1.

The purpose of these sign regulations is to protect the health, safety, and general welfare of the residents of the City of Horn Lake by regulating the design, construction, installation, and removal of commercial and noncommercial signs and displays in a manner that:

a.

Acknowledges the visual communication needs of businesses and other parties;

b.

Enables the public to locate goods, services, and facilities in the City of Horn Lake easily;

c.

Helps preserve the visibility of competing messages and communications effectiveness of signs;

d.

Protects property values and the character of business districts and nearby neighborhoods; and,

e.

Improves the image of the City of Horn Lake in the minds of both residents and visitors.

2.

These sign regulations are adopted under the zoning authority of the City of Horn Lake in furtherance of the more general purposes set forth in ARTICLE I.

1.

Except as specifically provided otherwise herein, upon the effective date of this ARTICLE, no sign as defined herein, shall be displayed, located, erected, moved, reconstructed, extended, enlarged, converted, replaced, or altered except in conformance with the provisions of this ARTICLE.

1. Balloon - A nonporous bag made of a light flexible material that when filled with air or a gas, that may or may not rise or float, and which is tethered to the ground, a building, or other structure that directs attention to a business, commodity, service, or entertainment conducted, sold, or offered.

2. Commercial Message - Any sign wording, logo, or other representation that, directly or indirectly, names, promotes, or calls attention to a business, product, service, or other commercial activity.

3. Flag - Any exhibit made of flexible material which is mounted on a pole and which represents or symbolizes an organization, group, cause, event, activity, or unit of government.

4. Mural - Any pictorial or graphic representation painted on the exterior of a building, generally for the purposes of decoration or artistic expression, including but not limited to painting, fresco, or mosaic and not constituting a sign as herein defined.

5. Sign - Any device, fixture, placard, or structure that uses any color, form, graphic, illumination, symbol, or writing to advertise, announce the purpose of, or identify the purpose of a person or entity, or to communicate information of any kind to the public.

6. Sign, Abandoned - Sign that no longer identifies a bona fide business, leaser, owner, project, activity, or product and/or for which no legal owner can be found.

7. Sign, Advertising - A sign conveying a commercial message, and directing attention to a business, profession, commodity, service, or entertainment conducted, sold or offered off the premises where the sign is located and maintained.

8. Sign, Animated - A sign that includes action or motion. This term does not refer to flashing or changing signs, all of which are separately defined.

9. Sign, Attached - A sign that is permanently attached or fastened to a principal or accessory building or structure, (face or wall), awning/canopy or structurally independent wall or overhang.

10. Sign, Awning/Canopy - A sign that is mounted, painted or otherwise attached to an awning or canopy of permanent construction.

11. Sign, Bandit - A temporary sign constructed of portable materials such as corrugated plastic and is used as a means of temporary.

12. Sign, Banner - Any sign printed or displayed upon cloth or any other flexible material, with or without frames. National flags, state or municipal flags shall not be considered banners.

13. Sign, Beacon - Any light with one or more beams directed into the atmosphere or directed at one or more points not on the same zone lot as the light source; also, any light with one or more beams which rotate or move.

14. Sign, Bench - A sign located on any part of the surface of a bench or seat placed on or adjacent to a public right-of-way.

15. Sign, Billboard - A freestanding ground sign or pole sign located on land that has industrial or commercial zoning, if the sign is designed or intended to direct attention to a business, product, or service that is not sold, offered, or existing on the property where the sign is located, i.e., an off-premises sign.

16. Sign, Building Marker Identification - A sign constructed of concrete, bronze, or similar material conveying historical information limited to the name of the building, date of erection and other pertinent historical data.

17. Sign, Business - A sign that directs the attention to a business, profession, commodity, service or entertainment, conducted, sold, or offered upon the same lot where the sign is located.

18. Sign, Cabinet - A sign that contains all the text and/or logo symbols within a single enclosed cabinet and may or may not be illuminated.

19. Sign, Changeable Copy (Manual) - A sign on which copy is changed manually in the field, i.e., reader boards with changeable letters or changeable pictorial letters.

20. Sign, Changeable Copy (Automatic/Electronic) - A sign with a fixed or changing display/message composed of a series of lights that may be changed through electronic means.

21. Sign, Conforming - A sign that is in compliance with all the provisions of this ARTICLE.

22. Sign, Construction - A sign erected on the premises on which construction is taking place, during the period of construction, and indicating the names of the architects, contractors, owners, financial supporters, sponsors and similar persons or firms involved with the construction and development of the project.

23. Sign, Copy - The wording or graphics on a sign surface.

24. Sign, Detached - A sign detached from any supporting elements of a principal and/or accessory building or structure, or as otherwise defined herein.

25. Sign, Directional - A sign, whose copy is limited to directions for pedestrian or vehicular traffic on site including, but not limited to, signs to entrances, exits, parking areas or one-way drives.

26. Sign, Directory - A sign, whose copy is limited to the name, use, and/or location of businesses/companies located in commercial, office or industrial complexes; or for multi-tenant buildings in any building or complex where one or more tenants does not have an exterior entrance. Directory signs shall be arranged in a uniform manner, and erected on a single structure.

27. Sign, Face - The area or display surface used for the message.

28. Sign, Feather Flags - Feather flags shall mean any portable banner made of cloth, canvas, plastic, or other flexible material that is designed or intended to move or blow in the wind. The structure of which is constructed of a single plastic or metal shaft driven in the ground with or without a frame or other supporting structure that is vertically elongated and attached to the shaft.

29. Sign, Flashing - Any sign which contains an intermittent or flashing light source, or which includes the illusion of intermittent or flashing light by means of animation, or an externally mounted light source.

30. Sign, Ground Mounted - A sign, other than a pole/post sign that is mounted directly upon the ground, or supported by a solitary base, or two (2) or more uprights, posts, or braces affixed in the ground and independent of any building.

31. Sign, Identification - A sign announcing the name of a development, subdivision, project, church, school, park, or public or quasi-public structure and/or facility to the extent that the sign copy is limited to the name, address, crest, or trademark, or other identifying symbol on the premises where it is located.

32. Sign, Illegal - Any of the following: (1) A sign that contravenes the provisions of this ARTICLE; (2) a sign that contravenes the provisions of any state and/or federal regulation pertaining to signage; (3) a nonconforming sign for which the amortization period has expired; or (4) a sign that is a danger to the public or is unsafe, or a sign that was erected illegally (or for which a permit was not obtained) under a previous ordinance.

33. Sign, Incidental - A sign that conveys no commercial message, and is clearly incidental to the other principal, permitted signs on site.

34. Sign, Live Advertising - Live advertising shall include any person who from private property seeks to draw the attention of the motoring public, or public in general, to a business, sale, promotion or any other event by use of waving, holding a sign or being dressed in a costume or mascot outfit.

35. Sign, Marquee - Any sign attached to roof-like structure of a permanent nature that projects from the wall of a building or its supports and may overhang the public way.

36. Sign, Memorial - A sign, tablet, or plaque memorializing a person, event, structure, or site.

37. Sign, Menu Board - A sign intending to serve customers already on the premises through identification of products or services available. Said sign is not intended to attract attention off the premises, and its contents should not be discernable from a public right-of-way.

38. Sign, Nameplate - A sign giving the name or address, or both, of the owner or owner's premises (i.e. farm, homestead).

39. Sign, Noncommercial - A sign that does not contain information or advertising for any business, commodity, service, entertainment, product, or other attraction.

40. Sign, Nonconforming - Any sign that existing legally prior to adoption of this ARTICLE that does not conform to the requirements of this ARTICLE.

41. Sign, Pennant - Any lightweight plastic, fabric, or other material, whether or not containing a message of any kind, suspended from a rope, wire, or string, usually in a series, designed to move in the wind.

