Louisville City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 1160

Sign Regulations

1160.01 PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY.

(a) Signs constitute a separate and distinct use of the land upon which they are placed and affect the use of adjacent streets, sidewalks and other places open to the public. The purpose of this chapter is to establish reasonable, consistent, content-neutral, and nondiscriminatory requirements and standards which encourage creativity and flexibility in the design, erection, and effective use of signs, symbols, markings, and/or advertising devices as a means of communication within the City. These standards are designed to protect and promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of persons within the community by minimizing potential hazards to pedestrians and vehicular traffic, to minimize the possible adverse effect of signs on nearby public and private property, to enable the fair and consistent enforcement of these sign requirements, to protect property values, to aid in the development and promotion of business and industrial growth, enhance and protect the physical appearance of the community and further preserve the scenic and natural beauty of designated areas. It is further intended to reduce sign or advertising distraction and obstructions that may contribute to traffic accidents, reduce hazards that may be caused by signs overhanging or projecting over public right of way, provide more open space, curb the deterioration of the natural environment, enhance community development, and complement land-use objectives as set forth in the UDO.

(b) No provision or definition in this chapter shall be interpreted as requiring, prohibiting, or otherwise regulating, or making regulatory distinctions based on, the sign content, as defined herein, of any sign except where clearly indicated otherwise for purposes of public safety or administrative efficiency.

(c) Furthermore, the purpose of this chapter is to prevent accidents caused by careless construction, erection and maintenance of signs.

(d) Whenever the boundaries of a district are changed, either by annexation or by transfer of an area from one district to another of a different classification, the provisions of the newly adopted district shall apply.

1160.02 COMPUTATIONS.

(a) Area of Single-Faced Signs. The area of a single-faced sign (which also is the area of a wall sign or other sign with only one face) shall be computed by means of the smallest square, circle, rectangle, triangle, or combination thereof that will encompass the extreme limits of the copy, representation, emblem, or other display.

(1) The area of a sign, or any portion thereof, shall include the area of any distinctive or ornamental background, apart from striping, which sets the background apart from a larger surface so that the background forms an integral part or element of the sign, including any frame that forms an integral part of the display or is used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop or structure against which it is placed. The area of a sign for an awning is the copy area only.

(2) If any portion of the words, symbols or pictorial elements of a sign extends beyond a border or background, then the area of that portion of the sign shall be the area of a rectangle inscribed around it;

(b) Area of Multi-Faced Signs. With respect to signs with two or more faces, the area shall be computed by including the total of all sides designed to attract attention or communicate information. Without otherwise limiting the generality of the foregoing, the following regulations shall apply:

(1) Double-faced, back-to-back sign. The area of a double-faced, back-to-back sign where both faces cannot be viewed from any point at the same time and where such sign faces are part of the same sign structure and are not more than twelve inches (12") apart shall be calculated by using the area of only one face of such sign (the largest face if there is a size difference).

(2) Double-faced sign constructed in the form of a "V." The area of a double-faced sign constructed in the form of a "V" shall be calculated by using the area of only one side of such sign (i.e., the larger side if there is a size difference), so long as the sign faces are part of the same sign structure and the interior angle of the "V" does not exceed thirty (30) degrees and at no point does the distance between the backs of such sides exceed five (5) feet.

(3) Signs with three or more faces. The area of a sign with three (3) or more sides where such sign faces are part of the same sign structure shall be computed by adding the areas of each of the faces, less the area of the smallest face;

(4) Non-planar signs. The area of a spherical, free-form, sculptural, or other non-planar sign shall be seventy-five (75) percent of the sum of the areas of the four (4) vertical sides of the smallest cube that will encompass the sign.

(c) Computation of Height for Freestanding Signs. The height of a sign shall be computed as the distance from the base of the sign at a normal grade to the top of the highest attached component of the sign.

(1) Normal grade shall be construed to be the lower of the existing grade before construction or the grade after construction, exclusive of any fill, berm, mound, or excavating solely for the purpose of locating the sign.

(2) If the normal grade cannot reasonably be determined, then sign height shall be computed on the assumption that the elevation of the normal grade at the base of the sign is equal to the elevation of the nearest point of the crown of the adjacent public street or the grade of the land at the principal entrance to the principal structure on the development site, whichever is lower.

(d) Determining Number of Signs. For the purpose of computing the number of signs, a sign shall be considered to be a single display surface or display device containing elements organized, related, and composed to form a unit. Where copy is displayed without an organized relationship of elements, each element shall be considered a single sign.

(e) Street Frontage.

(1) Lots fronting on two (2) or more streets are allowed the permitted wall sign area for each street frontage. However, the total wall sign area that is oriented toward a particular street shall not exceed the maximum sign area allocation for that street.

(2) For a lot situated such that it has no street frontage on any lot boundary, the total sign surface area permitted on that lot shall be the sign area allocation for the lot, building, or wall area closest to the street toward which such sign is to be oriented.

1160.03 SIGNS EXEMPT FROM REGULATION.

The following signs are hereby declared to be exempt from the provisions of this chapter, except for those expressly prohibited in Section 1160.04.

(a) Holiday Signs. Signs of a primarily decorative nature with no commercial message, clearly incidental and customary and commonly associated with any national, local, or religious holiday, provided that such signs are displayed for no more than forty-five (45) consecutive days nor more than sixty (60) days in one year. Such signs may be of any type, area, number, area, height above grade, illumination, or animation and shall be set back not less than ten (10) feet from all boundary lines of the lot, provided that a clear area is maintained to a height of seventy-two (72) inches and placement is within fifty-five (55) feet of the centerline of the intersection of two streets, a railroad and a street, or a street and a driveway. Subject to the foregoing, any types of holiday decorations that partially camouflage or divert attention from traffic signals or directional signals are specifically prohibited.

