(a)

Purpose. The City of Pahokee is a unique small town on the edge of Lake Okeechobee, and serves as a gateway to the lake's recreational opportunities. The visual beauty of the lake, and the character of the surrounding area, is a major factor in attracting vacationers, winter residents, and new residents to the area.

It is, therefore, the desire and purpose of the board of commissioners of the City of Pahokee to regulate signs and outdoor advertising throughout the zoning jurisdiction of the city; to limit the size, height, and location of signs and outdoor advertising erected therein; to eliminate hazards to pedestrians and motorists brought about by distracting sign displays; to ensure orderly development; to protect and stabilize property values; to preserve the scenic natural environment by allowing signs which are consistent with an attractive city appearance; to promote public health, prosperity, safety, and welfare; and to establish procedures through which these purposes can be fulfilled.

(b)

Definitions.

Adverting structure means any structure erected for advertising purposes, with or without any advertisement display thereon, situated upon or attached to real property, upon which any poster, bill, printing, painting, device, or other advertisement of any kind whatsoever may be placed, posted, painted, tacked, nailed or otherwise fastened, affixed or displayed; providing that the term shall not include buildings.

Area:

(1)

Area of copy (to be used when copy is on fascia or wall sign only) means the entire area within a single, continuous perimeter composed of squares or rectangles, which enclose the extreme limits of the advertising message, announcement or decoration on a fascia or wall sign.

(2)

Area of sign (to be used only when (a) is not applicable) means the area of the largest single face of the sign within a perimeter which forms the outside shape including any frame, and which forms an integral part of the display, but excluding the necessary supports or uprights on which the sign may be placed. If the sign consists of more than one (1) section or module, all areas will be totalled.

Awning sign means letters or characters placed upon an awning or awning valance.

Balloon means a lighter than air sign or display tethered to the ground or structure.

Banner means any sign having the character, letters, illustrations or ornamentations applied to cloth, paper, balloons or fabric of any kind with only such material for a foundation. "Banner" shall include any animated, rotating or fluttering device designed to attract attention.

Billboard means a flat surface (such as a panel, wall or fence) on which bills are posted; specifically, a large panel designed to carry outdoor advertising, particularly for an off-premises sale.

Bulletin board means a board for posting notices.

Directory means a board or panel listing tenants or occupants of a building.

Flat sign; wall sign means any sign erected parallel to the face or on the outside wall of any building, and supported throughout its length by the wall of the building.

Free standing sign means any sign erected in a manner that is independent of any building for support.

Hanging sign means any sign projecting at an angle from the outside wall of any building, which is supported by only one (1) rigid support, irrespective of the number of guy wires used in connection therewith.

Lighted sign means any sign which is illuminated by any type of light from an artificial or man-made source, whether separate and apart from or contained within or on the sign, which is intended and used to make the sign visible or readable.

Marquee means a canopy or covered structure projecting from and supported by a building, when such canopy or covered structure extends beyond the building, building line or property line.

Marquee sign means any sign projecting from, attached to or hung from a marquee.

Off premises sign means any framework for signs, advertising merchandise, services or entertainment, sold, produced, manufactured or furnished at a place other than the location of such structure.

Painted wall sign means any sign painted on the outside wall of any building stationary or movable, regardless of material.

Political sign means any advertising structure or banner used in connection with a local, state or national election campaign, or other political activities.

Real estate sign means any sign erected by the owner or his agent, advertising the real property upon which the sign is located for rent or for sale.

Roof sign means an outdoor advertising display sign erected, constructed or maintained above the roof of any building.

Search light display means any intensified light used for identification, advertising or promotional purposes.

Sidewalk or sandwich sign means any moveable sign not secured or attached to the ground in any area of the city.

Sign means any display of characters, letters, illustrations or any ornamentations, or the complete structure on which any such characters, letters, illuminations or ornamentations are stated or applied (except buildings to which the same may be attached), used for identification, directional, advertising or promotional purposed; provided that the term shall not be construed to include self-contained fixtures approved by the National Fire Protection Association, or a non-electrical display wholly contained within a store building.

Shopping center means two (2) or more adjoining business establishments in sequence, the underlying ownership of land and building(s) being in a single entity.

Trailer sign means an advertising structure mounted on wheels or skids; the entire structure being designated primarily for portable use and constructed for the purpose of advertising, whether licensed or unlicensed as a trailer.

Window sign means any sign placed on the inside or outside of any window of any building or door and which is visible from any public right-of-way. This does not include merchandise on display.

The following signs are exempt from the requirements herein.

(1)

All classes of government signs including but not limited to traffic, health and public safety; crime control and prevention; official notices or advertisements related to any court action; the location of underground utilities; any other community service sign approved by the city.

