The provisions of these zoning regulations shall govern the number, size, location, and character of all signs which may be permitted as a main or accessory use. No signs shall be erected or permitted in any location except in conformity with these zoning regulations.

Increased numbers and size of signs, as well as certain types of lighting, distract the attention of motorists and interfere with traffic safety. Indiscriminate erection and maintenance of signs seriously detracts from the enjoyment and pleasure in the natural scenic beauty of the county and, in turn, injuriously affects the economic well-being of the citizenry. It is intended to provide for the regulation of types, sizes, locations, and character of signs in relation to the identification of various uses and activities on premises, to provide for certain types, sizes, locations, and character of off-site signs.

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

Compliance with the requirements of these regulations shall not constitute a defense to an action brought to abate a nuisance under the common law.

All signs, including their supports, braces, guys and anchors, electrical parts and lighting fixtures, and all painted and display areas, shall be maintained in accordance with the building and electrical codes adopted by the county, and shall present a neat and clean appearance. The vegetation around, in front of, behind, and underneath the base of ground signs for a distance of ten feet shall be neatly trimmed and free of unsightly weeds, and no rubbish or debris that would constitute a fire or health hazard shall be permitted under or near the sign.

The following specialized definitions shall apply to this article:

Accessory sign. A permanent ground or building sign that is permitted under this code as incidental to an existing or proposed use of land.

Advertising. Sign copy intended to directly or indirectly promote the sale or use of a product, service, commodity, entertainment, or real or personal property. This definition shall also be deemed to include political copy intended to directly or indirectly promote a candidate, party or issue.

Building sign. A sign displayed upon or attached to any part of the exterior of a building, including walls, windows, doors, parapets, marquees and roof slopes of 45 degrees or steeper. See figure 9.00.04-A.

Commercially developed parcel. A parcel of property on which there is at least one walled and roofed structure used, or designed to be used, for other than residential or agricultural purposes.

Copy. The linguistic or graphic content of a sign.

Electric sign. Any sign containing electric wiring.

Erect a sign. To construct, reconstruct, build, relocate, raise, assemble, place, affix, attach, create, paint, draw, or in any other way bring into being or establish; but it shall not include any of the foregoing activities when performed as an incident to the change of message, or routine maintenance.

Frontage. The length of the property line of any one parcel along a street on which it borders.

Ground sign. A sign that is supported by one or more columns, upright poles, or braces extended from the ground or from an object on the ground, or that is erected on the ground, where no part of the sign is attached to any part of a building. See figure 9.00.04-B.

Harmful to minors. With regard to sign content, any description or representation, in whatever form, of nudity, sexual conduct, or sexual excitement, when it:

A.

Predominately appeals to the prurient, shameful, or morbid interest of minors in sex, and

B.

Is patently offensive to contemporary standards in the adult community as a whole with respect to what is suitable sexual material for minors, and

C.

Taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.

The term "harmful to minors" shall also include any nonerotic word or picture when it:

A.

Is patently offensive to contemporary standards in the adult community as a whole with respect to what is suitable for viewing by minors, and

B.

Taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.

Illuminated sign. A sign which contains a source of light or which is designed or arranged to reflect light from an artificial source including indirect lighting, neon, incandescent lights, backlighting, and shall also include signs with reflectors that depend upon automobile headlights for an image.

Marquee. A structure projecting from and supported by a building which extends beyond the building line or property line and fully or partially covers a sidewalk, public entrance or other pedestrian way.

Multiple occupancy complex. A commercial use, i.e., any use other than residential or agricultural, consisting of a parcel of property, or parcel of contiguous properties, existing as a unified or coordinated project, with a building or buildings housing more than one occupant.

Occupant (occupancy). A commercial use, i.e., any use other than residential or agricultural.

Parcel. A unit of land within legally established property lines. If, however, the property lines are such as to defeat the purposes of this code or lead to absurd results, a "parcel" may be as designated for a particular site by the director.

Permanent. Designed, constructed and intended for more than shortterm use.

Portable sign. Any sign which is manifestly designed to be transported by trailer or on its own wheels, including such signs even though the wheels may be removed and the remaining chassis or support structure converted to an A- or T-frame sign and attached temporarily or permanently to the ground.

