Manchester City Zoning Code
ARTICLE VII
Supplementary Regulations - Sign Regulations
Section 405.310 Definitions.
[Ord. No. 99-1145 Art. 6 §3(3.1), 9-20-1999; Ord. No. 04-1514 §1, 6-21-2004; Ord. No. 08-1912 §1, 11-3-2008; Ord. No. 10-1980 §1, 6-7-2010; Ord. No. 12-2039 §4, 10-15-2012]
A.
For the purpose of this Article, certain words are defined herein. Words used in the present tense shall include the future; the singular number includes the plural and the plural includes the singular; and the word "shall" is mandatory and not permissive.
B.
The following words and phrases, as used in this Article, shall for the purpose of this Article have the meanings respectively ascribed to them:
ANIMATION
Background movement on an electronic message sign that exhibits fluid movement where illuminated elements of the sign are turned on or off gradually, fade in or out, or give the illusion of expanding or contracting light patterns.
ELECTRONIC MESSAGE SIGN
A sign or portion thereof that displays electronic, non-pictorial text information in which each alphanumeric character, graphic or symbol is defined by a small number of matrix elements using different combinations of light emitting diodes (LEDs), fiber optics, light bulbs or other illumination devices within the display area. Electronic message signs include computer programmable, microprocessor controlled electronic displays. Electronic message signs do not include projected images or messages projected onto buildings or other objects.
FLASHING SIGN
A directly or indirectly illuminated sign or portion thereof that exhibits changing light or color effect by any means, so as to provide intermittent illumination that changes light intensity in sudden transitory bursts and creates the illusion of intermittent flashing light by animation, streaming, graphic bursts showing movement, or any mode of lighting which resembles zooming, twinkling or sparkling.
GROUND SIGN
Any sign which is supported by two (2) or more uprights, posts or braces placed upon or affixed to the ground and not attached to any part of any building.
LIVING SIGN
A sign, as such is defined in Section 405.310 of this Code, held by, under the control of or attached to a human or animal, located outdoors, for the purpose of advertising or providing information about a business, commodity, service, product or other commercial activity. A person, object or animal dressed in a costume for the purpose of advertising or providing information about a business, commodity, service, product or other commercial activity also shall constitute a living sign. Living signs do not include activities or structures, displays, messages, plaques or posters involving non-commercial speech or public demonstrations or protests, nor does such include signs associated with approved parades and other charitable fundraising events such as, but not limited to, car washes, festivals, street fairs or public demonstrations expressing forms of non-commercial speech.
MARQUEE SIGN
Any sign affixed to a marquee over an entrance to a building extending wholly or in part across the sidewalk and attached to the building.
MONUMENT (GROUND-MOUNTED) SIGN
A sign mounted directly to the ground. No poles shall be visible. The maximum height is measured from the ground to the top of the sign including any base construction. The base however shall not be calculated as part of the sign area unless there is signage on it.
PERSON
Any individual, firm, partnership, corporation or organization of any kind.
PORTABLE SIGNS
Signs which are temporary in nature and which are not fastened or secured to a pole, upright, brace affixed to the ground or which are not attached or affixed to a building or other structure.
POST SIGN
Any sign which is supported by a single stationary pole or post and not attached to any part of any building.
PROJECTING SIGN
Any sign extending over the sidewalk beyond the building line. Projecting signs, for the purpose of this Chapter, are divided into two (2) classes:
1.
Projecting signs affixed to a building wall and which extend over the sidewalk, and
2.
Flat signs attached in a rigid manner and lying parallel to the building wall but projecting beyond the property line.
SCROLLING
On an electronic message sign, a form of animation whereby elements of copy are sequentially displayed so as to give the appearance of movement on or across the sign, whether vertically or horizontally.
SIGN
Any structure or device painted or illuminated, designed or intended to convey information to the public in written or pictorial form, and including banners, streamers, pennants, strings of lights, wind-operated devices, flashing lights and other similar devices.
SIGN AREA
The total area of the space to be used for advertising purposes, including the spaces between open type letters and figures, including the background structure or other decoration or addition which is an integral part of the sign. Sign supports shall be excluded in determining the area of a sign. A double-faced sign shall have double the total area as a single-faced sign.
