The purposes of these sign regulations are: to encourage the effective use of signs as a means of communication; to maintain and enhance the aesthetic environment while maintaining the County's ability to attract sources of economic development and growth through the ability of businesses to advertise their presence and services offered; to improve pedestrian and traffic safety; to minimize the possible adverse effect of signs on nearby public and private property; and to enable the fair and consistent enforcement of these sign restrictions. This Section is adopted under the land development regulatory authority of the County in furtherance of the more general purposes set forth in the Comprehensive Plan.

(Ord. No. 2023-16, § 1(Exh. A), 12-14-2023)

(a)

Definition of Sign. For purposes of this Code, a sign is any illuminated or non-illuminated identification, description, illustration or device which is visible from any public space or is located on private property and exposed to the public and directs attention to a product, service, place, activity, person, institution, business, cause or solicitation, or any emblem, painting, banner, pennant, placard or temporary sign designed to advertise, identify, or convey information, with the exception of window displays and national flags. For purposes of removal, signs shall also include all sign structures.

(b)

Intent. The provisions of this Article shall be construed and implemented to achieve the following intentions of the County:

(1)

To protect and preserve the character and appearance of Washington County.

(2)

To create a comprehensive and balanced system of sign control that accommodates both the need for a well-maintained, safe, and attractive community, and the need for effective business identification, advertising, and communication.

(3)

To permit signs that are:

a.

Compatible with their surroundings.

b.

Designed, constructed, installed, and maintained in a manner which does not endanger public safety or unduly distract motorists.

c.

Appropriate to the type of activity to which they pertain.

d.

Large enough to convey sufficient information about the owner or occupants of a particular property, the products or services available on the property, or the activities conducted on the property and small enough to satisfy the needs for regulation.

e.

Reflective of the identity and creativity of individual occupants.

(4)

To promote the economic health of the community through increased tourism and property values.

(Ord. No. 2023-16, § 1(Exh. A), 12-14-2023)

Compliance with the requirements of these regulations shall not constitute a defense to an action brought to abate a nuisance under the common law.

(Ord. No. 2023-16, § 1(Exh. A), 12-14-2023)

(a)

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.

(b)

Without diminishing or limiting in any way the declaration of severability set forth above in subsection (a), or elsewhere in this Article, this Code, or any adopting ordinance, if any part, section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, phrase, clause, term, or word of this Article is declared unconstitutional by the valid judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction, the declaration of such unconstitutionality shall not affect any other part, section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, phrase, clause, term, or word of this Article, even if such severability would result in a situation where there would be less speech, whether by subjecting previously exempt signs to permitting or otherwise.

(c)

Without diminishing or limiting in any way the declaration of severability set forth above in subsection (a), or elsewhere in this Article, this Code, or any adopting ordinance, if any part, section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, phrase, clause, term, or word of this Article or any other law is declared unconstitutional by the valid judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction, the declaration of such unconstitutionality shall not affect any other part, section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, phrase, clause, term, or word of this Article that pertains to prohibited signs, including specifically those signs and sign-types prohibited and not allowed under Section 7.05.00 of this Article. Furthermore, if any part, section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, phrase, clause, term, or word of Section 7.05.00 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, sub section, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, phrase, clause, term, or word of Section 7.05.00, thereby ensuring that as many prohibited sign-types as may be constitutionally prohibited continue to be prohibited.

(d)

If any part, section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sente nce, 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 regulation of Billboards in Section 7.04.02 or elsewhere in this Article.

(Ord. No. 2023-16, § 1(Exh. A), 12-14-2023)

Notwithstanding anything contained in this Article or Code to the contrary, any sign erected pursuant to the provisions of this Article or Code or otherwise lawfully existing with a commercial message may, at the option of the owner, contain a noncommercial message in lieu of a commercial message. The noncommercial message may occupy the entire sign face or any portion thereof. The sign face maybe changed from commercial to noncommercial messages, or from one (1) noncommercial message to another, as frequently as desired by the owner of the sign, provided that the sign is not a prohibited sign or sign-type and provided that the size, height, setback, and other dimensional criteria contained in this Article and Code have been satisfied.

(Ord. No. 2023-16, § 1(Exh. A), 12-14-2023)

It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, perform substantial repairs upon, construct, manufacture, enlarge, alter, move, or convert any permanent or temporary sign in Washington County, or cause the same to be done, without first obtaining a review of sign plans and approval from the Planning Department Staff and sign permits for each such sign from the Building Department, as required by this Article. Any proposed sign that requires a permit must meet the applicable standards of this Article in order for the permit to be issued. Exceptions to the permitting requirements are as follows:

(a)

This Article shall not be construed to require any permit for a change of copy on any sign nor for the repainting, cleaning, and other normal maintenance or repair of a sign or sign structure for which a permit has previously been issued, so long as the size of the sign, or any attribute of the sign structure is not modified in anyway; or

(b)

A sign is specifically exempted from permitting in Sections 7.04.00 or 7.06.00 of this Code; or

(c)

A sign has a sign face of three (3) square feet or less, a height of three (3) feet or less, and includes no letters, symbols, logos or designs in excess of six (6) inches in vertical or horizontal dimension, provided that such sign, or combination of such signs, does not constitute a sign prohibited by Section 7.05.00 of this Article. Unless otherwise exempt, such signs shall be subject to all other requirements pertaining to that particular type of sign.

(Ord. No. 2023-16, § 1(Exh. A), 12-14-2023)

(a)

Only the following may apply for a permit and perform work allowed by the permit:

(1)

For all signs with electrical components a State of Florida registered or licensed master electrician or electrical sign contractor is needed in addition to any of the persons listed in items two (2) through four (4) below.

(2)

A general contractor licensed or registered with the State of Florida.

(3)

A building contractor licensed or registered with the State of Florida.

(4)

An owner of property may install his or her own sign provided:

a.

The total value of the sign is less than seventy-five thousand ($75,000.00) dollars.

b.

The property is held in the Owner's private personal name, by solely owned proprietorship or a partnership of individuals so that a human may appear to claim the state authorized exemption from contracting laws. No corporation, even a solely owned one, can personally appear to claim an exemption from contractor licensing.

c.

The property to benefit from the sign is personally used by the Owner, leased, rented, or used by another person.

d.

The sign is no greater than eight (8) feet in height and has a sign area no greater than thirty-two (32) square feet.

(b)

Insurance. Each sign contractor, general contractor or building contractor shall provide or show proof of a certificate of liability insurance and workers compensation with sufficient coverage to meet the dollar amounts required by state law.

(Ord. No. 2023-16, § 1(Exh. A), 12-14-2023)

Application for a permit shall be made to the Building Department (Department) up on a form provided by the Department. Before an application is reviewed by the Department, the applicant must qualify under Section 7.02.02 above and shall provide information necessary to assure compliance with this Code, including:

(a)

Name and address of owner of the sign;

(b)

Name and address of owner or the person in possession of the parcel where the sign is located or to be located;

(c)

Two (2) copies of drawings of the sign, drawn to scale, and showing the following:

(1)

Type of sign and all dimensions of the sign including height.

(2)

An accurate plot plan of the property at such scale as the Building Official (Official) may reasonably require, including an accurate indication on the plot plan of the proposed location of each present and future sign of any type, whether requiring a permit or not, except that incidental signs need not be shown.

(3)

Size and type of footer, and how constructed. This detail is not required for the following:

a.

Masonry signs of sixty (60) square feet or less in size and less than six (6) feet in height; or

b.

Other ground signs of thirty-two (32) square feet or less in size and eight (8) feet or less in height.

(4)

Details on how the sign is to be attached to a building, based upon wind speed indicated in the applicable building code, as adopted by the County, except for non-electric flat building, signs that are thirty-two (32) square feet or less in size with less than two (2) inches projection from the surface on which they are mounted.

