Jefferson County Unincorporated
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XIII
Signs and Street Graphics
Section 400.4210 Statement of Purpose.
[Zoning Order §13.010, 4-2-2008; Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016]
A.
The purpose of this Article is to create the legal framework for a comprehensive and balanced system of signs that will preserve the right of free speech and expression, provide an easy and pleasant communication between people and their environment and avoid the visual clutter that is potentially harmful to traffic and pedestrian safety, property values, business opportunities and community appearance.
B.
With these purposes in mind, it is the intent of this Article to authorize the use of signs that are:
Section 400.4220 Applicability.
[Zoning Order §13.020, 4-2-2008; Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016]
This Article contains regulations governing the size, type, number, placement, height and width of signs permitted by zone district in this UDO.
Section 400.4230 Permits.
[Zoning Order §13.030, 4-2-2008; Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016]
Unless exempt from these regulations, no sign shall be erected, constructed, structurally altered or relocated until a sign permit has been approved by the Planning Division and a building permit has been issued by the Code Enforcement Division.
Section 400.4240 Height.
[Zoning Order §13.040, 4-2-2008; Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016]
Signs shall not exceed the maximum height requirement of the zone district in which the sign is placed. Height is determined by measuring from the highest point of the sign to the natural grade, which is the grade unaffected by construction, grading, fill or landscaping.
Section 400.4250 Signs Not Requiring A Permit.
[Zoning Order §13.050, 4-2-2008; Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016[1]]
A.
The following signs do not require the issuance of a permit from the County:
1.
Temporary signs that advertise the sale, rent or lease of real estate located on or off of said real estate that do not exceed twelve (12) square feet in area. Such signs shall be removed within thirty (30) days of the sale, rent or lease of the property.
2.
A nameplate not exceeding two (2) square feet in area identifying a private residence. The nameplate may only be lighted with non-intermittent light.
3.
Directional signs.
4.
Yard and garage sale signs that do not exceed twelve (12) square feet in area. Such signs shall not be erected prior to sunrise of the first (1st) day of the event and shall be removed no later than sunset of the second (2nd) day of the event.
5.
Public signs and notices that are posted by or at the direction of a unit of government.
6.
Political signs, provided that the signs do not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area (except along State lettered or numbered roads where political signs shall not exceed ninety-six (96) square feet in area), are not erected more than ninety (90) days prior to the election and are removed no later than fifteen (15) days after the election.
7.
Signs for home occupations provided that they are non-illuminated and do not exceed twelve (12) square feet in area.
8.
On-premise fireworks signs not exceeding a total of four hundred (400) square feet. Approval for the fireworks signs shall accompany the issuance of the fireworks special event permit before the signs are erected. Such signs must be removed within twenty-four (24) hours of expiration of the special event permit.
9.
Interior residential subdivision signs announcing a development that are located within the residential subdivision development being announced and are no closer than seventy-five (75) feet from the outermost property boundary of the subdivision. Any sign designed to be visible from the right-of-way of a County or State maintained road shall not be considered an interior residential subdivision signs announcing a development. Interior residential subdivision signs must be setback at least ten (10) feet from any right-of-way or access easement, must not be located within the sight triangle as defined by Section 400.4270(3) of this UDO, and shall not exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet in area.
10.
On premise signs advertising special events, provide a special event permit, if required, has been issued. Total signage shall not exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet in area. Approval for the signs shall accompany the issuance of the special event permit before the signs are erected. Such signs must be removed within twenty-four (24) hours of expiration of the special event permit.
11.
A sign specifically exempted for the provisions of this Article.
[1]
Editor’s Note: Ord. No. 16-0100 also changed the title of this Section from “Signs in Residential Zone Districts Not Requiring a Permit” to “Signs Not Requiring a Permit.”
Section 400.4260 Signs in Residential Zone Districts Requiring A Permit.
[Zoning Order §13.060, 4-2-2008; Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016]
A.
