Monroe Township Preble County
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
ARTICLE X
SIGN REGULATIONS
§ 1000 PURPOSE.
It is the intent of this article to establish reasonable regulations governing the size, character and location of signs within the unincorporated area of this county, in the interest of the safety and general welfare of its citizens, business concerns, and other affected sectors of the county. It is intended to protect property values, create a more attractive economic and business climate, enhance and protect the physical appearance of the county, and preserve the scenic and natural beauty of designated areas. it is further intended to reduce sign distractions and sight obstructions that may contribute to traffic accidents, reduce hazards that may be caused by signs overhanging or projecting over public rights-of-way, provide more open space, and curb the deterioration of the natural environment and enhance county development.
(Res. 669-94-72, § 1000, effective 4-5-1995)
§ 1002 SCOPE OF REGULATIONS.
A. The regulations herein set forth shall apply to and govern signs in all districts. No sign shall be erected or maintained unless it is in compliance with the regulations governing location and bulk of structures for the district in which it is located, unless such sign is otherwise specifically regulated by conditional use provision or provisions relating to variances.
(Res. 669-94-72, § 1002, effective 4-5-1995; Res. 80-13-159, effective 7-5-2013)
§ 1003 GENERAL LIMITATIONS.
The provisions of this article shall not apply to the following:
A. Signs not visible beyond the boundaries of the lot or parcel upon which they are situated, or from any public thoroughfare or right-of-way;
B. Miscellaneous traffic and other official signs of any public government agency, such as railroad crossing signs, trespassing signs, signs indicating danger, or signs used as aids to service or safety;
C. Non-advertising public interest or directional signs authorized by the Board of County Commissioners. These signs shall not exceed two (2) square feet per sign face;
D. No trespassing signs or other such signs regulating the use of a property, such as no hunting, no fishing, etc., of no more than two (2) square feet in area;
E. Real estate signs not extending outside the property line and not more than six (6) square feet per face in area which indicate the sale, rental, or lease of the premises upon which said signs are located. No more than one real estate sign per lot, except that a corner lot may have one such real estate sign per street front;
F. Identification signs mounted flat against a structure, containing no advertising and not exceeding one (1) square foot in area;
G. Signs of historical societies containing no advertising and not more than six (6) square feet in area;
H. Temporary decorations or displays celebrating the occasion of traditionally accepted patriotic or religious holidays. Such decorations may not be used for advertising purposes;
I. Signs on a truck, bus, trailer, or other vehicle while operated in the normal course of a business which is not primarily the display of such signs;
J. Any identification or display of any official court or public office notices thereof, or any flag, emblem or insignia of a nation, political unit, school, or religious group;
K. Tablets, grave markers, headstones, statuary, or remembrances of persons or events that are noncommercial in nature;
L. Works of fine art when not displayed in conjunction with a commercial enterprise which enterprise may benefit commercial gain from such display; and
M. Neighborhood identification signs. In any zone, a sign, masonry wall, landscaping, and other similar materials or features may be combined to form a display for neighborhood or tract identification, provided that the legend of such sign or display shall consist only of the neighborhood or tract name.
(Res. 669-94-72, § 1003, effective 4-5-1995; Res. 80-13-159, effective 7-5-2013)
§ 1004 PROHIBITED SIGNS.
The following signs are prohibited:
A. Any sign located in any manner or place so as to constitute a hazard to traffic;
B. Any moving sign or device to attract attention, all or any part which moves or appears to move by any means, including fluttering, rotating, or otherwise moving devices, or set in motion by movement of the atmosphere or changing light intensity, including but not limited to pennants, flags, propellers, discs, etc., except as may be permitted under provisions of §§ 1005 B. and 1005 F.;
C. Any flashing sign or device displaying flashing or intermittent lights or lights of changing degrees of intensity, except a sign indicating time or temperature, with changes alternating on not less than a five-second cycle;
D. Any illuminated tubing or strings of lights outlining property lines or open sales areas, roof lines, doors, windows, or wall edges of any building; provided that perimeter-shielded down lighting may be used to illuminate open sales areas;
E. Any sign that obstructs or substantially interferes with any window, door, fire escape, stairway, ladder, or opening intended to provide light, air, ingress, or egress for any building;
F. All advertising signs, painted bulletins, and poster panels except within the A, HS, and I Districts and in any case within six hundred sixty (660) feet from the nearest edge of the right-of-way of I-70;
G. Roof signs;
H. Bare bulb illuminations;
I. Flame as a source of light;
J. Any sign attached or otherwise applied to trees, bus shelters, benches, trash receptacles, newspaper vending machines, or other unapproved supporting structure, or otherwise placed in the public right-of-way, with the exception of those signs permitted under § 1005 B.;
K. The following designated portable signs are prohibited:
1. Any sign painted on or displayed on vehicles or trailers parked in public places and used primarily for the purpose of advertising; and
2. Any sign which is not permanently attached to a building or like structure, or which is not permanently mounted in the ground, which can be transported to other locations, and which indicates the name of a business, or indicates the product, services, or entertainment offered by a business or indicates the cost or price thereof, including any sign composed in whole or in part of movable or temporary letters or numerals; except as may be permitted under provisions of §§ 1005 B., 1005 F.
