Geneva City Zoning Code

152 Signs

Section 152.136

152.136 Signs

General requirements.
1. It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, move, alter, change, repair, place, suspend or cause or permit to be erected, moved, altered, changed, repaired, placed, suspended or attached any sign in violation of this zoning ordinance and this section.
2. It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to fasten, paste, place, post, paint or attach in any way any sign, handbill, poster, advertisement or notice of any kind or sort, whether political or otherwise, or to cause the same to be done, in or upon any curbstone, lamp post, telephone, telegraph or electric light pole, tree or bridge. It shall be unlawful to paste, place, paint or attach any sign on any building, street, or property of the city, except as provided in section 152.136(B); provided, however, that any property owner or the occupant of any property abutting on any public street in the city or the planning area may paint or stamp the address of such property upon the curbing directly in front of the building or to have the same painted thereon.
District regulations. Signs shall be permitted in the various districts as follows:
1. Sign regulations for "AG", “A-1”, “LLR”, “R-1”, “R-2” districts. No signs shall be allowed except those in conformance with the following:
  1. Unilluminated nameplates subject to the following restrictions:
    1. The nameplate shall not exceed two (2) square feet in area.
    2. The nameplate shall show only the name and/or address of the occupant.
    3. There shall be no more than one (1) nameplate for each dwelling unit.
    4. The nameplate shall be affixed to the principal building, flat against the wall.
  2. In the “AG” district, no signs designed to be read off premises shall be allowed, except one non-flashing, illuminated or unilluminated, sign identifying the use of the building, structure, or premise, not exceeding forty (40) square feet, provided such sign is structurally safe and in good repair.
  3. In the “LLR” district, no signs designed to be read off premises shall be allowed, except one non-flashing, illuminated or unilluminated, sign identifying the use of the building, structure, or premise, not exceeding twelve (12) square feet, provided such sign is structurally safe and in good repair.
  4. In the "R-2" district, multiple-family dwellings shall be allowed:
    1. One (1) on-premise wall sign or ground sign, not to exceed six (6) square feet of sign area, unilluminated and nonreflecting, identifying the name and use of the building.
    2. One (1) on-premise wall sign or ground sign, not to exceed one (1) square foot in sign area, unilluminated and nonreflecting, identifying the quarters of an on-premise building manager or custodian.
  5. Bulletin boards and signs for churches, public institutions, and not-for-profit educational facilities, subject to the following regulations:
    1. One (1) sign or bulletin board shall be permitted on each street side if located on the same site as the principal building.
    2. If sign or bulletin board is illuminated, the lights shall be directed away from adjoining residential uses.
    3. No sign or bulletin board shall exceed forty-eight (48) square feet in area.
    4. No sign shall be located closer than eight (8) feet from any side or rear property line.
    5. A sign or bulletin board located in the front yard shall be no closer to the street line than one-half the required front yard.
    6. A sign or bulletin board affixed to a building shall not project higher than ten (10) feet above the ground level.
    7. Ground signs shall be permanently anchored to the ground and shall not exceed a height of twelve (12) feet above normal grade.
    8. On corner lots, no sign shall be constructed or located that will obstruct the view of traffic approaching the street intersection.
2. Sign regulations for the "NRC" district. Business signs and advertising signs shall be allowed in the “NRC” district provided they are structurally safe and in good repair and meet all the following requirements:
  1. The maximum number of signs designed to be read off premises for a business or profession conducted on the premises shall be: one (1) sign, affixed to the building, per street frontage, plus one additional pole or ground sign. Such signs may be illuminated or unilluminated but shall not flash. The Planning Commission may impose additional requirements on illuminated signs.
  2. Lights on all signs within fifty (50) feet of a residential district shall be so arranged that they will not reflect or shine into the residential area.
  3. No sign shall exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet in area. The total area of all signs combined shall not exceed four hundred (400) square feet. No sign shall exceed fifteen (15) feet in height.
  4. Where a sign is illuminated by light directed upon it, the direct rays of light shall not beam upon any part of any existing residential district.
  5. Lighted signs in direct vision of traffic shall not be in red, green, or amber illumination.
  6. Any sign located within three (3) feet of a driveway or parking area or within fifty (50) feet of the intersection of two (2) or more streets shall have the lowest elevations at least ten (10) feet above the curb level.
3. Sign regulations for "C-1" district. Business signs and advertising signs shall be allowed in the “C-1” district provided they are structurally safe and in good repair and meet all the following requirements:
  1. The maximum number of signs designed to be read off premises for a business or profession conducted on the premises shall be: one (1) sign, affixed to the building, per street frontage, plus one additional pole or ground sign. Such signs may be illuminated or unilluminated. The Planning Commission may impose additional requirements on illuminated signs.
  2. Where a sign is illuminated by light directed upon it, the direct rays of light shall not beam upon any part of any existing residential district.
  3. Lighted signs in direct vision of traffic shall not be in red, green, or amber illumination.
  4. Flashing signs shall be allowed only upon approval of the Planning Commission, provided it is first determined that the sign will in no way create a traffic hazard or confusion with traffic lights or with lights on emergency vehicles.
  5. No sign shall exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet in area. The total area of all signs combined shall not exceed four hundred (400) square feet. No sign shall exceed fifteen (15) feet in height.
  6. Any sign located within three (3) feet of a driveway or parking area or within fifty (50) feet of the intersection of two (2) or more streets shall have the lowest elevations at least ten (10) feet above the curb level.
4. Sign regulations for "C-2" and "C-3" districts. Business signs and advertising signs (single- or double-faced) shall be allowed in "C-2" and "C-3" districts provided they are structurally safe and in good repair and meet all the following requirements:
  1. The maximum number of signs designed to be read off premises for a business or profession conducted on the premises shall be: one (1) sign, affixed to the building, per street frontage, plus one additional pole or ground sign. Such signs may be illuminated or unilluminated. The Planning Commission may impose additional requirements on illuminated signs.
  2. Where a sign is illuminated by light directed upon it, the direct rays of light shall not beam upon any part of any existing residential district.
  3. Lighted signs in direct vision of a traffic signal shall not be in red, green, or amber illumination.
  4. Flashing signs shall be permitted only upon approval of the Planning Commission; provided it is first determined that the location and colors will in no way create a traffic hazard or confusion with traffic lights and with lights on emergency vehicles and that the direct rays of the sign will not be directed into any residential district. In no event shall flashing signs be permitted in "C-2" and "C-3" districts within three hundred (300) feet of a residential district.
  5. No sign shall exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet in area. The total area of all signs combined shall not exceed four hundred (400) square feet. No sign shall exceed thirty-five (35) feet in height.
  6. Any sign located within five (5) feet of a driveway or parking area or within fifty (50) feet of the intersection of two (2) or more streets shall have its lowest elevation at least ten (10) feet above curb level.
  7. Signs within fifty (50) feet of a residential district shall be affixed to or be a part of the building.
  8. No sign shall be permitted in or overhanging the road, street, or alley right-of-way, and no sign shall be located in a manner to constitute a traffic hazard.
  9. Sandwich board signs may be allowed; provided said sign is permanently affixed to the surface on which it rests.
  10. Advertising signs and billboards shall conform to the provisions specified in section 152.136(B)(6).
  11. Business located within five hundred (500) feet of a designated U.S. highway may have one additional on-premises pole or ground sign. The pole sign may be eighty (80) feet in height and four hundred (400) square feet in area, or the ground sign may be three hundred (300) square feet in area.