The following signs are permitted as indicated in the "RA-5", "LR-2", "R-40", "R-20", "R-10", "R-7", "PR-1" and "PR-2" Districts and require the issuance of a permit from the County:
1.
One (1) church, school, public, charitable, institutional or semi-public bulletin board or sign per street facing not exceeding one hundred fifty (150) square feet in area and located on the premises of said institution.
2.
One (1) sign announcing a proposed development of property per street facing provided that they are temporary, non-illuminated and one hundred fifty (150) square feet or less in area.
3.
Off-premises signs providing directions to a development of property provided that the sign is thirty-two (32) square feet or less in area.
4.
One (1) permanent sign for identification of a residential development per entrance provided that the signs are one hundred (100) square feet or less in area. Architectural features/treatments are exempt from the square footage calculation.
5.
One (1) sign advertising conditionally permitted uses or uses permitted with conditions per street facing on the property where the uses are located provided that the sign does not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area.
Section 400.4270 General Standards For Signs.
[Zoning Order §13.070, 4-2-2008; Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016[1]]
A.
The following standards shall apply to all signs located within unincorporated Jefferson County, whether requiring a sign permit or not, except those exempted by Section 400.4430 of this Article:
1.
Signs or devices that by color, placement or design resemble or conflict with traffic control signs are prohibited.
2.
No sign shall contain flashing lights (except State or County road projects), intermittent lights, animators or mechanical movements of any kind, except clocks. On-premise programmable electronic message boards are permitted, but may display a steady message type only. Within the steady message the following modes of operation are permitted: down scroll; up scroll; melt; grow; write-on; and reverse. The use of fonts and pictorials within the steady message is permitted, but animators are prohibited. Off-premise static signs are permitted to have electronic message boards for time, temperature and pricing.
[1]
Editor’s Note: Ord. No. 16-0100 also changed the title of this Section from “General Standards For Signs and Street Graphics” to “General Standards For Signs.”
Section 400.4280 Definitions.
[Zoning Order §13.075, 4-2-2008]
As used in this Article, the following terms shall have these prescribed meanings:
A sign displayed above the peak or parapet of a building.
The movement or the optical illusion of movement of any part of the sign structure, design or pictorial segment, including the movement of any illumination or the flashing or varying of light intensity; the automatic changing of all or any part of the facing of a sign.
[Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016]
Any projection, relief, cornice, column, change of building material, window or door opening on any building.
[Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016]
An area that contains unique architectural, historic or scenic characteristics that require special regulations to ensure that signs displayed within the area enhance its visual character and are compatible with it.
[Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016]
A cloth, plastic or other non-structural covering that either is permanently attached to a building or can be raised or retracted to a position against the building when not in use.[1]
A light source that consists of light bulbs with a twenty (20) watt maximum wattage for each bulb.
A permanent off-premise sign exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet in size. A billboard includes wall signs, pole signs on separate parcels, signs affixed to parked or placed vehicles or equipment and other signs otherwise attached to structures or supported by braces on the ground.
[Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016[2]]
Copy that changes at intervals of more than once every six (6) seconds.
[3]A small sign at the exit or entrance of a premises having two (2) or more driveways. It designates the entrance, exit or other directional information.
[Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016]
Illumination of a sign that is affected by an artificial source of light not contained within the sign itself.
[Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016]
The side of a building below the eaves.[4]
Illumination in which the artificial source of light is not maintained stationary or constant in intensity and color at all times when a street graphic is illuminated.
A sign displayed on a premises on which a grand opening is in progress.
[Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016[5]]
A sign supported by one (1) or more uprights, posts or bases placed upon or affixed in the ground and not attached to any part of a building. It includes a pole sign and a monument sign.
[Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016[6]]
A source of any artificial or reflected light, either directly from a source of light incorporated in or indirectly from an artificial source, so shielded that no direct illumination from it is visible elsewhere than on and in the immediate vicinity of the sign.
[Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016]
A source of external illumination, located away from the sign, that lights the sign, but which is itself not visible to persons viewing the sign from any street, sidewalk or adjacent property.