L. Any sign which is a copy or imitation of an official sign, or which purports to have official status;
N. Any sign located within a public right-of-way, unless permitted by the appropriate agency; and
O. Any other sign not expressively permitted by this article.
(Res. 669-94-72, § 1004, effective 4-5-1995; Res. 80-13-159, effective 7-5-2013; Res. 57-18-182, effective 1-5-2018)
§ 1005 TEMPORARY SIGNS.
The following temporary signs are permitted with a permit in any district.
A. Construction signs. A construction sign may be erected on site under the following conditions:
1. In R Districts for single-family unit construction, a sign shall not exceed six (6) square feet per side, shall not be erected more than two (2) weeks prior to the start of construction, and must be removed two (2) weeks after completion of construction;
2. In R Districts when the construction effort involves two (2) or more units, the sign shall not exceed six (6) square feet per unit, not to exceed a total of thirty two (32) square feet, shall not be erected more than four (4) weeks prior to the start of construction, and must be removed within two (2) weeks after completion of the construction; and
3. In commercial, industrial and office districts, the sign shall not exceed forty eight (48) square feet, shall not be erected for more than sixty (60) days prior to the start of construction, and must be removed within two (2) weeks after completion of construction.
B. Special event signs. Temporary banners or signs, advertising special events or holidays to be observed within the county may be permitted in the public rights-of-way for not exceeding thirty (30) days; provided, that the entity placing the signs has liability insurance protection provided which the
county deems adequate. Only those signs sponsored by a nonprofit agency/organization shall qualify for this privilege. These requests shall be administered through the normal permit process with proposed size, type, and location of signs to be approved by the county.
C. Political signs. Political signs or posters concerning candidates for elective office or public issues to be decided by public election shall be displayed not more than sixty (60) days prior to election and are to be removed no later than seven (7) days after said election. Such signs shall not exceed eight (8) square feet in R Districts and thirty two (32) square feet (single-faced) in other districts, shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height, shall not be illuminated, and shall not create a safety or visibility hazard, nor be affixed to any public utility pole. No permit nor fee will be required for political signs.
D. Window signs. Temporary window signs may be attached to the interior side of a window in any commercial district. Such window signs may not cover more than fifty (50) percent of the surface area of the transparent portion of the window or door to which they are attached.
E. Domestic advertising signs. Domestic advertising signs are permitted in any zoning district. The total message area of domestic advertising signs on a lot may not exceed four (4) square feet. Because domestic advertising signs are often incompatible with the character of the surrounding neighborhood, they are permitted on a temporary basis only. No person shall display a domestic advertising sign more than two (2) times within each calendar year for periods no longer than four (4) days’ duration each. Signs may be considered domestic advertising signs only if they are located on the same lot as the goods which are offered for sale.
F. Business openings. Temporary signs, advertising the initial openings of business establishments, may be permitted for not exceeding ten (10) days, provided the location of such signs are approved by the Zoning Administrator.
G. Directional signs. Directional signs placed on private property with permission of the owner and not exceeding six (6) square feet in area, directing the public to a property for sale. No fee is required for such signs; however, the applicant must apply for a permit for such signs describing the location of all such signs he is responsible for as well as the dates during which the sign(s) will be placed. Open house signs may be permitted with the right-of-way subject to locational review of the Zoning Administrator, but can only be displayed from 12:00 noon Friday to 12:00 noon on the following Monday.
(Res. 669-94-72, § 1005.07, effective 4-5-1995; Res. 80-13-159, effective 7-5-2013)
§ 1006 TOTAL SIGN SURFACE AREA - GENERAL PROVISIONS.
Unless otherwise provided in this article, the total surface area devoted to all signs on any lot shall not exceed the limitations set forth in this section, and all signs except temporary signs shall be included in this calculation.
(Res. 669-94-72, § 1006, effective 4-5-1995)
§ 1007 TOTAL SIGN AREA PERMITTED FOR RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS.
Total is dictated by the total of respective types of signs permitted. See § 1009.01.
(Res. 669-94-72, § 1007, effective 4-5-1995)
§ 1012 CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS.
All signs shall comply with the appropriate detailed provision of the County Building Code relating to design, structural members and connections. Signs shall also comply with the provisions of the applicable Electrical Code.
(Res. 669-94-72, § 1012, effective 4-5-1995)
§ 1008.01 TOTAL SIGN AREA PERMITTED WITHIN THE OS, PRD, AND B-1 ZONING DISTRICTS.
A. On buildings having a total building frontage of twenty five (25) feet or less, one and one-half (1-/2) square feet of sign area for each linear foot of building frontage.
B. On buildings having a total building frontage of more than twenty five (25) feet, fifty (50) square feet of sign area plus an additional one (1) foot of building wall frontage over twenty five (25) feet.
C. In no case shall the total area of all signs on any individual freestanding sign structure exceed thirty two (32) square feet per face (exclusive of reader boards permitted in B-1 districts only) or any other individual sign exceed seventy five (75) square feet, unless otherwise permitted in these regulations.
