It is the purpose of this article is to protect the health, safety, welfare, convenience and enjoyment of the general public by establishing regulations for the erection and maintenance of signs. It is determined that, while signs are a proper commercial use of private property and an important function in identifying properties, businesses, services, residences, events, and other matters of public interest which are entitled to the protection of the law, such signs should be reasonably regulated in the interest of the public safety and welfare and to safeguard and promote the aesthetic quality of the city by establishment of standards for the type, quantity, sign area, height, spacing and illumination of such signs. The specific purposes of this article are as follows:

(a)

To protect the city's appearance and the quality of life of its citizens.

(b)

Protect the public from the danger of unsafe signs, and from the degradation of the aesthetic qualities of the city.

(c)

To preserve, protect and enhance areas of historical, architectural, cultural, aesthetic and economic value, regardless of whether they are natural or humanmade.

(d)

To establish standards and provide controls that permits reasonable use of signs and enhance the character of the city.

(e)

Support and promote the use of signs to aid the public in the identification of businesses and other activities, to assist the public in its orientation within the city, to express the history and character of the city, to promote the community's ability to attract sources of economic development and growth, and to serve other informational purposes.

(f)

To protect the safety and efficiency of the city's transportation network by reducing the confusion and distraction to motorists, reducing collision hazards and enhancing the motorists' ability to see pedestrians, obstacles, other vehicles and traffic signs.

(g)

To integrate sign regulations more effectively with general zoning regulations by establishing specific requirements for signs, related to setbacks, sign area/height restrictions and spacing.

(h)

Avoid excessive competition for large or multiple signs, so that permitted signs provide identification and direction while minimizing clutter, unsightliness, confusion, and hazardous distractions to motorists.

(i)

To preserve the views of natural resources, green space and other open spaces from unnecessary blight and blockage caused by signage.

(j)

To protect adjacent and nearby properties, in particular residentially zoned properties, from the impact of lighting, number, sign area, height, movement and location of signs.

(k)

To enhance the impression of the city to tourists and visitors by controlling the location and number of signs.

(l)

To encourage signage and other private communications which aid orientation, identify activities, express local history and character or serve other educational purposes.

This article is not intended to define the content of a sign or to inhibit an individual's right to express messages protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. However, a sign containing messages of obscenity, defamation, and libel is prohibited as allowed by law.

(Ord. No. O-614-20, Exh. A, 1-13-2020)

(a)

Applicability. From and after the effective date of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived or the effective date of any amendment to this chapter, no sign of any type (temporary or permanent) shall be erected, constructed, displayed, painted, altered, moved or repaired within the city, unless all applicable provisions of this article are met, and until a valid sign permit has been issued by the enforcing officer, except for such signs set forth in section 24-563, signs allowed without a sign permit, the following actions shall too not require a permit.

(1)

Changing the copy, announcement or message on a sign.

(2)

Cleaning, painting, or comparable maintenance of a sign that does not alter sign area, image, or message on the sign.

(b)

Procedure. All temporary and permanent sign permits shall be obtained in accordance with the following procedures:

(1)

A written application shall be submitted to the enforcing officer for review and processing. The enforcing officer will determine if all requisite documentation, fees, and supplementary information as may be requested are complete and attached.

(2)

The enforcing officer shall review the application, plans, and specifications to determine whether the proposed sign conforms to all applicable regulations.

(3)

An application for a sign permit shall be approved or disapproved by the enforcing officer within ten days of the date of submittal of a complete application. If the enforcing officer determines that an application is incomplete, the enforcing officer shall notify the applicant of the specific items that are missing or incomplete.

(c)

Submittal requirements. A request for a sign permit shall be considered incomplete until all the following has been submitted to the enforcing officer:

(1)

The sign application form, provided by the city, shall be submitted with all required information completed by the applicant.

(2)

Plans and specifications (if required by the enforcing officer) for the proposed sign shall be submitted, drawn to scale, and shall include the following:

a.

Site plan of the development showing location of any temporary or permanent sign(s) in relation to any public right-of-way, property lines, easements, setbacks, buildings, visibility at intersections and other signs on the property.

b.

Building facade dimensions (only for signs mounted to building).

c.

Dimensions and elevations (including message) of sign(s).

d.