Roof sign. A sign placed above the roofline of a building or on or against a roof slope of less than 45 degrees.

Roofline. A horizontal line intersecting the highest point or points of a roof.

Sign. Any writing, pictorial presentation, number, illustration, or decoration, flag, banner or pennant, or other device which is used to announce, direct attention to, identify, advertise or otherwise make anything known. The term "sign" shall not be deemed to include the term "building" or "landscaping," or any architectural embellishment of a building not intended to communicate information.

Sign face. The part of a sign that is or may be used for copy.

Sign face area. The area of any regular geometric shape which contains the entire surface area of a sign upon which copy may be placed.

Sign structure. Any construction used or designed to support a sign.

Street. A public or private right-of-way for vehicular traffic, including highways, thoroughfares, lanes, roads, ways, and boulevards.

Temporary. Designed, constructed, and intended to be used on a shortterm basis.

Unit. That part of a multiple occupancy complex housing one occupant.

Vehicle sign. Any sign affixed to a vehicle.

Add figures from page 305

FIGURE 9.00.04-A. EXAMPLES OF BUILDING SIGNS

Add figures from page 307

FIGURE 9.00.04-B. GROUND SIGNS

The following signs are exempt from the operation of these sign regulations, and from the requirement in this code that a permit be obtained for the erection of permanent signs, provided they are not placed or constructed so as to create a hazard of any kind:

A.

Signs that are not designed or located so as to be visible from any street or adjoining property.

B.

Signs of two square feet or less and signs that include no letters, symbols, logos or designs in excess of two inches in vertical or horizontal dimension, provided that such sign, or combination of such signs, does not constitute a sign prohibited by section 9.02.02 of this code.

C.

Signs necessary to promote health, safety and welfare, and other regulatory, statutory, traffic control or directional signs erected on public property with permission as appropriate from the United States, the State of Florida, the County of Okeechobee, or the City of Okeechobee.

D.

Legal notices and official instruments.

E.

Decorative flags and bunting for a celebration, convention, or commemoration of significance to the entire community when authorized by the city/county commission for a prescribed period of time.

F.

Holiday lights and decorations.

G.

Merchandise displays behind storefront windows so long as no part of the display moves or contains flashing lights.

H.

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

I.

Signs incorporated into machinery or equipment by a manufacturer or distributor, which identify or advertise only the product or service dispensed by the machine or equipment, such as signs customarily affixed to vending machines, newspaper racks, telephone booths, and gasoline pumps.

J.

Advertising and identifying signs located on taxicabs, buses, trailers, trucks, or vehicle bumpers.

K.

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

L.

Works of art that do not constitute advertising.

M.

Signs carried by a person.

N.

Religious displays.

It shall be unlawful to erect, cause to be erected, maintain or cause to be maintained, any sign not expressly authorized by, or exempted from, this code.

The following signs are expressly prohibited unless exempted by section 9.01.00 of this code or expressly authorized by section 9.03.00 or section 9.04.00 of this code:

A.

Signs that are in violation of the building code or electrical code adopted by the county.

B.

Any sign that, in the opinion of the director, does or will constitute a safety hazard.

C.

Blank temporary signs.

D.

Signs with visible moving, revolving, or rotating parts or visible mechanical movement of any description or other apparent visible movement achieved by electrical, electronic, or mechanical means, except for traditional barber poles.

E.

Signs with the optical illusion of movement by means of a design that presents a pattern capable of giving the illusion of motion or changing of copy.

F.

Signs with lights or illuminations that flash, move, rotate, scintillate, blink, flicker, or vary in intensity or color except for time-temperature-date signs.

G.

Strings of lightbulbs used on commercially developed parcels for commercial purposes, other than traditional holiday decorations.

H.

Signs, commonly referred to as wind signs, consisting of one or more banners, flags, pennants, ribbons, spinners, streamers or captive balloons, or other objects or material fastened in such a manner as to move upon being subjected to pressure by wind. See figure 9.02.02-A.

I.

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

J.

Signs that emit audible sound, odor, or visible matter such as smoke or steam.

K.