42. Sign, Permanent - A sign constructed of durable materials and intended to exist for the duration of time that the use or occupant is located on-premises.

43. Sign, Pole/Post - A sign, other than a ground mounted sign that is mounted on a single pole or post.

44. Sign, Political - A sign displaying the name and/or picture of an individual seeking election to public office or a sign otherwise relating to a forthcoming public election or referendum.

45. Sign, Portable - Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent structure, or a sign designed to be transported, including, but not limited to, signs designed to be transported by wheels; signs connected to A- or T-frames; menu and sandwich board signs; balloons used as signs; and signs attached to or painted on vehicles and visible from the public right-of-way.

46. Sign, Projecting - Any sign affixed to a building or wall in such a manner that its leading edge extends more than twelve (12) inches beyond the surface of the building or wall.

47. Sign, Real Estate - A sign pertaining to the sale or lease of the premises, or a portion of the premises, on which the sign is located.

48. Sign, Roof - Any sign illustrated, erected and/or constructed wholly on and/or over the roof of a building, supported by the roof structure, and extending vertically above the highest portion of the roof.

49. Sign, Show Window - Any sign promoting sales or specials attached to or within three (3) feet of the glass surface of any fixed window (glazing) visible from public rights-of-way.

50. Sign, Suspended - A sign that is suspended from the underside of a horizontal plane surface and is supported by such surface. A suspended sign shall maintain a minimum of nine (9) feet of vertical clearance from any pedestrian way.

51. Sign, Temporary - Any sign not intended or designed for permanent display—intended for "coming soon" instances.

52. Sign, Vehicle - A sign on or within a motor vehicle, boat, aircraft, recreational vehicle, manufactured home, trailer, or similar vehicle that has been parked for the primary purpose of displaying the sign.

53. Sign, Wall - A sign attached to or erected against, but within twelve (12) inches of, the wall of a building or structure, with the sign face parallel to the plane of the wall.

(Ord. No. 10-04-196, § 2, 4-20-2010; Ord. No. 16-06-237, § 2, 6-21-2016; Ord. No. 22-10-285, § 2, 10-18-2022)

The following standards and provisions shall apply to all signs regulated by this article.

1.

Design Guidelines for Signs.

a.

Message: A motorist's reaction time to a sign's message is less than 10 seconds when traveling at a rate of speed approximating 45 miles per hour. Accordingly, messages on signs intended to be read by motorists should be kept to a minimum. Symbols can sometimes be used as substitutes for words. The sign should not appear "busy," cluttered, or crowded.

b.

Shape: A single simple, common geometric form such as a rectangle, square, circle, or oval is often preferable to a more elaborate shape or combination of shapes.

c.

Color: Colors used should provide sufficient contrast between the message and the background of the sign to assure readability. Use of no more than four (4) colors (including black and white and the background color of the sign) is preferable. Use of bright colors as accents is preferred to their use as dominant colors.

d.

Materials: The simple, classic beauty of traditional natural materials like wood, stone, or brick is often preferable if such materials are largely unpainted (but rated for exterior exposure) so that their natural beauty is exposed.

e.

Lettering Size: Lettering on signs should be no larger than required for readability from the street, taking into account the prevalence of vehicular or pedestrian traffic, traffic speeds, and setback of the sign. Generally letter height should fall in a range of between six (6) inches and one and a half (1.5) feet.

f.

Fonts: Use of no more than two fonts on a sign is preferred. Fonts used for tenant wall signs in multi-tenant properties like shopping centers should be consistent and in compliance with an approved master or common signage plan (Paragraph 8).

g.

Supports: Support bases for ground mounted should be part of the overall sign design. They should be ornamental in nature to complement the sign face and of a material (such as brick, stone, wood, galvanized metal) and color and of proportions that enhance the sign face.

h.

Landscaping: The area around the support base of all permanent detached signs shall be landscaped with healthy, hardy, and drought-resistant landscape materials that serve to screen and soften structural elements of the support base as well as compliment the overall aesthetic of the sign.

2.

Sign Construction.

a.

All signs, regardless of whether a permit is required for such signs, shall conform to the pertinent requirements of the Building Code and other construction codes adopted and in effect in the City of Horn Lake.

b.

Where applicable, required building and/or electrical permits shall be obtained at the same time as the sign permit.

c.

All letters, figures, characters, and embellishments on a sign shall be safely and securely attached to the sign structure.

d.

Framework for all attached signs shall be contained within or behind the face of the sign, or within the building, so as not to be visible to public view.

e.

All permanent ground mounted signs shall either utilize a fully enclosed base consisting of either galvanized metal; brick; stone; stucco, or comparable material. Additionally, the area surrounding the base shall be appropriately landscaped with at least two shrubberies per face.

f.

Wood used in sign fabrication that will be exposed to the weather when the sign is displayed shall be rated for exterior exposure.

g.

No permanent sign other than a flag or awning sign shall be fabricated from canvas, cloth, or flexible vinyl.

3.

Sign Measurements. In determining the size of any sign, the following procedure shall be used:

a.

Setback: To determine the required sign setback, the measurement shall be made from the nearest street right-of-way line. No portion of any sign may extend on or over the required setback area irrespective of the location of the sign's structural base and shall be at least ten (10) feet from the right of way.

b.

Sign Area:

1.

For attached signs consisting of individual letters, numbers, characters, figures, or displays attached in some manner without background material, trim and/or framing devices, the area of the sign shall be deemed to be that of a single rectangle or square encompassing all of the of individual letters, numbers, characters, figures, or displays, and shall include the open space between said letters, displays or characters within that square or rectangle.

2.

For all other sign applications, including detached signs containing background material, trim and/or framing devices, the sign area shall be determined by the area of the entire sign including said background material, trim and/or framing devices, but excluding structural supports.

3.

For all two-faced detached signs, the sign area shall be determined by measurement of one sign face, provided that such sign faces are contained on the same support structure, and are not more than fifty - (50) inches apart. No detached sign shall have more than one sign face visible from the same direction.

4.

The sum of the area of all permitted permanent signs shall be as provided for in Section K. Where a principal building has frontage on more than one public street, only the signs computed with the lineal building frontage, as defined below, along that public street shall face that street.

5.

Lineal building frontage shall mean: 1) the horizontal length measured from the side of a building parallel to the public street frontage of the heated and enclosed structure upon the premises, not including out-buildings or appurtenant structures; or 2) the horizontal length of a building on the side with its principal entrance, whichever is greater. Principal buildings with frontage on more than one street shall be permitted a maximum of two (2) building frontages for the purposes of these regulations.

c.

Sign Height: The height of any sign shall be determined by the distance between the topmost portion of the sign or the structure supporting the sign and the base of the sign at normal grade. Normal grade shall be construed to be the lower of (1) existing grade prior to construction, (2) the newly established grade after construction, exclusive of any filling, berming, mounding, or excavating solely for the purpose of locating the sign. In cases in which the normal grade cannot be determined, sign height shall be computed on the assumption that the elevation of the normal grade at the base of the sign and/or sign structure is equal to the elevation of the nearest point of the crown of a public street or the grade of the land at the principle entrance to the principle structure on the lot, whichever is lower.

4.

Sign Location and Placement.

a.

No sign shall be located within a public right-of-way, or placed so as to obstruct the clear sight triangle at a street intersection. Any sign installed or placed on public property, except in conformance with this ARTICLE, shall be forfeited to the public and subject to confiscation. In addition to other remedies hereunder, the city shall have the right to recover from the owner or person placing such a sign the full costs of removal and disposal of the sign.

b.

All signs and their supporting structures shall maintain clearance and non-interference with all surface and underground facilities and conduits for water, sewer, gas, electricity or communications equipment or lines, and shall not be placed so as to interfere with natural or official drainage or surface or underground water.

c.

