(a)

This article shall be construed and applied in a content-neutral manner. Distinctions in the application of these regulations shall not be made based on the topic discussed or the idea or message expressed on a sign. This article shall be implemented in harmony with F.S. ch. 479, which regulates outdoor advertising, in a manner that accommodates both the need for a well maintained, safe, and attractive community and for effective business identification, advertising, and communication. The intent is to authorize the use of signs which are:

(1)

Compatible in size and location with their surroundings.

(2)

Designed, constructed, installed and maintained in a manner that does not endanger public safety.

(3)

Appropriate to the type of activity to which they pertain.

(4)

Large enough to convey sufficient information about the owners or occupants, the products or services available, or the activities conducted on the property and small enough to protect the character of the County.

(b)

These standards and regulations are designed to protect the County against:

(1)

Unlimited proliferation in number and location of off-site and on-site signs, including mobile signs.

(2)

Construction and placement of oversized, unsightly, animated, and other aesthetically unpleasant signs that dominate, obstruct, distract or detract attention from the roadway or surrounding visual environment.

(3)

Commercial and other signs being placed in residential or rural neighborhoods which commercialize and clutter such neighborhoods for residents and travelers.

(4)

Signs being constructed and placed without first obtaining proper permits as well as permission of the owner of the property on which the signs are placed.

(5)

Signs failing to be properly maintained once erected and placed.

(6)

Signs placed dangerously in or near street intersections and rights-of-way so as to pose actual or potential hazards to traffic and pedestrians.

(LDR, § 9000; Ord. No. 2012-01, § 9000, 5-22-2012; Ord. No. 2018-7, § 4, 3-27-2018)

These regulations are intended to complement requirements of the building and electrical codes adopted by the County. The more stringent requirement shall apply.

(LDR, § 9101; Ord. No. 2012-01, § 9101, 5-22-2012)

All signs, except signs exempt under Division 3 of this article, shall require a sign permit.

(LDR, § 9102; Ord. No. 2012-01, § 9102, 5-22-2012)

All signs for which a permit is required by the LDR, including their supports, braces, guys and anchors, electrical parts and lighting fixtures and display areas, shall be maintained in accordance with the building and electrical codes adopted by the County.

(LDR, § 9103; Ord. No. 2012-01, § 9103, 5-22-2012)

The minimum required distance between signs shall be measured along street rights-of-way from the leading edge of any two signs.

(LDR, § 9201; Ord. No. 2012-01, § 9201, 5-22-2012)

(a)

The sign area is a regular geometric shape that contains the area within a single continuous perimeter. The sign area encloses the extreme limits of writing, representation, emblem, or any figure of similar character together with any frame or other material or color forming an integral part of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the background against which it is placed. This excludes the necessary supports or uprights on which the sign is placed. Where a sign has two display faces, placed back to back and at no point more than two feet from one another, the area of the sign shall be taken as the area of one face if the two faces are of equal area or as the area of the larger face if the two faces are of unequal area. Where a sign has more than one display face, all areas that can be viewed simultaneously shall be considered as the sign area.

(b)

In the case of three dimensional product displays, the area shall be determined by drawing a geometric figure around the projected image of the sign. The term "projected image" means that image created by tracing the largest possible two dimensional outline of the sign.

(LDR, § 9202; Ord. No. 2012-01, § 9202, 5-22-2012)

The area of any sign painted directly on a window shall be the area within a continuous geometric figure formed by extending lines around the extreme limits or writing, representation, or any figure of similar character depicted on the surface of the window.

(LDR, § 9203; Ord. No. 2012-01, § 9203, 5-22-2012)

The area of signs applied directly to the fabric of a canopy shall be the total of all signs on all faces of the structure. All sign copy of each face shall be computed within one geometric figure formed by extending lines around the extreme limits of writing, representation, or any figure or similar character depicted on the surface of the face of the canopy.

(LDR, § 9204; Ord. No. 2012-01, § 9204, 5-22-2012)

The area of any sign painted or affixed on a wall shall be the area within a continuous geometric figure formed by extending lines around the extreme limits of writing or affixation, representation, or any figure of similar character depicted on the surface of the wall.

(LDR, § 9205; Ord. No. 2012-01, § 9205, 5-22-2012)

(a)

In the case of a sign (other than freestanding, projecting, or canopy) whose message is fabricated together with a background that borders or frames the message, the sign face area shall be the total area of the entire background.