(b) Institution Directional Signs. Off-premises, institution directional signs that do not exceed one (1) sign per abutting street, four (4) square feet in area, and are not internally illuminated.

(c) Mail and Newspaper Delivery Signs. Signs placed on mailboxes or newspaper tubes providing the proper names and/or address of the occupant or the name of the newspaper with non-illuminated or non-reflective lettering not exceeding two (2) inches in height.

(d) Memorial signs or tablets, historical plaques, names of buildings, and date of erection.

(e) Public Notices. Official notices or warnings posted by public officers or employees in the performance of their duties. Signs incidental to legal process and signs providing information, warnings, prohibition or commands necessary for the public safety and welfare are permitted only when approved by the City Manager.

(f) Public Signs. Signs required or specifically authorized and erected by or on behalf of a governmental body for a public purpose by any law or resolution; signs incidental to the legal process; and informational signs necessary to ensure public safety and welfare may be of any type, number, area, height above grade, location, illumination or animation required by law or resolution under which the signs are erected. No other sign shall be placed in any public right of way except publicly owned signs, such as traffic control signs and directional signs.

(g) Public Utility Signs. Official signs of a noncommercial nature erected by public utilities.

(h) Signs in Display Windows. Pedestrian-oriented signs in the display window of a business which are incorporated with a display of merchandise or a display relating to services offered that are not legible from a distance of more than three (3) feet beyond the lot line of the development site on which such signs are located.

(i) Traffic Control Signs. Governmental signs for the control of traffic and other regulatory purposes, including: street signs, danger signs, and railroad crossing signs; signs of public service companies indicating danger; aids to public service or safety which are erected by or on the order of a public officer in the performance of his/her public duty; and horizontal directional signs on, below, or flush with paved areas directing and guiding traffic on private property that do not exceed three (3) square feet each and bear no advertising.

(j) Vehicles. Signs painted or otherwise permanently attached to a currently licensed motor vehicle used in the normal day-to-day operations of the business and not primarily used as a portable sign, subject to the prohibition of Section 1160.04(b)

(k) Warning Signs. Signs of a temporary nature that warn the public of the existence of an imminent danger or hazard, but contain no advertising and are of a reasonable size as may be necessary are exempt. Such signs; however, are to be removed upon subsidence of danger to the public.

(l) Works of Art. Integral decorative or architectural features on buildings or works of art which meet building and other guidelines established by the City, so long as such features or works do not contain a commercial message, trademarks, moving parts, or lights. The Zoning Inspector shall determine if a painted mural or other similar artwork or building is a sign.

(Ord. 09-20. Passed 6-22-09.)

(m) Recognition Signs. Signs recognizing notable academic or athletic achievement by students of a high school located within the boundaries of the City or meritorious military service or sacrifice by a Louisville resident may be placed in the street right-of-way. Not more than four (4) such signs may be placed related to each resident school and not more than one sign panel may be placed recognizing an individual resident or school achievement (per sign).

(1) Each such sign shall consist of two (2) upright posts bearing no more than three sign panels. All panels shall be of a uniform size, 24 inches tall and 48 inches wide and shall contain dark lettering on a white background.

Maximum total height of such sign shall be seven (7) feet. All posts and panels shall be of a type and material approved by the City. All such signs shall be erected by the City of Louisville and specific placement shall be at the sole discretion of the City of Louisville. General sign location may be requested by the entity providing sign panels.

(2) No panel may be placed on any such sign before adoption of a resolution by Louisville City Council acknowledging the achievement, service or sacrifice. All posts and panels shall be provided to the City at the expense of the entity requesting the sign. Removal of such panels or posts due to damage or disrepair shall be at the sole discretion of the City. Replacement posts and/or panels shall be provided at the expense of the entity requesting their placement. (Ord. 11-54. Passed 12-19-11.)

1160.04 PROHIBITED SIGNS.

No sign may be erected or displayed which violates any provision of any law or regulation of the City, the State, or the United States. In addition, the following signs are prohibited in all zoning districts, except as otherwise provided by this chapter. Any prohibited sign removed by the City pursuant to the provisions of this UDO shall become the property of the City and may be disposed of in any manner deemed appropriate by the City.

(a) Abandoned Signs. Signs which are abandoned, as defined herein, shall be prohibited.

(b) Advertising Vehicles. No person shall operate or park any vehicle or trailer to serve as a portable sign on a public right-of-way or on private property so as to be visible from a public right-of-way if said vehicle or trailer has attached thereto or located thereon any sign or advertising device for the primary purpose of an advertisement of products or directing people to a business or activity located on the same or nearby property or on any other premises. Licensed automobile dealerships are exempt from this provision to the extent the vehicular signage is limited to sales information and advertising on windows of individual vehicles. This prohibition is not intended to bar vehicular signage used in the normal day-to-day operations of a business, such as a sign attached to a bus or lettered on a motor vehicle, unless the primary purpose of such vehicle is for such advertising.

(d) Animated and Intensely Lighted Signs. No sign shall employ any parts to attract attention which make use of motion or that are animated by means of blinking, flashing, scintillating or traveling lights, or any other means not providing constant illumination. Internally lighted signs with white, off-white, cream, or yellow backgrounds or signs which cause glare to motorists are prohibited. This restriction shall not apply to electronic message board signs in compliance with Section 1160.08(b), multi-prism indexing signs in compliance with Section 1160.11(c)(5), or signs maintained by local government which provide public service information, such as traffic or weather conditions or directional signage for a public event.