5. Sign regulations for "I-1" and “I-2” districts. Business signs and advertising signs (single- or double-faced) shall be allowed in "I-1" and “I-2" districts provided they are structurally safe and in good repair and meet all the following requirements:
  1. The maximum number of signs designed to be read off premises for a business or profession conducted on the premises shall be: one (1) sign, affixed to the building, per street frontage, plus one additional pole or ground sign. Such signs may be illuminated or unilluminated. The Planning Commission may impose additional requirements on illuminated signs.
  2. Where a sign is illuminated by light directed upon it, the direct rays of light shall not beam upon any part of any existing residential district.
  3. Lighted signs in direct vision of a traffic signal shall not be in red, green, or amber illumination.
  4. Flashing signs shall be permitted only upon approval of the Planning Commission; provided it is first determined that the location and colors will in no way create a traffic hazard or confusion with traffic lights and with lights on emergency vehicles and that the direct rays of the sign will not be directed into any residential district.
  5. No sign shall exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet in area. The total area of all signs combined shall not exceed four hundred (400) square feet. No sign shall exceed thirty-five (35) feet in height.
  6. Any sign located within five (5) feet of a driveway or parking area or within fifty (50) feet of the intersection of two (2) or more streets shall have its lowest elevation at least ten (10) feet above curb level.
  7. Signs within fifty (50) feet of a residential district shall be affixed to or be a part of the building.
  8. No sign shall project over any alley, road, street or highway right-of-way.
  9. Advertising signs and billboards shall conform to the provisions specified in section 152.136(B)(6).
6. Billboard advertising signs will be permitted in the “AG”, "C-2”, “C-3”, "I-1", and “I-2” districts if they conform to the following provisions:
  1. The owner shall agree, at the time of issuance of the permit, to place and maintain on such billboard the name of the person owning, in charge of, or in control of said billboard.
  2. No billboard shall be erected, altered, constructed, reconstructed, or moved until an application and plans shall have been filed with the City office and shall have been approved by the Planning Commission as to size, location, and construction.
  3. Billboards shall not exceed twenty-five (25) feet in height above ground.
  4. The owner, lessee and manager of such billboard and the owner of the sign shall maintain and keep the ground area around the sign clean, sanitary, inoffensive and free and clean of weeds and noxious substances.
  5. No billboard shall project beyond the front, side or rear building line established for the district as set forth in the zoning ordinance.
  6. No billboard shall exceed five hundred (500) square feet in area (on a single face), including trim.
  7. It shall be unlawful to construct or maintain, or cause to be constructed or maintained, any billboard in such a manner as to:
    1. Obstruct the view of street crossing or railroad crossings.
    2. Be unable to stand a pressure of at least forty (40) pounds per square foot of advertising surface.
    3. Be dangerous to the public by falling or blowing down.
    4. Increase the danger of loss by fire or to increase fire insurance rates.
    5. Approach nearer than five (5) feet from any building, unless attached to the building.
  8. Billboards hereafter erected, constructed, reconstructed, altered, or moved in the city and the planning area shall be constructed in such a manner and of such material that they shall be safe and substantial.
  9. Billboards supported by the ground shall have all posts set in concrete.
  10. Stacked billboard signs shall be prohibited.
  11. Billboard signs shall be spaced a minimum of seven hundred (700) feet from another, regardless of the side of the roadway.
7. In any zoning district, a subdivision promotion sign for the original sale of lots shall be permitted in conformance with the following requirements:
  1. The original subdivision must include a minimum of five (5) acres.
  2. Only one (1) sign shall be permitted. It must be unilluminated.
  3. The gross square footage of the sign shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet in area.
8. In any zoning district, one temporary sign shall be permitted at a construction site to identify the nature of the construction and those persons or firms associated with it, including contractors, architects, finance companies and owners. Such sign shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet in area when located in residential districts. In any other zoning districts, such signs shall not exceed forty (40) square feet of area.
9. Temporary or mobile signs will be permitted in the “AG”, “NRC”, “C-1”, "C-2”, “C-3”, "I-1", and “I-2” districts if they conform to the following provisions:
  1. The sign must only identify special sales and/or openings.
  2. The sign must be located on the premises of the commercial establishments for no more than thirty (30) days in any calendar year.
  3. The gross square footage of the sign shall not exceed sixty (60) square feet in area.
  4. The sign shall not exceed ten (10) feet in height.
10. Unilluminated "For Sale" and "For Rent" single- or double-faced business signs shall be permitted in any zoning district, if they conform to the following provisions:
  1. Only one (1) sign shall be permitted per lot or structure.
  2. No sign shall exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area, except in the "R-1," and "R-2," districts no sign shall exceed four (4) square feet.
  3. Signs shall be located no closer than five (5) feet from any property line and shall not obstruct the view of traffic approaching a street intersection.
  4. When said sign is affixed to a building, it shall not project higher than ten (10) feet above ground level.
  5. Ground signs shall not project higher than four (4) feet above ground grade.
  6. "For Sale" signs not to exceed four (4) square feet shall be permitted in the public right-of-way and shall be located no closer than five (5) feet from any property line or curb line, as case may be, and shall not obstruct the view of traffic approaching a street intersection, except when the public right-of-way is occupied by a state or federal highway, no signs will be permitted
Permits and fees required.
1. A permit shall be required for the erection, construction, or alteration of any sign. An application and plans for all signs shall be submitted to the Planning Commission to determine compliance with applicable city ordinances before construction will be permitted. The City Administrator may approve permits for temporary or mobile signs under 152.136(B)(9).
2. Application for permits by other than the property owner shall be accompanied, in each instance, by either a letter authorizing the placement of a sign on the land or building, signed by the owner or his duly authorized agent, or accompanied by a lease showing the right of the applicant. Such application shall conform to the regulations herein provided and no signboard shall be erected or painted on any area until the application is acted upon and granted.
3. The City Council shall by resolution set a fee schedule for permits granted under this section.
4. If a sign is not erected within one hundred eighty (180) days from the date of the permit, the permit shall become void unless renewed by separate application to the Planning Commission.
5. Advertising painted or placed on a structure shall be deemed subject to these regulations if permanent and over twelve (12) square feet in area.
6. All signs shall be constructed, located, and placed in accordance with local ordinances and the laws of the State of Nebraska.
7. Permits are issued for the life of the sign so long as it is kept in good condition and changing conditions do not make it a hazard or undesirable to adjoining property owners. In such case, the city or county, whose jurisdiction shall apply, may direct its removal.
8. All double-faced "For Sale" signs shall be subject to the regulations in section 152.136(B) but shall not be subject to the permit and fee requirements of section 152.136(C).
Nonconforming signs. The lawful use of land for advertising, business signs, or bulletin boards which are not installed or maintained in accordance with this section 152.136 and other city, county, state, and federal requirements pertaining to construction, location, and size which existed prior to the effective date hereof shall be removed within fifteen (15) days after the sign becomes obsolete due to construction deterioration or when the advertised business, service, or event ceases operation.
Removal of signs. All signs shall be removed within fifteen (15) days when a business ceases operation. This includes advertising, sandwich, business, billboard, pole, temporary, and mobile signs. Signs located on vacant buildings shall be removed by the property owner or their authorized agent within fifteen (15) days after said premises are vacated. Signs in violation of this section 152.136 are declared a nuisance subject to abatement under the procedures set forth in section 92.21.