TIME AND TEMPERATURE SIGN
Any sign which displays exclusively current time and temperature information.
VIDEO SIGNS
A sign that changes its message or background in a manner or method of display characterized by motion or pictorial imagery, which may or may not include text and depicts action or a special effect to imitate movement, the presentation of pictorials or graphics displayed in a progression of frames which give the illusion of motion.
WALL SIGN
Any sign attached to, painted on or erected against the wall of any building.
WINDOW SIGN
Any non-illuminated sign affixed or painted to the interior or exterior of any window surface excluding glass doorways or within one (1) foot of any window surface. Illuminated window signs shall include those signs within ten (10) feet of any window surface and any window bordering.
Section 405.320 Construction Requirements.
[Ord. No. 99-1145 Art. 6 §3(3.2), 9-20-1999; Ord. No. 02-1364 §1, 7-1-2002; Ord. No. 02-1374 §1, 8-19-2002; Ord. No. 04-1514 §2, 6-21-2004; Ord. No. 08-1912 §2, 11-3-2008; Ord. No. 12-2039 §§1 — 4, 10-15-2012]
A.
General. The provisions of this Article shall govern the construction, alteration, repair and maintenance of all signs and outdoor display structures together with their appurtenant and auxiliary devices in respect to structural and fire safety.
B.
Plans, Specifications And Permits.
1.
Before any permit is granted for the erection of a sign or outdoor display structure, plans and specifications shall be filed with the Building Official showing the dimensions, materials and required details of construction, including loads, stresses and anchorage. The application shall be accompanied by the written consent of the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is to be erected.
2.
A sign shall not be erected, constructed, altered or maintained except as herein provided and until after a permit has been issued by the Building Official.
3.
A sign shall not be enlarged or relocated except in conformity to the provisions of this Section, nor until a proper permit has been secured. The changing of movable parts of an approved sign that is designed for such changes, or the repainting or reposting of display matter, shall not be deemed an alteration, provided the conditions of the original approval and the requirements of this Section are not violated.
C.
Exemptions.
1.
A permit shall not be required for the signs or outdoor display structures covered by the provisions of this Subsection. Such exceptions, however, shall not be construed to relieve the owner of the sign from responsibility for its erection and maintenance in a safe manner.
2.
The wall signs listed in the following Subsections shall not require a permit.
a.
Non-illuminated signs erected over a show window or over the door of a store or business establishment which announce the name of the proprietor and the nature of the business conducted therein,
b.
Signs erected on a municipal, State or Federal building which announce the name, nature of the occupancy and information as to use of or admission to the premises, and
c.
Any wall sign erected on a building or structure which is not more than one (1) square foot in area.
3.
The ground signs listed in the following Subsections shall not require a permit.
a.
Signs erected to announce the sale or rental of the property so designated, provided such signs are not over six (6) feet in height nor more than sixty (60) square feet in area,
b.
All ground signs less than six (6) square feet in area,
c.
The erection or maintenance of a sign designating the location of a transit line, a railroad station or other public carrier, when not more than three (3) square feet in area, and
d.
Signs erected by a jurisdiction for street direction.
4.
The temporary signs listed in the following Subsections shall not require a permit.
a.
Construction signs, engineers' and architects' signs and other similar signs which may be authorized by the Building Official in connection with construction operations, and
b.
Special decorative displays used for holidays, public demonstrations or promotion of civic, welfare or charitable purposes, when authorized by the Building Official, on which there is not commercial advertising.
D.
Unsafe Signs.
1.
When any sign becomes insecure, in danger of falling or otherwise unsafe, or if any sign shall be unlawfully installed, erected or maintained in violation of any of the provisions of this Section, the owner thereof, or the person or firm maintaining same, shall, upon written notice of the Building Official, forthwith, in the case of immediate danger, and, in any case within not more than ten (10) days, make such sign conform to the provisions of this Section or shall remove it. If, within ten (10) days, the order is not complied with, the Building Official may remove such sign at the expense of the owner or lessee thereof and without liability to the City.
