Mount Vernon City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 1113
Signs
1113.01 PURPOSE.
It is the purpose of this chapter to establish reasonable regulations which preserve the public health, safety, convenience, comfort, prosperity and general welfare of the public, while protecting each person's constitutional right to freedom of speech, as indicated by the following objectives:
(a) To prohibit signs which pose an unreasonable risk to the public safety;
(b) To limit the visual dominance of signs without unconstitutionally restricting the information conveyed;
(c) To provide for reasonable and appropriate methods for locating goods, services, and facilities in all zoning districts by relating the size, type and design of signs to the size, type and design of the uses and districts;
(d) To control the design of signs so that their appearance shall be aesthetically harmonious with an overall urban design for the area;
(e) To promote traffic safety by preventing obstructions within public rights-of-way, minimizing visual distractions to motorists, ensuring that sign size and height are appropriate to their location and preventing conflicts with public safety signs and police and fire protection;
(f) To promote the most desirable developments and economic activity in accordance with the objectives of the City's adopted plans; and
(g) To promote the public right to receive religious, political, economic, social, philosophical and other First Amendment protected messages.
The City does not intend to infringe on the rights of free speech as protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I, §11 of the Ohio Constitution. All regulations in this chapter are to be construed, whenever possible, in favor of vigorous political debate and accommodation of the rights of persons to speak freely.
(Ord. 2024-032. Passed 7-22-24.)
1113.02 APPLICABILITY.
(a) It shall hereafter be unlawful for any person to erect, place, relocate, expand, modify, maintain or otherwise alter a sign in the City except in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
(b) The construction, erection, safety and maintenance of all signs shall be in accordance with the Ohio Basic Building Code, where applicable.
(c) Unless otherwise provided, this chapter shall apply to any sign over which the City has authority to regulate. Additionally, this chapter shall apply to any sign, in any zoning district, that is visible from the public right-of-way or from property other than the property on which the sign is located.
(d) Any sign already established on the effective date of this chapter or future amendment thereto, and which sign is rendered nonconforming by the provisions herein, shall be subject to the nonconforming sign regulations of Section 1113.12.
(e) All signs shall require the issuance of a zoning permit unless otherwise noted below or as specifically stated in other sections of this chapter.
(f) Zoning permits are required where a sign panel is changed in a sign cabinet or other structure designed to have interchangeable panels even if there is not change to the overall sign structure.
(g) Zoning Permit Exemptions. The following signs are subject to the requirements of this chapter and are allowed in all districts but do not require a zoning permit. Additionally, any sign area for these signs do not count toward the sign area allowances specified in this chapter for all other permitted signs. Permit-exempt signs, or the structures they are attached to, may still be subject to building codes, the flood damage reduction ordinance of Chapter 1317 of the Codified Ordinance, or other applicable code requirements.
(1) Signs and/or notices issued by any court, officer or other person in performance of a public duty. Any such sign shall be removed no later than seven (7) days after the last day it is required to be displayed;
(2) Signs that are an integral part of the original construction of vending or similar machines, fuel pumps, automated teller machines, drive-through menu boards, or similar devices that are not of a size or design as to be visible from a street or by any person other than those using the machine or device;
(3) Any sign that is located completely inside a building and that is not visible from the exterior (See also the definition of "window sign".);
(4) Signs that are located within a stadium, open-air theater, park, arena or other outdoor use that are not intended to be visible from a public right-of-way or adjacent property, and can be viewed only by persons within such stadium, open-air theater, park, arena or other outdoor use;
(6) No more than four (4) flags located on flagpoles or on wall-mounted posts provided that the following shall apply:
A. The maximum height of flag poles shall not exceed the maximum building height for structures in the subject zoning district, and a maximum sign area of forty (40) square feet for any individual flag attached to the pole.
B. For wall-mounted flags, the maximum projection of the post is six (6) feet and a maximum sign area is fifteen (15) square feet per flag.
C. There shall be a maximum of four flag poles permitted on each lot in a nonresidential zoning district and one (1) flag pole permitted on each lot in a residential zoning district.
D. Flag poles may be subject to building code regulations, where applicable.
(7) A single wall sign, mounted flush on the facade of an individual dwelling unit, that is not illuminated and does not exceed two (2) square feet in area;
(8) Signs that are an integral part of the historic character of a structure that has been designated an official landmark or historic structure by any agency or body of the governments of the United States, State of Ohio, Knox County, or the City of Mount Vernon;
(9) Any signs located on umbrellas, seating or similar patio furniture provided they are located outside of the right-of-way and comply with any other applicable standards of this chapter;
(10) Any sign on a truck, bus or other vehicle that is used in the normal course of a business (e.g., deliveries or fleet vehicles for contractors), for transportation, or signage required by the State or Federal government;
(11) Signs installed or required by a governmental agency including the City of Mount Vernon, Knox County, the State of Ohio, and the United States, including local and regional transit agencies;
(12) Any warning signs or traffic safety signs required by public utility providers;
(13) Hand-held signs not set on or affixed to the ground;
(14) Any address numbers required by Chapter 905 of the Codified Ordinances or by the U.S. Post Office;
(15) Changes of copy on signs with changeable copy including electronic message centers;
(16) Any signs, including illuminated signs, or related decorations erected for celebrations that are not intended to be permanent in nature and which contain no advertising material; and
(17) General maintenance, painting, repainting, cleaning and other normal maintenance and repair of a sign or any sign structure unless a structural change is made.