(e) Balloons. Balloons or other gas-filled figures, as defined herein, are prohibited.

(f) Bench signs shall not be permitted.

(g) Billboards shall not be permitted in the City.

(h) Off-Premises Signs. No commercial off-premises sign may be erected, located or displayed.

(i) Hazardous Signs. No sign may be erected or displayed which is hazardous to the public health or safety by its inappropriate construction for diachronic weather patterns, interference or danger to pedestrian and motor vehicle circulation on a site, unsuitable placement on a lot, or because it presents an unsafe distraction to motorists.

(1) No sign of any classification shall be installed, erected, attached, or maintained in any form, shape or manner to a fire escape or any door or window giving a access to any fire escape, or to an entrance or exit from any building, or which interferes with any opening required for ventilation.

(Ord. 09-20. Passed 6-22-09.)

(2) No sign shall be erected at any location whose position, shape or color may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device. No sign shall contain an arrow or use words such as "stop", "go", or "slow" or otherwise resemble highway traffic or directional signals, or contain any other word, phrase, symbol, or character in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic. No electronic sign shall flash in red, blue or yellow in a manner that may be confused with public safety vehicles.

(Ord. 11-54. Passed 12-19-11.)

(j) Moving and Swinging Signs. No sign or any portion thereof shall be permitted which moves, swings, twirls, or utilizes movement or apparent movement to attract the attention of the public, or any motion constituting a non-stationary or non-fixed condition, except for banners erected in accordance with Section 1160.10, electronic message board signs in compliance with Section 1160.08(b), and multi-prism indexing signs in compliance with Section 1160.11(c)(5). Signs shall be rigidly fastened and shall not swing from any bar, crane, awning, canopy, marquee, or other sign. This restriction is not meant to prohibit any form of vehicular signage, such as a sign attached to a bus or lettered on a motor vehicle nor historically accurate signage approved by the Design Review Board.

(k) Obscenity. No sign shall contain statements, words or pictures of an obscene, pornographic, indecent or immoral character.

(l) Banner Signs. Pennants, festoons, banners, and other insignia primarily designed to move because of wind to attract attention to a sign or commercial enterprise are prohibited unless used in accordance with Section 1160.10 (Temporary Sign Regulations, see Pennants or Banners).

(m) Portable Signs. Portable, mobile, or other types of wheeled signs are prohibited unless used as temporary signs in accordance with Section 1160.10.

(n) Roof Signs. Roof signs are prohibited; however, mansard roof signs shall be considered wall signs.

(o) Sandwich-Board Signs. Sandwich-board signs are prohibited unless used in accordance with Section 1160.10.

(p) Searchlights. Searchlights and spotlights are prohibited.

(q) Snipe Signs. The tacking, pasting, or otherwise affixing of signs of a miscellaneous character, visible from a public way, located on the walls of buildings, barns, sheds, trees, poles, posts, fences, or other structures are prohibited. (Ord. 09-20. Passed 6-22-09.)

(r) Unclassified Signs. The following signs also are prohibited:

(1) Signs that emit sound;

(2) Signs that by reason of their size, location, movement, content, coloring, or manner of illumination resemble, purport to be, are an imitation of, or may be confused with or construed as an official traffic-control signal, warning sign, emergency or road equipment vehicle, light or device, and which is visible from any street, road, highway, alley, parking area or other area utilized by motor vehicles;

(3) Signs that hide, partially camouflage, or divert attention from the view of any traffic or street sign, signal or device, or obstructs, obscures or impairs the free and clear vision of motorists on a public right-of-way or which interferes with, misleads, confuses or endangers motorists or pedestrians;

(4) Signs located in the public right of way are prohibited unless exempt or authorized in accordance with Section 1160.10.

(5) Any sign not specifically permitted in this chapter.

(Ord. 11-54. Passed 12-19-11.)

1160.05 NONCONFORMING SIGNS.

(a) The lawful use of any sign or advertising structure legally existing at the effective date of this Unified Development Ordinance or amendments thereto may be continued although such signage does not conform to the provisions of this Chapter. Such nonconforming signage shall be subject to the following provisions:

(b) Sign Discontinuance or Abandonment. Abandoned signs and their supports and hardware shall be removed within six (6) months after discontinuance of the business or use formally located on the premises. No right to continue the nonconforming use of the sign shall thereafter exist.

(c) Expansion, Alteration, or Reconstruction. No nonconforming sign shall be enlarged, reconstructed, or structurally altered unless such a sign modification is in conformance with the provisions of this chapter or reduces the amount of nonconformity.

(1) The face of a nonconforming sign may be replaced with alternative on-premises advertising if the face area is not increased.

(2) If a nonconforming sign and its associated support structure are removed, then any new or replacement signs shall be erected to comply with all of the provisions in this chapter and other sections of this UDO.

(3) Where more than fifty (50) percent of the replacement value of a nonconforming sign and/or its associated support structure is damaged, such sign shall lose its legal, nonconforming status and shall be removed.

(d) Maintenance.

(1) Normal maintenance of a nonconforming sign shall be permitted

(2) Billboards. Where the back of a legal, nonconforming billboard is visible, it shall be suitably painted or otherwise covered to present a neat and clean appearance. The area around a billboard shall be kept clean. All brush, tall grass, etc. shall be cleared away to a distance of ten (10) feet from the front, sides and rear of the structure.

