The provisions of this article shall govern the number, sizes, location and character of all signs which may be permitted as a main or accessory use under the terms of the zoning code. No signs shall be permitted on a lot either as a main or accessory use except in accordance with the provisions of this article.

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this appendix, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Abandoned sign: A sign that no longer correctly directs or exhorts any person, or advertises a bona fide business, lessor, owner, product or activity conducted or product available on the premises where such sign is displayed.

Advertising sign: Any sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, product or activity conducted, sold, offered or available off the premises where the sign is located that is permitted under the procedures, requirements, and standards of section 11.14 of this article for a business within the city where such business has less than 20 feet of street frontage.

Animated sign: Animated sign means an on-site sign depicting or involving action, motion, light, or color changes through electrical or mechanical means. This type of signage is not only recognized by type but also may be recognized by its display, which may be regulated by city code, zoning regulations, or other agreements. Animated signs may contain lists of specific products and auxiliary services. Animated signs are not identified as illuminated signs. An animated sign's display shall be limited to four differing levels of regulation which are defined as such:

(a)

Level 1 static display only, i.e., the messages are changed with no transitions.

(b)

Level 2 static display with "fade" or "dissolve" transitions, or similar subtle transitions and frame effects that do not have the appearance of moving text.

(c)

Level 3 static display with "fade," "dissolve," "travel," or "scrolling" transitions, or similar transitions and frame effects that have text or animated images that appear to move or change in size, or be revealed sequentially rather than all at once.

(d)

Level 4 full animation, flashing and video.

Area of sign: The total surface of a sign including the background and frame but not structural supporting elements outside of its frame. Where a sign is composed of skeleton letters, characters, or symbols applied to a frame or to a background which is not a structural part of the sign, the area of the sign shall be the smallest rectangle, triangle or circle which will include the display. Where a sign is built with two faces back to back, the area of the sign shall be the larger of the areas of the two faces computed as hereinbefore specified.

Awning: A temporary shelter supported entirely from the exterior wall of a building and composed of nonrigid materials except for the supporting framework.

Banner: means any sign with characters, letters, illustrations or other ornamentation applied to or integrated in any cloth, paper, fabric, plastic or similar material that is not permanently attached to a solid backing wood, metal or masonry.

Billboard: A sign other than an advertising sign that advertises a business, use or service not carried on within the parcel on which the sign is placed.

Bulletin: A sign, bulletin board or message board erected by or on behalf of a governmental entity which communicates information of a public service nature, such as public meeting dates, upcoming school or community events, activities, programs, services, election dates and other similar information of general interest to the public.

Business identity flag: A flag that advertises only the name or logo of a business located on the premises where the flag is flown.

Canopy: A permanent roof-like shelter extending from part or all of a building face over a public right-of-way and constructed of some durable material.

Changeable copy: A sign or portion thereof on which the copy or symbols change either manually, or through mechanical means, changing the placement of letters or symbols on a panel mounted in or on a track system. Changeable copy signs may contain lists of specific products and auxiliary services.

Construction sign: A sign announcing and identifying the construction project scheduled or underway on the site where the sign is located.

Directional sign: Any sign used to indicate the direction to entrances, exits, parking areas, restrooms or other non-business-related facilities on the site. Sign, directional. A sign indicating the direction or location of some facility or service incidental to a use and not advertising the use itself in any way.

Directory sign: A sign which gives the names of the businesses or individuals located in the building or complex where the sign is located. A directory sign shall be of a unified design and common material, and shall allow for a uniform size sign for each business or unit of space in the development. Directory signs shall be limited to the name and type of business and its location within the building or complex. This could take the form of a ground sign, wall sign or monument sign.

Double-faced sign: A sign with two faces which are no more than three feet apart at their closest point, and which describe an internal angle between the face planes extended of no more than 60 degrees.

Fascia sign: A sign located on the fascia of a roof or canopy, including signs that extend the plane of the structural fascia such that the vertical dimension of the sign is no more than one-third the distance from the ground to the bottom of the fascia, and where no lateral supports are used.

Flag: Means any cloth, paper, fabric, plastic or similar material, usually rectangular in shape, whether or not the material displays characters, ornamentation or letters, attached to any staff, cord, building or other structure, that hangs loosely for the primary purpose of attracting attention to its site. The official flags of the United States and the state are exempt from the provisions of this article.