2.
The Building Official shall notify the owner or lessee of the building or structure by mail whenever a sign is so erected as to obstruct free ingress to or egress from a required door, window, fire escape or other required exitway element.
3.
A projecting display sign erected at other than right angles to the wall of a building or structure outside of the building line, which extends above the roof cornice or parapet wall, or above the roof level, when there is not a cornice or parapet wall, and which obstructs access to the roof, is hereby deemed unlawful. Such signs shall be reconstructed or removed as herein required.
E.
Maintenance And Inspection.
1.
The Building Official may order the removal of any sign that is not maintained in accordance with the provisions of this Section.
2.
All signs for which a permit is required, together with all their supports, braces, guys and anchors, shall be kept in repair in accordance with the provisions of this Section and the International Building Code, and, when not galvanized or constructed of approved corrosion-resistive non-combustible materials, shall be painted when necessary to prevent corrosion.
[Ord. No. 15-2098 §1, 2-17-2015]
3.
It shall be the duty and responsibility of the owner or lessee of every sign to maintain the immediate premises occupied by the sign in a clean, sanitary and healthful condition.
4.
Every sign for which a permit has been issued, and every existing sign for which a permit is required, including roof, wall, marquee and pole signs, may be inspected at any time determined appropriate by the Building Official.
F.
Existing Signs.
1.
A sign heretofore approved and erected shall not be repaired, altered or moved, nor shall any sign, or any substantial part thereof, which is blown down, destroyed or removed, be re-erected, reconstructed, rebuilt or relocated unless it is made to comply with all applicable requirements of this Section.
2.
This Section shall not be construed to prevent the repair or restoration to a safe condition, as directed by the Building Official, of any part of an existing sign when damaged by storm or other accidental emergency.
3.
Any sign that is moved to another location, either on the same or to other premises, shall be considered a new sign and a permit shall be secured for any work performed in connection therewith when required by this Section.
G.
General Requirements For All Signs.
1.
All signs shall be designed and constructed in conformity to the provisions for materials, load and stresses of the International Building Code.
[Ord. No. 15-2098 §2, 2-17-2015]
2.
The effect of special local wind pressures shall be thoroughly considered in the design; but the wind load shall not be assumed less than twenty (20) psf for ground signs over fifty (50) feet in height and fifteen (15) psf for ground signs not more than fifty (50) feet in height.
3.
Signs adequately designed to withstand wind pressures shall generally be considered capable of withstanding earthquake shocks.
4.
A sign shall not be illuminated by other than electrical means and electrical devices and wiring shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of the National Electric Code. Any open spark or flame shall not be used for display purposes unless specifically approved by the Building Official for locations outside of the fire limits.
5.
A sign shall not be erected, constructed or maintained so as to obstruct any fire escape, required exitway, window or door opening used as an element of a means of egress, or to prevent free passage from one (1) part of a roof to another part thereof or access thereto as required by the provisions of the International Building Code or for the fire-fighting forces having jurisdiction.
[Ord. No. 15-2098 §2, 2-17-2015]
6.
A sign shall not be attached in any form, shape or manner which will interfere with any opening required for ventilation by the provisions of the International Building Code, except that such signs may be erected in front of and may cover transom windows when not in violation of the provisions of this Section.
[Ord. No. 15-2098 §2, 2-17-2015]
7.
Wood, approved plastic or other materials of combustible characteristics similar to wood may be used for moldings, cappings, mailing blocks, letters and latticing when permitted in the International Building Code and for other purely ornamental features of signs.
[Ord. No. 15-2098 §2, 2-17-2015]
8.
Sign facings may be made of approved combustible plastics provided the area of each face is not more than one hundred (100) square feet and the wiring for electric lighting is entirely enclosed in metal conduit and installed with a clearance of not less than two (2) inches from the facing material.
H.
Ground Signs.
1.
A ground sign shall not be erected so as to obstruct free access to egress from any building.
2.
A ground sign shall not be set nearer to the street lot line than the established building line.
3.
The bottom capping of all ground signs shall be at least thirty (30) inches above the ground, but the intervening space may be filled with open lattice work or platform decorative trim.
