Higginsville City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XI
Sign Regulations
Section 410.680 Applicability.
[R.O. 2009 §410.680; Ord. No. 2040 §11-1, 9-15-2003]
Any sign shall be a structure. No land or building or structure shall be used for sign purposes except within the stipulated districts listed in the sign use regulations specified herein. All signs legally existing at the time of passage of these regulations may remain in use under the conditions of legal non-conformance in accordance with Article VI of this zoning ordinance. Signs in legal non-conformance shall not be enlarged, moved, lighted or reconstructed; however, the change of the advertising display shall not be restricted except as stated. After the effective date of this regulation, no sign shall be erected, enlarged, constructed or otherwise installed without first obtaining a sign permit. All signs shall be constructed in such a manner and of such material that they shall be safe and substantial. Except for those signs exempted from regulation, all signs shall be permanently and securely mounted to the ground or a building. Scale drawings of the sign and manner of supports shall be furnished to the Zoning Administrator concurrently with any application for a sign permit.
Section 410.690 Classification of Signs.
[R.O. 2009 §410.690; Ord. No. 2040 §11-2, 9-15-2003]
A.
Functional Types.
1.
Advertising sign. A sign which directs the attention of the public to any goods, merchandise, property, business, service, entertainment or amusement conducted or produced which is bought or sold, furnished, offered or dealt in elsewhere than on the premises where such sign is located or to which it is affixed.
2.
Bulletin board sign. A sign that indicates the name of an institution or organization on whose premises is located and which contains the name of the institution or organization, the name or names of person connected with it and announcement of persons, events or activities occurring at the institution. Such sign may also present a greeting or similar message.
3.
Business sign. A sign which directs attention to a business or profession conducted or to products, services or entertainment sold or offered upon the premises where such sign is located or to which it is affixed.
4.
Construction sign. A temporary sign indicating the names of the architects, engineers, landscape architects, contractors and similar artisans involved in the design and construction of a structure, complex or project only during the construction period and only on the premises on which the construction is taking place.
5.
Identification sign. A sign giving the name and address of a building, business, development or establishment. Such signs may be wholly or partly devoted to a readily recognized symbol. In the "DC" zone, identification signs shall have a maximum length of seventy-two (72) inches, a maximum width of thirteen (13) inches and a minimum clearance below the sign of seven (7) feet six (6) inches.
6.
Name plate sign. A sign giving the name and/or address of the owner or occupant of a building or premises on which it is located and, where applicable, a professional status.
7.
Real estate sign. A sign pertaining to the sale or lease of a lot or tract of land on which the sign is located, or to the sale or lease of one (1) or more structures, or a portion thereof on which the sign is located.
B.
Structural Types.
1.
Awning, canopy or marquee sign. A sign that is mounted on, painted on or attached to an awning, canopy or marquee. No such signs shall project above, below or beyond the awning, canopy or marquee.
Figure 5 Canopy Sign | |
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2.
Ground sign. Any sign placed upon, or supported by, the ground independent of the principal building or structure on the property, where the bottom edge of the sign is less than six (6) feet above the ground.
Figure 6 Ground Sign | |
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* 10' maximum height |
3.
Pole sign. Any sign placed upon or supported by the ground independent of the principal building or structure on the property where the bottom edge of the sign is more than ten (10) feet above the ground level. Figure 7 below shows the tall pedestal of a highway pole sign at the left edge of the picture.
Figure 7 Pole Sign | |
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4.
Projecting sign. A sign that is wholly or partly dependent upon a building for support and which projects more than twelve (12) inches from such building.
Figure 8 Projecting Sign | |
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5.
Wall sign. A sign fastened to or painted on a wall of a building or structure in such a manner that the wall becomes merely the supporting structure or forms the background surface and which does not project more than twelve (12) inches from such building.
Figure 9 Wall Sign | |
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6.
Roof sign. A sign totally supported on the roof of a structure. Roof signs shall not project more than twelve (12) inches beyond the face of the building, nor above the ridge of the roof.
Figure 10 Roof Sign | |
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Section 410.700 General Standards.
[R.O. 2009 §410.700; Ord. No. 2040 §11-3, 9-15-2003]
A.