Dimensions and diagrams of supporting structures and footings/foundations prepared by a qualified person or sign manufacturer.

e.

Maximum and minimum height of sign, as measured from finish grade at sign base and/or above the pavement at the nearest adjoining street.

f.

For illuminated signs, indicate type and placement of illumination.

g.

Electrical plans and specifications as set forth in chapter 6 of the city's Code of Ordinances.

(Ord. No. O-614-20, Exh. A, 1-13-2020)

The following regulations shall apply to all signs.

(1)

All signs must be in accordance with the provisions of this article and shall meet the requirements as set forth herein, except for the following exception:

a.

Regulatory, directional, informational, and construction signage installed by any government agency or quasi-public agency.

(2)

No sign shall be erected or maintained at any location where by reason of its position, working, illumination, shape, symbol, color, form or character it may obstruct, impair, obscure, interfere with the view of, or may be confused with any authorized traffic control sign, signal or device, or interfere with, mislead, confuse, or disrupt vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

(3)

No sign shall be erected in or otherwise fixed to any object within a public right-of-way, alley, easement, or located such that it obstructs or physically interferes with the driver's view of approaching, merging, or intersecting traffic. Signs shall meet the visibility requirements set forth in section 24-501, visibility areas at street intersections and driveways.

(4)

A portable/mobile sign shall only be non-illuminated.

(5)

The maximum total sign area for a portable/mobile sign is 16 square feet, whether it is an individual sign installed on its own wheels/supports, or the combination of multiple signs installed on a vehicle, trailer, or a vehicle and trailer combination. Said signs are only allowed to be parked or left unattended on private property in non-residential zoning districts, unless said signs are not visible from a public right-of-way. This subsection (5) does not apply to political signs, see section 24-563(20) for additional information.

(6)

The wattage of sign lighting (not including searchlights for special events) should not exceed 60 watts per bulb, except as set forth in section 24-565(2), digital signs, and no lights shall be permitted to flash, blink, or shimmer.

(7)

No sign shall be permitted to rotate, oscillate or otherwise move and signs incorporating any noisy mechanical device (whistles, horns, sirens, or other noisy audible devices) are prohibited.

(8)

A sign designed to be viewed from two directions shall be considered as one sign, provided that the two sign faces are not more than 48 inches apart if parallel, nor form an angle of more than 90 degrees if angular.

(9)

No sign or any foundation or support thereof shall be erected on or overhanging any public right-of-way or alley, except signs owned by public/government agencies, such as traffic control signs, regulatory signs, information signs, construction signs, directional signs, and street signs.

(10)

No strings of light outlining property lines, sales area, rooflines, doors, windows, wall edges or other architectural features of a building shall be allowed, except when used as temporary community decorations, holiday decorations, or a promotional display.

(11)

Only non-illuminated signs shall be allowed in and within 100 feet of any residential zoning district, except as set forth in section 24-566, permanent signs allowed with a sign permit - in all residential zoning districts.

(12)

No sign shall be suspended across public streets, except signs owned by public/government agencies, such as traffic control signs, information signs, regulatory signs, directional signs, and street signs.

(13)

No sign or any foundation or support thereof shall be located in a right-of-way, alley, or easement.

(14)

Signs shall be adequately supported and constructed as per industry standards and any applicable building codes.

(15)

Banners (a type of sign printed or otherwise inscribed on vinyl, fabric, mesh, or similar material) are prohibited to be used as a permanent sign.

(16)

Wind signs that are mechanically operated or inflated are prohibited.

(Ord. No. O-614-20, Exh. A, 1-13-2020)

The signs listed in this section are allowed in all zoning districts and are exempted from requiring a sign permit, however these signs must comply with the general regulations as set forth in this article and shall be subject to the regulations noted.

(1)

Traffic and pedestrian regulatory signs.

(2)

Traffic hazard and construction signs.

(3)

Street name signs.

(4)

Signs established for, or by order of, any governmental agency.

(5)

Signs indicating bus stops and similar public transportation facilities.

(6)

Signs indicating off-street parking facilities or loading and unloading facilities.

(7)

Signs indicating public utility facilities.

(8)

Street address numbers as set forth in chapter 6 of the city's Code of Ordinances.