(b)

In the case of a sign (other than freestanding, projecting, or marquee) whose message is applied to a background with no border or frame, the sign face area shall be the smallest regular geometric shape that can encompass all words, letters, figures, emblems, and other elements of the sign message.

(LDR, § 9206; Ord. No. 2012-01, § 9206, 5-22-2012)

The sign height shall be the vertical distance from the finished grade at the base of the supporting structure to the top of the sign or its frame or supporting structure, whichever is higher, depending on construction material.

(LDR, § 9207; Ord. No. 2012-01, § 9207, 5-22-2012)

For the purpose of determining the number of signs, a sign shall be construed to be a single display surface, effect, or device containing elements organized, related and composed to form a single unit. In cases where material is displayed in a random or unconnected manner, or where there is a reasonable doubt as to the intended relationship of such components, each unrelated component or element shall be considered to be a single sign. Where a sign has two faces placed back to back and at no point more than two feet from one another, it shall be counted as one sign. If a sign has four faces arranged in a square, rectangle, or diamond it shall be counted as two signs.

(LDR, § 9208; Ord. No. 2012-01, § 9208, 5-22-2012)

In addition to those signs identified in F.S. § 479.16, for which permits are not required, the following types of signs are exempt from permit requirements, provided that each sign is placed and constructed so as not to create a hazard, is not electrified, and provided that the location requirements of Section 20-897 are met:

(1)

Signs necessary to promote health, safety and welfare and other regulatory, statutory, traffic control, or directional signs erected on public property with permission as appropriate from the State, the United States (i.e., government signs), or the County.

(2)

Public utility signs that identify the location of underground utility lines and facilities, high voltage lines and facilities, and other utility facilities and appurtenances.

(3)

Decorative flags and bunting for a celebration, convention, or commemoration of significance for the entire community when authorized by the County for a prescribed period of time.

(4)

Memorial signs or tablets that name buildings and dates of erection when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or other noncombustible materials and attached to the surface of a building.

(5)

Signs incorporated into machinery or equipment by a manufacturer or distributor which identify or advertise only the product or service dispensed by the machine or equipment, such as signs customarily affixed to vending machines, newspaper trucks, telephone booths, and gasoline pumps.

(6)

Advertising and identifying signs located on taxicabs, buses, trailers, trucks, or vehicle bumpers provided such sign does not violate Section 20-874.

(7)

Warning signs may be permitted, provided that they do not exceed two square feet and are located within the property lines. Warning signs may include, but shall not be limited to: "No Trespassing," "Beware of Dog," "No Dumping," "No Loitering," and "No Parking" signs. Signs intended for the purpose of meeting the definition of posted lands as defined in F.S. § 810.011(5)(a), are not subject to separation requirements.

(8)

Signs in residential areas may be allowed for occupant identification if the sign designates the occupant or a lawful home occupation.

(9)

One or more directional signs may be allowed.

a.

A directional sign shall not be located in the public right-of-way.

b.

A directional sign shall not exceed three square feet in area.

c.

One sign shall be allowed for each arterial or collector providing access; however, a total of no more than three signs shall be allowed for each qualifying use.

(10)

Legal notices and official instruments.

(11)

Holiday lights and decorations.

(12)

Signs carried by a person and not set on or affixed to the ground.

(13)

On-site religious, civic, community or similar displays.

(14)

Signs that are not visible from any street or adjoining property.

(15)

Signs announcing the candidacy of any person or persons for elective public office, provided that:

a.

The total area of any such sign proposed to be located in a residential district shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and shall be located at least five feet from all property lines.

b.

All such signs relating to any individual who is unsuccessful in the primary election shall be removed within seven days following such primary.

c.

All other political signs shall be removed within seven days following the date of the general election.

(16)

Special events signs, to be removed within seven days after the event.

(17)

For sale, rent or lease signs, or "Open House" signs by owner or agent.

a.

One residential sign not to exceed six square feet per residential lot.

b.

One nonresidential sign not to exceed 32 square feet per residential lot.

c.

The sign must be removed seven days after title transfer.

(18)

Time, temperature, date signs.

(19)

Traditional barber poles.

(20)

Residential name plates (soft and muted light) (see Subsection (8) of this section).

(21)

Street address signs (soft and muted light).

(22)

Signs placed pursuant to F.S. § 337.407 (signs and lights in the right-of-way).

(23)

Traffic control signs.

(24)

Signs erected, used or maintained on a farm by the owner or lessee of such farm and relating solely to farm produce, merchandise, service, or equipment sold, produced, manufactured or furnished on such farm as provided in F.S. § 479.16(2).