D. In buildings where some occupants have no street frontage with public entrances, such as in mixed office and commercial buildings, the total sign area for the building may be increased by 36 square feet, with the additional sign area to be divided proportionately among those occupants with no frontage, based on the proportion of the total floor area occupied.
(Res. 669-94-72, § 1008.01, effective 4-5-1995; Res. 80-13-159, effective 7-5-2013)
§ 1008.02 TOTAL SIGN AREA PERMITTED WITHIN THE B-2, HS, PC, AND I ZONING DISTRICTS.
A. On buildings having a total building frontage of twenty five (25) feet or less, two (2) square feet of sign area for each linear foot of building frontage.
B. On buildings having a total building frontage of more than twenty five (25) feet, fifty (50) square feet of sign area plus ten (10) times the square root of the amount of frontage in which the building exceeds twenty five (25) feet.
C. In buildings where some occupants have no street frontage with public entrances, the total sign area for the building may be increased by fifty (50) square feet, with the additional sign area to be divided proportionately among those occupants with no frontage, based on the proportion of the total floor area occupied.
(Res. 669-94-72, § 1008.02, effective 4-5-1995)
§ 1009.01 RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS.
A. The following structure types of signs shall be permitted:
1. Freestanding; and
2. Wall.
B. The following functional types of signs shall be permitted in addition to those previously identified:
1. Bulletin board;
2. Temporary;
3. Identification; and
4. Domestic advertising.
C. Standards for specific types of signs are as follows.
1. Identification sign, subject to the following.
a. Area and content; nonresidential. For nonresidential buildings, a single identification sign, not exceeding twelve (12) square feet in area and indicating only the name and address of the building, may be displayed. On a corner lot, two (2) such signs, one facing each street shall be permitted. Such sign or signs may be illuminated, but only from a concealed light source and only until 10:00 p.m.
b. Height. No signs shall project higher than eight (8) feet above curb level.
2. Subdivision, multifamily, mobile home park, retreat complex, or estate identification signs, subject to the following.
a. Content. The signs shall bear only the name of the subdivision, multifamily complex, park, or estate.
b. Area and number. There shall be not more than one (1) sign located at each entrance to the facility. No such sign shall exceed seventy five (75) feet in area.
c. Height. No sign shall project higher than fifteen (15) feet above curb level.
3. Church bulletin boards, subject to the following.
a. Area and number. There shall be not more than one (1) sign per lot, except that on a corner lot, two (2) signs, one (1) facing each street, shall be permitted. No signs shall exceed thirty two (32) square feet in area.
b. Location. No sign shall be located less than ten (10) feet from any property line.
c. Height. No sign shall project higher than eight (8) feet above the curb level.
(Res. 669-94-72, § 1009.01, effective 4-5-1995; Res. 80-13-159, effective 7-5-2013; Res. 57-18-182, effective 1-5-2018)
§ 1009.02 OFFICE DISTRICT.
A. The following structural types of signs shall be permitted:
1. Freestanding;
2. Projecting;
3. Window; and
4. Wall.
B. The following functional types of signs shall be permitted:
1. Business;
2. Bulletin board;
3. Identification;
4. Temporary; and
5. Domestic advertising.
C. Standards for specific types of signs: in the OS District the sign regulation established for the residential districts shall apply, and, in addition, the following business signs shall be permitted.
1. Area and content. A single business sign, not exceeding thirty two (32) square feet in area, per side, and indicating only the name of business, name and address of the building, the name of the management, and the names of each of the tenants, may be displayed. On a corner zoning lot two (2) signs, one (1) facing each street shall be permitted.
2. Height. If freestanding, such signs may not exceed ten (10) feet in height.
(Res. 669-94-72, § 1009.02, effective 4-5-1995; Res. 57-18-182, effective 1-5-2018)
§ 1009.03 COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS.
A. The following structural types of signs shall be permitted:
1. Awning, canopy, and marquee;
2. Freestanding;
3. Projecting;
4. Wall; and
5. Window.
B. The following functional types of signs shall be permitted:
1. Business;
2. Bulletin board;
3. Identification;
4. Temporary; and
5. Advertising (HS District only).
C. Areas of special control include the following:
1. Shopping center: shopping centers in a single ownership or under unified control with a minimum frontage of two hundred (200) feet shall be entitled to the following freestanding sign provisions by respective size of the center in addition to the total signable area permitted for the commercial complex as a whole, provided no other freestanding signs (with the exception of service station signs) are utilized.
a. Neighborhood shopping center (one which contains 20,000 to 99,999 square feet of floor space) shall be entitled to one (1) freestanding sign not to exceed one hundred (100) square feet per face. Such a sign shall be permitted to display both the name and address of the shopping center, the names of its individual tenants, and periodically changing information relative to activities, events, and/or sales occurring within the shopping center; and
b. County shopping center (one which contains 100,000 to 399,999 square feet of floor space) shall be entitled to one (1) freestanding sign not to exceed two hundred (200) square feet per face. Such signs shall be permitted the same contents as indicated for neighborhood center signs.