(9)

Signs (not including flags) to allow an individual the right to express messages protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, provided:

a.

Quantity is limited to one non-illuminated on-premises sign per household or business.

b.

Sign area shall not exceed eight square feet in all residential zoning districts and 32 square feet in all other zoning districts.

c.

Height shall not exceed four feet in all residential zoning districts and eight feet in all other zoning districts.

(10)

No trespassing, soliciting, or warning of danger signs, provided:

a.

Quantity is limited to the minimum number of non-illuminated on-premises signs necessary to provide adequate notification on the property.

b.

Sign area shall not exceed one square feet.

c.

Height shall not exceed four feet.

(11)

Signs indicating for sale or rent, the real estate on which the sign is located, provided:

a.

Quantity is limited to one non-illuminated on-premises sign along each street contiguous to the property.

b.

Sign area shall not exceed six square feet in all residential zoning districts and 32 square feet in all other zoning districts.

c.

Height shall not exceed four feet in residential zoning districts and eight feet in all other zoning districts.

d.

Sign shall be removed within seven days after the sale or rental of the real estate.

(12)

Signs for construction and land development projects (except for individual single-family and two-family dwellings) displaying the name of the building/development, the developer, the contractors, the architects, the engineers, the owners, the financial institutions, provided:

a.

Quantity is limited to one non-illuminated on-premises sign.

b.

Sign area shall not exceed 32 square feet.

c.

Height shall not exceed eight feet.

d.

Sign shall not be erected until a building permit for construction is issued and shall be removed immediately upon expiration of the building permit or immediately after construction is completed, whichever occurs first.

(13)

Contractor signs, provided:

a.

Sign designating the contractor engaged in the construction, repair, and/or maintenance of the premises upon which the sign is displayed.

b.

Quantity is limited to one non-illuminated on-premises sign per contractor.

c.

Sign area shall not exceed 16 square feet.

d.

Height shall not exceed six feet.

e.

Sign shall not be erected until a building permit for construction, repair, or maintenance of a premises is issued and shall be removed immediately upon expiration of the building permit or immediately after construction, repair, or maintenance is completed, whichever occurs first.

(14)

Signs indicating employment opportunities, provided:

a.

Quantity is limited to one non-illuminated on-premises sign.

b.

Sign area shall not exceed four square feet.

c.

Height shall not exceed four feet.

d.

Sign shall be removed immediately upon hiring the employee(s).

(15)

Flags and flag poles (in all residential zoning districts), provided:

a.

Quantity shall be limited to one decorative or themed flag (seasonal, athletic, armed forces, religious, etc.) and two governmental flags (state and national) per single-family dwelling, and one decorative, themed, or governmental flag per two-family and multi-family dwellings, except on public or governmental property.

b.

The flag shall be of a material intended and manufactured for that purpose.

c.

Governmental flags shall be flown or displayed in a manner that meets the Federal Flag Code.

d.

Quantity shall be limited to one on-premises permanent flag pole and one on-premises temporary flag staff per single-family dwelling, one on-premises temporary flag staff per two-family and multi-family dwelling unit, and one on-premises permanent flag pole per two-family or multi-family dwelling premises, except on public or governmental property. Flag size shall not exceed three feet by five feet, except on public or governmental property.

e.

Permanent flag poles shall not exceed 20 feet in height, measured from the ground at the pole base to the top of the finial, except on public or governmental property. Temporary flag staffs shall not exceed six feet in length with supports mounted to a structure and shall not exceed eight feet in height, measured from the ground directly below the staff to the top of the finial.

f.

No ribbons, streamers, balloons or other similar attention seeking devices may be attached to any flag or flag pole/staff.

(16)

Flags and flag poles (in all non-residential zoning districts), provided:

a.

Quantity shall be limited to one decorative or themed flag (seasonal, athletic, armed forces, religious, and insignia/business logo) and two governmental flags (state and national) per business, except on public or governmental property.

b.

The flag shall be of a material intended and manufactured for that purpose.

c.

Governmental flags shall be flown or displayed in a manner that meets the Federal Flag Code.

d.