(5)

Actual construction details of the sign, showing all connections based upon a minimum wind speed indicated in the applicable building code, as adopted by the County. This detail is not required for the following:

a.

Masonry signs of sixty (60) square feet or less in size and less than six (6) feet in height; or

b.

Other ground signs thirty-two (32) square feet or less in size and eight (8) feet or less in height.

(6)

Details for any electrical service to the sign.

(7)

Colored renderings of the advertising area of the sign, with measurements and details on how the advertising area of the sign has been calculated.

(d)

A certification of the sign design from a Florida registered engineer or architect when:

(1)

Abuilding sign is designed to project perpendicularly from the surface to which it is attached and the sign area exceeds twenty-four (24) square feet; or

(2)

Aground sign is more than ten (10) feet in height and/or more than thirty-two (32) square feet in size; in which case, the certified design shall include a specification of wind load factors.

(e)

A current and valid sign permit shall be freely assignable to a successor as owner of the property or holder of a business license for the same premises, subject only to filing an application with the Official. The assignment shall be accomplished by filing and shall not require approval.

(Ord. No. 2023-16, § 1(Exh. A), 12-14-2023)

An application for a sign permit shall be accompanied by a permit fee for each sign as specified by resolution adopted by the Board of County Commissioners. There shall be a no fee permit required for signs painted on existing buildings.

(Ord. No. 2023-16, § 1(Exh. A), 12-14-2023)

(a)

Issuance: The Department may issue a permit for the erection, alteration, or relocation of a sign only when the permit application is properly made; all required information has been provided; all fees have been paid as required; and the proposed erection, alteration or relocation conforms with the provisions of this Article. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article or the Washington County Land Development Code, a sign permit application shall be acted upon by the Department within ten (10) working days of receipt of a complete application.

(b)

Denial: A denial of a sign permit shall be provided to the applicant in writing and shall include a brief written statement of the reasons for the denial.

(c)

Revocation and suspension: The Department staff may, through written notice, suspend or revoke a permit issued under the provisions of this Article whenever the permit is issued on the basis of fraud or a misstatement of fact.

(d)

Effect of Issuance: No permit for a sign issued hereunder shall be deemed to constitute permission or authorization to maintain an unlawful sign nor shall any permit issued hereunder constitute a defense in an action to abate an unlawful sign. No sign permit issued by the County for property within the jurisdiction of the State shall be considered valid without an appropriate permit from the State, where required.

(e)

Appeal from Denial of Permit: Appeals may be filed with the Department and heard in accord with appeal procedures of the Planning Commission.

(Ord. No. 2023-16, § 1(Exh. A), 12-14-2023)

Any person erecting, altering, or relocating a sign shall notify the Department upon completion of the work for which permits are required.

(a)

Inspections. All ground signs shall be subject to a footing inspection, and all signs shall be subject to a final inspection to determine compliance with the applicable building code.

(b)

All signs with electrical equipment shall be subject to an electrical inspection to determine compliance with the applicable electric code.

(Ord. No. 2023-16, § 1(Exh. A), 12-14-2023)

(a)

Any party that desires a variance to construct or install a sign or signs other than as permitted in this Article, must submit proper application for a variance under Article 10.04.00, and that party's application shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission pursuant to the procedural requirements of LDC Section 7.02.00.

(b)

In addition to the variance criteria in LDC Section 7.02.00, the application must be reviewed to determine whether or not the variance meets the purpose and intent statements in Sections 7.01.01 and 7.01.02(b) of this Article.

(Ord. No. 2023-16, § 1(Exh. A), 12-14-2023)

(a)

Enforcement.

(1)

The Department may declare any sign owned, kept, displayed, or maintained by any person within the county contrary to the requirements of this Article as a violation of this code, and may issue a Notice of Violation. The Notice of Violation shall state, in writing, the reason or reasons why such sign, and the keeping, owning, maintenance, construction, and display or operation thereof, is unlawful under the terms of this Article. It shall state the pre-set hearing date regarding the violation and the maximum potential fine for failure to abate the violation within the thirty-day time period established in paragraph (2), below.

(2)

The Notice of Violation shall be issued in person or by certified mail to the owner of the sign, or property owner, if the owner of the sign is not immediately evident, and shall give him/her thirty (30) days to abate the violation or appear before the Code Enforcement Board at a pre-set hearing date. Hearings regarding violations of this Article shall be set on a date certain between forty-five (45) and sixty (60) days after the date of issuance of the notice of violation.

(3)

If, after the thirty-day period passes, the violation has not been abated, the Code Enforcement Board shall hold the hearing on the matter, at which time the alleged violator may present testimony on his/her behalf. If the Code Enforcement Board affirms the violation, it shall then determine the amount of the fine as established in subparagraph (b), below, and order immediate abatement of the violation.

(4)

Removal of Unlawful Temporary Signs. Any temporary sign not complying with the requirements of this Article is illegal and subject to immediate removal. Upon notification from the County, the property owner shall cause the noncompliant sign to either come into compliance or be removed within five (5) business days, if the County is unable to contact the property owner at the 9-1-1 address, notification to the occupant of the parcel where the sign is located shall constitute sufficient notice for purposes of this subsection. In the event of a failure by the owner to bring the sign into compliance or remove the sign within five (5) business days, the Department may elect to remove and impound the sign at the property owner's expense. A notice of violation pursuant to this subsection may be appealed to the Code Enforcement Board pursuant to the procedures set forth in Article 10.11.00, if a written notice of appeal is submitted to the Development Administrator or designee by the property owner or the occupant of the parcel in question within the five (5) business days time period.

(5)

Unsafe signs. If any sign becomes insecure or in danger of falling or otherwise unsafe in the opinion of the Official, the procedures provided in the building code regarding unsafe signs will be applied.

(b)

Penalty. Violation of any provision of this Article is unlawful, and punishable by fine not to exceed one thousand ($1,000.00) dollars for each occurrence. The County may also seek to enforce any abatement action in the Circuit Court.

(Ord. No. 2023-16, § 1(Exh. A), 12-14-2023)

Unless otherwise provided in this Article, all signs must comply with the following design, construction, and location standards.

(Ord. No. 2023-16, § 1(Exh. A), 12-14-2023)

(a)

Compliance With Building and Electrical Codes Required. All signs, and the illumination thereof, shall be designed, constructed, erected, and maintained in conformity with applicable provisions of the building and electrical codes adopted by Washington County.

These sign regulations are intended to complement the requirements of the building and electrical codes adopted by Washington County. Wherever there is inconsistency between these regulations and the building or electrical code, the more stringent requirement shall apply.

(b)

Maintenance. All signs, including their supports, braces, guys and anchors, electrical parts and lighting fixtures, and all painted and display areas, shall be maintained in a safe condition, and shall present a neat and clean appearance. Tie vegetation around, in front of, behind, and underneath the base of ground signs for a distance of ten (10) feet shall be neatly trimmed and free of unsightly weeds, rubbish and debris.

(c)

Signs shall not have any visible moving, revolving, or rotating parts or visible mechanical movement of any description or other visible movement or the appearance of movement achieved by electrical, electronic, or mechanical means, except for traditional barber poles and signs with automatic changeable message devices, subject to illumination standards, that can change the sign face through rotation of a multi-prism sign face. Multi-prism sign face means signs made with a series of triangular vertical sections that turn and stop, or index, to show a picture or message in the same sign face area.

(d)

Signs shall not include projected images, or emit any sound, odor, or visible matter such as smoke or steam.

(e)

Signs shall not resemble an Official sign or marker erected by any governmental agency, or shall not by reason of location, position, shape, or color, or copy conflict with the proper functioning of any traffic sign or signal, or be of a size, location, movement, content, color, or illumination that may be reasonably confused with or construed as, or conceal, a traffic-control device.