A light source that is concealed or contained within the sign and becomes visible in darkness through a translucent surface.
[Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016]
A word, logo, abbreviation, symbol or geometric shape.[7]
A ground sign permanently affixed to the ground at its base, supported entirely by a base structure and not mounted on a pole.
[Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016]
Physical movement or revolution up or down, around or sideways that completes a cycle of change at intervals of less than six (6) seconds.
A grouping of two (2) or more business establishments that either share common parking on the lot where they are located or that occupy a single structure or separate structures that are physically or functionally related or attached.
A building consisting of four (4) or more separate commercial uses.
A source of light for externally lit signs supplied by a neon tube that is bent to form letters, symbols or other shapes.
[Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016]
A sign that was lawfully constructed or installed prior to the adoption or amendment of this Article and was in compliance with all of the provisions of this Article then in effect, but which does not presently comply with this Article.
[Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016]
Property zoned for any use other than residential.
A use located in a multi-use building or shopping center.[8]
A freestanding sign that is permanently supported in a fixed location by a structure of poles, uprights or braces from the ground and not supported by a building or a base structure.
[Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016]
A sign not permanently attached to the ground or a building or designed to be permanently attached to the ground or a building.
[Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016]
The lot or lots, plots, portions or parcels of land considered as a unit for a single use or development, whether owned or leased, and not located in a shopping center or multi-use building.
A master plan for signs for a multi-use building, shopping center, multi-tenant building, or multi-building complex.
[Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016]
A sign attached to and projecting from the wall of a building and not in the same plane as the wall.
[Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016]
Property zoned for single-family residential use ("RA-5", "LR-2", "R-40", "R-20", "R-10", "PR-1" and "PR-2") in Article V of this UDO.
[Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016]
A sign that is displayed above the eaves and under the peak of a building.
[Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016]
A commercial development under unified control consisting of four (4) or more separate commercial establishments sharing a common building or which are in separate buildings that share a common entranceway or parking area.
A lettered, numbered, symbolic, pictorial or illuminated visual display designed to identify, announce, direct or inform the public or segment thereof. The term "sign" shall include, but not be limited to Above-Roof Signs, Billboards, Directional Signs, Grand Opening Signs, Ground Signs, Monument Signs, Pole Signs, Portable Signs, Projecting Signs, Roof Signs, Special Signs, Temporary Signs, Temporary Weekend Signs, Temporary Window Signs, Wall Signs, Window Signs, banners, pennants, streamers, moving mechanisms and lights.
[Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016]
One (1) area free of architectural details on the facade of a building or part of a building, which shall include the entire area:
The total area of the face used to display a sign, not including its supporting poles or structures. If a sign has two (2) faces that are parallel, not more than two (2) feet apart and supported by the same poles or structures, the size of the sign is one-half (½) the area of the two (2) faces.
[Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016]
A sign, other than a ground, roof or wall sign, regulated by this Article.
[Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016[9]]
A non-permanent advertising display that directs attention to a business, development or event and is intended to be used for a short, usually fixed period of time.
[Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016]
A non-permanent sign that advertises the sale, rent or lease of real estate, on-premise or off-premise, that does not exceed twelve (12) square feet in area, which is placed no earlier than Friday and shall be removed no later than Monday, unless Friday or Monday is an observed Federal holiday in which case the street graphic may be placed the day before the Friday holiday or removed the day after the Monday holiday.
[Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016]
A window sign displayed for a limited period of time.
[Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016[10]]
A sign painted on or attached to a wall of a structure and in the same plane as the wall.
[Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016]
A sign applied, painted or affixed to or in the window of a building. A window sign may be temporary or permanent.
[Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016]
[1]
Editor’s Note: Former definition of “banner,” which immediately followed, was repealed 1-4-2016 by Ord. No. 16-0100.
[2]
Editor's Note: Former definitions of "building" and "canopy," which immediately followed, were repealed 1-4-2016 by Ord. No. 16-0100.
[3]
Editor’s Note: Former definition of “development,” which immediately followed, was repealed 1-4-2016 by Ord. No. 16-0100.