I.
(Reserved)
J.
Wall Signs.
1.
Wall signs which have an area exceeding forty (40) square feet shall be constructed of metal or other approved non-combustible materials, except for nailing rails.
2.
Lighting reflectors may project eight (8) feet beyond the face of the wall, provided such reflectors are at least twelve (12) feet above the sidewalk level; but such reflectors shall not project beyond a vertical plane two (2) feet inside the curb line.
3.
Wall signs shall not be erected to extend above the top of the wall to which they are attached, unless meeting all the requirements for projecting signs or ground signs, as the case may be.
K.
Projecting Signs.
1.
Projecting signs shall be constructed entirely of metal or other approved non-combustible materials.
2.
A projecting sign shall not extend over a street or other public space more than ten (10) feet from the face of the building or structure nor, in any case, beyond a vertical plane two (2) feet inside the curb line.
3.
A clear space of not less than ten (10) feet shall be provided below all parts of such signs.
L.
Marquee Signs.
1.
Marquee signs shall be constructed entirely of metal or other approved non-combustible materials.
2.
Such signs shall not exceed seven (7) feet in height, nor shall they project below the fascia of the marquee, nor lower than ten (10) feet above the sidewalk.
3.
Marquee signs may extend the full length, but they shall not project beyond the ends of the marquee.
M.
Pole Signs. Pole signs shall be constructed entirely of non-combustible materials and shall conform to the requirements for ground signs, as the case may be.
N.
Temporary Signs. Temporary signs are permitted subject to the following conditions:
1.
A temporary sign announcing the opening of a new business or a special sale event or promotion shall require submission of an application to and approval by the Planning and Zoning Administrator. Applications must be received at least fourteen (14) days in advance of the requested installation date and be accompanied by a twenty-five dollar ($25.00) processing fee. Signs erected subject to this Section shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area.
A sign announcing the opening of a new business may be erected for a time period not to exceed thirty (30) days.
A business may receive administrative approval to utilize temporary signage to announce a special event or promotion for no more than sixty (60) days in a calendar year. The Planning and Zoning Administrator may approve the erection of a temporary sign, subject to the following options:
a.
No more than two (2) permits, for a maximum period of thirty (30) days each, in a calendar year;
b.
No more than three (3) permits, for a maximum period of twenty (20) days each, in a calendar year; or
c.
No more than four (4) permits, for a maximum period of fifteen (15) days each, in a calendar year.
Each of the aforementioned administrative approvals may only be granted if forty-five (45) days have elapsed from the prior administrative approval granted. |
2.
A temporary sign advocating the candidacy of any person for election to public office or advocating or opposing any proposition appearing on an election ballot may be erected or affixed for not more than a sixty (60) day period. Such temporary sign shall have a total area not exceeding nine (9) square feet within the residential districts of the City of Manchester or exceeding sixty (60) square feet within the commercial districts of the City of Manchester.
3.
In addition to the conditions noted in Subparagraphs (1) and (2) above, all temporary signs shall be subject to the following conditions:
a.
No temporary sign may be erected or affixed by any person other than the occupant or owner, or the agent of either, on or to any property without the consent of such occupant or owner of such property.
b.
No temporary sign may be erected or affixed to any public property, right-of-way, or utility pole, including park property and governmental buildings, except as provided for herein. A temporary sign advocating the candidacy of any person for election to public office or advocating or opposing any proposition appearing on an election ballot may be placed, subject to the approval of the affronting property owner(s) and the remaining provisions hereof, within that portion of the right-of-way that does not extend into or over any street or sidewalk. At no time may any sign be placed on or extend into or over any street or sidewalk or interfere with pedestrian, biking, rollerskating, rollerblading, skateboarding or vehicular traffic.
c.
No temporary sign may be illuminated in any way.
4.
Nothing herein shall be construed as applying to signs advertising real property as "for sale" or "for lease" or to any temporary sign erected or affixed by the City of Manchester.
O.
Illuminated Signs.
1.