(f)

Signs shall not be attached to trees, fences, or poles, including poles as part of lawfully placed traffic control or other governmental signage within road rights-of-way, unless specifically allowed under Section 7.04.00 of this Code.

(Ord. No. 2023-16, § 1(Exh. A), 12-14-2023)

(a)

Signs shall not be of such intensity or brilliance as to cause glare or impair the vision of any motorist, cyclist, or pedestrian using or entering a public way, or that are a hazard or a nuisance to occupants of any property because of glare or other characteristics. "Glare" means a sensation of brightness within the visual field that causes annoyance, discomfort, or loss in visual performance and visibility.

(b)

No sign shall be erected, or any existing sign operated where illumination is either:

(1)

Directing beams of light at any residential use property; or

(2)

Of such intensity or brilliance as to cause glare or impair the vision of any driver of any motor vehicle, cyclist, or pedestrian, or which interferes with any driver's operation of a motor vehicle.

(c)

No sign shall be erected, or any existing sign operated where iliumination is not shielded either to prevent beams or rays of light from being directed at any portion of the traveled right-of-way.

(d)

All signs, which are externally lit, shall be top-lighted with the point light source shielded and aimed downward. A marquee as used in this Article means 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; typically used for places of entertainment such as theatres, arenas or meeting halls.

(e)

Signs with lighted changeable copy maybe permitted subject to the following conditions:

(1)

The total portion of the sign with lighted changeable copy shall not exceed forty-eight (48) square feet.

(2)

If the illuminated portion of the sign has copy that changes, the minimum time between changes shall be no less than two (2) seconds except for scrolling text.

(3)

No more than one (1) such illuminated sign shall be placed on any one (1) parcel, except for parcels at the intersection of collector and/or arterial streets.

(4)

For signs that are perpendicular to the street each side of the sign may have lighted changeable copy as stated in (1) above. For the purposes of this section, signs shall be constructed perpendicular if they are generally ninety (90) degrees to the road and their two (2) faces are attached at one (1) end and less than thirty (30) degrees apart at the second end.

(f)

Strings of light bulbs used as a sign are prohibited, except for traditional holiday decorations.

(g)

Signs with illumination that may reasonably be confused with or construed as a traffic control device are prohibited.

(Ord. No. 2023-16, § 1(Exh. A), 12-14-2023)

(a)

Near Street and Driveway Intersections. Signs in excess of two (2) feet in height shall not be located within a clear visibility triangle, except signs erected on poles where the bottom edge of the sign face is greater than seven (7) feet above the grade at the base of the supporting structure for the sign, and which meet all other requirements of this Article. For the purposes of this Article, clear visibility triangle means an area twenty-five (25) feet deep along the street and driveway or two (2) streets, connected by a straight line. Signs located within the clear visibility triangle in violation of this subsection prior to the effective date of this Code shall be treated as nonconforming signs.

(b)

In Right-of-way. Unless otherwise stated in this Article, all signs shall be a minimum of five (5) feet from a public right-of-way. Supports for signs or sign structures shall not be placed in or upon a public right-of-way or public easement, except under the terms of a lease between the owner of the easement or right-of-way and the owner of the sign.

(c)

Rear and Side Yard Setbacks. Unless otherwise stated in this Article, all signs shall be. a minimum of five (5) feet from the side and the rear property line.

(d)

Blocking Exits, Fire Escapes, etc. No sign or sign structure shall be erected that impedes use of any fire escape, emergency exit, or standpipe.

(e)

Obstructing Ventilation. No sign shall be attached in any manner which will interfere with any opening required for ventilation, except that the signs maybe erected in front of and may cover transom windows when not in violation of the provisions of the building or fire prevention codes.

(f)

Signs shall not be located where they will obstruct the vision or passage of pedestrians, cyclists, or motorists traveling on or entering public streets.

(g)

Signs shall not be located where they will obscure any traffic sign, device, or signal.

(Ord. No. 2023-16, § 1(Exh. A), 12-14-2023)

(a)

Over Pedestrian Ways. All signs over pedestrian ways shall provide a minimum of nine (9) feet of clearance, and if the pedestrian way is owned by the public the minimum clearance shall be nine (9) feet.

(b)

Over Vehicular Ways. All signs over vehicular ways shall provide a minimum of fourteen (14) feet of clearance.

(c)

Utility Lines. Signs shall be located in such a way that they maintain horizontal and vertical clearance of all overhead electrical conductors in accordance with relevant electrical code specifications, depending on voltage concerned. However, in no case shall a sign be installed closer than five (5) feet horizontally or vertically from any conduit or public utility guy wire. No sign shall be erected which interferes with any underground or overhead utility lines as required by the National Electric Code and OSHA regulations.

(Ord. No. 2023-16, § 1(Exh. A), 12-14-2023)

For projects, that due to their size, multiple users/parcels or design characteristics may opt or be required by the Development Administrator, at the Administrator's discretion, or the Planning Commission, at their discretion, to submit a Master Sign Plan presenting a comprehensive approach to signage for the project shall be submitted as a Master Sign Plan. It is intended that such plans will set forth specific design standards, sign allocations, square footage limitations, architectural placement of signs and may address both on-site and offsite signs (excluding billboards). The property owner or their representative may appeal the decision of the Development Administrator to require a master sign plan to the Planning Commission through the appeal process of this LDC. The master sign plan shall include such supporting information as deemed appropriate by the Development Administrator to convey the concepts and variations being considered in the sign plan. It is understood that the master sign plan is an optional approach for both the applicant as well as the County and as such, the County has no obligation to grant approval for any variance from the standard sign ordinance. The master sign plan shall be considered by the Planning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners for adoption and shall, if approved, guide the future signage for the project. Modifications or variance from the standards or criteria established in the adopted Master Sign Plan, which will result in an increase in the number of signs or square footage, shall be considered as a substantial modification which shall be considered at a public hearing before the Planning Commission and approved by the Board of County Commissioners.

(Ord. No. 2023-16, § 1(Exh. A), 12-14-2023)

(a)

Signs are allowed as indicated in this section. In addition, certain signs are prohibited by Section 7.05.00 and certain signs are exempted from regulation by Section 7.06.00.

(b)

If a sign is not specifically listed as allowed, it is prohibited unless the County Building Official and/or Development Administrator determines the type of sign is similar to a listed, allowed or exempt sign. If the County Building Official determines the sign is similar to a listed, allowed or exempt sign, the regulations pertaining to that sign shall apply.

(Ord. No. 2023-16, § 1(Exh. A), 12-14-2023)

Billboards are signs which are used for outdoor advertising directed at activities, services, and goods available off-premises or as a display for any non-advertising message which is not prohibited by Section 7.05.00 of this Code. Billboards are allowed subject to the following requirements:

(a)

Land Use Restrictions. The Land Use Map designation listed below must be located in areas designated as General Commercial or Industrial on the County's Land Use Map.

(1)

Billboards are only allowed on property classified general commercial and industrial Land Use designation, subject to meeting all the requirements listed below.

(2)

Billboards are allowed in PUD Land Use designation on sites designated for commercial or industrial development and subject to meeting all the requirements listed below.

(b)

Roadway Orientation. Billboards may be erected within six hundred and sixty (660) feet of Federal Roads, State Roads, and county roads designated as collectors in the county's comprehensive plan.

(c)

All billboards and other types of off-site large advertising signs shall comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

(d)

Permits required. An application for a permit to erect a billboard shall meet the requirements of Section 7.02.00 of this Code. When a billboard is proposed for location on a State or Federal highway, both a County permit and a state permit are required. The two (2) permits must be applied for concurrently and the County and FDOT shall coordinate their review processes.