(LDR, § 9300; Ord. No. 2012-01, § 9300, 5-22-2012; Ord. No. 2018-7, § 4, 3-27-2018)

The following signs are expressly prohibited:

(1)

Signs which are in violation of the building code or electrical code adopted by the County.

(2)

Signs or sign structures that interfere in any way with free use of any fire escape, emergency exit, standpipe, or which obstruct any window to such an extent that light or ventilation is reduced to a point below that required by any provision of the LDR or other ordinance of the County.

(3)

Signs which resemble any official sign or marker erected by any governmental agency or which by reason of position, shape, or color would conflict with the proper functioning of any traffic sign or signal, or be of a size, location, movement, content, color, or illumination which may be reasonably confused with or construed as or conceal a traffic control device.

(4)

Signs which obstruct the vision of pedestrians, cyclists, or motorists while using roadway.

(5)

Signs that are of such intensity or brilliance so as to cause glare or impair the vision of any motorist, cyclist, or pedestrian or which are a hazard or a nuisance to occupants of any property because of glare or other characteristics.

(6)

Illuminated signs in any residential area except residential name plates and street address signs that are illuminated by soft and muted light.

(7)

Signs placed upon benches, bus shelters, or waste receptacles in the public rights-of-way that do not comply with F.S. § 337.407 or 337.408.

(8)

Signs made of any material whatsoever and attached in any way to a utility pole, tree, fence post, stake, stick, or any other similar object located or situated on public or private property except as otherwise expressly allowed by, or exempted from this section.

(9)

Other than signs erected by public authority for public purposes, signs erected on public property, including rights-of-way, in violation of F.S. § 337.407 (signs and lights within rights-of-way).

(10)

Signs on any vehicle with a total sign area in excess of ten square feet when the vehicle is:

a.

Parked for more than 60 consecutive minutes within 25 feet of any street right-of-way.

b.

Within 25 feet of and visible from a street right-of-way.

c.

Not used in the conduct of the business advertised on the vehicle.

A vehicle used primarily for advertising or for the purpose of providing transportation for owners or employees of the occupancy advertised on the vehicle shall not be considered to be a vehicle used in conduct of the business. The vehicle must be licensed and in operable condition.

(11)

Signs which are painted, pasted, or printed on any curbstone, pavement, or any portion of any sidewalk or street except house numbers and traffic control signs.

(12)

Portable signs, except when permitted as a temporary sign as stated in Section 20-898.

(13)

Search lights, except as approved by the Board of County Commissioners.

(14)

Signs that include language which is vulgar or indecent, advocates violence or incitement to riot, or which encourages discrimination on the basis of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or national origin.

(LDR, § 9400; Ord. No. 2012-01, § 9400, 5-22-2012; Ord. No. 2018-7, § 4, 3-27-2018)

The following requirements shall apply to all signs permitted in the County:

(1)

No sign shall be erected at the intersection of any streets, highways, or driveways in such a manner so as to obstruct free and clear vision of operators of motor vehicles.

(2)

Illumination used in connecting with any permitted sign shall be located and installed in such a manner that it will not result in a nuisance as a result of direct undue glare upon a public street or upon any adjacent property.

(3)

Signs and supporting structures shall not exceed a height of 35 feet above grade as measured at the base of the sign at natural grade.

(4)

All signs and illumination thereof shall be designed, constructed, and maintained in conformity with applicable provisions of the building and electrical codes adopted by the County.

(5)

The following illumination standards shall apply to all signs:

a.

Only white light is permitted within 500 feet of residential areas. Colored lights are permitted in other areas except that the lights may not be designed or located so as to cause confusion with traffic lights (see Section 20-874(3) and (5)).

b.

Floodlight illumination is permissible except that none of the light emitted may shine directly onto an adjoining property or into the eyes of motorists or pedestrians (see Section 20-874(5)).

c.

Searchlights shall not be permitted to illuminate signs or properties to advertise or promote a business or to attract customers to a property except as approved by the Board of County Commissioners.

d.

Illuminated signs shall not have lighting reflectors that project more than 18 inches perpendicularly from any surface of the sign over public space and no projection may be less than ten feet above a sidewalk and 15 feet above a vehicular driveway.

(LDR, § 9501; Ord. No. 2012-01, § 9501, 5-22-2012)

Unless otherwise specified, temporary signs/portable signs shall not exceed 40 square feet and shall be removed within seven days of the event being advertised. In addition to the general standards of Section 20-897, the following standards shall be met by any temporary sign:

(1)

A permitted temporary sign shall be placed on private property only with the permission of the property owner and shall be located outside any required buffer, landscaping, or detention/retention area, and no closer than five feet from a property line, and in full compliance with any and all provisions of the LDR regarding location of structures.

