention to a product, service, place, activity, person, institution, business or solicitation, including, but not limited to, any permanently installed or situated merchandise; or any emblem, painting, banner, pennant or placard designed to advertise, identify or convey information. For the purpose of removal, signs shall also include all sign structures. For the purposes of this Article, this definition shall include those signs painted directly upon a building or other structure.
The area of the sign face. The "sign area" of a multi-faced sign is the sum of the sign areas of each face, including structural trim, which can be seen from a single location on an adjacent street. If a sign is attached to a building or suspended in any manner whereby there is no apparent trim or confining border, the sign area shall be computed by drawing an imaginary straight line around a generally rectangular margin and measuring the area so encompassed by these lines.
A wall sign attached to a building wall or the general vertical plane of a mansard-type roof.
A permanent pole sign designating the name of a commercial center and listing the various tenants of the center.
A temporary sign used during construction of new buildings or reconstruction of or additions to existing buildings; such as those identifying the project and denoting the owner, architect, engineer, contractor and/or financing institutions of the project.
A sign which indicates a direction for vehicular or pedestrian traffic or other movement. The sign may contain the street address and/or name of the business center or the name of the use of the building, trademark, logo or similar matter provided that not more than fifty percent (50%) of the sign area is used for this purpose.
A sign which flutters and includes banners, flags, pennants or other flexible material which moves with the wind or by some artificial means.
Any detached sign on the same lot or parcel as the use it advertises which has its bottom portion erected upon or supported by the ground, a ground planter box or other supports.
Any sign hanging entirely beneath a canopy, portico or marquee.
Any sign which is illuminated by light sources mounted on or in the sign or at some other location.
A sign identifying the institutional or government facility.
Any attached to or illustrated on a marquee, canopy or awning, respectively.
The permanent part of a building which denotes the name of the building, date of erection, historical significance, dedication or other similar information.
Menu signs for fast-food restaurants.
A sign, all or any part of, which moves by any means. Such sign includes a fluttering sign, including fluttering or flashing lights or sequential lights, simulating movement.
An attached wall sign not larger than two (2) square feet in area identifying the name of a person occupying a building.
A temporary sign advocating or opposing any political proposition or candidate for public office.
Any detached sign located on the same lot or parcel as the use it advertises which is supported by one (1) or more stationary poles longer than ten (10) feet above the mean grade line of the ground at its base, provided that this shall not include a permitted ground sign as set forth herein.
A permanent ground sign identifying an apartment complex, condominium project, entry, name and or street names within the project.
Any sign affixed to a building or wall in such a manner that its edge extends more than nine (9) inches beyond the surface of such building or wall.
A sign pertaining only to the prospective rental, lease or sale of the property on which it is located. Real estate signs shall be excluded from the definition of pole signs.
Any temporary sign that provides direction to any residential development under construction or promotes the residential development on the project site.
Any sign erected on a roof but excluding marquee, canopy, wall and signs located on a mansard.
The sign and all parts associated with its construction.
A ground sign identifying a subdivision entry, subdivision name and/or street names within the subdivision.
All structures by which a sign is held up including, for example, poles, braces, guys and anchors.
Any sign intended for a limited or intermittent period of display.
A sign erected or attached against the wall of any building with the plane of the face parallel to the plane of the wall below the roof line.
A sign that is permanently affixed to either side of the glass of an exterior door or window. For the purpose of this Article, a glass brick wall shall be deemed a window.
A temporary sign affixed to the inside of an exterior window or glass door.
Signs not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet used for holidays, public demonstrations or promotion of civil welfare or charitable purposes.
All signs which primarily advertise products or businesses which are not located on the same premises as the sign. This includes detached pole signs on separate parcels, wall signs and signs otherwise attached to buildings and/or supported by uprights or braces on the ground. Real estate signs and political signs are excluded from this definition.
A public thoroughfare which affords the principal means of access to abutting property.
The molding, batten, caps, nailing strips, latticing and platforms which are attached to the sign structure.
Any sign which aids the flow of traffic.