(e)

Design and Construction Standards. The following standards must be met in addition to the requirements of Sections 7.02.00 and 7.03.00 of this Code.

(1)

Signs must be erected on supports that meet applicable building code requirements and such support systems have a galvanized finish or must be painted a dull blue, black, green, brown, or gray.

(2)

No portion of the sign structure shall be visible above the sign face. All visible framing must have a galvanized finish or it must be painted a dull blue, black, green, brown, or gray.

(3)

All faces must be made of metal, wood or plastic or otherwise meet the applicable building code requirements. Any trim on the face must be made of wood or metal that must be painted to blend with the sign face.

(4)

Double stacked billboards are prohibited.

(f)

Maximum number of sign faces. A billboard may have a single face or two (2) faces provided the two (2) faces have advertising surfaces of equal size and shape, excluding embellishments. Billboards with two (2) faces must comply with either of the following:

(1)

Parallel sign faces must be erected on a common support and the back of the faces must be within six (6) feet of each other.

(2)

V-shaped billboards are allowed, provided the internal angle at the apex of the V is not greater than sixty (60) degrees and the billboard facings are not separated by more than three (3) feet at the apex of the V.

(g)

Maximum size of a sign face.

(1)

A sign face shall not exceed four hundred (400) sq. ft. plus no more than an additional ten (10) percent of the sign area for embellishments. "Embellishments" means any letters, figures, characters, or other representations in cutouts, or irregular forms, or similar designs which contain a portion of the advertising message and is attached to or superimposed upon the sign and extends beyond the sign's border.

(2)

No sign face shall have a height greater than thirty (30) feet or a length greater than sixty (60) feet.

(h)

Maximum Height. The maximum height of a billboard shall be fifty (50) feet, measured from the elevation of the crown of the adjacent road to the highest point of the sign.

(i)

Minimum separation between billboards. No billboard shall be located within one thousand five hundred (1,500) feet of another billboard on the same side for Interstate 10, and State Highways 90 (US 10), 273, 277, 77 and 79, and one thousand (1,000) feet separation on all other highways. If the billboard is multi-faced, the minimum separation between billboards shall be measured in each direction which the billboard faces. The distance shall be measured along the center line of the roadway abutting the billboards.

(j)

Minimum setbacks from property lines and structures. The required setback distances shall be measured from the closest edge of the sign to the property line or closest edge of a structure.

(1)

Fifteen (15) feet from the R-O-W line or front property line except near intersections of streets and driveways that are subject to the requirements of Section 7.03.04 of this Code.

(2)

Ten (10) feet from side property lines.

(3)

Ten (10) feet from the rear property line.

(4)

One hundred (100) feet from any property zoned residential.

(5)

One hundred (100) feet from property lines of any public park or reservation; municipal, county, state, or federal building; State or National Forest; cemetery; religious institution; or any public or private school.

(6)

Ten (10) feet from any structure including non-billboard signs.

(7)

Billboards located on Federal-aid primary roads must meet F.S. Ch. 479 setback requirements in addition to those listed above.

(k)

Owner identification. All billboards erected, operated, or maintained within the County shall have displayed upon them the owner's name in such a manner as to provide readable visibility from the abutting road right-of-way during daylight hours.

(Ord. No. 2023-16, § 1(Exh. A), 12-14-2023)

Construction signs are temporary, non-ilium in a ted signs which denote one (1) or more of the following: owner, architect, financial institution, general contractor, subcontractors, or any statement pertaining to a building or project under construction and are located on the construction site.

(a)

Land Use Map Designation. Allowed in any Land Use Map FLUM) Designation.

(b)

Maximum number. One (1) per construction site.

(c)

Permits are not required. Signs must meet the standards provided in Section 7.03.00 of this Code.

(d)

Limited Duration. The sign shall not be erected earlier than sixty (60) days prior to the commencement of construction and must be removed within fifteen (15) days after construction has ceased or a certificate of occupancy has been issued, whichever is earlier.

(e)

Minimum Setbacks.

(1)

Five (5) feet from the front property line except near intersections of streets and driveways which are subject to the requirements of Section 7.03.04 of this Code.

(2)

Ten (10) feet from all other property lines.

(f)

Maximum Height. No sign shall exceed ten (10) feet in height.

(g)

Number and Size of Sign Faces.

(1)

Either one (1) face or two (2) parallel faces on a common support are allowed.

(2)

A sign face in a residential Land Use Map designation district shall not exceed six (6) square feet.

(3)

A sign face in any nonresidential Land Use Map designation district shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet.

(Ord. No. 2023-16, § 1(Exh. A), 12-14-2023)

Non-ilium in a ted signs which provide direction, but do not include, advertisements. These signs are located on the premises of a developed site and typically include directions to phones, restrooms, walkways, and parking lot entrances and exits.

(a)

Land Use Map designation. Allowed in any Land Use Map designation.

(b)

Maximum number. The number of signs shall be limited to the minimum amount necessary to effectively provide the intended direction.

(c)

Permits are not required. Signs must meet the standards provided in Section 8.03.00 of this Code.

(d)

Minimum setbacks.

(1)

Five (5) feet from the front property line except near intersections of streets and driveways which are subject to the requirements of Section 7.03.04 of this Code.

(2)

Ten (10) feet from all other property lines.

(e)

Maximum Height. No sign shall exceed eight (8) feet in height.

(f)

Number and Size of sign faces.

(1)

Either one (1) face or two (2) parallel faces on a common support are allowed.

(2)

Maximum sign area is four (4) square feet.

(Ord. No. 2023-16, § 1(Exh. A), 12-14-2023)

(a)

Land Use Map Designation. Allowed in any Land Use Map designation.

(b)

Number. No more than three (3) flags or insignias of religious, charitable, fraternal, or other organizations, other than flags of existing governmental entities, may be displayed on any one (1) parcel of land. Commercial promotions shall not be permitted.

(c)

Permits not required.

(d)

Flagpoles must be erected and flags must be attached in a manner which does not pose a hazard to people or structures.

(e)

Size. The maximum distance from top to bottom of any flag shall be twenty (20) percent of the total height of the flag pole, or in the absence of a flag pole, twenty (20) percent of the distance from the top of the flag or insignia to the ground.

(Ord. No. 2023-16, § 1(Exh. A), 12-14-2023)

(a)

Each building may have displayed one (1) name plate indicating the name of the occupant, not exceeding three (3) square feet in area, for each occupancy. The nameplate does not require a permit but must be mounted flat against the surface of the building.

(b)

Building Identification Signs. Memorial signs or tablets, historical plaques, names of buildings and dates of erection, when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or other incombustible materials and attached flat against the surface of a building are allowed in any zoning and do not require a permit.

(c)

Address numbers which do not exceed two (2) square feet in area are allowed and do not require a permit.

(Ord. No. 2023-16, § 1(Exh. A), 12-14-2023)

An on-premises building sign is a sign displayed upon or attached to any part of the exterior of a building, including walls, doors, canopy, and roof slopes of forty-five (45) degrees or steeper. These signs identify or advertise any aspect of the business or activity on the premises or provide a non-advertising message not prohibited by Section 7.05.00 of this Code. Building signs include marquees and under canopy signs.

(a)

Land Use Map Designation.

(1)

Allowed in General Commercial, Industrial, and special exceptions subject to meeting the applicable requirements listed below.

(2)

Allowed in Agriculture/Silviculture Land Use Map designation on commercial, industrial, and public facility sites including churches as permitted by Land Use Map designation, or for sale of products, produce or animals normally allowed by the FLUM Designation and subject to meeting the applicable requirements listed below.

(3)

Allowed in PUD Land Use Map designation on sites designated for commercial, public facility, or industrial development and subject to meeting the applicable requirements listed below.

