Maroa City Zoning Code
ARTICLE VIII
Signs
§ 290-8.1 Applicability and purpose.
A.
Applicability. The regulations set forth in this article shall apply to and govern signs in all zoning districts in the City of Maroa. No sign shall be erected, repaired, altered, relocated or maintained except in conformance with the regulations for the district in which it is located, unless the sign is otherwise specifically regulated by special use provisions or provisions relating to a variance.
B.
Purpose. The purpose of these regulations is to:
(1)
Encourage the effective use of signs as a means of identification for businesses in the City of Maroa.
(2)
Regulate signs in such a way as to support and complement land use objectives set forth in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and this chapter.
(3)
Ensure that all signs within the City are compatible with existing land uses and buildings within the general vicinity of the sign and the community as a whole, with regard to size, location, color, construction, materials and manner of display.
(4)
Permit such signs that do not confuse, mislead, obstruct the vision necessary for traffic safety or otherwise endanger the public health, safety, morals or general welfare of the City of Maroa.
C.
Off-site advertising. It is the intent of this article to prohibit all off-site advertising of any kind whatsoever, except where such off-site advertising is specifically permitted under the terms of the Highway Advertising Control Act of 1971 (225 ILCS 440/1 et seq.).
§ 290-8.2 Definitions.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
A sign which no longer directs attention to or advertises any person, business, lessor, owner, product, idea, place, activity, institution or service which is conducted or available.
The words on a sign describing products or services being offered or available to the public.
A sign that incorporates or includes movement of physical parts, lights or letters and figures, whether manipulated by physical or electrical means.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
Sign area shall be the gross surface area within a single continuous perimeter composed of a single rectangle enclosing the extreme limits of characters, lettering, illustrations, ornamentations or other figures, together with any material or color forming an integral part of the display or to differentiate the sign from the background on which it is placed. Structural supports bearing no sign copy shall not be included in gross surface area; however, if any portion of the required structural supports become enhanced for decorative or architectural purposes, that portion will be included in the total gross surface area of the sign. For computing the area of any sign which consists of individual letters or separate graphic elements, the area shall be deemed to be the area of the smallest rectangular figure which can encompass all of the letters or elements.
A temporary shelter supported entirely from the exterior wall of a building and composed of nonrigid materials, except for the supporting framework. When an awning contains, embodies or displays any words, trademark, logo illumination or similar representation, these elements shall constitute a "sign".
The entire area of a sign on which copy could be placed as opposed to the copy area, when referred to in connection with a wall sign.
A sign made of paper, plastic or fabric of any kind which is intended to be hung either with or without a frame, with or without applied characters, letters, illustrations or ornamentations, excluding national, state or governmental flags.
A stationary or revolving light (also known as a "searchlight") which flashes or projects illumination, single-color or multicolored, in any manner which is intended to attract or divert attention. This term is not intended, however, to include any kind of lighting device which is required or necessary under the safety regulations described by the Federal Aviation Administration or similar agencies.
A non-point-of-sale sign which advertises a business, service organization, event, person, place or thing, unless such sign is more specifically defined herein. Where such signs exceed 300 square feet, even those advertising at a point of sale, they shall be considered principal structures.
The wall and window area of a building in one plane or elevation.
A public right-of-way, a customer access drive or a parking lot which serves the commercial establishment.[1]
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
The frontage of a lot on a public right-of-way or privately owned circulation road.
A structure, other than an awning, made of cloth, metal or other materials with frames affixed to a building and carried by a frame which is supported by the ground. When a canopy contains, embodies or displays any words, trademark, logo lighting or similar representation, those elements constitute a sign.
Letters, numerals or other graphics which are not permanently affixed to a structure and/or set for permanent display and are intended to be alterable through manual or electronic means.
A sign of noncommercial nature which directs the reader to public parks, buildings, historical structures or areas, schools and other public institutions; or provides information concerning traffic circulation or parking.
The face of a building from grade to the top of the roof or parapet in height and from side wall to side wall or front wall to rear wall in width.
Any sign which contains an intermittent or flashing light source or which includes the illusion of intermittent or flashing light by means of animation or an externally mounted intermittent light source. Automatic changing signs such as the public service time, temperature and date signs or electronically controlled message centers shall be classified as "changeable copy signs", not "flashing signs".