Signs or sign structures that interfere in any way with free use of any fire escape, emergency exit, or standpipe, or that obstruct any window to such an extent that light or ventilation is reduced to a point below that required by any provision of this code or other ordinance of the city/county.

L.

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

M.

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

N.

Nongovernmental signs that use the word "stop," "danger," or any similar word, phrase, or symbol.

O.

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

P.

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

Q.

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

R.

Searchlights used to advertise or promote a business or to attract customers to a property.

S.

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

T.

Signs placed upon benches, bus shelters or waste receptacles, except as may be authorized in writing pursuant to F.S. § 337.407.

U.

Signs erected on public property, or on private property (such as private utility poles) located on public property, other than signs erected by public authority for public purposes and signs authorized in writing pursuant to F.S. § 337.407. Any sign erected in violation of this subsection shall be deemed to be owned by the person or entity that the sign advertises or promotes. By placement of a sign in violation of this subsection, the owner is agreeing that the sign may be summarily removed and destroyed by the county at the owner's expense. The county shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney fees and costs incident to an action to recover the cost of sign removal.

V.

Signs erected over or across any public street except as may otherwise be expressly authorized by this code, and except governmental signs erected by or on the order of a public officer.

W.

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

1.

Is parked for more than 60 consecutive minutes within 100 feet of any street right-of-way;

2.

Is visible from the street right-of-way that the vehicle is within 100 feet of; and

3.

Is not regularly used in the conduct of the business advertised on the vehicle. A vehicle used primarily for advertising, or for the purpose of providing transportation for owners or employees of the occupancy advertised on the vehicle, shall not be considered a vehicle used in the conduct of the business.

X.

Signs displaying copy that is harmful to minors as defined by this code.

Y.

Portable signs as defined by this code.

_____

_____

Temporary signs are allowed throughout the county, subject to the restrictions imposed by this section and other relevant parts of this code.

A temporary sign may be a ground or building sign, but may not be an electric sign.

Any temporary sign not complying with the requirements of this section is illegal and subject to immediate removal.

A temporary sign may display any message so long as it is not:

A.

Harmful to minors as defined by this code.

B.

Advertising as defined by this code, except that advertising for the following purposes may be displayed:

1.

To indicate that an owner, either personally or through an agent, is actively attempting to sell, rent or lease the property on which the sign is located.

2.

To indicate the grand opening of a business or other activity. Such message may be displayed for a period not exceeding 30 days within the first three months that the occupancy is open for business.

3.

To identify construction in progress. Such message shall not be displayed more than 60 days prior to the beginning of actual construction of the project, and shall be removed when construction is completed. If a message is displayed pursuant to this section, but construction is not initiated within 60 days after the message is displayed, or if construction is discontinued for a period of more than 60 days, the message shall be removed, pending initiation or continuation of construction activities.

4.

To indicate the existence of a new business, or a business in a new location, if such business has no permanent signs. Such message may be displayed for a period of not more than 60 days or until installation of permanent signs, whichever shall occur first.

5.

To announce or advertise such temporary uses as fairs, carnivals, circuses, revivals, sporting events, flea markets, or any public, charitable, educational or religious event or function. Such message shall be removed within five days after the special event.

6.

To promote initiatives, issues, or referenda that have obtained a position on the ballot for a general election as defined in F.S. § 100.031, or to promote candidates for a general election as defined in F.S. § 100.031, or for a primary election as defined in F.S. § 100.061, where such candidates are deemed to be filed candidates by their qualifying officer, provided that temporary signs displaying such advertising shall not be displayed prior to March 1 of the general election year. Such temporary signs promoting a candidate shall be removed within 15 days of withdrawal of a candidacy, having been eliminated as a candidate, or having been elected to office. For initiatives, issues, or referenda, such temporary signs shall be removed within 15 days following the election that determined its outcome. For federal, state, county, or district elections other than a general election or primary election as specified above, temporary signs promoting a candidate, initiative, issue, or referenda shall not be displayed more than 180 days prior to the election and shall be removed within 15 days following the election.

(Ord. No. 2016-0001, § 1, 4-28-16)

A.