(e) Hazardous or Illegal Signs. An existing nonconforming sign shall not be exempt from the conditions, procedures, or responsibilities set forth in Section 1160.09(h) regarding the removal of hazardous or illegal signs.

1160.06 GENERAL SIGNAGE REQUIREMENTS.

The regulations contained in this section shall apply to all signs and all use districts.

(a) Development Permits For Signs. No sign shall be erected, altered or relocated without a Development Permit pursuant to Section 1131.04, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.

(1) Signs shall be displayed on private property only with the written permission of the property owner. Signs shall be displayed on public property only with written permission of the City Manager or other government agency owning or managing such property.

(2) The following operations shall not be considered as altering a sign and do not require a permit:

A. Changing the advertising copy or message on an approved sign.

B. Painting, repainting, cleaning, replacing lamps and other normal maintenance and repair of a sign or sign structure.

(3) Any sign that does not require a Development Permit shall still conform to any other applicable requirements of this chapter.

(b) Types of Signs. These sign regulations classify signs as either temporary signs or permanent signs.

(1) Sign placement on a lot shall not obscure the view of adjacent signs from the right-of-way or cause visual clutter. The following minimum spacing standards shall apply:

Sign Form	Minimum Sign Spacing
Permanent Freestanding Signs	50 ft.
Temporary Freestanding Signs	5 ft.
Permanent Projecting Signs	20 ft.

(Ord. 09-20. Passed 6-22-09.)

(2) Sign separation from residential land uses. No sign in a business or industrial district shall be located closer than twenty-five (25) feet to any lot located in any residential district. No sign containing an electronic message board or video component shall be closer than fifty (50) feet to any lot in any residential district. When adjacent across a street, the street right of way may be included as part of the required separation.

(Ord. 11-54. Passed 12-19-11.)

(3) Where required spacing would deny a sign for a lot of the specified sign form and size to which it is entitled under this chapter, minimum spacing shall be the greatest distance that conforms to other City regulations and that allows the sign, as determined by the Zoning Inspector.

(d) Sight Triangle. A Site Triangle is the triangular area formed by the right-of-way lines of streets and/or railroads and/or boundaries of internal access driveways between their at-grade intersection, and two points at the distances specified in the table below from such intersection along each such line, and a straight line connecting these two points. No solid object greater than one (1) foot diameter shall obstruct the vision of a motor vehicle across the site triangle to a height of eight (8) feet from grade. These restrictions take precedence over any other requirements of this Code with which they may conflict.

Site Triangle Distance
Between Intersections Of:	In Feet
Street & street	20
Street & railroad	20
Street & alley	10
Street & Single- and two-family driveways	5
Street & all other driveways	10
Driveway & internal access drive	10

(e) Design Guidelines. Parties proposing to display new or remodeled signs are encouraged but not required to conform to the Design Guidelines in Section 1160.07.

(f) Franchises. Franchises are subject to the same signage standards as other commercial uses, and where building features convey corporate identity, the area of the features shall be considered signage.

1160.07 DESIGN GUIDELINES.

The standards presented in this section are advisory only.

(a) Wall Signs.

(1) The size and location of building signs shall be reviewed in terms of their relationship to the building entry, height of sign fascia, or size of wall where the sign is to be installed and the relationship to other signs on a building, as well as visibility from the street, sidewalk or parking lot.

(2) On multi-tenant establishments, building signs shall be evaluated for compatibility as part of a sign program with the building fascia and neighboring signs in terms of size, color, lighting materials, sign style, and quality. It shall be the responsibility of the property owner of a multi-tenant establishment to determine if the sign area shall be devoted to identification of the building, the anchor occupant(s), all occupants, or some combination thereof.

(b) Freestanding and Projecting Signs.

(1) Permanent freestanding signs and support elements of freestanding signs shall be of a style, material, and design compatible with the associated building.

(2) Freestanding and projecting signs shall be sited so that they are not obscured by, or interfere with, the location of street trees and other site landscaping.

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

(d) Color.

(1) Colors used should provide sufficient contrast between the message and the background of the sign to assure readability. Use of no more than four (4) colors (including black and white and the background color of the sign) is preferable.

(2) Use of bright colors as accents is preferred to their use as dominant colors. Dark, subdued hues are preferred to de-emphasize visible support structures like pylons or projecting sign hangers, especially if such structures are not ornamental.

(e) Lettering Size.

(1) Lettering on signs intended to be read from the street should be no larger than required for readability from the street, taking into account the prevalence of vehicular or pedestrian traffic, traffic speeds, and setback of the sign.

A. On signs intended to be read by motorists in the street, lettering too small to be safely readable at prevailing traffic speeds should be avoided. The following letter heights are recommended based upon traffic speed:

Standard Letter Height Guidelines
Speed Limit	Letter Height
25 mph	7 inches
35 mph	9 inches
45 mph	12 inches
55 mph	15 inches

B. In most cases, letter heights exceeding one and one-half (1.5) feet should not be needed for legibility.

(2) Use of no more than two sizes of lettering, excluding lettering on changeable copy areas, is preferred.

(f) Fonts (Type Faces or Styles).

(1) Use of no more than two type fonts on a sign is preferred. Use of simpler fonts or highly legible versions of stylized fonts, such as Traditional Roman, Gothic, Gothic Block, Ornamental Text, and Italic fonts or similar styles are preferred for readability. Readability is enhanced when the width of the stroke of a letter (e.g., the thickness of the vertical line used to make each side of a capital "H") should be approximately one-fifth (1/5) its height. For longer words and messages, upper and lower-case letters are more readable than all upper-case.

(2) The number of fonts used for wall signs in multi-tenant properties like shopping centers should not be excessive, and such signs should share a common base line.