The purpose for which a building, lot, sign or other structure is arranged, intended, designed, occupied or maintained.
Shall have the same meaning as set forth in Section 405.080 of this Code.
[Ord. No. 2207, 9-21-2022]
The zoning ordinance and amendments thereof for the City of Dardenne Prairie and the current Zoning District Map related thereto.
Section 405.580 Signs in Residential and All Other Districts.
[Ord. No. 516 §18(18.04), 6-21-2001]
A.
Allowable Signs. All signs must be located at least five (5) feet from the right-of-way and out of the sight triangle as shown on Figure 2 to this Chapter 405.
1.
Subdivision identification signs (must be located within the development to which they pertain).
a.
Two (2) subdivision identification signs not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet in size per face shall be allowed per development.
b.
Where the development has access on two (2) or more streets or has more than one (1) entrance on one (1) street, identification shall be allowed at each entrance.
c.
No sign shall be more than six (6) feet in height from the surrounding grade to the highest point on the sign.
2.
Project identification sign (must be located within the development to which they pertain).
a.
One (1) sign not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet in size per face shall be allowed per project.
b.
Where the project fronts on two (2) or more streets, one (1) sign shall be permitted per frontage, provided that the project has a major traffic entrance on the street where the sign is to be erected.
c.
No sign shall be more than six (6) feet in height from the surrounding grade to the highest point on the sign.
4.
Construction sign (must be located within the development to which they pertain).
a.
Not more than one (1) sign per street frontage per lot not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet in size per face.
b.
Signs identifying mechanics, painters, architects, engineers and similar artisans and workmen which are attached to or on trailers on the site of construction shall be permitted, provided that upon completion of the project the trailer must be removed within one (1) week. These trailers shall not be located closer than fifteen (15) feet of street right-of-way and not located within the sight triangle.
c.
All such signs shall be removed when the project has received a final inspection.
5.
Residential project construction signs.
a.
Residential project promotional sign (must be located within the development to which they pertain).
(1)
One (1) sign per major entrance to the subdivision or project site not exceeding one hundred twenty (120) square feet per face.
b.
Residential project directional signs.
(1)
Any number of signs not exceeding sixteen (16) square feet per face.
(2)
No sign shall exceed three and one-half (3½) feet above the elevation of the adjacent driveway at the point which it meets the street right-of-way.
(3)
Each development may also be allowed no more than two (2) directional signs not exceeding ninety-six (96) square feet per face along all State highways and interstate service roads within the City.
(4)
All directional signs may include directions to the development and pertinent information concerning the developer but shall not include promotional information. The sign may contain the street address and/or name of the business center or the name of the use of the building, trademark, logo or similar matter, provided that not more than fifty percent (50%) of the sign area is used for this purpose.
c.
Residential project on-site sign.
(1)
Such signs shall be removed at such time when ninety percent (90%) of permits have been issued of the lots and/or dwelling units.
d.
Residential project off-Site signs.
(1)
Such signs shall be removed either within two (2) years from the date of issuance of the sign permit or when permits have been issued for ninety percent (90%) of the lots and/or dwelling units.
(2)
Such signs shall not be erected in such a manner as to block the view of any pre-existing sign from the normal traffic level.
6.
Political signs.
a.
Not greater than thirty-two (32) square feet in sign area per sign face unless posted on billboards.
b.
Posted only on private property with permission of the property owner or lessee.
c.
Shall be in place for a period of not longer than sixty (60) days prior to the election and shall be removed within fifteen (15) days after the election is held to which they pertain. The fifteen (15) day removal period shall not apply to those candidates who successfully ran for nomination at the primary election in August, until after the general election in November.
d.
All signs must be located fifteen (15) feet from the right-of-way and out of the sight triangle as shown on Figure 2 to this Chapter 405.
e.
Political signs cited as violating any of the provisions of this Article shall be removed by the sign owner and/or properly owner of that sign within five (5) days after notice of the violation. The failure to remove such sign within that five (5) day period will result in the cost of removal being billed to the sign owner and/or property owner.
f.
Shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height above grade at its base.
g.
It shall be the responsibility of all candidates and their committee to assure that political signs are maintained in good repair and failure to so maintain shall be grounds to issue a notice of violation.
h.
Lighted signs shall be positioned as to not shine on adjacent properties. Electrical permits will be required for such signs.
8.
Property real estate signs.
a.
One (1) sign per lot frontage located on the lot and not exceeding six (6) square feet per face and shall be removed within ten (10) days following the date of closing or lease initiation.
9.
Special displays and other temporary signs.
a.
The following temporary signs may be approved by the Code Enforcement Officer for up to a thirty (30) day time period. Such signs may be extended beyond the thirty (30) day time period but only upon review and approval by the Board of Aldermen.
b.
Only two (2) temporary sign permits will be issued during a calendar year to the same entity for the same purpose/location.
c.
The following types of special displays and promotional signs are permitted subject to the following guidelines. In all cases they are to be maintained in good condition and if found otherwise, they are subject to immediate removal by order of the Zoning Administrator.
[Ord. No. 2207, 9-21-2022]
(1)
Banners. Special displays using banners for promotional purposes will be permitted for a thirty (30) day time period per promotion.
(2)
Pennants. Will be permitted for promotional purposes.
(3)
Flags in front of display homes. Will only be permitted until the home is no longer used for display purposes.
(4)
Seasonal promotional signs. One (1) sign no greater than six (6) square feet. These signs shall be displayed only during the hours of operation of the business. The sign shall be placed inside at the close of each business day.
Section 405.585 Signs in Commercial Districts.
[Ord. No. 516 §18(18.05), 6-21-2001; Ord. No. 833 §2(18.05), 12-15-2004]
A.
All signs shall/must be located five (5) feet from the right-of-way, and out of the sight triangle as shown on Figure 2 to this Chapter 405.
B.
Allowable Signs.
1.
All signs permitted and regulated in Section 18.04.
2.
Attached Signs.
a.
One or more attached signs not exceeding ten percent (10%) of the total square footage of the building face upon which it is placed.
b.
In the instance of corner lots, an additional attached sign will be permitted on each street frontage of the building not exceeding ten percent (10%) of the total square footage of the respective building face upon which it is placed.
c.
Shall be face mounted on the building wall, projecting not more than nine (9) inches from the face of the building. Such signs shall not project above the parapet wall, mansard, or other roof line, and shall be enclosed on both ends where involving a pitched roof location.
d.
Support structures for wall signs shall be concealed from public view.
3.
Awnings and Canopy Signs.
a.
In lieu of an attached sign, awnings and canopies advertising the business on the premises only will be permitted. Such signs shall be in accordance with the building codes of the City of Dardenne Prairie.
4.
Ground Mounted Sign.
a.
One (1) ground-mounted sign per lot, not exceeding forty (40) square feet per face.
b.
Such signs shall not exceed six (6) feet in height from the surrounding grade to the highest point on the sign.
c.
Shall be located no closer than fifteen (15) feet in height from the surrounding grade to the highest point on the sign.
d.
Such signs shall meet the sight triangle requirements of the City's Zoning Ordinance and shall not be located so as to obstruct vision at a vehicular entry or exit from the property.
e.
In no instance will the conversion of commander boards to ground-mounted signs be allowed.
5.
Pole Sign.
a.
One pole sign per lot, not exceeding seventy (70) square feet per face.
b.
Such signs shall not exceed thirty-five (35) feet in height and shall conform the same locational requirements from ground-mounted signs.
c.
The bottom of the sign shall beat least ten (10) feet above the surrounding grade.
d.
Up to forty (40) square feet of changeable copy area may be added to a pole sign in lieu of a ground-mounted sign.
e.
Directories. All buildings with multiple occupancy shall be required to erect a directory sign in lieu of the allowable pole sign. The sign shall be reviewed and approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission as to overall height and square footage.
f.
