A.

Purpose. It is the purpose of this section to regulate and control the location, number, design, installation, and maintenance of signs and matters relating thereto within the City of Maryland Heights, in order to promote the public safety, health, and general welfare of the community, and resulting in signs that:

1.

Legibly convey their messages without being distracting or unsafe to motorists reading them.

2.

Are an integral architectural element of the buildings and sites that they identify.

3.

Contribute to the convenience of the public and the attractiveness of the streetscape.

B.

Intent. It is the intent of this section to:

1.

Provide for uniform regulation and orderly development of signs.

2.

Establish a desirable and attractive living environment through harmonious and uniform signage.

3.

Accommodate the identification and communication needs of businesses and other organizations.

4.

Protect the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, and passengers.

5.

Enable the public to easily locate goods, services, and facilities in the City.

6.

Neither directly nor indirectly regulate the message content of signs but only the time, place, and manner of their display.

7.

Ensure that the constitutionally guaranteed right of free speech is protected.

8.

Establish standards that are designed to ensure that signs conform to the character of development established in the comprehensive plan.

(Ord. No. 2019-4402, § 1, 1-17-19)

A.

The provisions of this section shall govern the installation, alteration, and maintenance of all signs.

B.

This section regulates only the sign structure or design, and not the sign's content. For example, a freestanding sign is regulated only by size, height, location, and structure. The references to sign structure and sign face have no bearing on the sign's content, message or viewpoint. The only exceptions to this rule are real estate signs and political signs, which are specifically defined and protected by the Missouri Revised Statutes.

C.

Signs containing noncommercial speech are permitted anywhere that advertising or business signs are permitted. The sign may be changed from a commercial to noncommercial message as frequently as desired by the owner of the sign, provided that the size, height, design, location, and structure conform to the applicable portions of this Code, and the appropriate permits are obtained.

D.

If any section, sentence, clause or phrase of this Code is found to be invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct, and independent provision and the remaining sections standing on their own shall still be valid.

(Ord. No. 2019-4402, § 1, 1-17-19)

A.

Permit required. Except where otherwise stated herein, no sign subject to the regulations of this Code shall be installed without obtaining a sign permit. Applications for sign permits shall include, but not be limited to the following:

1.

Application form. Completion of an authorized application form supplied by the city planner.

2.

The location of the building, structure, or lot on which the sign is to be located.

3.

A site plan of the property involved, showing accurate placement thereon of the proposed sign.

4.

Plans and specifications of the sign to be attached or erected, including the method of construction and the method to attach the sign to the building or mount in the ground. Plans and specifications shall include details of dimensions, materials, color, weight, footings (if applicable), and mounting hardware (if applicable).

5.

If required by the building commissioner, a copy of stress sheets and calculations prepared by or approved by a registered structural engineer licensed by the State of Missouri showing that the sign is designed for dead load and wind pressure in any direction in the amount required by this and all other applicable regulations.

6.

An easement of record from the owner of the building, structure, or property on which any off-site or project identification sign is to be erected or affixed.

7.

St. Louis County electrical permit number (if illuminated).

8.

Fees. Filing and review fees as established by the city council.

B.

Sign package.

1.

Required. A sign package is required for review by the planning commission for the following signs:

a.

Attached signs on multiple-story buildings containing multiple businesses or tenants on or above the floor plate of the second floor as per section 25.15.7 C, Attached Signs on Multiple-Story Buildings Containing Multiple Businesses or Tenants.

b.

An additional freestanding sign which faces a limited access highway in accordance with section 25-15.7 F, Additional Freestanding Sign Facing a Limited Access Highway.

c.

Electronic Message Centers in accordance with section 25-15.8, Electronic Message Centers.

2.

Optional. For projects with multiple buildings or tenants, unique circumstances such as poor visibility or irregularly shaped sites, or when a uniquely creative approach to signage design is proposed, an applicant may submit a sign package for review and approval by the planning commission.

3.

Specific intent. The specific intent of this procedure is to provide a process to evaluate the number, size, location, height, and design of signage within a project on a comprehensive basis to ensure that it is installed as a consistent, integrated component of the development.

4.

Submittal requirements. Said sign package shall include:

a.

Application form. Completion of an authorized application form supplied by the city planner.

b.

The location of the buildings, structures, or lots on which the sign(s) will be installed.

c.

A site plan of the property involved, showing accurate placement thereon of the proposed signs.

d.

Photographs, illustrations, or renderings of the building, site, and/or other signage on the site as required to determine consistency.

e.

Other materials or evidence as may be required to demonstrate compliance with the review criteria.

f.

Fees. Filing and review fees as established by the city council.

5.