Freestanding sign: (This would include any ground sign, directory or pylon sign.) A sign erected on a freestanding frame, mast or pole and not attached to any building.

Frontage: The length of the property line of any one premise, which parallels to and along each public right-of-way it borders.

Ground sign: means the total square footage of a sign where the bottom of the sign face either: 1) rests upon the ground; 2) extends above the ground with vertical supports a maximum of four feet; or rests upon a base that is embellished to conceal all structural vertical supports. A monument sign is considered a ground sign.

Hanging sign: A sign that hangs beneath a marquee, canopy, or awning and is perpendicular to the building face.

Height of sign: for on-site signs, the distance between the top of a sign and the average grade elevation below it. For off-site signs, height of sign means the distance between the top of the sign, excluding embellishments, and the roadway centerline grade perpendicular to that point of the sign closest to the road right-of-way.

Identification sign: A sign, which is limited to the name, address and number of a building, institution or person and to the activity carried on in the building or institution, or the occupancy of the person.

Illuminated: A sign which has characters, letters, figures, designs, or outlines illuminated by electric lights or luminous tubes designed and provided for such illumination.

Indirectly illuminated sign: Any sign which reflects light from a source intentionally directed upon it, for example, by means of floodlights, gooseneck reflectors or externally mounted fluorescent light fixtures.

Instructional sign: A sign conveying nonadvertising information relating to the use of the premises, including such signs as no parking, no trespassing, and warning signs. These shall be regulated as directional signs.

Logo: A distinctive trademark or symbol of a company, publication, etc.

Marquee: A permanent roof-like shelter extending from part or all of the building face over a public right-of-way and constructed of some durable material such as metal, glass or plastic.

Membership sign: A sign identifying affiliation with a travel club, business association, credit card company or professional association.

Monument sign: A freestanding sign where the base of the sign structure is on the ground or a maximum of 12 inches above the adjacent grade.

Nameplate: A sign indicating the name and/or profession of a person or persons residing on the premises or legally occupying the premises, or indicating a home occupation legally existing on the premises.

Noncommercial flag: Any flag other than a business identify flag or commercial flag including, without limitation, a flag of any governmental, religious, charitable, fraternal or political organization or cause.

Nonconforming sign (legal): Any sign that was a lawful structure when it was erected but does not meet the requirements of this article at the time of its effective date.

Nuisance sign: Any sign that has not received a permit, whether permanent or temporary, shall be considered a nuisance sign, and shall be considered unlawful.

On-site sign: A sign that identifies or advertises only goods, services, facilities, events or attractions available on the premises where the sign is located.

Political sign. A temporary sign erected by a political candidate, group or agent thereof, for the purpose of advertising a candidate or stating a position regarding an issue upon which the voters of the city shall vote.

Projecting sign: A sign supported by a wall of a building, projecting away from that wall 12 inches or more, designed with a face reading at an angle to that wall.

Pylon sign: a sign that is supported by two or more uprights, poles, or braces in or upon the ground that are not a part of a building or enclosed within the exterior walls of a building and are separated from any other structures by a distance of at least six inches.

Real estate development sign: A temporary sign (with permit required) placed on the premises of a subdivision or real estate development to indicate a proposed start or to inform relative to availability.

Real estate sign: A temporary sign (without permit required) placed upon a property advertising that particular property for sale, for rent or for lease.

Sign, real estate: A sign which advertises the sale, rental or development of the premises upon which it is located.

Roof sign: a sign located on the roof of a building and primarily supported by that roof structure, which extends above the top of the parapet or ridge line in the area where the sign is located, except fascia signs.

Setback: The setbacks for signs specified in this appendix shall be measured horizontally from the vertical plane of the property line to the closest point of the sign.

Sign: Any letters, numbers, symbols, graphics, pictures or figures, or combination thereof, which are erected, constructed, placed, attached or painted on a structure or the ground, which identify, advertise or direct attention to a product, business, institution, place, person or event, which can be seen from the public right-of-way. When not modified by the term "structure" or "face," the term "sign" shall include all parts of the sign and its supporting structure. Unless context requires a different interpretation, sign refers to a digital, static or tri-vision sign.