All electrically illuminated signs shall be certified as to electric wiring and devices by the St. Louis County Department of Public Works — Electrical Permit Division and all wiring and accessory electrical equipment shall conform to the requirements of the Electrical Code for the City of Manchester.
2.
Permits shall be issued for the erection or maintenance of illuminated signs within the limitations set forth in this Section for the location, size and type of sign or outdoor display.
3.
The requirements of this Section shall not apply to the relettering of illuminated signs, except where such relettering requires a change of wiring or piping of the sign.
P.
Window Sign.
1.
A window sign may not, in the aggregate, exceed fifty percent (50%) of the total area of all windows within the wall in which the window sign is proposed to be located.
2.
If illuminated, a window sign shall not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the total area of all windows within the wall in which the window sign is proposed to be located.
3.
Combined, illuminated and non-illuminated window signs shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the total area of all windows within the wall in which the window sign is proposed to be located.
4.
A window sign shall not include any sign that indicates a business as "open" and/or such business' hours of operation except that such sign may not exceed an additional five percent (5%) of the total area of all windows within the wall in which the proposed sign is intended to be located.
Q.
Electronic Message Sign.
1.
The location of the sign shall be erected only by attachment to or placement as a ground or monument sign. The ground or monument sign with an electronic message sign shall not exceed nine (9) feet in height. No electronic message signs shall be added to an existing or new pole, pylon, wall or window signs.
2.
The maximum area of such sign shall not exceed forty-five (45) square feet or be more than fifty percent (50%) of the total sign area for the ground or monument sign, whichever is less. The base of the ground or monument sign shall not be included in the sign area calculations.
3.
Only one (1) electronic message sign per establishment is allowed.
4.
The leading edge of the sign must be a minimum distance of one hundred (100) feet from an abutting City residential district boundary.
5.
Animation that does not flash or blink may be used as background in non-residential zone districts. This shall not include video signs which in all circumstances are prohibited.
6.
The text displayed per line on the message signs at any one (1) time shall be limited to fifteen (15) words.
7.
The use of flashing, blinking characters or continuous message movement is prohibited.
8.
The maximum brightness of electronic message signs shall not exceed five thousand (5,000) candelas per square meter during the daylight hours or five hundred (500) candelas per square meter between dusk to dawn. The sign must have an automatic dimmer control or other photosensitive device which automatically adjusts the brightness and contrast of the sign from the higher allowed illumination level to the lower allowed level for the time period between one-half (½) hour before sunset and one-half (½) hour after sunrise.
9.
In non-residential districts ("C-1", "C-2", "H" and "PCD"), any portion of the message must have a minimum duration of five (5) seconds and must be a static display. Transition time must be no longer than one (1) second.
10.
In residential districts, the message displayed on such sign may be changed no more than twice in any twelve-hour period. Electronic signs shall not be allowed in any dwelling or home occupation. Churches and schools are allowed electronic signs provided that they comply with the regulations set forth in this Chapter.
11.
Electronic signs such as gas prices, time and temperature will not be restricted in time change but must follow all signage regulations set forth in this Chapter.
12.
Audio speakers or any form of pyrotechnics are prohibited.
13.
Portable electronic signs will be allowed as temporary signs provided they comply with the temporary sign regulations set forth in this Chapter.
14.
Changes to the text on an electronic message signs will not require subsequent permits, however, it is expected that all graphics and lettering shall meet the public decency standards of the City.
15.
Electronic message signs shall contain a default design that will freeze the design in one (1) position if a malfunction occurs.
R.
Scoreboards.
[Ord. No. 16-2150 §1, 6-20-2016; Ord. No. 18-2212, 4-16-2018]
1.
A scoreboard (a sign, the principal purpose of which is to display the score in a game or competition and may include video signs) shall be permitted only on private or public high school, college or university property.
2.
No more than one (1) scoreboard per field, with a total of no more than three (3) total scoreboards, meeting the requirements of this Subsection (R) are allowed per school property. Any other scoreboard in the City of Manchester must comply with the applicable provisions of this Article VII.
3.
A scoreboard shall not exceed forty-one (41) feet in height.
4.
A scoreboard shall not exceed one thousand three hundred fifty (1,350) square feet in area.