All pole signs are to be allowed in commercial districts as a Conditional Use Permit.
g.
For developments containing three or more businesses, a master sign plan may be required. This plan shall include information as type of sign allowed within the development, colors, lettering styles, and permitted locations.
7.
Permanent Window Signs.
a.
Shall not cover more than twenty percent (20%) of the total window area or door to which they are applied.
b.
Decals, numerals, names, addresses, hours, credit information, etc., attached door or windows and all of which occupy a total area of one (1) square foot or less are excluded from this provision.
c.
Such signs may be attached either the interior or exterior or exterior of a Window or glass door and shall be maintained in good repair.
C.
Additional Regulations.
1.
Each building or property shall be allowed a maximum of three signs, which may be either a combination of attached signs or ground-mounted signs, or a pole sign, but the total number shall not include more than one sign of each of these types (signs listed in Section 18.04, Paragraph A, window signs and occupational/directional signs as regulated by this section are excluded from this maximum of three signs.)
2.
Buildings with Multiple Occupancy - For buildings and/or property containing more than one business or tenant, each business or tenant may have an attached sign conforming the requirements of this Section. For the purposes of determining the total square footage of the attached sign, only the face of each respective lease unit to which the respective sign will be attached shall be counted. Each sign must be attached to the lease unit containing the business or tenant identified.
3.
Each building or property may have one additional attached sign conforming to the requirements of this section on walls containing a main entrance which faces customer parking areas and are not visible from either a public or private street. For this exception to apply, the signs must be attached to the same wall as their respective entrances and both signs and the entrances must be upon the same plane of the building.
4.
All ground and pole signs (as part of a Conditional Use Permit) shall be located in a landscaped area.
Section 405.590 Signs in Industrial Districts.
[Ord. No. 516 §18(18.06), 6-21-2001; Ord. No. 833 §2(18.06), 12-15-2004]
Section 405.595 Signs in High Tech Corridor District (HTCD).
[Ord. No. 516 §18(18.07), 6-21-2001; Ord. No. 833 §2(18.07), 12-15-2004]
A.
All signs shall be located at least five (5) feet from the right-of-way, and out of the sight triangle as shown on Figure 2 to this Chapter 405.
B.
Allowable Signs.
2.
Monuments
a.
Face. Thirty-two (32) square feet per face, plus one square foot for every four feet of street frontage, a maximum of sixty four (64) square feet.
b.
Setback. Twenty-five (25) feet from the back of curb.
c.
Design. Must reflect the architectural design scheme of the project and be submitted as part of the site plan approval for the project.
C.
Additional Regulations.
1.
The only signs permitted in the HTCD will be for identification purposes and shall be located on premises. No advertisements or billboards will be allowed.
2.
For developments containing three or more businesses, a master sign plan may be required. This plan shall include information as type of sign allowed within the development, colors, lettering styles, and permitted locations.
Section 405.600 Special Use Signage.
[Ord. No. 516 §18(18.08), 6-21-2001; Ord. No. 833 §2, 12-15-2004]
A.
All signs shall be located at least five (5) feet from the right-of-way, and out of the sight triangle as shown on Figure 2 to this Chapter 405.
B.
Automobile and Truck Service Stations - Convenience Stores with Gasoline Pump.
1.
Allowable Signs.
a.
Brand Identification Signs.
(1)
One (1) pole-mounted sign not exceeding seventy (70) square feet per face, as regulated in Section 405.585 (as a Conditional Use Permit).
(2)
One (1) ground-mounted sign, in lieu of a pole-mounted sign, not exceeding forty (40) square feet in size per face, as regulated in Section 405.585.
(3)
One (1) attached sign not exceeding ten percent (10%) of the total square footage of the building face upon which it is placed. In the instance of corner lots, an additional attached sign will be permitted on each street frontage of building not exceeding ten percent (10%) of the total square footage of the respective building face upon which it is placed, as regulated in Section 405.585.
b.
Price Signs.
(1)
Two (2) price signs per pump island not exceeding ten (10) square feet per face per sign.
