A.

Relationship to building and electrical codes. These sign regulations are intended to complement the requirements of the building and electrical codes adopted by the Board. Wherever there is inconsistency between these regulations and the building or electrical code, the more stringent requirement shall apply.

B.

No defense to nuisance action. Compliance with the requirements of these regulations shall not constitute a defense to an action brought to abate a nuisance under the common law.

C.

Maintenance.

(1)

All signs, including their supports, braces, guys and anchors, electrical parts and lighting fixtures, and all painted and display areas, shall be maintained in accordance with the building and electrical codes adopted by Marion County.

(2)

Exposed surfaces shall be cleaned and finished. Defective parts shall be replaced. The Planning/Zoning Manager shall have the right under Section 4.4.1.E, to order the repair or removal of any sign which is defective, damaged or substantially deteriorated. All decisions of the Planning/Zoning Manager are appealable to the Board of Adjustment.

(3)

The vegetation around, in front of, behind, and underneath the base of ground signs for a distance of ten feet shall be neatly trimmed. No rubbish or debris that would constitute a fire or health hazard shall be permitted under or near the sign.

D.

Permitting:

(1)

No person may engage in the business of erecting, altering, relocating, or constructing a sign, without a valid Contractor's License and all required State or Federal licenses.

(2)

A sign company wishing to install, either or both, on-site or off-site signs shall submit an application to the Planning/Zoning Manager and the Building Manager on a form supplied by the County.

(3)

The application form shall be accompanied by a site plan conforming to the requirements set forth in Articles 2 and 6 for a Minor Site Plan or building permit site plan. The applicant shall also provide construction and installation details meeting the requirements of the Florida Building and Electrical Codes.

Upon review and approval by the Growth Services Department and the Building Department, a permit shall be issued. The permit number shall be attached to the sign structure using the following size letters and numbers in a location where it is readily visible for inspection:

Table 4.4-1 Sign Lettering

E.

Inspection and removal of signs:

(1)

Any sign which is located on or adjacent to the right-of-way of any county road, which was erected without the permit required in this section after adoption of this Code, is declared illegal and shall be properly permitted or removed as provided herein.

(2)

Any sign which is determined by the Planning/Zoning Manager to be defective, damaged, unsafe, or substantially deteriorated or abandoned, shall be repaired or removed as provided herein.

(3)

Upon a determination by the Planning/Zoning Manager that a sign is in violation of this Code, the Code Enforcement Division shall prominently post on the sign face a notice stating that the sign is illegal, defective, damaged, unsafe or substantially deteriorated or abandoned and must either be brought into conformity with this Code or must be removed within 30 days after the date on which the notice was posted. If the sign bears the name of the licensee or the name and address or the telephone number of the sign owner, the Code Enforcement Division shall, concurrently with and in addition to posting the notice on the sign, provide a written notice to the owner stating the sign is illegal, defective, damaged, unsafe or substantially deteriorated and must be brought into conformance with the Code or permanently removed within the 30-day period specified on the posted notice or a permit obtained for the sign and payment of twice the stipulated fee as penalty. The written notice shall further state that the sign owner has a right to request a hearing before the Code Enforcement Board. Said request must be filed with the Planning/Zoning Manager within 30 days after the date of the written notice. The filing of the request for a hearing will stop the removal of the sign until a decision is reached by the Code Enforcement Board. Should the notice for removal be upheld by the Code Enforcement Board, the owner shall remove the sign within 30 days after the hearing or the County may remove the sign without further notice and without incurring any liability as a result of such removal. The cost of removing the sign may be assessed against the owner of the sign by the Code Enforcement Division.

(4)

If, pursuant to the notice provided, a permit for the sign is not obtained, or a hearing is not requested by the sign owner, or the sign is not removed by the sign owner within the prescribed period, the Code Enforcement Board shall refer the matter to the Board. At its option, the Board may either:

(a)

Accept the findings and order of the Code Enforcement Board, and direct the County Administrator to cause the abandoned sign to be removed; or

(b)

After giving Due Public Notice to intended parties, hold an additional hearing. At the conclusion of said additional hearing, the Board may either:

1.

Quash the order of the Code Enforcement Board; or

2.