Any sign supported by structures or supports that is placed on or anchored in the ground and independent from any building or other structure.
The vertical distance measured from the upper surface of the nearest street curb (other than an elevated roadway) to the highest point of the sign.
Any sign externally illuminated by a source of light which is cast upon the surface or face of the sign to illuminate by reflection only.
Any sign, all or any part of which:
Any sign which:
Statements, words, suggestions or pictures of an indecent or immoral character, such as will offend public morals or decency.
That portion of the wall of a building that rises above the roof level.
Any lightweight plastic, fabric or other material, whether or not containing a message of any kind, suspended from a rope, wire or string, usually in a series, designed to move in the wind.
Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent structure or a sign designed to be transported, including, but not limited to:
Signs designed to be transported by means of wheels.
Signs converted to "A" or "T" frames.
Menu and sandwich board signs.
Balloons or inflatable figures used as signs.
Umbrellas used for advertising.
Signs attached to or painted on vehicles parked or visible from the public right-of-way, unless said vehicle is used in the normal day-to-day operations.
Any sign affixed to a building or wall in such a manner that its leading edge extends more than six inches beyond the surface of such building or wall.
Permanent residential development signs at major entrances designed to identify a residential subdivision and containing no advertising.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
Any sign erected, constructed and maintained entirely or partially upon or over the roof of any building, with the principal support on the roof.
Any sign erected or constructed as an integral or essentially integral part of a normal roof structure of any design, such that no part of the sign extends vertically above the highest portion of the roof and such that no part of the sign is separated from the rest of the roof by a space of more than six inches.
The shortest horizontal distance between a property line and the closest edge of a sign, including the structure and base.
Where a property line extends into a street right-of-way, the setback of a sign shall be the shortest horizontal distance between the closest edge of a sign, including the structure and base and the back of the curb of the adjacent street.
Where a sign is located along an access drive, the setback of a sign shall be the shortest horizontal distance between the closest edge of a sign, including the structure and base and the back of curb of the adjacent access drive.
Any name, identification, description, advertisement, display or illustration which is affixed to or painted or represented directly upon a building, structure or other outdoor surface or piece of land; and which directs attention to an object, idea, product, philosophy, place, activity, person, institution, service organization or business; and which is located on a permanent or temporary basis, on the premises at or on which the object, idea, product, philosophy, place, activity, person, institution, service organization or business is located, offered or sold.
The term "sign" shall not refer to any display of official court or public notices, nor shall it include the emblem or insignia of a nation, political unit, school or religious group. The term "sign" shall not include any name, identification, description, advertisement, display or illustration located completely within an enclosed building or structure unless the content thereof shall be exposed to view from the outside of the building.
For the purpose of this article, a building or portion of a building or any item or material (opaque, transparent, colored or illuminated) physically attached to a building which departs from standard architectural treatment in an attempt to attract attention to the premises by reason of color scheme and/or illumination or part of a building or facade not required structurally or for maintenance, and which is intended to direct attention to products, goods, services, events or entertainment, shall be considered a "sign" and be subject to all pertinent regulations, including sign area as defined herein.
The entire area of a sign on which copy could be placed.[2]
Any sign that is used only temporarily and not permanently mounted. This includes any sign constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, wallboard or other light materials, with or without frames, intended to be displayed for a limited period of time.
A sign which does not meet the terms of this article or which the City has declared to be unlawful because it poses a danger to public safety by reason of dilapidation or abandonment; a nonconforming sign for which any permit required under any previous ordinance was not obtained.
Any advertising or business sign attached to a motor vehicle which is parked or placed in position for display to the public.
A sign which is placed against a building or other structure and which is attached to the exterior front, rear or side wall of a building.
A sign that is posted on the interior or exterior of a window of a building or structure which is intended to be read from the exterior of the building or structure.
§ 290-8.3 General regulations.
A.
Signs regulated by this article. Any sign not specifically permitted under the terms of this article or of the Highway Advertising Control Act of 1971 shall be prohibited. Such signs include, but are not limited to:
B.