(4)

Allowed in residential Land Use Map designation for public facilities, including churches, and for home occupations. Home occupations are limited to one (1) non-illuminated sign which shall not exceed three (3) square feet in area and must be mounted flat against the wall at a position not more than two (2) feet from the main entrance to the residence.

(b)

Maximum number. There is no specific maximum as signs are limited by total area and individual area.

(c)

Permits required. An application for an on-premises building sign shall meet the requirements of Section 7.02.00 of this Code.

(d)

Design and Construction Standards. The following standards must be met in addition to the requirements of Sections 7.02.00 and 7.03.00 of this Code.

(1)

A sign shall not extend above the top or side edge of the surface to which it is attached, nor disrupt a major architectural feature of the building.

(2)

A sign structure shall not be separated by more than six (6) inches from the surface to which it is attached.

(e)

Maximum number of sign faces. Each sign is limited to one (1) sign face.

(f)

Maximum total area of sign faces and maximum area of a sign face.

(1)

In General Commercial, Industrial, and PUD Land Use Map designations, the total area of all sign faces shall be allocated by occupancy of the site.

a.

Each occupancy shall be allowed a total sign area determined by multiplying one and one-half (1.5) square feet times the number of linear feet of building frontage that occupancy has along the abutting, improved, road right-of-way, not to exceed one hundred twenty-five (125) square feet.

b.

Each site that includes a free-standing canopy is allowed additional sign area which is determined by multiplying one and one-half (1.5) square feet times the number of linear feet of canopy along the abutting, improved, road right-of-way, not to exceed one hundred twenty-five (125) square feet. A freestanding canopy is a permanent structure open on all sides and used for cover for an activity associated with the use of the site (for example, a gas station island canopy) and constructed of some durable material such as metal, glass, or plastic, or non-rigid materials supported by a frame. The additional sign area can be utilized only on the freestanding canopy. In calculating the area of a canopy sign, all areas of the canopy using the corporate colors of the owner or lessee of the property containing the canopy shall be counted towards the maximum area allowed for signage on the canopy.

c.

Places of public entertainment such as theaters, arenas, or meeting halls are allowed an additional sign area for marquees. This area is determined by multiplying three (3) square feet times the number of linear feet of canopy on which the marquee will be placed, not to exceed one hundred twenty-five (125) square feet.

d.

No individual sign face shall exceed one hundred twenty-five (125) square feet in area.

e.

If the building includes an attached canopy, one (1) under-canopy sign not to exceed six (6) square feet in area is allowed per occupancy.

(2)

In Mining, Special Exception, the total sign area allowed is one hundred twenty-five (125) square feet per site. No individual sign face shall exceed thirty-two (32) square feet.

(g)

Maximum Height. The height of a sign shall not exceed the height of the highest structural member of roof at the leading edge of the roof on the building on which it is attached.

(h)

High-rise signs for the I-10 corridor. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, freestanding, on-premises signage may be located within one thousand three hundred twenty (1,320) feet of the nearest right-of-way of Interstate 10. Such high-rise signage shall not exceed one hundred fifty (150) feet in height. Such high-rise signage shall not count against the on-premises sign face area total or against the number of signs otherwise provided in this chapter. The high-rise signage shall not exceed one thousand (1,000) square feet in frontage per face.

(Ord. No. 2023-16, § 1(Exh. A), 12-14-2023)

Aground sign is a sign that is supported by one (1) or more columns, upright poles, or braces extended from the ground or from an object on the ground, or that is erected on the ground, where no part of the sign is attached to any part of a building. These signs identify or advertise any aspect of the business or activity on the premises or provide a non-advertising message not prohibited by Section 7.05.00 of this Code.

(a)

Land Use Map Designation.

(1)

Allowed in General Commercial, Industrial Land Use Designation and Special. Exceptions subject to meeting the applicable requirements listed below.

(2)

Allowed in Agriculture/Silviculture Land Use Designation or for sale of products, produce or animals normally allowed by the FLUM Designation and subject to meeting the applicable requirements listed below.

(3)

Allowed in PUD Land Use Map designation on sites designated for commercial or industrial development and subject to meeting the applicable requirements listed below.

(4)

Allowed in residential area for public facilities designated parcels including churches.

(b)

Maximum number. The greater of the following:

(1)

One (1) per property frontage along a collector or arterial roadway. Corner parcels shall be permitted one (1) ground sign per collector or arterial road frontage of the property, meeting all visibility triangle requirements and a minimum separation of one hundred (100) feet between signs.

(c)

Permits Required. An application for an on-premises ground sign shall meet the requirements of Section 7.02.00 of this Code.

(d)

Design and construction standards. In addition to meeting the standards in Section 7.02.00 and Section 7.03.00 of this Code, any ground sign in excess of thirty-two (32) square feet of sign area or over ten (10) feet off the ground shall meet the wind load requirements of the building code adopted by the county.

(e)

Maximum number of sign faces. Up to two (2) parallel faces on a common support are allowed.

(f)

Maximum size of a sign face. A sign face shall not exceed one-half (0.5) square foot per linear footage of the building(s) within the property along the roadway, not to exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet except in agriculture/silviculture land use Designation where a sign face shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet.

(g)

Maximum Height. No sign shall exceed twenty-five (25) feet in height, except that signs for multiple occupancy sites used to advertise more than one (1) of the occupancies maybe thirty-five (35) feet in height.

(h)

Minimum setbacks from property lines and structures. The required setback distances below shall be measured from the closest edge of the sign to the property line or closest edge of a structure.

(1)

Five (5) feet from the R-O-W boundary line or front property line, whichever is greater; except near intersections of streets and driveways which are subject to the requirements of Section 8.03.04 of this Code.

(2)

Ten (10) feet from side property lines.

(3)

Ten (10) feet from the rear property line.

(4)

Twenty (20) feet from any structure including other signs.

(i)

Street Numbers. At least one (1) sign shall include street address numbers of a size which is visible and legible from the street or road right-of-way.

(Ord. No. 2023-16, § 1(Exh. A), 12-14-2023)

(a)

In General. A political campaign sign is a temporary sign specifically advertising a candidate or stating a position regarding an issue that will appear on any primary, general, or special election ballot in the unincorporated area of the County or the municipalities. A candidate is a person who has qualified for placement on an election ballot in the unincorporated County or the municipalities. Political messages, including campaign messages, on signs authorized or exempt under other provisions of this Code are not restricted by this section.

(b)

Land Use Map Designation and Location. Allowed in any land use map designation, subject to the following:

(1)

Signs shall be placed on private property only with the consent of the property owner.

(2)

Signs shall not be placed on any road right-of-way, utility easement or on any government property.

(3)

Signs are not subject to property line setback requirements, but shall meet the following standards:

a.

Near intersections of streets and driveways the signs must meet the requirements of Subsection 7.03.04 of this Code.

b.

Signs shall not be placed in areas where they will interfere with safe sight distances for pedestrian, cyclists, or motor vehicular traffic.

(c)

Number. No limit.

(d)

[Exceptions.] Permits are not required for these temporary signs unless there is an electrical connection to them. Signs must be constructed, erected, and maintained in a manner that does not pose a hazard to people or structures. If illuminated, the sign must meet the illumination standards in Section 7.03.00 of this Code. Political messages, including campaign messages, on signs authorized under other provisions of this Code are subject to permitting requirements.

(e)

Limited Duration.

(1)

Signs may be erected up to sixty (60) days before the first primary election if the candidate or issue is qualified for the election ballot pursuant to State Law.

(2)

The winners of the primary election are allowed to have their signs remain or erect new signs in the period between the first primary election and general election. The general election candidates may erect signs during this period.

(3)

All signs shall be removed within two (2) weeks of a candidate's or issue's withdrawal, loss, or victory in an election.

(f)

Number and Size of Sign Faces.