(Res. 669-94-72, § 1009.03, effective 4-5-1995)
§ 1009.04 INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS.
A. The following structural types of signs shall be permitted:
1. Awning, canopy, and marquee;
2. Freestanding;
3. Projecting;
4. Wall; and
5. Window.
B. The following functional types of signs shall be permitted:
1. Business;
2. Identification;
3. Temporary; and
4. Advertising.
C. Areas of special control include the following:
1. For industrial parks, one (1) additional sign on each frontage other than those regulated in subsection B above shall be permitted, subject to the following:
a. Content. Such sign shall advertise only the name and location of such industrial park and the name and type of business of each occupant of the park;
b. Area. The gross area in square feet of the additional sign on a zoning lot shall not exceed one-half (1/2) times the lineal feet of frontage of such zoning lot; however, the gross surface area of such additional sign shall in no case exceed two hundred (200) square feet;
c. Setback. Such sign shall be set back a minimum of twenty five (25) feet from the front lot line of such industrial park; and
d. Height. No sign shall project higher than twenty (20) feet above curb level, except as may be provided by special use.
(Res. 669-94-72, § 1009.04, effective 4-5-1995)
§ 1009.05 AGRICULTURAL AND FLOODPLAIN DISTRICTS.
A. Structural types. The following structural types of signs shall be permitted:
1. Freestanding;
2. Projecting;
3. Wall; and
4. Window.
B. Functional types. The following functional types of signs shall be permitted:
1. Directional;
2. Domestic advertising;
3. Temporary;
4. Identification;
5. Business; and
6. Advertising.
C. Number permitted.
1. One (1) business or identification sign will be permitted for each agricultural or horticultural business, farm, or ranch.
D. Area.
1. Sign area shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet.
(Res. 669-94-72, § 1009.05, effective 4-5-1995)
§ 1010.01 FREESTANDING (NON-ADVERTISING).
A. General conditions. Any establishment may display a freestanding sign of the area and height indicated within the respective district sign standard, provided:
1. This functional type of sign is permitted within the respective zoning district;
2. The establishment is accessible by automobile and has off-street parking on the premises; and
3. Area, height, setback chart:
District | Area * , **(Per Side Sq. Ft.) | Height (Ft.) | Setback (Ft.) |
District | Area * , **(Per Side Sq. Ft.) | Height (Ft.) | Setback (Ft.) |
RR, RR-1, SR | 12 | 8 | 10 |
UR, PR, PMH, PRD | 16 | 10 | 10 |
OS, PRD, B-1 | 32 | 10 | 10 |
B-2, HS, PC, I-2 | 50 | 25 | 20 |
I-1, POI | 32 | 15 | 20 |
A, FP | 25 | 12 | 20 |
* Maximum sign area exclusive of reader boards, which are permitted in the B-1, HS, B-2, and PC Districts, not to exceed 15 square feet. | |||
** These standards do not pertain to church and school bulletin boards, which are regulated under provision of § 1009.01C.3. | |||
B. Special sign controls.
1. See provisions of subsection B.6 below for freestanding sign provisions for service stations.
2. See provisions of § 1009.03C.1 for freestanding sign provisions for shopping centers.
3. One (1) oversized freestanding sign may be displayed by any industrial, office, or institutional establishment, provided:
a. The establishment has a minimum frontage of three hundred (300) feet on the street or highway to which the sign is displayed; and
b. The oversized sign is located in a well-landscaped area free from any building or structures for a minimum of one hundred (100) feet in all directions.
4. Oversized freestanding signs are subject to the following restrictions.
a. Selling slogans or other non-identification messages are not permitted.
b. The area of the sign shall be part of the area composition based upon square footage but shall not exceed two hundred (200) square feet in any case.
c. The maximum height limit is twelve (12) feet in industrial or commercial areas.
d. Oversized signs must be at least three hundred (300) feet apart.
e. Oversized signs must be set back at least fifty (50) feet from the property line.
5. Identification signs within five hundred (500) feet from the centerline of an interstate highway system, subject to the following provisions:
a. Must conform to federal and state highway standards;
b. Limited to one (1) sign not to exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet in area per face per principal business use;
c. Only highway-oriented uses such as service stations, motels, and restaurants shall qualify for these provisions; and
d. Sign height may be increased to fifty (50) feet measured from the elevation of the freeway in which oriented, but may not exceed one hundred (100) feet in any case measured from the base of the sign.
6. Service station signs.
a. Freestanding signs shall be restricted to no more than fifty (50) square feet per sign face; however, if only one such sign is created on the parcel, the total sign area may be increased to seventy five (75) square feet.
b. Sign height shall conform to the height permitted for freestanding signs in the district in which located, with the exception of subsection B.5 above.
c. Wall identification signs shall:
1) Be limited to seventy five (75) square feet in area.
d. Other types of service station signs.
1) Signs limited to the identification of the brand name, logo, or type of fuel sold in an approved automobile service station shall be permitted on the gasoline pumps, and no sign permit shall be required for these signs.
2) One (1) sign not to exceed twenty (20) square feet in size is permitted for each set of pumps or each side of a canopy identifying “self-service” or “full service”.