(g) Spacing. Spacing between words in a line of copy should be approximately the uppercase letter height used in that line of copy. Interline spacing should be approximately three-fourths (3/4) the average of upper-case letter heights in adjacent lines of letters. Where a sign has a border, the sign should contain sufficient blank space around the copy for legibility, approximately equal to the average of the letter height of the adjacent line of letters.

(Ord. 09-20. Passed 6-22-09.)

(h) Length of Message. Message content should be kept brief, particularly when employing scrolling or other multi-line messaging on electronic message boards.

(Ord. 11-54. Passed 12-19-11.)

1160.08 LIGHT SOURCES.

When permitted, illuminated signs or lighting devices shall employ only a light of constant intensity, and no sign shall be illuminated by or contain flashing, intermittent, rotating or moving lights or outline lighting. This restriction shall not apply to electronic message board signs in compliance with Section 1160.08(b).

(a) Light sources to illuminate signs may be a direct or indirect lighting fixture that is steady and stationary. The intensity of sign lighting must not exceed that necessary to illuminate and make a sign legible.

(1) Externally lit signs may only be illuminated with "white" spectrum light concealed by a hood or any other method of indirect lighting approved by the Board of Appeals and Review. The Zoning Inspector may make an exception for stylized decorative fixtures that constitute part of a design treatment if the safety and aesthetic purposes of this Chapter are satisfied.

(2) All external lighting for the illumination of signs shall be shielded and directed downward, aimed no higher than forty-five (45) degrees above straight down (half-way between straight down and straight to the side).

(3) External light sources must be directed so that the light shines only on the sign such that illumination beyond the sign face is minimized. Light sources must be directed away from adjacent residential uses and directed away from the view of persons viewing the sign. In no event shall an illuminated sign or lighting device be placed, directed or beamed upon a public thoroughfare, highway, sidewalk or adjacent premises so as to cause glare or reflection that may constitute a traffic hazard or nuisance.

(b) Electronic Message Board Signs. A sign with a fixed or changing display or message composed of a series of incandescent lamps, LEDs, LCDs, a flipper matrix, or similar electronic symbols wherein the sequence of message and the rate of change is electronically programmed and can be modified by electronic processes shall require conditional use review in order to address safety, aesthetic, and potential nuisance issues. The rate of change of the sign message shall not be more frequent than one (1) display or light intensity change per one (1) second period. Electronic Message Board Signs shall not be permitted in any residential area or in business districts where zero front yard setbacks are employed.

The intensity of lights used in the electronic message board shall not constitute a visual hazard for vehicular or pedestrian traffic. The sign shall be equipped with and shall use photosensitive equipment which automatically adjusts the brightness and contrast of the sign in direct relation to the ambient outdoor illumination. The Planning Official shall use reasonable judgment in determining whether the sign constitutes a visual hazard.

(c) Hours. The sign can only operate during the actual hours of business for establishments located on the specific property.

District

F-P

A-1

R-1

R-2

R-3

P-CD

B-1

B-2

B-3

B-4

B-5

I-1

I-2

PGMI

Electronic Message Boards

*Where buildings are constructed at the front property line (zero setback), electronic message boards shall not be permitted.

(d) Strings of lights shall not be used for the purpose of advertising or attracting attention when not part of a sign.

(Ord. 24-56. Passed 12-2-24.)

1160.09 CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE STANDARDS.

All signs shall be constructed and maintained in safe, presentable and good structural condition at all times, including the replacement of defective parts, repainting, cleaning and other acts required for maintenance.

(a) All signs, awnings, canopies, and marquees shall be constructed in conformance with the local Building Code. All letters, figures, characters, and embellishments on a sign shall be safely and securely attached to the sign structure. Wood used in sign fabrication that will be exposed to the weather when the sign is displayed shall be rated for exterior exposure.

(b) All frameworks for the support of the sign, other than supporting poles for a freestanding sign, shall be contained within or behind the face of the sign, or within the building, so as not to be visible to public view. This restriction shall not apply to framework that is of stylized design intended as part of the design treatment.

(c) All signs and sign structures shall be designed to resist a horizontal wind pressure of thirty (30) pounds to the square foot. All supports, guys, braces and anchors for signs shall be maintained in a safe condition.

(d) All wiring, fittings and materials used in the construction, connection and operation of electrically illuminated signs shall be listed with Underwriters Laboratories and be in accordance with the provisions of the local electrical code. Any source of illumination shall be kept in safe working order at all times. Conductors for illuminated signs shall be enclosed in rigid conduit or other approved raceways and should be concealed from public view where possible.

(e) Painted and unpainted signs, awnings, canopies, marquees, embellishments, and support structures shall be cleaned and maintained as necessary to prevent an unsightly or blighted appearance. Painted signs and support structures shall be repainted as necessary to prevent excessive peeling paint, faded colors, rust, corrosion, rotting, or other deterioration in the appearance or structural safety of the sign. The City may order any sign to be painted or repainted every two (2) years.

(f) Broken or damaged sign faces, framing, or support structures shall be repaired, replaced, or removed. Missing characters in the sign message shall be replaced. Mounting and electrical holes for signs that have been removed that are not used for a replacement sign shall be filled or concealed. Discolorations shall be removed from facades that create "shadows" of signs or characters that have been removed.

(g) Landscaping Maintenance.

(1) The area within ten (10) feet in all directions of any part of a freestanding sign shall be kept clear of all debris that would constitute a fire or health hazard. All undergrowth (e.g., scrub brush, tall grass) shall be free of unsightly weeds and be neatly trimmed to a height not more than five (5) inches.