(2)
One (1) price sign not exceeding forty (40) square feet per face in lieu of the price signs per pump island.
(3)
May be located at the ends of pump islands and may be affixed to the canopy, canopy supports, poles, or end pumps.
2.
Additional Regulations.
a.
Canopy Use. An attached or detached canopy may be used in lieu of the permitted pole sign for the location of brand identification or company logos as a Conditional Use Permit.
b.
Portable Signs. The use of Portable signs for the advertisement of cigarettes, food or other sundry items is specifically prohibited.
C.
Standard Outdoor Advertising Structures/Billboards.
2.
Area and Height.
a.
The maximum area for any one sign shall not exceed one thousand two hundred (1,200) square feet in size per face, with a maximum width of twenty (20) feet and a maximum length of sixty (60) feet inclusive of border and trim, but excluding the base, apron, supports, and other structural members.
b.
The maximum height shall not exceed fifty (50) feet from the highest point on the sign to surrounding grade or street level, whichever is higher.
c.
The maximum size limitations shall apply to each side of a sign structure and signs may be placed back to back, double-faced, or in V-type construction with not more than three side-by-side displays to each facing, but such sign structures shall be considered as one sign. However, there shall be no vertical stacking signs.
3.
Location.
a.
All such signs must be erected within the first one hundred (100) feet of depth, from the adjoining street frontage, of the property upon which the sign is to be located.
b.
No such sign shall be erected within five hundred (500) lineal feet of an existing sign on the same side of the street, In cases of Interstate highways, same side of street shall include interstate roadway and service road, either state, county, or City maintained.
c.
No such sign shall be located within five hundred (500) lineal feet of a residence, regardless of zoning district.
d.
No sign shall be located in such a manner as to obstruct or otherwise physically interfere with the effectiveness of an official traffic sign, signal, or device or obstruct or physically interfere with a motor vehicle operator's view of approaching, merging, or intersecting traffic.
e.
No such sign shall be placed closer than five hundred (500) feet to an intersection on a dual or proposed dual highway, provided however, that such signs may be affixed to or located adjacent to a building at such intersections in such a manner as not to materially cause any greater obstruction of vision than caused by the building itself. No such sign shall be so located to obstruct the vision of traffic using entranceways, driveways or any public road intersection.
f.
The minimum front yard setback for such signs shall be a minimum of thirty (30) feet from the road right-of-way.
g.
No sign shall be located on the right-of-way of any road or any slope or drainage easement for such road.
h.
Accessibility for such structures shall be hard surfaced.
4.
Plans. An application to erect such a sign shall be accompanied by the following:
a.
A set of plans to scale prepared by a licensed engineer providing all necessary construction and electrical details of the sign and sign structure, including height.
b.
A site plan to scale containing:
(1)
The proposed location of the sign upon the property.
(2)
The distance from the proposed sign location to any buildings upon the property and adjoining street right-of-way lines and driveway entrances.
(3)
The distance from the proposed sign location to the next nearest billboard sign on the same side of the street in either direction.
(4)
The distance from the proposed sign location to the nearest street intersection in either direction.
c.
A representation of the proposed sign to scale including the width and length of the sign faces.
d.
A copy of the Missouri Department of Transportation sign permit if the sign will be visible from a State highway.
5.
Construction specifications. Henceforth, any such sign erected under this Article shall be a single pedestal type constructed of non-corrosive metal. Construction of the sign and material specifications shall comply with Section 903 of the Missouri Standard Specifications for Highway Construction, as applicable, and must meet the structural requirements of the City's Building Code.
Section 405.605 Prohibited Signs.
[Ord. No. 516 §18(18.09), 6-21-2001; Ord. No. 1540 §1, 12-1-2010]
A.
The following types of permanent signs shall be prohibited in the City of Dardenne Prairie:
1.
Permanent signs that do not meet the flammability test or approved combustible plastic.
2.
Flashing signs; however, not including digital time and temperature signs.
3.