3) Up to two (2) price signs, not to exceed a total aggregate sign area of thirty two (32) square feet for each site shall be permitted.
4) Temporary advertising signs are permitted, located as an integral part of an outdoor display of merchandise, provided that such signs are not larger than twelve (12) square feet in area and are limited to one such sign per display or type of merchandise and a total of four (4) signs per site at any one time. Such signs shall be permitted only at such times as the merchandise is being displayed.
5) All other temporary signs at service stations shall be subject to the provision set forth in §§ 1005 through 1005.07.
6) Signs for a food market ancillary to a service station shall be included within the total area provided as per § 1008.
e. Exempted signs.
1) Signs of instructive nature, information or otherwise required by other enforcement agencies are determined as not being a sign by definition herein and shall be exempt from the previous provisions.
2) The following are specifically exempted, but not necessarily limited to: telephone booth, gas pump instructions, instructions for recreational vehicle dump stations, rest room identification, no smoking, propane tank identification, gas pump identification, air and water, drive to forward pump, cashier, full- and self-service signs at each island not exceeding four (4) square feet, and traffic directory signs as approved by enforcement agencies for necessary traffic control and direction, provided that they do not exceed four (4) square feet each and do not exceed thirty (30) inches in height in front or side street yard, and no symbol, name, or other message is on said signs.
(Res. 669-94-72, § 1010.01, effective 4-5-1995; Res. 80-13-159, effective 7-5-2013; Res. 57-18-182, effective 1-5-2018)
§ 1010.02 ADVERTISING SIGNS.
Advertising signs and structures, including billboards, painted bulletins, and poster panels, shall be regulated as follows.
A. Location.
1. Off-site advertising signs and structures shall be permitted in the A, HS, and I Districts and only when oriented to U.S. 40, or to an arterial street or freeway as designated by the County Thoroughfare Plan and in no case within six hundred sixty (660) feet from the nearest edge of the right-of-way of I-70.
2. Off-site advertising signs and structures where permitted, shall be set back from the ultimate right-of-way line of the arterial at least fifty (50) feet. In addition, at street intersections, the setback of any off-site advertising sign or structure shall not be less than one hundred (100) feet from the ultimate right-of-way. No part of any sign structure shall be closer to any street line of the nearest building within one hundred (100) feet. When a sign is erected between two (2) buildings that are within one hundred (100) feet of the structure, no part of the structure shall be erected closer to any street line than a line drawn from the nearest front corner of the two (2) buildings.
3. No off-site advertising sign or structure shall be permitted within one thousand (1,000) feet of the front, side, or rear lot line of any lot in any R or any Planned District other than Planned Highway Service or within five hundred (500) feet of any entrance to any public park, school, library, church, or similar institutional use.
4. Signs on the same street facing the same traffic flow direction shall not be placed closer together than one thousand (1,000) feet.
5. The signs can be double-faced and each side shall be considered as facing traffic flowing in the opposite direction.
6. At the intersection of two (2) streets, double- or single-faced signs at right angles to and facing traffic on one (1) street may be situated closer than one thousand (1,000) feet to a similarly positioned sign across the street at right angles to and, therefore, facing traffic on the second street.
B. Area. Off-site advertising signs and structures, where permitted, shall have a display area per sign face of no more than two hundred fifty (250) square feet, exclusive of border and trim, with the total sign area of the sign face not to exceed three hundred (300) square feet, including border and trim. No off-site advertising sign or structure shall exceed 36 feet in height from ground level to the highest point of the structure. However, no advertising sign shall extend above the roof line of any existing building located within five hundred (500) feet.
C. Structural specifications. Off-site advertising signs and structures, where permitted, shall be constructed to meet the following standards.
1. There shall be no more than four (4) steel channel or pipe uprights visible to the motorist or pedestrian.
2. All exposed surfaces of wood and metal, except galvanized metal, shall be painted or otherwise maintained at all times so as to prevent rust and/or other forms of deterioration.
3. Double-faced advertising structures shall be considered as one (1) structure, provided such signs are back-to-back, mounted on the same structure, so that only one (1) sign face is visible from any given direction.
4. The copy area of the advertising sign shall either be painted or paper, and painted a solid color when display board contains no copy.
5. Structures for billboards shall be of vertical (cantilever) construction and where the back of the sign is visible it shall be suitably painted or otherwise covered to present a neat and clean appearance.
6. The area around the sign structures shall be kept clean and all scrub brush, tall grass, etc. shall be cleared away to a distance of at least five (5) feet to the rear and sides of the structure as well as to the front property line and if on a corner, to both property lines.
(Res. 669-94-72, § 1010.02, effective 4-5-1995; Res. 80-13-159, effective 7-5-2013; Res. 57-18-182, effective 1-5-2018)
§ 1010.03 WALL SIGNS.
A. Wall signs shall not extend above the roof line of the structure to which attached.
B. Premises located on corner lots may place wall (fascia) signs on the front of the building, the side of the building facing a public street, or both the front and side of the building, providing that the total signage does not exceed the total signage allowed for the places of business.