Grant up to 60 days additional time for the performance of remedial acts; or

3.

Direct the County Administrator to cause the sign to be removed. The decision as to whether to hold such an additional hearing rests solely with the Board. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to give any interested party a right to any hearing in addition to that held by the Code Enforcement Board.

(5)

A notice to the sign owner shall constitute sufficient notice and additional notice is not required to be provided to the lessee, advertiser, or the owner of the real property on which the sign is located.

F.

Signage requirements for adult and sexually oriented businesses: These requirements are located in Section 4.3.24.

(Ord. No. 13-20, § 2, 7-11-2013)

The following signs are exempt from the regulatory and permitting requirements of this Code. Exempt signs shall not be located or constructed so that they create a hazard of any kind.

(1)

Signs that are designed or located to be invisible from any street or adjoining property.

(2)

Signs necessary to promote health, safety and welfare, and other regulatory, statutory, traffic control or directional signs erected on public property with permission of the State of Florida, the Federal government, or the County of Marion.

(3)

Legal notices and official instruments of governmental agencies.

(4)

Decorative flags and bunting for a ceremonial purpose when authorized by the Planning/Zoning Manager for a prescribed period of time, not to exceed 30 days.

(5)

Holiday lights and decorations.

(6)

Merchandise displays behind storefront windows.

(7)

Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and dates of erection when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or other incombustible materials and attached to the surface of a building.

(8)

Signs incorporated into machinery or customarily affixed to machinery or equipment such as vending machines, newspaper racks, telephone booths, and gasoline pumps.

(9)

Advertising and identification signs located on taxicabs, buses, trailers, trucks, or vehicle bumpers. Refer to Section 4.4.3.B.(17) below.

(10)

Public warning signs to indicate the dangers of trespassing, swimming, animals or similar hazards.

(11)

Signs carried by a person.

(12)

Political signs. Political signs proposed to be located in a residential zoning classification shall not exceed eight square feet and shall be located behind the property line. Political signs proposed to be located in all other zoning classifications shall not exceed 32 square feet and shall be located behind the property line. Said signs may be placed or erected on private property with the permission of the owner, except in the sight triangle which occurs on the corners of intersecting streets or on the corners of driveways. Refer to Section 7.3.1 for construction details. Signs exceeding 32 square feet in size shall obtain a sign permit.

Signs shall not be placed or erected in the public right-of-way or on utility poles located on public right-of-way. When edge of right-of-way is questionable, signs shall be located behind power poles or fence lines.

County shall have the right to immediately remove any and all signs in the sight triangle, in the right-of-way and on utility poles located in the right-of-way in order to protect the life and safety of the traveling public and utility company employees.

All signs shall be removed within two weeks after the final election date of each candidate or issue.

(Ord. No. 13-20, § 2, 7-11-2013)

A.

Generally. It shall be unlawful to erect, cause to be erected, or maintain any sign not specifically authorized by, or exempted from, this Code.

B.

Specifically. The following signs are prohibited unless exempted by Section 4.4.2 of this Code or expressly authorized by Sections 4.4.4 and 4.4.5 of this Code:

(1)

Any sign that, in the opinion of the Planning/Zoning Manager and the Building Safety Director, does or will constitute a safety hazard.

(2)

Blank temporary signs.

(3)

Signs with lights or illuminations that flash, move, rotate, scintillate, blink, flicker, or vary in intensity or color except for time-temperature date signs and electronic message boards. Refer to Section 4.4.4.C(3).

(4)

Signs, commonly referred to as wind signs, consisting of one or more banners, pennants, ribbons, spinners, streamers or captive balloons, or other objects or material fastened in such a manner as to move by force of wind. These signs may be permitted under Section 4.4.4.B(6) as temporary signs for special sales events and shall be securely anchored.

(5)

Signs that incorporate projected images (movies, slides, etc.), emit any sound that is intended to attract attention, or involve the use of live animals.

(6)

Signs or sign structures that interfere in any way with free use of any fire escape, emergency exit, or standpipe.

(7)

Signs that obstruct any window to such an extent that light or ventilation is reduced to a point below that required by the Building Code or that obstructs the vision of the cashier from the exterior of a building by a Sheriff's Deputy or Code Enforcement Officer.