Review criteria.

a.

Signs within the proposed package may deviate from the number, size, location, height, and design criteria specified by this section for each type of sign, provided that the overall approach meets or exceeds the provisions of section 25-15.1, Purpose and Intent.

b.

Signs listed in section 25-15.4, Prohibited Signs, are highly discouraged within a sign package. Such signs shall only be approved by the planning commission when there are extenuating circumstances that make such signs necessary for adequate communication.

c.

The provisions of section 25-15.9, Standard Outdoor Advertising Structures (Billboards), shall not be waived or modified by a sign package. Proposed waivers or modifications shall be subject to section 25-9, Variances.

6.

Planning commission action. The planning commission may approve, approve with modifications, or deny the proposed sign package.

7.

Permits. A sign permit shall be required to install each sign in the approved package as per section 25-15.3.A, Permit Required.

8.

Amendments to sign package. Applications to amend any portion of an approved sign package shall be made to the planning commission for their review and approval.

C.

Determination of sign area.

1.

For attached signs incorporating backgrounds, the sign area shall be the area of the smallest rectangle(s) which completely encompasses all copy and any accompanying sign background.

2.

For signs incorporating individual letters or logos, the sign area shall be the area of the smallest rectangle(s) necessary to enclose each word or logo.

3.

Unless otherwise noted, allowable sign area shall be the gross area (sign face and structure) of the sign, rather than the net area (sign face only).

4.

The sign area of a V-shaped sign with an angle exceeding ninety (90) degrees between the two sides of the sign shall be the sum of the sign area of both sides.

D.

Compliance with building and electrical codes. The provisions of the current building code shall govern the construction, alteration, and maintenance of all signs so far as they do not conflict with the provisions of this section. The building commissioner shall enforce all provisions of the building code. An electrical permit from St. Louis County shall be required for illuminated signs. Verification of the county electrical permit number shall be required prior to issuance of a sign permit.

E.

Removal of signs.

1.

Unsafe signs shall be removed as provided in the building code.

2.

The building commissioner may cause the removal of any sign that is an immediate peril to persons or property summarily and without notice.

3.

If any sign requiring a permit is erected without a permit, the building commissioner shall order it removed.

4.

If a sign obstructs free ingress or egress from any door, window or fire escape, the building commissioner shall order it removed.

(Ord. No. 2019-4402, § 1, 1-17-19; Ord. No. 2020-4541, § 3, 9-3-20; Ord. No. 2023-4841, § 2, 12-7-23)

The following signs and advertising devices are hereby prohibited:

A.

Animated or flashing signs (see Appendix A, Rules and Definitions).

B.

Any sign placed in a public easement or right-of-way, including those attached to objects within such easement or right-of-way such as utility poles, trees, and hydrants, except as specifically provided in this section.

C.

Any sign that prevents free ingress to or egress from any door or window, or any other exit way required by the building or fire codes of the city.

D.

Any sign that obstructs the view of any authorized traffic sign, signal, or other traffic control device.

E.

Any sign that could interfere with or be confused with any authorized traffic signal, sign or other traffic control device.

F.

Any sign that obstructs vision of the public right-of-way to a vehicle operator during ingress to, egress from, or while traveling on the public right-of-way.

G.

Any on-premises sign advertising an article or product not manufactured, assembled, processed, repaired or sold or a service not rendered upon the premises upon which the sign is located with the exceptions of those governed by section 25-15.9, Standard Outdoor Advertising Structures (Billboards), and signs with a noncommercial message.

H.

Any sign or advertising device affixed on wires or ropes, streamers, wind-operated devices, pinwheels, banners, "A" frames, or other temporary or portable signs of like nature, or other similar contraptions or techniques, except that which may be displayed under the provisions of this section specifically related to temporary signs.

I.

Signs placed or affixed to vehicles and/or trailers which are parked on a public right-of-way, public property, or private property so as to be visible from a public right-of-way where the primary purpose is to advertise a product/service or direct people to a business or activity. However, this is not in any way intended to prohibit signs placed on or affixed to vehicles and trailers, such as permanent lettering on motor vehicles, where the sign is incidental to the primary use of the vehicle or trailer.

J.

Signs which contain characters, cartoons, statements, words or pictures of an obscene, indecent, prurient, or immoral character.

K.

Any form of outline lighting sign that utilizes exposed neon tubing, LED roping, fluorescent lighting, or other lighting device.

(Ord. No. 2019-4402, § 1, 1-17-19)

A.

Any sign legally existing prior to enactment of this section but which violates any provision of this section, may continue to be maintained and used subject to the following provisions:

1.