5.
The lighting on a scoreboard shall not cause light pollution (i.e., light trespass and/or glare). The Illuminating Engineering Society criteria for the E2 Zones shall be strictly adhered to (precurfew limitation of 3.0 and post-curfew limitation of 1.0).
6.
If a scoreboard has audio capability, such scoreboard shall, at all times, satisfy the requirements of Section 215.140(A) of this Code, without exemption.
7.
The audio and video components of a scoreboard shall not be operated except during the following times:
a.
Weekdays from 12:00 P.M. (noon) to 10:00 P.M.
b.
Weekends from 10:30 A.M. to 10:00 P.M.
c.
The foregoing ending times shall not apply to minor extensions due to weather delay or overtime, but in no event shall a scoreboard be operated beyond 11:00 P.M.
8.
No scoreboard may be operated before 9:00 A.M. on any day.
9.
A scoreboard must only face the field of play.
10.
The sound speakers of a scoreboard must only face the field of play.
11.
No scoreboard may be located closer to an adjacent property line than one hundred (100) feet.
12.
A scoreboard authorized by these provisions shall not be used for any event in which the school maintaining such scoreboard is not a participant (i.e., such school shall not lease, rent or otherwise permit the use of such scoreboard by persons other than the students and faculty of such school). Notwithstanding the foregoing, an exception may be granted under this paragraph upon application to the Board of Aldermen and, in the discretion of the Board of Aldermen, for good cause shown.
13.
A scoreboard which offers visual advertising opportunities must make available not less than thirty percent (30%) of such advertising area to local businesses (i.e., businesses which have a location in the City of Manchester and which actually conduct business at such location).
14.
For any scoreboard authorized under these provisions, the school desiring installation of such scoreboard shall provide for a landscaped buffer area for all residential properties within one hundred (100) feet of such scoreboard. The specifics of such landscaped buffer shall be as reasonably agreed upon by the school and the City's Director of Planning, Zoning and Economic Development.
15.
All sign permits associated with scoreboards shall require approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Section 405.330 Signs in the Residential Districts.
[Ord. No. 99-1145 Art. 6 §3(3.3), 9-20-1999; Ord. No. 14-2069 §1, 4-21-2014]
A.
Signs are prohibited on properties used for residential purposes, except for the following:
1.
Political signs as referenced in Section 405.320 (N) of this Code;
2.
Small announcement signs (such as, "My son is an Eagle Scout" or "My daughter plays Parkway South field hockey") not larger than four (4) square feet in area;
3.
Sale, lease and rental signs not larger than four (4) square feet in area; and
4.
Temporary directional signs directing the public to real estate listed as for sale or for lease are prohibited except on the day before and the day of an open house, but said signs shall promptly be removed by the end of the day of the open house. All such signs shall be placed in the public right-of-way and shall not exceed two (2) square feet in area and not be taller than three (3) feet as measured from the ground. There shall be a maximum of three (3) temporary directional "Open House" signs per dwelling offered for sale or lease.
B.
Permanent signs for schools, churches, governmental uses, subdivision entrance, and entrances to subdivision common ground amenities and improvements shall have the leading edge of the sign and sign foundation no closer than ten (10) feet from any property line, be no taller than nine (9) feet in height, be not larger than fifty (50) square feet and have a landscaped perimeter equal to one-half (1/2) of its height. Wall signs for said non-residential uses shall not exceed five percent (5%) of the wall area fronting a public street or main parking area. Electronic message signs for the uses listed in this Subsection (B) are permitted so long as such strictly adhere to the provisions of Section 405.320(Q).
C.
Temporary signs announcing the development and construction of a subdivision [i.e., more than one (1) lot] shall not require a permit but shall be limited to no more than thirty-two (32) square feet. A sign for renovation or repair work on a single-family or multifamily lot shall be no larger than four (4) square feet. In all instances under this Subsection (C), said signs shall be set back from the property lines at least fifteen (15) feet. Said signs shall be removed within one (1) week of completion of such work.
D.