(Ord. 2024-032. Passed 7-22-24.)
1113.03 PROHIBITED SIGN TYPES.
The following types of signs are specifically prohibited within the City:
(a) Unless otherwise specifically allowed, signs that are applied to trees, utility poles, benches, trash receptacles, fences or walls, newspaper vending machines or boxes, or any other unapproved supporting structure, or that are otherwise placed in the public right-of-way;
(b) Any sign or sign structure which, in the opinion of the ZEO or other authorized person, is structurally unsafe, or constitutes a hazard to safety or health by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, or abandonment;
(c) No sign shall be installed, erected, or attached in any shape, manner, or form to block any fire escape or any door or window that is required ingress and egress for fire safety;
(d) Pennants, streamers and other similar type devices;
(e) Signs that employ any parts or elements which revolve, rotate, whirl, spin or otherwise make use of motion to attract attention, except for electronic message centers permitted in accordance with this chapter;
(f) Air-activated graphics;
(g) Laser lights, beacons and searchlights, except for emergency purposes;
(h) Any signs that utilize illumination by means of bare bulbs, flames, or both;
(i) Any signs which imitate or resemble official traffic or governmental signs that are designed or used in a manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse drivers along streets;
(k) Any sign located in a public right-of-way, except as specifically provided for in the chapter;
(l) Roof signs;
(m) Any other sign type that is not specifically allowed by this chapter.
(Ord. 2024-032. Passed 7-22-24.)
1113.04 GENERAL REGULATIONS.
Unless otherwise specifically stated, the following regulations shall apply to all signs within the City:
(a) All signs shall be professionally manufactured, or of equivalent quality. Permanent signs shall be fabricated with rigid materials that are of good quality and good durability.
(b) The construction, erection, safety, and maintenance shall comply with all applicable building and electrical codes. In the event there is a conflict between the provisions of this section and the provisions of any applicable building or electrical codes, the provisions of the more restrictive code shall govern.
(c) No sign or sign structure shall be placed on private or public property without the consent of the owner or agent thereof.
(d) The lowest component of all signs that project (or are supported on posts that project) shall not be less than eight feet above the finished grade of a sidewalk or any other pedestrian way. If located over a pavement used for vehicular traffic or within eighteen (18) inches of the vertical projection of the edges of such pavement, the lowest component of the sign shall not be less than fifteen (15) feet above the finished pavement.
(e) Signs shall be anchored to prevent any lateral movement that would cause wear on supporting members or connections.
(f) All signs shall be subject to the intersection visibility standards established in Section 1109.01.
(g) The back side of all permanent signs that do not contain a second sign face or structural supports shall be completely enclosed.
(h) Signs in Rights-of-Way.
(1) Signs shall be prohibited in the right-of-way with the exception of:
A. Signs installed by the City of Mount Vernon, Knox County, the State of Ohio, federal government, or public transit agencies;
B. Any warning signs or traffic safety signs required by public utility providers; or
(2) The ZEO or PMEO may remove or cause to be removed any unlawful sign in the public right-of-way.
(i) Illumination. In all zoning districts signs shall be permitted to be illuminated in compliance with the following:
(1) Internal illumination is only permitted in the NC, GB, CB, LI, GI, and PI Districts. All other signs shall be externally illuminated where the lighting source is shielded from view.
(2) No cabinet signs with internal illumination are permitted within the CB District See Figure 1113-A. Other signs of internally illuminated signs are permitted. See Figure 1113-B.
Figure 1113-A: Cabinet signs with internal illumination like the one illustrated
in the above image, are prohibited in the CB District.
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Figure 1113-B: Reverse-lit channel letter signs (a.k.a., halo signage) (upper left image),
internally or non-illuminated channel lettering signs (upper right image), and gooseneck lighting
or other external illumination (bottom image) are allowed in the CB District.
(3) Light sources shall be shielded from all adjacent buildings and streets and shall be focused exclusively on the sign.
(4) Lights shall not be of such brightness so as to cause glare that is hazardous to pedestrians or motorists, or will cause reasonable objection from adjacent residential districts.
(5) An illuminated sign or lighting device shall employ only light of constant intensity.
(6) Internally illuminated signs shall illuminate the sign copy only. All other elements of the sign and its structure shall be opaque so that the background of the sign shall not be internally illuminated.
(7) Electronic message centers are a permitted form of illuminated signs that are allowed as part of permitted signs. See Section 1113.08(a)(5)D. for specific standards related to electronic message centers.
(Ord. 2024-032. Passed 7-22-24.)
1113.05 CALCULATION AND MEASUREMENTS.
(a) Sign Setback. All required setbacks for signs shall be measured as the distance in feet from the applicable lot line, or other stated point of measurement, to the closest point on the sign structure.
(b) Sign Height.