No sign shall be located within the sight triangle which is established by measuring fifty (50) feet on each street or ten feet up a private driveway and drawing an imaginary line.

5.

Illumination.

a.

Backlighting is the preferred external illumination method. External light fixtures shall be concealed wherever possible.

b.

Sign illumination shall be constant in intensity and color. Illumination shall be of uniform intensity over the sign face, and shall not exceed fifteen (15) foot-candles at any point on the sign face.

c.

Lighting for any illuminated sign shall be so shaded, shielded, or directed so as not to cause glare on surrounding properties or in public streets.

d.

Signs shall not have blinking, flashing, or other illuminating devices that change light intensity, brightness or color, likewise no strobe lights shall be allowed in windows or where visible from the street.

e.

No colored lights shall be used on any sign at any location in any manner so as to be confused with or construed as traffic control devices.

f.

No direct or reflected light from a light source for an illuminated sign shall create a traffic hazard for motor vehicles.

6.

Maintenance and Repair.

a.

Painted and unpainted signs, embellishments, and support structures shall be cleaned as necessary to prevent an unsightly or blighted appearance.

b.

Painted signs and support structures shall be repainted as necessary to prevent excessive peeling paint, faded colors, rust, corrosion, rotting, or other deterioration in the appearance or structural safety of the sign.

c.

All supports, anchors, guys, and braces for a sign shall be maintained in safe and secure condition.

d.

Missing characters in the sign message, and/or broken or damaged sign faces, framing or support structures shall be replaced, repaired, or removed.

e.

Mounting and electrical holes for signs that have been removed that are not used for a replacement sign shall be filled or concealed. Discolorations shall be removed from facades that create "shadows" of signs or characters that have been removed.

f.

Any required vegetative landscaping at the sign base shall be maintained in a living and healthy condition free of weeds, bare spots, and debris.

g.

Signs originally designed to be lit, both internally and externally, shall be maintained to stay lit. This means signs partially darkened or unlit, flickering, flashing or strobing shall be maintained to field and produce a constant and steady level of light, both internally and externally.

7.

Abandoned Signs.

a.

Sign copy identifying businesses no longer in existence, products no longer being sold, services no longer being rendered, or events no longer being conducted shall be deemed to have been abandoned, and shall be removed by the owner or possessor of the property or sign within sixty-(60) days from the termination of such activities. Abandoned signs that have not been removed within the required time period, shall subject the owner or possessor of the property or sign to the enforcement and remedy provisions contained in this ARTICLE. This provision shall not pertain to sign faces and structures otherwise in compliance with the provisions of this ARTICLE, where the owner or possessor of the property is actively marketing the property for sale or lease as a result of a temporary suspension of activities due to a change in tenant/ownership or management, provided the property does not remain vacant for a period of more than twelve (12) consecutive months.

b.

Any sign that fails to meet the construction and maintenance requirements contained herein shall be deemed to have been abandoned, and subject to removal pursuant to the enforcement and remedy provisions contained in this ARTICLE.

8.

Master/Common Signage Plans.

a.

Overview: The following provisions shall be applicable to all non-residential and mixed-use planned developments, as well as conventional developments containing more than one principal structure, whether detached or attached, on a single zone lot (e.g. shopping centers etc.), or a group of multiple zone lots containing related and/or themed principal structures (e.g. industrial parks, panned commercial etc.).

b.

Planned Developments: Any planned development proposal, as prescribed in the Zoning Ordinance, consisting of non-residential uses shall contain, as part of the official development/outline plan, a master signage plan that specifies such standards as type(s) of signage, size, height, design, lighting, color, materials, location, and method of construction to assure that all signage within the proposed planned development is designed in a harmonious and consistent manner. Master signage plans for planned developments may provide for standards that vary from the specific requirements of this ARTICLE if approved by the Governing Authority.

c.

Conventional Developments: Any proposed conventional development that will contain more than one principal structure, whether detached or attached, on a single zone lot, or any group of multiple zone lots containing related and/or themed principal structures shall provide for a common signage plan that specifies such standards as type(s) of signage, size, height, design, lighting, color, materials, location, and method of construction to assure consistency among all signs on the affected zone lot(s). Said common signage plan shall be included in any subdivision plan, site plan, or other official plan required by the city for the proposed development, and shall be processed simultaneously with such other plan.

d.

Existing Signs Not Conforming to Master or Common Signage Plans: If any new or amended master or common signage plan is filed for a property on which existing signs are located, it shall include a schedule for bringing into conformance all signs not conforming to the proposed new or amended master or common signage plan or to the requirements of this ARTICLE.

h.

Binding Effect: After approval of a master or common signage plan, no sign shall be erected, placed, painted, or maintained, except in conformance with such plan, and such plan may be enforced in the same way as any provision of this ARTICLE.

9.

Special Sign Districts.

a.

Overview: For the purposes of establishing, enhancing, preserving, and developing the character, quality, and property values of areas of unique character and special development potential, special sign districts in which signs are regulated by special provisions may be established subject to the following conditions:

1.

As a prerequisite to the establishment of such a special sign district, it must be determined by the Governing Authority that the modified rules established for said special sign district shall:

a.

Preserve and enhance the special character of the particular area: and

b.

Not contravene the intent of this ARTICLE; and

c.

Cause no impairment of neighboring property lying outside the proposed district.

2.

Without changing the basic structure of this ARTICLE, the modified rules for a special sign district may impose sign regulations that provide greater latitude or more stringent limitations than those provided elsewhere in this ARTICLE.

3.

A special sign district shall constitute an overlay district, and shall adhere to the procedures set forth in ARTICLE XVI for the purposes of adoption and administration.

b.

Approval: Special sign districts may be established by the Governing Authority upon review and recommendation for the establishment of such special sign district by the Planning Commission and Design Review Commission.

c.

Amendment: An established special sign district may be amended in the same manner in which it was created.

10.

New Zone Districts. If a new zone district is created after the enactment of this ARTICLE, no new signs shall be permitted therein until this ARTICLE is amended to include the new zone district. The provisions for non-conforming signs in Section L shall govern all existing signs within an area for which a new zone district is created that become non-conforming as the result of the application of this ARTICLE.

11.

Existing Signs in Annexed Areas. Signs lawfully existing in areas annexed after the enactment of this ARTICLE that become non-conforming as the result of the application of this ARTICLE, shall be governed by the provisions for non-conforming signs in Section N.

12.

Electronic Changeable Message Signs (ECMS). Electronic changeable message signs shall be permitted as a conditional use on detached signs only (monument sign or pole sign) subject to the following limitations and requirements:

a.

The ECMS shall be part of the detached business identification sign and shall not exceed twenty (20) percent of the total allowed sign face area. This shall not apply to billboard signs.

b.

ECMS must be approved as a conditional use and shall be allowed in certain zoning districts subject to certain locations and zoning districts as follows:

1.

In all Commercial (C) and Planned Unit Development (PUD) districts that allow commercial land uses except Office (O), but commercial signs are not allowed on frontages opposite a Residential District.

2.

In all Industrial (I) districts, but commercial signs are not allowed on frontages opposite a Residential district.

3.

In Residential districts for schools and churches, provided the ECMS is located on a thoroughfare having four (4) or more lanes at the time of permitting.

4.

Digital pricing signs used to display the cost of fuel sales shall be exempt from the requirement of conditional use approval, provided the proposed digital pricing sign meets all other requirements of this article.

c.

ECMS shall not be permitted on sites where existing detached signs are nonconforming unless such detached signs are brought into conformance with this ARTICLE.

d.

No ECMS message (copy and/or image) shall be allowed to flash, animate, scroll, or otherwise move, or transition from one message to another in a moving manner. Transition between messages shall be instantaneous.

e.

Each message shall be continuously displayed for eight (8) seconds before changing to another message.

f.