One-family and two-family residences. A parcel on which is located a single one-family or two-family residence may display not more than two temporary signs with an aggregate sign area of not more than ten square feet. No individual sign shall exceed six square feet nor exceed eight feet in height.

B.

Three-family and four-family residences. A parcel on which is located a single three-family or four-family residence may display not more than four temporary signs with an aggregate sign area of not more than ten square feet. No individual sign shall exceed six square feet nor exceed eight feet in height.

C.

On all other parcels. All other parcels may display one square foot of temporary signage per ten feet of frontage up to a maximum of 100 square feet. No individual sign shall exceed 60 square feet nor exceed ten feet in height. Signs must be spaced at least 100 feet apart.

Permanent accessory signs may be located in any commercial zone or on a parcel in a residential zone when it is accessory to a permitted or legally nonconforming commercial use on said parcel. In no event shall a home occupation within a residential zone be deemed to authorize a permanent accessory sign under this article.

A permanent accessory sign may be a ground or building sign. A permanent accessory sign may not be a roof sign.

A permanent accessory sign may display any message so long as it is not harmful to minors as defined by this code.

_____

A.

Ground signs. The permissible number, area, spacing and height of permanent accessory ground signs for each multiple occupancy complex and each occupant not located in a multiple occupancy complex shall be determined according to the following tables and text:

Notes:

¹ Frontage on the public right-of-way to which the sign is directed.

² Permitted area of sign expressed in square feet.

³ Minimum distance in feet from a side property line for any part of a ground sign. Where more than one sign is permitted, the minimum distance between such signs is 100 feet.

⁴ Square feet expressed is total sign area for both signs.

_____

Front and rear setbacks.

No part of any sign including a pole or other structural support that is more than two and one-half feet and less than ten feet above the centerline of an adjoining street shall be closer than ten feet to a front property line. This shall apply to all front property lines for lots or parcels that have frontage on two or more streets. Any part of a sign that is less than two and one-half feet or more than ten feet above the centerline of an adjoining street may have a 0' front setback.

No part of any sign shall be less than 15 feet from a rear property line.

_____

B.

Building signs.

1.

Subject to the design criteria in part 9.06.00 of this article, the maximum height of a building sign shall be 18 feet, except that on a building of more than two stories, a single building sign is allowed above 18 feet on each side of the building.

2.

Each multiple occupancy complex may display one permanent accessory building sign on each side of the principal building or buildings in which the complex is located, not to exceed a sign area of up to ten percent of the facade area (see part 9.05.00, Measurement Determinations) of each building side or 200 square feet, whichever is smaller.

3.

Each occupant of a multiple occupancy complex may display three permanent accessory building signs on any exterior portion of the complex that is part of the occupant's unit (not including a common or jointly owned area), not to exceed a total combined sign area of 15 percent of the facade area (see part 9.05.00, Measurement Determinations) of such exterior portion or 200 square feet, whichever is smaller.

4.

Each occupant not located in a multiple occupancy complex may display three permanent accessory building signs on each side of the principal building in which the occupancy is located, not to exceed a total combined sign area for each building side of 20 percent of the facade area (see part 9.05.00, Measurement Determinations) of the building side or 200 square feet, whichever is smaller.

C.

Multiple frontages. If a building has frontage on two or more streets, each frontage shall be separately considered for the purposes of determining compliance with the provisions of these regulations, but the permitted sign area for one frontage may not be combined with that permitted on another frontage to increase the permitted sign area on one frontage. However, no ground sign on one right-of-way may be closer than 100 feet to a sign on another right-of-way, measured as the sum of distances measured continuously along the rights-of-way through a common point or points.

(Ord. No. 97-03, § 3, 4-10-97)

Time-temperature-date signs are permitted as a permanent accessory sign on commercially developed parcels notwithstanding the general prohibition on changing signs. These signs may only display numerical information in an easily comprehensible way and shall be kept accurate. They may be ground or building signs, and are subject to the regulations applicable to such signs. They shall be counted as part of an occupancy's allowable sign area.

1.

On-site directional signs limited in area to four square feet, giving directions to motorists regarding the location of parking areas and access drives shall be permitted as permanent accessory signs on all parcels and shall not be counted as part of an occupancy's allowable sign area.