Ord 1137, passed 12-21-2020

Geneva City Zoning Code

152 Signs

Section 152.136

152.136 Signs

General requirements.
1. It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, move, alter, change, repair, place, suspend or cause or permit to be erected, moved, altered, changed, repaired, placed, suspended or attached any sign in violation of this zoning ordinance and this section.
2. It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to fasten, paste, place, post, paint or attach in any way any sign, handbill, poster, advertisement or notice of any kind or sort, whether political or otherwise, or to cause the same to be done, in or upon any curbstone, lamp post, telephone, telegraph or electric light pole, tree or bridge. It shall be unlawful to paste, place, paint or attach any sign on any building, street, or property of the city, except as provided in section 152.136(B); provided, however, that any property owner or the occupant of any property abutting on any public street in the city or the planning area may paint or stamp the address of such property upon the curbing directly in front of the building or to have the same painted thereon.
District regulations. Signs shall be permitted in the various districts as follows:
1. Sign regulations for "AG", “A-1”, “LLR”, “R-1”, “R-2” districts. No signs shall be allowed except those in conformance with the following:
  1. Unilluminated nameplates subject to the following restrictions:
    1. The nameplate shall not exceed two (2) square feet in area.
    2. The nameplate shall show only the name and/or address of the occupant.
    3. There shall be no more than one (1) nameplate for each dwelling unit.
    4. The nameplate shall be affixed to the principal building, flat against the wall.
  2. In the “AG” district, no signs designed to be read off premises shall be allowed, except one non-flashing, illuminated or unilluminated, sign identifying the use of the building, structure, or premise, not exceeding forty (40) square feet, provided such sign is structurally safe and in good repair.
  3. In the “LLR” district, no signs designed to be read off premises shall be allowed, except one non-flashing, illuminated or unilluminated, sign identifying the use of the building, structure, or premise, not exceeding twelve (12) square feet, provided such sign is structurally safe and in good repair.
  4. In the "R-2" district, multiple-family dwellings shall be allowed:
    1. One (1) on-premise wall sign or ground sign, not to exceed six (6) square feet of sign area, unilluminated and nonreflecting, identifying the name and use of the building.
    2. One (1) on-premise wall sign or ground sign, not to exceed one (1) square foot in sign area, unilluminated and nonreflecting, identifying the quarters of an on-premise building manager or custodian.
  5. Bulletin boards and signs for churches, public institutions, and not-for-profit educational facilities, subject to the following regulations:
    1. One (1) sign or bulletin board shall be permitted on each street side if located on the same site as the principal building.
    2. If sign or bulletin board is illuminated, the lights shall be directed away from adjoining residential uses.
    3. No sign or bulletin board shall exceed forty-eight (48) square feet in area.
    4. No sign shall be located closer than eight (8) feet from any side or rear property line.
    5. A sign or bulletin board located in the front yard shall be no closer to the street line than one-half the required front yard.
    6. A sign or bulletin board affixed to a building shall not project higher than ten (10) feet above the ground level.
    7. Ground signs shall be permanently anchored to the ground and shall not exceed a height of twelve (12) feet above normal grade.
    8. On corner lots, no sign shall be constructed or located that will obstruct the view of traffic approaching the street intersection.
2. Sign regulations for the "NRC" district. Business signs and advertising signs shall be allowed in the “NRC” district provided they are structurally safe and in good repair and meet all the following requirements:
  1. The maximum number of signs designed to be read off premises for a business or profession conducted on the premises shall be: one (1) sign, affixed to the building, per street frontage, plus one additional pole or ground sign. Such signs may be illuminated or unilluminated but shall not flash. The Planning Commission may impose additional requirements on illuminated signs.
  2. Lights on all signs within fifty (50) feet of a residential district shall be so arranged that they will not reflect or shine into the residential area.
  3. No sign shall exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet in area. The total area of all signs combined shall not exceed four hundred (400) square feet. No sign shall exceed fifteen (15) feet in height.
  4. Where a sign is illuminated by light directed upon it, the direct rays of light shall not beam upon any part of any existing residential district.
  5. Lighted signs in direct vision of traffic shall not be in red, green, or amber illumination.
  6. Any sign located within three (3) feet of a driveway or parking area or within fifty (50) feet of the intersection of two (2) or more streets shall have the lowest elevations at least ten (10) feet above the curb level.
3. Sign regulations for "C-1" district. Business signs and advertising signs shall be allowed in the “C-1” district provided they are structurally safe and in good repair and meet all the following requirements:
  1. The maximum number of signs designed to be read off premises for a business or profession conducted on the premises shall be: one (1) sign, affixed to the building, per street frontage, plus one additional pole or ground sign. Such signs may be illuminated or unilluminated. The Planning Commission may impose additional requirements on illuminated signs.
  2. Where a sign is illuminated by light directed upon it, the direct rays of light shall not beam upon any part of any existing residential district.
  3. Lighted signs in direct vision of traffic shall not be in red, green, or amber illumination.
