Article II, Landscape, Screening, And Fencing.

Article III, Parking, Access, And Mobility.

Article IV, Residential Site And Building Design.

Article V, Mixed-Use And Nonresidential Site And Building Design.

Article VI, Exterior Lighting.

Article VII, Signs.

Article VIII, General Performance Standards.

Article IX, Floodplain Management.

Article X, Riparian Corridors.

Protect and enhance the visual appeal of the City of Lake Saint Louis;

Contribute to high-quality development;

Improve air quality;

Buffer potentially incompatible neighboring land uses;

Mitigate the environmental and visual impacts of surface parking areas; and

Protect property values.

The construction of new principal structures; and

Activities which require approval of a site plan (Section 405.160).

Any landscaping, screening or fencing provided before the effective date of this Code shall not be permanently modified, removed or reduced in a way that would bring the property out of conformance with this Article or would increase the degree of any existing nonconformity.

The modification of any existing required landscaping, screening or fencing shall be reviewed in accordance with Section 405.080(D), Amendments To Approved Applications.

Minor adjustment (Section 405.220).

Variance (Section 405.230).

Zoning Map amendment (Section 405.100) to planned unit development (Section 415.130).

A minimum of one (1) street tree is required for every forty (40) feet of public or private street frontage.

Trees shall be planted along all streets, public or private, in the right-of-way or within five (5) feet of the right-of-way, applied consistently throughout a single subdivision or development.

Trees may be clustered, as opposed to being spaced evenly.

Building foundations on all facades fronting a public or private street shall be landscaped in accordance with the following:

A mix of evergreen and deciduous shrubs shall be provided.

Shrubs may be clustered.

Shrubs shall be set back a minimum of three (3) feet from the building foundation.

Parking lots located within the required front building setback shall be landscaped along adjoining streets for an equal and uniform width of ten (10) feet except for permitted entrance drives.

Landscaping in these areas shall contain a continuous planting of shrubs and one (1) tree for every sixty (60) linear feet of frontage.

Trees along the perimeter may be grouped to allow flexibility in design and to open up lines of sight.

Masonry walls and/or berms at a minimum height of thirty (30) inches are encouraged.

A minimum of one (1) tree and one hundred (100) square feet of landscaped planting area is required for every ten (10) parking spaces.

The required landscape planting area and trees shall be located in islands or peninsulas within the parking lot itself. Trees and landscaping located along the perimeter of the parking lot do not count towards this requirement.

The landscaped planting area minimum dimension in any direction shall be six (6) feet.

Trees planted in landscape planting areas shall be situated a minimum of three (3) feet from any curb.

The configuration of the landscaped planting areas and the spacing of trees shall be arranged to maximize the amount of shaded areas within parking lots.

Landscape buffers shall be located along the perimeter of sites to buffer more intense uses and to design effective transitions between land uses.

Table 425.030.E.1, Landscape Buffer Requirements, establishes when landscape buffers are required and what type of landscape buffers are required. The types of buffers are labeled A, B and C, and are further described in Table 425.030.E.2, Landscape Buffer Minimum Standards.

Except for areas with native vegetation cover and wooded areas, any part of a site not used for building coverage, parking areas, driveways, sidewalks, or other site improvements shall be landscaped or planted with turf grass.

Existing landscaping may be used to satisfy the landscaping requirements of this Article.

Plants shall comply with recommendations and requirements of ANSI Z60/1 - 2004 "American Standard for Nursery Stock." All plants shall be healthy and vigorous stock suitable for the climate zone within the City, grown in a recognized nursery in accordance with good horticultural practice and free of disease, insects, eggs, larvae and defects such as knots, sunscald, injuries, abrasions, or disfigurement.

To reduce the risk of disease and/or insect infestation, no more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the proposed trees in any individual development or subdivision may be of one (1) species.

Tree species shall be selected from the City's recommended tree list.

The applicant shall submit a financial guarantee to guarantee completion of the required landscaping.

Required financial guarantees may be in the form of cash, letter of credit or surety bond.

The amount of the financial guarantee shall be equal to the estimated cost for completion of the required landscaping, as determined by a qualified landscaper.

A nonrefundable fee established by the Community Development Director for the establishment of the cash performance bond and for final inspection shall be charged and will be payable at the time that the financial guarantee is posted.

The financial guarantee shall be refunded upon completion of all required landscaping and the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.

It shall be unlawful for the owner of any lot or parcel of ground in the City to maintain or allow to stand upon such lot or parcel of ground any tree or tree limb which, due to a diseased, decayed or hazardous condition or for any other reason, endangers or is likely to injure any person in and upon City-owned property. Such a condition shall be considered a public nuisance on private property.

It shall be the duty of the owner of any lot or parcel of ground in the City to properly cause such trees or tree limbs as are described in Subsection (E)(1) to be cut down, and no tree or tree limb in the City which has been cut down or which has fallen or been broken down shall be permitted to remain in or upon any City-owned property.