(2) All landscaping approved under the terms of the development permit shall be properly maintained and replaced when necessary.

(3) No person may, for the purpose of increasing or enhancing the visibility of any sign, damage, trim, destroy, or remove any trees, shrubs, or other vegetation located:

A. Within the right-of-way of any public street or road, unless the work is done pursuant to the express written authorization of the Zoning Inspector.

B. On property that is not under the ownership or control of the person responsible for such work, unless the work is done pursuant to the express authorization of the person owning the property where such trees or shrubs are located.

C. In any area where such trees or shrubs are required to remain under a permit issued under this UDO.

(h) Removal of Signs. The Zoning Inspector may order removal of any such sign that is not so maintained.

1160.10 TEMPORARY SIGN REGULATIONS.

				Setbacks
On-Premises Sign Type	Permit Required?	Max. Number	Maximum Area	from ROW	Side & Rear	Max. Height	Sign Lighting	Earliest Installation Date	Latest Removal Date	Other Regulations
Contractor Sign (R, B, and I Districts)	No	1 per contractor	6 s.f.	5 ft.	10 ft.	4 ft.	No	10 days prior to construction	10 days after issuance of a Certificate of Zoning Compliance	Requires valid Building, Plumbing, Heating or Electric Permit (as appropriate for Contractor)
Construction Sign (B & I Districts)	Yes	1 per lot	32 s.f.	5 ft.	15 ft.	6 ft.	No	10 days prior to construction
Election Signs (small)	No	See Sign Spacing Standards	5 s.f.	2 ft.	10 ft.	4 ft.	No			Al districts
Election Signs (large)	Yes	See Sign Spacing Standards	12 s.f.	5 ft.	15 ft.	6 ft.	No			B & I Districts only
Event Announcement sign Erected by Public or Quasi- Public Organizations	No, with the additional approval of the City Manager	As approved by the City Manager	20 s.f.	10 ft.	15 ft.	As approved by the City Manager	No	As approved by the City Manager	14 days after the event	Only permitted for signs advertising public activities and activities of organizations within the City
Future Development Signs	Yes	1 sign advertising the development of the premises upon which it is displayed or the opening of a new subdivision	32 s.f.	10 ft.	15 ft.	6 ft.	No	After approval of the Site Plan or the Final Plat	30 days after the sale, lease or rent of the premises; or at such time when 75% of the subdivision lots are occupied by structures	Only permitted for developments subject to Site Plan or Final Plat review.
Pennants or Banners Used to display Commercial Speech	Yes, with the additional approval of the City Manager	As approved by the City Manager	--	15 ft.	As required by Zoning District	As approved by the City Manager	No	May only be displayed for a period not longer than 30 days in any calendar year		Only permitted for events such as grand openings, yearly sales and other special events.

(Ord. 10-30. Passed 5-17-10.)

Flags of Political Jurisdictions and Corporations	No	3, or as approved by the City Manager	60 s.f.	20 ft.	5 ft.	40 ft.	Uplighting permitted	Shall be flown in accordance with protocol established by the Congress of the United States for the Stars and Stripes
Portable Signs (A- 1 District)	Yes	1 sign	30 s.f.	5 ft.	As required by Zoning District	6 ft.	No	At the beginning of the seasonal sales	At the conclusion of the seasonal sales	Only permitted in conjunction with a roadside stand to advertise agricultural products produced on the premises
Portable Signs (B- 1, B-4 and B-5 Districts)	Yes	1 sign	30 s.f.	2 ft. from edge of street pavement	As required by Zoning District	6 ft.	No	May only be displayed for a period not longer than 30 days in any 12 month period		May be permitted to announce special events, special sales or change of ownership
Real Estate Signs (All Districts)	No	1 Sign	6 s.f.	10 ft.	As required by Zoning District	4 ft.	No	Upon active sale effort	1 week after the completion of the sale, lease or rental	May advertise the sale, lease or rent of the particular premises upon which displayed
Real Estate Sign (B and I Districts)	Yes	1 Sign	12 s.f.	10 ft.	As required by Zoning District	6 ft.	No	Upon active sale effort	1 week after the completion of the sale, lease or rental
Sandwich Board Signs OR Feather Type and Bow Type Flag Signs (CANNOT HAVE BOTH)	No No	1 Sign 1 sign per 100 feet of street frontage (or part thereof). Not to exceed total of 3 signs.	12 s.f.	0 0	0 10 ft.	4 12 ft.	No No	Business Hours Only Business Hours Only	Business Hours Only Business Hours Only	May include changeable messages. Banner material shall not exceed three (3) ft. in width. Must be placed to minimize potential for striking pedestrian as material flutters in wind.

Note: Feather and/or bow type signs placed on a lot containing more than one business shall be limited as follows:
a) If the lot has less than 100 feet of street frontage, one sign shall be permitted.
b) If the lot has more than 100 but less than 200 feet of street frontage, one sign shall be permitted for each business and such signs shall be placed not less than twenty (20) feet apart.
c) If the lot has more than 200 feet of street frontage, then the total street frontage shall be divided equally among the businesses and one (1) sign per 100 ft. of street frontage (or part thereof) may be permitted. Such signs shall be placed not less than 20 feet apart. (Ord. 09-20. Passed 6-22-09; Ord. 11-54. Passed 12-19-11.)

