Signs
Type and Definition of Signs Not Requiring Permits | Maximum Number of Signs Per Lot | Maximum Sign Area Per Sign* on a Residential Lot** (square feet) | Maximum Sign Area Per Sign* on Nonresidential Lots** (square feet) | Other Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Agricultural sales or Christmas tree sign: advertises the seasonal sale of agricultural products or Christmas trees | 2 | Total of 12 square feet per lot | Total of 50 square feet per lot | Shall only be posted while such products are actively offered for sale |
Charitable event sign: advertises a special event held a maximum of 9 days in any calendar year that primarily is held to benefit a legitimate tax-exempt nonprofit organization, place of worship, school, or charity | 2 | Total of 12 square feet per lot | Total of 50 square feet per lot | Shall be placed a maximum of 30 days prior to event and removed a maximum of 7 days after event |
Contractor's sign: advertises a building tradesperson, engineer or architect who is actively conducting significant work on a particular lot that is not such person's place of business, or a bank or agency that is financing an on-site construction project | 1 per contractor | 12 per sign | 20 per sign (or one sign of 60 square feet maximum may be used if the sign is shared by multiple entities) | Shall only be permitted while such work is actively and clearly underway and a maximum of 30 days afterward; shall not be illuminated |
Directional sign: provides information indicating traffic direction, entry or exit, loading or service area, directions to apartment numbers or parking courts in a development, fire lanes, parking or closely similar information regarding the same lot as the sign is on, and that does not include advertising | No maximum | 4, in addition to signs painted on pavement | 4, in addition to signs painted on pavement | Directional signs within a residential development shall not be internally illuminated; see also Subsection (b)(4) below concerning signs not readable from a lot line or street |
Flag: a pennant made of fabric or materials with a similar appearance that is hung in such a way to flow in the wind; see also "special sale signs" below | 1 | Total of 12 square feet per lot | Total of 50 square feet per lot | Flags of governments and flags that simply include colors, or noncommercial art or patterns are not regulated by this title |
Garage sale sign: advertises an occasional garage sale/porch sale or auction | 2 per event | 2 square feet per sign | 2 square feet per sign | Shall be placed no more than 3 days before the event, and be removed within 24 hours after the event; shall not be attached to trees or utility poles with metal fasteners |
Home occupation and accessory day care sign: advertises a permitted home occupation or an accessory day care use | 1 | 2 | 8 | Shall not be illuminated; maximum total height of 8 feet above the ground |
Identification sign: only identifies the name and/or occupation of the resident and/or the name, street address and/or use of a lot, but that does not include advertising | 1 | 2 | 8 | Maximum total height of 8 feet above the ground |
Open house sign: advertises the temporary and periodic open house of a property for sale or rent | 2 per event | Total maximum of 12 square feet per lot | Total maximum of 50 square feet per lot | Shall be placed maximum of 5 days before open house begins, and be removed maximum of 24 hours after open house ends; such sign shall not be posted more than 6 consecutive days |
Political/issue sign: advertises a person or party seeking political office or an opinion on a referendum, political cause or matter of public concern Political signs shall not be posted on public parks or property owned by the City or on a public street right-of-way, except as may be allowed on election day outside of a polling location | Maximum of 2 sign faces per issue or candidate per lot | Total maximum of 12 square feet per issue or candidate per lot | Total maximum of 50 square feet per issue or candidate per lot | Shall be removed a maximum of 7 days after an election, vote or referendum if the sign pertains to such a matter; political signs shall not be placed on property without the prior consent of the owner; if a political sign does not meet these requirements, then it shall be regulated as an off-premises sign |
Public services sign: advertises the availability of rest rooms, telephone or other similar public convenience | No maximum | 2 | 2 | |
Real estate sign: advertises the availability of property on which the sign is located for sale, rent or lease | 1 per street the lot abuts | 12 | 50 | Shall only be placed on the property while it is actively for sale, lease or rent, and shall be removed a maximum of 14 days after settlement or start of lease |
Service organization/place of worship sign: an off-premises sign stating name of a recognized incorporated service organization or place of worship and that may include information on times and dates of activities | 2 | 12 | 50 | Maximum of 2 such signs per such organization or place of worship |