Quantity shall be limited to one on-premises permanent flag pole and one on-premises temporary flag staff, except on public or governmental property. Except, shopping centers and buildings with multiple businesses are limited to one on-premises permanent flag pole per premises and one on-premises temporary flag staff per business. Flag size shall not exceed five feet by eight feet, except on public or governmental property.

e.

Permanent flag poles shall not exceed 35 feet in height, measured from the ground at the pole base to the top of the finial, except on public or governmental property. Temporary flag staffs shall not exceed eight feet in length with supports mounted to a structure and shall not exceed ten feet in height, measured from the ground directly below the staff to the top of the finial.

f.

No ribbons, streamers, balloons or other similar attention seeking devices may be attached to any flag or flag pole/staff.

(17)

Menu boards for any establishment with drive-through windows, provided:

a.

Menu boards shall be non-illuminated or illuminated (directly) on-premises signs.

b.

It shall be designed and located so as not to be legible from any public right-of-way.

c.

It shall only depict products that can be purchased within the establishment.

d.

Sign area shall not exceed 48 square feet.

e.

Height shall not exceed eight feet.

(18)

Yard sale signs, provided:

a.

The term "yard sale" includes garage sale, rummage sale and similar activities.

b.

Quantity is limited to one non-illuminated on-premises sign per street frontage.

c.

Sign area shall not exceed four square feet.

d.

Height shall not exceed four feet.

e.

Sign shall not be erected prior to obtaining a yard sale permit and not more than one day before the yard sale and shall be removed immediately after the yard sale.

f.

See section 24-562(3) for sign location information.

(19)

Window signs, provided:

a.

Quantity is limited to three illuminated (directly) on-premises window signs per building facade, such as neon or digital signs, and quantity is unlimited for non-illuminated on-premises window signs per business (or per business within the building) on any single lot or premises.

b.

Total sign area shall not exceed 25 percent of the window or door area on which it is located.

c.

Signs shall not obstruct visibility through the door on which it is located between the height of four feet and seven feet above the outside adjacent grade.

(20)

Political signs, provided:

a.

Signs must be placed on private property with the owner's permission.

b.

Signs shall not be placed on city-owned property, buildings, and vehicles.

c.

It is a homeowner's responsibility to determine if political signs are prohibited by any covenants and restrictions for their subdivision prior to placing a sign at their residence.

d.

Sign area shall not exceed six square feet in all residential zoning districts and 32 square feet in all other zoning districts.

e.

The maximum sign area for a portable/mobile sign is 32 square feet, whether it is an individual sign installed on its own wheels/supports, or the combination of multiple signs installed on a vehicle, trailer, or a vehicle and trailer combination. Said sign(s) are allowed to be parked or left unattended on private property in non-residential zoning districts or in residential zoning districts.

f.

Sign height shall not exceed four feet in residential zoning districts and eight feet in all other zoning districts.

g.

Signs shall not be installed more than 90 days prior to an election and shall be removed within two days after the election.

(21)

Signs installed on public property (not rights-of-way or alleys) that have been approved by the city.

(22)

Signs (including banners) for special events, provided:

a.

Quantity is limited to three non-illuminated (non-digital) on-premises signs and seven non-illuminated (non-digital) off-premises signs. The off-premises signs for special events are not classified as billboards. The off-premises signs shall be limited to one sign per property on which it is located.

b.

Sign area shall not exceed 32 square feet (on-premises) and 16 square feet (off-premises).

c.

Sign height shall not exceed eight feet (on-premises) and four feet (off-premises).

d.

Signs shall not be erected more than 14 days before the special event and shall be removed within two days after the special event.

e.

Signs shall not be located in a residential zoning district.

f.

Signs are limited to four special events per year.

(23)

Signs (including banners) located on the public square for a special event sanctioned by the city or Jacksonville State University, provided:

a.

Quantity is limited to one non-illuminated (non-digital) off-premises sign located at each end of the public square. Signs located on the public square shall not be erected or fixed to any tree, utility pole, or light pole. The off-premises signs for special events are not classified as billboards.

b.

Sign area shall not exceed 32 square feet.

c.

Sign height shall not exceed eight feet.

d.

Signs shall not be erected more than 14 days before the special event and shall be removed within two days after the special event.

e.