Should any person owning real property fail to prune, remove or treat trees as herein above provided, the Community Development Director shall order such person to so prune, remove or treat such trees. The order shall be personally served on or mailed via first-class mail to both the occupant of the property at the property and the owner at the last known address of the owner, if not the same.

The property owner has the right to appeal the notice to prune, remove or treat in accordance with Section 405.240, Appeal of Administrative Enforcement. The property owner may present any evidence or exhibits to support his/her position that the tree does not need to be pruned or removed or that the cost of the order is excessive. If the Board of Adjustment should uphold the order, the property owner has an additional ten (10) days from the Board's decision to complete the required pruning, removal or treatment.

When a person to whom an order is directed shall fail to comply within the specified time, it shall be lawful for the municipality to prune, remove or treat such trees, and the exact cost thereof shall be assessed to the owner as provided by law in the case of special assessments.

Existing trees subject to this Section shall not be removed or disturbed unless approved by the City in accordance with this Section.

The following tree removal activities are subject to this Section:

Exceptions.

A tree protection plan (TPP) and tree stand delineation (TSD) are not required.

If the tree removal request is associated with a development proposal, it shall be submitted, reviewed and acted on concurrently with the applicable development application.

If the tree removal request is not associated with a development application, it shall be approved by the Director of Parks and Recreation or Community Development Director if one (1) of the following is met:

Requests for minor tree removal that are denied may be appealed in accordance with Section 405.240, Appeal of Administrative Enforcement.

Procedure.

Tree Removal Limits.

Tree Protection Measures.

Tree Replacement.

Electrical and mechanical equipment, such as transformers, air conditioners, or communication equipment and antennas, whether ground-, wall- or roof-mounted.

Pool equipment.

Permanent or temporary outdoor storage areas.

Solid waste containers in accordance with Chapter 235, Solid Waste, of the Municipal Code.

Utility stations.

This Section shall apply to all fences with the following exceptions:

Fences are permitted as specified in Table 425.110.B, Summary of Fence Standards.

Location.

Height.

Design And Materials.

Fences in the following subdivisions are subject to subdivision-specific requirements regulating the location, height, design and materials of fences:

These subdivision-specific requirements are documented in the recorded subdivision trust indentures, approved preannexation agreements, or other similar instruments of record.

It is the responsibility of each property owners' association to verify that any proposed fence conforms to the subdivision-specific requirements and that the fences throughout the subdivision are consistent in terms of location, height, design and materials.

Subdivision-specific fence standards may only be requested and approved through the preliminary plat procedure (Section 405.120) for new subdivisions containing twenty (20) or more lots. Requests for subdivision-specific fence standards shall not be considered after the preliminary plat has been approved. The approval or denial of subdivision-specific fence standards shall be at the sole discretion of the Board of Aldermen.

The applicable fence types listed in Table 425.110.B, Summary of Fence Standards, are permitted in these subdivisions to the extent that fences conform to any additional subdivision-specific requirements.

In addition to the permitted fence types specified in Table 425.110.B, Summary of Fence Standards, fences enclosing rear and side yards may be permitted.

A fence may be erected in residential subdivisions along rear and side property lines abutting the City's corporate limits or City-owned parks.

The property owners' association shall be responsible for the installation and maintenance of the fence.

The fence shall be continuous along the length of the property lines abutting the City's corporate limits or City-owned park.

The entire length of fence shall be installed at the same time.

The City shall be indemnified for any damage caused to the fence.

To require adequate off-street parking, loading, and stacking spaces to avoid traffic congestion;

To avoid inefficient use of land by provision of unnecessary parking facilities;

To ensure safe pedestrian access to and between developments;

To protect adjoining residential neighborhoods from the impacts of large nonresidential vehicular use areas; and

To promote general convenience, welfare and prosperity of developments which depend upon off-street parking, loading, and circulation.

The construction of new principal structures.

Activities which require approval of a site plan (Section 405.160).

The change or enlargement of a building or use constructed or established prior to the effective date of this Code by more than fifteen percent (15%) in terms of gross floor area, number of dwelling units, or seating capacity.

The change or enlargement of a building or use constructed or established prior to the effective date of this Code by less than fifteen percent (15%) in terms of gross floor area, number of dwelling units, or seating capacity. In cases where expansions or enlargements occur over a period of time, the site shall come into full compliance with the requirements of this Article once the increase exceeds fifty percent (50%).

Any vehicular use area provided before the effective date of this Code shall not be permanently modified, removed or reduced in a way that would bring the property out of conformance with this Article or would increase the degree of any existing nonconformity.

The modification of any existing vehicular use areas, including, but not limited to, reduction, enlargement, restriping or remarking of any vehicular use area shall be reviewed in accordance with Section 405.080(D), Amendments To Approved Applications.

Minor Adjustment (Section 405.220).

Variance (Section 405.230).

Zoning Map amendment (Section 405.100) to planned unit development (Section 415.130).

Detached House, Duplex, and Townhouse Uses.

Multi-Unit, Mixed-Use and Nonresidential Uses.