2.

Off-site directional signs at a street intersection giving directions to motorists regarding the location of an establishment or development that is located on or near the intersecting side street may be permitted as permanent accessory signs on all parcels unless the parcel is zoned for a residential use. Such off-site directional signs shall be limited in area to 24 square feet, the sign face may include only an arrow, turning directions and the name of the establishment or development, and the sign shall meet front setbacks as established in section 9.04.03 A. for ground signs. No more than two such off-site directional signs may be located at any one of the intersection corners, but the combined area of both signs may not exceed 24 square feet. Shared off-site directional signs are allowed, but may not exceed 24 square feet in area. Off-site directional signs as may be permissible by this section shall not be counted as part of the allowable area for permanent accessory signs for the parcel on which the off-site directional sign is placed.

(Ord. No. 98-07, § 1, 10-8-98)

A.

Generally. Permanent accessory signs may be displayed at entrances to residential developments, farms and ranches, industrial or business parks and other similar developments.

B.

Restrictions.

1.

Two signs (one on either side) may be permitted at each entrance into a development, farm or ranch, industrial or business park or other similar development from each abutting street. Alternatively, one sign at each entrance may be placed in an entrance median feature subject to visibility guidelines comparable to the clear visibility triangle established in Section 7.03.03 E. of this Code. Ground signs on a pole, poles or other similar supporting structure may have two faces and may not exceed 64 square feet in area on each side, except that a sign for industrial or business parks or other similar developments shall not exceed 32 square feet plus 24 square feet for each tenant or occupant operating within the park or similar development and advertising on the sign. Entrance signs on a masonry wall or other similar substantial structure may be larger when part of an approved development plan. Any entrance sign may be illuminated in a steady light only.

2.

When considering the placement of such signs, the site plan technical review committee or department, as the case may be, shall consider the location of public utilities, sidewalks and future street widenings.

3.

The site plan technical review committee or department shall ensure that such signs shall be maintained perpetually by the developer, the owner of the sign, a permanent owners' association, or some other person who is legally, accountable under a maintenance arrangement approved by the board. If no accountable person accepts legal responsibility to maintain the signs and no other provision has been made for the maintenance of them, the signs shall be removed by the developer or owner.

4.

Such signs may be placed within a county right-of-way including a median subject to approval by the board of county commissioners following a recommendation by the site plan technical review committee. Such a sign shall be maintained perpetually by the developer, the owner of the sign, a permanent owners' association, or some other person who is legally accountable under a maintenance arrangement approved by the board. If the board of county commissioners determines that such a sign is not satisfactorily maintained, the board may order repair of the sign, removal of the sign, or may undertake to remove the sign. To place such a sign in a county right-of-way, the developer or other responsible entity shall pay a nonrefundable fee to the county that will provide for the cost of removal of the sign and restoration of the affected grounds.

(Ord. No. 2005-12, 2(Exh. A), 7-28-05; Ord. No. 2008-02, § 4(Exh. D), 5-22-08)

A.

Number. Not more than three flags or insignias of governmental, religious, charitable, fraternal or other organizations may be displayed on any one parcel of land.

B.

Size. The maximum distance from top to bottom of any flag shall be 20 percent of the total height of the flagpole, or in the absence of a flagpole, 20 percent of the distance from the top of the flag or insignia to the ground. See figure 9.04.07-A.

Add figure page 319

FIGURE 9.04.07-A. FLAG SIZE

Public utility signs that identify the location of underground utility lines and facilities, high voltage lines and facilities, and other utility facilities and appurtenances are permitted so long as they do not exceed three feet in height, and so long as the sign face does not exceed one-half square foot.

The minimum required distance between signs shall be measured along street rights-of-way from the closest parts of any two signs. See figure 9.05.01-A.

Add figure page 320

FIGURE 9.05.01-A. MEASURING DISTANCE ALONG STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY

The facade area shall be measured by determining the area within a two-dimensional geometric figure coinciding with the edges of the walls, windows, doors, parapets, marquees, and roof slopes of greater than 45 degrees that form a side of a building or unit. See figure 9.05.02-A.

Add figures page 321

FIGURE 9.05.02-A. FACADE AREA EXAMPLES

A.