  4. Flashing signs shall be allowed only upon approval of the Planning Commission, provided it is first determined that the sign will in no way create a traffic hazard or confusion with traffic lights or with lights on emergency vehicles.
  5. No sign shall exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet in area. The total area of all signs combined shall not exceed four hundred (400) square feet. No sign shall exceed fifteen (15) feet in height.
  6. Any sign located within three (3) feet of a driveway or parking area or within fifty (50) feet of the intersection of two (2) or more streets shall have the lowest elevations at least ten (10) feet above the curb level.
4. Sign regulations for "C-2" and "C-3" districts. Business signs and advertising signs (single- or double-faced) shall be allowed in "C-2" and "C-3" districts provided they are structurally safe and in good repair and meet all the following requirements:
  1. The maximum number of signs designed to be read off premises for a business or profession conducted on the premises shall be: one (1) sign, affixed to the building, per street frontage, plus one additional pole or ground sign. Such signs may be illuminated or unilluminated. The Planning Commission may impose additional requirements on illuminated signs.
  2. Where a sign is illuminated by light directed upon it, the direct rays of light shall not beam upon any part of any existing residential district.
  3. Lighted signs in direct vision of a traffic signal shall not be in red, green, or amber illumination.
  4. Flashing signs shall be permitted only upon approval of the Planning Commission; provided it is first determined that the location and colors will in no way create a traffic hazard or confusion with traffic lights and with lights on emergency vehicles and that the direct rays of the sign will not be directed into any residential district. In no event shall flashing signs be permitted in "C-2" and "C-3" districts within three hundred (300) feet of a residential district.
  5. No sign shall exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet in area. The total area of all signs combined shall not exceed four hundred (400) square feet. No sign shall exceed thirty-five (35) feet in height.
  6. Any sign located within five (5) feet of a driveway or parking area or within fifty (50) feet of the intersection of two (2) or more streets shall have its lowest elevation at least ten (10) feet above curb level.
  7. Signs within fifty (50) feet of a residential district shall be affixed to or be a part of the building.
  8. No sign shall be permitted in or overhanging the road, street, or alley right-of-way, and no sign shall be located in a manner to constitute a traffic hazard.
  9. Sandwich board signs may be allowed; provided said sign is permanently affixed to the surface on which it rests.
  10. Advertising signs and billboards shall conform to the provisions specified in section 152.136(B)(6).
  11. Business located within five hundred (500) feet of a designated U.S. highway may have one additional on-premises pole or ground sign. The pole sign may be eighty (80) feet in height and four hundred (400) square feet in area, or the ground sign may be three hundred (300) square feet in area.
5. Sign regulations for "I-1" and “I-2” districts. Business signs and advertising signs (single- or double-faced) shall be allowed in "I-1" and “I-2" districts provided they are structurally safe and in good repair and meet all the following requirements:
  1. The maximum number of signs designed to be read off premises for a business or profession conducted on the premises shall be: one (1) sign, affixed to the building, per street frontage, plus one additional pole or ground sign. Such signs may be illuminated or unilluminated. The Planning Commission may impose additional requirements on illuminated signs.
  2. Where a sign is illuminated by light directed upon it, the direct rays of light shall not beam upon any part of any existing residential district.
  3. Lighted signs in direct vision of a traffic signal shall not be in red, green, or amber illumination.
  4. Flashing signs shall be permitted only upon approval of the Planning Commission; provided it is first determined that the location and colors will in no way create a traffic hazard or confusion with traffic lights and with lights on emergency vehicles and that the direct rays of the sign will not be directed into any residential district.
  5. No sign shall exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet in area. The total area of all signs combined shall not exceed four hundred (400) square feet. No sign shall exceed thirty-five (35) feet in height.
  6. Any sign located within five (5) feet of a driveway or parking area or within fifty (50) feet of the intersection of two (2) or more streets shall have its lowest elevation at least ten (10) feet above curb level.
  7. Signs within fifty (50) feet of a residential district shall be affixed to or be a part of the building.
  8. No sign shall project over any alley, road, street or highway right-of-way.
  9. Advertising signs and billboards shall conform to the provisions specified in section 152.136(B)(6).
6. Billboard advertising signs will be permitted in the “AG”, "C-2”, “C-3”, "I-1", and “I-2” districts if they conform to the following provisions:
  1. The owner shall agree, at the time of issuance of the permit, to place and maintain on such billboard the name of the person owning, in charge of, or in control of said billboard.
  2. No billboard shall be erected, altered, constructed, reconstructed, or moved until an application and plans shall have been filed with the City office and shall have been approved by the Planning Commission as to size, location, and construction.
  3. Billboards shall not exceed twenty-five (25) feet in height above ground.
  4. The owner, lessee and manager of such billboard and the owner of the sign shall maintain and keep the ground area around the sign clean, sanitary, inoffensive and free and clean of weeds and noxious substances.
  5. No billboard shall project beyond the front, side or rear building line established for the district as set forth in the zoning ordinance.
  6. No billboard shall exceed five hundred (500) square feet in area (on a single face), including trim.