(1) The height of a sign shall be computed as the distance from the base of the sign at normal grade (average grade at the base of the sign) to the top of the highest attached component of the sign. Normal grade shall be construed to be the newly established grade after construction, exclusive of any filling, berming, mounding, or excavating solely undertaken for the purpose of locating or increasing the height of sign.
(2) The filling of a hole or depression to create an average grade the same level as that surrounding the hole or depression is permitted, provided such filling is allowed by other ordinances.
(3) When a sign is to be located within fifty (50) feet of the right-of-way and where the normal grade of the location is below grade at street level, sign height shall be computed on the assumption that the elevation of the normal grade at the base of the sign is equal to the elevation of the nearest point of the crown of a public or private street. See Figure 1113-C.
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Figure 1113-C: Illustration of the measurement of sign height when the grade at the
bottom of the sign is below the grade of the adjacent street.
(c) Sign Area.
(1) The calculation of sign area shall not include any supporting framework, bracing or decorative fence or wall unless such structural support is determined to constitute an integral part of the sign design by means of text or other commercial message, as determined by the ZEO. See Figure 1113-D.
(2) For sign copy mounted or painted on a background panel, cabinet, or surface distinctively painted, textured, lighted, or constructed to serve as the backgroundfor the sign copy, the sign area shall be computed by means of the total area that encompasses the extreme limits of the background panel, cabinet, or surface where a message could be displayed. See Figure 1113-D and Figure 1113-E.
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Figure 1113-D: Illustration of sign area calculation for a freestanding sign with a copy on a distinct, rectangular cabinet. The brick structural support is not included in the sign area calculation.
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Figure 1113-E: Illustration of computing the sign area for wall signs with a background panel or cabinet.
(3) For sign copy where individual letters or elements are mounted on a building façade or window and there is no background panel, cabinet, or surface distinctively painted, textured, lighted, or constructed to serve as the background for the sign copy, the sign area shall be computed by means of the total area that encloses all the letters or elements associated with the sign. See Figure 1113-F.
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Figure 1113-F: Illustration of sign area calculation for wall signs with individual letters.
(4) In cases where there are multiple elements of sign copy on the same surface, any areas of sign copy that are within two (2) feet of one another shall be calculated as a single sign area that shall be computed by means of the smallest permitted shape that encloses all sign copy within two (2) feet of one another, otherwise the sign area shall be computed for each separate piece of sign copy. See Figure 1113-G.
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Figure 1113-G: Illustration of sign area calculations for multiple sign areas on a window sign.
(5) When two identically sized, flat sign faces are placed back-to-back or at an angle of less than forty-five (45) degree so that both faces cannot be viewed from any one point at the same time, the sign area shall be computed by the measurement of one of the sign faces. If the two (2) faces are unequal, the sign area shall be calculated based on the larger of the two (2) faces.
(6) In the case of a three-dimensional sign, where the sign faces are not mounted back-to-back, the sign area shall be calculated by the single smallest permitted shape that encompasses the profile of the sign message. The profile used shall be the largest area of the sign message visible from any one point.
(d) Facade Measurements.
(1) When calculating the permitted sign area based on the width of any facade, such calculation shall be based on viewing the facade from a ninety (90)-degree angle (i.e., straight on) from the adjacent street, regardless of facade insets, offsets or angles. See Figure 1113-H.
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Figure 1113-H: Illustration of facade width measurement on varied facade shapes.
(2) For multi-tenant buildings, the portion of a building that is owned or leased by a single occupant or tenant shall be considered a building unit. See Figure 1113-I. The building frontage for a tenant space shall be measured from the centerline of the party walls defining the tenant space.
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Figure 1113-I: The above image shows independent buildings (1 and 4) as well as a
multi-tenant building in between. The multi-tenant building has two building units
as identified as 2 and 3 in the image.
(3) Each building shall have one primary facade for the purposes of signage. The primary facade may be any facade that has frontage along a street or any facade that serves as the main access point to a building or building unit. All other facades shall be considered to be secondary facades for the purposes of this chapter provided such facades do not face a residential zoning district. See Figure 1113-J.
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Figure 1113-J: Examples of the location of primary and secondary facades.
(4) When a site has a primary and secondary facade as defined herein, the ZEO shall have the final authority on determining which facade is a primary facade and which is a secondary facade, as may be applicable.
(Ord. 2024-032. Passed 7-22-24.)
1113.06 SIGNS PERMITTED IN PD DISTRICTS.
(a) All development in a PD District shall be subject to the standards of this chapter unless otherwise modified through the PD review and approval process. In general:
(1) Single-family dwelling uses in a PD shall comply with the sign requirements of the R-1 District.
(2) Multi-family dwelling uses in a PD shall comply with the sign requirements of the R-3 District.
(3) Commercial and office uses in a PD shall comply with the sign requirements of the GB District.
(4) Industrial uses in a PD shall comply with the sign requirements of the LI District.
(5) Public and institutional uses in a PD shall comply with the sign requirements of the PI District.
(b) This section shall apply to both permanent and temporary signs.
(Ord. 2024-032. Passed 7-22-24.)