Special sale signs: temporary banners, feather-type banners on poles, flags and other signs that advertise a special sales event at a lawful principal commercial business; a portable sign may be used under this provision | 1 per nonresidential lot, except 1 per business establishment on a multi-use lot | Not permitted | Total of 50 square feet for all such banners, flags and other temporary signs | Shall be displayed a maximum total of 30 days per year (such as 6 times of 5 days each); such signs shall not flash, be internally illuminated, or obstruct safe sight distances; such sign shall not be allowed in a public right-of-way or on a fence |
Time and temperature sign: with a sole purpose to announce the current time and temperature, and which may also include any nonprofit public service messages | 1 | Not permitted | 50 | The sign shall not flash |
Trespassing sign: indicating that a road is private, that trespassing is prohibited on a lot, or controlling certain activities such as hunting and fishing on the lot | No maximum | 2 | 4 |
NOTES: | |
* | Maximum sign areas are for each of two sides of each permitted sign, measured in square feet. |
** | For the purposes of this section, a "nonresidential lot" shall mean a lot that is occupied by a principal nonresidential use or that is within a commercial or industrial zoning district. All other lots shall be considered to be residential lots. |
Zoning District or Type of Use | Total Maximum Height of Freestanding Signs | Total Maximum Area of Wall Signs**** | Total Maximum Area of Window Signs*** | Total Maximum Area and Number of Freestanding Signs | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A. | MR, RLD, RMLD, RMD and RHD Districts: with signs in this table limited to allowed principal nonresidential uses (such as places of worship) For home occupation signs, see § 1312.03 | 8 feet | 40 square feet on each side of a principal building for a school or place of worship; 10 square feet on each side of a principal building for other nonresidential principal uses | Temporary nonilluminated window signs are not regulated; other window signs shall be considered wall signs | 1 sign on each street the lot abuts, each with a maximum sign area of 40 square feet for a school or place of worship; 10 square feet per street frontage for other nonresidential principal uses See also entrance signs for major residential developments in Subsection (f) below |
B. | CG, LIC and GIC Districts: for principal nonresidential uses | 20 feet | 2 square feet of sign area for each linear feet of building length, on the building side on which such signs are attached | Illuminated window signs shall be regulated as wall signs; other window signs shall not occupy more than 25% of the total window area along each side of a building | 1 sign per street that the lot abuts, each with a maximum area of 60 square feet See note * below for multiple uses A retail gas station shall be allowed an additional 30 square feet of sign area For drive-throughs, see note ** |
C. | MR, CN, CBD, OI Districts and any other districts: for principal nonresidential uses | 15 feet, except 8 feet in OI and CBD | 2 square feet of sign area for each linear feet of building length on the building side on which such signs are attached Projecting sign: an additional sign with a maximum sign area of 15 square feet on each of 2 sides may a) project perpendicular to a building up to 4 feet outward, and b) may also project over part of a sidewalk if it complies with the applicable requirements of the construction code, including minimum clearance above the sidewalk | Illuminated signs visible through a window shall be regulated as wall signs; for other window signs, no more than 25% of the total window area on the side of a building shall be covered by signs, or a total of 8 square feet of window signs per building side, whichever is more restrictive | 1 sign per street that the lot abuts, each with a maximum area of 40 square feet, except 16 feet in OI See note * below for multiple uses Sandwich board sign: 1 additional 10 square feet per side portable folding sign is allowed per lot in a location that does not obstruct 5 feet of width for pedestrian and wheelchair access, and which is kept inside when the business is not open to the public; such sign shall only advertise an on-site use; such sign shall not use electrical wiring |
NOTES: | |
* | If a lot includes two or more distinct principal nonresidential uses, the maximum freestanding sign area may be increased by 10 square feet for each principal nonresidential use beyond the first nonresidential use. For example, in the CBD District, if a lot includes three such uses, the maximum freestanding sign area shall be 40 square feet plus 20 square feet equals 60 square feet. |
** | An allowed restaurant drive-through use may also include two menu boards with a maximum height of 10 feet and a maximum sign area of 60 square feet per side, provided the signs are not designed to be readable from beyond the property line. |
*** | Transparent areas of doors shall be treated the same as window signs for the purposes of signs. |
**** | A portion of the allowed wall sign area may be placed upon an awning or canopy. |
Signs