(8)

Signs that resemble any official sign, flag, or marker erected by any governmental agency, or that by reason of position, shape or color, would conflict with the proper functioning of any traffic sign or signal, or be of a size, location, movement, content, color, or illumination that may conceal or be reasonably confused with or construed as a traffic-control device.

(9)

Signs that obstruct the vision of pedestrians, cyclists, or motorists traveling on or entering public streets.

(10)

Non-governmental signs adjacent to the right-of-way of any county road that use only the words "stop," "look," "danger," or any similar word, phrase, or symbol which implies the need or requirement of stopping or the existence of danger.

(11)

Signs, within ten feet of public right-of-way or 100 feet of traffic-control lights, that contain red or green lights which might be confused with traffic control lights.

(12)

Signs of such intensity or brilliance to cause glare or impair the vision of any motorist, cyclist, or pedestrian using or entering a public way, or that are a hazard or nuisance to occupants of adjacent property because of height and glare.

(13)

Signs that contain any lighting or control mechanism that causes unreasonable interference with radio, television or other communication signals.

(14)

Signs that are painted, pasted, or printed on any curbstone, flagstone, pavement, or any portion of any sidewalk or street, except house numbers and traffic control signs.

(15)

Signs erected on public property or right-of-way or on private utility poles located on public right-of-way except signs erected by governmental entities for public purposes.

(16)

Signs erected over or across any public street except those expressly authorized by this Code.

(17)

Vehicle signs with a total sign area on any vehicle in excess of 12 square feet, when the vehicle:

(a)

Is visible from the street right-of-way and is parked for more than one hour within 100 feet of any street right-of-way; and

(b)

Is not regularly used (cannot be started and used once a week) in the conduct of the business advertised on the vehicle. A vehicle used primarily for the purpose of providing transportation for owners or employees of the business concern advertised on the vehicle, on the site of the business, shall be considered a vehicle used in the conduct of the business.

(18)

Portable signs as defined by this Code except as allowed in Section 4.4.4.B of this Code.

(19)

Signs which are not placed by the property owner and are nailed, fastened or affixed to any tree, stone, fence, stump, utility pole, mile board, danger sign, guide sign, guide post, highway sign, historical marker, fence post, or other object or structure adjacent to a public right-of-way or within 50 feet of a public right-of-way excluding trespassing signs and markers.

(Ord. No. 13-20, § 2, 7-11-2013)

A.

Signs not requiring permits.

(1)

Construction signs of 64 square feet or less.

(2)

Direction or information signs of six square feet or less.

(3)

Name plates of four square feet or less.

(4)

Public signs or notices, or any sign relating to an emergency.

(5)

Real estate signs of 64 square feet or less.

(6)

Temporary window signs placed on inside of windows which do not cover more than 50 percent of the window area.

(7)

Posted notices, No Trespassing signs or markers.

B.

Temporary signs.

(1)

Except as indicated above, no temporary signs shall be erected without obtaining a permit. Signs failing to comply with the requirements of this section are illegal and subject to immediate removal.

(2)

A temporary sign may be a ground or building sign.

(3)

Real estate signs indicating that a property owner is actively attempting to sell, rent or lease the property on which the sign is located. (Refer to Section 4.4.4.D(2)(a), for size, height and number of signs allowed.)

(4)

Signs indicating the grand opening of a business. This signage may be displayed for a period not exceeding ten days within the first three months the business is open.

(5)

Signage indicating the existence of a new business, or a business in a new location, pending installation of permanent signs. Such signage may be displayed for a period of not more than 60 days or until installation of permanent signs, whichever shall first occur.

(6)

Signage indicating the opening of a new business or a special sales event including but not limited to search lights, banners exceeding 36 square feet in size, and portable signs. This signage shall be granted a temporary permit not exceeding 30 days within the first three months the business is open or for a period not to exceed 21 consecutive days per event for temporary sales events. This type of signage is limited to four events per year. When more than one portable sign is placed on a property they shall be spaced 100 feet apart.

(7)

Construction signage shall not be displayed more than 60 days prior to the beginning of actual construction of a project and shall be removed when construction is completed. Should construction be discontinued for any reason, for a period of more than 60 days, the signage shall be removed pending resumption and continuation of construction activities.