1160.11 PERMANENT SIGN STANDARDS.

					Setbacks
On-Premises Sign Type	District(s) Where Permitted	Permit Required?	Max. Number	Maximum Area	From ROW	Side & Rear	Max. Height	Sign Lighting?	Other Regulations
BUILDING SIGNS:
Incidental Signs	All Districts	N	2 per lot, or as approved by Zoning Inspector	1 s.f.	--	--	--	No
Nameplate Signs	All Districts	N	1 per dwelling	1 s.f.	--	--	--	No
Recognition Signs	All Districts	N							Per requirements of 1160.03(j)
Projecting Signs	B District	Y	1 per frontage	20 s.f.	--	--	--	Only externally lighted signs	Projecting signs are only permitted on building frontage where no front yard setbacks are required, or for pedestrian- oriented signs
Wall Signs	B District	Y	1 per frontage No building shall have more than 3 wall signs	1 s.f. per foot of building frontage up to 300 s.f.	--	--	--	Yes	A “secondary” wall sign is permitted for public side or rear entrances leading from a third building frontage or a parking lot open to the public. The area of a “secondary” wall sign shall not exceed 25% of the primary frontage sign(s).
Window Signs	All Districts	N	--	25% of the window surface	--	--	--	Only Neon Signs in non-residential districts
FREESTANDING SIGNS:
Incidental Signs	All Districts	N	2 per lot	1 s.f.	2 ft.	5 ft.	3 ft.	No	Additional incidental signs are permitted as needed with the approval of the Zoning Inspector

					Setbacks
On-Premises Sign Type	District(s) Where Permitted	Permit Required?	Max. Number	Maximum Area	From ROW	Side & Rear	Max. Height	Sign Lighting?	Other Regulations

Low Profile Sign for use by a church, school, cemetery, park, community center or other public, quasi-public or institutional building. A part of the sign may also be a Bulletin Board type sign with changeable copy	All Districts	Y	1 per frontage	30 s.f.	10 s.f.	15 s.f.	6 ft.	Y, except in R Districts where subject to Conditional Use Review	Such signs shall not interfere with pedestrian or vehicular traffic. Low profile signs may not exceed an 8 ft. sign width.
Low Profile Sign (only if no pole sign)	B and I Districts	Y	1 per frontage	30 s.f.	5 ft.	15 ft.	6 ft.	Y, except in R Districts where subject to Conditional Use Review	Such signs shall not interfere with pedestrian or vehicular traffic. Low profile signs may not exceed and 8 ft. sign width.

					Setbacks
On-Premises Sign Type	District(s) Where Permitted	Permit Required?	Max. Number	Maximum Area	From ROW	Side & Rear	Max. Height	Sign Lighting?	Other Regulations

Pole Signs (Only if no low profile sign)	B and I Districts	Y	1 per frontage Note: There shall be 1 frontage for all businesses sharing a sign or located within a shopping center or mini- mall complex	20 s.f. for 1 business 48 s.f. when used to advertise 2 adjacent Businesses. 20 s.f. plus 10 s.f. for each individual business name when used to advertise 3 or more businesses which have different ownership, or shopping centers or mini-malls.	5 ft.	15 ft.	20 ft.	Y	Pole signs may have a maximum of 2 signs per pole; however, the total sign area of both signs shall not exceed the allowable maximum sign area. When two signs are employed, the signs shall be of the same width, made of similar materials and harmonious in appearance. Pole Signs for 3 or more businesses, shopping centers, or mini-malls are subject to approval of the Planning Commission. Upon the termination of joint signage plans between 2 businesses, the sign area must be reduced to the maximum allowed for 1 business.
Pole Sign on lots adjacent to SR 62 (in addition to low profile sign)	B-5 District	Y	1 per SR 62 frontage	160 s.f.	15 ft. and is located within 100 ft. SR 62		36 ft.	Y
Electronic Message Board	Only in B and PGMI Districts	Y	1 per site	75% of total sign area otherwise permitted. Electronic message boards shall be incorporated as a compliementary part of signage and shall not wholly replac traditional fixed signage.	As permitted in this matrix with the following addition: When adjacent to any residential district, please refer to Section 1160.06(c)(2)		6 ft.	Y

In B-3 Districts, where zero setback for buildings is not employed, the minimum setback from the street right-of-way for signs shall be as required in this permanent sign matrix.

(a) Sign Bonuses. The following area and height sign bonuses may be awarded by the Planning Director when enhanced signage is proposed which meets the following aesthetic standards. The Planning Director may seek the advice of the Planning Commission before rendering a decision on a sign bonus. When sign area bonuses are awarded, the maximum area of electronic message board components may also increase but shall not exceed 75% of the permitted sign area, including bonus area.

On-Premises Signs	Qualifying Action Taken	Sign Area Bonus	Sign Height Bonus
All Signs	Sign is custom-designed by a design professional in the sign industry for readability, size, scale, color, contrast and letter style	15% of maximum sign area allowed	10% of maximum height allowed
Wall Signs	Sign consists of individual characters without internal illumination mounted directly on the wall surface	25% of maximum sign area allowed	--
Pole and Low Profile Signs	Low profile sign is proposed instead of pole sign	25% of maximum sign area allowed	--
	Pole sign is limited to 60% or less of sign area allowed	--	25% of maximum height allowed
	Proposed pole sign setback is 300% or greater than required setback	15% of maximum sign area allowed	--
	Landscaped area is provided that is no less than 3 times the sign area at the base of the sign	25% of maximum sign area allowed	15% of maximum height allowed

(2) Bonuses may not be used for:

A. Increasing sign area beyond seventy-five (75) square feet;

B. Signs not requiring a Sign Permit;

C. Signs for individual single- or two-family residences; or

D. Signs consisting of periodically changed bills or posters.

(3) Bonuses are added to maximums otherwise allowed. All computations shall be based on the sign area or sign height allowed before any bonuses have been applied.