Sign. Any structure, or part thereof, or any device attached to a structure or applied to any surface or object, for visual communication, embodying letters, numerals, symbols, figures or designs in the nature of an announcement, direction, or advertisement, directing attention to an object, product, place, activity, service, person, institution, organization, or business and which is visible from any public street, alley, waterway, or public place. This definition of a sign shall not include any flag, notice, badge, or ensign of any government or governmental authority.

Sign structure: Any structure, which is designed specifically for the purpose of supporting a sign, has supported or is capable of supporting a sign. This definition shall include any decorative covers, braces, wires, supports, or components attached to or placed around the sign structure.

Temporary sign: A sign used to advertise or identify transitory events of two weeks or less duration, unless specifically permitted for a longer period by this chapter. A temporary sign is not permanently mounted. Temporary signs allowed in the R-1, R-1A, R-1B and R-2 shall include only real estate signs, estate sale signs and garage/yard sale signs. Non-commercial message signs shall be allowed only as temporary signs for up to 30 days in a 12-month period, shall not require a permit and shall be limited to one sign per parcel.

Wall sign: A sign attached to or founded against the wall of a building with the face in a parallel plane to the plane of the building wall.

Wayfinding signage: noncommercial signs, landmarks or other visual graphic communication that are part of a city-sponsored and coordinated program for the purpose of directing pedestrian and vehicular traffic to local destinations open to the public. Typical wayfinding signs include: gateways, vehicular directional, destinations (parks, downtown and neighborhoods), murals, parking lot identification, parking trailblazer, pedestrian directional, vehicular directional and pedestrian kiosk.

Window sign: A sign installed inside a window for purposes of viewing from outside the premises. This term does not include merchandise located in a window.

(Ord. No. 2022-07, § 2, 12-12-2022)

The following signs shall be permitted on a lot in an R-1, R-1A, R-1B, R-2, RBO and A-1 district:

(a)

One nonilluminated real estate sign not over six square feet in area advertising the sale or rental of the premises upon which it is located. Such sign shall be a wall or ground sign.

(b)

One nonilluminated wall or ground sign not over two square feet in area to prohibit trespassing, for safety or for caution.

(c)

On a lot containing a permitted non-residential use, other than an accessory use, there may be one identification wall sign not over 12 square feet in area and one bulletin sign not over 24 square feet in area, on each street side.

(d)

Two nonilluminated, subdivision or project, ground signs, each having an area not over 36 square feet will be permitted on a subdivision while under development to advertise the sale of lots or new houses.

(e)

No signs shall be projecting or animated. The overall height of any ground sign shall not exceed four feet above the ground, except that a bulletin sign or subdivision sign may extend to a maximum height of eight feet above the ground.

(f)

Advertising signs are permitted in an A-1 district as provided in section 11.14.

(a)

The following signs shall be permitted on a lot in an R-3 district:

(1)

Signs as permitted in section 11.3.

(2)

One nonilluminated identification wall or ground sign not exceeding six square feet in area for a rooming house.

(3)

One wall sign not exceeding 36 square feet in area, on each street side, to identify a multiple dwelling.

(b)

No sign shall be animated or projecting. Ground signs permitted in paragraph (2) shall not exceed five feet in overall height above the ground.

(a)

The following signs shall be permitted on a lot in an R-5 district:

(1)

Signs as permitted in section 11.4.

(2)

Where the main use of the premises is intended as living quarters for tourists and transients such as a hotel, motel, apartment, villas, bungalow court or any combination thereof, the following signs shall be permitted in addition to advertise such main use;

a.

One ground sign which may have two faces each not over 60 square feet in area, and not to exceed the permitted height above the ground, in the district. Such a sign may be located in a required front yard or street side yard.

b.

A wall sign not exceeding 60 square feet in area.

c.

Not over four directional signs each not exceeding ten square feet in area.

(a)

The following signs shall be permitted on a lot in NBR and B-2 districts:

(1)

Signs as permitted in section 11.5.

(2)

Wall, ground, and pylon signs.

(3)

Marquee signs.

(4)

Advertising signs as provided in section 11.14.

(5)

Projecting signs.

(6)

Roof signs.

(Ord. No. 2022-07, § 2, 12-12-2022)

(a)

The following signs shall be permitted on a lot in a B-3 district:

(1)

Signs as permitted in section 11.5.