1113.07 PERMANENT SIGNS IN RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS.
The following are permanent signs allowed in the RR, ER, R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-3, and R-4 Districts:
(a) Signs at Entrances. Wall signs or ground signs may be permitted for any subdivision or multi-family dwelling development with six (6) or more dwelling units provided that the sign meets the following requirements:
(1) General Standards.
A. Each sign may have a maximum sign area of twenty (20) square feet for subdivisions or multi-family dwelling developments with six (6) to twenty (20) dwelling units and a maximum sign area of forty (40) square feet for subdivisions or multi-family dwelling developments with more than twenty (20) dwelling units.
B. No such sign, or any portion of the structure, shall exceed eight (8) feet in height.
D. The signs shall be set back a minimum of ten (10) feet from the right-of-way and any adjacent lot lines.
(2) Monument or Ground Sign.
A. A maximum of one permanent monument or ground sign may be permitted for each entrance from a street that is external to the subdivision or development, as determined by the ZEO.
B. The monument or ground sign may be located within a landscaped island that is part of a boulevard entrance is approved by the City Engineer.
C. If an applicant proposes to utilize a monument or ground sign, no wall signs, as allowed in Subsection 1113.07(a)(3), below shall be permitted.
(3) Wall Signs on Entry Fences, Walls, or Features.
A. A maximum of two (2) wall signs may be permitted for each entrance from a street that is external to the subdivision or development, as determined by the ZEO.
B. The signs shall be mounted to a decorative wall, fence, or architectural feature adjacent to the entrance street.
C. The wall sign shall not be position to extend above the top of the wall, fence, or architectural feature.
D. The placement of wall signs on architectural features shall only be permitted if such architectural feature is approved as part of a PD or a subdivision plat. See Figure 1113-K.
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Figure 1113-K: Example of an architectural feature at the entrance of a subdivision.
E. If an applicant proposes to use wall signs, no ground or monument sign, as allowed in Subsection 1113.07(a)(2), above, shall be permitted.
(b) Signs for Nonresidential in Residential Districts.
(1) One (1) permanent ground or monument sign may be permitted on a lot containing an approved nonresidential use provided the sign meets the following requirements:
A. The maximum sign area shall be forty (40) square feet.
B. No such sign or any portion of the structure shall exceed eight (8) feet in height.
C. The sign shall be set back a minimum of ten (10) feet from the right-of-way and any adjacent lot lines.
E. Electronic message centers are permitted but the electronic message center portion of the signs shall not exceed twenty (20) square feet of the sign area and shall comply with the standards of Section 1113.08(a)(5)D.
(2) Buildings signs shall be permitted on a lot containing an approved nonresidential use provided the signs meet the same requirements for building signs in the PI District in Section 1113.08(b).
(3) Driveway signs shall be permitted in the same manner as nonresidential districts in Section 1113.08(c).
(Ord. 2024-032. Passed 7-22-24.)
1113.08 PERMANENT SIGNS IN NONRESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS.
The following standards apply to signs on lots in the NC, CB, GB, OB, LI, GI, and PI Districts:
(a) Freestanding Signs. All freestanding signs in nonresidential zoning districts shall meet the following requirements:
(1) The freestanding signs shall be set back a minimum of ten (10) feet from the right-of-way and ten (10) feet from any adjacent lot lines.
(2) Only one (1) freestanding sign shall be permitted along each public street frontage.
(3) Both monument and ground signs are permitted types of freestanding signs in all districts except the CB District where only monument signs are permitted.
(5) Where changeable copy signs are allowed pursuant to Table 1113-1, such signs shall be regulated as follows:
A. The changeable copy sign may be either an electronic message center or a manual changeable copy sign. Each freestanding sign may only use one type of changeable copy sign.
B. The changeable copy sign area shall be counted toward the total freestanding sign area allowed in Table 1113-1.
C. The maximum sign area allowed as a manual changeable copy sign area shall be fifteen (15) square feet. The maximum sign area allowed as an electronic message center shall be twenty-four (24) square feet.
D. Electronic message centers shall be subject to the following standards:
i. Any message on an electronic message center shall remain static for a minimum of eight (8) seconds. The transition interval between messages shall be accomplished within one (1) second or less and no animation is permitted during the transition.
ii. The complete message must fit on one (1) screen.
iii. The electronic message center shall be set back a minimum of 100 feet from any lot that contains a residential use.
iv. The electronic message center shall come equipped with an automatic dimming photocell, which automatically adjusts the display's brightness based on ambient light conditions.
v. Illumination shall not exceed 0.3 footcandles over ambient lighting conditions when measured at fifty (50) feet in any direction from an electronic message sign.
vi. Audio emissions from electronic message centers shall be prohibited.
(6) Where a freestanding sign serves multiple tenants or uses, it shall be the responsibility of the property owner to determine the messaging on the sign.
(7) Exposed sign foundations shall be constructed with a finished material such as brick, stone or wood.