Each ECMS or other sign employing the use of light emitting diodes (LED) for display shall be equipped with a control system that automatically adjusts light emission level to ambient light conditions so as to not cause glare or excessive brightness. In no case shall the light level of any such sign exceed five hundred (500) nits (candelas per 10.76 square feet) between the time of sunset and sunrise, nor five thousand (5,000) nits at other times (daytime).

g.

Any ECMS located within a Residential district shall be operated or lit only between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. and shall be equipped with an automatic timer control that assures compliance with this restriction.

h.

Reserved.

i.

In residential districts any portion of the message must be in amber color.

j.

ECMS shall not be permitted in the Highway 51 and the I-55 sign overlay districts, except for digital pricing signs used to display the cost of fuel sales, provided that such digital pricing sign meets all other requirements of this article and except for billboards in the I-55 sign overlay district.

(Ord. No. 08-25-11, 8-16-2011; Ord. No. 17-03-247, § 4, 3-21-2017; Ord. No. 21-02-269, § 2, 2-2-2021; Ord. No. 22-10-285, § 2, 10-18-2022)

The following signs and/or symbols are exempt from regulation under this ARTICLE:

1.

Public signs erected on behalf of a governmental body to post legal notices, identify public property, convey public information, and to direct or regulate pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

2.

Public signs: signs erected by, or on the order of, a public officer in the performance of his/her duty, such as safety signs, danger signs or traffic control signs.

3.

Community promotional signs sanctioned and approved by the City of Horn Lake.

4.

Public street signs; private street signs approved by the City Engineer, or approved as part of a planned development.

5.

Informational signs of a public utility regarding its poles, lines, pipes, or facilities.

6.

Emergency warning signs erected by a governmental agency, a public utility company, or a contractor doing authorized or permitted work within a public right-of-way.

7.

Signs not visible from public rights-of-way.

8.

Historical markers: historical markers established and/or sanctioned by local, state or federal authorities.

9.

Monuments in cemeteries.

(Ord. No. 16-06-237, § 3, 6-21-2016)

The following signs shall be exempt from the permit requirements of this ARTICLE, but shall be subject to all applicable restrictions of this ARTICLE:

1.

Temporary merchandise displays and show window signs behind storefront or office windows that are non-illuminated, provided that such signs shall not occupy (individually or cumulatively within in each defined window opening) more than twenty (20%) percent of each window opening. Any such sign(s) exceeding twenty (20%) of any window opening shall be regulated as a permanent attached, wall sign as provided herein.

2.

Building marker identification signs constructed of concrete, bronze, or similar material conveying historical information limited to the name of the building, date of erection and other pertinent historical data, and not exceeding four (4) square feet per face.

3.

Real estate signs subject to the following restrictions:

a.

Signs offering for sale/lease a single family home or lot, a duplex, triplex, or quadraplex, or an individual unit within an attached housing development shall not exceed eight (8) square feet in total area and six (6) feet in height.

b.

Signs offering for sale/lease all other real estate, including agricultural and non-residential property, shall not exceed twenty-five (25) square feet in total area and a maximum height of (6) feet.

c.

Only one sign per street front of the property being offered for sale shall be erected.

d.

Properties having a continuous frontage in excess of 500 linear feet may be allowed an additional sign so long as such sign is no closer than 500 feet from another real estate sign on the property.

e.

Signs shall not be illuminated.

f.

Signs shall be removed within seven (7) days after the sale is closed or rent or lease transaction is finalized.

g.

Signs shall be setback at least of ten (10) foot from any public right-of-way.

4.

Directional signs subject to the following restrictions:

a.

Signs shall not exceed four (4) square feet per sign face and three (3) feet in height.

b.

Signs shall not convey any commercial message.

c.

Signs shall conform to the standards of the U.S. Department of Transportation Manual on Uniform Traffic Devices.

d.

Signs shall be set back at least one (1) foot from the property line.

e.

Directional signs shall be located on the premises for which directions are provided.

f.

A maximum of four (4) directional signs shall be permitted for any zone lot.

5.

Incidental signs used to do the following: direct certain activities to certain areas (e.g. handicapped parking); prohibit the parking of unauthorized vehicles; provide other incidental information (e.g. "no smoking;" "restroom," "no solicitors;" "help-wanted," etc.). Incidental signs shall be subject to the following restrictions:

a.

Signs shall not exceed two (2) square feet per sign face.

b.

Signs shall not convey any commercial message.

c.

Signs shall be set back at least one (1) foot from the property line.

d.

Signs shall not be illuminated.

6.

Ancillary permanent signs associated with the sale of petroleum products shall be subject to the following restrictions:

a.

Incidental signs (e.g. self-service; full-service etc.) shall be limited to two (2) signs per pump island, and shall not exceed two (2) square feet per sign face.

b.

Price signs shall be limited to one (1) sign per parcel except on corner lots and shall be considered the permanent sign as allowed on the lot.

c.

Signs shall be located at a height no more than eight (8) feet from the surrounding grade.

d.

Federal and state stamps, octane ratings, pump use directions, no smoking signs and other mandatory signs and stamps shall be as required by the applicable governing authority.

e.

Said ancillary signage shall be in addition to the sign allotment provided herein.

f.

Signs shall not be illuminated.

7.

Sign(s) affixed to aircraft, boats, buses, taxicabs, or other commercial vehicles where the sign is incidental and accessory to the primary use of the vehicle, and that are operated or parked during the normal course of business.

8.

Nameplates mounted on buildings or mailboxes not exceeding one (1) square foot in size.

9.

Flags of the United States, the state, the city, foreign nations having relations with the United States, and any other flag adopted or sanctioned by an elected legislative body of competent jurisdiction, provided that such flag shall not exceed sixty (60) square feet in area within non-residential zone districts, and not be flown from a pole that is more than thirty-five feet[ (35) feet in height. In residential zone districts, such flag shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet and may not be flown from a pole or other device more than twenty (20) feet in height. Any flag not meeting any of the foregoing requirements will require a conditional use permit before installation and use.

(Ord. No. 10-04-196, § 2, 4-20-2010)

10.

Memorial signs and plagues not exceeding one (1) square foot in size.

11.

Political signs. (See Sec. L)

12.

Noncommercial signs within residential and non-residential zone districts shall be subject to the following restrictions:

a.

Sign shall not exceed eight (8) square feet in total area and four (4) feet in height.

b.

Only one (1) sign per zone lot shall be permitted.

c.

Signs shall not convey any commercial message.

d.

Signs shall not be illuminated.

e.

Sign shall not contain characters, cartoons, or statements of an obscene, indecent, or immoral character that would offend public morals and decency.

f.

Signs shall be set back at least ten (10) foot from the property line.

It shall be unlawful to erect, cause to be erected, maintain or cause to be maintained, any sign not expressly authorized by, or exempted from, these provisions. The following signs are expressly prohibited:

1.

Signs that contain characters, cartoons, or statements of an obscene, indecent, or immoral character that would offend public morals and decency.

2.

Signs that contain or are an imitation of an official traffic sign or signal or contain the words "stop," "go slow," "caution," "danger," "warning" or other similar words.

3.

Signs that are of a size, location, movement, content, coloring, or manner of illumination which may be confused with or construed as a traffic control device or which hide from view any traffic or street sign signal, or cause traffic hazards/conflicts.

4.

Signs that have any moving parts.

5.

Animated and/or flashing signs as defined herein.

6.

Signs that contain reflective materials.

7.

Signs that contain reflective type bulbs, pulsating light or strobe light.

8.

Signs made structurally sound by guy wires or other unsightly bracing.

9.

Beacons, except for emergency purposes.

10.