Fluttering signs, pinwheels, pennants, streamers and banners except official government flags or street banners approved by the Zoning Administrator at the direction of the Board of Aldermen.
[Ord. No. 2207, 9-21-2022]
4.
Moving signs or swinging signs, signs not rigidly fixed.
5.
Roof signs
6.
Signs not permanently affixed to the ground.
7.
Signs which contain characters, cartoons or statements, words or pictures of an obscene, indecent, prurient or immoral character.
8.
Signs which contain or are an imitation of an official traffic sign or signal or which are of a size, location, movement, content coloring or manner of illumination which may be confused with or construed as a traffic control device or which hide from view any traffic or street sign or signal.
9.
Signs attached to, suspended from or painted on any vehicle which is regularly parked on any street or private property to display, demonstrate, advertise or attract the attention of the public.
10.
Signs that project more than nine (9) inches from the face of the building or structure.
Section 405.610 Non-Conforming Signs.
[Ord. No. 516 §18(18.10), 6-21-2001]
A.
Any sign legally existing prior to enactment of this Article, but which shall violate any provision of this Article, may continue to be maintained and used after passage of this Article subject to the following provisions:
1.
Enlargement. No non-conforming sign shall be enlarged, expanded or extended to occupy a greater square footage or height than was occupied on the date of adoption or amendment of the ordinance. See Section 405.615(E).
2.
Relocation. No non-conforming sign shall be moved in whole or in part to any other portion of the lot, parcel or building not so occupied on the date of adoption of this Article, except that any such sign which is hereafter required to be moved by a governmental body for the purpose of construction, relocation, widening or improvement of a street, highway or other public purpose may be relocated once and allowed to be maintained and used as before.
3.
Discontinuance. If the business or service advertised or identified by a non-conforming sign ceases to be conducted for a period exceeding thirty (30) calendar days, the non-conforming sign shall be classified as "abandoned sign" and removed. See Section 405.615(J).
4.
Destruction. Should any non-conforming sign by destroyed by any means to an extent of up to fifty percent (50%) of its surface area or structure, it shall not be reconstructed, except in conformance with the requirements of this Article. See Section 405.615(C).
Section 405.615 Administration and Enforcement.
[Ord. No. 516 §18(18.11), 6-21-2001; Ord. No. 833 §2, 12-15-2004; Ord. No. 2127, 8-18-2021
A.
Administrator. Except where herein otherwise stated, the provisions of this Article shall be administered by the Zoning Administrator.
[Ord. No. 2207, 9-21-2022]
1.
The Zoning Administrator (or his/her authorized representative) is hereby empowered in performance of its functions to enter upon any land in the City for the purpose of making inspections, examinations and surveys or to place and maintain thereon markers, notices or signs required to affect provisions of this Article. The above authorized person shall be required to present proper credentials upon demand when entering upon any land or structure for the purpose of this Section.
B.
Duties Of The Zoning Administrator. The Zoning Administrator shall have the power to grant sign permits and to make inspections of buildings or premises necessary to carry out his/her duties in the enforcement of this Article.
[Ord. No. 2207, 9-21-2022]
1.
It shall be improper for the Zoning Administrator to approve plans or issue any permits or certificates for any sign until he/she has inspected such plans in detail and found them to conform with this Article, nor shall the Zoning Administrator vary or change any terms of this Article.
2.
If the Zoning Administrator shall find that any of the provisions of this Article are being violated, he/she shall notify in writing the person responsible for such violations, indicating the nature of the violation and stating the action necessary to correct it. He/she shall order discontinuance of illegal use of land, buildings or structures; removal of illegal signage; discontinuance of any illegal work being done; or shall take any other action authorized by this Article to insure compliance with or to prevent violation of its provisions.
C.
Permit Required And Fees. For freestanding pole or ground signs exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet of face on a side, it shall be unlawful to commence or to proceed with the erection, construction, reconstruction, conversion, alteration, enlargement, extension, razing or moving of any sign or sign structure or any portion thereof without first having applied in writing to the Zoning Administrator for a sign permit to do so and a sign permit has been granted therefor. Primary responsibility for securing the necessary permits shall be the property owner's. However, if the property owner should contract part or all of the proposed work, it shall become the responsibility of the person or firm hired to ensure that all required permits and approvals have been secured prior to any work being initiated.