Gross Area Of Sign. Gross area shall include the entire area within a single continuous perimeter enclosing the extreme limits of the sign, exclusive of the base on which it is mounted or from which it is suspended. If more than one (1) side of a sign structure is utilized as a sign surface, only one (1) side shall be counted as a portion of the gross area. On zoning lots where more than one (1) sign is located, the total gross area of all signs combined shall not exceed the maximum gross area permitted by this regulation. For computing the gross area of any wall sign which consists of letters mounted or painted on a wall, the area shall be deemed to be the area of the smallest rectangular figure which can encompass all of the letters.
B.
Sign Height. Sign height shall be measured from the ground elevation at the base of the sign to the highest elevation of the sign, unless otherwise required.
C.
Illuminated Signs. A sign designed to give forth artificial light or designed to reflect light derived from any source:
1.
Illuminated signs shall be designed as to reflect or direct light away from any residential dwelling district.
2.
Lighted signs in direct vision of a traffic signal shall not be in red, amber or green illumination.
D.
Flashing Or Moving Signs. Any illuminated sign on which the artificial light is not constant in intensity and color at all times. For the purpose of this regulation, any revolving, rotating, moving, animated, signs with moving lights or signs which create the illusion of movement shall be considered as a flashing sign.
1.
Flashing signs shall not be permitted in any residential district.
2.
Flashing signs similar in color and form to traffic signals or emergency vehicle lights shall not be permitted.
3.
A sign whereon the current time and/or temperature is indicated by intermittent lighting shall not be deemed as a flashing sign if the lighting changes are limited to the numerals indicating the time and/or temperature and public messages and not more frequent than every four (4) seconds.
E.
Access Way Or Window. No sign shall block any required access way or window.
F.
Signs On Trees Or Utility Poles. No sign shall be attached to a tree or utility pole whether on public or private property.
G.
Metal Signs. Signs constructed of metal and illuminated by any means requiring internal wiring or electrically wired accessory fixtures attached to a metal sign shall maintain a free clearance to grade of nine (9) feet. Accessory lighting fixtures attached to a non-metal frame sign shall also maintain a clearance of nine (9) feet to grade. No metal ground sign shall be located within eight (8) feet vertically and four (4) feet horizontally of electric wires or conductors in free air carrying more than forty-eight (48) volts, whether or not such wires or conductors are insulated or otherwise protected.
H.
Traffic Safety.
1.
No sign shall be maintained at any location where by reason of its position, size, shape, color or lighting it may obstruct, impair, obscure, interfere with the view of, or be confused with any traffic or railroad control sign, signal or device, or where it may interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic.
2.
Any sign within three (3) feet of a driveway or within a parking area, except ground signs and those signs in Section 410.710(A)(4), shall be at least ten (10) feet above the curb level; however, in no event shall any sign be placed so as to project over any public right-of-way, except that wall signs and awnings, canopy or marquee signs may extend up to the curb line.
3.
Under no circumstances shall any sign be placed in the sight triangle as defined by this regulation except in District "DC". Provided however, that no such sign as may be allowed in District "DC" may be placed lower than ten (10) feet above the sidewalk.
I.
Lineal Street Frontage. In those districts where gross sign area is allocated based on lineal street frontage and the tract or parcel is adjacent to more than one (1) street, the lineal street frontage shall be one-half (½) the sum of all the street frontages.
Section 410.710 Exemption.
[R.O. 2009 §410.710; Ord. No. 2040 §11-4, 9-15-2003]
A.
Total Exemptions. The following signs shall be exempt from the requirements of this Article, except that the provisions of Articles V and VI of this Higginsville zoning ordinance shall still apply:
1.
Flags or emblems of a governmental or of a political, civic, philanthropic, educational or religious organization displayed on private property.
2.
Signs of a duly constituted governmental body, including traffic or similar regulatory signs, legal notices, warnings at railroad crossings and other instructional or regulatory signs having to do with health, safety, parking, swimming, dumping, etc.
3.
Memorial signs and tables displayed on public or private property.
4.
Small signs, not exceeding three (3) square feet in area, displayed on private property for the convenience of the public, including signs to identify entrance and exit drives, parking areas, one-way drives, restrooms, freight entrances and other similar signs.
5.
Score boards in athletic stadiums.
6.
Political campaign signs, not exceeding four (4) square feet in area in any residential zoning districts, or not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet in other districts, displayed on private property.
7.
Temporary signs for the sale of household goods at a residence (garage sales) for a period not to exceed three (3) days.
B.
Exemptions From Sign Permit. The following signs are exempt from the sign permit Section of this Article, but shall comply with all of the other regulations imposed by this Article.