Authorization by owner. Except as provided in Subsection C below, no person shall erect, alter or relocate any sign within the City without first obtaining the express consent of the owner of the land upon which the sign shall be erected, altered or relocated, in addition to obtaining a sign permit from the City.
C.
Signs not requiring permits. No permits shall be required for the following signs when erected or displayed as set forth below and in accordance with all other requirements of the zoning district in which they are located. Except as noted, such signs shall not be illuminated, except as expressly permitted below, and shall not be placed in or otherwise erected upon any public right-of-way, nor be attached to any building, tree or structure.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
(1)
Interior signs. Any sign which is completely within an enclosed building and which is not visible from outside the building.
(2)
Monuments and markers. Tablets, grave markers, headstones, statuary or remembrances of persons or events which are noncommercial in nature.
(3)
Decorations and displays. Noncommercial decorations or displays celebrating the occasion of legal or religious holidays and which are erected and/or maintained for a period of less than 45 days. Such decorations or displays may be illuminated.
(4)
Vehicular signs. Signs on a truck, bus, trailer or other vehicle while such vehicle is operated in the normal course of a business which is not primarily for the display of such signs.
(5)
Real estate signs. Freestanding signs which are used to offer for sale, lease or rent the property upon which the sign is placed.
(6)
"No trespassing" signs. "No trespassing" and "no dumping" signs not exceeding two square feet in area per sign.
(7)
Temporary signs. Temporary signs not exceeding eight square feet in area and which pertain to drives or events sponsored by civic, charitable, philanthropic, educational or religious organizations, provided that such signs are posted only during said drive or immediately prior to said event, but for no longer than 30 days.
(8)
Political signs:
(a)
Signs or posters announcing or describing candidates seeking public political office, announcing or describing political issues and data pertinent thereto.
(b)
Such signs shall contain a sign surface area not to exceed 16 square feet. Signs or posters relating to such candidates for office or issues shall be erected not more than 60 days prior to the election at which such candidates are to be elected or issues voted upon and shall be taken down not more than three days after the date of the election to which they were related.
(9)
Garage/Rummage sale signs. Temporary signs announcing the sale of new or used personal property from a private residence where the sale activity is occasional and infrequent and not associated with a permanent commercial establishment.
(10)
Employment or "help wanted." Employment or "help wanted" signs which are placed on the premises of the establishment which intends to employ the personnel described in the sign.
(11)
Window signs. Temporary window signs describing or advertising a retail sale, promotion or special sale or event shall be subject to regulations contained in § 290-8.4C(5).
D.
Illumination. In addition to other applicable requirements set forth in this article, all illuminated signs must comply with the following provisions:
(1)
With the exception of changing signs (automatic) as defined herein, all illuminated signs within 100 feet of any residential zoning district shall be turned off between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. unless the establishment is engaged in the operation of business during such period, in which case the sign may be lit during the hours of operation only.
(2)
Illumination shall be installed or applied only through a translucent surface; or recessed into the sign structure; or if the light source is external to the sign, directed to and concentrated on the sign.
(3)
Signs shall be shaded as necessary to avoid casting a bright light upon property located in any residential district or upon any public street or park.
(4)
Floodlights, gooseneck reflectors or other external sources of illumination shall be contained within a protective casing.
(5)
Illumination shall be constant in intensity and color and shall not consist of flashing, animated, chasing, oscillating or other illumination conveying the sense of movement. Signs which exhibit only time and temperature may be permitted.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
E.
Vertical and horizontal extension.
F.
Sign placement in public areas. Except for official signs erected by an agency or unit of government, no sign shall be erected on any tree, utility pole, traffic standard or other public sign standard.
G.
Planned development signs. Signs located within a planned development shall be governed by those standards set forth in the underlying zoning district. Such standards may, however, be modified by the City Council in accordance with the provisions of Article VI, Planned Developments, of this chapter as now and hereafter amended.
H.
Flags. Unless authorized by the City Council, flags other than those of any nation, state, political subdivision or noncommercial flags which represent a not-for-profit affiliation or institution shall be prohibited. There shall be a maximum of three flagpoles for each zoning lot.