Temporary signs used for promoting a special decorative holiday display or promotion of a religious, civic, neighborhood, subdivision, or charitable event where there is no commercial advertising are permitted (although sponsors may be identified) but shall be no larger than thirty-two (32) square feet, shall only be placed on non-residential property where the event is held and shall be placed not more than two (2) weeks before the event and removed within two (2) days following the event. Not more than three (3) temporary directional signs announcing such an event may be placed at subdivision entrances or on subdivision streets [no more than one (1) directional sign, however, per entrance]. Signs may not be placed more than two (2) weeks prior to said event and shall be no more than two (2) square feet in area, be no taller than three (3) feet as measured from the ground and shall be removed within two (2) days following the end of said event.
Section 405.340 Business Signs Attached To Buildings.
[Ord. No. 99-1145 Art. 6 §3(3.4), 9-20-1999; Ord. No. 15-2124 §1, 10-5-2015]
A.
Business signs attached to buildings shall not project beyond such buildings more than eighteen (18) inches horizontally and shall not project above the roof more than five (5) feet.
1.
Each business may have one (1) attached business sign whose outline area shall not exceed five percent (5%) of the wall area of the business which fronts a public street or which fronts the main parking area of the development.
2.
The total outline area of all business signs shall be calculated based upon the average width and height of the wall upon which the sign will be located.
3.
Mansard type roofs shall be considered part of the wall for the purpose of the calculations and regulations of this Subsection (A).
B.
In lieu of the provisions of Subsection (A) of this Section, for purposes of facilitating visibility and improving the flow of traffic, the following provisions shall apply with respect to building signs for any property within a "C-1" Commercial District operated as a retail and/or mixed use center, (i) having at least one hundred thousand (100,000) square feet of building floor area on the property, (ii) having a majority of building frontages on the property facing Manchester Road, and (iii) having all buildings on the property located more than four hundred (400) linear feet from Manchester Road:
Business signs attached to these buildings shall not project beyond such buildings more than eighteen (18) inches horizontally, other than canopies and canopy signs which may project up to one hundred thirty-two (132) inches horizontally. Building signs shall not project above the roof more than five (5) feet.
1.
Each business may have one (1) or more attached business sign(s) whose aggregate outline area shall not exceed eight percent (8%) of the wall area of that business which fronts a public street or which fronts the main parking area of the development.
2.
The total outline area of all business signs shall be calculated based upon the average width and height of the wall upon which the sign will be located.
3.
Mansard type roofs shall be considered part of the wall for the purpose of these calculations and regulations of this Subsection (B).
Section 405.350 Height and Size.
[Ord. No. 99-1145 Art. 6 §3(3.5), 9-20-1999]
A.
Each building or land use located on a separate lot or parcel of land may have one (1) freestanding sign for each street the lot or parcel of land has frontage on.
B.
No freestanding sign shall exceed thirty (30) feet in height or exceed fifty (50) square feet in sign area; except that, where a commercial development contains thirty-five thousand (35,000) or more square feet of space within a building or buildings in said commercial development, a freestanding sign shall not exceed thirty (30) feet in height or exceed one hundred (100) square feet in sign area, provided such is first approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
C.
No freestanding sign shall extend more than thirty (30) feet above the elevation of the adjacent street or the elevation of the average finished ground elevation along the side of the building facing the street, whichever is highest.
D.
Information signs shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet in outline area per facing.
E.
Directional signs shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet in outline area per facing.
Section 405.360 Unlawful Signs - Exceptions.
[Ord. No. 99-1145 Art. 6 §3(3.6), 9-20-1999; Ord. No. 01-1270 §1, 7-16-2001; Ord. No. 09-1946 §3, 7-20-2009; Ord. No. 10-1980 §2, 6-7-2010]
A.
The following signs are unlawful and, upon written notice from the Building Official to the owner or person maintaining said sign or owner or lessee of the property upon which the sign is located, shall be reconstructed or removed immediately:
1.
An illuminated sign of the flashing or blinking type.
2.
A sign advertising an article or product not manufactured, assembled, processed, repaired or sold or advertising a service not rendered on the lot upon which the sign is located. This Section shall not apply to the following types of sign:
a.