Zoning District | Maximum Sign Area | Maximum Sign Height | Changeable Copy Sign Allowed |
NC | 24 Square Feet | 6 Feet | Yes (Manual Changeable Copy Sign Only) |
CB [1] | 20 Square Feet | 6 Feet | No |
OB | 20 Square Feet | 6 Feet | No |
GB | 40 Square Feet for Lots with Less Than 200 Feet of Lot Width [2] | 8 Feet for Lots with Less Than 200 Feet of Lot Width [2] | Yes |
80 Square Feet for Lots with 200 Feet or more of Lot Width [2] | 20 Feet for Lots with 200 Feet or more of Lot Width [2] | Yes | |
LI | 60 Square Feet | 15 Feet | Yes |
GI | 60 Square Feet | 8 Feet | Yes |
PI | 40 Square Feet | 6 Feet | Yes |
NOTES: [1] Monument signs are not permitted to be located on any frontage along Main Street or along Public Square. On all other frontages, a monument sign shall only be permitted where there is a parking lot or a building setback greater than 10 feet. [2] See Section 1113.08(a)(8), below regarding lots widths for the purposes of signs. | |||
(8) For the purposes of measuring lot width for this section on freestanding signs, the lot width shall be measured along a straight line that runs parallel with the street frontage at the widest point of the lot. This measurement shall be regardless of the presence of driveway entrances to the lot or the presence of smaller outlots in front of the applicable lot. See Figure 1113-L.
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Figure 1113-L: The above image illustrates different methods of measuring lot width when
calculating the amount of freestanding sign area permitted on a lot.
(9) Landscaping Permanent Freestanding Signs.
A. All permanent freestanding signs shall be located in a landscaped area equal to the total sign area of the applicable sign or forty (40) square feet, whichever is more. Such landscaped area may be an area that fulfills any landscaping requirements of this code.
B. The landscaped area shall include all points where sign structural supports attach to the ground.
(b) Building Signs. Building signs are permitted on all principal buildings in accordance with the following:
(1) The building sign area allowed in this code shall include the total amount of all awning, canopy, marquee, projecting, wall, or window signs on each primary and secondary façade, where applicable. Standards for each individual building sign type are established in this section.
(2) Building signs shall also be subject to any applicable standards for building sign types in Section 1113.08(b)(7).
(3) Building signs shall not extend above the top of the roofline of the building to which it is attached.
(4) Building signs may not be attached to mechanical equipment or roof screening.
(6) Size.
A. The following is the maximum amount of sign area for all building signs permitted on the primary and secondary façades of a building, where applicable, based on the zoning district:
i. One (1.0) square feet of sign area per lineal foot of primary facade width; and
ii. One-half (0.5) square feet of sign area per lineal foot of secondary facade width.
B. Additional building sign area shall be permitted when the primary facade is setback greater than 250 feet from the right-of-way. The additional building sign area shall not exceed one-fourth (0.25) square feet of building sign area per lineal foot of the primary façade width, not to exceed an additional twenty-five (25) square feet of sign area.
C. For buildings with multiple building units, the ratio shall be applied to each lineal foot of building facade width assigned to each individual building unit. If there is no clearly established delineation of building unit space on the exterior of the façade, the amount of building signage shall be based on the total façade width, to be divided by the property owner or agent.
D. Building signs shall not be permitted on secondary facades if the secondary facade faces an adjacent lot in a residential zoning district or an adjacent lot that contains a residential dwelling unit.
E. There is no maximum number of building signs but the total square footage of building signs located on a single facade shall comply with the requirements of this section.
F. The amount of building signs permitted shall be based on the facade width of the principal building.
G. The maximum building sign area provided for in this section shall apply to building signs, regardless of the message.
(7) Standards for Permanent Building Sign Types.
A. Wall Signs.
i. Wall signs shall be mounted on or flush with a wall and shall not protrude more than twenty-four (24) inches from the wall or face of the building to which it is attached.
ii. A wall sign may be painted directly on a building wall, mounted on the facade wall, or mounted on a raceway.
iii. Cabinet style wall signs are prohibited in in the CB District.
B. Awning, Canopy, or Marquee Signs. Any canopy, awning, or marquee sign allowed pursuant to this section shall comply with the following standards:
i. Signage shall not cover more than fifty percent (50%) of any individual awning, canopy, or marquee.
ii. A sign may be mounted above a canopy provided that the top of the sign does not exceed the height of the roofline of the building.
iii. Marquee signs may include manual changeable copy signs.
C. Projecting Signs.
i. Only one (1) projecting sign shall be permitted for each tenant on each street frontage where the tenant has a building unit with an exterior entrance.
ii. A projecting sign shall be perpendicular to the wall of the building to which it is attached and shall not extend more than four (4) feet from the façade wall to which it is attached.
iii. Projecting signs shall maintain a minimum six-inch clearance from the façade of any building.
iv. Decorative supporting structures for projecting signs are encouraged and shall not count toward the maximum square footage of signs allowed, however, in no case shall the supporting structure exceed six (6) square feet.
v. The maximum sign area for a projecting sign shall be six (6) square feet.
vi. Projecting signs must be suspended from brackets that comply with any applicable building code and contain no exposed guy wires or turnbuckles.
vii. Projecting signs may project over a sidewalk in a right-of-way provided that there shall be a minimum of two (2) feet between the curb and the nearest point of the sign.
viii. Projecting signs shall comply with the clearance standards of Section 1113.04 when extending over the right-of-way, private walkway, or over any internal drive with vehicular access.