(4) Where a landscaping bonus is authorized, the landscaped area shall be comprised of a variety of natural materials, such as shrubbery, hedges, trees and other plants, earth mounds, flowers and groundcover. Ground cover shall be limited to fifty (50) percent of the total landscaped area. The use of evergreen plantings is strongly recommended. All plantings shall be well maintained, properly installed, weeded, mulched and kept free of trash and debris and irrigation system.

(b) Supplemental Permanent Sign Requirements. The following permanent signs shall only be permitted in districts where such signs are permitted.

(1) Awning, canopy, or marquee signs. Awnings, canopies, and marquees are permitted for public convenience in all business and industrial zoning districts.

A. Signs may be attached to roof-like awning, marquee, and canopy structures extending from a building wall or covering a fuel service island provided such signs are made a part of the awning, marquee, or canopy and do not extend above the vertical surface of the awning, marquee, or canopy.

B. Any advertising placed on an awning, canopy or marquee shall be limited to the name of the owner and the business, industry, or pursuit conducted within the premises.

C. Awnings and canopies may be painted or otherwise permanently placed in a space not exceeding eight (8) inches in height on the front and sides.

D. Internal illumination of an awning or canopy shall not be permitted.

E. An awning sign shall have a minimum vertical clearance of eight (8) feet from a sidewalk, private drive, or parking area

F. Awning, marquee, and canopy signs may not encroach upon a public right-of-way, except in a district without a front setback requirement where an ordinance authorizing such encroachment has been enacted by City Council, the awning may extend from a building over a sidewalk a distance not to exceed one-third (1/3) the width of the sidewalk.

(2) Building identification signs. Building identification signs may only contain the name and address of the occupant on the sign.

(3) Incidental signs. Incidental signs shall contain no commercial message legible from any location off the lot on which located.

(4) Low profile signs. Low profile signs near intersections and driveways may be prohibited within an intersection sight triangle, pursuant to Section 1160.06 (d).

(5) Indexing signs. The rate of change of the sign face on a multi-prism indexing sign shall not be more frequent than one (1) display change per minute.

(6) Pole signs. A pole sign may not have less than ten (10) feet clearance at its lowest point and shall be protected from possible interference with pedestrian or vehicular traffic. The setback for a pole sign shall apply to the entire sign. Pole signs that advertise three (3) or more businesses that have different ownership shall be considered as a shopping center or mini-mall sign and shall be subject to the approval of the Planning Commission.

(7) Projecting signs. A projecting sign may be permitted from a building frontage where the building has a zero setback from the right-of-way. Such signs shall have a vertical clearance of nine (9) feet from a public sidewalk, private drive, or parking area and shall not extend over one-third (1/3) the width of the sidewalk. Projecting signs may not project over a public street or above the roof line. Projecting signs shall have no internal illumination.

(8) Wall signs. All wall signs shall be securely attached to the building wall. No wall sign shall project beyond the ends or top of the building wall to which it is attached, nor shall the face of a wall sign be set out more than one (1) foot from the face of the building. Permanent Facade Signs shall not cover or overlap cornices, eaves, columns, window and doorframes, wall corners, and decorative elements of the architecture of the building.

(9) Window signs. No sign erected or maintained in the window of a building, visible from any public or private street or highway, shall occupy more than twenty-five (25) percent of the window surface in which the sign is located.

(1) Purpose: The purpose of a community event sign is to permit local government or a civic organization the ability to inform the public of community events and meetings. A community event sign is not intended for commercial use or personal gain.

(2) Sign Compliance and Restriction: Upon the issuance of a permit, a civic oriented organization as part of an otherwise permissible sign shall be permitted to maintain a community event notice sign. The community event sign shall only display the event, the location of the event, its date and time, and event sponsor if any. As indicated, the community event notice sign shall be maintained in lieu of any other permissible sign or part of an otherwise permissible sign and must comply with all other sign regulations, zoning restrictions, and laws of the City of Louisville, Ohio, and the United States of America. If an electronic message board is employed and is otherwise permissible, it must comply with all other laws, regulations and restrictions applicable to the use and operation of an electronic message board or sign. The community event sign designation or the holding of such a permit shall not prohibit the use of the available sign or an electronic message board from being used in the capacity of an otherwise permissible commercial sign for an onsite business or other onsite entity.

(3) Permit: The application forms for the permit shall be supplied by the City of Louisville. The applicant must be able to demonstrate that all commercial sign requirements and regulations have been met, and that the applicant understands the purpose, restrictions, and responsibility of utilizing and maintaining a community event sign. The permit may be conditionally issued in order for the applicant to comply with other sign requirements. There shall be no fee for this permit.

(4) Responsibility of the permit holder: The Permit Holder shall be the owner, operator or designated agent for the organization or entity that owns or operates the sign and is responsible for maintaining compliance with the terms and conditions of the applicable laws and regulations. If transfer of the permit is necessary, the new permit holder shall execute a new application. The permit holder agrees that it is absolutely responsible for the content and operation of the sign.

(5) Violation of Permit or Sign Usage: In addition to the enforcement provisions of Chapter 1139 of the UDO, the issued permit is subject to termination upon failure to undertake remedial action within a reasonable time after notice has been provided.

(Ord. 09-20. Passed 6-22-09; Ord. 11-54. Passed 12-19-11; Ord. 14-05. Passed 2-3-14; Ord. 17-02. Passed 1-23-17; Ord. 24-56. Passed 12-2-24.)