All signs installed on the public square (interior park area) shall be coordinated with and approved by the parks and recreation department (PARD) director. The portion of section 24-562(3) that states "no sign shall be erected in or otherwise fixed to an object within a public right-of-way" does not apply to the public square (interior park area).

(24)

Directional sign to a special event, provided:

a.

Quantity is limited to the minimum number of non-illuminated (non-digital) off-premises signs necessary to provide adequate direction to the special event. In no case, shall the number of off-premises signs exceed six. The off-premises signs for special events are not classified as billboards.

b.

Sign area shall not exceed four square feet.

c.

Sign height shall not exceed four feet.

d.

Signs shall not be erected more than two days before the special event and shall be removed within two days after the special event.

e.

Signs are limited to four special events per year.

(25)

Wind signs for a special event, provided:

a.

Quantity is limited to two non-illuminated on-premises signs. This does not include flags as set forth in section 24-563(15) and (16), signs allowed without a sign permit.

b.

Sign area shall not exceed 20 square feet.

c.

Sign height shall not exceed 12 feet.

d.

Signs shall be located within ten feet of the main structure and not located within a front setback.

e.

Signs shall not be erected more than 14 days before the special event and shall be removed within two days after the special event.

f.

Signs are limited to four special events per year.

(Ord. No. O-614-20, Exh. A, 1-13-2020)

A sign permit for a permanent sign shall be issued by the enforcing officer for the following types of signs located in all business and manufacturing zoning districts. Fees for the sign permit shall be based upon the current schedule of fees as adopted by the city. These signs shall also be subject to the regulations noted.

(1)

Billboards.

a.

Billboards shall be spaced at radial intervals of not less than 400 feet along a street or at intersections of streets.

b.

A billboard or portion thereof shall not be located closer than 15 feet from the front property line and ten feet from the side property line.

c.

The maximum height of any billboard shall be 30 feet to the highest tip of the billboard, except that in areas where the ground level is lower than the main traveled way of the nearest adjacent street to which the billboard is directed, then the maximum height shall be extended to a height of 25 feet to the highest tip of the billboard above the plane of such main traveled way.

d.

The owner of a billboard for lease shall have their name printed on the sign face clearly visible from the street and have a current city business license.

e.

No billboard shall be permitted within 100 feet of any area officially designated by a resolution of the city council or the Alabama Historical Commission as one of historical interest. The 100 feet shall be measured radially from the nearest point on the sign structure to the nearest point of the area designated as one of historical interest.

f.

The billboard sign area shall not exceed 300 square feet with a maximum sign area height of ten feet and a maximum sign area length of 30 feet, inclusive of any border and trim on the sign face, but excluding any embellishment on and cut-out extensions of the sign face. The cumulative area of all extensions on any one billboard shall not exceed 15 percent of the total sign area, excluding extensions.

g.

No billboard or portion thereof shall be erected in or within 150 feet of any residential zoning district. The 150 feet shall be measured radially from the nearest point on the sign structure to the nearest point of a residential zoning district boundary line.

h.

The installation of new billboards and the alteration of existing billboards, not including general maintenance and changing the subject matter, are prohibited along Alabama Highway 21 (Pelham Road, North and South) between George Douthit Drive, SE and SW and 11th Street, NE and NW and along Alabama Highway 204 (Nisbet Street, NW) between Pelham Road, North and the city limits. Except, the installation of new billboards and the alteration of existing billboards not exceeding 24 square feet in sign area and ten feet in height, to the highest tip of the billboard, are allowed within the above specified area in accordance with other regulations as set forth in article VII, signs.

(2)

Digital signs. The following digital signs are allowed: digital business signs, digital public message board signs, digital bulletin board signs, and digital billboards. In addition to any other applicable regulations set forth in this article, digital signs shall also comply with the following:

a.

Digital signs may be integrated in whole or as part of a freestanding sign, wall sign, monument sign, window sign, or projection sign.

b.

Digital signs shall only display a static message or messages.

c.

Digital signs that display more than one static message shall do so sequentially, with each static message having a dwell time of no less than six seconds and a transition time between static messages of no more than one second.

d.

Digital signs shall not display a luminous intensity exceeding 300 NITs at any time between one-half hour after sunset until one-half hour before sunrise or 6,500 NITs between one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset.

e.