Generally. The area of a sign shall be the area within the smallest square, rectangle, parallelogram, triangle, circle or semicircle, the sides of which touch the extreme points or edges of the sign face.

B.

Special situations.

1.

Where a sign is composed of letters or pictures attached directly to a facade, window, door, or marquee, and the letters or pictures are not enclosed by a border or trimming, the sign area shall be the area within the smallest rectangle, parallelogram, triangle, circle or semicircle, the sides of which touch the extreme points of the letters or pictures. See figure 9.05.03-A.

2.

Where two sign faces are placed back to back on a single sign structure, and the faces are at no point more than four feet apart, the area of the sign shall be counted as the area of one of the faces.

3.

Where four sign faces are arranged in a square, rectangle, or diamond, the area of the sign shall be the area of the two largest faces. See figure 9.05.03-B.

4.

Where a sign is in the form of a three-dimensional object, the area shall be determined by drawing a square, rectangle, parallelogram, triangle, circle or semicircle, the sides of which touch the extreme points or edges of the projected image of the sign and multiplying that area by two. The "projected image" is that image created by tracing the largest possible two-dimensional outline of the sign. See figure 9.05.03-C.

Add figure page 322

FIGURE 9.05.03-A. AREA OF SIGN WITH LETTERS OR PICTURES ATTACHED DIRECTLY TO A WALL, WINDOW, DOOR, ETC. (WITHOUT A BORDER)

Add figure page 323

FIGURE 9.05.03-B. SIGN AREA OF SIGN WITH FOUR FACES

Add figure page 324

FIGURE 9.05.03-C. SIGN AREA—THREE DIMENSIONAL OBJECT

A.

Generally. In general, the number of signs shall be the number of noncontiguous sign faces. Multiple noncontiguous sign faces may be counted as a single sign if all the sign faces are included in the geometric figure used for determining the sign area. See figure 9.05.04-A.

B.

Special situations.

1.

Where two sign faces are placed back to back and are at no point more than three feet apart, it shall be counted as one sign.

2.

If a sign has four faces arranged in a square, rectangle or diamond, it shall be counted as two signs. See figure 9.05.04-B.

Add figure page 326

FIGURE 9.05.04-A. AREA OF SIGN WHERE MULTIPLE SIGN FACES WILL BE COUNTED AS ONE SIGN

IF FOUR SIGN FACES ARE ARRANGED IN A SQUARE, RECTANGLE OR DIAMOND, THEY SHALL BE COUNTED AS TWO SIGNS.

Add figure page 327

FIGURE 9.05.04-B. NUMBER OF SIGNS WHERE SIGN HAS FOUR FACES

The height of a sign shall be measured as the vertical distance from the finished grade at the whichever is higher. See figure 9.05.05-A.

Add figures page 328

FIGURE 9.05.05-A. SIGN HEIGHT

All permanent signs must comply with the following design, construction and location standards.

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

A.

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

B.

Illumination by floodlights or spotlights is permissible so long as none of the light emitted shines directly onto an adjoining property or into the eyes of motorists or pedestrians using or entering public streets.

C.

Illuminated signs shall not have lighting mechanisms that project more than 18 inches perpendicularly from any surface of the sign over public space.

A.

Near street and driveway intersections. Signs located within a clear visibility triangle shall conform to the requirements at section 7.02.04E of this code.

B.

In right-of-way. Supports for signs or sign structures shall not be placed in or upon a public right-of-way or public easement, except under the terms of a lease between the owner of the easement or right-of-way and the owner of the sign.

C.

Over right-of-way. No ground sign shall project over a public right-of-way.

D.

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

A.

Over pedestrian ways. All signs over pedestrian ways shall provide a minimum of seven feet six inches of clearance.

B.

Over vehicular ways. All signs over vehicular ways shall provide a minimum of 13 feet six inches of clearance.

A building sign shall not extend beyond any edge of the surface to which it is attached, nor disrupt a major architectural feature of the building. See figure 9.06.06-A and figure 9.06.06-B.