(2)

Wall, ground, and pylon signs.

(3)

Marquee signs.

(4)

Advertising signs as provided in section 11.14.

(5)

Projecting signs

(6)

Roof signs.

(b)

Advertising signs in B-3 shall be regulated exclusively by section 11.14. All other signs shall meet the following requirements:

(1)

The aggregate area of all signs on any building premises shall not exceed three square feet in area for each foot of frontage of the building displaying such signs, or one square foot for each foot of frontage of the property occupied by such building or devoted to such use, whichever may be greater.

(2)

Hotel and motel signs shall not exceed those sizes specified in section 11.5.

(3)

No signs shall be placed within 25 feet of any residentially zoned property. No ground signs shall extend 12 feet in overall height above the ground.

(Ord. No. 2022-07, § 2, 12-12-2022)

(a)

The following signs shall be permitted on a lot in B-4 and B-5 districts:

(1)

Signs as permitted in section 11.7.

(2)

The aggregate area of all signs on any building or premises shall not exceed five square feet in area for each foot of frontage of the building on such premises, or two square feet for each foot of frontage of the property occupied by such buildings or devoted to such use, whichever may be greater.

(3)

Hotel and motel signs shall not exceed those signs specified in section 11.5.

(4)

No sign shall be placed within 50 feet of any residentially zoned property. No ground sign shall exceed 12 feet in overall height above the ground.

(a)

The following provisions shall be applicable to the properties located within the historical district:

(1)

Purpose. The purpose and intent of this section is to establish regulations for the fabrication, erection and use of signs and outdoor advertising displays within the historic district of Dunnellon. These regulations create the legal framework for commercial sign regulations that is intended to facilitate and easy and recognizable means of communication. It recognizes the need for a well-maintained and attractive appearance in the community and the need for adequate business identification, advertising and communication. This code recognizes that aesthetics and design quality cannot be satisfactorily legislated, as individual options vary and general public opinions vary from one era to another. It is recognized, however, that a great percentage of that which is unattractive can be eliminated by sensitive quality control, through adequate maintenance and inspection and by reasonable guidelines formulated to minimize clutter.

(2)

Definitions.

Abandoned sign: A sign that no longer correctly directs or exhorts any person, or advertises a bona fide business, lessor, owner, product or activity conducted or product available on the premises where such sign is displayed.

Administrator: The public services department/community development office or designated representative.

Area of sign: The area of the largest single face of the sign within a perimeter which forms the outside shape including any frame, or forms an integral part of the display, but excluding the necessary supports or uprights on which the sign may be placed. If the sign consists of more than one section or module, all areas will be totaled.

Awning: A temporary shelter supported entirely from the exterior wall of a building and composed of nonrigid materials except for the supporting framework.

Banner: A temporary sign composed of lightweight material enclosed or not enclosed in a rigid frame, secured or mounted so as to allow movement of the sign caused by movement of the atmosphere. This does not include flag banners.

Billboard: A sign other than an advertising sign as defined in section 11.2 that advertises a business, use or service not carried on within the parcel on which the sign is placed.

Building frontage: The linear length of a building facing the right-of-way or the linear length of the right-of-way facing the building, whichever is smaller.

Canopy: A permanent roof-like shelter extending from part or all of a building face over a public right-of-way and constructed of some durable material such as metal, glass or plastic.

Entrance sign: Any sign, which serves solely to designate the location or direction or any place or area.

Flag: Means any cloth, paper, fabric, plastic or similar material, usually rectangular in shape, whether or not the material displays characters, ornamentation or letters, attached to any staff, cord, building or other structure, that hangs loosely for the primary purpose of attracting attention to its site. The official flags of the United States and the state are exempt from the provisions of this article.

Freestanding sign: (This would include any ground sign, directory, or detached sign.) A sign erected on a freestanding frame, mast or pole and not attached to any building.

Frontage: The length of the property line of any one premise, which parallels to and along each public right-of-way it borders.

Height of sign: The vertical distance measured from the adjacent street grade or upper surface of the nearest street curb other than an elevated roadway, which permits the greatest height to the highest point of said sign.

Identification sign: A sign, which is limited to the name, address and number of a building, institution or person and to the activity carried on in the building or institution, or the occupancy of the person.