(8)

Signage announcing or advertising such temporary uses as fairs, carnivals, circuses, revivals, sporting events, flea markets, or any charitable, educational, public or religious event or function. The Planning/Zoning Manager shall maintain a record of each applicant's performance in obtaining permits and removing signs as a basis for issuing future permits. Such signage shall be professionally made and shall be removed within five days after the conclusion of the special event. The construction and installation shall meet the wind load requirements of the Building Code. Maximum size shall not exceed 64 square feet.

C.

Permanent signs.

(1)

Permanent signs may be a ground or building sign.

(2)

No person shall erect or place any commercial sign upon benches, transit shelters or waste receptacles of 55 gallons or less, or be placed on the County road right-of-way without obtaining approval from the Board.

(3)

Electronic message signs and Time Temperature Date Signs are permitted on commercially developed parcels. These signs shall display information in an easily comprehensible way. The information shall be visible for a minimum of three seconds and shall be kept accurate. They may be ground or building signs, and are subject to the regulations applicable to such signs. They shall be counted as part of an occupant's allowable sign area.

(4)

Directional signs are limited in area to six square feet, giving directions to motorists regarding the location of parking areas and access drives. They shall be allowed as permanent signs on all parcels and shall not be counted as part of an occupant's allowable sign area.

(5)

Entrance signs. A permanent accessory sign may be displayed at the entrance to residential developments, farms and ranches. Refer to Section 4.4.4.E for residential development sign setbacks.

(a)

Restrictions.

1.

An entrance sign is permitted at only one entrance into the development, farm or ranch from each abutting street. The sign may be a single sign with two faces of equal size or may be a single face sign located on each side of the entrance. No single face of the sign shall exceed 64 square feet in size with a maximum total size of 128 square feet and may be illuminated by a steady light source only.

2.

When considering the placement of such signs, the Planning/Zoning Manager shall consider the location of public utilities, sidewalks and future street widening.

3.

The Planning/Zoning Manager shall ensure that such signs shall be maintained perpetually by the developer, the owner of the sign, a pertinent owner's association, or some other person who is legally accountable under a maintenance arrangement approved by the Planning/Zoning Manager. If no accountable person accepts legal responsibility to maintain the signs and no other provision has been made for the maintenance of them, the signs shall be removed by the developer or owner.

(6)

Flags.

(a)

Number. No more than three flags or insignias of, religious, charitable, fraternal or other organizations may be displayed on any one parcel of land. Cemeteries are exempt from this provision.

(b)

Size. The maximum distance from top to bottom of any flag shall be 20 percent of the total height of the flag pole, or in the absence of a flag pole, 20 percent of the distance from the top of the flag or insignia to the ground.

(7)

Utility signs. Public utility signs that provide information or identify the location of underground utility lines and facilities, high voltage lines and facilities, and other utility facilities and appurtenances are permitted along utility easements and rights-of-way so long as they do not exceed three square feet in size.

(8)

Blocking exits, fire escapes, etc. No sign or sign structure shall be erected that impedes use of any fire escape, emergency exit, or standpipe.

(9)

Clearance standards. All signs over pedestrian ways shall provide a minimum of 7 feet 6 inches of clearance. All signs over vehicular ways shall provide a minimum of 13 feet 6 inches of clearance.

(10)

Relationship to building features. A building sign shall not extend beyond any edge of the building or the building surface to which it is attached, nor disrupt a major architectural feature of the building such as windows or doors.

(11)

Signs painted on building walls or innovative signs which meet the requirements of this article may be issued a permit in accordance with Section 4.4.1.D. Applications for these type signs shall include information on layout, graphics, color and any additional information requested by the Planning/Zoning Manager or provided by the applicant to support his application for the construction permit.

(a)

Signs painted on building walls shall be located in B-4, IC, M-1 and M-2 zoning classifications. The size of the sign face shall not exceed 675 square feet.

(12)

Maximum projection. A building sign shall project no more than four feet perpendicularly from the surface to which it is attached.

(13)

Maximum window coverage. The combined area of permanent and temporary signs placed on the exterior of or attached to windows of retail stores shall not exceed 50 percent of the total window area at the same floor level on the side of the building or unit upon which the signs are displayed. Window signage on convenience store windows shall be installed and maintained so that there is a clear and unobstructed view of the cash register and transaction area from the exterior of the store.