C. Area.
1. Wall signs shall be limited in area to one (1) square foot of area for each horizontal linear foot of building wall upon which the sign or signs are to be located.
(Res. 669-94-72, § 1010.03, effective 4-5-1995)
§ 1010.04 PROJECTING SIGNS.
A. Any place of business with frontage on a public right-of-way is permitted to have one (1) projecting sign along that public street if this type of freestanding sign is permitted within the respective zoning district. The projecting sign may exist instead of, but not in addition to, a freestanding sign. Where a premises is allowed two (2) freestanding signs, the occupant may elect to substitute a projecting sign for one of the freestanding signs.
B. Subject to an absolute limit of four (4) feet from the building to which the sign is attached and two (2) feet back from the public right-of-way including sidewalks, projecting signs are limited to three (3) inches for each linear foot of building front measured from the sign location to the nearest side line of the business frontage. Subject to the absolute limit of four (4) feet from the building, signs on corner properties at forty five (45) degrees to the corner are permitted a twenty (20) percent increase on the formula of three (3) inches for each linear foot of building front.
C. Projecting signs shall not be higher than the top of the parapet.
D. Projecting signs shall have a minimum clearance of ten (10) feet between the bottom of the sign and the finished grade.
E. All projecting signs shall be installed or erected in such a manner that there shall be no visible angle iron support structure above a roof, building face, or wall.
F. Projecting signs are permitted in business, office, and industrial districts only.
G. The total signage (copy area) allowed shall be as specified in § 1010.01A.3.
(Res. 669-94-72, § 1010.04, effective 4-5-1995)
§ 1010.05 CANOPY AND MARQUEE SIGNS.
A. Canopy signs shall be limited to two (2) faces.
B. Area of copy may be three (3) square feet per linear foot of canopy, front and side.
C. Copy area of any part of copy area allowed for one (1) facing cannot be added to that allowed for other facings. Subject to minimum height limit of nine (9) feet from the sidewalk, copy may be installed above, on the face of, or below the canopy proper, provided that where such sign is installed above or below, copy area will be computed on the total of the sign face and the canopy apron proper.
D. No portion of a canopy sign can be closer than one (1) foot to a vertical line from the curb face.
E. On places of public entertainment such as theaters, arenas, meeting halls, etc., where one (1) or more changeable copy signs are allowed, the copy area allowance will be five (5) square feet per linear foot of canopy with a maximum total height limit of no more than five (5) feet at any point.
F. In local commercial zones, the maximum copy area of canopy signs shall be two (2) square feet subject to the same conditions as in subsection B above.
G. A freestanding sign supported by a sign structure which is embedded in the ground and independent of a canopy for structural support may project above and over a canopy. A freestanding sign which projects over a canopy shall comply with all other applicable regulations of this code.
H. Under canopy signs: signs attached to the underside of a canopy shall have a copy area no greater than six (6) square feet, with a maximum letter height of nine (9) inches, subject to a minimum clearance of eight (8) feet from the sidewalk, and shall be mounted as nearly as possible to right angles of the building face.
(Res. 669-94-72, § 1010.05, effective 4-5-1995)
§ 1010.06 SIGNS ON AWNINGS.
A. Signs consisting of one (1) line of letters not exceeding nine (9) inches in height may be painted, placed, or installed upon the hanging border of any awning erected and maintained in accordance with this code.
B. An identification emblem, insignia, initial, or other similar feature not exceeding an area of eight (8) square feet may be painted, placed, or installed elsewhere on any awning, provided that the sign, emblem, insignia, or such similar item shall comply with all other provisions of the code.
C. Signs on awnings may be used in lieu of but not in addition to freestanding signs, projecting signs, and roof signs.
(Res. 669-94-72, § 1010.06, effective 4-5-1995)
§ 1010.07 WINDOW SIGNS.
A. Permanent window signs.
1. Subject to the requirements of this section, any industrial, commercial, or institutional establishment may display permanent window signs. Permanent window signs are not permitted in a residential area.
2. If an establishment displays no wall sign, then no window shall contain more than thirty (30) percent or thirty (30) square feet of permanent window signs, whichever is less.
3. If an establishment displays a wall sign, then no window shall contain more than twenty (20) percent or twenty (20) square feet of permanent window signs, whichever is less.
(Res. 669-94-72, § 1010.07, effective 4-5-1995)
§ 1010.08 REAL ESTATE SIGNS (LARGER THAN SIX (6) SQUARE FEET IN AREA).
Real estate signs are permitted in all zoning districts. In manufacturing and business districts, the maximum total message area for real estate signs shall be computed in the same manner as that for commercial identification signs. In residential districts, the total message area of real estate signs located on one (1) lot may not exceed ten (10) square feet. Real estate signs less than ten (10) square feet in area have no setback requirements but may not be located within the right-of-way of any public street or on any public lands or easements, nor in any location which would create a public hazard. Real estate signs larger than ten (10) square feet in area must meet the setback requirements of the district wherein located as if the sign were a building.
(Res. 669-94-72, § 1010.08, effective 4-5-1995)
§ 1010.09 SIGNS ASSOCIATED WITH NONCONFORMING USES.