(1)
The height of a flagpole shall be in proportion to the scale of the building to which it relates and in no case shall be higher than the following height limitations:
(2)
The vertical length of a permitted flag on a flagpole shall not exceed 1/3 the length of the pole upon which it is hung. All flags are to be maintained in an orderly fashion. Torn flags shall be taken down and replaced.
I.
Inspection. Every new sign requiring a permit in the City of Maroa shall be subject to a general inspection; electrical inspection; footing inspection; and any other inspection(s) deemed necessary by the City.
J.
Maintenance. Every sign in the City of Maroa, regardless of whether any permit is required for such sign, shall be maintained in a safe, presentable and good structural condition at all times, including the replacement of nonfunctioning, broken or defective parts, painting, repainting, cleaning and any other acts required for the maintenance of such sign. All signs and sign supports shall be kept painted or otherwise treated to prevent rust, rot or deterioration.
K.
Abandoned and obsolete signs.
(1)
Any sign which no longer identifies a bona fide business, activity, event, service conducted or product sold on the premises where the sign is located shall be taken down by the owner of the building, structure or property upon which said sign is located.
(2)
If such sign is not removed, the City shall issue written notification to the owner of the building, structure or property and the sign shall be removed within 10 days of receipt of such notification.
L.
Nonconforming signs. It is reasonable that special conditions be placed upon the continuance of existing nonconforming signs. This special nonconforming program permits the current owner to continue using the nonconforming sign while at the same time assuring that the district in which the nonconforming sign exists will eventually comply:
(1)
Continuance of nonconforming signs. Subject to the termination provisions of this article, any nonconforming sign may be continued in operation and maintained after the effective date of this chapter; provided, however, that no such sign shall be changed in any manner; and provided, further, that the burden of establishing a sign to be nonconforming under this article rests entirely upon the person or persons, firm or corporation claiming a nonconforming status for a sign.
(2)
Termination of nonconforming signs.
(a)
By abandonment. Abandonment or cessation for a period of 90 days or the change of the principal use to which the nonconforming sign is accessory shall terminate immediately the right to maintain such sign.
(b)
By violation of the ordinance. Any violation of the provisions of this article shall terminate immediately the right to maintain a nonconforming sign.
(c)
By destruction, damage or obsolescence. The right to maintain any nonconforming sign shall terminate and shall cease to exist whenever the sign:
[1]
Is damaged or destroyed, from any cause whatsoever, to the extent that its repair or replacement cost exceeds 50% of its replacement cost as of the date it became nonconforming; or
[2]
Becomes obsolete or substandard under any applicable ordinance of the City; or
[3]
Becomes a hazard or a danger to the safety or welfare of the general public.
(d)
By new ownership or change in tenancy or use. Transfer of ownership or change in the use or tenant shall terminate immediately the right to maintain a nonconforming sign. The new owner has 180 days from close of sale to bring the nonconforming sign into compliance.
(e)
By new development on the zoning lot. Where new construction occurs on a zoning lot, any nonconforming sign which may exist on said lot shall be removed or modified as necessary to conform to the requirements of this article. This shall occur before permits are issued for site development and building construction on the premises.
(f)
By redevelopment. Nonconforming signs which are moved or affected by the redevelopment of a property, facade improvement program or roadway widening shall not be reinstalled, but shall instead be brought into conformance with all elements of this code.
(3)
Notification to remove; removal by City.
(a)
If the City finds that a sign is unsafe or insecure or is a menace to the public or has been constructed or erected or is being maintained in violation of the provisions of this article, the City shall issue written notice of such condition or violation to the person to whom the permit for said sign has been issued.
(b)
All notices issued by the City shall describe the sign and its location and shall specify the manner in which the sign is in violation of the ordinance(s) of the City of Maroa. All notices issued by the City shall be sent by certified mail to the current owner. Any time period provided for in this article shall be deemed to commence on the date of the receipt of the certified mail.
(c)
If the party to whom such notice is issued fails to remove or alter the sign so as to comply with the provisions of this article within 10 days of the receipt of the certified mail, the City may remove or alter the sign at the expense of the owner.
(d)
The cost of removing the sign may be recovered by the City of Maroa through any appropriate legal proceeding or by assessment against the property. The cost of removal shall be deemed to include any and all incidental expenses, as well as all direct and indirect costs, incurred by the City in connection with removal of the sign.