Digital signs shall not display an illuminative brightness of such intensity or brilliance that they impair the vision or endanger the safety and welfare of any pedestrian, cyclist, or person operating a motor vehicle.

f.

Digital signs shall not resemble or simulate any warning or danger signal, or any official traffic control device, sign, signal or light.

g.

Digital signs shall not be permitted to operate unless they are equipped with:

1.

A default mechanism that shall freeze the sign in one position or static message if a malfunction occurs.

2.

A mechanism able to automatically adjust the display's luminous intensity according to natural ambient light conditions by means of a light detector/photo cell by which the sign's brightness shall be dimmed.

h.

Digital signs if located within 100 feet of a residential zoning district, the sign shall be equipped with a mechanism that will automatically cause the sign's illumination to not operate between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. The 100 feet shall be measured in a straight line from the nearest point on the sign structure to the nearest point of a residential zoning district boundary line.

i.

Prior to the issuance of any permit for the installation, testing, maintenance or use of any digital sign, the operator shall provide written certification that the luminous intensity of the display shall not exceed 300 NITs at any time between one-half hour after sunset until one-half hour before sunrise or 6,500 NITs between one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset.

j.

The city, through appropriate personnel, may exercise its powers to protect the public health, safety, and welfare by requesting that emergency information be displayed upon digital signs. With the consent of the digital sign owner, upon notification, the sign operator may display, in appropriate sign rotations: Amber Alert emergency information, emergency information regarding terrorist attacks or natural disasters, or other messages deemed necessary by the police chief or fire chief. Emergency information messages should then remain in rotation according to the designated issuing agencies protocols.

k.

No sign that is lawfully nonconforming as to any requirement imposed by this zoning code of the City of Jacksonville shall be modified, changed or converted into a digital sign unless it shall conform to all requirements imposed by this chapter.

(3)

Freestanding signs.

a.

Quantity is limited to one non-illuminated or illuminated (directly or indirectly) on-premises freestanding sign, this includes monument signs, except as set forth for shopping centers in section 24-567, additional sign regulations—specific to certain zoning districts.

b.

Sign area shall not exceed 60 square feet, except as set forth for shopping centers in section 24-567, additional sign regulations—specific to certain zoning districts.

c.

Height shall not exceed the maximum roofline of the main building located on the premises, but in no event higher than 20 feet to highest tip of sign above the pavement of the nearest adjoining street, except as set forth for shopping centers in section 24-567, additional sign regulations—specific to certain zoning districts.

(4)

Monument signs.

a.

Quantity is limited to one non-illuminated or illuminated (directly or indirectly) on-premises monument sign (see freestanding signs), except as set forth for shopping centers in section 24-567, additional sign regulations—specific to certain zoning districts.

b.

Sign area shall not exceed 60 square feet, except as set forth for shopping centers in section 24-567, additional sign regulations—specific to certain zoning districts.

c.

Height shall not exceed six feet including the base, measured from finish ground level, or eight feet if the sign is enhanced with architectural materials, features, and design that matches the building, except as set forth for shopping centers in section 24-567, additional sign regulations—specific to certain zoning districts.

(5)

Projection signs.

a.

Quantity is limited to one non-illuminated or illuminated (directly or indirectly) on-premises projection sign per building on the building facade facing a public right-of-way on any single lot or premises.

b.

Sign area shall not exceed 12 square feet in area.

c.

Sign shall be installed no less than ten feet from the sidewalk/ground finish elevation and shall have a maximum distance of one foot between the sign and building facade.

d.

Height is not specified. The top of the projection sign shall not exceed above the top of the wall upon which it is located.

e.

Projection signs are prohibited to be installed on the same building facade with a wall sign or roof sign.

(6)

Roof signs.

a.

Quantity is limited to one non-illuminated or illuminated (directly or indirectly) on-premises roof sign per building on any single lot or premises. Roof signs shall only be installed on a roof with a pitch of 45 degrees or more and facing a public street.

b.

Sign area shall not exceed 20 percent of the portion of the roof with a pitch of 45 degrees or more upon which it is located or 60 square feet, whichever is less.

c.

Height is not specified. The top of the roof sign shall not exceed above the highest point of the roofline upon which it is located.

d.

Roof signs are prohibited to be installed on the same building facade as a wall sign or projection sign.