Signs attached to, suspended from or painted on any vehicle that is regularly parked on any street or private property when the primary purpose of so locating such vehicle is to display, demonstrate and advertise or attract the attention of the public. It is not a violation of this article merely to have a common logo of a business sign attached to, suspended from, or painted on a company vehicle regularly in the business of the owner. Text that denotes the services offered by said company shall also be allowed provided the size and location of said text is secondary to that of the company name and logo.

a.

Vehicles bearing signage as described herein shall not be parked continuously for a period of more than forty-eight (48) hours if the signage thereon is visible from a public street right-of-way.

b.

All vehicles bearing signage as described herein shall be maintained in an operable state and have a current license and tag(s).

11.

Advertising signs.

12.

Banners, pennants, and/or streamers, except as provided herein.

13.

Bench Signs.

14.

Portable Signs, including sandwich board signs.

15.

Projecting Signs.

16.

Roof Signs.

17.

Signs attached to Vending Machines.

18.

Backlit Awning/Canopy.

19.

Any inflatable device that is used to direct attention to a business, commodity, service, activity, entertainment, or site.

20.

Spot light or search light devices that direct attention to a business, commodity, service, activity, entertainment, or site.

21.

Exposed Neon.

22.

Off-premises signs, except in the I-55 Interchange District.

23.

Wall mounted cabinet signs.

24.

Feather Flags.

25.

Pennant Signs.

26.

Murals.

27.

Bandit Signs.

28.

Balloons.

(Ord. No. 16-06-237, § 4, 6-21-2016; Ord. No. 16-09-241, § 2, 9-20-2016; Ord. No. 17-03-247, § 2, 3-21-2017; Ord. No. 22-10-285, § 2, 10-18-2022)

Signs not specifically exempt, exempt from permit requirements, or prohibited from these sign regulations shall be further classified as to their type, form, duration, and zone district location.

1.

Sign Types.

a.

Business Signs.

b.

Identification Signs.

2.

Sign Forms.

a.

Attached Signs:

1.

Awning or Canopy Sign.

2.

Banner.

3.

Changeable Copy (manual).*

4.

Directory Sign*

5.

Marquee Sign.

6.

Suspended Sign.

7.

Wall Sign.

b.

Detached Signs:

1.

Construction Sign.

2.

Changeable Copy (manual).*

3.

Directory Sign. *

4.

Ground Mounted Sign.

5.

Subdivision Identification Sign.

* Sign may function as an attached or detached sign

3.

Duration.

a.

Temporary Signs:

1.

Banner (Business Promotion) (eight per year—-10 days each).

2.

Construction Sign (until construction is completed or one year whichever is less).

3.

Subdivision locator signs (365 days).

b.

Permanent Signs:

1.

Any sign, other than a specified temporary sign, for which a permit is required as provided herein.

4.

Zone Districts. For the purposes of this ARTICLE, zone districts are classified as follows:

A.

Residential Districts:

1.

A—agricultural.

2.

All residential—including multifamily.

B.

Commercial Districts:

1.

Neighborhood Commercial "C-1".

2.

Planned Commercial "C-4".

3.

General Commercial "C-3".

4.

Office "O".

C.

Industrial District:

1.

Industrial (M1 and M2).

D.

Planned Unit Development District:

1.

Planned Unit Development "PUD".

E.

Overlay Districts:

1.

Flood "F".

2.

I-55 Interchange area.

(Ord. No. 13-12-214; § 2, 12-17-2013)

The following provisions shall apply to all permitted temporary signs requiring a permit, unless otherwise provided herein.

1.

Banners (Business Promotion).

a.

Temporary business promotion banner signs shall be permitted for businesses for grand openings and special promotions. Temporary business promotion banner signs shall be subject to the following restrictions:

1.

Any business, civic, non-profit or for profit organization may apply for a 10-day temporary banner permit a maximum of 8 times per calendar year. These permits may be combined to extend the time of any one promotion but in no case shall the maximum of 80 days per calendar year be exceeded.

2.

Banner sign may be constructed of cloth, canvas, or other light temporary material. Banner sign must be securely attached flat against a building, accessory structure, or existing legal sign.

3.

Banner shall only be erected on the premises that the business activity is conducted.

4.

Banner sign face area shall not exceed forty- (40) square feet.

5.

Banner sign shall not project above the roofline of the building to which it is attached.

6.

Banner sign permits may be combined to extend the time of any one promotion but in no case shall the maximum of 80 days per calendar year be exceeded.

7.

Banner sign must be removed upon expiration of the temporary permit.

8.

Banner signs within agricultural and residential districts may not be illuminated without the approval of the Governing Authority.

9.

For the purposes of this section multiple businesses or organizations at the same principal location or same building, whose owner(s) are the same, shall be counted as one (1) business.

(Ord. No. 10-04-196, § 2, 4-20-2010; Ord. No. 13-12-214; § 2, 12-17-2013)

2.

Construction Signs.

a.

Construction signs announcing new subdivision development, construction, or other improvement of a property on which the sign is located by a builder, contractor, or other person furnishing services, materials or labor to said premises shall be subject to the following restrictions:

1.

One (1) temporary construction sign per development site as determined by the Planning Director.

2.

For the purposes of this ARTICLE, construction signs shall not be construed to be a "real estate sign" as defined herein.

3.

Construction signs shall only be erected on the premises that construction is taking place.

4.

Construction signs may be erected on ground mounted structural supports, however, and shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height.

5.

Construction sign face area shall not exceed forty (40) square feet.

6.

The maximum construction sign face area permitted for a single dwelling unit shall not exceed eight (8) square feet, nor exceed four (4) feet in height.

7.

Construction signs shall be set back ten (10) feet from any public right-of-way.

8.

Construction signs shall be removed upon completion of the construction of the project improvements; however, and in no instance shall a construction sign be permitted to remain longer than twenty-four (24) months, unless specifically permitted by the Governing Authority.

9.

Banner signs within agricultural and residential districts may not be illuminated without the approval of the Governing Authority.

3.

Subdivision locator signs.

1.

These signs require a yearly permit from the Office of Planning and Development.

2.

A permission slip from the property owner where the sign is being placed is required at time of permit request.

3.

Sign must be located at least ten (10) feet from the right of way.

4.

Sign shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet.

5.

Subdivision locator signs shall not have flags, banners, streamers or any other material attached to them.

(Ord. No. 10-04-196, § 2, 4-20-2010)

4.

Live Advertising.

1.

Any civic, school, non-profit or for profit organization or business shall be allowed by permit to advertise with the use of live advertising in a commercial zoning district a maximum of four (4) times each calendar year for no more than 8 hours each occurrence.

2.

For the purposes of this section multiple businesses or organizations at the same principal location or same building, whose owner(s) are the same, shall be counted as one (1) business.

3.

Any person engaging in live advertising, pursuant to a valid permit, shall remain twenty (20) feet from the edge of the curb at all times.

4.

Any person engaging in live advertising, pursuant to a valid permit, shall be allowed to utilize an advertising sign that shall not exceed four (4) square feet.

5.

Permit fees for live advertising shall be established in the fee chart developed by the Office of Planning and Development and approved by resolution of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen.

6.

It shall be unlawful to engage in live advertising without first securing a permit as required under this ordinance.

7.

No animal of any type whatsoever shall be used in live advertising.

(Ord. No. 10-04-196, § 2, 4-20-2010)

5.

Holiday; Seasonal Decorations.

a.

Holiday and seasonal decorations, including, but not limited to, holiday lights on houses or in the yard or shrubbery, yard ornaments or decorations, and the like shall not be installed or placed more than forty-five (45) days before the date of the holiday for which said decorations are intended and shall be removed within a reasonable period of time, not to exceed thirty (30) days, following the date of the holiday for which said decorations were intended. Holiday lights, even if not illuminated, are not permitted to remain on any house or structure year-round.

(Ord. No. 10-04-196, § 2, 4-20-2010)

6.