1.
Nameplate signs not exceeding two (2) square feet in gross area as an accessory use to a single-family or two-family dwelling.
2.
Bulletin board signs not exceeding one hundred (100) square feet in gross area accessory to a church, school or public or non-profit institution.
3.
Business signs when located on property used for agricultural purposes and pertaining to the sale of agricultural products produced on the premises.
4.
Real estate signs not exceeding eight (8) square feet in area.
5.
Construction signs not exceeding eight (8) square feet in area.
6.
Temporary special event signs, on-premises or off-premises, displayed no sooner than thirty (30) days prior to and three (3) days after the start and conclusion of the special event, not to exceed forty-five (45) days total.
Section 410.720 District Regulations.
[R.O. 2009 §410.720; Ord. No. 2040 §11-5, 9-15-2003]
A.
"AG" Agricultural District.
1.
Functional types permitted:
a.
Bulletin board signs.
b.
Business signs, pertaining only to the sale of agricultural products produced on the premises and home occupations.
c.
Construction signs.
d.
Identification signs.
e.
Nameplate signs.
f.
Real estate signs.
2.
Structural types permitted:
a.
Wall signs.
b.
Ground signs.
3.
Number of signs permitted: One (1) sign per six hundred (600) feet of frontage.
4.
Maximum gross area:
a.
Bulletin board and identification signs: twenty-four (24) square feet.
b.
Business signs—home occupations: Four (4) square feet; agricultural: twenty (20) square feet.
c.
Construction signs: twenty (20) square feet.
d.
Nameplate signs: Four (4) square feet.
e.
Real estate signs: twelve (12) square feet.
5.
Maximum height: fifteen (15) feet.
6.
Required setbacks: None.
7.
Illumination. Bulletin board and identification signs that do not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet on one (1) face for churches, hospitals, Police stations, fire stations and other similar public facilities.
B.
"SF-1" Single-Family Residential District, "SF-2" Single-Family Residential District, "SF-3" Two-Family Residential District, "MR" Multi-Family Residential District and "MHP" Manufactured Home Park Residential District.
[Ord. No. 2527 §14, 2-3-2014]
1.
Functional types permitted:
a.
Business signs pertaining to a home occupation and subject to the sign requirements of the home occupation Section of this Higginsville zoning ordinance.
b.
Bulletin board signs.
c.
Construction signs.
d.
Identification signs.
e.
Nameplate signs.
f.
Real estate signs.
2.
Structural types permitted:
a.
Ground signs.
b.
Wall signs.
3.
Number of signs permitted: One (1) sign per zoning lot, except real estate signs which shall be limited to three (3) signs per zoning lot.
4.
Maximum gross area:
a.
Business signs—home occupations: two (2) square feet.
b.
Bulletin board and identification signs: one hundred (100) square feet.
c.
Construction signs: thirty-two (32) square feet.
d.
Nameplate signs: Two (2) square feet.
e.
Real estate signs: Six (6) square feet, provided that one (1) sign not more than one hundred (100) square feet in area announcing the sale of lots and/or houses in a subdivision may be located on said development. Said sign shall be removed at the end of three (3) years or when seventy-five percent (75%) of the lots have been sold, whichever occurs sooner.
f.
Maximum height. Fifteen (15) feet.
g.
Required setback. No sign shall be placed closer to the front property line than one-half (½) the distance of the front yard, except temporary signs which may be no closer than the right-of-way line.
h.
Illumination. Bulletin boards and identification signs may be indirectly illuminated with incandescent or fluorescent lighting.
C.
"HC" Highway Commercial District.
1.
Functional types permitted:
a.
Advertising signs,
b.
Bulletin board signs.
c.
Business signs.
d.
Construction signs.
e.
Identification signs.
f.
Nameplate signs.
g.
Real estate signs.
2.
Structural types permitted:
a.
Awning, canopy or marquee signs.
b.
Ground signs.
c.
Roof signs.
d.
Pole signs.
e.
Projecting signs.
f.
Wall signs, except when used as an advertising sign.
3.
Number of signs permitted:
a.
Awning, canopy or marquee signs and wall signs: No limitations.
b.
Ground signs and pole signs: One (1) each per zoning lot.
c.
Roof signs: one (1) per facade.
d.
Projecting signs: One (1) per zoning lot.
e.
Advertising signs: One (1) per zoning lot, subject to spacing requirement of the State of Missouri.