  7. It shall be unlawful to construct or maintain, or cause to be constructed or maintained, any billboard in such a manner as to:
    1. Obstruct the view of street crossing or railroad crossings.
    2. Be unable to stand a pressure of at least forty (40) pounds per square foot of advertising surface.
    3. Be dangerous to the public by falling or blowing down.
    4. Increase the danger of loss by fire or to increase fire insurance rates.
    5. Approach nearer than five (5) feet from any building, unless attached to the building.
  8. Billboards hereafter erected, constructed, reconstructed, altered, or moved in the city and the planning area shall be constructed in such a manner and of such material that they shall be safe and substantial.
  9. Billboards supported by the ground shall have all posts set in concrete.
  10. Stacked billboard signs shall be prohibited.
  11. Billboard signs shall be spaced a minimum of seven hundred (700) feet from another, regardless of the side of the roadway.
7. In any zoning district, a subdivision promotion sign for the original sale of lots shall be permitted in conformance with the following requirements:
  1. The original subdivision must include a minimum of five (5) acres.
  2. Only one (1) sign shall be permitted. It must be unilluminated.
  3. The gross square footage of the sign shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet in area.
8. In any zoning district, one temporary sign shall be permitted at a construction site to identify the nature of the construction and those persons or firms associated with it, including contractors, architects, finance companies and owners. Such sign shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet in area when located in residential districts. In any other zoning districts, such signs shall not exceed forty (40) square feet of area.
9. Temporary or mobile signs will be permitted in the “AG”, “NRC”, “C-1”, "C-2”, “C-3”, "I-1", and “I-2” districts if they conform to the following provisions:
  1. The sign must only identify special sales and/or openings.
  2. The sign must be located on the premises of the commercial establishments for no more than thirty (30) days in any calendar year.
  3. The gross square footage of the sign shall not exceed sixty (60) square feet in area.
  4. The sign shall not exceed ten (10) feet in height.
10. Unilluminated "For Sale" and "For Rent" single- or double-faced business signs shall be permitted in any zoning district, if they conform to the following provisions:
  1. Only one (1) sign shall be permitted per lot or structure.
  2. No sign shall exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area, except in the "R-1," and "R-2," districts no sign shall exceed four (4) square feet.
  3. Signs shall be located no closer than five (5) feet from any property line and shall not obstruct the view of traffic approaching a street intersection.
  4. When said sign is affixed to a building, it shall not project higher than ten (10) feet above ground level.
  5. Ground signs shall not project higher than four (4) feet above ground grade.
  6. "For Sale" signs not to exceed four (4) square feet shall be permitted in the public right-of-way and shall be located no closer than five (5) feet from any property line or curb line, as case may be, and shall not obstruct the view of traffic approaching a street intersection, except when the public right-of-way is occupied by a state or federal highway, no signs will be permitted
Permits and fees required.
1. A permit shall be required for the erection, construction, or alteration of any sign. An application and plans for all signs shall be submitted to the Planning Commission to determine compliance with applicable city ordinances before construction will be permitted. The City Administrator may approve permits for temporary or mobile signs under 152.136(B)(9).
2. Application for permits by other than the property owner shall be accompanied, in each instance, by either a letter authorizing the placement of a sign on the land or building, signed by the owner or his duly authorized agent, or accompanied by a lease showing the right of the applicant. Such application shall conform to the regulations herein provided and no signboard shall be erected or painted on any area until the application is acted upon and granted.
3. The City Council shall by resolution set a fee schedule for permits granted under this section.
4. If a sign is not erected within one hundred eighty (180) days from the date of the permit, the permit shall become void unless renewed by separate application to the Planning Commission.
5. Advertising painted or placed on a structure shall be deemed subject to these regulations if permanent and over twelve (12) square feet in area.
6. All signs shall be constructed, located, and placed in accordance with local ordinances and the laws of the State of Nebraska.
7. Permits are issued for the life of the sign so long as it is kept in good condition and changing conditions do not make it a hazard or undesirable to adjoining property owners. In such case, the city or county, whose jurisdiction shall apply, may direct its removal.
8. All double-faced "For Sale" signs shall be subject to the regulations in section 152.136(B) but shall not be subject to the permit and fee requirements of section 152.136(C).
Nonconforming signs. The lawful use of land for advertising, business signs, or bulletin boards which are not installed or maintained in accordance with this section 152.136 and other city, county, state, and federal requirements pertaining to construction, location, and size which existed prior to the effective date hereof shall be removed within fifteen (15) days after the sign becomes obsolete due to construction deterioration or when the advertised business, service, or event ceases operation.
Removal of signs. All signs shall be removed within fifteen (15) days when a business ceases operation. This includes advertising, sandwich, business, billboard, pole, temporary, and mobile signs. Signs located on vacant buildings shall be removed by the property owner or their authorized agent within fifteen (15) days after said premises are vacated. Signs in violation of this section 152.136 are declared a nuisance subject to abatement under the procedures set forth in section 92.21.