Add figure page 330

FIGURE 9.06.06-A. A BUILDING SIGN SHALL NOT EXTEND BEYOND ANY EDGE OF THE SURFACE TO WHICH IT IS ATTACHED

FIGURE 9.06.06-B. A BUILDING SIGN MAY NOT DISRUPT ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES OF THE BUILDING

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

The combined area of permanent and temporary signs placed on or behind windows shall not exceed 25 percent of the total window area at the same floor level on the side of the building or unit upon which the signs are displayed.

Building signs for multiple occupancy complexes constructed or remodeled after the effective date of this code shall conform to an approved sign format. The sign format shall be included as a submittal for authorization to erect such a sign and shall be maintained on file in the department. The format shall be presented in a plan or sketch, together with written specifications in sufficient detail to enable the director to authorize signs based on the specifications. As a minimum, the sign format shall specify the types of signs and dimensions (not to exceed the size limits contained in this article) which will be permitted each occupant within the complex. The sign format shall also contain common design elements, such as placement, color, shape, or style of lettering, which lend a unified appearance to the signs of the occupants within the complex. The sign format may only be modified with the approval of the director upon submission of a revised plan and specifications detailing the revised format.

The following signs shall be designed and certified by a Florida-registered engineer:

A.

Building signs that project perpendicularly from the surface to which it is attached and that are more than 24 square feet in area.

B.

Ground signs of more than ten feet in height and 100 square feet in area.

Permanent outdoor advertising signs are allowed in the following zoning districts: agriculture, commercial (C), heavy commercial (C-2), light commercial, neighborhood commercial-1 (NC-1), neighborhood commercial-2 (NC-2), light industrial and heavy industrial. Permanent outdoor advertising signs are allowed in the following future land use classifications: agriculture, rural activity center, resort activity center and industrial. A permanent outdoor advertising sign may be co-located on a parcel where other principal uses or structures exist.

(Ord. No. 99-10, § 1(Exh. A), 8-12-99)

Outdoor advertising signs may display any message so long as it is not harmful to minors as defined by this code. An outdoor advertising sign may advertise, announce, direct attention to, identify or otherwise make known establishments, businesses, services, products, and the like that are not on or within 300 feet of the property on which the sign is located. An outdoor advertising sign also may include public information announcements, political/campaign announcements, and other general, public information so long as the content is not otherwise in conflict with the provisions of this paragraph.

(Ord. No. 99-10, § 1(Exh. A), 8-12-99)

A.

Maximum size. No permanent outdoor advertising sign may exceed 400 square feet in area.

B.

Maximum height. No permanent outdoor advertising sign, or combination of signs, may exceed 28 feet in height. The bottom of the sign face of a permanent outdoor advertising sign shall be no less than ten feet above the surrounding natural grade elevation.

C.

Maximum width. No permanent outdoor advertising sign, or combination of signs, may exceed 25 feet in width.

D.

Spacing. No permanent outdoor advertising sign may be closer than 25 feet from any property line, nor closer than 1,500 feet from any other permanent outdoor advertising sign on either side of the thoroughfare or thoroughfares to which the permanent advertising sign is directed. Spacing shall be determined based on signs that have received the necessary city/county permit pursuant to this code, and signs having received prior authorization shall have priority over a later applicant in determining compliance with the spacing restrictions. Where two applications from different persons conflict with each other, so that only one of the applications may be granted, the first application received by the department will be the first considered for approval. The second application shall remain pending until resolution of the first application. The second applicant shall be advised in writing of the first application and that his application will remain pending until the first application is acted upon. If the first application considered is granted, the second application shall be denied. If the first application is denied, the second application shall then be considered for approval.

E.

Monopole. All permanent outdoor advertising signs shall be installed or erected on a monopole, including replacement or re-installation of conforming or nonconforming signs.

(Ord. No. 98-07, § 1, 10-8-98; Ord. No. 99-10, § 1(Exh. A), 8-12-99)

Nonconforming outdoor advertising signs are subject to article XI of this code, except that if the only reason for the nonconformity is a failure to meet the spacing requirement between signs, the sign or signs may remain subject to all other provisions of this code. If because of the removal of other signs, a sign comes into compliance with the spacing requirements, the owner of that sign may apply for a permit to maintain the sign as a conforming sign.