[4]
Editor’s Note: Former definition of “facade, blank,” which immediately followed, was repealed 1-4-2016 by Ord. No. 16-0100.
[5]
Editor’s Note: Former definition of “graphic,” which immediately followed, was repealed 1-4-2016 by Ord. No. 16-0100.
[6]
Editor's Note: Former definition of "height," which immediately followed, was repealed 1-4-2016 by Ord. No. 16-0100.
[7]
Editor’s Note: Former definition of “marquee,” which immediately followed, was repealed 1-4-2016 by Ord. No. 16-0100.
[8]
Editor’s Note: Former definition of “peak,” which immediately followed, was repealed 1-4-2016 by Ord. No. 16-0100.
[9]
Editor’s Note: Former definitions of “street graphic” and “structure,” which immediately followed, were repealed 1-4-2016 by Ord. No. 16-0100.
[10]
Editor’s Note: Former definitions of “town center” and “uniform plan for street graphics,” which immediately followed, were repealed 1-4-2016 by Ord. No. 16-0100.
Section 400.4290 On-Premise Signs in Non-Residential Zone Districts.
[Zoning Order §13.080, 4-2-2008; Ord. No. 07-30-2008A §§1 — 2(13.080), 7-30-2008; Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016[1]]
A.
The following general design standards apply to all on-premise signs located in non-residential zone districts:
1.
Maximum height of signs shall not exceed that stated in the height requirements of the zone district the sign is located in.
2.
Exterior lighting of signs shall be arranged to ensure that no light is cast upon property located in a residential zone district.
3.
All signs with the exception of special event signs shall be fixed and non-moving.
B.
The following on-premise street graphics are permitted in the "NC-1", "CC-2", "PB", "PC", "NPI", "PI" and "PM" zone districts:
1.
All of the signs permitted in residential districts subject to the conditions stated.
2.
One (1) wall or projecting sign for each permitted business per street facing. The total area of each sign shall not exceed five percent (5%) of the building facade area facing the street for that portion of the building occupied by the business. If a business has facades facing on two (2) or more streets, a wall sign will be allowed for each street facing. However, each permitted business shall be allowed a minimum area for each sign of at least thirty (30) square feet.
3.
One (1) ground or pole sign for a structure occupied by a single business. The total area of a ground or pole sign for a structure occupied by a single business shall not exceed a total of one hundred seventy-five (175) square feet in area.
4.
Where a group of structures or a single structure contains more than one (1) business, ground signs shall be grouped and placed on a set of sign supports. Ground signs advertising multiple businesses shall not exceed three hundred (300) square feet. Each group of structures or a single structure containing more than one (1) business shall be allowed one (1) ground or pole sign per street facing.
[1]
Editor’s Note: Ord. No. 16-0100 also changed the title of this Section from “On-Premise Street Graphics in Non-Residential Zone Districts” to “On-Premise Signs in Non-Residential Zone Districts.”
Section 400.4300 Off-Premise Signs Permitted in Non-Residential Zone Districts.
[Zoning Order §13.090, 4-2-2008; Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016[1]]
A.
The following general design standards apply to all off-premise signs located in non-residential zone districts:
1.
All off-premise signs must be erected not less than twenty-five (25) feet nor more than one hundred (100) feet of depth from the adjoining right-of-way of the property upon which the sign is located.
2.
No such sign shall be erected within one thousand four hundred (1,400) feet of any existing off-premise sign that is located on the same side of the street.
3.
No sign shall be located in such a matter as to obstruct or otherwise physically interfere with the effectiveness of an official traffic sign, signal or device nor obstruct or physically interfere with a motor vehicle operator's view of approaching, merging or intersecting traffic.
4.
All off-premise signs must be a minimum of ten (10) feet from all non-residential structures and cannot extend over any such structure.
B.
The following off-premise signs are permitted in the "NC-1" and "CC-2" zone districts:
C.