(2)

Each sign shall bear a permit card/label containing the name and telephone number of a person responsible for said sign, and the name and phone number of the property owner.

(3)

Each sign shall be in full compliance with building and electrical codes adopted by the County.

(4)

The maximum height shall not exceed five feet.

(5)

There shall not be more than two temporary signs on any one parcel.

(6)

A temporary sign may contain advertising as follows:

a.

To indicate that an owner, either personally or through an agent, is actively attempting to sell, rent, lease, or conduct an open house on the property on which the sign is located. No permit is required for such sign.

1.

A residential for sale, rent, lease, or open house sign shall not exceed six square feet in size.

2.

A nonresidential for sale, rent, lease, or open house sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in size.

3.

Such signs shall be removed within seven days after the sale, rental, lease, or open house.

b.

To indicate the grand opening of a business or other activity. A permit is required for such sign, which shall not exceed 32 square feet in size.

c.

To identify construction in progress. Such sign shall be limited to 32 square feet in size and shall be removed when construction is completed.

d.

To indicate the existence of a new business or a business in a new location if such business has no permanent signs. Such sign may be displayed for a period of not more than 60 days or until installation of permanent signs, whichever shall occur first. A permit is required for such sign which shall be limited to 40 square feet in size.

e.

To announce or advertise "Yard Sale" or "Garage Sale" on the parcel where the sale is to be held. Such signs shall not exceed eight square feet in area and shall be set back from any property line a minimum of five feet.

(7)

The area of the sign face shall be included in any computation of total sign face area permitted on the parcel.

(LDR, § 9502; Ord. No. 2012-01, § 9502, 5-22-2012; Ord. No. 2018-7, § 4, 3-27-2018)

Signs located in areas developed and used for residential purposes shall be limited to subdivision and multifamily development identification signs and signs for model home centers. Signs permitted in residential areas shall conform to the following requirements:

(1)

Residential development identification signs shall conform to the following standards:

a.

Signs may be located at each principal entrance to a development up to a total of three. Signs to be at those locations involving the intersection of a subdivision or a private multifamily development street with a collector or arterial roadway.

b.

Signs shall be set back at least five feet from any property line. Signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area.

c.

Signs shall not obstruct clear visibility triangles described in Section 20-504(i). However, ground-mounted signs not exceeding 2½ feet in height above natural grade shall be allowed and shall not be considered to impede clear visibility.

(2)

Model home center signs shall conform to the following requirements:

a.

A model home center shall be eligible for identification signs according to the following requirements:

1.

One sign may be permitted per model home.

2.

Each permitted sign shall be located on the same lot as the model home.

3.

Signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area.

4.

Signs shall be set back from any property line a minimum of five feet.

5.

Identification signs shall not be illuminated between 10:00 p.m. to sunrise.

b.

Additional signs in residential developments may be permitted subject to the following requirements:

1.

A model home center may be permitted to have an identification sign at the entrance. The maximum sign area is 16 square feet.

2.

Up to four single-pole flags per street frontage may be permitted. Flagpoles shall be separated by a minimum distance of 20 feet. Flags shall not be illuminated between 10:00 p.m. and sunrise.

(LDR, § 9503; Ord. No. 2012-01, § 9503, 5-22-2012)

(a)

Each parcel of land developed after the enactment of the LDR, may be permitted on-site signs subject to the following requirements:

(1)

Each parcel shall be allowed one freestanding sign. Each business on the parcel shall be allowed one of the following sign types: projecting, wall or marquee subject to the standards stated in this section.

(2)

A parcel with a minimum of one acre may be permitted a freestanding sign.

(3)

The maximum area per sign face for a freestanding sign shall be two square feet of sign area for each linear foot of building facing the lot front, up to the maximum requirements outlined below. The table below establishes sign face areas as a function of setback and clearance.

**Measured from natural grade to the bottom of sign and maintained without obstruction except for structural pylon supports.

(4)

Directional signs such as entrance, exit, parking, and other similar information shall not exceed three square feet. Such signs may be permitted up to the property line and shall not be considered a freestanding sign for the purpose of the LDR.

(5)

The top of a freestanding (ground) sign constructed on steel or its functional equivalent shall not exceed 35 feet when measured from the natural grade at the sign base.