(1)

One (1) face or two (2) parallel faces on a common support are allowed.

(2)

A sign face in a residential Land Use Map designation district shall not exceed six (6) square feet.

(3)

A sign face in any non-residential Land Use Map designation district shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet.

(g)

Height.

(1)

Signs in a residential Land Use Map designation district shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height.

(2)

Signs in any non-residential Land Use Map designation district shall not exceed ten (10) feet in height.

(h)

Removal of campaign signs in violation of County regulations.

(1)

Removal of signs in violation of County regulations shall be the responsibility of the candidate.

(2)

Signs in violation of County regulations may be removed by the County or municipalities under the following conditions:

a.

The County/municipality shall notify the candidate and direct the sign to be removed; and

b.

If the sign is not removed within forty-eight (48) hours of notification, County Code Enforcement Officer/authorized municipal official is authorized to remove a sign.

(Ord. No. 2023-16, § 1(Exh. A), 12-14-2023)

(a)

In General. In addition to any other allowed signs, a sign is allowed which does not include any advertising or other message, but which identifies any of the following land uses or similar uses: Apartment complexes, farms, group living facilities, hospitals, hunting clubs, industrial parks, mobile home parks, neighborhoods, nursing homes, office complexes, ranches, shopping centers, and subdivisions.

(b)

Land Use Map Designation. Allowed in any Land Use Map designation which allows the land uses listed in subsection (a) above, or any similar use.

(c)

Maximum Number and General Location of Signs. A maximum of two (2) signs are allowed to be located near any of the project entrances which provide access to the use from a Federal, State, or County Road.

(d)

Permits Required. An application for a project identification sign shall meet the requirements of Section 7.02.00, but in all cases a plan for the sign must be approved by the County Building Official. When reviewing an application or permit for the placement of such signs, the County Building Official shall consider the location of public utilities, sidewalks and future street widening.

(e)

Design and Construction Standards. Tire signs may be ground signs, building signs, or may be incorporated into a wall, fence, or other structure, but otherwise must meet the requirements of Sections 7.02.00 and 7.03.00 of this Code.

(f)

Maximum Size and Number of Sign Faces.

(1)

The size of an individual sign face shall not exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet.

(2)

One (1) face or two (2) parallel faces are allowed on a common support.

(g)

Minimum Setbacks.

(1)

Five (5) feet from the front property line except near intersections of streets and driveways which are subject to the requirements of Subsection 7.03.04 of this Code.

(2)

Ten (10) feet from all other property lines.

(3)

Ten (10) feet from any structure including other signs.

(h)

Maximum Height.

(1)

Signs in a residential Land Use Map designation district shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height.

(2)

Signs in any nonresidential Land Use Map designation district shall not exceed ten (10) feet in height, except for shopping center identification signs which are subject to the height restrictions for on-premises ground signs.

(Ord. No. 2023-16, § 1(Exh. A), 12-14-2023)

Public Information signs provide messages that are necessary for the protection of the public health, safety, and welfare, or are of general interest to the community. The following signs are allowed as public information signs:

(a)

Governmental signs for control of traffic including street signs, and for any other regulatory purposes including signs warning of danger or hazard.

(1)

Land Use Map designation. Allowed in any Land Use Map designation.

(2)

Permits are not required. Any type of sign is allowed and may be illuminated or animated, as needed.

(3)

Height of sign and size of sign face. Sized as necessary to meet the intended purpose.

(4)

Location and Number. May be erected on public or private property, with permission from the owner required for signs on private property. Public property includes public right-of-way. Setbacks do not apply. No limit on the number.

(b)

Notice bulletin boards. Outdoor bulletin boards not over thirty-two (32) square feet may be located on the premises without a permit.

(c)

Legal notices and Official instruments. These are signs and notices posted or erected by public Officials carrying out County, State or Federal law. No permits are required, and the type, location, size, and number are as specified in the applicable laws.

(d)

Public Directional Signs. Public directional signs provide directions to governmental agencies, schools, churches, community centers, hospitals, and other charitable or philanthropic, not-for-profit organizations.

(1)

Land Use Map designation. Allowed in any Land Use Map designation.

(2)

Permits are not required.

(3)

Height. Maximum height is eight (8) feet.

(4)

Size of sign face. Sign face shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet.

(5)

Location. Located off-site and may be erected on public or private property with permission from the owner (or agency having jurisdiction for road right-of-way). Public property includes public right-of-way.

(6)

Number. The maximum number for any use is six (6), with no more than one (1) at any location.

(e)

Railroad Crossing Signs. Signs that warn of a railroad crossing may be located in any zoning district on public or private property with permission from the owner. Public property includes public right-of-way. No permits are required and any number of signs of any size that is needed to sufficiently warn of the crossing may be allowed.

(f)

Time-Temperature-Date Signs. These are signs that provide time, temperature, date, weather, or similar information.

(1)

Land Use Map designation. Allowed in General Commercial, Industrial, and PUD Land Use designations.

(2)

Number and Type of Sign. A single time-temperature-date sign for any one (1) parcel is allowed as a ground or building sign and is not subject to the general prohibition on changing signs, but must otherwise comply with Sections 7.02.00 and 7.03.00 of this Code. These signs may only display numerical information in an easily comprehensible way and shall be properly maintained. They shall not exceed a sign face area of thirty-six (36) square feet, and if part of the area is used for advertising the sign will be counted towards the allowable sign area for the site.

(3)

Permits Required. Meet the requirements of Section 7.02.00 of this Code.

(g)

Utility Signs. Unless otherwise regulated by the state or federal governments, public utility signs that identify the location of underground utility lines and facilities, high voltage lines and facilities, and other utility facilities and appurtenances are allowed as follows:

(1)

Land Use Map designation. Allowed in any Land Use Map designation.

(2)

Permits are not required.

(3)

Height. Maximum height is six (6) feet.

(4)

Size of sign face. Sign face shall not exceed three (3) square feet.

(5)

Location. Maybe erected on public or private property with permission from the owner. Public property includes public right-of-way.

(h)

Warning signs to indicate the dangers of trespassing, swimming, animals, or similar hazards, or to warn against dumping on property are allowed subject to the following:

(1)

Land Use Map (FLUM) designation. Allowed in any Land Use Map designation.

(2)

Permits are not required.

(3)

Height. Maximum height is six (6) feet.

(4)

Size of sign face. Sign face shall not exceed three (3) square feet.

(5)

Location. Signs must be placed on the property to which the warning applies, and the signs may be mounted on posts or fences. Signs must be separated by a minimum of one hundred (100) feet.

(Ord. No. 2023-16, § 1(Exh. A), 12-14-2023)

Real estate signs are temporary, non-illuminated signs specifically indicating that an owner, either personally or through an agent, is actively attempting to sell, rent or lease real property. Real estate advertising on signs authorized under other provisions of this Code is not restricted by this section.

(a)

Land Use Map designation. Allowed in all Land Use Map designations.

(b)

Number. One (1) sign is allowed on-premises for each road frontage, water frontage, or golf course frontage of the property that is for sale, rent or lease. Open house signs may also be located off-premises on private property with the owner's permission during the period of the open house.

(c)

[Exceptions.] Permits are not required for these temporary signs, but the signs are subject to the standards provided in Section 7.03.00 of this Code. Real estate advertising on signs authorized under other provisions of this Code are subject to permitting requirements.

(d)

Limited Duration. Signs are allowed when the property is being actively marketed for sale, rent or lease, and must be removed within seven (7) days after the sale, rental or lease has been accomplished.

(1)

Open House signs shall be removed at the end of the day for which the open house is scheduled. For multi-day open houses (such as weekend) long, the signs may stay in place until the end of the last day of the series of open houses.