The number and design of accessible parking spaces shall be pursuant to the International Building Code as adopted in the Municipal Code, Section 301.143, RSMo., as amended, and the Americans With Disabilities Act, as amended.

A reduction to the number of parking spaces required by Section 425.150, Required Off-Street Parking, may be granted by complying with any one (1) or combination of the parking alternatives listed in this Section, provided that it is determined by the applicable decision-making body or official that the analysis provides adequate documentation of reduced parking demand and demonstrates that the reduction will not create significant adverse impacts on surrounding properties.

Parking Studies.

Shared Parking.

On-Street Parking.

Bicycle Parking.

This Article does not require a minimum number of off-street loading spaces; however, uses requiring shipping and receiving of materials or goods shall provide off-street loading spaces built to the standards identified in this Section.

Loading spaces shall conform to the following minimum dimensions:

Loading areas shall not be located in the front yard.

Off-street loading spaces shall not obstruct or occupy any parking space, circulation or vehicle stacking space for drive-through lanes.

Each required loading space shall open directly upon an aisle or driveway of such width and design as to provide safe and efficient means of access to a street or public service drive.

All loading areas shall be striped and/or signed so as to clearly prohibit vehicle parking other than for the purposes of loading or unloading.

Except for residential uses, no off-street parking or loading space shall be used for any purpose other than the parking of vehicles.

Off-street parking spaces provided in excess of the number required may be used for any legal purpose within the respective zoning district.

If a required off-street parking space is converted to another use or can no longer be used for off-street parking, it shall be deemed a violation of this Code.

Proximity to Structure And/Or Use.

Location On A Site.

Parking Area Layout.

All required off-street parking lots shall comply with the following:

Refer to Chapter 365, Stopping, Standing or Parking Restricted or Prohibited on Certain Streets, of the Municipal Code for additional requirements.

Landscaping shall be provided in accordance with Chapter 425, Article II, Landscape, Screening, and Fencing.

Lighting shall be provided in accordance with Chapter 425, Article VI, Exterior Lighting.

Parking structures shall be located in the rear of lots when feasible, reserving the street frontage for commercial uses.

Parking structures shall blend in with the architectural characteristics and materials of buildings in the surrounding area.

Automobile entrances shall be located on secondary streets or alleys, to the maximum extent feasible.

Pedestrian entrances shall be designed to be welcoming and easily identifiable.

Where visible from a public right-of-way, structured parking shall be screened or wrapped on upper floors with architectural details and materials to screen vehicles.

The location, width, and number of entrance and exit access drives to parking areas shall be in accordance with the Engineering and Plan Preparation Manual for Public Facilities (Title V, Appendix A) and the St. Louis County Access Management Guidelines.

The decision-making body or official, as applicable based on the specific application type in Chapter 405, Administration and Procedures, may grant an exception to the requirements of this Section.

Development that includes nonresidential uses shall allow for shared, private vehicular access among all buildings and/or lots within the development and with adjacent lots to the maximum extent feasible in order to facilitate movement of customers and their vehicles without generating additional turning movements on public streets.

Where cross-access is provided across multiple lots, a cross-access easement shall be recorded with the St. Charles County Recorder of Deeds prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy.

The Public Works Director may waive the requirement for cross-access, in whole or in part, administratively, where cross-access is deemed impractical due to vehicular safety issues or environmental constraints, such as severe topography.

Sidewalks.

Multi-Use Trails Or Bikeways.

Pedestrian and bicycle facilities shall be provided by the developer to allow convenient access through or across the development and connectivity with pedestrian and bicycle facilities, parks, schools, and adjacent neighborhoods.

Pedestrian and bicycle facilities shall be constructed in accordance with the Engineering and Plan Preparation Manual for Public Facilities (Title V, Appendix A).

Pedestrian and bicycle facilities or other locations as required by the Public Works Director shall include ramps that are compliant with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Promote high-quality residential development and construction;

Protect the character of established residential neighborhoods;

Promote new residential developments that are distinctive, have character, and relate and connect to established neighborhoods;

Encourage a variety of housing choices;

Provide variety and visual interest in the exterior design of residential buildings;

Protect and enhance property values; and

Enhance residential streetscapes.

The construction of new detached houses, duplexes, townhouses, and multi-unit buildings.

An addition to an existing detached house, duplex, or townhouse where the total gross floor area of the proposed addition is fifty percent (50%) or more than that of the total gross floor area of the existing structure before the addition or renovation.

An addition to a multi-unit building which requires approval of a site plan (Section 405.160).

Mixed-use buildings which are subject instead to Chapter 425, Article V, Mixed-Use and Nonresidential Site and Building Design.

Minor adjustment (Section 405.220).

Variance (Section 405.230).

Zoning Map amendment (Section 405.100) to planned unit development (Section 415.130).

Drainage must be established away from the proposed foundation.

The finished grade must fall a minimum of one-half (1/2) inch per foot for a distance of ten (10) feet from the structure.

No stormwater shall drain directly or indirectly into the sanitary sewers. Stormwater shall be directed to the street or established drainageways.