Enlargement. No nonconforming signs shall be enlarged, expanded, or extended to occupy a greater square footage or height than was occupied on the date of adoption or amendment of this section. Modifications of nonconforming signs to include electronic message centers shall be in accordance with section 25-15.8, Electronic message centers.

2.

Relocation. No nonconforming signs shall be moved in whole or in part to any other portion of the lot, parcel or building not so occupied on the date of adoption of this section, except that any such sign which is hereafter required to be moved by a governmental body for the purpose of construction, relocation, widening, or improvement of a street, highway, or other public purpose, may be relocated once and allowed to be maintained and used as before.

3.

Discontinuance. If the business or service advertised or identified by a nonconforming sign ceases to be conducted for a period exceeding thirty (30) calendar days, the nonconforming sign shall be classified as an "abandoned sign," and removed.

4.

Destruction. Should any nonconforming sign be destroyed by any means to an extent of up to fifty (50) percent of its surface area or structure, it shall not be reconstructed, except in conformance with the requirements of this Code.

5.

Change in copy. Nonconforming signs may be repainted or the sign panels replaced for a change in copy.

6.

Maintenance and repair. Ordinary maintenance of a nonconforming sign may be permitted including any structural changes necessary for safety purposes to comply with the current International Building Code adopted by the city. However, when a sign structure is determined to be substandard or unsafe by the building commissioner under any applicable ordinance of the city and the cost of repairing the sign structure in condition to satisfy the standards under such ordinance shall exceed sixty (60) percent of the entire replacement cost of the sign, such nonconforming sign may not be repaired for the purpose of continuing as a nonconforming sign.

(Ord. No. 2019-4402, § 1, 1-17-19; Ord. No. 2019-4457, § 1, 8-15-19)

A.

Permitted signs on single family residential lots. The following signs may be permitted on single-family residential lots. These signs shall be exempt from the permitting process required by this Code. However, such signs shall comply with the requirements of this section and those other sections referenced herein:

1.

Address sign. One (1) sign identifying the address of the property on a building, sign structure, or mailbox.

2.

Temporary signs.

a.

One (1) temporary yard sign not to exceed four (4) square feet in gross area or three (3) feet in height.

b.

Properties for sale or lease.

i.

Each lot for sale or lease may be permitted one (1) real estate sign in accordance with the Missouri Revised Statutes.

ii.

Such sign shall be removed within five (5) days following the date of closing or lease initiation.

iii.

Such sign shall be located on the subject property and located outside the sight distance triangles unless three (3) feet in height or less.

iv.

Such sign shall be limited to six (6) square feet in area and six (6) feet in overall height.

c.

During an election. Within forty-five (45) days prior to and ten (10) days after any election held within Maryland Heights, each lot may be permitted one (1) political sign per candidate and proposition on the Maryland Heights election ballot.

3.

Subdivision signs. A subdivision may have signs located at the principal entry streets, subject to the limitations of section 25-15.6.B.2, Freestanding Signs.

B.

Permitted signs for multi-family residential developments.

1.

Address signs. Signs identifying addresses of units and/or buildings with multi-family residential developments are permitted on buildings, sign structures, or mailboxes. No sign permit shall be required for address signs.

2.

Freestanding signs. Freestanding signs are subject to the review and approval of the city planner. The following criteria shall be considered by the city planner to determine the appropriate location, size, and design of the sign(s) necessary to identify the subdivision or multi-family residential development:

a.

Location. Such signs shall be located at the principal entry streets to the subdivision or development being identified subject to the review and approval of the city planner. The location shall be determined by an analysis of the required sight lines from the public right-of-way to create a clearly visible identification of the subdivision or development to vehicular traffic. No portion of the sign shall encroach on the public right-of-way.

b.

Area. Such sign shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet in gross area, unless located along an arterial roadway (as classified by the East-West Gateway Council of Governments) in which case such sign shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet in net area and one hundred (100) square feet in gross area.

c.

Height. Such sign shall not exceed six (6) feet in height, unless located along an arterial roadway (as classified by the East-West Gateway Council of Governments) in which case such sign shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height.

d.

Design. Such signs shall be consistent in materials and design with the dwellings within the subdivision or development.

3.

Temporary signs. Temporary signs on multi-family residential properties shall be in accordance with section 25-15.7.G.2.d, Other Temporary Signs.

C.

Properties under construction. One (1) temporary freestanding sign may be permitted on a residential property currently under construction subject to the following:

1.

Area and height. Such sign shall not exceed thirty-six (36) square feet in gross area and six (6) feet in height.

2.

Removal. Such sign shall be removed ten (10) days after the receipt of an occupancy permit for a building or development or ten (10) days after the completion of the work.

3.