(e)

[Setback requirements.] Signs are not subject to property line setback requirements, but shall meet the following standards:

(1)

Near intersections of streets and driveways the signs must meet the requirements of Subsection 7.03.04 of this Code.

(2)

Signs shall not be placed in areas where they will interfere with safe sight distances for pedestrians, cyclists, or motor vehicular traffic.

(f)

Number and Size of Sign Faces.

(1)

One (1) face or two (2) parallel faces on a common support are allowed.

(2)

A sign face in a residential Land Use Map designation shall not exceed eight (8) square feet.

(3)

A sign face in any nonresidential Land Use Map designation shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet.

(g)

Height.

(1)

Signs in a residential Land Use Map designation shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height.

(2)

Signs in any nonresidential Land Use Map designation shall not exceed ten (10) feet in height.

(Ord. No. 2023-16, § 1(Exh. A), 12-14-2023)

Special event signs are temporary, non-illuminated announcement or advertising signs which do not require separate permits from the County, and which must comply with the restrictions provided below. While not requiring a separate permit, a Master Sign Plan shall be submitted with the Temporary Use Permit, depicting the location of signs, drawings of the signs showing design compliance, and letters showing authorization from property owners allowing placement of temporary event signs.

(a)

[Allowed.] The following special event signs are allowed:

(1)

Grand Opening. One (1) on-premises sign is allowed to indicate the grand opening of a business or other activity. Such message maybe displayed for a period not exceeding thirty (30) days within the first ninety (90) days of the business opening or the activity beginning.

(2)

New business or business location. One (1) on-premises sign is allowed to indicate the existence of a new business, or a business in a new location, if such business has no permanent signs. Such message may be displayed for a period of not more than thirty (30) days or until installation of permanent signs, whichever occurs first.

(3)

Signs to announce or advertise temporary uses such as fairs, community festivals, carnivals, circuses, revivals, sporting events, or any public, charitable, educational, or religious event or function. Signs may be erected thirty (30) days prior to the special event and shall be removed within five (5) days after the special event. Signs are allowed in any zoning district and are subject to the following:

a.

One (1) sign is allowed on the premises where the temporary use is located except that the Board of County Commissioners may allow more signs by resolution or in a manner specifically described in the context of a temporary use permit.

b.

Off-premises signs are allowed at a rate of one (1) per parcel with the property owner's permission and restricted in size as follows:

1.

Thirty-two (32) square feet per sign face in non-residential Land Use Map designation.

2.

Six (6) square per sign face in residential Land Use Map designation.

(b)

Land Use Map designation. Allowed in any Land Use Map designation for the uses specified in subsection (a) above.

(c)

Construction Standards. Temporary special event signs maybe constructed to the standards specified in Section 7.03.00 of this Code, or, except for garage or yard sale signs, may be any of the following:

(1)

Banners or pennants. Must be maintained in a state of good repair. Banners that are frayed, torn, or otherwise in a state of disrepair must be removed.

(2)

Temporary balloon signs.

a.

Temporary balloon signs shall not be greater than ninety-six (96) cubic feet in volume.

b.

The temporary balloon sign shall be properly anchored to the ground and cannot be higher than thirty-five (35) feet in the air.

c.

The temporary balloon sign shall be secured in such a manner so as not to become unattached or become a safety hazard and shall be a minimum of twenty (20) feet from any roadway.

(3)

lags other than those allowed by Subsection 7.04.05 of this Code.

(d)

Size of Sign Face. A sign face shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area except for the following:

(1)

Exceptions may be granted by the Board of County Commissioners for larger special event banners for the temporary uses described in Subsection (a)(3) above, in the context of a temporary use permit, when the banner is to be erected over right-of-way (R-O-W) subject to approval by the owner or the agency having jurisdiction over the R-O-W.

(2)

Signs for temporary uses shall be limited to the size specified in subsection (a)(3).

(e)

Setbacks. Special event signs must be set back five (5) feet from any property line, unless a greater distance is required due visibility triangle requirements. Exceptions may be granted by the Board of County Commissioners for the special event signs described in Subsection (a)(3) to allow banners over right-of-way subject to approval by the owner of the R-O-W.

(f)

Height. Unless specified otherwise in this section the following height standards apply:

(1)

Signs in any residential Land Use Map designation shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height.

(2)

Signs in any nonresidential Land Use Map designation shall not exceed ten (10) feet in height.

(Ord. No. 2023-16, § 1(Exh. A), 12-14-2023)

(a)

Generally.

(1)

The purpose of this section is to allow Commercial and Industrial uses in isolated locations and the opportunity to have signs directed at the traveling public. The County Commission finds that there is an important public benefit in promoting the success of all commercial and industrial uses, including those in isolated locations, and that allowing such isolated uses a limited number of off-site signs will help promote such success.

(2)

Commercial and Industrial uses within unincorporated Washington County or its municipalities may apply for up to three (3) off-site business signs if the Institutional or Commercial Use is located on private property adjacent a County or municipality- maintained road right-of-way. The applicant for such a sign shall provide a letter from the property owner authorizing use of the property for the off-site business sign.

(b)

Standards. Off-site business signs shall meet the following standards:

(1)

One (1) sign with a sign face area not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet. If the sign is located perpendicular to the adjacent road, each side may be a sign face not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet. For the purposes of this Article signs shall be considered perpendicular if they are generally ninety (90) degrees to the roadway and their two (2) faces are attached at one (1) end and less than thirty (30) degrees apart at the second end.

(2)

The height of the sign shall not exceed eight (8) feet.

(3)

The sign shall be no closer than one thousand (1,000) feet in any direction from a billboard or other isolated business sign permitted under these sign regulations.

(4)

The sign shall be located on private property in an Agriculture/Silviculture Land Use designation where the residential density allowed is no more than one (1) unit per ten (10) acres.

(5)

The sign shall not be located adjacent to a state or federal highway.

(6)

Minimum standards for signs:

a.

If the sign is put on material that is subject to deterioration from the weather, said material shall be properly weather protected.

b.

Lettering on the sign shall be placed on by stenciling or other similar method. The Building Official may accept alternative methods if the overall quality of the sign is maintained.

c.

Procedures.

1.

An application for an off-site business sign shall be made to the Building Official on a form to be provided by the Building Department.

2.

The application shall be accompanied by a site plan and sufficient information showing compliance with the above standards, including the location of the sign, distances from property lines, and the locations of any points of egress and ingress within one hundred (100) feet of the sign.

3.

If the proposed location of the sign is owned by an entity other than the applicant, a letter giving written approval to the applicant from the owner of the parcel shall be provided.

4.

If approved by the Building Official, a building permit shall then be required for the sign.

(7)

Window Signs. Window signs refers to signage, both electric and non-electric, affixed to the windows or glass doors of a business.

a.

To enhance visibility by law enforcement from roadways and parking lots, and reduce crimes against business owners and residents, window signs shall be limited to covering no more than fifty (50) percent of the square footage of the windowpane or glass door on which is affixed.

(Ord. No. 2023-16, § 1(Exh. A), 12-14-2023)

It shall be unlawful to erect, cause to be erected, maintain, or cause to be maintained any sign that is not expressly authorized or exempted by this Article as determined by the County Building Official according to Subsection 7.04.01 of this Code.

(Ord. No. 2023-16, § 1(Exh. A), 12-14-2023)

The following signs are expressly prohibited:

(a)

Signs that involve the use of live animals.

(b)

Signs that contain any lighting or control mechanism that causes unreasonable interference with radio, television, airline traffic or other communication signals.

(c)

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

(d)

Vehicle signs with a total sign area on any vehicle in excess of ten (10) square feet, when the vehicle:

(1)

Is not regularly used in the conduct of the business advertised on the vehicle. A vehicle used primarily for advertising a business or activity near where the vehicle is parked, shall not be considered a vehicle used in the conduct of the business;

(2)

Is parked for more than sixty (60) consecutive minutes within one hundred (100) feet of any street right-of-way;

(3)

Is visible from the street right-of-way.