Detached Houses And Duplexes.

Townhouse And Multi-Unit Buildings.

Houses with walk-out lower levels are permitted when the existing topography of the site descends from the proposed or existing roadway a vertical distance of six (6) feet from front to rear across the depth of the proposed building.

Refer to Section 415.030, Residential Dimensional Standards.

Refer to Chapter 425, Article II, Landscape, Screening, And Fencing.

Refer to Chapter 425, Article III, Parking, Access, And Mobility.

Refer to Chapter 425, Article VI, Exterior Lighting.

Stepping down building height and mass along the shared property line to meet the height of the existing neighboring home along a minimum of fifty percent (50%) of the new building's length. The stepped-down portion of the new building shall be a minimum of ten (10) feet in width and depth. This option is available only where the existing residential building is located along the property line adjacent to the new building;

Providing variations in the side building wall and/or roof form so that new structures have a comparable scale as neighboring homes along the shared property line;

Utilizing a roof pitch and overhang similar to that of the neighboring structures; and

Utilizing dormers and sloping roofs to accommodate upper stories.

Identical front elevation designs of new detached homes and duplexes shall not be permitted on any two (2) adjacent lots on the same block face.

A continuous row of identical buildings along a block is prohibited. This provision is not intended to prohibit a row of attached townhouses, provided that each individual unit is architecturally distinguished from adjacent units through distinctions in the architectural features required in Subsection (A)(4).

All sides of a residential building shall incorporate architectural detailing that complements the front facade and provides visual interest. Blank walls void of architectural detailing are prohibited except where required by the Fire Code.

For the purposes of satisfying the requirements of Subsection (A)(3), architectural features shall be incorporated into the overall design of each side of the building. Each detached house, duplex, and townhouse shall provide at least three (3) of the following architectural features, and each multi-unit building shall provide at least five (5) of the following architectural features:

A mix of residential housing types, including detached houses, duplexes, townhouses, and multi-unit buildings, is encouraged in zoning districts where such housing types are permitted.

In the R6 Zoning District, development sites larger than ten (10) acres shall incorporate a minimum of two (2) housing types, including detached houses, duplexes, townhouses, or multi-unit buildings. In no case shall the number of dwelling units in multi-unit buildings exceed forty percent (40%) of the total number of dwelling units in the development.

Principal building materials shall be selected for their ability to withstand the local climate. Materials with demonstrated durability include, but are not limited to:

Brick or stone wraps of at least eighteen (18) inches shall be required on the outside corner when brick or stone is used on the front elevation of an outside corner, except on side entry garages the front corner wrap shall be a minimum of twelve (12) inches.

The primary exterior wall material shall extend to within eight (8) inches of the finished grade.

Finished materials on exterior chimney surfaces shall be extended to within twelve (12) inches of the finished grade or terminate on a deck.

Architectural trim is required completely around all window openings, including basement windows. The window sash and trim measured together shall be a minimum of four (4) inches on the front elevations of residential structures and three (3) inches on side and rear elevations.

Color selections for residential buildings shall be compatible with neighboring residences, the natural surroundings, and with community standards.

The color selection shall not be materially and obviously dissimilar to the exterior color selections of other buildings in the surrounding neighborhood or to the range of colors in customary use in the community at large as to appear to be jarring, clashing, exotic or bizarre.

Identical front elevation color schemes of new detached homes and duplexes shall not be permitted on any two (2) adjacent lots on the same block face.

All detached houses, duplexes, and townhouses shall have a minimum two-car detached or attached garage.

Side or rear entry garages are encouraged.

All garages shall be equipped with garage doors.

Garage doors shall be finished with an approved color to blend with the building colors.

Where an alley exists, new garages serving new residential development shall be located at the rear of the lot and accessed from the alley.

For detached houses, street-oriented garages shall not comprise more than fifty percent (50%) of the width of the front facade.

For all residential development in the R6 Zoning District, garages that protrude towards the street in front of the primary facade of the structure are prohibited. All street-oriented garages shall be either:

Other garage configurations may be warranted by site constraints, such as topographic features and/or access limitations, and may be administratively approved as determined by the Community Development Director.

Garages and carports are not required for multi-unit buildings; however, when provided, they shall comply with the following standards:

For multi-unit developments, freestanding garages, carports and other accessory structures (including but not limited to grouped mailboxes, storage and maintenance facilities, recreational facilities, picnic shelters, and gazebos) shall incorporate materials, scale, colors, architectural details, and roof slopes that are compatible with the principal multi-unit buildings, except that flat and shed roofs are prohibited.

Protect and enhance the visual interest, character, and quality of nonresidential and mixed-use areas;

Ensure compatibility between residential neighborhoods and adjacent commercial and mixed-use areas;

Mitigate negative impacts created by the scale and bulk of large buildings;

Promote an environment that is friendly toward multiple modes of transportation and accommodates varying ages and abilities; and

Protect and enhance property values and encourage further investment and reinvestment.

The construction of new nonresidential or mixed-use buildings which requires approval of a site plan (Section 405.160).