(7)

Subdivision identification sign.

a.

Quantity is limited to one non-illuminated or illuminated (directly or indirectly) on-premises sign at each primary entrance to a public street.

b.

Sign shall be located in an area designated on the subdivision plat. The sign shall not be located within a public right-of-way or alley.

c.

Sign shall be limited to the subdivision name and logo.

d.

Sign area shall not exceed 48 square feet.

e.

Height shall not exceed eight feet including sign structure, measured from finish ground level.

f.

Sign structure shall be constructed of brick, stone, or other masonry material.

g.

Landscaping shall be installed around the perimeter of the sign. Landscaping shall be maintained by the subdivision developer or property owners.

(8)

Wall signs.

a.

Quantity is limited to one non-illuminated or illuminated (directly or indirectly) on-premises wall sign on the building facade containing the main entrance and the building facade whose primary orientation is a public right-of-way or a customer parking lot.

b.

Sign area shall not exceed 20 percent of the exterior wall area (excluding doors and windows) upon which it is located, except as set forth for shopping centers in section 24-567, additional sign regulations—specific to certain zoning districts.

c.

The top of the sign shall not extend above the top of the wall upon which it is located.

d.

Wall signs are prohibited to be installed on the same building facade with a projection sign or roof sign.

(Ord. No. O-614-20, Exh. A, 1-13-2020)

A sign permit for a permanent sign shall be issued by the enforcing officer for the following types of signs located in all residential zoning districts. Fees for the sign permit shall be based upon the current schedule of fees as adopted by the city. These signs shall also be subject to the regulations noted.

(1)

An illuminated (directly) or non-illuminated on-premises directional or informational sign of a quasi-public nature which states the name or location of a private institution or similar facility permitted in a residential zoning district, provided such sign does not exceed six square feet in area and does not exceed six feet in height and that no sign shall be located closer than one-half the required setback from the property line.

(2)

An illuminated (directly) or non-illuminated on-premises bulletin board for a church, school, auditorium, library, museum, community recreation center or similar noncommercial place of public assembly or an identification sign for of a church, school, recreation facility, hospital, clinic, nursing home, club or similar facility permitted in that respective residential zoning district, provided such sign area shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and does not exceed eight feet in height including the sign structure, measured from finish ground level and that no sign shall be located closer than one-half the required setback from the property line.

(3)

An non-illuminated on-premises sign identifying a nursery school, kindergarten and similar for fee day care center, provided that such sign area shall not exceed 16 square feet in area and does not exceed six feet in height and that no sign shall be located closer than one-half the required setback from the property line.

(4)

An non-illuminated on-premises sign for a home occupation, where permitted by zoning district regulations, provided such sign area shall not exceed two square feet, is attached to the wall adjacent to the front door of the dwelling, and is mounted no higher than the top of said door.

(5)

Subdivision and multi-family dwelling development identification sign.

a.

Quantity is limited to one non-illuminated or illuminated (directly or indirectly) on-premises sign at each primary entrance to a public street.

b.

Sign shall be located in an area designated on the plans or subdivision plat. The sign shall not be located within a public right-of-way, alley, or easement.

c.

Sign shall be limited to the subdivision or multi-family dwelling development name and logo.

d.

Sign area shall not exceed 32 square feet.

e.

Height shall not exceed six feet including sign structure, measured from finish ground level.

f.

Sign structure shall be constructed of brick, stone, or other masonry material.

g.

Landscaping shall be installed around the perimeter of the sign. In regard to subdivisions, said landscaping shall be maintained by the subdivision developer, homeowner's association or property owners.

(Ord. No. O-614-20, Exh. A, 1-13-2020)

In certain zoning districts, the following sign regulations shall also apply.

(a)

RIP business district.

(1)

All signs permitted in a residential zoning districts are allowed, subject to the conditions set forth in section 24-565, permanent signs allowed with a sign permit—in all residential zoning districts.

(2)

Quantity is limited to two non-illuminated or illuminated (directly) on-premises business signs.

(3)

Sign area shall not exceed 16 square feet.

(4)

Only monument, wall, or projection signs are permitted.

(5)

All signs must be of painted/stained wood or a durable all-weather material.

(b)

B-1 local shopping business district and B-2 general business district.