A zoning permit, rather than a sign permit, shall be required for such sign.

4.

Subdivisions. For subdivisions under construction, larger, taller, and/or additional signs may be approved by the planning commission upon review of a sign package in accordance with section 25-15.3.B, Sign Package.

D.

Permitted signs for institutional uses located on residentially zoned properties. Signs for institutional uses shall conform to the requirements of section 15.7, Signs on Non-Residential Properties.

(Ord. No. 2019-4402, § 1, 1-17-19)

The following signs may be permitted on properties with non-residential uses:

A.

Attached Sign.

1.

Number. Generally, one (1) attached sign may be permitted per building. Additional attached signs may be permitted in the following situations:

a.

Corner lots. In the instance of corner lots or double frontage lots, an additional attached sign will be permitted on each street frontage of the building.

b.

Interstate, freeway, or expressway frontage. In the instance of lots having frontage on an interstate, freeway, or expressway (as classified by the East-West Gateway Council of Governments), an additional attached sign will be permitted on the side of the building facing the interstate, freeway, or expressway.

c.

Rear entrance. Each building or property may have one (1) additional attached sign on walls containing a main entrance which face customer parking areas but are not visible from either a public or private street. For this exception to apply, the sign must be attached to the same wall as the respective entrance.

d.

Multi-tenant buildings. In the instance of buildings with multiple occupancy, requirements shall be as per section 25-15.7.B, Attached Signs on Single-Story Buildings Containing Multiple Businesses or Tenants or Section 25-15.7.C, Attached Signs on Multiple-Story Buildings Containing Multiple Businesses or Tenants.

2.

Location.

a.

Such sign shall be face mounted on the building wall, projecting not more than twelve (12) inches from the face of the building.

b.

No such sign shall project above the parapet wall, mansard, or other roof line. A sign may only be allowed on a pitched roof location where the city planner determines there is no practical alternative. In such case the sign shall be limited to individual letters with mounting hardware hidden from view.

3.

Area. Such sign shall not exceed five (5) percent of the total square footage of the building face upon which it is placed.

4.

Reserved.

5.

Design. Each sign shall consist of:

a.

Individual letters/numbers and logos; or

b.

A sign panel or cabinet. If internally illuminated, only the text and logo on the panel or cabinet may be illuminated so they appear to be individual letters/numbers and logos at night. The sign background on the panel or cabinet shall not be internally illuminated.

B.

Attached signs on single-story buildings containing multiple businesses or tenants.

1.

Number.

a.

Each business or tenant may have one (1) attached sign and/or one (1) awning sign which conforms to the requirements of section 25-15.7.D, Awning Signs.

b.

Corner lots. A business or tenant located on a corner or double-frontage lot may have an additional sign provided that:

i.

The tenant space fronts directly on both streets (with no intervening parcels or buildings).

ii.

One (1) sign shall be permitted on each façade occupied by the tenant.

2.

Location.

a.

Each sign must be attached to the lease unit containing the business tenant identified.

b.

To the greatest extent possible, such signs shall be organized along, and integrated with, a common horizontal band or architectural element.

3.

Area. Each sign shall not exceed five (5) percent of the total square footage of the face of the lease unit which it identifies.

4.

Reserved.

5.

Design. Each sign shall consist of:

a.

Individual letters/numbers and logos; or

b.

A sign panel or cabinet. If internally illuminated, only the text and logo on the panel or cabinet may be illuminated so they appear to be individual letters/numbers and logos at night. The sign background on the panel or cabinet shall not be internally illuminated.

C.

Attached signs on multiple-story buildings containing multiple businesses or tenants.

1.

Sign package required. For applicants wishing to locate signs on multiple-story multiple-tenant buildings, a sign package shall be provided for approval by the planning commission.

a.

Said package shall include:

i.

A site plan and elevations of the entire building and property.

ii

Locations, sizes, and photo-simulations of all attached signs being proposed for immediate and future installation.

iii.

Existing and proposed freestanding signs.

iv.

Other materials or evidence as may be required to demonstrate compliance with this provision, section 25-15.1, Purpose and Intent.

b.

Review and approval of individual signs. The city planner shall review and approve individual sign permits based on consistency with the approved sign package.

c.

Amendments to sign package. Applications to amend any portion of an approved sign package shall be made to the planning commission for their review and approval.

2.

The sign package shall address compliance with the following provisions:

a.

Location.

i.

To the greatest extent possible, such signs shall be organized along, and integrated with, a common horizontal band or architectural element.

ii.

Such signs shall not be located on any mechanical/service penthouse or other rooftop appurtenance.

b.

Area. No single attached identification sign shall exceed two (2) percent of the surface area of the building façade or significant elevation upon which is it placed.

c.