A church directory sign;
b.
A directory sign for a commercial development containing more than fifty thousand (50,000) square feet of leasable space which is denied direct access to Highway 141 (Woods Mill Road) by virtue of, and only by virtue of, the widening/relocation of said Highway 141 (Woods Mill Road) and its related improvements, provided such sign shall meet the following criteria, none of which shall be subject to variance by the Board of Adjustment:
(1)
Be not more than five (5) feet long and four (4) feet high;
(2)
Be of cabinet-type design;
(3)
Be no taller, including its support structure, than six (6) feet from the ground at any point;
(4)
Be for directory purposes only (i.e., no advertising);
(5)
Be constructed not more than thirty (30) days preceding elimination of direct access to Highway 141 (Woods Mill Road);
(6)
Be constructed only after receipt by the Building Official of written acknowledgement from the owner(s) and tenant(s) of such lot upon which such sign is to be constructed that he/she/it/they consent to the construction of such sign and acknowledge the ramifications of such construction under this Zoning Regulations;
(7)
Be internally illuminated only; and
(8)
There shall be no more than one (1) such directory sign for such commercial development;
c.
A tenant identification sign for a commercial development containing more than fifty thousand (50,000) square feet of leasable space, in the aggregate, even if the properties comprising such development are owned by multiple parties, provided there is full compliance with the remaining provisions of this Section and, further provided, such sign shall list only current tenants of the development and shall be available to all tenants of the development.
3.
A permanent sign relating to the lease or sale of a building or premises other than the building or premises upon which the sign is displayed. Temporary signs relating to lease or sale of a building or premises, other than the building or premises upon which the sign is displayed, may be erected with prior approval of the Building Official, but for a period not to exceed six (6) months.
4.
All signs painted directly on a building, except any sign painted directly on a window of a building, which such sign shall be governed by the permit requirements herein or, further except, addresses painted directly on the building.
5.
Projections of film, pictures or advertising from projection equipment onto screens, buildings or structures is expressly prohibited.
6.
Any beacon light, except when used for special promotions not to exceed seventy-two (72) hours in duration, and only upon prior approval of the Building Official.
7.
Portable or moveable signs, except when used for specific promotions as determined by the Building Official, and for such period of time determined appropriate by the Building Official.
8.
Stringer lights and streamers.
9.
Projecting signs.
10.
Outdoor advertising structures (billboards) as defined in Section 605.040 of this Code of Ordinances.
11.
Any sign, including any living sign, erected or located in or above a public easement or right-of-way.
12.
On-premises living signs not confined to the interior of any building on that premises, except as may be otherwise provided for in this Chapter.
Section 405.370 Effect of Zoning Regulations.
[Ord. No. 99-1145 Art. 6 §3(3.7), 9-20-1999]
No permit shall be issued for a sign, nor shall any sign be erected, installed, maintained or displayed, in a residential district unless specifically permitted herein, and the erection or maintenance of any sign contrary to zoning regulations of the City is hereby declared to be illegal and in violation of this Chapter. The front yard requirements stated in Article V, Section 405.240 above ("C-1" Commercial District Yard Regulations) shall not apply to a lot fronting on Manchester Road if the difference between the average elevation of Manchester Road, as it runs in front of said lot, and the elevation of the highest finished floor of the primary building on said lot is five (5) feet below or more, in which event the front yard requirement for signs shall be an amount equal to six percent (6%) of the depth of said lot, but no less than eleven (11) feet nor more than thirty (30) feet to the point of support of such sign.
Section 405.380 Inventory and Inspection Fee.
[Ord. No. 99-1145 Art. 6 §3(3.8), 9-20-1999]
An annual inventory and inspection of all commercial signs in the City may be made by the Building Official.
Section 405.390 Reserved. [1]
[1]
Editor's Note — Ord. no. 09-1946 §1, adopted July 20, 2009, repealed section 405.390 "outdoor advertising structures" in its entirety. Former section 405.390 derived from ord. no. 99-1145 art. 6 §3(3.9), 9-20-1999; ord. no. 01-1238 §1, 2-20-2001.