(e)
The City may cause any sign which is an immediate peril to persons or property to be removed summarily and without notice.
(f)
The City shall not issue any sign permit to any person who refuses to pay costs or expenses incurred by the City in removing or altering any sign for which they have previously obtained a permit, regardless of whether legal proceedings have been initiated for the purpose of recovering such costs.
M.
Vehicles with signs. Any vehicle or trailer regularly and customarily used to transport persons or property for a business or activity, which has attached thereto or located thereon any sign or advertising device for the basic purpose of providing advertisement of or directing people to a business or activity located on any premises, shall be exempt from the regulations of this article, except for the following:
(1)
The parking of any vehicle bearing a sign shall be limited to the premises upon which the business or activity to which the sign refers is located, provided the overnight parking of such a vehicle shall be permitted at the private residence of the vehicle operator.
(2)
The intentional parking of any vehicle bearing a sign in such a way or in such a location that the vehicle functionally serves as a sign, advertising or directing viewers to the business or activity to which the signage refers shall be prohibited.
(3)
The parking of any vehicle bearing a sign in public view which is not in operating condition and/or lacks a current registration shall be prohibited.
N.
Development ordinances. The City Council may execute ordinances for individual developments which contain specific language and regulations for project-related signage. Where this occurs and sign requirements set forth in the development ordinance for the specific project conflict with the standards of this article, the terms of the development ordinance shall take precedence, unless the owner decides, subsequent to the adoption of the development ordinance, to conform to the more restrictive regulations of this article.
§ 290-8.4 Signs regulated by zoning district.
A.
All districts.
(1)
Planned development and subdivision identification signs. Freestanding signs shall be permitted for the purpose of identifying planned developments or subdivisions in any zoning district which are three acres or more, subject to the following conditions:
(a)
Number. There shall be a maximum of one such freestanding sign allowed, provided that:
(b)
Residential.
[1]
Residential development identification signs shall be maintained by a homeowners' association or similar organization.
[2]
Identification signs for residential subdivisions may be installed on masonry entry monuments, which may be constructed on both sides of the entry street.
[3]
The height shall not exceed five feet.
[4]
The sign area shall not exceed 40 square feet per side, limited to two sides or 80 square feet total.
[5]
Residential development identification signs and entry monuments shall comply with all setback requirements set forth herein.
(c)
Nonresidential.
[1]
Nonresidential identification signs shall not exceed 45 square feet per side, limited to two sides or 90 square feet total.
[2]
Nonresidential planned development signs shall not exceed 15 feet in height.
[3]
Nonresidential identification signs shall comply with all setback requirements set forth in Subsection A(1)(d) below.
[5]
Tenant identification may be provided on freestanding development identification signs for all other nonresidential uses, provided not more than two tenants are listed on each side of the sign.
(d)
(e)
Illumination. Development identification signs may not be illuminated. However, low-level landscape lighting shall be permitted in residential districts, subject to review and approval by the City. Said landscape lighting shall be adjusted to avoid direct illumination of the sign.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
(f)
Landscaping. Development identification signs shall be landscaped with trees and shrubs to blend the signs or monuments into the landscape of which they are a part.
(2)
Directional signs. Signs which provide only direction or information for vehicular movement to churches, public places, shopping centers and places of public accommodation shall be permitted as follows:
(a)
Directional signs shall not exceed four square feet in area, unless otherwise approved by the City Council.
(b)
The maximum height of any freestanding directional sign shall not exceed four feet, as measured from the top of the adjacent curb, unless otherwise approved by the City.
(c)
There shall be no maximum number of signs, but the number and location of all directional signs shall be as determined by the City as necessary for safety.
(d)
Unless otherwise determined by the City, directional signs shall be set back at least 15 feet from the edge of curb of any street or access drive.
(e)
Directional signs may be illuminated.
(3)
Construction signs. Construction signs shall be allowed in all zoning districts for the purpose of identifying the construction of individual buildings or projects as follows:
(a)
Construction signs shall not be erected any earlier than four months prior to the actual commencement of construction.
(b)
All construction signs shall be confined to the construction site.