Total area. The total combined area of all attached tenant identification signs shall not exceed five (5) percent of the total combined wall area of all building façades or significant elevations facing a public street.

d.

Design.

i.

Such signs shall be designed as an integral component of the architectural elevation.

ii.

Such signs shall consist of letters/numbers and logos only. Illuminated panels or cabinets are prohibited.

iii.

Mounting hardware shall be hidden from view.

D.

Awning signs.

1.

Location. Such signs may only be attached to or otherwise permanently affixed to the awning.

2.

Area. Awning sign area shall be limited to a maximum of sixty (60) percent of the awning perimeter.

3.

Clearance and other standards. Awning signs must maintain minimum clearances and construction standards as determined by the building commissioner.

E.

Freestanding sign.

1.

Number. One (1) freestanding sign may be permitted per lot, except as provided in section 25-15.7.F, Additional Freestanding Sign Facing an Interstate, Freeway, or Expressway.

2.

Location. The entirety of such sign shall be located no closer than two (2) feet to any property line. Such sign shall also be located outside the sight distance triangles, unless three (3) feet in height or less as measured above the established street grade.

3.

Area. Such sign shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet in gross area, unless located along an arterial roadway (as classified by the East-West Gateway Council of Governments) in which case such sign shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet in net area and one hundred (100) square feet in gross area.

4.

Height. Such sign shall not exceed six (6) feet in height, unless located along an arterial roadway (as classified by the East-West Gateway Council of Governments) in which case such sign shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height.

5.

Design.

a.

Such a sign shall have a solid base placed upon the ground or a maximum of twelve (12) inches above the surrounding grade.

b.

If the base is designed such that it is smaller than the portion of the sign above it, the width of said base shall be at least seventy (70) percent as wide of the portion of the sign it supports.

c.

Such sign shall be architecturally compatible with the building it identifies in material, color, and design.

F.

Additional freestanding sign facing an interstate, freeway, or expressway. In the instance of a lot having frontage on an interstate, freeway, or expressway (as classified by the East-West Gateway Council of Governments), a freestanding sign facing the interstate, freeway, or expressway may be permitted in addition to the permitted freestanding sign facing another roadway, subject to the review and approval of a sign package by the planning commission in accordance with section 25-15.3.B, Sign Package, of the zoning code.

G.

Additional signs.

1.

In general.

a.

No additional sign(s) shall be placed in any public right-of-way or on any public property with the exception of signs placed by the government for public safety, public information, or wayfinding.

b.

No temporary sign shall be placed in a location in such a manner as to constitute a safety hazard, or hindrance to pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

c.

Freestanding signs shall be located no closer than two (2) feet to any property line and shall be located outside the sight distance triangles if over three (3) feet in height.

d.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the city planner and city engineer may authorize the placement within the right-of-way of temporary signs identifying by name open businesses adjacent to ongoing road construction. Any such sign shall comply with MoDOT or other applicable standards regarding lettering, size, material, and placement.

2.

Additional signs subject to permits. The following may be permitted subject to a sign permit, in accordance with section 25-15.3.A, Permit Required, unless otherwise noted:

a.

Signs at entry/exit. Two (2) freestanding signs per entry/exit from a street may be permitted, subject to the following:

i.

Location. Such signs shall be located in close proximity to the entry/exit point, subject to the review and approval of the city planner.

ii.

Area. Such signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet in gross area, unless architecturally compatible with their associated building(s) in both materials and design, in which case such signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet in net area.

iii.

Height. Such signs shall not exceed three (3) feet in height unless located outside the sight distance triangles, in which case such signs may be up to five (5) feet in height.

b.

Properties for sale or lease. One (1) freestanding real estate sign may be permitted on any nonresidential property that is for sale or rent, subject to the following:

i.

Area and height. Such sign shall not exceed thirty-six (36) square feet in gross area or six (6) feet in height.

ii.

Removal. Such sign shall be removed within five (5) days following the date of closing or lease initiation.

iii.

A temporary sign permit shall be required for such sign.

iv.

Additional signs. One (1) additional real estate sign may be permitted for a property with multiple street frontages or multiple buildings.

v.

Larger or taller sign. Notwithstanding the foregoing, real estate signs along arterials may be up to fifty (50) square feet in area and ten (10) feet in height, and real estate signs along freeways/expressways (as classified by the East-West Gateway Council of Governments) may be up to one hundred twenty (120) square feet in area and fifteen (15) feet in height. However, a sign permit (rather than a temporary sign permit) shall be required for such larger or taller sign.

vi.