(14)

Multiple occupancy complexes. Signage for multiple occupancy complexes such as an office building, shopping plaza, shopping center or any commercial or industrial building having more than one tenant, constructed or remodeled after the effective date of this Code shall conform to an approved sign format. The sign format shall be included as a submittal for authorization to erect such a sign and shall be maintained on file in the Growth Services Department. The format shall be presented as a master signage plan or sketch, together with written specifications in sufficient detail to enable the Planning/Zoning Manager to authorize signs based on the specifications. As a minimum, the sign format shall specify the types of signs and dimensions (not to exceed the size limits contained in this article) which will be permitted each occupant within the complex. The sign format shall also contain common design elements, such as placement, color, shape, or style of lettering, which lend a unified appearance to the signs of the occupants within the complex. The sign format may only be modified with the approval of the Planning/Zoning Manager upon submission of a revised master signage plan and specifications detailing the revised format.

D.

Location and design criteria.

(1)

General Requirements.

(a)

Where a sign is composed of letters or pictures attached directly to a wall or facade, window, door, or marquee, and the letters or pictures are not enclosed by a border or trimming, the sign area shall be the area within the smallest rectangle, parallelogram, triangle, circle or semicircle, the sides of which touch the extreme points of the letters or pictures.

(b)

The signable wall or facade area is a continuous portion of a building unbroken by doors or windows and shall be measured by determining the area within an imaginary rectangle drawn around the area. The area shall include roof slopes of less than 45 degrees as measured from the vertical plane, that form a side of a building or unit.

(c)

Where four sign faces are arranged in a square, rectangle, or diamond, the area of the sign shall be the area of the two largest faces.

(d)

Where a sign is in the form of a three-dimensional object, the area shall be determined by drawing a square, rectangle, parallelogram, triangle, circle or semicircle, the sides of which touch the extreme points or edges of the projected image of the sign and multiplying that area by two. The "projected image" is that image created by tracing the largest possible two dimensional outline of the sign.

(2)

Temporary Signs.

(a)

Real Estate Signs - Residential shall comply with the following table:

Table 4.4-2 Real Estate Signs—Residential Standards

(b)

Real Estate Signs - Commercial or Industrial and Construction Signs shall comply with the following:

1.

Number - maximum of two signs per parcel. Refer to Section 4.4.4.H(2) for large parcels and corner parcels.

2.

Size - one square foot of signage per ten feet of frontage up to a maximum of 96 square feet. An individual sign shall not exceed 64 square feet.

3.

Height - maximum of 16 feet.

4.

Spacing - minimum of 100 feet apart.

(c)

All other temporary signs:

Number, size, height and spacing to be specified in special permit to be issued by the Planning/Zoning Manager.

E.

Signs permitted in residential zoning classifications:

(1)

Signs allowed in residential zoning classifications are as follows:

(a)

Two subdivision identification signs per neighborhood, subdivision, or development, not to exceed 64 square feet in sign area per sign.

(b)

Two identification signs per apartment or condominium complex, not to exceed 64 square feet in sign area per sign.

(c)

For permitted non-residential uses, including places of worship, one freestanding sign, not to exceed one square foot in sign area for every two lineal feet of street frontage and one wall sign not to exceed 24 square feet in sign area. Total aggregate sign area shall not exceed 200 square feet.

(2)

Special sign regulations for residential zoning classifications are as follows:

(a)

All allowed freestanding signs shall have a maximum height limit of ten feet and shall have a setback of five feet from the front and side property line.

F.

Signs permitted in commercial and office zoning classifications:

(1)

Signs allowed in commercial and office zoning classifications and in the R-O, P-MH and P-RV zoning classifications are as follows:

(a)

Single Occupancy Uses, P-MH and P-RV Zoning Classifications: One freestanding on site sign per premises, not to exceed two square feet in sign area for each linear foot of main street frontage up to a maximum of 130 square feet per sign face.

(b)

Multiple Occupancy Usages - one freestanding, on-site directory sign, not to exceed the maximums in the following table:

Table 4.4-3 Multiple Occupancy Usage Sign Standards

(c)

Wall Signage:

1.

