Eldridge City Zoning Code

§ 37.05

PERMITTED SIGN WITHIN ZONING DISTRICTS.

(A) This section sets forth which types of signs are permitted in the various zoning districts of the city. It is divided into four categories for ease of locating the zoning district involved. To the right of each type of sign is set forth the zoning districts in which it is permitted, listed by abbreviations. The notation “NP” indicates that “no permit” is required for that sign. The notation “P” indicates that a permit is required for that sign.

(B) (1) The following signs are permitted in the agricultural districts as indicated below. Detailed regulations for each number are listed in § 37.06 of this chapter.

Agricultural
02	Nonprofit signs - SA, NP
06	Church bulletins - SA, P
08	For sale or for lease - SA, NP
09	Flags - SA, NP
11	House number - SA, NP
13	Church directional signs - SA, NP
14	Nameplates - SA, NP
19	Parking lot instructional - SA, NP
20	Parking entrance/exit - SA, NP
21	Political signs - SA, NP
23	Temporary banner - SA, NP
24	Temporary mobile - SA, P
25	Tee marker with off-premises advertising - SA, P
27	Subdivision temporary - SA, P

(2) The following signs are permitted in the residential districts as indicated below. In any Planned Overlay Residential District, the regulations of the residential zone being overlaid shall apply unless more restrictive agreements pertain. Detailed regulations for each number are listed in § 37.06 of this chapter.

Residential
02	Nonprofit signs - R-1, R-2, R-3, NP
06	Church bulletins - R-l, R-2, R-3, P
07	Entryway - R-1, R-2, R-3, P
08	For sale, for lease or open house - R-l, R-2, R-3, NP
09	Flags - R-l, R-2, R-3, NP
10	Garage sale - R-1, R-2, R-3, NP
11	House number- R-l, R-2, R-3, NP
13	Church directional signs - R-1, R-2, R-3, NP
14	Nameplates - R-l, R-2, R-3, NP
19	Parking lot instructional - R-3, NP
20	Parking entrance/exit - R-3, NP
21	Political signs - R-1, R-2, R-3, NP
27	Subdivision temporary - R-1, R-2, R-3, P

(3) The following signs are permitted in the commercial districts as indicated below. Detailed regulations for each number are listed in § 37.06 of this chapter.

Commercial
01	Awning sign - O-T, C-l, C-2, C-3, C-4, C/I, NP
02	Nonprofit signs - O-T, C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, C/I, NP
03	Automobile gas station sign tire rack - C-2, C-3, C-4, NP
04	Automobile gas station sign door - C-2, C3, C-4, NP
07	Entryway - O-T, C-1, C-2, C-3, P
08	For sale, for lease or open house - O-T, C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, C/I, NP
09	Flags - O-T, C-l, C-2, C-3, C-4, C/I, NP
11	House number - O-T, C-l, C-2, C-3, C-4, C/I, NP
13	Church directional signs - O-T, C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, C/I, NP
14	Nameplate - C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, C/I, NP
15	Off-premises advertising - use on review - C-3, C-4 and C/I, P
18	On-premises identification - O-T, C-l, C-2, C-3, C-4, C/I, P
19	Parking lot instructional - O-T, C-l, C-2, C-3, C-4, C/I, NP
20	Parking lot entrance/exit – O-T, C-l, C-2, C-3, C-4, C/I, NP
21	Political signs - O-T, C-l, C-2, C-3, C-4, C/I, NP
23	Temporary banner - C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, C/I, NP
24	Temporary mobile - O-T, C-l, C-2, C-3, C-4, C/I, NP
27	Subdivision temporary - C-1, C-2, C-3, P

(4) The following signs are permitted in the industrial districts as indicated below. Detailed regulations for each number are listed in § 37.06 of this chapter.

Industrial
02	Nonprofit signs - I-1, I-2, P/M, NP
07	Entryway - I-1, I-2, PM, P
08	For sale, for lease or open house - I-1, I-2, P/M, NP
09	Flags - I-1, I-2, P/M, NP
11	House number - I-1, I-2, P/M, NP
13	Church directional signs - I-1, I-2, P/M, NP
14	Nameplate - I-1, I-2, NP
15	Off-premises advertising - I-1, I-2, P
18	On-premises identification - I-1, I-2, P/M, P
19	Parking lot instructional - I-1, I-2, P/M, NP
21	Political signs - I-1, I-2, P/M, NP
23	Temporary banner - I-1, I-2, P/M, NP
24	Temporary mobile - I-1, I-2, P/M, P

(5) Electronic sign regulations.

(a) Signs within 660 feet of Highway 61. All electronic signs located within 660 feet of Highway 61 shall conform to IDOT standards.

(b) Time duration. Any image or message or portion thereof displayed on a sign shall have a minimum display time duration of eight seconds and shall be static display. Transition time shall be no longer than two seconds and black space is not permitted between message changes. Gas price signs, time and temperature signs and similar electronic signs are exempt these regulations.

(c) Brightness. The maximum brightness of electronic signs shall not exceed 5,000 nits (candelas per square meter) during daylight hours and shall not exceed 500 nits (candelas per square meter) between dusk and dawn. All electronic signs shall be equipped with an automatic dimmer control which produces a distinct illumination change from the higher allowed illumination level during daytime hours to the lower allowed level for the time period between one-half hour before sunset and one-half hour after sunrise.

(d) Public decency. All graphics and lettering displayed on electronic signs shall meet public decency standards.

(e) Railroad crossings. No electronic sign shall be permitted within 200 feet of any railroad crossing.

(f) Government signs. The provisions of this section do not apply to government signs.

(g) Portable signs. Portable electronic signs are prohibited.

(h) Projection and location. Electronic signs shall conform to the regulations of § 37.00 of this chapter.

(i) Malfunction. Electronic signs shall contain a default design that will freeze the display or design in one position in the event of a malfunction.

(j) Audio and pyrotechnics. Electronic signs shall not contain or utilize audio speakers or any form of pyrotechnics.

(Ord. 2025-10, passed 5-19-2025)