Ord 1137, passed 12-21-2020

Geneva City Zoning Code

152 Signs

Section 152.136

152.136 Signs

General requirements.
1. It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, move, alter, change, repair, place, suspend or cause or permit to be erected, moved, altered, changed, repaired, placed, suspended or attached any sign in violation of this zoning ordinance and this section.
2. It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to fasten, paste, place, post, paint or attach in any way any sign, handbill, poster, advertisement or notice of any kind or sort, whether political or otherwise, or to cause the same to be done, in or upon any curbstone, lamp post, telephone, telegraph or electric light pole, tree or bridge. It shall be unlawful to paste, place, paint or attach any sign on any building, street, or property of the city, except as provided in section 152.136(B); provided, however, that any property owner or the occupant of any property abutting on any public street in the city or the planning area may paint or stamp the address of such property upon the curbing directly in front of the building or to have the same painted thereon.
District regulations. Signs shall be permitted in the various districts as follows:
1. Sign regulations for "AG", “A-1”, “LLR”, “R-1”, “R-2” districts. No signs shall be allowed except those in conformance with the following:
  1. Unilluminated nameplates subject to the following restrictions:
    1. The nameplate shall not exceed two (2) square feet in area.
    2. The nameplate shall show only the name and/or address of the occupant.
    3. There shall be no more than one (1) nameplate for each dwelling unit.
    4. The nameplate shall be affixed to the principal building, flat against the wall.
  2. In the “AG” district, no signs designed to be read off premises shall be allowed, except one non-flashing, illuminated or unilluminated, sign identifying the use of the building, structure, or premise, not exceeding forty (40) square feet, provided such sign is structurally safe and in good repair.
  3. In the “LLR” district, no signs designed to be read off premises shall be allowed, except one non-flashing, illuminated or unilluminated, sign identifying the use of the building, structure, or premise, not exceeding twelve (12) square feet, provided such sign is structurally safe and in good repair.
  4. In the "R-2" district, multiple-family dwellings shall be allowed:
    1. One (1) on-premise wall sign or ground sign, not to exceed six (6) square feet of sign area, unilluminated and nonreflecting, identifying the name and use of the building.
    2. One (1) on-premise wall sign or ground sign, not to exceed one (1) square foot in sign area, unilluminated and nonreflecting, identifying the quarters of an on-premise building manager or custodian.
  5. Bulletin boards and signs for churches, public institutions, and not-for-profit educational facilities, subject to the following regulations:
    1. One (1) sign or bulletin board shall be permitted on each street side if located on the same site as the principal building.
    2. If sign or bulletin board is illuminated, the lights shall be directed away from adjoining residential uses.
    3. No sign or bulletin board shall exceed forty-eight (48) square feet in area.
    4. No sign shall be located closer than eight (8) feet from any side or rear property line.
    5. A sign or bulletin board located in the front yard shall be no closer to the street line than one-half the required front yard.
    6. A sign or bulletin board affixed to a building shall not project higher than ten (10) feet above the ground level.
    7. Ground signs shall be permanently anchored to the ground and shall not exceed a height of twelve (12) feet above normal grade.
    8. On corner lots, no sign shall be constructed or located that will obstruct the view of traffic approaching the street intersection.
2. Sign regulations for the "NRC" district. Business signs and advertising signs shall be allowed in the “NRC” district provided they are structurally safe and in good repair and meet all the following requirements:
  1. The maximum number of signs designed to be read off premises for a business or profession conducted on the premises shall be: one (1) sign, affixed to the building, per street frontage, plus one additional pole or ground sign. Such signs may be illuminated or unilluminated but shall not flash. The Planning Commission may impose additional requirements on illuminated signs.
  2. Lights on all signs within fifty (50) feet of a residential district shall be so arranged that they will not reflect or shine into the residential area.
  3. No sign shall exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet in area. The total area of all signs combined shall not exceed four hundred (400) square feet. No sign shall exceed fifteen (15) feet in height.
  4. Where a sign is illuminated by light directed upon it, the direct rays of light shall not beam upon any part of any existing residential district.
  5. Lighted signs in direct vision of traffic shall not be in red, green, or amber illumination.
  6. Any sign located within three (3) feet of a driveway or parking area or within fifty (50) feet of the intersection of two (2) or more streets shall have the lowest elevations at least ten (10) feet above the curb level.
3. Sign regulations for "C-1" district. Business signs and advertising signs shall be allowed in the “C-1” district provided they are structurally safe and in good repair and meet all the following requirements:
  1. The maximum number of signs designed to be read off premises for a business or profession conducted on the premises shall be: one (1) sign, affixed to the building, per street frontage, plus one additional pole or ground sign. Such signs may be illuminated or unilluminated. The Planning Commission may impose additional requirements on illuminated signs.
  2. Where a sign is illuminated by light directed upon it, the direct rays of light shall not beam upon any part of any existing residential district.
  3. Lighted signs in direct vision of traffic shall not be in red, green, or amber illumination.