Building mounted banner. In addition to, or in lieu of a freestanding sign, each property for sale or lease may have one (1) building mounted banner, subject to the requirements of 25-15.7.G.d, Other Temporary Sign.

c.

Properties under construction. One (1) temporary freestanding sign may be permitted on a property currently under construction subject to the following:

i.

Area and height. Such sign shall not exceed thirty-six (36) square feet in gross area or six (6) feet in height.

ii.

Removal. Such sign shall be removed ten (10) days after the receipt of an occupancy permit for a building or development or ten (10) days after the completion of the work if no occupancy permit is required.

iii.

A temporary sign permit shall be required for such sign.

iv.

Additional signs. One (1) additional sign may be permitted for a property with multiple street frontages or multiple buildings.

v.

Larger or taller sign. Notwithstanding the foregoing, such signs along arterials may be up to fifty (50) square feet in area and ten (10) feet in height, and such signs along freeways/expressways (as classified by the East-West Gateway Council of Governments) may be up to one hundred twenty (120) square feet in area and fifteen (15) feet in height. However, a sign permit (rather than a temporary sign permit) shall be required for such larger or taller sign.

d.

Other temporary sign. A temporary sign may be approved by the city planner, subject to the following:

i.

Permit required. A temporary sign permit shall be required. Applicants shall submit all required information listed on the appropriate form. The consent of the property owner/manager shall be required on the application for a multi-tenant property.

ii.

Types. Such sign is limited to:

• A building, wall, or fence mounted banner;

• A ground mounted banner; or

• A yard sign.

iii.

Number. A maximum of one (1) such sign per business per opportunity may be permitted.

iv.

Duration. The use of such sign shall be limited to eight (8) opportunities for each business in a calendar year. Each opportunity shall be no more than seven (7) days in length. The opportunities may be held consecutively, permitting up to fifty-six (56) days in a calendar year. In the case of extenuating circumstances, the city planner may grant an extension of up to fifty-six (56) days. Any further extension shall be subject to the review and approval of the Planning Commission.

Exceptions:

• Banners used as real estate signs, as defined by the Missouri Revised Statutes, shall not be limited to a duration of time but shall be removed within five (5) days following the date of closing or lease initiation.

• An additional fourteen (14) day period may be permitted for grand openings (new businesses or businesses that have undergone a substantial renovation).

v.

Area and Height.

• Building, wall, or fence mounted banner—limited to sixty (60) square feet in area.

• Ground mounted banner—limited to thirty-six (36) square feet in area and four (4) feet in height.

• Yard sign—limited to four (4) square feet in area and three (3) feet in height.

vi.

Mounting. A building mounted banner shall be securely mounted along a building, wall, or fence, not projecting in a perpendicular fashion. A ground mounted banner shall be securely mounted to no less than two (2) posts or similar mounting devices. A yard sign shall be mounted to a metal post securely placed in the ground.

vii.

Multi-tenant properties. On properties with multiple tenants, ground mounted banners shall be separated by a minimum of two hundred (200) feet and yard signs shall be separated by a minimum of one hundred (100) feet from other yard signs or ground mounted banners.

3.

Additional signs, no permit required: The following additional signs are exempt from the permitting process required by this Code. However, such signs shall comply with the requirements of this section and those other sections referenced herein:

a.

Window signs. Up to twenty-five (25) percent of the window area on each face of a nonresidential building may be used for temporary and/or permanent signage.

b.

During an election. Within forty-five (45) days prior to and ten (10) days after any election held within Maryland Heights, each lot may be permitted one (1) political sign per candidate and proposition on the Maryland Heights election ballot.

c.

Special events. Additional temporary signs may be permitted on a property during an event authorized by a special event license in accordance with section 14-309, Special Events, of the Municipal Code. The temporary signs shall be removed immediately at the conclusion of the event.

d.

Gasoline stations. One (1) temporary sign per pump-island not exceeding two (2) square feet in area for a lot with a gasoline station may be permitted. Such sign shall be placed on the body of the gasoline pump.

e.

Bus shelters. One (1) additional sign is permitted on one (1) end of a bus shelter, not exceeding twenty five (25) square feet.

(Ord. No. 2019-4402, § 1, 1-17-19; Ord. No. 2023-4841, § 3, 12-7-23)

A.

Permitted.

1.

One (1) permitted freestanding identification sign per lot may be equipped with one (1) electronic message center per sign face, subject to the provisions of this section.

2.

Outdoor advertising structures (billboards) may be equipped with one (1) electronic message center per sign face, subject to following provisions:

a.

The outdoor advertising structure incorporating the electronic message center shall be pole or pylon mounted. Electronic message centers attached to buildings shall not be permitted.

b.