[Ord. No. 2207, 9-21-2022]
1.
Blank forms shall be provided by the Zoning Administrator for the use of those applying for permits as provided in this Article. Any permits issued by the Zoning Administrator shall be on standard forms for such purpose and furnished by the Board of Aldermen. There shall be a separate permit for each sign constructed, altered or erected.
2.
Permit fees shall be charged for plan review and inspection at the one-time rate of two dollars ($2.00) per square foot of sign face payable at the time of permit application.
3.
Any sign permit under which no construction work has been commenced within six (6) months after the date of issuance of said permit or under which proposed construction has not been completed within one (1) year of the time of issuance shall expire by limitation.
D.
Voiding Of Sign Permit. A permit may be revoked by the Zoning Administrator at any time prior to the completion of the sign for which the same was issued, when it shall appear to him/her that there is departure from the plans, specifications or conditions as required under terms of the permit, that the same was procured by false representation or that any provisions of this Article are being violated. Written notice of such revocation shall be served upon the owner, his/her agent or contractor or upon any such person employed on the building or structure for which such permit was issued, via a stop work order, which shall be posted in a prominent location and thereafter no such construction shall proceed.
[Ord. No. 2207, 9-21-2022]
E.
Existing Signage. Should any existing sign be enlarged, replaced or reconstructed, it shall be considered a new sign. If an existing sign is repainted or the sign panels are replaced for the purpose of changing the business, occupation or tenant advertised or identified, it shall be considered a new sign. However, the repainting of a sign for ordinary maintenance or the repair or restoration of an existing sign to a safe condition after being damaged by storm or other accidental act as shown in accordance with the original sign permit shall not constitute such a change as to classify the sign as a new one subject to the provisions of Section 405.610(A), "Destruction."
F.
Permit Number Displayed. Any billboard sign hereafter erected following passage of this Article shall display the sign permit number upon the face of the sign in the lower right-hand corner in no less than one (1) inch letters and numerals. In the case of pole-mounted signs, the number shall be incorporated into the base of the sign structure.
G.
Structural Requirements. All signs shall comply with the pertinent requirements of the City of Dardenne Prairie's Building Code.
H.
Safety. Any existing sign which is or becomes an immediate danger or hazard to persons or property because of being in an unsafe condition or which obstructs any fire escape, window or door is subject to immediate removal by the Zoning Administrator without notice and at the expense of the property and/or sign owner.
[Ord. No. 2207, 9-21-2022]
I.
Maintenance. All signs and sign supports shall be maintained in good repair so as to prevent rust, peeling, flaking or fading. Broken panels, missing letters, flaking or peeling paint and other visual damage to a sign shall be repaired within forty-five (45) days of the occurrence or within thirty (30) days' notification by the Zoning Administrator.
[Ord. No. 2207, 9-21-2022]
J.
Abandoned Signs. Any sign or sign structure which advertises a business no longer conducted or service no longer rendered or a product no longer sold on the premises or lot shall be classified an abandoned sign and shall be removed by the owner, agent or person having beneficial use of the premises or lot upon which the sign is located within ten (10) days following written notice by the Zoning Administrator concerning its removal.
[Ord. No. 2207, 9-21-2022]
K.
Illumination. Neither the direct nor reflected light from primary light sources shall create a traffic hazard to operators of motor vehicles on public thoroughfares. All illuminated signs shall require a electrical permit from the City of Dardenne Prairie.
L.
State Right-Of-Way Requirements. All signs erected within the jurisdiction of State right-of-way requirements shall meet State, County and City requirements.
M.
Violations. If it is found that a sign is in violation of this Article, the Zoning Administrator or his/her designee shall give notice to the owner of the sign or, if the owner cannot be located, to the owner or property management agent of the premises on which the sign is located or, if the sign erection is not complete, to the sign erector, either personally, by United States Mail or by posting such a notice on the premises, such notice stating:
[Ord. No. 2207, 9-21-2022]
1.