Single occupancy. Three wall signs, not to exceed two square feet in sign area for each linear foot of that occupancy's building frontage up to a maximum of 96 square feet in aggregate sign area. One of the allowed wall signs above may be placed on the side of the occupancy.

2.

Shopping centers. Wall signage shall not exceed one and three-quarters square feet in sign area for each linear foot of each occupancy's building frontage.

(d)

Surface area of the on-site sign structure supporting the sign face may not exceed the allowable sign area.

(e)

One under-canopy sign per occupancy, not to exceed four square feet in sign area.

(f)

Incidental signs, not to exceed six square feet in aggregate sign area per occupancy.

(g)

On-site identification signs located within 2,000 feet of all intersections located on I-75, shall not exceed 55 feet in overall height.

(h)

Outdoor Menu Boards for fast food or drive-thru restaurants shall not exceed 60 square feet in aggregate sign face area.

(2)

Location, Setbacks and Height:

(a)

The onsite identification or directory sign shall be located in the area between the structure and the access street and shall be set back a minimum of five feet from the front property line.

(b)

On-site signs shall not exceed a height of 30 feet.

(3)

Special regulations and allowances for commercial and office zoning classifications are as follows:

(a)

Where occupancy is on a corner or through lot, or has more than one main street frontage, two wall signs and one additional freestanding sign will be allowed on the additional frontage, not to exceed the size of other allowed wall and freestanding signs.

(b)

Freestanding and under-canopy signs shall have a setback of five feet from any public vehicular right-of-way and a minimum clearance of 12 feet over any vehicular use area and seven feet over any pedestrian use area.

(c)

Auto dealerships, furniture stores, boat sales and similar retail sales facilities are allowed to combine the freestanding on-site signage and the building signage, not to exceed two square feet in sign area for each linear foot of main street frontage. The freestanding signage shall not exceed 130 square feet per sign face. Multiple freestanding signs are allowed and shall be spaced a minimum of 150 feet apart.

G.

Signs permitted in agricultural zoning classifications:

(1)

Signs allowed in agricultural zoning classifications are as follows:

(a)

Farm Entrance Signs. One double faced sign or two single faced signs not exceeding a total of 128 square feet of sign area. The allowed sign area per sign face is 64 square feet.

(b)

Signs for Home Occupations. One sign, either single or double faced, non-illuminated, not exceeding six square feet in size and not higher than four feet, may be located no closer than five feet to the front property line.

(c)

For permitted and SUP authorized agriculturally related non-residential uses or community facilities uses, including places of worship, one freestanding sign, not to exceed one square foot in sign area for every two lineal feet of street frontage and one wall sign not to exceed 24 square feet in sign area. Total aggregate sign area shall not exceed 200 square feet.

H.

Signs permitted in heavy commercial and industrial zoning classifications:

(1)

Signs allowed in heavy commercial and industrial zoning classifications: B-3, B-5, IC, M-1, M-2 are as follows:

(a)

One freestanding on site sign per premises, not to exceed two square feet in sign area for each linear foot of main street frontage up to a maximum of 400 square feet per sign face.

(b)

One wall sign per occupancy, not to exceed one and three-quarters square feet in sign area for each linear foot of that occupancy's building frontage up to a maximum of 200 square feet; or

Two roof signs per premises, not to exceed two square feet in sign area for each linear foot of that occupant's building frontage up to a maximum of 200 square feet; or

Three awning signs per occupancy not to exceed 30 percent of the surface area of an awning, or three marquee signs, not to exceed 50 square feet in sign area for each marquee.

(c)

Two under-canopy signs per occupancy, not to exceed eight square feet in aggregate sign area.

(d)

Incidental signs not to exceed six square feet in aggregate sign area per occupancy.

(e)

On-site identification signs located within 2,000 feet of all intersections located on I-75, shall not exceed 55 feet in overall height.

(f)

The freestanding on-site signage or directory signage shall be located in the area between the structure and the local commercial access street and shall be set back a minimum of five feet from the front property line.

(g)

On-site signs shall not exceed a height of 30 feet.