In the case of legal, nonconforming land uses (such as a business located in a residentially zoned district), the total sign area of all signs associated with such land use shall be no greater than that which would be allowed if the business were located in the most restrictive zoning district allowing such land use. Further, no new signs associated with nonconforming land uses may be erected, except replacements which are the same or smaller in size than the sign being replaced. In the event that a sign associated with a nonconforming land use is moved, its new location must conform to the setback requirements of the district in which it is located as if it were a building.
(Res. 669-94-72, § 1010.09, effective 4-5-1995)
§ 1011.01 GENERAL.
Any sign erected prior to the enactment of the amendment to the zoning resolution and not conforming to the provisions of this amended code shall be deemed to be nonconforming.
(Res. 669-94-72, § 1011.01, effective 4-5-1995)
§ 1011.02 DEFINITION OF NONCONFORMING SIGN.
A. Any sign located within this county on the date of adoption of this code which does not conform with the provisions of this code is eligible for classification as a “nonconforming” sign, provided it also meets the following requirements:
1. The sign was covered by a sign permit or variance on the date of adoption of this code; or
2. If no sign permit was required for the sign in question, the sign was in all respects in compliance with the resolution in effect on the date of adoption of this amended code.
(Res. 669-94-72, § 1011.02, effective 4-5-1995)
§ 1011.03 RULES FOR NONCONFORMING SIGNS.
A. A nonconforming sign shall not be replaced by another nonconforming sign except that the substitution or interchange of poster panels, painted boards, or demountable material on nonconforming signs shall be permitted through the period prescribed by this article.
B. Minor repairs and maintenance of nonconforming signs such as repainting, electrical repairs, and neon tubing repair shall be permitted. However, no structural repairs or changes in the size or shape of the sign shall be permitted except to make the sign comply with the requirements of this article.
C. If a nonconforming sign is damaged to more than one-half (1/2) of its replacement value, then it shall be removed and shall not be repaired or replaced.
D. Any nonconforming sign which is altered, relocated, or replaced shall comply with all provisions of this code as if it were a new sign.
E. Signs which were illegally erected, established, or maintained with respect to the applicable requirements of prior resolutions shall be removed or brought into compliance with this code.
F. Nonconforming signs made of paper, cloth, or other nondurable material, and any signs that are not affixed to a building or the ground or are located within a public right-of-way, shall be removed within thirty (30) days from the effective date of this code.
(Res. 669-94-72, § 1011.03, effective 4-5-1995)
§ 1013.01 MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR.
Every sign shall be maintained in a safe, presentable, and good structural material condition at all times, including the replacement of defective parts, painting, repainting, cleaning, and other acts required for the maintenance of said signs. The Zoning Inspector shall inspect and require compliance with all standards of this code. For signs not complying with the resolution, the Zoning Inspector shall require the removal in accordance with this section.
(Res. 669-94-72, § 1013.01, effective 4-5-1995)
§ 1013.02 ABANDONED SIGNS.
Except as otherwise provided in this code, any sign which is located on property which becomes vacant and unoccupied for a period of three (3) months or more, or any sign which pertains to a time, event, or purpose which no longer applies, shall be deemed to have been
ABANDONED. Permanent signs applicable to a business temporarily suspended because of a change of ownership or management of such business shall not be deemed abandoned unless the property remains vacant for a period of six (6) months or more. An abandoned sign is prohibited and shall be removed by the owner of the sign or owner of the premises.
(Res. 669-94-72, § 1013.02, effective 4-5-1995)
§ 1013.03 REMOVAL OF SIGNS BY THE ZONING INSPECTOR.
A. The Zoning Inspector shall cause to be removed any sign that endangers the public safety such as an abandoned, dangerous, or materially, electrically, or structurally defective sign or a sign for which no permit has been issued. The Zoning Inspector shall prepare a notice which shall describe the sign and specify the violation involved and which shall state that if the sign is not removed or the violation is not corrected within ten (10) days, the sign shall be removed in accordance with the provisions of this section.
B. All notices mailed by the Zoning Inspector shall be sent by certified mail. Any time period provided in this section shall be deemed to commence on the date of the receipt of the certified mail.
C. For all signs, that notice shall be mailed to the owner of the property on which the sign is located as shown on the last tax assessment roll, if known, or with reasonable care should be known. The notice shall be mailed to or delivered to the owner of the sign and the occupant of the property.
D. Any person having an interest in the sign or the property may appeal the determination of the Zoning Inspector ordering removal of compliance by filing a written notice of appeal with the Board of Zoning Appeals within thirty (30) days after the date of mailing the notice, or thirty (30) days after receipt of the notice if the notice was not mailed.
(Res. 669-94-72, § 1013.03, effective 4-5-1995)
§ 1013.04 DISPOSAL OF SIGNS.
Any sign removed by the Zoning Inspector pursuant to the provisions of this section shall become the property of this county and, after thirty (30) days, may be disposed of in any manner deemed appropriate by the Board of County Commissioners. See § 1015.02C.
(Res. 669-94-72, § 1013.04, effective 4-5-1995)
§ 1014.01 PERMITS.