D. Window Signs.
i. Window signs shall not occupy more than fifty percent (50%) of the window area in any NC, GB, LI, GI, or PI Districts or no more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the window area in the OB or CB Districts.
ii. Window signs require a zoning permit in the same manner as all other building signs.
iii. Window signs shall be limited to the first floor of a building unless allowed as a temporary sign in Section 1113.10.
iv. Window signs may be temporarily or permanently attached to the window surface. If window signs are intended to be temporary and replaced in a routine manner, then a zoning permit shall only be required for the initial installation of the window sign.
v. Window signs shall not be illuminated except when illuminated by an external lighting source.
vi. Decorative edging or other window treatments that are not an integral part of the sign copy shall not be considered a part of the sign for the purposes of this chapter. See Figure 1113-G.
vii. The sign area is based on the total window area, regardless of the presence of an awning. Window areas separated by piers, architectural elements, or similar features that are not glass or window framing or support shall be considered separate and distinct window areas. See Figure 1113-M.
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Figure 1113-M: The window area is illustrated within the dashed line area for the two storefronts in the above image.
(c) Driveway Signs.
(1) A maximum of two (2) signs shall be permitted for any one (1) driveway.
(2) Driveway signs shall be set back at least five (5) feet from all lot lines but in no case shall the sign be set back more than twenty-five (25) feet from the edge of the driveway where it intersects with the public street.
(3) Each driveway sign shall not exceed four (4) square feet in sign area. The maximum height shall be six (6) feet in the LI and GI Districts and four (4) feet in all other zoning districts.
(4) Driveway signs may be internally or externally illuminated.
(5) The sign area of driveway signs shall not be counted as part of any other sign allowance in this chapter.
(Ord. 2024-032. Passed 7-22-24.)
1113.09 MASTER SIGN PLAN.
The master sign plan allowance established herein is to provide for the consideration of additional permanent signage for large-scale nonresidential and mixed-use developments.
(a) Applicability.
(1) A master sign plan may be submitted for developments that meet one of the following thresholds:
A. A nonresidential development or a mixed-use development that contains more than 300,000 square feet of floor area; or
B. A nonresidential development or mixed-use development is located on a single parcel that is twenty-five (25) acres or larger.
(2) For the purposes of this applicability section, a mixed-use development shall be considered any development where the majority of the floor area of the ground floor contains nonresidential uses.
(b) Master Sign Plan Requirements and Standards.
(1) Master sign plans shall be reviewed by the MPC and a decision made at a public meeting.
(2) A master sign plan is intended to promote consistency among signs within a development, improve wayfinding around the site, and enhance the compatibility of signs with the architectural and site design features within a development, as well as with the surrounding neighborhood.
(3) Master sign plans may include the following signage in additional to the sign allowances established in the rest of this chapter:
A. One (1) additional freestanding sign with a maximum sign area of forty (40) square feet and a maximum height of eight (8) feet; and
B. A twenty-five percent (25%) increase in the maximum building signage allowance beyond what is allowed in for building signs in the applicable code.
(4) An application for review of a master sign plan shall include:
A. A master sign plan, drawn to scale, delineating the site proposed to be included within the master sign plan and the general locations of all permanent signs including freestanding and building signs and the lot lines, buildings and roadways;
B. Drawings and/or sketches indicating the dimensions in square feet, location and sign area for all the permanent signs;
C. Drawings and/or sketches indicating the exterior surface details of all buildings on the site on which wall signs, awning signs, canopy signs, projecting signs, window signs or other building signs are proposed;
D. Samples or photos of colors and materials to be used for signs and the relationship to the building materials; and
E. Information regarding the illumination of any signs.
(c) Review Criteria.
(1) In order for the MPC to approve a master sign plan, it must find all of the following:
A. That the master sign plan's contribution to the design of the site and surrounding area will be superior to the quality that would result under the regulations and standards of this article;
B. That the signs proposed as part of the master sign plan will create a uniform sign package for the site related to materials, lighting, design and other features of the individual signs; and
C. That the proposed signs are compatible with the style or character of improvements and are well-related to each other in terms of location and spacing.
(2) The MPC may impose reasonable conditions to a master sign plan necessary to carry out the intent of this article.
(3) No zoning permits or other permits required for the construction of any sign shall be issued unless the sign is in compliance with the approved master sign plan.
(4) An approved master sign plan may only be amended or modified through the same review process required for its approval.
(Ord. 2024-032. Passed 7-22-24.)
1113.10 TEMPORARY SIGNS.
The following are the types of temporary signs allowed in the City of Mount Vernon, including any applicable regulations for each type of sign.
(a) Standards Applicable to All Temporary Signs.
(1) Temporary signs shall not be mounted, attached, affixed, installed or otherwise secured in a manner that will make the sign a permanent sign.
(2) No temporary sign shall be mounted, attached, affixed, installed or otherwise secured so as to protrude above the roofline of a structure.