The following off-premise signs are permitted in the "PC", "PB", "NPI", "PI" and "PM" zone districts:
1.
Advertising signs provided that they do not exceed sixty-four (64) square feet in area. No advertising sign shall have more than two (2) sides. No sign shall be placed above another such sign.
2.
Advertising signs shall only be permitted along all State routes designated by letters, except new Highway M, and shall meet a one thousand four hundred (1,400) foot spacing requirement on the same side of the street.
3.
Off-premise signs giving direction to any proposed development project, provided that the sign not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area.
[1]
Editor’s Note: Ord. No. 16-0100 also changed the title of this Section from “Off-Premise Street Graphics Permitted in Non-Residential Zone Districts” to “Off-Premise Signs Permitted in Non-Residential Zone Districts.”
Section 400.4310 Billboards.
[Zoning Order §13.100, 4-2-2008; Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016]
A.
Billboards shall be allowed only if in compliance with the following standards and this UDO. The following billboards are permitted in the "PC", "PB", "NPI", "PI" and "PM" zone districts.
1.
Billboards that do not exceed six hundred seventy-two (672) square feet in area per side and twenty (20) feet in height and fifty (50) feet in length excluding the base, apron, supports and other structural members. No billboard shall have more than two (2) sides. No billboard shall be placed above another such billboard.
2.
Billboards may be placed back-to-back, double faced or in a V, with no more than two (2) sides of facings. Such structures shall be considered as one (1). No new billboard shall be erected having more than one (1) viewable face that is directed toward the same lane(s) of traffic.
3.
Billboards may be located only on parcels contiguous to the rights-of-way of Interstate 55, U.S. Highways 61 and 67 and State Highways 30, 141 and 231 in unincorporated Jefferson County.
4.
No billboard shall be erected within five hundred (500) feet of a residence or two hundred fifty (250) feet of a vacant residential zone district or within fifty (50) feet of a non-residential structure regardless of the zone district.
5.
Billboards shall not be erected within one thousand four hundred (1,400) feet of any existing billboard that is located on the same side of the street. Distance in feet shall be measured from a point on the centerline of the highway right-of-way perpendicular to the billboard or sign then lineally down the centerline of the highway right-of-way to a point perpendicular to the next billboard or sign.
6.
No billboard shall be attached to the roof or wall of any building.
7.
Billboards may be illuminated by electrical lighting of the billboard face. However, no flashing, blinking or intermittent lighting on or of billboard faces shall be allowed.
8.
A billboard is a structure for the purposes of this UDO and all intensity, setback and other zone district regulations shall apply to the structure. Construction, reconstruction or structural repair of a billboard requires both a sign permit and a building permit.
Section 400.4320 Non-Commercial Signs and Messages.
[Zoning Order §13.110, 4-2-2008; Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016]
Any sign that can be displayed under the provisions of this Article may contain a non-commercial message.
Section 400.4330 (Reserved) [1]
[1]
Editor’s Note: Former Section 400.3520, Ground Graphics, which derived from Zoning Order §13.130, 4-2-2008, was repealed 1-4-2016 by Ord. No. 16-0100.
Section 400.4340 Wall and Projecting Signs.
[Zoning Order §13.140, 4-2-2008; Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016[1]]
B.
Wall signs may be painted on or attached to or pinned away from the wall but must not project from the wall by more than twelve (12) inches and must not interrupt architectural details.
C.
The following limitations apply to projecting signs:
1.
Projecting signs must clear sidewalks by a least eight (8) feet and may project no more than four (4) feet from a building or one-third (1/3) the width of the sidewalk, whichever is less.
2.
Projecting signs must be pinned away from the wall at least six (6) inches and must project from the wall at an angle of ninety degrees (90°).
3.
Angular projection from the corner of a building is prohibited.
4.
Projecting signs may not extend vertically above the windowsill of a second story. Projecting signs displayed by activities that have a room or auditorium seating of two hundred (200) or more persons may extend vertically from eight (8) feet above the sidewalk to the roof line. Activities featuring live entertainment on the premises are exempt from all height limitations on projecting signs. Projecting signs may be non-illuminated or externally illuminated only by down-directed and shielded fixtures and incandescent bulbs.