(c)
All construction signs shall be removed within 30 days of completion of construction and, in all cases, prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit, unless otherwise approved by the City.
(d)
Upon removal of the construction sign, advertisement of the sale, lease or rent of the property may be achieved through the use of a real estate sign, in accordance with § 290-8.4B(1) of this article.
(e)
The content of construction signs shall be limited to identification of:
(f)
No more than one construction sign shall be allowed per street frontage per project, unless otherwise approved by the City Council, after review and recommendation by the Planning and Zoning Board at a public meeting.
(g)
The maximum size of any construction sign shall not exceed 100 square feet per sign face. Construction signs may be double-sided.
(h)
Construction signs shall not exceed 15 feet in height.
(j)
Construction signs shall not be illuminated.
(4)
Signs not to constitute traffic hazards.
(a)
All signs or other advertising structure, canopy or awning shall be erected or maintained in such a manner as to maintain free and clear vision of motorists.
(b)
No sign or other advertising structure, canopy or awning shall be permitted which distracts the attention of the driver of the vehicle by reason of the position, shape or color thereof.
B.
Residential Districts.
(1)
Real estate signs.
(a)
A sign for the purpose of advertising the sale of property may be installed in a residential district, provided a real estate sign shall:
[1]
Not be illuminated or electrically operated, nor include any moving parts.
[2]
Not exceed an area of four square feet.
[3]
Not exceed a total height of five feet.
[4]
Be limited to on-site advertising only.
[6]
Be removed no later than 10 days subsequent to the signing of a purchase contract.
(b)
Number. There shall be a maximum of one real estate sign allowed per zoning lot; unless the lot is a corner lot, in which case a maximum of two signs shall be permitted. In no case, however, shall more than one sign be installed per street frontage.
(2)
Home occupation/nameplate signs. Home occupation/nameplate signs shall be permitted as follows:
(a)
There shall be a maximum of one such sign per zoning lot.
(b)
Home occupation/nameplate signs shall contain only the name, address, telephone number and occupation of the occupant.
(c)
The maximum size of any home occupation/nameplate sign shall be two square feet.
(d)
Home occupation/nameplate signs shall be installed flat against the face of a building, rather than in a front or side yard.
(e)
Home occupation/nameplate signs shall not be illuminated.
(3)
Garage/Rummage sale signs. Garage and rummage sale signs shall be permitted as follows:
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
(a)
Only one such sign shall be allowed on the premises where the sale is taking place; unless such property has frontage on two public streets, in which case two signs are permitted, one at each frontage.
(b)
Three additional locations (not to include the public right-of-way or any buildings or structures thereon) may be selected for placement of rummage sale or garage sale signs announcing the same sale. Any sign to be placed on property owned by others must have verifiable permission of that property owner.
(c)
No rummage sale or garage sale sign shall exceed four square feet in surface area.
(d)
No garage/rummage sale sign shall exceed five feet in height.
(e)
No such sign shall be placed or otherwise erected for more than three consecutive days at a location permitted under this article.
(f)
No garage sale or rummage sale signs shall be posted or displayed on a tree, streetlight poles, street signs, traffic sign poles or otherwise erected upon any public right-of-way; nor shall they be displayed on or within vehicles or be placed in such a location as to cause an obstruction to the clear view of traffic.
(4)
Church signs. Church signs shall be permitted as follows:
(a)
There shall be a maximum of one church sign per zoning lot, provided a maximum of two church signs shall be permitted when the church to which the sign refers is located on a corner lot.
(b)
Church signs shall not exceed an area of 45 square feet per side, nor a height of 15 feet.
(c)
Church signs shall be set back a minimum of 15 feet from all property lines and from the back of the curb of adjacent access drives and, in no case, less than 20 feet from the back of the curb of an adjacent public street.
(d)
Church signs may include changeable copy.
(e)
Church signs may be illuminated.
C.
Nonresidential.
(1)
Wall signs. Identification for Businesses, Industrial and Office Research Districts shall be permitted as follows:
(a)
There shall be a maximum of one such wall sign for each business establishment; provided, however, that a maximum of two such wall signs shall be permitted when:
[1]
The business establishment to which the sign refers is located on a corner lot.