(3) All temporary signs shall be secured in such a manner as to prevent swinging or other significantly noticeable movement resulting from the wind that could pose a danger to people, vehicles or structures.
(4) Unless otherwise specifically stated, temporary signs shall not be illuminated.
(5) No temporary sign shall require a foundation, support, wiring, fittings, or elements that would traditionally require a building permit or electrical permit.
(6) Temporary signs shall not be affixed to any permanent sign or permanent structure except when a banner sign is permitted to cover a permanent sign in accordance with this section or when such sign is attached to the principal building as permitted in this chapter.
(7) No streamers, spinning, flashing, windblown devices or similarly moving devices shall be allowed as part of, or attachments to, temporary signs.
(8) Where a temporary sign is designed to have two (2) sign faces (sidewalk signs or temporary yard signs), such sign faces shall be of the same size and mounted back-to-back. In the cases of an A-frame sidewalk sign, the sign faces shall be mounted back-to-back but may have an angular separation between faces to form the A-frame shape.
(9) Temporary signs shall be constructed of a material that is substantial enough to withstand typical winds and weather for the duration of the placement.
(10) Because of the nature of materials typically used to construct temporary signs and to avoid the unsightliness of deteriorating signs and all safety concerns which accompany such a condition, temporary signs shall be removed or replaced when such a sign is deteriorated.
(11) Temporary signs shall not be located in the right-of-way. Where the right-of-way is unknown, the temporary sign shall be set back a minimum of ten (10) feet from the edge of any street pavement.
(b) Temporary Signs Allowed without Zoning Permits.
(1) Table 1113-2 establishes the allowances for temporary signs in all zoning districts. All sign types are subject to the general provisions above and the sign-type standards that follow the table.
Zoning Districts | Residential | Nonresidential |
Time Limit | Unrestricted | Unrestricted |
Maximum Sign Area per Lot [1] | 36 Square Feet | 36 Square Feet |
Maximum Sign Area per Individual Sign [1] | 16 Square Feet | 16 Square Feet |
Maximum Height | 5 Feet | 5 Feet |
Permitted Sign Types | Banner, Window or Yard | Banner, Window, Sidewalk or Yard |
Zoning Permit Approval Required | No | No |
NOTE: [1] The provisions of this requirement are as stated in the table unless otherwise allowed for in the applicable sign type standards below. | ||
(c) Additional Temporary Signs Allowed with Zoning Permits. The following additional temporary signs are permitted provided a zoning permit is approved for the signs:
(1) For zoning permit applications related to the establishment of a new use or change of use within an existing building, where there is existing permanent sign, a banner sign may be approved for up to sixty (60) consecutive days to cover the existing permanent signs. Such banner sign shall not exceed the sign area of the permanent sign.
(2) In addition to the temporary signs allowed in Table 1113-2, above, one additional temporary sign is allowed for up to fourteen (14) consecutive days per quarter in nonresidential zoning districts with the following provisions:
A. A quarter shall be defined as evenly timed quarter of the calendar year (January to March, April to June, July to September, and October to December).
B. The sign shall be limited to balloon, banner, feather, and yard signs.
C. The maximum sign area shall be thirty-six (36) square feet.
D. The maximum sign height shall be ten (10) feet.
(d) Temporary Sign Type Standards.
(1) Banner Signs.
A. Banner signs shall not be subject to the maximum height requirements of this section provided they are not attached above any roofline.
B. Banner signs can be affixed to a building but not to a fence, unless such fence is enclosing an outdoor dining area adjacent to the building.
(2) Feather Signs.
A. Feather signs are prohibited in the CB District.
B. Only one (1) feather sign shall be permitted for any lot. If a lot has more than 100 feet of lot frontage along a public street, one (1) additional feather sign shall be permitted at the same time as the initial feather sign.
C. The maximum height of a feather sign may exceed the maximum height in the temporary sign allowance table but in no case shall exceed ten (10) feet in height.
(3) Sidewalk Signs.
A. Only one (1) sidewalk sign is allowed for each building unit.
B. The sidewalk sign shall be limited to an A-frame sidewalk sign or a T-frame sidewalk sign.
C. There shall be no time limitation for sidewalk signs with the exception that the sign shall only be placed outside during the hours of the establishment's operation.
D. Sidewalk signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet in area with a maximum height of four (4) feet.
E. The sign shall not be placed on pavement used for vehicles (e.g., driveways and parking lots) or in landscaped areas.
F. When placed on a public or private sidewalk, the width and placement of the sign shall be such so that there shall be a minimum width of four (4) feet of clear and passable sidewalk or walkway for pedestrians.
G. The sign must be freestanding and shall not be affixed, chained, anchored, or otherwise secured to the ground or to any pole, parking meter, tree, tree grate, fire hydrant, or other structure.
H. The sign must not obstruct access to parking meters, bicycle racks and other features legally in the right-of-way.
I. The sign must not interfere with the opening of car doors in legal spaces, or with the operation of wheelchair lifts and ramps, cab stands, loading zones or bus stops.