Type and Definition of Signs Not Requiring Permits | Maximum Number of Signs Per Lot | Maximum Sign Area Per Sign* on a Residential Lot** (square feet) | Maximum Sign Area Per Sign* on Nonresidential Lots** (square feet) | Other Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Agricultural sales or Christmas tree sign: advertises the seasonal sale of agricultural products or Christmas trees | 2 | Total of 12 square feet per lot | Total of 50 square feet per lot | Shall only be posted while such products are actively offered for sale |
Charitable event sign: advertises a special event held a maximum of 9 days in any calendar year that primarily is held to benefit a legitimate tax-exempt nonprofit organization, place of worship, school, or charity | 2 | Total of 12 square feet per lot | Total of 50 square feet per lot | Shall be placed a maximum of 30 days prior to event and removed a maximum of 7 days after event |
Contractor's sign: advertises a building tradesperson, engineer or architect who is actively conducting significant work on a particular lot that is not such person's place of business, or a bank or agency that is financing an on-site construction project | 1 per contractor | 12 per sign | 20 per sign (or one sign of 60 square feet maximum may be used if the sign is shared by multiple entities) | Shall only be permitted while such work is actively and clearly underway and a maximum of 30 days afterward; shall not be illuminated |
Directional sign: provides information indicating traffic direction, entry or exit, loading or service area, directions to apartment numbers or parking courts in a development, fire lanes, parking or closely similar information regarding the same lot as the sign is on, and that does not include advertising | No maximum | 4, in addition to signs painted on pavement | 4, in addition to signs painted on pavement | Directional signs within a residential development shall not be internally illuminated; see also Subsection (b)(4) below concerning signs not readable from a lot line or street |
Flag: a pennant made of fabric or materials with a similar appearance that is hung in such a way to flow in the wind; see also "special sale signs" below | 1 | Total of 12 square feet per lot | Total of 50 square feet per lot | Flags of governments and flags that simply include colors, or noncommercial art or patterns are not regulated by this title |
Garage sale sign: advertises an occasional garage sale/porch sale or auction | 2 per event | 2 square feet per sign | 2 square feet per sign | Shall be placed no more than 3 days before the event, and be removed within 24 hours after the event; shall not be attached to trees or utility poles with metal fasteners |
Home occupation and accessory day care sign: advertises a permitted home occupation or an accessory day care use | 1 | 2 | 8 | Shall not be illuminated; maximum total height of 8 feet above the ground |
Identification sign: only identifies the name and/or occupation of the resident and/or the name, street address and/or use of a lot, but that does not include advertising | 1 | 2 | 8 | Maximum total height of 8 feet above the ground |
Open house sign: advertises the temporary and periodic open house of a property for sale or rent | 2 per event | Total maximum of 12 square feet per lot | Total maximum of 50 square feet per lot | Shall be placed maximum of 5 days before open house begins, and be removed maximum of 24 hours after open house ends; such sign shall not be posted more than 6 consecutive days |
Political/issue sign: advertises a person or party seeking political office or an opinion on a referendum, political cause or matter of public concern Political signs shall not be posted on public parks or property owned by the City or on a public street right-of-way, except as may be allowed on election day outside of a polling location | Maximum of 2 sign faces per issue or candidate per lot | Total maximum of 12 square feet per issue or candidate per lot | Total maximum of 50 square feet per issue or candidate per lot | Shall be removed a maximum of 7 days after an election, vote or referendum if the sign pertains to such a matter; political signs shall not be placed on property without the prior consent of the owner; if a political sign does not meet these requirements, then it shall be regulated as an off-premises sign |
Public services sign: advertises the availability of rest rooms, telephone or other similar public convenience | No maximum | 2 | 2 | |
Real estate sign: advertises the availability of property on which the sign is located for sale, rent or lease | 1 per street the lot abuts | 12 | 50 | Shall only be placed on the property while it is actively for sale, lease or rent, and shall be removed a maximum of 14 days after settlement or start of lease |
Service organization/place of worship sign: an off-premises sign stating name of a recognized incorporated service organization or place of worship and that may include information on times and dates of activities | 2 | 12 | 50 | Maximum of 2 such signs per such organization or place of worship |