Additions to nonresidential or mixed-use buildings which require approval of a site plan (Section 405.160).

Minor adjustment (Section 405.220).

Variance (Section 405.230).

Zoning Map amendment (Section 405.100) to planned unit development (Section 415.130).

Buildings shall be sited parallel to public rights-of-way or internal streets, to the maximum extent practicable.

Buildings shall be oriented so that the principal building entrance faces the principal street or the street providing main access to the site.

Where there are multiple buildings on a development parcel, at least one (1) building shall be oriented with an entrance facing the principal street or the street providing main access to the site.

When a structure is located on a corner lot, prominent entries are encouraged for both facades along the street edge or a single prominent entry to face the corner.

Refer to Section 415.080, Mixed-Use and Nonresidential Dimensional Standards.

Refer to Chapter 425, Article II, Landscape, Screening, And Fencing.

Refer to Chapter 425, Article III, Parking, Access, And Mobility.

Refer to Chapter 425, Article VI, Exterior Lighting.

Stepping down building height and mass along the shared property line to meet the height of the existing neighboring home along a minimum of fifty percent (50%) of the new building's length. The stepped-down portion of the new building shall be a minimum of ten (10) feet in width and depth. This option is available only where the existing residential building is located along the property line adjacent to the new building;

Providing variations in the side building wall and/or roof form so that new structures have a comparable scale as neighboring homes along the shared property line;

Utilizing a roof pitch and overhang similar to that of the neighboring structures; and

Utilizing dormers and sloping roofs to accommodate upper stories.

Monotony of design in single or multiple building projects shall be avoided. Where appropriate, variation of detail, form and siting shall be used to provide visual interest.

No building elevation, regardless of exterior wall plane setback or the location of interior walls, shall exceed thirty (30) feet in length without incorporating at least three (3) of the following elements:

Alternative Designs.

Building Elevations Facing Public Rights-of-Way.

False Windows And Doors.

To reduce the visual impact of roof mass, no roofline along any building elevation shall exceed fifty (50) feet in length without a visual variation that incorporates:

Mansard roofs, or roofs having a mansard-like appearance, are prohibited.

Flat roofs shall be concealed by parapets that are in proportion to the overall building design and that are generally of sufficient height to conceal rooftop mechanical systems that are in view from public rights-of-way, residential land uses, public parking areas, and/or adjacent properties. Parapets shall not exceed the maximum building height as established in Section 415.080, Dimensional Standards, except where allowed by Section 410.140(A)(3), Exceptions.

In order to create a sense of transparency and to visually connect the building's interior with the public exterior, primary and secondary customer entrances shall be clearly defined, highly visible and feature a minimum of two (2) of the following treatments:

To preserve views and to provide a clear sense of connection into and out of the building, window and door glazing shall be transparent or have a low-reflectivity. Mirror-like windows are prohibited.

The primary entrances to a building shall be clearly identified.

All sides of the building shall be constructed using materials that are compatible with, or of equal or greater quality, as those used on elevations with customer entrances, elevations facing public rights-of-way or surface parking areas, and elevations adjacent to Lake Saint Louis, or Lake Saint Louise.

Building materials and colors shall be compatible with adjacent buildings.

Building materials shall be high-quality and long-lasting and shall have a proven ability to withstand the local climate. The primary exterior building wall material, consisting of at least seventy percent (70%) of the elevation to which it is applied, shall be one (1) or more of the following:

The primary exterior wall material shall extend to within eight (8) inches of the finished grade.

Roofing material shall not include corrugated metal panels.

Color and intensity of color proposed for all exterior building and roofing materials, including exposed rooftop mechanical systems, such as HVAC equipment, roof vents, air handling/exchange units, shall be natural, nonprimary or muted colors with low reflectivity.

Exterior building and roofing colors shall not include white, off-white, high-intensity primary colors, and/or fluorescent colors.

Holiday lighting.

Twinkle lighting located on trees, bushes, or landscape features in mixed-use and nonresidential zoning districts.

Bistro lighting located in a mixed-use or nonresidential zoning district.

Temporary lighting of construction sites and special events.

Lighting of signs.

Lighting associated with detached homes, duplexes, and townhouses.

Lighting associated with public and private parks and recreational uses.

No property shall permanently modify, remove or reduce any exterior lighting provided before the effective date of this Code, or add additional lighting fixtures, in a way that would bring the property out of conformance with this Article or would increase the degree of any existing nonconformity.

The modification of any existing required lighting or the addition of new lighting fixtures shall be reviewed in accordance with Section 405.080(D), Amendments to Approved Applications.

Minor adjustment (Section 405.220).

Variance (Section 405.230).

Zoning Map amendment (Section 405.100) to planned unit development (Section 415.130).

Canopy lighting for gasoline stations.

Security lighting.

Unshielded lights, lamps, or floodlights that produce glare and light trespass.

Lights that flash, move, revolve, blink, flicker, vary in intensity, change color, or use intermittent electrical pulsation, except holiday lighting.