[2]
The business establishment to which the sign refers has more than one business frontage.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
[3]
A business establishment occupies the entire structure of which it is a part and chooses to erect a second wall sign in lieu of a freestanding sign where such freestanding sign is permitted.
(b)
The maximum size of any business identification wall sign shall not exceed 5% of the building facade area upon which the sign is to be located, to a maximum of 200 square feet.
(c)
Business identification signs may be illuminated.
(d)
Tenant wall signs within a retail commercial shopping center under unified control shall be unified in design. Where signs are reviewed as part of a planned development or special use request, plans and other documentation shall be submitted for approval by the City Council which:
[1]
Show the sign area will not exceed regulations of this article.
[2]
Identify the number of lines of copy proposed.
[3]
Identify the maximum and minimum letter height for each line of copy.
[4]
Show that signs would be centered horizontally and vertically on the sign frieze or background.
[5]
Address whether logos will be permitted.
[6]
Define proposed color styling.
[7]
Identify the allowable length of the storefront facade.
[8]
Identify required separation between signs.
(2)
Freestanding signs.
(a)
In addition to signs otherwise permitted in nonresidential districts, one freestanding sign may be permitted where it is determined by the City that otherwise permitted signage would be inadequate in identifying the business use and that one of the following conditions is met:
[1]
The use is a restaurant or service station.
[2]
The business use is located on a parcel which, by virtue of topographic conditions, substantially restricts the visibility of the premises. Required landscaping, mounding and required building setbacks shall not be deemed an obstruction to visibility.
[3]
The use employs a freestanding sign in lieu of a wall sign due to unique requirements of the business.
[4]
The use is an office building or an office complex; provided, however, not more than one freestanding sign is installed in lieu of any wall signage otherwise permitted under the terms of this article.
(b)
The required conditions to erection, relocation and maintenance of freestanding signs are as follows:
[1]
The total height, including the base of a freestanding sign, shall not exceed 15 feet.
[2]
The sign area shall not exceed 45 square feet per side, limited to two sides or 90 square feet total.
[3]
The sign shall be located within a minimum setback of 15 feet from any property line or from the back of the curb of an adjacent access drive. In all cases, the freestanding sign shall be set back 20 feet from the back of the curb of an adjacent public street.
[4]
The sign shall not impede normal pedestrian movement nor obstruct the driver line-of-sight for motor vehicle traffic.
[5]
The sign may be illuminated.
(3)
Signs accessory to automobile service stations and service station/mini-mart only. The following signs are permitted as accessory only to automobile service stations, subject to the conditions specified below:
(a)
Racks for the orderly display of cans of engine oil may be located on or at the ends of each pump island or adjacent to the station building.
(b)
Two tire racks, not to exceed five feet in height, six feet in length and five feet in depth, shall be permitted at each gasoline or tire service station for the purpose of displaying new tires. Such racks shall comply with all setback and yard requirements and shall only advertise the products contained thereon.
(c)
Items for sale on the premises shall not be displayed within 25 feet of any property line, and any display of such items must comply with all applicable regulations. Products may be displayed under pump island canopies or between pumps within the area of the pump island base.
(d)
One double-faced sign presenting the pricing of gasoline products sold upon the premises shall be permitted as follows:
[1]
Each sign shall not exceed 10 square feet per side.
[2]
No letter or numeral on any pricing sign shall exceed 10 inches by 10 inches by 14 inches in size.
[3]
No pricing sign shall exceed a height of 15 feet.
[4]
Pricing signs may be combined as part of the permitted freestanding business identification sign. The total area of such a combined sign shall not exceed 45 square feet per side.
(4)
Awning or canopy signs. Letters may be painted or otherwise permanently affixed to any permissible awning or canopy, subject to the following conditions:
(5)
Temporary window signs. Each commercially zoned establishment may have one or more temporary window signs, subject to the following provisions:
(a)
Temporary window signs shall not exceed 25% of the total display glass area of any building facade in which such signs are displayed.
(b)
Temporary window signs shall be limited to those describing or advertising a retail sale promotion or special sale or event.
(c)
Temporary window signs shall not be included in the computation of total allowable sign surface area.