Illuminated sign: Any sign that emanates light either by means of illumination transmitted through the sign faces.

Indirectly illuminated sign: Any sign which reflects light from a source intentionally directed upon it, for example, by means of floodlights, gooseneck reflectors or externally mounted fluorescent light fixtures.

Marquee: A permanent roof-like shelter extending from part or all of the building face over a public right-of-way and constructed of some durable material such as metal, glass or plastic.

Nonconforming sign (legal): Any sign that was a lawful structure when it was erected but does not meet the requirements of this article at the time of its effective date.

Sign: Any identification, description, illustration or device illuminated or nonilluminated 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 any permanently installed or situated merchandise; or any emblem, designed to advertise, identify or convey information, with the exception of window displays and national flags. For the purpose of removal, signs shall also include all sign structures.

Sign structure: Any structure that supports, has supported, or is capable of supporting a sign, including decorative cover.

Wall sign: A sign attached to or erected against the wall of a building with the face in a parallel plane to the plane of the building wall.

Window sign: A sign installed inside a window for purposes of viewing from outside the premises. This term does not include merchandise located in a window.

(3)

General sign criteria.

a.

One main business freestanding identification sign per frontage.

b.

No sign should cover architectural detailing on historic buildings.

c.

Signs shall not be internally illuminated unless approved by the historic preservation board.

d.

Lettering styles shall be in accordance with the lettering styles on file in the community development office at city hall.

e.

All signs to be constructed by in accordance with the rules and regulations set forth by the Uniform Building Code.

f.

No signs will be allowed above the eaves of the building or structures.

g.

The historic preservation board must approve neon signs.

h.

Billboards are prohibited.

i.

A total of three signs shall be permitted per building face.

(4)

Freestanding signs.

a.

Maximum sign area:

1.

One business on site: 12 square feet maximum allowed.

2.

Two businesses on site: 18 square feet maximum allowed.

3.

Three or more businesses on site: 24 square feet maximum allowed.

b.

Maximum width: Four feet; maximum height: seven feet.

c.

One freestanding sign allowed for every 50 feet frontage of property.

Example:

50-foot lot:

One 12 square foot (SF) freestanding sign.

100-foot lot:

(One business): One 12 SF freestanding sign.

(Two businesses): Either one 18 SF freestanding sign or two 12 SF freestanding signs.

(Three businesses): Either one 24 SF freestanding sign or two 12 SF freestanding signs.

150-foot lot:

(One business): One 12 SF freestanding sign.

(Two businesses): Either one 24 SF freestanding sign or three 12 SF freestanding signs.

d.

Height restrictions: seven feet maximum height from the ground.

e.

Located a minimum of three feet from the right-of-way line.

f.

Freestanding signs cannot be internally illuminated, unless approved by the history preservation board. Freestanding signs may, however, be indirectly illuminated.

g.

One freestanding sign will be allowed for each building having frontage on a public right-of-way (example: corner lots will be allowed one sign fronting each roadway).

(5)

Hanging signs.

a.

Maximum size: Four square feet.

b.

Height restrictions: Seven feet minimum height above grade.

(6)

Window signs.

a.

Maximum size: 25 percent of window area or by approval of the historic preservation board.

b.

If tenant occupies a building that depends solely on its window space for advertisement, the window sign will be limited to one per space, shall not exceed 25 percent of the window area.

c.

Multiple tenant occupancy. Window signs will be limited to one per space and 25 percent of the primary frontage of the tenant space.

d.

Window signs shall be maintained to original condition.

(7)

Wall signs.

a.

Maximum size: 12 square feet.

b.

One wall sign allowed or one freestanding sign per building frontage.

c.

Multiple tenant occupancy: Wall signs will be limited to one per space.

(8)

Canopy/marquee and awning and awning valence.

a.

Shall not exceed 25 percent of the face vertically or horizontally.

b.

Similar color and style on different signs on same building.

(9)

Temporary signs.

a.

Promotional posters for civic events shall be permitted on private property seven days prior to event and must be removed within 24 hours after event.

b.

Yard sale signs: 72 hours.

c.

Business openings: 30 days per year.

d.

Banners: 30 days per year (excluded from size requirements).

e.

Holiday signs are allowed 30 days prior to the holiday and must be removed within 14 days after the holiday.

(10)

Murals and flag banners.

a.