The maximum pole height is twenty-five (25) feet.

The maximum base height is three (3) feet.

All poles and luminaries shall be black, dark bronze, grey, or other neutral color. Bases shall be unpainted concrete.

All light fixtures shall be full cutoff and/or constructed so that no light rays are emitted by the installed fixture at angles above the horizontal plane.

Maintained average illuminance values in parking areas associated with mixed-use, nonresidential and multi-unit residential uses shall be no less than two (2) foot-candles, and no single point shall measure less than one (1) foot-candle. Illuminance shall be measured using only the light produced on-site.

The acceptable uniformity ratio for lighted areas shall comply with recommended ranges adopted by the International Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) for low-, medium-, and high-activity areas.

Minimize incompatibility between signs and their surroundings;

Provide for signs within reasonable limitations, consistent with the goals and objectives of the community, to retain the special character and economic advantages that rest largely on the quality of the community's appearance;

Protect the public from hazardous conditions by prohibiting signs that are structurally unsafe or obscure, distract the vision of motorists, or compete or conflict with necessary traffic signs and warning signals;

Eliminate hazards caused by the size and placement of signs and reduce the possibility of injuries to those coming near or under signs;

Promote the health, safety and public welfare of the City, its residents and its visitors;

Regulate signs in accordance with the City's policies and with the U.S. and Missouri Constitutions; and

Protect the right to free speech by the display of messages on signs through content-neutral regulations.

Sign Activities.

Address Numbers.

Directional Signs.

Flags.

Fuel Pumps, ATMs and Shopping Cart Corrals.

Integral Signs.

Interior Signs.

Minor Noncommercial Message Signs.

Patio Signs.

Public Art.

Public Signs.

Seasonal Decorations.

Vehicle Signs.

Way-Finding Signs.

Window Signs.

Comprehensive Sign Plan (Section 425.580).

Variance (Section 405.230).

Zoning Map amendment (Section 405.100) to planned unit development (Section 415.130).

If any clause, section, or other provision of the application of this Article shall be held by any court of competent jurisdiction to be unconstitutional or invalid, such clause, subsection, or other part of the application of this Article shall be considered eliminated and not affecting the validity of the remaining clauses, sections, or applications remaining in full force and effect.

This Article shall be administered and enforced by the Community Development Director.

Literal readings of the Code language will be used.

Regulations are no more or less strict than as stated.

Application of the regulations that are consistent with the rules of this Article are nondiscretionary actions to implement the requirements of this Article.

This Article shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with the First Amendment guarantee of free speech.

Where this Article is silent, or where the rules of this Article do not provide a basis for concluding that a sign is allowed, said sign is therefore prohibited.

General.

Attention-Grabbing Devices.

Location.

Public Safety.

Vehicles.

The sign area is the entire face of a sign, including the advertising surface and any framing, trim, or molding but not including the supporting structure.

Signs Enclosed In Frames Or Cabinets.

Individual Letters Or Elements.

Back-To-Back Signs.

The building facade area is the entire surface area of the facade where a sign is located or is proposed to be located, including building walls, doors, windows, recessed and projecting areas, and all other features.

The calculation shall be based on viewing the facade from a ninety-degree angle (i.e., straight on), regardless of facade insets, offsets, or angles.

For single-tenant buildings and multi-tenant buildings with a shared entrance, the facade length is measured between two (2) side facades.

For multi-tenant buildings with separate entrances for each tenant, the facade length is measured from the individual tenant's party wall to the opposite party wall or the side facade, if applicable.

The facade height is measured from the ground to the top edge or roofline of a building with a flat roof, the eave line of a building with a gambrel, gable or hip roof, or the deckline of a building with a mansard roof.

Sign height shall be determined by calculating the vertical distance between the lowest elevation of the ground abutting the sign and the level of the highest point of the sign.

Clearance is measured from the highest point of the ground directly below the sign to the lowest point on the sign structure enclosing the sign face.

No sign permitted by this Article shall be placed or erected so as to prevent ready access to any window, door, passageway or fire escape, nor shall any sign be placed on private property in such a manner as specified in this Code so as to constitute a hazard to motor vehicles and pedestrian traffic or obscure the view of motor vehicle operators or pedestrians.

No sign may be erected so that by its location, color, size, shape, nature or message it would tend to obstruct the view of or to be confused with official traffic signs or other signs erected by governmental agencies.

No sign may be located so that it substantially interferes with the view necessary for motorists to proceed safely through intersections or to enter onto or exit from public or private streets, roads or parking lots.

The lowest point of a sign that extends over an area intended for pedestrian use shall be at least eight (8) feet above the finished grade below it. The lowest point of a sign that extends over an area intended for vehicular use shall be at least fourteen (14) feet above the finished grade below it.

Permanent signs shall be constructed of durable materials and installed to comply with applicable City Codes. Permanent signs shall not be made of paper, cloth, canvas (except for awning and canopy signs), cardboard, wallboard, or other similar nondurable materials.