4.
Minimum spacing for advertising signs: one thousand four hundred (1,400) feet. The spacing of advertising signs shall be defined as the minimum distance between advertising signs on either side of the road, measured along the centerline of the pavement between points directly adjacent to each respective advertising sign.
5.
Maximum gross surface area: Four (4) square feet for each lineal foot of street frontage, provided no single sign shall exceed a gross surface area of three hundred (300) square feet; except that advertising signs shall meet requirements of the State of Missouri.
6.
Maximum height:
a.
Pole signs: Within six hundred sixty (660) feet of the I-70 Junction—one hundred (100) feet; otherwise, thirty-five (35) feet in height.
b.
Advertising signs shall meet requirements of the State of Missouri, except no advertising sign shall be closer than one thousand four hundred (1,400) feet from another advertising sign.
c.
Ground signs: ten (10) feet.
d.
All other signs: four (4) feet.
7.
Required setback: None, except that advertising signs shall maintain the same setback that is required of the principal structures.
8.
Illumination: Illuminated signs shall be permitted.
D.
"GC" General Commercial District, "DC" Downtown Commercial District and "HS" Health Services District.
1.
Functional types permitted:
a.
Bulletin board signs.
b.
Business signs.
c.
Construction signs.
d.
Identification signs.
e.
Nameplate signs.
f.
Real estate signs.
2.
Structural types permitted:
a.
Awning, canopy or marquee signs.
b.
Ground signs.
c.
(Reserved)[1]
[1]
Editor’s Note: Former Subsection (D)(2)(c), regarding pole signs, was repealed 7-20-2015 by Ord. No. 2590 §1.
d.
Projecting signs.
e.
Roof signs, except in "DC" Downtown Commercial District and except when used as an advertising sign.
f.
Wall signs, except when used as an advertising sign.
3.
Number of signs permitted:
a.
Awning, canopy or marquee signs and wall signs: No limitations.
b.
Ground signs and pole signs: One (1) each per zoning lot.
c.
Projecting signs: One (1) per zoning lot.
d.
Roof signs: One (1) per facade.
4.
Maximum gross surface area: Four (4) square feet for each lineal foot of street frontage, provided no single sign shall exceed a gross surface area of three hundred (300) square feet.
5.
Maximum height:
a.
(Reserved)[2]
[2]
Editor’s Note: Former Subsection (D)(5)(a), regarding pole signs, was repealed 7-20-2015 by Ord. No. 2590 §1.
b.
Ground signs: ten (10) feet.
c.
Other signs: As permitted by design.
6.
Required setback: None.
7.
Illumination: Illuminated signs shall be permitted.
8.
Projecting signs:
a.
In the "DC" Zone, projecting signs are limited to twenty (20) square feet per side and the total surface area of all signs in combination is limited to three hundred (300) square feet per zoning lot.
b.
Projecting signs require a minimum clearance of ten (10) feet above the adjacent surface elevation. Maximum height of a projecting sign shall not exceed the height of the building on which it is affixed or twenty (20) feet, whichever is less.
c.
All projecting signs must have a minimum setback behind the curb line of two (2) feet.
d.
Permit applications submitted for projecting signs must be accompanied by construction plans, certifying the projecting sign can be affixed to the building and meet all appropriate loads, including wind loads, and, additionally, each projecting sign must be constructed to support both the sign and an individual on a ladder or other servicing device.
e.
In those cases where the projecting signs overhang public property, public liability insurance in the minimum amount of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00) per accident and for property damage in the amount of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00) must be provided, said insurance policy to be included with the permit application.
E.
"LI" Light Industrial District and "HI" Heavy Industrial District.
1.
Functional types permitted:
a.
Bulletin board signs.
b.
Business signs.
c.
Construction signs.
d.
Identification signs.
e.
Nameplate signs.
f.
Real estate signs.
2.
Structural types permitted:
a.
Awning, canopy or marquee signs.
b.
Ground signs.
c.
Pole signs.
d.
Projecting signs.
e.
Wall signs.
f.
Roof signs.
3.
Number of signs permitted: one (1) per zoning lot.
4.
Maximum gross surface area: Four (4) square feet per lineal foot of street frontage, provided no single sign exceeds a gross surface area of three hundred (300) square feet.
5.
Maximum height:
a.
All signs: thirty (30) feet.
6.
Required setback: None.
7.
Illumination: Illuminated signs shall be permitted.