(6)
Beacons. Beacons, as defined in § 290-8.2 of this article, shall be permitted for grand openings, subject to the following:
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
(7)
Portable signs. Portable signs shall be permitted for grand openings, as defined in § 290-8.2 of this article, subject to the following:
(8)
Changeable copy. Changeable copy shall only be permitted for:
(a)
Church bulletin signs, in accordance with § 290-8.4B(4).
(b)
Freestanding and wall signs for public agencies and theaters, provided that sign area does not exceed that allowed by the provisions of this article.
(c)
Public service display of time and temperature.
(9)
Real estate.
(a)
A sign for the purpose of advertising the sale of property may be installed; provided, however, that a real estate sign shall:
[1]
Not be illuminated or electrically operated, nor include any moving parts.
[2]
Not exceed an area of 16 square feet.
[3]
Not exceed 15 feet in height
[4]
Be limited to on-site advertising only.
[5]
Be located on the subject property and set back not less than 15 feet from any lot line for nonresidential property and five feet for a residential property.
[6]
Be removed no later than 10 days subsequent to the signing of a purchase contract.
(b)
Number. There shall be a maximum of one real estate sign allowed per zoning lot; unless the lot is a corner lot, in which case a maximum of two signs shall be permitted. In no case, however, shall more than one sign be installed per street frontage.
§ 290-8.5 Permit required; application and fees.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
Except as otherwise provided in this article, it shall be unlawful for any person to erect, re-erect, alter, relocate, affix or paint (does not refer to maintenance) any sign without first having obtained a sign permit therefor. Where electrical and/or construction is required in connection with erecting, re-erecting, altering, affixing or painting a sign, the Mayor shall review the plans with the Zoning Administrator prior to issuing the sign permit.
A.
Application procedure.
(1)
Application for a sign permit shall be made in writing on forms provided by the City and shall include:
(a)
Site plans for freestanding signs only, in triplicate, drawn to scale and fully dimensioned, showing:
[1]
A North arrow.
[2]
A dimensioned site plan of the parcel or lot upon which the sign is to be located.
[3]
The name, address and telephone number of the person erecting the sign.
[4]
The name, address and telephone number of the person applying for the sign permit.
[5]
The name, address and telephone number of the owner of the property upon which the sign is to be erected.
[6]
The location and setback of the sign upon the parcel or lot upon which it is to be erected.
(b)
Three copies of all signage drawings, including freestanding signs, with elevation and section showing sign faces, exposed surfaces and horizontal dimension in scale as to size, proportion and color and indicating the dimension between the lowest elevation of the sign and grade, the projection from buildings or sign structures, and a description of the sign, including, but not limited to, illumination and colors.
(c)
Three copies of structural and electrical plans.
(d)
The written consent of the owner of the building, structure or property upon or to which the sign is to be erected.
(e)
Such other information as the City shall require to show full compliance with this and all other laws and ordinances of the City.
(2)
Each application for a sign permit shall be reviewed by the Mayor for the purpose of determining compliance with the provisions of this article and all other applicable laws and ordinances of the City.
B.
Issuance or denial of sign permit.
(1)
The City shall issue a sign permit for the erection, re-erection, alteration, relocation, affixing or painting of a sign within the City when the required permit application is properly made, all appropriate fees have been paid and the City has determined that the sign will comply with the provisions of this article and all other applicable laws and ordinances of the City.
(2)
When any application for sign permit is denied by the Mayor, the City shall give written notice of the denial to the applicant, together with a brief written statement of the reasons for the denial. Appeal from the Mayor's decision to deny a permit application may be made by the applicant in accordance with the ordinance of the City.
C.
Exceptions. Any requested exception from the terms of this article shall be reviewed and evaluated by the Planning and Zoning Board as a special use as set forth in Article X.
D.
Limitations. Sign permits shall allow the erection, re-erection, alteration, relocation, affixing or painting of a sign only on the property designated in the permit and only by the person to whom the permit was issued and shall not be transferable. A separate sign permit must be obtained for each sign for which a permit is required.
E.
Permit fees. Every sign permit application shall be accompanied by a fee as set from time to time by the City Council to reimburse the City for expenses incurred in connection with its sign inspections and services. This fee will be waived for nonprofit and governmental organizations.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]