[1]
Editor’s Note: Ord. No. 16-0100 also changed the title of this Section from “Off-Premise Street Graphics Permitted in Non-Residential Zone Districts” to “Off-Premise Signs Permitted in Non-Residential Zone Districts.”
Section 400.4350 (Reserved) [1]
[1]
Editor’s Note: Former Section 400.4350, Projecting Graphics, which derived from Zoning Order §13.150, 4-2-2008, was repealed 1-4-2016 by Ord. No. 16-0100.
Section 400.4360 Awnings.
[Zoning Order §13.160, 4-2-2008; Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016]
A.
Where Permitted. A premises, and each occupant of a shopping center or multi-use building, may display an awning on each street or highway frontage in the following zoning districts: "NC-1", "CC-2", "PC", "PB", "NPI" and "PM".
B.
Signable Area. A sign may be displayed on one (1) signable area selected for display on an awning. It shall not exceed forty percent (40%) of the area of the principal face of the awning and shall be subtracted from the signable area selected for wall and projecting signs permitted for each premises under Section 400.4290. A signable area:
1.
Shall not project above, below or beyond the edges of the face of the building wall or architectural element on which it is located or beyond the edges of the awning on which it is displayed.
2.
Shall not extend horizontally a distance greater than sixty percent (60%) of the width of the awning on which it is displayed.
C.
Height And Width. Awnings must clear sidewalks by at least eight (8) feet and may extend to within one (1) foot of the vertical plane formed by the curb or the right-of-way line. Awnings may be non-illuminated or externally illuminated only by down-directed and shielded fixtures and incandescent bulbs. See also Section 400.4380 below.
Section 400.4370 Special Signs.
[Zoning Order §13.170, 4-2-2008; Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016[1]]
A.
Grand Opening Signs. A premises, or an occupant of a shopping center or multi-use building, may display one (1) grand opening sign, not exceeding twenty (20) square feet in area or eight (8) feet in height, for no more than fourteen (14) days during any twelve (12) consecutive calendar months.
B.
Window Signs. A premises, or an occupant of a shopping center or multi-use building, may display permanent window signs not to exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the window area of the facade of the building; and temporary signs, not to exceed an additional fifteen percent (15%) of the facade of the building, for no more than fourteen (14) days during any twelve (12) consecutive calendar months.
C.
Directional Signs. A premises, or an occupant of a multi-use building, may display one (1) directional sign at each entrance or exit not more than two (2) square feet on two-lane streets or highways and on any highway with a posted travel speed less than thirty-five (35) miles per hour and not more than four (4) square feet on multi-lane roads and on any highway with a posted travel speed greater than thirty-five (35) miles per hour.
[1]
Editor’s Note: Ord. No. 16-0100 also changed the title of this Section from “Special Street Graphics” to “Special Signs.”
Section 400.4380 Illumination and Movement.
[Zoning Order §13.180, 4-2-2008; Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016]
A.
Illumination And Movement Permitted In The Following Zone Districts. A sign may be animated and may have changeable copy and may be illuminated with bare bulb, neon tube or flashing illumination in the following zoning districts: "CC-2", "PC", "PB", "NPI", and "PM".
B.
Illumination Requirements. A permanent sign may be non-illuminated, illuminated by internal, internal indirect or external indirect illumination. Signs that are externally lit shall be illuminated only with steady, stationary, down-directed and shielded light sources directed solely onto the sign.
C.
Glare.
1.
Any lighting fixture on a sign that is located within ten (10) feet of a property line of a residential zoning district or an existing residential use or within ten (10) feet of a public right-of-way, except as permitted by this Article, shall be:
a.
Aimed away from the property line, residential use or zoning district or public right-of-way;
b.
Classified as IESNA (Illuminating Engineering Society of North America) Type III or Type IV lighting fixture; and
c.