Permanent signs shall be securely fastened to the ground or to some other substantial supportive structure so that there is virtually no danger that either the sign or the supportive structure may be moved by the wind or other forces of nature and cause injury to persons or property.

Signs containing unpainted metal or reflective material of any type shall be prohibited.

All visible structural components of signs (excluding the sign face) shall be constructed of natural materials that blend with the natural environment or are compatible (however, not necessarily identical) in color and texture with the adjoining buildings or shall be painted a neutral or compatible color that is compatible with adjoining buildings and/or the natural environment.

Unless otherwise prohibited by this Article, signs may be illuminated in accordance with the following:

Freestanding signs shall be set back from the property lines in accordance with Table 425.540.A, Summary of Permanent Sign Standards, and Table 425.540.B, Summary of Temporary Sign Standards.

Attached signs are not subject to setback requirements.

Any signs located at intersections of streets and driveways shall comply with Section 425.080, Visibility At Intersections.

No sign attached to a building may project more than twelve (12) inches from the building wall, unless specifically outlined in this Article.

Permanent signs are allowed as indicated in Table 425.540.A, Summary of Permanent Sign Standards, and are subject to the additional standards of this Section.

Generally.

Awning Or Canopy Sign.

Projecting Sign.

Roof Sign.

Suspended Sign.

Wall Sign.

Generally.

Changeable Copy Sign.

Drive-Through Sign.

Electronic Message Center.

Monument Sign.

Pole Sign.

Billboards.

Temporary signs are allowed as indicated in Table 425.540.B, Summary of Temporary Sign Standards, and are subject to the additional standards of this Section.

No balloons, ribbons, flags, pennants, ornaments or other embellishments shall be attached to any temporary signs.

Temporary signs shall not be affixed to any public utility structure, tree, fence or any public or existing private sign standard.

Temporary signs may not be illuminated.

Any person, persons, firm, corporation or partnership promoting the event promoted by a temporary sign shall be presumed to be the owner of such sign.

Because of the nature of materials typically used to construct temporary signs and to avoid the unsightliness of deteriorating signs and all safety concerns which accompany such a condition, temporary signs shall be removed or replaced when such sign is deteriorated.

Temporary signs placed or exhibited in a manner not in compliance with the provisions of this Code are subject to removal in accordance with Section 425.570(D), Removal Of Signs.

The Community Development Director may approve an alternative sign type in lieu of a permitted sign type.

In addition to permitted temporary signs allowed as indicated in Table 425.540.B, Summary of Temporary Sign Standards, additional temporary signs, including but not limited to pole flags, banners, display home canopies and off-premises directional signs may be approved for new residential developments subject to approval by the Community Development Director.

All such signs shall be removed upon the cessation of the presence of an active sales or leasing office within the development or when more than eighty percent (80%) of the buildable lots have been issued occupancy permits or when more than eighty percent (80%) of the units have been leased or sold.

Off-Premises Directional Signs.

Banners.

Sidewalk Signs.

Yard Signs.

All signs and all components thereof, including without limitations, supports, braces and anchors, shall be kept in a state of good repair.

All signs and all components thereof shall be maintained so that faded and chipped paint is removed and replaced, so that sign faces containing unintended holes, breaks or missing parts are repaired and/or replaced.

If a sign advertises a business, service, community, accommodations, attraction or other enterprise or activity that is no longer operating or being offered or conducted, that sign shall be considered abandoned and shall, within sixty (60) days after such abandonment, be removed by the sign owner, owner of the property on which the sign is located, or other party having control over such sign.

If the message portion of a sign is removed, leaving only the supporting shell of a sign or the supporting structural components, the owner of the sign or the owners of the property where the sign is located or other person having control over such sign shall, within sixty (60) days of the removal of the message portion of the sign, either replace the entire message portion of the sign or remove the remaining sign components.

This Subsection shall not be construed to alter the effect of Section 425.590, Nonconforming Signs, which prohibits the replacement of a nonconforming sign. Nor shall this Subsection be construed to prevent the changing of the message of a legal, conforming sign.

Signs may be removed by authorized officials of the City if:

Confiscated signs will be destroyed or otherwise properly disposed of fourteen (14) days from the date of confiscation.

The intent of a comprehensive sign plan is to facilitate the planning of cohesive signage for specific areas or developments that may be unique in character and design otherwise not compatible with the standard sign regulations. Through a comprehensive sign plan process, applicants set specific sign regulations that will govern the specific property(ies), which shall supersede the requirements of this Article, as applicable.

The intent of a comprehensive sign plan is not to allow more signage than necessary for visibility and readability, but to allow for a creative approach that is specific to the qualities and needs of a development.

A comprehensive sign plan may be applied for in any zoning district for one (1) or more parcels.

The comprehensive sign plan shall only apply to on-premises signs. The requirements of this Article applicable to off-premises signs may not be modified by a comprehensive sign plan.

An approved comprehensive sign plan shall govern the properties under the plan and shall remain in effect over the properties until it is amended, replaced or voided.