These are considered alternative signage and must be approved by the historic preservation board.

b.

The historic preservation board shall have the authority to review and approve proposed signage that does not comply with these regulations.

(Ord. No. 2022-07, § 2, 12-12-2022)

Strip lighting used solely to outline a structure or any part thereof shall be considered and regulated as a form of advertisement. Strip lighting as above defined shall be regulated by this section and shall not be subject to other limitations of this article. Strip lighting shall be prohibited in residential and agricultural districts. In the business and industrial districts, strip lighting shall be limited to a total footage equivalent to twice the length or width of the building along the street frontage.

Neon strip lighting and/or streamer lights shall be prohibited above the roof level of any building.

(a)

Billboards are prohibited. Except as provided for baseball scoreboards, all billboards not otherwise authorized by federal, state or county laws and regulations are prohibited in the city.

(b)

All billboards that are legal nonconforming signs are subject to the amortization procedure as described in this section. The city clerk is authorized to contact billboard owners for the purpose of entering into agreements per the incentive parameters below, whereby the owner of a billboard that is a legal nonconforming sign agrees that the billboard must be demolished, removed, or made to conform by December 12, 2032 which is ten years from the adoption of this amortization provision or as otherwise directed by city council. As incentive to enter such an agreement, the agreement may guarantee that the billboard will be treated as an authorized structure until such date and thereby allow temporary reconstruction of the billboard notwithstanding other limitations on nonconforming signs and uses.

(Ord. No. 2022-07, § 2, 12-12-2022)

(a)

Temporary construction project signs may be erected on premises upon which there is an active building program underway, subject to the following limitations and requirements:

(1)

In R-1 and R-2 districts, one such sign not exceeding 32 square feet may be erected on each street side upon which the lot abuts.

(2)

In all other zoning districts, a single sign or not more than 40 square feet will be permitted.

(3)

Such signs shall not be erected more than 60 days prior to beginning of actual construction of the project and shall be removed when construction is completed.

(4)

If a sign is erected as permitted hereunder, and if construction is not begun within 60 days after sign is erected or if such construction be not continuously and actively prosecuted to completion, said sign shall be removed.

(5)

No sign permitted under this section shall be located closer than 15 feet to any private property line.

(6)

No such sign shall be animated or neon-illuminated.

(a)

Advertising signs shall be permitted for a business located within Dunnellon where such business has less than 20 feet of street frontage, subject to the following standards:

(1)

Advertising signs shall be permitted in B-3, B-4 and B-5 zones as regulated by the following:

a.

Each qualifying business may be permitted one advertising sign in the city.

b.

Advertising signs shall comply with the locational and regulatory standards applicable to ground signs as permitted in the applicable zoning district.

c.

The following construction and maintenance standards shall be observed:

1.

All advertising signs shall be constructed under the standards of the Florida Building Code.

2.

The wood framing for all signs shall be of treated material; all wood material under the surface of the ground shall be of pressure-treated material.

3.

The backs of all signs, where visible, shall be painted or treated with a material suitable for the preservation of the appearance of such signs.

4.

All signs shall be maintained front and back in a constant state of good repair. Standards for good repair shall include:

(i)

Paint shall not be peeling or flaked.

(ii)

The sign shall be legible at a distance of 100 feet at all times.

(iii)

Signs shall be kept in a vertical, upright position at all times.

d.

The provisions of this section may be altered or waived by the city council, if, in the opinion of the city council, special circumstances warrant it and provided that the spirit and purpose of this code is fulfilled.

(b)

Advertising signs shall be permitted as temporary structures in A-1 districts provided that all of the following regulations and restrictions are fulfilled:

(1)

Location standards. The following standards apply:

a.

In an A-1 district no advertising sign shall be placed closer than 300 linear feet on the same side of a common right-of-way to any other sign.

b.

Advertising signs may be placed back to back provided the distance between such signs, measured at the apex, shall not exceed 20 feet.

c.

In one location a series of sign faces or messages may be placed end to end provided that all such signs are tied together structurally and provided the overall length shall not exceed 60 feet, nor shall a single sign exceed 60 feet in overall length.

d.

No advertising sign shall be located nearer than 500 feet to any existing residence without the written consent of the person actually residing in such residence. In no case shall the sign be closer than 100 feet to an existing residence measured from the nearest point of the residence to the nearest point of the sign.