  4. Flashing signs shall be allowed only upon approval of the Planning Commission, provided it is first determined that the sign will in no way create a traffic hazard or confusion with traffic lights or with lights on emergency vehicles.
  5. No sign shall exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet in area. The total area of all signs combined shall not exceed four hundred (400) square feet. No sign shall exceed fifteen (15) feet in height.
  6. Any sign located within three (3) feet of a driveway or parking area or within fifty (50) feet of the intersection of two (2) or more streets shall have the lowest elevations at least ten (10) feet above the curb level.
4. Sign regulations for "C-2" and "C-3" districts. Business signs and advertising signs (single- or double-faced) shall be allowed in "C-2" and "C-3" districts provided they are structurally safe and in good repair and meet all the following requirements:
  1. The maximum number of signs designed to be read off premises for a business or profession conducted on the premises shall be: one (1) sign, affixed to the building, per street frontage, plus one additional pole or ground sign. Such signs may be illuminated or unilluminated. The Planning Commission may impose additional requirements on illuminated signs.
  2. Where a sign is illuminated by light directed upon it, the direct rays of light shall not beam upon any part of any existing residential district.
  3. Lighted signs in direct vision of a traffic signal shall not be in red, green, or amber illumination.
  4. Flashing signs shall be permitted only upon approval of the Planning Commission; provided it is first determined that the location and colors will in no way create a traffic hazard or confusion with traffic lights and with lights on emergency vehicles and that the direct rays of the sign will not be directed into any residential district. In no event shall flashing signs be permitted in "C-2" and "C-3" districts within three hundred (300) feet of a residential district.
  5. No sign shall exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet in area. The total area of all signs combined shall not exceed four hundred (400) square feet. No sign shall exceed thirty-five (35) feet in height.
  6. Any sign located within five (5) feet of a driveway or parking area or within fifty (50) feet of the intersection of two (2) or more streets shall have its lowest elevation at least ten (10) feet above curb level.
  7. Signs within fifty (50) feet of a residential district shall be affixed to or be a part of the building.
  8. No sign shall be permitted in or overhanging the road, street, or alley right-of-way, and no sign shall be located in a manner to constitute a traffic hazard.
  9. Sandwich board signs may be allowed; provided said sign is permanently affixed to the surface on which it rests.
  10. Advertising signs and billboards shall conform to the provisions specified in section 152.136(B)(6).
  11. Business located within five hundred (500) feet of a designated U.S. highway may have one additional on-premises pole or ground sign. The pole sign may be eighty (80) feet in height and four hundred (400) square feet in area, or the ground sign may be three hundred (300) square feet in area.
5. Sign regulations for "I-1" and “I-2” districts. Business signs and advertising signs (single- or double-faced) shall be allowed in "I-1" and “I-2" districts provided they are structurally safe and in good repair and meet all the following requirements:
  1. The maximum number of signs designed to be read off premises for a business or profession conducted on the premises shall be: one (1) sign, affixed to the building, per street frontage, plus one additional pole or ground sign. Such signs may be illuminated or unilluminated. The Planning Commission may impose additional requirements on illuminated signs.
  2. Where a sign is illuminated by light directed upon it, the direct rays of light shall not beam upon any part of any existing residential district.
  3. Lighted signs in direct vision of a traffic signal shall not be in red, green, or amber illumination.
  4. Flashing signs shall be permitted only upon approval of the Planning Commission; provided it is first determined that the location and colors will in no way create a traffic hazard or confusion with traffic lights and with lights on emergency vehicles and that the direct rays of the sign will not be directed into any residential district.
  5. No sign shall exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet in area. The total area of all signs combined shall not exceed four hundred (400) square feet. No sign shall exceed thirty-five (35) feet in height.
  6. Any sign located within five (5) feet of a driveway or parking area or within fifty (50) feet of the intersection of two (2) or more streets shall have its lowest elevation at least ten (10) feet above curb level.
  7. Signs within fifty (50) feet of a residential district shall be affixed to or be a part of the building.
  8. No sign shall project over any alley, road, street or highway right-of-way.
  9. Advertising signs and billboards shall conform to the provisions specified in section 152.136(B)(6).
6. Billboard advertising signs will be permitted in the “AG”, "C-2”, “C-3”, "I-1", and “I-2” districts if they conform to the following provisions:
  1. The owner shall agree, at the time of issuance of the permit, to place and maintain on such billboard the name of the person owning, in charge of, or in control of said billboard.
  2. No billboard shall be erected, altered, constructed, reconstructed, or moved until an application and plans shall have been filed with the City office and shall have been approved by the Planning Commission as to size, location, and construction.
  3. Billboards shall not exceed twenty-five (25) feet in height above ground.
  4. The owner, lessee and manager of such billboard and the owner of the sign shall maintain and keep the ground area around the sign clean, sanitary, inoffensive and free and clean of weeds and noxious substances.
  5. No billboard shall project beyond the front, side or rear building line established for the district as set forth in the zoning ordinance.
  6. No billboard shall exceed five hundred (500) square feet in area (on a single face), including trim.
  7. It shall be unlawful to construct or maintain, or cause to be constructed or maintained, any billboard in such a manner as to:
    1. Obstruct the view of street crossing or railroad crossings.
    2. Be unable to stand a pressure of at least forty (40) pounds per square foot of advertising surface.
    3. Be dangerous to the public by falling or blowing down.
    4. Increase the danger of loss by fire or to increase fire insurance rates.
    5. Approach nearer than five (5) feet from any building, unless attached to the building.
  8. Billboards hereafter erected, constructed, reconstructed, altered, or moved in the city and the planning area shall be constructed in such a manner and of such material that they shall be safe and substantial.
  9. Billboards supported by the ground shall have all posts set in concrete.
  10. Stacked billboard signs shall be prohibited.
  11. Billboard signs shall be spaced a minimum of seven hundred (700) feet from another, regardless of the side of the roadway.
7. In any zoning district, a subdivision promotion sign for the original sale of lots shall be permitted in conformance with the following requirements:
  1. The original subdivision must include a minimum of five (5) acres.
  2. Only one (1) sign shall be permitted. It must be unilluminated.
  3. The gross square footage of the sign shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet in area.
8. In any zoning district, one temporary sign shall be permitted at a construction site to identify the nature of the construction and those persons or firms associated with it, including contractors, architects, finance companies and owners. Such sign shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet in area when located in residential districts. In any other zoning districts, such signs shall not exceed forty (40) square feet of area.
9. Temporary or mobile signs will be permitted in the “AG”, “NRC”, “C-1”, "C-2”, “C-3”, "I-1", and “I-2” districts if they conform to the following provisions:
  1. The sign must only identify special sales and/or openings.
  2. The sign must be located on the premises of the commercial establishments for no more than thirty (30) days in any calendar year.
  3. The gross square footage of the sign shall not exceed sixty (60) square feet in area.
  4. The sign shall not exceed ten (10) feet in height.
10. Unilluminated "For Sale" and "For Rent" single- or double-faced business signs shall be permitted in any zoning district, if they conform to the following provisions:
  1. Only one (1) sign shall be permitted per lot or structure.
  2. No sign shall exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area, except in the "R-1," and "R-2," districts no sign shall exceed four (4) square feet.
  3. Signs shall be located no closer than five (5) feet from any property line and shall not obstruct the view of traffic approaching a street intersection.
  4. When said sign is affixed to a building, it shall not project higher than ten (10) feet above ground level.
  5. Ground signs shall not project higher than four (4) feet above ground grade.
  6. "For Sale" signs not to exceed four (4) square feet shall be permitted in the public right-of-way and shall be located no closer than five (5) feet from any property line or curb line, as case may be, and shall not obstruct the view of traffic approaching a street intersection, except when the public right-of-way is occupied by a state or federal highway, no signs will be permitted
Permits and fees required.
1. A permit shall be required for the erection, construction, or alteration of any sign. An application and plans for all signs shall be submitted to the Planning Commission to determine compliance with applicable city ordinances before construction will be permitted. The City Administrator may approve permits for temporary or mobile signs under 152.136(B)(9).
2. Application for permits by other than the property owner shall be accompanied, in each instance, by either a letter authorizing the placement of a sign on the land or building, signed by the owner or his duly authorized agent, or accompanied by a lease showing the right of the applicant. Such application shall conform to the regulations herein provided and no signboard shall be erected or painted on any area until the application is acted upon and granted.
3. The City Council shall by resolution set a fee schedule for permits granted under this section.
4. If a sign is not erected within one hundred eighty (180) days from the date of the permit, the permit shall become void unless renewed by separate application to the Planning Commission.
5. Advertising painted or placed on a structure shall be deemed subject to these regulations if permanent and over twelve (12) square feet in area.
6. All signs shall be constructed, located, and placed in accordance with local ordinances and the laws of the State of Nebraska.
7. Permits are issued for the life of the sign so long as it is kept in good condition and changing conditions do not make it a hazard or undesirable to adjoining property owners. In such case, the city or county, whose jurisdiction shall apply, may direct its removal.
8. All double-faced "For Sale" signs shall be subject to the regulations in section 152.136(B) but shall not be subject to the permit and fee requirements of section 152.136(C).
Nonconforming signs. The lawful use of land for advertising, business signs, or bulletin boards which are not installed or maintained in accordance with this section 152.136 and other city, county, state, and federal requirements pertaining to construction, location, and size which existed prior to the effective date hereof shall be removed within fifteen (15) days after the sign becomes obsolete due to construction deterioration or when the advertised business, service, or event ceases operation.
Removal of signs. All signs shall be removed within fifteen (15) days when a business ceases operation. This includes advertising, sandwich, business, billboard, pole, temporary, and mobile signs. Signs located on vacant buildings shall be removed by the property owner or their authorized agent within fifteen (15) days after said premises are vacated. Signs in violation of this section 152.136 are declared a nuisance subject to abatement under the procedures set forth in section 92.21.

Ord 1137, passed 12-21-2020