J. The sign shall be internally weighted so that it is stable and windproof.
K. The City of Mount Vernon shall be held harmless from any liability resulting from accident or injury caused by the placement and/or maintenance of such sign.
(4) Window Signs.
A. Temporary window signs may be placed inside windows of residential uses in all zoning districts.
B. Temporary window signs utilized in nonresidential uses shall be regulated in accordance with Section 1113.10.
(5) Yard Signs. Temporary yard signs are prohibited in the right-of-way and shall be set back a minimum of ten (10) feet from adjoining lot lines.
(Ord. 2024-032. Passed 7-22-24.)
1113.11 MAINTENANCE OF SIGNS AND SIGN STRUCTURES.
(a) All signs, together with all supports, braces, guys, and anchors, shall be maintained in a safe and good condition at all times to avoid becoming a deteriorated sign, including, but not limited to, the replacement of defective bulbs, parts or materials, painting, repainting, cleaning and other acts required for the maintenance of said sign and accessory landscaping.
(b) The display surfaces of all signs shall be subject to periodic inspection.
(c) All signs and sign structures shall be maintained in a safe and attractive condition in accordance with Part Thirteen of these Codified Ordinances, the Ohio Building Code, or both, as applicable.
(d) It shall be the responsibility of the property owner, or other entity having legal control or interest of the property, to maintain all signs and sign structures in accordance with this code.
(e) Signs shall be maintained in a manner that prevents the exposure of any internal elements through the replacement of broken panels or elements or the removal of the sign structure or components.
(f) Failure to maintain a sign in accordance with this section shall be a violation of this code, subject to Chapter 1116 Enforcement and Penalties.
(Ord. 2024-032. Passed 7-22-24.)
1113.12 NONCONFORMING SIGNS.
(a) Any sign that was lawfully in existence at the time of the effective date of this code, or amendment thereto, that does not conform to the provisions herein, shall be deemed a legal nonconforming sign and may remain on a lot of record except as qualified in this subsection. No legal nonconforming sign shall be enlarged, extended, structurally altered, or reconstructed in any manner, except as allowed for in this section, and the nonconforming structure regulations in Chapter 1115: Nonconformities.
(b) A nonconforming sign shall immediately lose its nonconforming designation and must be brought into compliance with these regulations or be removed if:
(1) The sign is structurally altered or replaced, but not including the updating of sign copy without any structural changes to the sign cabinet or the changing of a sign face when the sign is specifically designed for changeable copy (electronic or manual);
(2) The sign is relocated, except signs that are required to be moved because of public right-of-way improvements;
(3) If the nonconforming sign is no longer an on-premise sign;
(4) The sign is a legally nonconforming temporary sign that is still in place more than one calendar year from the effective date of this code;
(5) The sign is damaged to an extent of greater than fifty percent (50%) of the estimated replacement value;
(6) The sign is damaged to an extent of less than fifty percent (50%) of the estimated replacement value but is not repaired within sixty (60) days after it is damaged; or
(7) The sign creates a hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic, or to adjoining properties.
(c) Nothing in this section shall relieve the owner or user of a nonconforming sign or owner of the property on which the nonconforming sign is located from compliance with the provisions of these regulations regarding safety, maintenance, and repair of signs, provided however, that any repainting, cleaning and other normal maintenance or repair of the sign or sign structure shall not modify the sign structure in any way. All nonconforming signs shall be maintained properly and shall be subject to Section 1113.11.
(Ord. 2024-032. Passed 7-22-24.)
1113.13 REMOVAL OF SIGNS AND SIGN STRUCTURES.
(a) In the event that a sign, sign structure, or both are deemed by the ZEO, PMEO, SSD, or City Engineer to be a serious hazard, such hazard shall be abated in accordance with Part Thirteen of these Codified Ordinances, the Ohio Building Code, or both, as applicable.
(b) The ZEO, PMEO, SSD, or City Engineer, as applicable shall determine the level of risk and recommend deadlines for compliance to the ZEO who shall be responsible for notification of the hazard and deadlines for repair or removal.
(c) In the event of a determination of imminent threat to life-safety, the ZEO may cause such sign, sign structure, or both to be removed summarily and without notice. The person, firm, or corporation having property ownership or other legal control of the sign, sign structure, or both, shall be individually and separately liable for the expense incurred in the removal of such sign, sign structure, or both.
(d) Where there is no imminent threat to life-safety, the ZEO shall notify, in writing, the owner of the property on which the sign is located. Upon receiving notification that a sign has been determined to be a hazard, the owner shall have the sign removed within thirty (30) days, or shall file an appeal to the BZA in accordance with Section 1103.07. The filing of such an appeal shall stay the time for removal of the sign pending a final decision of the BZA. If thereafter the property owner does not remove the sign, the ZEO shall take appropriate steps to have the sign removed and bill the property owner. If the bill is not paid, the costs will be incorporated into a lien on the property and collected with property taxes.
(e) The provisions of this section shall not be construed to prevent the repair or restoration to a safe condition of such hazardous conditions subject to safeguards and approvals in accordance with applicable codes.
(Ord. 2024-032. Passed 7-22-24.)