(2)

The following setbacks shall be observed:

a.

Persons desiring permits for the construction of any advertising sign shall have the option of choosing a permanent or temporary permit. All advertising signs constructed or erected or reconstructed under a permanent permit shall meet all of the setback requirements as established by this zoning code. All advertising signs erected, constructed, or reconstructed under a temporary permit may be installed according to the existing state law governing the placement of signs alongside of state highways, but in no case less than 15 feet setback from the right-of-way. These temporary permits will become void and the sign shall be moved 30 days after notification, if any of the following shall occur:

1.

If the property on which the sign is located or any property within 300 feet of said sign along a common right-of-way is changed in zoning classification from agricultural A-1 to any other zoning classification.

2.

If in the opinion of the community development manager subject to review by the planning commission said sign blocks the view or in any way impedes or injures the value of any business or residence adjacent to said sign.

b.

Construction and maintenance standards as set forth in this section shall be followed.

(a)

The following provisions shall be applicable to political signs located within the city:

(1)

No political sign may be erected more than 60 days prior to the election in which the candidate's name or the issue will appear. Any such sign shall be removed by the candidate, his agent, or the occupant of the premises within five days after the election in which the candidate is eliminated or elected, whichever occurs first, or after the resolution of the respective issues by referendum.

(2)

There shall be no placement of nuisance signs within the public rights-of-way of the city.

(3)

Political signs in residential districts shall be temporary and not exceed six square feet in area per sign face, and the signs in non-residential districts shall not exceed 16 square feet in area per sign face. Each residential parcel can have no more than one sign per candidate or referendum issue. Political signs shall be allowed in agricultural zoning districts provided they have a 50-foot separation. Political signs may only be allowed within a public zoning district on election day in accordance with F.S. § 102.031.

(4)

Political signs in residential areas shall be located wholly on the private property, shall be placed at least five feet from all rights-of-way and 15 feet from all property lines and shall not exceed five feet in height. Political signs in non-residential districts shall be located wholly on the private property, shall be placed at least five feet from any rights-of-way and 15 feet from all side property lines and shall not exceed ten feet in height. Signs shall not unduly restrict the line of sight for traffic or otherwise pose a danger to the public.

(5)

Computation of area of individual political signs. The area of a sign face shall be computed by means of the smallest square, circle, rectangle, triangle, or combination thereof that will encompass the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem, or other display, together with any material or color forming an integral part of the background of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop or structure against which it is placed, but not including any supporting framework, bracing, or decorative fence or wall when such fence or wall otherwise meets the zoning ordinance regulations and is clearly incidental to the display itself.

(6)

Computation of area of multifaced signs. The sign area for a political sign with more than one face shall be computed by adding together the area of all sign faces visible from any one point. When two identical sign faces are placed back to back, so that both faces cannot be viewed from any point at the same time, and when such sign faces are part of the same sign structure, the sign area shall be computed by the measurement of one of the faces.

(7)

No political sign placed within a residential district shall be illuminated.

Any sign, display or device allowed under this ordinance may contain, in lieu of any other copy, any otherwise noncommercial message that does not direct attention to a business operated for profit or to a commodity or service for sale and that complies with size, lighting and spacing requirements of this ordinance.

Editor's note— Ord. No. 2018-19, § 2, adopted September 11, 2018, amended the Code by adding provisions designated as art. XII, § 12.1. In order to keep related material together, the provisions have been redesignated as § 11.16 at the discretion of the editor.

(a)

No additions or enlargements shall be made to a nonconforming sign except those additions or enlargements that are required by law.

(b)

A nonconforming sign that is modified by being moved, replaced or structurally altered shall be brought into conformance with this article.

(c)

A nonconforming sign that is damaged by any means shall lose its legal status and not be reconstructed or repaired if the estimated cost to reconstruct or repair the sign exceeds 50 percent of its replacement value immediately prior to the date of damage; replacement value shall mean the assessed value as determined by the property appraiser prior to the date of damage, or if the property appraiser has not assessed the value of the sign structure, the valuation prior to the date of damage or destruction as determined by a professionally recognized appraiser. A damaged nonconforming sign that cannot be reconstructed or repaired per this provision shall be removed within 30 days of the date the sign was damaged.