No electronic message center shall be permitted on a billboard within two thousand (2,000) lineal feet of an existing billboard equipped with an electronic message center facing the same (or similar) direction, regardless of which side of the roadway the standard advertising structure is located upon.

c.

The electronic message center shall meet all requirements of section 25-15.8, Electronic Message Centers, except as follows:

i.

The electronic message center shall not exceed a maximum of five thousand (5,000) nits (candelas per square meter) during daylight hours and a maximum illumination of three hundred (300) nits (candelas per square meter) between sundown and sunrise measured from the sign's face at maximum brightness.

ii.

Maximum brightness shall also be limited to three-tenths (0.3) footcandles above ambient lighting measured at a distance (in feet) equal to the square root of the electronic message center's square footage times one hundred (100), or the nearest residential property line, whichever is closer to the sign. The applicant shall submit a plan demonstrating the required three-tenths (0.3) footcandle dispersion.

iii.

When abutting a residential property or district(s), the electronic message center shall incorporate angled louvers, shielding blades, or similar features as needed to achieve the required dispersion, subject to the review and approval of the planning commission.

B.

Prohibited.

1.

Pre-existing nonconforming signs shall not be modified or expanded to incorporate electronic message centers (with the exception of outdoor advertising structures in accordance with subsection 25-15.8.A.2 above).

2.

Said prohibition includes, but is not limited to, pole and pylon signs.

3.

Attached identification signs or window signs incorporating electronic message centers shall not be permitted.

4.

Electronic message centers shall not be permitted on signs authorized by subsection 25-15.7.F, Additional Sign Facing and Interstate, Freeway, or Expressway.

C.

Duration of image display. Each image displayed shall have a minimum duration of eight (8) seconds.

D.

Presentation. The image shall be a static display. No portion of the image shall flash, scintillate, fade in or fade out, scroll, twirl, change color, or in any manner imitate movement. No motion imagery, special effect to imitate movement, or presentation of graphics displayed in a progression of frames that give the illusion of motion shall be permitted.

E.

Transition. When the image or any portion thereof changes, the change sequence shall only be accomplished by means of instantaneous re-pixelization.

F.

Brightness and illumination.

1.

Brightness. The electronic message center shall not exceed a maximum of five thousand (5,000) nits (candelas per square meter) during daylight hours and a maximum illumination of five hundred (500) nits (candelas per square meter) between sundown and sunrise measured from the sign's face at maximum brightness. Maximum brightness shall also be limited to three-tenths (0.3) footcandles above ambient lighting measured at a distance (in feet) equal to the square root of the electronic message center's square footage times one hundred (100), or the nearest residential property line, whichever is closer to the sign.

2.

Fluctuating or flashing illumination. No portion of the electronic message center may fluctuate in light intensity or use intermittent, strobe, or moving light or light that changes in intensity in sudden transitory bursts, streams, zooms, twinkles, sparkles or that in any manner creates the illusion of movement.

3.

Dimmer control. The electronic message center shall be equipped with an automatic dimmer control to automatically produce a distinct illumination change from a higher illumination level to a lower level according to ambient light conditions and for the time period between sundown and sunrise.

G.

Malfunction and non-compliance. The electronic message center shall be designed and equipped to freeze the image in one (1) position if a malfunction occurs. The sign owner shall immediately stop the dynamic display when notified by the city that it is not complying with standards of this Code.

H.

Planning commission review and approval. Prior to issuance of a sign permit for an electronic message center, a sign package shall be provided for approval by the planning commission. Said sign package shall include:

1.

A site plan showing the location of existing and proposed signs on the property.

2.

Drawings or photographs of all existing and proposed signs on the property.

3

Photo simulations of the sign to incorporate the electronic message center from multiple angles which include a scale figure at six (6) feet in height adjacent to the sign.

4.

Specifications on the electronic message center demonstrating compliance with the provisions of this subsection.

5.

Other materials or evidence as may be required to demonstrate compliance with section 25-15.1, Purpose and intent.

6.

Fees. Filing and review fees as established by the city council.

I.

Planning commission action. The planning commission may approve, approve with modifications, or deny the proposed sign package based on its conformance with this subsection as well as with section 25-15.1, Purpose and intent.

J.

Appeals. Appeals from any portion of this subsection of the zoning code, including the planning commission's decision on the electronic message center, shall be made to the board of adjustment in accordance with section 25-9, Variances.

(Ord. No. 2019-4402, § 1, 1-17-19; Ord. No. 2019-4457, § 2, 8-15-19; Ord. No. 2020-4541, §§ 4, 5, 9-3-20)

A.