(2)

Truck stop signage:

(a)

One free standing on-site identification sign per lot or parcel, not to exceed two square feet in sign area for each lineal foot of main street frontage up to a maximum of 600 square feet per sign face: Such signs shall not exceed a height of 55 feet.

(b)

Wall signage or roof signage or combination thereof per occupancy, not to exceed two and three-quarters square feet in sign area for each linear foot of that occupancy's building frontage up to a maximum of 520 square feet: Signage may be placed on the front or side of the building.

(c)

Direction signs not to exceed 16 square feet of sign area per face: Such signs shall not exceed a height of ten feet.

(d)

Menu boards, either single faced or double faced, for drive-thru restaurants shall not exceed 60 square feet in sign face area, measured on one face of the sign.

(e)

Truck scale signs shall not exceed 80 square feet per sign face and shall not exceed 20 feet in height.

(f)

On-site identification signs located within 2,000 feet of all intersections located on I-75, shall not exceed 55 feet in overall height.

(g)

The on-site identification sign(s) shall be set back a minimum of five feet from the front property line.

(h)

All signage shall conform to the requirements of Section 5.5.16 sight triangle (corner vision clearance) requirement at all access and egress points.

(3)

Special Regulations and Allowances for Heavy Commercial and Industrial Zoning Classifications are as follows:

(a)

Where a lot has in excess of 300 feet of main street frontage, one additional freestanding sign will be allowed for each additional 150 feet of main street frontage. Such signs shall be subject to the size and height limitations of the first allowed freestanding sign and may be placed no closer than 150 feet to any other freestanding sign on the same premises.

(b)

A projecting sign may be used instead of any allowed wall or freestanding sign, not to exceed a sign area of two square feet for each linear foot of occupancy's building frontage up to a maximum of 64 square feet.

(c)

All freestanding, projecting, awning, marquee, and under-canopy signs shall have a minimum setback of five feet from any vehicular public right-of-way, and a minimum clearance of 13 feet, six inches over any vehicular use area and seven feet over any pedestrian use area.

(Ord. No. 13-20, § 2, 7-11-2013)

A.

Permitted Signs. Off-site advertising signs are allowed in the B-2, B-3, B-4, B-5, IC, M-1, M-2, RC-1, RAC, RI, A-1 and PUD zoning classifications.

B.

Allowances:

(1)

For permitting purposes only, the number of signs will be based upon the number of supporting structures. For example, two sign faces placed back to back mounted on a single supporting structure will be considered as a single, double faced sign. The supporting structure may consist of a single metal post structure or a set of wooden poles placed together which constitute a single supporting structure.

(2)

Within the A-1 Classification. Off-premise signs are permitted within the A-1 Classification when the determination as to zoning by the local government for the parcel meets all of the following criteria:

(a)

The parcel is comprehensively zoned and includes commercial or industrial uses as allowable uses, and

(b)

The parcel reasonably accommodates a commercial or industrial use under the Future Land Use Map of the comprehensive plan and land use development regulations.

C.

Double and triple decker signs are prohibited.

D.

Location and Design Criteria:

(1)

Maximum Size. No off-site advertising sign face shall exceed 675 square feet in size of message area except for temporary (not to exceed 12 months) additions which shall not exceed ten percent of the base size.

(2)

Number of Signs. For permitting purposes only, the number of signs will be based upon the number of supporting structures. For example, two sign faces placed back to back mounted on a single supporting structure will be considered as a single, double faced sign. The supporting structure may consist of a single metal post structure or a set of wooden poles placed together which constitute a single supporting structure. Where two sign faces are placed back to back on two separate supporting structures to form a V, and which are at the point no more than five feet apart and at the apex less than 20 feet apart shall be counted as a single sign.

(3)

Sign Area. The area of a sign shall be the area within the smallest square, rectangle, parallelogram, triangle, circle or semicircle, the sides of which touch the extreme points or edges of the sign face excluding temporary additions or extensions. Where two sign faces are placed back to back on a single sign structure and the faces are no more than five feet apart at any point, the allowable area of the sign shall be counted as the area of both faces. The exception for V-structures as defined in Section 4.4.5.C(2) shall also apply.