A. Except as otherwise provided in this code, it shall be unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, move, or alter any sign in this county, or cause the same to be done, without first obtaining from the Zoning Inspector a sign permit for each such sign.
B. A permit is not required for a change of copy on any change panel sign, nor for the repainting, cleaning, and other normal maintenance or repair of a sign or sign structure for which a permit has previously been issued, so long as the sign or sign structure is not modified in any way.
C. No new permit is required for signs which have permits and which conform with the requirements of this code on the date of its adoption unless and until the sign is altered or relocated.
D. Every sign permit issued by the Zoning Inspector shall become null and void if erection is not completed within one hundred eighty (180) days from the date of such permit.
E. No permit for a sign issued hereunder shall be deemed to constitute permission or authorization to maintain an unlawful sign, nor shall any permit issued hereunder constitute a defense in an action to abate an unlawful sign.
(Res. 669-94-72, § 1014.01, effective 4-5-1995)
§ 1014.02 APPLICATION FOR PERMIT.
Application for a permit shall be made to the Zoning Inspector upon a form provided by the Inspector and shall be accompanied by such information as may be required to assure compliance with all appropriate provisions of this code. As a minimum, the application shall contain the following information:
A. Name and address of the owner of the sign;
B. Name and address of the owner or the person in possession of the premises where the sign is located or to be located; and
C. Clean and legible drawings with description definitely showing the location and dimensions of the sign which is the subject of the permit and location of all other existing signs on the same premises. In the case of billboard signs, the location of all other billboard signs within one thousand (1,000) feet must be indicated.
(Res. 669-94-72, § 1014.02, effective 4-5-1995)
§ 1014.03 ISSUANCE - DENIAL.
A. The Zoning Inspector shall issue a permit for the erection, alteration, or relocation of a sign within the county when an application has been properly made and the sign complies with all other provisions of this code. The Zoning Inspector must formally grant or deny a sign application within thirty (30) days of the date an application is filed. Appeal may be taken to the Board of Appeals from the Zoning Inspector’s denial of sign permit.
B. The Zoning Inspector shall, in writing, suspend or revoke a permit issued under provisions of this section whenever the permit is issued on the basis of a misstatement of fact or fraud. When a sign permit is denied by the Zoning Inspector, he shall give written notice of the denial to the applicant, together with a brief written statement of the reasons for the denial.
(Res. 669-94-72, § 1014.03, effective 4-5-1995)
§ 1014.04 FEES.
Applications for permits shall be filed with the Zoning Inspector, together with a permit fee. The permit fee shall be as established by the Board of County Commissioners. In addition, when any sign is hereafter erected, placed, installed, or otherwise established on any property prior to obtaining permits as required by this section, the fees specified hereunder shall be doubled, but the payment of such double fee shall not relieve any person from complying with other provisions of this section or from penalties prescribed herein. The fee for all signs shall be calculated on a square-foot basis.
Area | Cost |
Up to 20 square feet | $20 |
Each additional 10 square feet or part thereof | $5 |
(Res. 669-94-72, § 1014.04, effective 4-5-1995)
§ 1014.05 PERMIT LIFE.
Whenever there is a change in the sign user, owner, or owner of the property on which the sign is located, the new sign owner, user, or new property owner shall forthwith notify the Zoning Inspector of the change. No new sign permit is required, unless the sign is altered or relocated.
(Res. 669-94-72, § 1014.05, effective 4-5-1995)
§ 1014.06 INSPECTION.
The person erecting, altering, or replacing a sign shall notify the Zoning Inspector upon completion of the work for which permits are required.
A. Inspections. All freestanding signs shall be subject to a footer inspection and all signs to a final inspection by the Zoning Inspector.
(Res. 669-94-72, § 1014.06, effective 4-5-1995)
§ 1015.01 GENERAL.
The Zoning Inspector shall enforce and carry out all the provisions of this section of the zoning resolution, both in letter and spirit, with vigilance and with all due speed. The Zoning Inspector is responsible for the inspection of signs, any building, or structure, or to ensure compliance with the provisions of this code. Such inspections shall be carried out during business hours, unless an emergency exists.
(Res. 669-94-72, § 1015.01, effective 4-5-1995)
§ 1015.02 VIOLATIONS.
A. If any sign is erected or maintained in violation of any of the provisions of this article, the Zoning Inspector shall provide the owner with written notice of such violation, said notice to include a brief statement of the particulars, in which this article is violated and the manner in which such violation is to be remedied. If a sign has been registered with the Zoning Inspector, notice to the registered owner or to the person or firm receiving the permit shall be sufficient. If a sign has not been registered and the owner is not known, affixing of a copy of the notice to the sign, sign structure, or building for a period of ten (10) days shall constitute official notification of the violation.
B. If such violation is not remedied within thirty (30) days after such notice, the owner shall remove the sign and supporting structure immediately.
C. If the sign is not removed by the owner, the Zoning Inspector shall have the right to remove such sign and supporting structure at the expense of the owner thereof and to destroy or otherwise dispose of the sign and supporting structure.
(Res. 669-94-72, § 1015.02, effective 4-5-1995)