(1)

Shopping centers.

a.

Freestanding sign.

1.

Quantity is limited to conditions set forth in section 24-564(3), permanent signs allowed with a sign permit—in all business and manufacturing zoning districts (freestanding signs), except if a shopping center has at least 400 feet of contiguous total frontage on two intersecting public streets the quantity shall not exceed one on-premises freestanding or monument sign along each street. Spacing for such signs shall be 300 feet apart measured along the street frontage or as approved by the enforcing officer depending upon site conditions.

2.

Sign area shall not exceed 150 square feet. Allowable sign area is one square foot per 1,000 square feet of building area plus 60 square feet.

3.

Height shall not exceed 25 feet to the highest tip of the freestanding sign above the pavement of the nearest adjoining street.

4.

The freestanding sign may display the shopping center name and a directory of individual businesses within the shopping center.

b.

Monument sign.

1.

Quantity is limited to conditions set forth in section 24-564(4), permanent signs allowed with a sign permit—in all business and manufacturing zoning districts (monument signs), except if a shopping center has at least 400 feet of contiguous total frontage on two intersecting public streets the quantity shall not exceed one on-premises monument or freestanding sign along each street. Spacing for such signs shall be 300 feet apart measured along the street frontage or as approved by the enforcing officer depending upon site conditions.

2.

Sign area shall not exceed 100 square feet. Allowable sign area is one square foot per 1,000 square feet of building area plus 60 square feet.

3.

Height shall not exceed eight feet including the base, measured from finish grade level, or ten feet if the sign is enhanced with architectural materials, features, and design that matches the building.

4.

The monument sign may display the shopping center name and a directory of individual businesses within the shopping center.

c.

Wall sign.

1.

Quantity is limited to one non-illuminated or illuminated (directly or indirectly) on-premises wall sign on the building facade containing the main entrance of the business within the shopping center.

2.

Sign area shall not exceed two square feet for each linear foot of the building facade containing the main entrance to the business within the shopping center.

3.

The top of the sign shall not extend above the top of the wall upon which it is located.

(Ord. No. O-614-20, Exh. A, 1-13-2020)

All signs shall be maintained by the owner of the sign or the owner/lessee of the premises upon which located in good repair, free of rust, peeling, flaking, fading, broken or cracked panels, and broken or missing letters, and similar in appearance to that specified by the most recent valid sign permit; provided that this shall not prohibit the changing of the printed matter on the face of the signs and billboards. All signs, components, supports and their surroundings shall be maintained in a safe, clean and attractive condition.

(Ord. No. O-614-20, Exh. A, 1-13-2020)

(a)

All existing signs and sign structures that are not specifically permitted or that do not comply with all the provisions of this article shall be considered nonconforming signs and may not, after the effective date of this article or the effective date of any amendment to this article, be enlarged, structurally altered or extended unless such signs and sign structures shall be made to comply with all the provisions of this article.

(b)

Normal repairs and repainting of nonconforming signs are permitted. However, when a nonconforming sign is damaged or destroyed by any means, except by natural disasters, to the extent of 50 percent or more of its replacement value at the time of destruction, exclusive of foundations, it shall not thereafter be restored, unless such sign shall be made to conform to all the provisions of this article.

(c)

A nonconforming sign and/or a sign structure or its use that has been discontinued for any reason, except for damage or destruction by natural disasters, for a period of more than six consecutive months shall not be used or restored. Such sign and/or sign structure shall be removed entirely by the sign owner or owners of the premises upon which the sign is located.

(Ord. No. O-614-20, Exh. A, 1-13-2020)

(a)

Any sign no longer meeting any specification of the sign permit or that has changed so as to violate the terms of this chapter, shall be removed or made to conform to this article immediately.

(b)

Any conforming sign which, no longer correctly directs or exhorts any person, advertises a bona fide business, lessor, owner, product, or activity conducted or product available on the premises where such sign is displayed shall have the entire sign removed within 15 days at a cost assumed by the sign owner or property owner.

(c)

Any sign for which a temporary sign permit has expired shall be removed immediately upon the expiration of said sign permit, at a cost assumed by the sign owner or property owner.

(Ord. No. O-614-20, Exh. A, 1-13-2020)