Shielded on the side closest to the property line, residential use, zoning district or public right-of-way.
2.
The source of illuminance (lamp) from any fixture, including interior fixtures visible through windows, shall not create disability glare on adjacent properties.
Section 400.4390 through Section 400.4400. (Reserved) [1]
[1]
Editor’s Note: Former Section 400.4390, Items of Information Allowance and Section 400.4400, Areas of Special Character, which derived from Zoning Order §§13.190 – 13.200, 4-2-2008, respectively, were repealed 1-4-2016 by Ord. No. 16-0100.
Section 400.4410 Programs For Signs.
[Zoning Order §13.210, 4-2-2008; Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016[1]]
A.
Purpose. A program for signs is a creative incentive for a unified visual statement that integrates the design of signs with the design of the building on which they will be displayed and with the surrounding area.
B.
When Allowed. The owners of one (1) or more adjacent premises or one (1) or more occupants of a shopping center or multi-use building may submit a program for signs to the Planning Division that need not comply with some or all of the requirements of this Article. The program for signs shall contain a visual representation of the lettering, illumination, color, size, height, placement and location of the signs proposed for display.
C.
Standards For Approval. The Planning Division may approve a program for signs if the signs visually represented in the program are:
1.
Consistent with the purposes of this Article; and
2.
Compatible with the theme, visual quality and overall character of the surrounding area; and
3.
Appropriately related in size, shape, materials, lettering, color, illumination and character to the function and architectural character of the building or premises on which they will be displayed and are compatible with existing adjacent activities.
D.
Display Of Signs. A premises or occupancy for which the Planning Division has approved a program for signs shall only display signs that comply with the approved program.
[1]
Editor’s Note: Ord. No. 16-0100 also changed the title of this Section from “Programs For Graphics” to “Programs For Signs.”
Section 400.4420 Prohibited Signs.
[Zoning Order §13.220, 4-2-2008; Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016[1]]
A.
The following signs are prohibited:
1.
Signs that by color, location or design resemble or conflict with traffic control signs or signals.
2.
Signs attached to light poles or standards.
3.
Portable Signs.
4.
Above-roof signs.
5.
All signs located within the right-of-way of a County or State maintained road unless such signs are otherwise exempt by this Article.
[1]
Editor’s Note: Ord. No. 16-0100 also changed the title of this Section from “Street Graphics Prohibited” to “Prohibited Signs.”
Section 400.4430 Exempt Signs.
Section 400.4440 Variances.
[Zoning Order §13.240, 4-2-2008; Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016]
A.
Variance Authorized. The Board of Zoning Adjustment may grant variances from the regulations contained in this Article:
B.
Approval Standards.
1.
The Board may grant a variance authorized by this Section if it finds the variance requested is required by special or unique hardship because of:
2.
A showing that the display of a sign would be more profitable or the sign would be more valuable is not a special or unique hardship as required by this Section.
C.
Additional Requirements. The Board shall grant a variance only if it also finds that the variance is consistent with the Official Master Plan and there are no other reasonable alternatives for displaying a sign permitted by this Article if the variance is not granted.
Section 400.4450 Non-Conforming Signs.
[Zoning Order §13.250, 4-2-2008; Ord. No. 07-30-2008A §§1 — 2(13.250C4), 7-30-2008; Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016[1]]
A.
Change And Modification. A non-conforming sign or sign structure shall be brought into conformity with this Article if it is altered, reconstructed, replaced or relocated. A change in copy is not an alteration or replacement for purposes of this Subsection.
B.
Maintenance. Non-conforming signs must be maintained in good condition. Maintenance required by this Subsection shall include replacing or repairing of worn or damaged parts of a sign or sign structure in order to return it to its original state and is not a change or modification prohibited by Section 400.4930.
C.
Removal. Removal of a non-conforming sign or replacement of a non-conforming sign with a conforming sign is required when:
1.
A non-conforming sign, or a substantial part of a non-conforming sign, is blown down, destroyed or for any reason or by any means taken down, altered or removed. As used in this Subsection, "substantial" means fifty percent (50%) or more of the entire sign structure; or
2.