(e)

Signs displaying copy that is harmful to minors. "Harmful to minors" as used in this Article means, with regard to sign content, any description or representation, in whatever form, of nudity, sexual conduct, or sexual excitement, when it:

(1)

Predominately appeals to the prurient, shameful, or morbid interest of minors;

(2)

Is patently offensive to contemporary standards in the adult community as a whole with respect to what is suitable material for minors; and

(3)

Taken as a whole is without serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value for minors.

(f)

Signs that advertise nude or semi-nude activities prohibited by Washington County Ordinance 95-6 and any subsequent amendments thereto.

(g)

Abandoned signs that no longer correctly direct or exhort any person, advertise a bona fide business, lessor, owner, product, or activity conducted or product available on the premises where such a sign is displayed.

[(h)

Reserved.]

(i)

Portable or mobile signs. This type of sign was allowed as a temporary sign under the previous sign regulations and required a permit to be allowed for ninety (90) days. Any of these signs now located in the County are illegal and must be removed or meet current standards within ninety (90) days of the effective date of this Code. This includes electric and non-electric advertising on vehicles driven for predominately advertising purposes.

(j)

Balloon signs, excluding temporary balloon signs, that are more than twenty-four (24) square feet or more than ten (10) feet in height are prohibited.

(k)

Signs that flash, move, scintillate, blink, flicker, or vary in intensity except as otherwise permitted in this Article.

(l)

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

(1)

Signs which are attached to a tree.

(Ord. No. 2023-16, § 1(Exh. A), 12-14-2023)

Unless otherwise indicated below the following signs are exempt from the operation of these sign regulations, including the requirement that a permit be obtained, provided they are not placed or constructed so as to create a hazard of any kind and are not prohibited by Section 7.05.00 of this Code:

(a)

Signs that are not designed or located so as to be visible from any street or adjoining property, provided that such signs comply with the structural, electrical, and material specifications as set forth in this Article. Electrical permits may be required as determined by the building Official.

(b)

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

(c)

Holiday lights, decorations, and signs, provided the signs are of a decorative nature, clearly incidental, and customarily associated with any national or state holiday.

(d)

Merchandise displays behind storefront windows so long as no part of the sign or display moves or contains flashing lights which present a hazard to pedestrians, cyclists, or motorists.

(e)

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 racks, telephone booths, and gasoline pumps.

(f)

Signs on vehicles. Signs which identify a business, person, or product, and is not used in a manner prohibited by Section 7.05.00 of this Code. Advertising and identifying signs located on taxicabs, buses, trailers, trucks, vehicle manufacturing and dealer identification signs, or vehicle bumpers are exempt.

(g)

Works of art that do not constitute advertising.

(h)

Signs carried by a person.

(i)

Religious symbols or displays.

(j)

One (1) sign per parcel providing political or ideological statements other than the political signs regulated under Section 7.04.00 of this Code is allowed as a temporary sign provided it does not include an advertising message and is not prohibited by Section 7.05.00 of this Code.

(1)

A sign in residential Land Use Map designations shall not exceed an area of six (6) square feet, or a height of eight (8) feet.

(2)

A sign in non-residential Land Use Map designation shall not exceed an area of thirty-two (32) square feet or a height of ten (10) feet.

(k)

Signs placed upon benches, bus shelters or waste receptacles, as authorized in writing pursuant to Sections 337.407 and 337.408, Florida Statutes.

(l)

Signs not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet in area and bearing only property numbers, mailbox numbers, names of occupants of premises, or other identification of premises not having commercial connotations. Signage exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet shall conform to Subsection 7.04.08, On-Premises Ground Signs.

(Ord. No. 2023-16, § 1(Exh. A), 12-14-2023)

Unless otherwise stated for a particular type of sign, setbacks will be measured as follows:

(a)

The minimum setback between a sign and a structure, or a sign and another sign shall be measured from the closest edge of the sign to the closest edge of the structure or other sign.

(b)

The minimum setback between a sign and a property line shall be measured from the closest edge of the sign to the closest edge of the property line.

(Ord. No. 2023-16, § 1(Exh. A), 12-14-2023)

Unless otherwise stated for a particular type of sign, sign or sign face area will be measured as follows:

(a)

Generally. Any reference to sign area or sign face area means the part of the sign, including frame, trim and background (including colored), which contains the message or informative contents, but excludes the necessary supports or uprights on which the sign may be placed.

(b)

Special Situations.

(1)

Where a sign is composed of letters or pictures attached directly to a wall, facade, window, door, or canopy, and the letters or pictures are not enclosed by a border or trimming, the sign area shall be the area within the smallest rectangle, parallelogram, triangle, circle or semicircle, the sides of which touch the extreme points of the letters or pictures.

(2)

If the sign consists of more than one (1) section or module, all areas will be totaled, including the area between the section or module not containing letters or images.

(3)

Any irregularly shaped sign's area shall be computed using the actual sign face surface except where a sign is in the form of a three-dimensional object (i.e., an advertising balloon), the area shall be determined by drawing a square, rectangle, parallelogram, triangle, circle or semicircle, the sides of which touch the extreme points or edges of the projected image of the sign and multiplying that area by two (2). The "projected image" is that image created by tracing the largest possible two-dimensional outline of the sign.

(Ord. No. 2023-16, § 1(Exh. A), 12-14-2023)

Unless otherwise stated for a particular type of sign, the height of the sign shall be measured as the vertical distance from the finished grade of the closest non-elevated street to the highest point of the sign.

(Ord. No. 2023-16, § 1(Exh. A), 12-14-2023)

A nonconforming sign is any sign which was lawfully erected and maintained within Washington County prior to the effective date of this Code and any amendments thereto, but which is now prohibited by or does not conform to the requirements of this Article.

(Ord. No. 2023-16, § 1(Exh. A), 12-14-2023)

A nonconforming sign may be continued and shall be maintained in good condition as required by this Article, but it shall not be:

(a)

Structurally changed to another nonconforming sign, but its pictorial content maybe changed.

(b)

Structurally altered to prolong the life of the sign. If a sign becomes a safety hazard, it shall be removed or upgraded to meet the requirements of this Article within thirty (30) days or less from the date the owner of the sign becomes aware of this hazardous condition. "Owner", as used in this paragraph, includes the person or entity responsible for operating, maintaining, or otherwise making use of the sign.

(c)

Altered in any manner that increases the degree of nonconformity.

(d)

Expanded.

(e)

Re-established after damage or destruction if the estimated cost of repair or reconstruction exceeds fifty (50) percent of the appraised value of the sign before damage or destruction as determined by the County Building Official after review of cost information provided by contractors authorized under this Article to permit and erect signs.

(f)

Continued in use when a conforming sign or sign structure is erected on the same parcel or unit. See also Subsection 7.01.00 of this Code regarding new and replacement signs on a parcel with a nonconforming use.

(g)

Continued in use when the building occupied by the advertised business is demolished or requires renovations the cost of which exceeds fifty (50) percent of the assessed value of the structure.

(h)

Continued in use after the building occupied by the advertised business has been vacant for ninety (90) days or longer, except that permanent signs applicable to a business temporarily suspended because of a change of ownership or management of the business need not be removed unless the property remains vacant for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days or more.

(Ord. No. 2023-16, § 1(Exh. A), 12-14-2023)

A permit from the state or federal government for signs that are non-conforming to County standards, which are located along a state highway or a federal interstate or primary aid highway, does not, by itself, relieve the property owner from the provisions of this Article that require removal of such a nonconforming sign.

(Ord. No. 2023-16, § 1(Exh. A), 12-14-2023)