Grand Opening Signage for New Businesses.

a.

Any business which has received a business license from the city to operate at an address for the first time at that address may apply for a grand opening signage permit, but only if that new business license is less than one year old, which shall allow for a period of forty-five (45) days any number of grand opening signage on the parcel containing the address listed on the new business license, which shall include bandit signs, feather flags, pennant flags, yard banners, wall banners, and menu boards, and so long as such display does not cause any traffic hazard, safety hazard, or environmental hazard recognized by the city.

(Ord. No. 25-04-312, § 2, 4-15-2025)

The following provisions shall apply to all permitted permanent signs requiring a permit, unless otherwise provided herein:

1.

Attached Signs.

a.

Attached Signs (Agricultural and Residential Districts). Attached business and identification signs for permitted or conditional uses within the city's agricultural and residential zone districts, except for home occupations as provided for under ARTICLE V, Section 2, Paragraph (b)(10)(c), shall be subject to the following provisions, in addition to any other provisions provided herein:

1.

The face area for any one attached sign shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet, or one (1) square foot for each lineal foot of building, whichever results in the smaller sign area.

2.

A maximum of one (1) attached sign per building frontage shall be permitted.

3.

No portion of an attached sign shall project above the roofline of the building to which the sign is attached.

4.

Attached signs shall only be located on principle buildings.

5.

Attached signs shall project no more than twelve inches from the face of the building to which it is attached.

6.

Attached signs within agricultural and residential districts shall not be illuminated without approval of the Governing Authority.

b.

Attached Signs (Office and Neighborhood Commercial Districts. Attached business and identification signs for permitted or conditional uses within the city's office and neighborhood commercial zone districts shall be subject to the following provisions, in addition to any other provisions provided herein:

1.

The face area for any one attached sign shall not exceed forty -(40) square feet, or one (1) square foot for each lineal foot of building frontage or lineal foot of lease space for ground floor occupants only, whichever results in the smaller sign area, with a minimum of twenty (20) square feet.

2.

A maximum of one (1) attached sign per building frontage or lease space shall be permitted. Not withstanding this provision, buildings within multiple principle structure developments with no direct public street frontage shall be construed to have one (1) building frontage.

3.

Attached signs shall only be located on principle buildings.

4.

Attached signs shall be located on the facade of the lease space being identified.

5.

Attached signs shall be located no closer than five (5) feet in any direction from any other sign.

6.

Attached signs shall project no more than twelve inches from the face of the building to which it is attached.

7.

No portion of an attached sign shall project above the roofline of the building to which the sign is attached.

8.

No cabinet signs allowed.

c.

Attached Signs (General and Planned Commercial and Industrial Districts). Attached business and identification signs for permitted or conditional uses within the city's limited and general commercial zone districts and industrial zone district shall be subject to the following provisions, in addition to any other provisions provided herein:

1.

The face area for any one attached sign shall not exceed one hundred - (100) square feet, or two (2) square foot for each lineal foot of building frontage or lineal foot of lease space for ground floor occupants only, whichever results in the smaller sign area, with a minimum of twenty (20) square feet.

2.

A maximum of two (2) attached signs per building frontage shall be permitted where said building frontage is associated with a free standing structure consisting of one user, or where said building frontage is part of a multi-tenant building, and consists of more than one hundred (100) lineal feet. All other occupants of multi-tenant buildings not meeting this criterion shall be permitted one (1) attached sign as provided herein. Not withstanding this provision, buildings within multiple principle structure developments with no direct public street frontage shall be construed to have one (1) building frontage.

3.

Attached signs shall only be located on permanently erected structures illustrated on an approved site plan.

4.

Attached signs shall be located on the facade of the lease space being identified.

5.

Attached signs shall be located no closer than five (5) feet in any direction from any other sign.

6.

Attached signs shall project no more than twelve inches from the face of the building to which it is attached.

7.

No portion of an attached sign shall project above the roofline of the building to which the sign is attached.

8.

No cabinet signs allowed.

d.

Awning or Canopy Signs. Awning or canopy signs shall be subject to the following additional provisions:

1.

There shall be no more than one (1) awning/canopy sign per building frontage.

2.

The maximum sign copy area for any awning/canopy sign shall not exceed fifty (50) percent of the vertical surface of the awning/canopy, to the extent that the maximum permitted area for any one attached sign per the applicable zone district is not exceeded.

3.

The vertical clearance of any awning or canopy sign from a sidewalk, private drive, or parking area shall be not less than nine (9) feet.

4.

An awning/canopy sign shall not encroach more than five (5) feet into a designated yard area.

5.

Backlit awnings/canopies shall not be permitted.

6.

Awning/canopy signs within agricultural and residential districts shall not be illuminated without approval of the Governing Authority.

7.

Awning/canopy signs shall count toward the principal signage permitted as provided above.

e.

Changeable Copy (manual). Changeable copy (manual) signs shall be subject to the following additional provisions:

1.

Attached changeable copy (manual) signs shall be enclosed and secured against vandalism.

2.

Changeable copy (manual) signs shall count toward the principal signage permitted as provided above.

3.

Changeable copy (manual) signs within agricultural and residential districts shall not be illuminated without approval of the Governing Authority.

f.

Directory Sign. Attached directory signs within commercial, office, or industrial complexes, or multi-tenant buildings where one or more tenants does not have an exterior entrance shall be subject to the following additional provisions:

1.

For multi-tenant buildings, the maximum sign face area for an attached directory sign shall be twenty-five (25) square feet.

2.

A maximum of one (1) attached directory sign per building shall be permitted.

3.

Attached directory signs shall convey no commercial message, nor contain any logos.

4.

Attached directory signs shall be an accessory to the principal signage permitted.

g.

Suspended Signs. Suspended signs shall be subject to the additional provisions:

1.

There shall be no more than one (1) suspended sign per building entrance.

2.

Suspended signs shall not exceed twenty (20) square feet in area.

3.

The vertical clearance of any suspended sign from a sidewalk, private drive, or parking area shall be not less than nine (9) feet

4.

Suspended signs shall count toward the principal signage permitted as provided above.

2.

Detached Signs.

a.

Ground Mounted Signs (Agricultural and Residential Districts). Ground mounted business and identification signs for permitted or conditional uses within the city's open space and residential zone districts, except for home occupations as provided for under ARTICLE V, Section 2, Paragraph (b)(10)(c), shall be subject to the following provisions, in addition to any other provisions provided herein:

1.

The maximum sign face area for any one ground mounted sign shall be thirty-two- (32) square feet.

2.

The maximum height for ground-mounted signs shall not exceed six (6) feet, including the base and/or support structure.

3.

The height of the base and/or support structure for ground-mounted signs shall not exceed three (3) feet.

4.

Ground mounted signs shall be setback a minimum of ten (10) feet from any public right-of-way line, or forty (40) feet from the centerline of any prescriptive road easement in instances where there is no publicly dedicated right-of-way. mounted sign shall be erected within one hundred (100) feet of road intersections, measured from the road centerlines.

7.

In agricultural and residential zone districts, there shall be one hundred (100) feet of separation between all ground-mounted signs on adjacent zone lots. In the event that a zone lot does not contain sufficient frontage to meet the minimum separation requirements as provided above, one (1) ground mounted shall be allowed on affected property at a location as remote from existing ground mounted as possible.

8.

All ground mounted sign support structures shall be landscaped with two appropriately sized shrubs per face.

9.

Ground mounted signs within agricultural and residential districts shall not be illuminated without approval of the Governing Authority.

10.

On double-frontage and corner lots, ground-mounted signs shall be allowed at both entrances.

11.

Only one (1) sign face per support structure shall be permitted, notwithstanding the provisions contained in Section D, Paragraph 3, (b)(3).

b.