The condition of the non-conforming sign or non-conforming sign structure has deteriorated and the cost of restoration of the sign to its condition immediately prior to such deterioration exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the value of the sign or sign structure prior to its deterioration; or
3.
The use of the non-conforming sign, or the property on which it is located, has ceased, become vacant or been unoccupied for a period of one hundred eighty (180) consecutive days or more. An intent to abandon is not required as the basis for removal under this Subsection.
D.
Sign Permit. Any permit issued for a sign under this Article shall require that any non-conforming sign displayed on the premises for which the permit is issued shall be modified or removed to conform to the provisions of this Article.
E.
Development Permit. Any County permit that authorizes the development of a premises, any building addition or any exterior structural remodeling of a building facade on which a non-conforming sign is located shall require all non-conforming signs on the premises for which the permit is issued to be brought into conformity with the provisions of this Article.
F.
Separation. No sign that is non-conforming solely because it violates a requirement for the spacing of signs shall be required to eliminate that non-conformity if compliance with the spacing regulation on the premises is not possible.
[1]
Editor’s Note: Ord. No. 16-0100 also changed the title of this Section from “Non-Conforming Street Graphics” to “Non-Conforming Signs.”
Section 400.4460 Permits.
[Zoning Order §13.260, 4-2-2008; Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016]
A.
Permit Required. No person shall erect or display a sign unless the Code Enforcement and Planning Divisions have issued a permit for the sign or this Section exempts the sign from the permit requirement.
B.
Application. A person proposing to erect or display a sign shall file an application for a permit with the Code Enforcement Division. The application shall contain the following:
1.
The name, address and telephone number of sign contractor and the owner and occupant of the premises where the sign is to be erected or displayed; the date on which it is to be erected or displayed; the zoning district in which it is located; and any variance that has been approved.
2.
A drawing to scale that shows:
a.
All existing signs displayed on the premises;
b.
The location, height and size of any proposed signs;
c.
The items of information proposed to be displayed; and
d.
The total area of the building facade upon which the proposed sign will be located.
This information is not required if a program for signs has been approved for the premises or occupancy on which the sign will be erected or displayed if the approved program for signs is attached to the application. |
3.
Specifications for the construction or display of the sign and for its illumination and mechanical movement, if any, are to be provided.
C.
Program For Signs. The program must be approved by the Planning Division before any signs for the development may be erected on the premises. The program shall govern the placement and design of all signs on the premises as to size, location, height, width and setback. All tenants of the premises, whether an owner, lessee, subtenant or other occupant, shall comply with the approved program for signs.
D.
Review And Time Limits. The Director shall promptly review the application upon the receipt of a completed permit application and upon payment of the permit fee by the applicant. The Director shall grant or deny the permit application within twenty (20) days from the date the completed application and permit fee was filed with the Director.
E.
Approval Or Denial.
1.
The Director shall approve a permit for the sign if it complies with the building, electrical or other adopted codes of Jefferson County, Missouri and with:
2.
If the Director does not approve a permit for the sign, the Director shall State the reasons for the denial in writing and shall send said written reasons for denial to the address of the applicant stated on the application.
Section 400.4470 Enforcement.
[Zoning Order §13.270, 4-2-2008]
With or without the initiation of criminal prosecution or any other legal remedies, the County may apply to the appropriate court for injunctive relief, which would require the correction of abatement of any violation of this Article. The initiation or exhaustion of one (1) of these enforcement proceedings shall not be a prerequisite to the initiation of any other of these enforcement proceedings. Different types of enforcement proceedings may be pursued concurrently.
Section 400.4480 Removal of Signs from County Right-of-Way.
[Ord. No. 16-0100 §2, 1-4-2016]
In addition to any other method of enforcement established by the Code of Ordinances of Jefferson County, Missouri, the County shall have the right, without notice, to remove any and all signs erected in or on the right-of-way of any County maintained street.