Planned unit developments approved prior to the effective date of this Code which included sign plans and/or sign standards will be considered comprehensive sign plans and subject to the requirements of this Section.

Requests for a comprehensive sign plan shall follow the procedure for minor site plans (Section 405.160).

A site plan, depicting the proposed plan of development and illustration of proposed sign locations;

Descriptions and drawings indicating the proposed placement, quantity, size and materials of all signs; and

A narrative description of the common theme for signage within the property, how it relates to architectural and/or landscaping elements of the development, and a description of any site features that necessitate the deviation from the requirements of this Article.

Placement.

Quantity.

Size.

Materials.

A request to amend, replace or void an existing approved comprehensive sign plan shall follow the same procedure as a new comprehensive sign plan.

Nonconforming signs may remain until they are required to be removed under the provisions of this Section.

A nonconforming sign cannot be enlarged, expanded or otherwise improved except for the purpose of normal maintenance and incidental repairs.

The only alteration to a nonconforming sign that is permitted is a change in the sign face, the words or symbols used or the message displayed.

Any other alteration or change must be to bring the nonconforming sign into compliance with the regulations of this Code.

Subject to the other provisions of this Article, nonconforming signs may be repaired and renovated so long as the cost of such work does not exceed, within any twelve-month period, fifty percent (50%) of the value of such sign.

A nonconforming sign may not be moved to a new location on the same property or to a new location on a different property or replaced except to bring the sign into complete conformity with this Article.

Not emit any smoke, dust, glare, noise, gases or other matter in such quantities as to be readily detectable at any point beyond the perimeter of the site.

Not include the storage or maintenance of water or materials which attract or aid in the propagation of insects or rodents or create a health hazard.

Provide or contract for the suppression, containment and cleanup of hazardous materials acceptable to the local Fire Department.

Every use shall be so operated that the pressure level of sound or noise generated, measured in decibels, shall not exceed, at any point on the lot line, the maximum decibel levels for the designated octave band as set forth in Table 425.620.B, Maximum Permitted Decibel Levels, below, for the appropriate area:

A use shall be so operated that ground vibration inherently and recurrently generated is not perceptible without instruments at any point on the property line of the property on which the use is located.

Every use and site operation, such as construction or grading, shall be so operated as to prevent the emission into the air of dust, dirt, noxious acids, fumes, gases and other particulate matter, whatever its source, which may cause damage to property and health of persons at or beyond the lot line of the property on which the use is located.

The air quality standards and air pollution control regulations consisting of Title 10, Division 10, Chapters 5 and 6, of the Missouri Code of State Regulations, as adopted and promulgated by the Air Conservation Commission of the State of Missouri for the St. Louis Metropolitan Area shall apply.

No operation or use in the City of Lake Saint Louis shall cause, create or allow the emission for more than three (3) minutes in any one (1) hour of air contaminants which at the emission point or within the property are:

The special flood hazard areas of the City of Lake Saint Louis, Missouri, are subject to inundation which results in loss of life and property, health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and governmental services, extraordinary public expenditures for flood protection and relief, and impairment of the tax base, all of which adversely affect the public health, safety and general welfare.

These flood losses are caused by:

The Flood Insurance Study (FIS) that is the basis of this Article uses a standard engineering method of analyzing flood hazards which consist of a series of interrelated steps.

Selection of a base flood that is based upon engineering calculations which permit a consideration of such flood factors as its expected frequency of occurrence, the area inundated, and the depth of inundation. The base flood selected for this Article is representative of large floods which are characteristic of what can be expected to occur on the particular streams subject to this Article. It is in the general order of a flood which could be expected to have a one-percent chance of occurrence in any one year as delineated on the Federal Insurance Administrator's Flood Insurance Study and illustrative materials for St. Charles County dated March 9, 2021, as amended, and any future revisions thereto.

Calculation of water surface profiles are based on a standard hydraulic engineering analysis of the capacity of the stream channel and overbank areas to convey the regulatory flood.

Computation of a floodway required to convey this flood without increasing flood heights more than one (1) foot at any point.

Delineation of floodway encroachment lines within which no development is permitted that would cause any increase in flood height.

Delineation of flood fringe, i.e., that area outside the floodway encroachment lines but still subject to inundation by the base flood.

Restrict or prohibit uses that are dangerous to health, safety or property in times of flooding or cause undue increases in flood heights or velocities;

Require that uses vulnerable to floods, including public facilities that serve such uses, be provided with flood protection at the time of initial construction; and

Protect individuals from buying lands that are unsuited for the intended development purposes due to the flood hazard.

Review of all applications for floodplain development permits to assure that sites are reasonably safe from flooding and that the floodplain development permit requirements of this Article have been satisfied;

Review of all applications for floodplain development permits for proposed development to assure that all necessary permits have been obtained from Federal, State or local governmental agencies from which prior approval is required by Federal, State or local law;

Review all subdivision proposals and other proposed new development, including manufactured home parks or subdivisions, to determine whether such proposals will be reasonably safe from flooding;

Issue floodplain development permits for all approved applications;