Ground Mounted (Office and Neighborhood Commercial Districts). Ground mounted business and identification signs for permitted or conditional uses within the city's office and neighborhood commercial zone districts shall be subject to the following provisions, in addition to any other provisions provided herein:

1.

The maximum sign face area for any one ground mounted sign shall be forty - (40) square feet.

2.

The maximum height for ground-mounted signs shall not exceed eight (8) feet, including the base and/or support structure.

3.

The height of the base and/or support structure for ground-mounted signs shall not exceed three (3) feet.

4.

Only one (1) ground mounted sign per zone lot shall be permitted within office and neighborhood commercial zone districts, irrespective of the number of street frontages applicable to the zone lot.

5.

Ground mounted signs shall be setback a minimum of ten (10) feet from any public right-of-way line.

6.

All ground mounted sign support structures shall be landscaped with two appropriately sized shrubs per face.

7.

There shall be a minimum separation of one hundred (100) feet between ground-mounted signs on adjacent zone lots. In the event that a zone lot does not contain sufficient frontage to meet the minimum separation requirements as provided above, one (1) ground mounted sign shall be allowed on the affected property at a location as remote from existing ground mounted or pole/post signs as possible.

8.

On double-frontage and corner lots, ground-mounted signs shall be allowed at both entrances.

9.

Only one (1) sign face per ground mounted or pole post support structure shall be permitted, notwithstanding the provisions contained in Section D, Paragraph 3, (b)(3).

c.

Ground Mounted (General and Planned Commercial,, Industrial Districts). Ground mounted business and identification signs for permitted or conditional uses within the city's limited and general commercial zone districts shall be subject to the following provisions, in addition to any other provisions provided herein:

1.

The maximum sign face area for any one ground mounted sign shall be forty (40) square feet.

2.

The maximum height for ground-mounted signs shall not exceed eight (8) feet, including the base and/or support structure.

3.

The height of the base and/or support structure for ground mounted signs shall not exceed three (3) feet.

4.

On double-frontage and corner lots, ground mounted signs shall be allowed at both entrances.

5.

There shall be one hundred (100) feet of separation between all ground mounted signs on any zone lot or development parcel.

6.

Ground mounted signs shall be setback a minimum of ten (10) feet from any public right-of-way line.

7.

All ground mounted sign support structures shall be landscaped with two appropriately sized shrubs per face.

8.

There shall be a minimum separation of one hundred (100) feet between ground mounted signs on adjacent zone lots. In the event that a zone lot does not contain sufficient frontage to meet the minimum separation requirements as provided above, one (1) ground mounted or pole/post sign shall be allowed on this property at a location as remote from existing ground mounted signs as possible.

9.

Only one (1) sign face per ground mounted structure shall be permitted, notwithstanding the provisions contained in Section D, Paragraph 3, (b)(3).

d.

Changeable Copy (manual). Changeable copy (manual) signs shall be subject to the additional provisions, in addition to any other provisions provided herein:

1.

Changeable copy (manual) signs shall be enclosed and secured against vandalism.

2.

Changeable copy (manual) signs shall count toward the principal signage permitted as provided above.

3.

Changeable copy (manual) signs within agricultural and residential districts shall not be illuminated without approval of the Governing Authority.

e.

Directory Signs. Detached directory signs for projects or developments containing five (5) or more businesses, tenants etc. with a common parking area and total development square footage of at least twenty-five thousand (25,000) square feet shall be subject to the following provisions, in addition to any other provisions provided herein:

1.

The maximum sign face area for a detached directory sign shall be as follows:

Project/Development Size.

a)

Up to 25,000 square feet: fifty (50) square feet

b)

25,000 - 50,000 square feet: seventy-five - (75) square feet

c)

50,000 - 100,000 square feet: one-hundred - (100) square feet

d)

Over 100,000 square feet: two-hundred - (200) square feet

2.

The maximum height for a detached directory sign shall be as follows:

Project/Development Size.

a)

Up to 25,000 square feet: eight (8) feet

b)

25,000 - 50,000 square feet: eight (8) feet

c)

50,000 - 100,000 square feet: twelve (12) feet

d)

Over 100,000 square feet: fifteen (15) feet

3.

Detached directory signs shall be considered the principal signage permitted and no other ground mounted signs or pole/post signs shall be permitted within such projects/developments. All other maximum sign area requirements (i.e. attached signs) shall be applicable.

4.

Copy on detached directory signs shall be restricted to the project/development name and business/tenant names.

5.

At least twenty (20) percent of the detached directory sign shall be reserved for the project/development name.

6.

The maximum sign face area for any one business, tenant, etc., shall not exceed twenty (20) percent of the detached directory sign.

7.

For ground mounted directory signs, the height of the base support structure for shall not exceed five (5) feet.

8.

Detached directory sign support structures shall be landscaped with two appropriately sized shrubs per face.

9.

Detached directory signs shall be setback a minimum of ten (10) feet from the right-of-way line.

11.

On double-frontage and/or corner lots or development parcels with frontage on two (2) arterial, or higher, level streets, one (1) detached directory sign per principle building frontage shall be permitted. In no instance shall more than two (2) detached directory signs per zone lot or development parcel be permitted, irrespective of the number of street frontages applicable to the zone lot or development parcel.

12.

There shall be one hundred (100) feet of separation between all ground-mounted signs.

13.

Letter copy shall be one color.

f.

Subdivision Identification Signs. Subdivision identification signs shall be subject to the following provisions, in addition to any other provisions provided herein:

1.

The maximum sign face area for non-residential subdivision identification signs (within commercial, office, industrial zone districts) and residential subdivision identification signs (within agricultural and residential districts) shall be as follows:

a)

Residential subdivision identification signs - twenty-five- (25) square feet.

b)

Office/Commercial subdivision identification signs - forty- (40) square feet.

c)

Industrial subdivision identification signs - sixty-four- (64) square feet.

2.

There shall be permitted two (2) subdivision identification sign faces per subdivision entrance, to the extent that the total square footage of all subdivision identification signs does not exceed fifty (50) square feet for residential subdivision identification signs; eighty (80) square feet for office/commercial subdivision identification signs; and one hundred twenty eight (128) square feet for industrial subdivision identification signs. Nothing in this provision should be construed as authorizing more than the maximum permitted number of ground-mounted signs per applicable zone district.

3.

The maximum height for residential subdivision identification signs shall be six (6) feet; for office/commercial subdivision identification signs eight (8) feet; and for industrial subdivision identification signs eight (8) feet.

4.

Where a office/commercial/industrial subdivision is planned as a series of individual structures on individual zone lots with each individual zone lot having frontage on a public street, each individual structure may be permitted to have a detached sign in addition to the permitted subdivision entrance sign as provided herein.

5.

Support structures for subdivision identification signs shall be enclosed and landscaped with two appropriately sized shrubs per face.

6.

Copy on subdivision identification signs shall be restricted to the subdivision name and logo.

7.

Subdivision identification signs within agricultural and residential districts may only be externally illuminated.

(Ord. No. 16-09-240, § 2, 9-20-2016)

1.

The following sign regulations cover a special overlay sign district on land zoned for commercial uses for interchanges on Interstate 55. This district lies on the west side of I-55 between the city limits on the north and Nail Road on the south (as if extended to I-55); with the western boundary north of Goodman Road being Sutton Drive and south of Goodman Road being Windchase Drive, southward to its intersection with Expressway Drive, eastward along Expressway Drive to its intersection with Interstate Blvd., and southward along Interstate Blvd. to its intersection with Nail Road. Said overlay district shall include property between the east, west, north, and south boundaries as well as one parcel deep south of Nail Road between I-55 and Interstate Blvd.; one parcel deep west of Interstate Blvd. between Nail Road and Expressway Drive; one parcel deep south of Expressway Drive between Interstate Blvd. and Windchase Drive; and one parcel deep west of Windchase Drive, between Expressway Drive and Goodman Road.