The violations found; and
2.
The violations must be brought into compliance with requirements of this and all other City ordinances within ten (10) days from the date of such notice [for temporary signs the date of such notice shall constitute the first (1st) day of the thirty (30) day time period allowed by such signs]; and
3.
The requirements which must be met; and
4.
Any person found to be in violation of any provision of this Article shall be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
N.
Compliance With Sign Permits. Sign permits issued on the basis of approved plans and applications authorize only the use, arrangement and construction set forth in the approved plans and applications and no other use, arrangement or construction. Any use, arrangement or construction at variance with that authorized shall be deemed a violation of this Article as provided herein.
Section 405.620 Signs Exempt From Permit Requirements.
[Ord. No. 516 §18(18.12), 6-21-2001]
A.
The following types of signs are exempt from the permit requirements of this Article:
1.
Property real estate signs not exceeding six (6) square feet in area which advertise the sale, rental or lease of the premises upon which said signs are located only.
2.
Bulletin boards not over thirty-two (32) square feet in area for public, charitable or religious institutions that are located on the premises of said institutions.
3.
Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and date or erection when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or other incombustible materials.
4.
Traffic or other municipal signs, legal notices, railroad crossing signs, danger and such temporary, emergency or non-advertising signs as may be approved by the Board of Aldermen.
5.
Political signs.
6.
Professional name plates not exceeding two (2) square feet in area.
7.
Occupational signs not over two (2) square feet in area (on buildings).
8.
Signs erected inside a building and not visible through windows.
9.
Official government flags.
Section 405.625 Appeals.
[Ord. No. 516 §18(18.13), 6-21-2001]
A.
Any aggrieved person, firm, corporation or any governmental officer, department, board or bureau may appeal a decision of the Zoning Administrator before the Board of Adjustment.
[Ord. No. 2207, 9-21-2022]
B.
Grounds For Granting A Variance. The Board of Adjustment may grant variances from this Article for any permitted form of signage where it is found that because of the limitations on character, size or dimensions of a sign or the regulations controlling the erection or installation of a sign, the applicant would be subject to undue hardship. Undue hardship is not considered the loss of possible advantage, economic loss or gain or mere inconvenience to the applicant.
Section 405.627 Master Sign Plan Submittals.
[Ord. No. 1021 §9, 4-19-2006; Ord. No. 1053 §8, 9-13-2006; Ord. No. 2207, 9-21-2022]
A.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code to the contrary, a master sign plan may be submitted for approval by the Board of Aldermen for any proposed or existing property within a commercial or industrial zoning district within the High Tech Corridor District.
1.
Upon the submission of a master sign plan to the Zoning Administrator, the criteria for signs provided for in this Article are no longer applicable. The reasons for the variation is because the purpose of a master sign plan is to provide for flexible sign criteria that promote superior design and are tailored to a specific development which may vary from general ordinance provisions, if it can be demonstrated that the proposed terms would encourage, promote and reward good architecture and urban planning.
2.
When a master sign plan is submitted to the Zoning Administrator, a completed master sign plan shall include the following:
a.
Location, size, height, construction, material and placement of signs.
b.
Illumination level, color and type. Illumination shall conform to the City of Dardenne Prairie lighting ordinance.
c.
The number of proposed signs.
d.
Elevations of all detached signs.
e.
Dimensions, height, square footage of all existing signs or note that none exist for both freestanding and attached signs (submit picture of all existing signage).
f.
Description of advertising copy or wording to be displayed on signs.
g.
Material specifications for proposed signs including sign materials and colors.
h.
Landscaping of detached signs.
i.
A review fee as per the fee schedule for services, permit applications, plan reviews, inspections, rezonings and conditional uses, which is on file in the office of the City Clerk.
j.
A list of all deviations from the location, size, height, construction, material and placement requirements otherwise provided for in this Article.