(6)

No freestanding sign shall be erected within the minimum buffer area.

(7)

Wall or projecting signs shall conform to the following requirements:

a.

Sign area shall not exceed the equivalent of 1½ square feet for each linear foot of building width. (Building width, for the purpose of this calculation, shall be that dimension parallel to the abutting roadway.)

b.

Signs shall not extend more than three feet above the intersection of the roof and the vertical wall.

c.

A wall sign shall not project beyond the top or edge of any parapet wall to which it is attached.

d.

The bottom of a projecting sign shall be a minimum of eight feet above grade.

(8)

Canopy signs shall conform to the following requirements:

a.

Canopy signs shall not be larger than 80 percent of the canopy sign face area.

b.

Canopy signs may be on the vertical faces of canopies and may project no more than 12 inches below the lower edge of the canopy. The bottom of canopy signs shall be no less than eight feet above the sidewalk or grade at any point. No part of the sign shall project above the vertical canopy face or beyond the canopy itself. This does not prohibit placement of the sign message on the sloping portion of the awning.

(9)

The support structure for any freestanding sign shall not exceed 20 percent in area of the total clearance area; however, the Development Director may administratively waive any of the sign regulations if the Development Director determines the change would lead to an improved design and not negatively impact the public health, safety, or general welfare.

(10)

When a parcel is developed as a shopping center, the parcel shall be allowed one secondary freestanding sign. Such signs shall not exceed 80 percent of the total area for the primary sign and shall be a minimum of 300 feet from the primary sign.

a.

The Board of County Commissioners may authorize local business directory signs for the purpose of providing direction to the public.

b.

Wall signs shall not extend more than three feet above the intersection of the roof and the vertical wall.

c.

A wall sign shall not project beyond the top or edge of any parapet wall to which it is attached.

d.

The bottom of a projecting sign shall be a minimum of eight feet above grade.

(LDR, § 9504; Ord. No. 2012-01, § 9504, 5-22-2012; Ord. No. 2017-19, § 1, 11-28-2017)

One sign not to exceed 382 square feet in area on any one face is permitted in the TTRVC, CG, CE, IL, and IH zoning districts subject to Section 20-897, and the following:

(1)

Any such sign may be single-faced, doubled-faced, or V-shaped. The square footage may be increased by an additional ten percent for the purpose of enhancements and embellishments.

(2)

Any such permitted sign structure shall be located on a lot or parcel that is no smaller than 50 feet by 100 feet in size except for preexisting lots of record and that which is otherwise vacant.

(3)

Development permits may be issued for the construction of any other structure on property so occupied if the off-site sign and other structures comply with all other requirements of the LDRs.

(4)

No such sign structure shall be located within 100 feet of any side or rear lot line of any adjoining lot not in the CG, CE, IL, and IH districts.

(5)

No such structure shall exceed outside dimensions of 12 feet by 40 feet exclusive of supports.

(6)

All such structures shall be located in compliance with the front, side, and rear yard requirements applicable to the zoning districts in which the property is located.

(7)

No structure carrying advertising shall be permitted to exceed 35 feet in height, measured from the natural ground elevation.

(8)

Off-site signs shall be separated from each other by the following distance along the same side of a highway in areas predominately designated as follows:

(9)

Off-site signs are permitted as specified in this section only along highways described as follows: rural major collector, minor arterial, and principal arterial as defined in the definitions section of the County Comprehensive Plan.

(10)

Off-site signs advertising commercial or industrial uses shall be removed within 30 days after cessation of the business or use so advertised, provided the sign structure is not rented or leased by a commercial advertising firm.

(LDR, § 9505; Ord. No. 2012-01, § 9505, 5-22-2012)

Off-site directional signs to activities are permitted or permissible in the A-10 and A-5 districts, provided no such sign:

(1)

Shall exceed 32 square feet in area;

(2)

Shall contain any matter beyond the name of the facility and the directions to it;

(3)

Shall be closer than 2,000 feet to any other off-site sign; and

(4)

No business or entity shall provide more than two such signs advertising the same location within the County limits.

(LDR, § 9506; Ord. No. 2012-01, § 9506, 5-22-2012)

All contractors, sub-contractors, and business organizations performing work at any job site are required to post a sign, measuring two feet by two feet, identifying its name and certification number in at least two-inch letters. Such signs shall be made of rigid material and water proof. Such signs shall be affixed to the job site prior to commencement of work and remain until completion of same.

(LDR, § 9601; Ord. No. 2012-01, § 9601, 5-22-2012)