(d)

Whenever a nonconforming sign is damaged and the estimated cost to repair the sign is 50 percent or less of its replacement value immediately prior to the date of destruction of the damaged sign, before the sign was damaged, it may be repaired and restored to the condition it was in before it was damaged and may continue to be used as a nonconforming sign, provided that such repairs and restoration are started within 90 days of the date the sign was damaged and are diligently pursued thereafter.

(e)

Whenever repairs and restoration of a damaged nonconforming sign are not started within 90 days of the date the sign was damaged or are diligently pursued once started, the sign shall be deemed abandoned. An abandoned sign shall be removed as provided by this article.

(f)

All nonconforming signs shall be properly maintained. Any nonconforming sign that is determined by the city to be an unsafe sign shall be removed as provided for by this article.

(g)

Nothing in this section shall be deemed to prevent the maintenance of any sign or manual changes of sign copy on a nonconforming sign.

The casual, illegal, or temporary use of any sign shall not be sufficient to establish the existence of a non-conforming use or to create any rights in the continuance of such use.

(Ord. No. 2022-07, § 2, 12-12-2022)

(a)

All visible portions of a sign and its supporting structure shall be maintained in safe condition and neat appearance. If the sign is a lighted sign, all lights shall be maintained in working order and functioning in a safe manner. All elements of the sign structure and face should be in good repair and not discolored, peeling, cracked, bent, crumbling or broken. All signs shall be kept in such manner as to constitute a complete sign at all times. The area immediately surrounding ground signs shall be kept clear of all vegetation or debris.

(b)

All signs for which a permit is required, together with all supports, braces, guys, anchors, sign faces, and other structural and nonstructural members, shall be maintained in good condition and appearance and in compliance with applicable codes. Examples of unacceptable maintenance and repair include, but are not limited to, the following:

(1)

Cracked, ripped, or peeling materials present on the surface area of a sign;

(2)

Bent, broken, loose, or otherwise insufficiently attached supports, struts, or other appendages;

(3)

Partial illumination for more than 14 days; and

(4)

Obstruction of sign face by weeds, vines, tree branches, or other vegetative matter.

(Ord. No. 2022-07, § 2, 12-12-2022)

Signs installed in violation of this article shall be removed or brought into compliance with the requirements of this article. The sign owner, the owner of the property on which the sign is placed and the sign contractor shall each be held responsible for adherence to this article and any other applicable laws or regulations. This article may be enforced through code enforcement proceedings or by any equitable or legal remedy available to the city.

(Ord. No. 2022-07, § 2, 12-12-2022)

If the city finds that when any sign is in violation of this article or other applicable regulations or State law or and by reason of its violation presents an immediate and serious danger to the public, the city may, without prior written notice, order the immediate removal or repair of the sign within a specified period. The city may remove or authorize others to remove the sign in the event that the owner for such sign cannot be found or if that person, after notification, refuses to repair or remove it. The owner of the building, structure, or premises on which the sign is located, are jointly and severally liable for the cost of removing such sign. The city shall have the right to recover from the owner or person placing such sign the cost of removal and disposal of such sign.

(Ord. No. 2022-07, § 2, 12-12-2022)

The owner of an abandoned sign shall remove the abandoned sign within 30 days of the date of the city's order to remove the sign. A sign need not be removed when a successor tenant, or business or property owner, agrees to maintain the sign as provided in this article, by filing a letter of intent with the city no later than 30 days after receiving notice to do so from the city.

(Ord. No. 2022-07, § 2, 12-12-2022)

The city may remove or order the removal, without prior written notice, of any sign erected without a sign permit required by this article.

(Ord. No. 2022-07, § 2, 12-12-2022)

(a)

General. If any part, section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, phrase, clause, term, or word of this article, this Code, or any adopting ordinance 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.

(b)

Severability where less speech results. Without diminishing or limiting in any way the declaration of severability set forth in this article, 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.

(c)

Severability of prohibition on billboards. If any part, section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, phrase, clause, term, or word of this article and/or any other Code provisions and/or laws are declared invalid or unconstitutional by the valid judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction, the declaration of such unconstitutionality shall not affect the prohibition on billboards as contained in this article and Code.

(Ord. No. 2022-07, § 2, 12-12-2022)