(4)

Spacing and Location:

(a)

Locations for off-site advertising signs shall be spaced at 1,000-foot intervals measured from center to center along the same side of a common right-of-way. No other off-site sign shall be located within the 1,000-foot interval and to a property depth of 600 feet along the side of the thoroughfare to which the sign is directed. Spacing shall be determined based on signs that have received the necessary county permit pursuant to this Code as well as those signs existing prior to the adoption of this Code. Signs having received prior authorization shall have priority over a later applicant in determining compliance with the spacing restrictions.

(b)

Permitting:

(1)

County Roadways. Where two or more applications from different persons or companies conflict with each other, only one of the applications may be approved. The first application received by the Growth Service Department will be the first considered for approval. The second application shall remain pending until resolution of the first application. The second applicant shall be advised in writing of the first application and that the first application is being acted upon. If the first application considered is granted, the second application shall be denied. If the first application is denied, the second application shall be considered for approval.

(2)

State Highways. Replacement signs are signs which do not meet the required spacing without the removal of an existing sign. Applicants submitting an application for a sign replacement may be issued Letters of Intent in the order they are received by the Growth Services Department. The first applicant to present the required State Permit and a copy of the state tags will receive the permit for the sign construction.

(c)

Placement Standards:

(1)

Signs shall not be located within a clear visibility triangle, at intersections of driveway and street or street and street, as said triangle is defined in Division 6.11 Traffic Management.

(2)

Supports for signs or sign structures shall not be placed in or upon a private right-of-way or private easement without demonstrating permission from the private land owner.

(3)

No sign shall project over or be placed in or upon a public right-of-way.

(5)

Maximum Height. No off-site advertising sign, or combination of signs, shall exceed the height of 50 feet.

(6)

Maximum Width. No off-site advertising sign, or combination of signs, shall exceed 50 feet in width.

(7)

Minimum Setbacks are as follows:

(a)

Fifteen feet from street right-of-way or property line.

(b)

No sign shall be erected within 300 feet of a residential zoning classification, or within 150 feet of a church, public or private school, Public Park or playground, civic, historical or designated scenic area or a cemetery located along a common right-of-way.

(c)

No advertising sign shall be located nearer than the height of the sign plus ten feet to any existing residence.

(8)

Illumination Standards are as follows:

(a)

Sign lighting shall not be designed or located to cause confusion with traffic lights.

(b)

Illumination by floodlights or spotlights is permissible and shall be directed so that the light shall not shine directly onto an adjoining property or into the eyes of motorists or pedestrians using or entering public thoroughfares.

(c)

Illuminated signs shall not have lighting mechanisms that project more than three feet perpendicularly from any surface of the sign over public right-of-way.

E.

General Requirements. All permanent signs, and the illumination thereof, shall be designed, constructed and maintained in conformity with applicable provisions of the building and electrical codes adopted by Marion County.

(Ord. No. 13-20, § 2, 7-11-2013; Ord. No. 17-08, § 2(Exh. A), 4-11-2017)

A.

Continuation of Existence. Non-conforming permanent signs, both on-site and off-site may continue until they are removed or relocated. Non-conforming signs are declared by this Code to be incompatible with permitted uses in the zoning classification where located. Non-conforming signs shall not be enlarged or reconstructed to continue their nonconformity after relocation or major damage. Major damage is defined to have occurred when the cost of repair exceeds 90 percent of the tangible tax value of the sign for the latest tax year.

B.

Repair, Alteration, Enlargement. A non-conforming sign may be repaired in any one year in an amount not exceeding 25 percent of the tangible tax value of the sign for that year. Any repair or refurbishing of the sign that enlarges the dimensions of the sign face, or that raises the height above ground level of the sign so as to enhance the signs visibility or the period of time that the sign is visible shall be considered erection of a new sign and not reasonable repair or maintenance and shall be prohibited. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to prevent compliance with applicable laws relative to the safety of a non-conforming sign.

C.

Reconstruction after a Catastrophe. A sign which is destroyed by an Act of God or by fire, explosion, war or other catastrophe shall not be reconstructed. Destroyed is defined as the cost to reconstruct the sign when that cost exceeds 90 percent of the tangible tax value of the sign immediately prior to destruction.

(Ord. No. 13-20, § 2, 7-11-2013)