Special sale signs: temporary banners, feather-type banners on poles, flags and other signs that advertise a special sales event at a lawful principal commercial business; a portable sign may be used under this provision | 1 per nonresidential lot, except 1 per business establishment on a multi-use lot | Not permitted | Total of 50 square feet for all such banners, flags and other temporary signs | Shall be displayed a maximum total of 30 days per year (such as 6 times of 5 days each); such signs shall not flash, be internally illuminated, or obstruct safe sight distances; such sign shall not be allowed in a public right-of-way or on a fence |
Time and temperature sign: with a sole purpose to announce the current time and temperature, and which may also include any nonprofit public service messages | 1 | Not permitted | 50 | The sign shall not flash |
Trespassing sign: indicating that a road is private, that trespassing is prohibited on a lot, or controlling certain activities such as hunting and fishing on the lot | No maximum | 2 | 4 |
NOTES: | |
* | Maximum sign areas are for each of two sides of each permitted sign, measured in square feet. |
** | For the purposes of this section, a "nonresidential lot" shall mean a lot that is occupied by a principal nonresidential use or that is within a commercial or industrial zoning district. All other lots shall be considered to be residential lots. |
Zoning District or Type of Use | Total Maximum Height of Freestanding Signs | Total Maximum Area of Wall Signs**** | Total Maximum Area of Window Signs*** | Total Maximum Area and Number of Freestanding Signs | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A. | MR, RLD, RMLD, RMD and RHD Districts: with signs in this table limited to allowed principal nonresidential uses (such as places of worship) For home occupation signs, see § 1312.03 | 8 feet | 40 square feet on each side of a principal building for a school or place of worship; 10 square feet on each side of a principal building for other nonresidential principal uses | Temporary nonilluminated window signs are not regulated; other window signs shall be considered wall signs | 1 sign on each street the lot abuts, each with a maximum sign area of 40 square feet for a school or place of worship; 10 square feet per street frontage for other nonresidential principal uses See also entrance signs for major residential developments in Subsection (f) below |
B. | CG, LIC and GIC Districts: for principal nonresidential uses | 20 feet | 2 square feet of sign area for each linear feet of building length, on the building side on which such signs are attached | Illuminated window signs shall be regulated as wall signs; other window signs shall not occupy more than 25% of the total window area along each side of a building | 1 sign per street that the lot abuts, each with a maximum area of 60 square feet See note * below for multiple uses A retail gas station shall be allowed an additional 30 square feet of sign area For drive-throughs, see note ** |
C. | MR, CN, CBD, OI Districts and any other districts: for principal nonresidential uses | 15 feet, except 8 feet in OI and CBD | 2 square feet of sign area for each linear feet of building length on the building side on which such signs are attached Projecting sign: an additional sign with a maximum sign area of 15 square feet on each of 2 sides may a) project perpendicular to a building up to 4 feet outward, and b) may also project over part of a sidewalk if it complies with the applicable requirements of the construction code, including minimum clearance above the sidewalk | Illuminated signs visible through a window shall be regulated as wall signs; for other window signs, no more than 25% of the total window area on the side of a building shall be covered by signs, or a total of 8 square feet of window signs per building side, whichever is more restrictive | 1 sign per street that the lot abuts, each with a maximum area of 40 square feet, except 16 feet in OI See note * below for multiple uses Sandwich board sign: 1 additional 10 square feet per side portable folding sign is allowed per lot in a location that does not obstruct 5 feet of width for pedestrian and wheelchair access, and which is kept inside when the business is not open to the public; such sign shall only advertise an on-site use; such sign shall not use electrical wiring |
NOTES: | |
* | If a lot includes two or more distinct principal nonresidential uses, the maximum freestanding sign area may be increased by 10 square feet for each principal nonresidential use beyond the first nonresidential use. For example, in the CBD District, if a lot includes three such uses, the maximum freestanding sign area shall be 40 square feet plus 20 square feet equals 60 square feet. |
** | An allowed restaurant drive-through use may also include two menu boards with a maximum height of 10 feet and a maximum sign area of 60 square feet per side, provided the signs are not designed to be readable from beyond the property line. |
*** | Transparent areas of doors shall be treated the same as window signs for the purposes of signs. |
**** | A portion of the allowed wall sign area may be placed upon an awning or canopy. |