Where permitted. Advertising signs complying with all the requirements of this ordinance may be permitted upon all property within the City of Maryland Heights having frontage on Interstate 70, Interstate 270, Page Avenue or Lindbergh Boulevard with the exception of those properties within the Non-Urban District or any Residential or Planned Residential District. Within areas zoned planned district, or property in any zoning district upon which a conditional use permit has been issued, such advertising signs shall only be permitted when specifically authorized within the governing ordinance.

B.

Area and height.

1.

The maximum area for any one (1) sign shall not exceed six hundred seventy-two (672) square feet in area including extensions and embellishments, with a maximum width of fourteen (14) feet and a maximum length of forty-eight (48) feet inclusive of border and trim, but excluding the base, apron, supports, and other structural members.

2.

Extensions to the top of advertising signs are permitted. However, in no case shall any extensions exceed the total sign area or extend more than the maximum sign height. Other extensions are permitted as follows:

a

Side extensions—Two (2) feet on each side.

b.

Bottom extensions—One (1) foot.

3.

Embellishments to advertising signs shall not exceed one (1) foot out from the facing of said sign.

4.

The maximum height shall not exceed thirty (30) feet from the highest point on the sign to surrounding grade or street level, whichever is higher.

5.

The maximum size limitations shall apply to each side of a sign structure, and signs may be placed back to back or in a V-shaped construction with not more than three side-by-side displays to each face, but such sign structures shall be considered as one sign. A group of not more than two (2) advertising signs may be permitted on one sign structure. However, there shall be no vertical stacking signs.

C.

Location.

1.

No such sign shall be erected within two thousand (2,000) lineal feet of an existing sign.

2.

No such sign shall be located within two thousand (2,000) lineal feet of a residential district or existing residential development.

3.

No such sign shall be located within two thousand (2,000) lineal feet of the waters of the Missouri River.

4.

No sign shall be located in such a manner as to obstruct or otherwise physically interfere with the effectiveness of an official traffic sign, signal, or device or obstruct or physically interfere with a motor vehicle operator's view of approaching, merging, or intersecting traffic.

5.

No structures may be located adjacent to or within five hundred (500) feet of an interchange, intersection at grade, bridge embankment or abutment, or safety rest area. Said five hundred (500) feet shall be measured from the beginning or ending of the pavement widening at the exit from or entrance to the main traveled way.

6.

The minimum front yard setback for such signs shall be fifty (50) feet from any public right-of-way, and/or private roadway easement.

7.

No sign shall be located on any utility easement, road, drainage easement, or railroad right-of-way.

8.

All lineal distances required by this section shall be measured from the nearest outside edge of the subject sign, whether a support, structural member, or the sign surface itself, to the nearest outside edge of the corresponding sign, building, right-of-way, or easement involved.

D.

Plans required. An application to erect such a sign shall be accompanied by the following:

1.

All items required by section 25-15.3.A, Permit Required.

2.

A set of plans, to scale, approved and sealed by a licensed engineer, providing all necessary construction and electrical details of the sign and sign structure, including height.

3.

The required site plan shall also include:

a.

The distance from the proposed sign location to any buildings upon the property, and adjoining street right-of-way lines, and driveway entrances.

b.

The distance from the proposed sign location to the next nearest billboard sign on either side of the street in either direction.

c.

The distance from the proposed sign location to the nearest street intersection in either direction.

E.

Construction specification. Henceforth, any such sign erected under this ordinance shall be a single pedestal type, constructed of non-flammable material, excluding wood. Construction of the sign and material specifications shall comply with section 903 of the Missouri Standard Specifications for Highway Construction, as applicable, and must meet the structural requirements of the city's building code.

(Ord. No. 2019-4402, § 1, 1-17-19)

A.

The followings signs in all zoning districts, whether temporary or permanent, are exempt from the requirements of this section, but may be subject to other applicable laws, rules or regulations:

1.

Government signs, such as official traffic, fire and police signs, signals and devices, and markings of the state, county, or city.

2.

Signs that are required by law, rule, or regulation.

3.

Public safety signs that provide security, medical or public safety information, including, but not limited to, security or alarm signs, medical alert signs, warning or danger signs, no parking signs, or other similar signs.

a.

Residential areas. Signs not to exceed two (2) square feet in area.

b.

Commercial areas. Maximum of one (1) sign per property, not to exceed five (5) square feet in area. All other posted security and warning signs may not exceed two (2) square feet in area.

4.

Signs inside a building, or other enclosed facility, which are not meant to be viewed from the outside, and are located greater than three (3) feet from the window.

5.

Flags, limited to three (3) flags for each lot. A building permit is required for flagpoles.

(Ord. No. 2019-4402, § 1, 1-17-19)