2.

Notwithstanding height requirement in all commercial zones as described in this chapter, the maximum height permitted for ground signs, including billboards, in this overlay district shall be forty (40) feet.

3.

Notwithstanding the maximum size requirements in all commercial zones as described in this chapter, the maximum face size for ground signs, including billboards, shall be six hundred seventy-two (672) square feet, with maximum dimensions of forty-eight (48) feet wide and fourteen (14) feet tall.

4.

All regular billboards must be five hundred (500) feet from each other, while digital or ECMS-type billboards must be one thousand (1,000) feet from any type of billboard.

(Ord. No. 07-07-176, 7-17-2007; Ord. No. 11-03-201, § 2, 3-1-2011; Ord. No. 22-10-285, § 2, 10-18-2022)

1.

The following sign regulations cover a special overlay sign district on land zoned for commercial uses near the above referenced intersection. In general this district lies within an area lying 700 feet along Hwy. 51 north and south of and 500 feet on Hwy. 302 east and west of the intersections of Hwys. 302 and 51. (See Map)

2.

The maximum height permitted for ground signs in this overlay district shall be twenty (20) feet and the maximum square footage shall not exceed seventy-five (75) square feet.

3.

No poles shall be exposed. The sign shall be constructed as a ground mounted sign and establish an appropriate planting bed at the base of the sign.

4.

Not in conflict with other portions of this chapter, if the property is a corner property, the applicant my have one sign per elevation per these descriptions.

(Ord. No. 07-07-176, 7-17-2007)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 25-03-309, § 2, adopted March 18, 2025, repealed § L, which pertained to political signs and derived from Ord. No. 16-06-237, § 5, 6-21-2016.

1.

General Permit Procedures - The following procedures shall govern the application for the issuance of all sign permits under this ARTICLE.

a.

Applications: All applications for sign permits of any kind shall be submitted to the Planning Department on an application form provided by the city. City staff will review all applications.

b.

Fees: Each application for a sign permit shall be accompanied by applicable fees, which shall be established by the governing body of the city from time to time.

2.

Permits to Construct or Alter Signs - All temporary and/or permanent signs requiring a permit under this ARTICLE shall be created, erected, placed, established, relocated or altered only in accordance with a duly issued and valid sign permit from the Planning Director following approval. Such permits shall be issued only in accordance with the following requirements and procedures.

a.

Permit for New Sign or Sign Relocation/alteration. An application for construction, creation or installation of a new sign or for the relocation or alteration of an existing sign shall be accompanied by detailed drawings to show the dimensions, design, structure, and location of each particular sign as provided on the application form. One application and permit may contain multiple signs on the same zone lot. Sign face replacement involving the same copy, colors, and structural appurtances are included in this requirement.

b.

Inspection. The Planning Director/Building Official shall cause an inspection of the zone lot for which a permit for a new sign or for the alteration of an existing sign is issued upon notification from the owner and/or sign contractor that said sign is ready for inspection. Said inspection must be called for within six (6) months of issuance of the permit, or said permit shall lapse and become void. If the sign construction is complete and in full compliance with this ARTICLE and with all other applicable codes, the Planning Director/Building Official shall affix a permanent symbol identifying the sign and the applicable permit number or other reference. If the sign construction is substantially complete, but not in compliance with this ARTICLE, or other applicable codes, the Planning Director/Building Official shall give the owner and/or sign contractor notice of deficiencies and allow an additional 30 (thirty) days from the date of inspection for the deficiencies to be corrected. If the deficiencies are not corrected by such date, the permit shall lapse and become void, and any sign and/or sign structure erected without the final approval of the Planning Director/Building Official shall be subject the enforcement and remedy provisions contained in this section.

1.

Prior to the final approval of any detached sign(s) the owner and/or sign contractor shall provide verification of all applicable property/right-of-way lines for the purposes of verifying the detached sign location in relationship to such property/right-of-way lines.

2.

All signs for which a permit has been issued are subject to periodic inspections by the Planning Director/Building Official to ensure compliance with this ARTICLE.

3.

Nonconforming Signs - Signs, which were legally in existence prior to the adoption of this ARTICLE, that do not conform to the provisions of this ARTICLE are declared nonconforming signs. It is the intent of this ARTICLE to recognize that the eventual elimination, as expeditiously and fairly as possible, of nonconforming signs is as much a subject of health, safety and welfare as is the prohibition of new signs that would violate the provisions of this ARTICLE. Accordingly, the elimination of nonconforming signs shall be administered in accordance with the following provisions:

a.

No such non-conforming sign may be enlarged or altered in any manner.

b.

No such non-conforming sign which has been damaged 50% or more shall be restored except in conformity with the provisions of this ordinance.

c.

Upon change of entity or ownership a non-conforming sign must be brought into compliance with this ordinance.

(Ord. No. 10-04-196, § 2, 4-20-2010)

4.

Violations - Any of the following shall be a violation of this ARTICLE and shall be subject to the enforcement remedies and penalties provided by the Zoning Ordinance, and any other applicable laws or ordinances:

a.

To install, create, erect, or maintain any sign in a way that is inconsistent with any permit governing such sign or the zone lot on which the sign is located;

b.

To install, create, erect, or maintain any sign requiring a permit without such a permit;

c.

To install, create, erect, or maintain any sign in a way that is inconsistent with any plan or permit governing such sign or the zone lot on which sign is located;

d.

To fail to remove any sign that is installed, created, erected, abandoned or maintained in violation of this ARTICLE, or for which the sign permit has lapsed; or

e.

To continue any such violation. Each such day of a continued violation shall be considered a separate violation when applying the penalty portions of the Zoning Ordinance.

5.

Enforcement and Remedies - Any violation or attempted violation of this ARTICLE or of any condition or requirement adopted pursuant hereto may be restrained, corrected, or abated, as the case may be, by injunction or other appropriate proceedings pursuant to state law. A violation of this ARTICLE shall be considered a violation of the police powers granted by the State of Mississippi in furtherance of the protection of the health, safety, and general welfare of the public at large. The remedies of the city shall include, but are not limited to, the following:

a.

Issuing a stop-work order for any and all work on signs on the same zone lot;

b.

Seeking an injunction or other order of restraint or abatement that requires the removal of the sign(s) or the correction of the nonconformity;

c.

Imposing any penalties that can be imposed directly by the city under the Zoning Ordinance;

d.

Seeking in court the imposition of any penalties that can be imposed by such court under the Zoning Ordinance; and

e.

In the case of a sign that poses an immediate danger to the public health or safety, the Planning Director/Building Official may remove the sign directly with no further due process required at the owner's expense.

f.

The city shall have other such remedies as are and as may from time to time be provided for or allowed by federal, state, or local law for the violation of the Zoning Ordinance.

g.

All such remedies provided herein shall be cumulative. To the extent that state law may limit the availability of a particular remedy set forth herein for a certain violation or a part thereof, such remedy shall remain available for other violations or other parts of the same violation.

6.

Appeals - Any person aggrieved by any interpretation or order of the Zoning Administrator may appeal within ten (10) days to the Planning Commission. The Zoning Administrator shall take no further action on the matter pending the Planning Commission's decision, except for unsafe signs that present an immediate and serious danger to the public.

7.

Variances - Variances from these sign regulations shall not be granted unless it can be determined that special circumstances or conditions exist that are peculiar to a particular business or enterprise to which the applicant desires to draw attention, and do not apply generally to all businesses or enterprises in the area. Procedures for variance consideration are found in ARTICLE X, (G).

ALL GROUND MOUNTED SIGNS MUST HAVE A MASONRY BASE OR MATERIAL APPROVED BY THE PLANNING DIRECTOR. NO EXPOSED POLES. NO POLE SIGNS ARE ALLOWED.