(2)

Flags, badges, or insignia of government or any charitable, civic, fraternal, patriotic, religious or other non-profit organization.

(3)

Temporary lighting and displays as part of customary holiday decorations, provided strings of lights may be installed between November 15 and January 15 each year, and must be removed at the end of that period.

(4)

Signs posted on private property related to trespassing or public safety, such as danger from animals.

(5)

Signs denoting a product being sold out of a vending machine, telephone booth, or newspaper stand, and actually located on same.

(6)

Signs displayed on the inside of a business that are not visible from any public street or walkway.

(7)

For sale signs on private vehicles.

(8)

Names and lettering on mail boxes and newspaper tubes.

(9)

Manufacturer's signs displaying brand names or emblems located on gasoline pumps at service stations.

The following signs, as defined by this article, are prohibited.

(1)

Off-premise signs, including outdoor advertising signs. Any sign which is not located on the premises that it identifies or advertises, with the exception of name plate signs permitted in sections 14-161(8) and 14-163(2)e., political signs permitted in section 14-163(1)h., and signs identifying businesses in shopping centers located other than at the actual building frontage of the individual business per section 14-164(b)(5)a. and 14-164(b)(6)a. Outdoor advertising signs shall be non-conforming in accordance with section 14-166(d).

(2)

Roof signs. Any signs which are erected on a roof or which extend in height above the parapet or roof line of the building on which the sign is erected.

(3)

Simulated traffic signs and obstructions. Any sign which may be confused with or obstruct the view of any authorized traffic signal or traffic sign, extend into the public right-of-way, obstruct the sight distance triangle at any street intersection, or in a any way constitute a hazard to traffic.

(4)

Building obstructions. 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.

(5)

Signs posted within public rights-of-way. Any sign, other than governmental signs described in section 14-161(1), private residential signs described in section 14-161(8), and real estate signs permitted in section 14-163(1)c., posted on other officially placed signs, or on trees, rocks, ground, etc. within the public right-of-way. In the event a right-of-way is not defined among the public records of Palm Beach County, this prohibition shall apply to an area within fifteen (15) feet of the edge of the wear surface of any public thoroughfare.

(6)

Portable signs. Any sign that is not permanently affixed to a building, stationary structure, or the ground. This shall not apply to Government signs described in section 14-161(1), or to vehicle for sale signs described in section 14-161(7).

(7)

Message board signs. Any sign that uses changeable lettering or numbering, with the exception of church signs described in section 14-163(2)a., service station signs described in section 14-163(2)d., and restaurant message boards described in section 14-163(2)g.

(8)

Animated and moving signs. Any moving sign or device to attract attention, all or any part of which moves by any means, including fluttering, rotating, or otherwise moving devices set in motion by the atmosphere, or by mechanical means, such as pennants, balloons, flags, propellers, or discs, whether or not any said device has a written message; traditional barber poles located at barber shops, however, shall not be prohibited.

(9)

Flashing signs. Any sign or device displaying flashing lights, intermittent lights, or lights of changing degrees of intensity. Time and/or temperature signs, however, are permitted in commercial zones, provided that time and temperature displays alternate on no less than a five-second cycle and meet all other requirements of wall or free-standing signs in section 14-164(b).

(10)

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

(11)

String and tube lighting. Any illuminated tubing or string of lights whatsoever in commercial zoning districts, except for customary holiday decorations described in section 14-161(3).

(12)

Oversized product facsimiles. The display of letters, logos, trademarks, emblems, pictures, etc. on oversized facsimiles or three (3) dimensional structures, such as chicken buckets, human figures, cans, or other containers or lettering.

(13)

Internally illuminated signs. Any sign whose light source is within the sign, with the sign having a transparent or translucent background or cover which silhouettes opaque or translucent letters or designs.

(14)

Neon signs. Any sign illuminated in whole or in part by neon lighting.

(15)

Illuminated signs in proximity to residential zoning districts. Any sign, with the exception of those permitted for sub-divisions or multi-family developments per section 14-164(b)(1), which is illuminated between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 6:00 a.m. if located within three hundred (300) feet of a residential zoning district, or between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. if located within one hundred (100) feet of a residential zoning district.

(16)

Vehicle signs. Any sign attached to or placed on a vehicle (including trailers) that are parked on public or private property. This provision is not to be construed as prohibiting the identification of a firm or its principal products on a vehicle operating during the normal hours of business, provided, however, that no such vehicle shall be parked on public or private property for the purpose of advertising a business or firm or calling attention to the location of a business or firm.

(17)

Window signs. Window signs covering more than twenty-five (25) percent of the window surface. Displays of merchandise in windows, and photographs of homes or other properties in the windows of real estate offices may be placed in commercial windows in addition to the twenty-five (25) percent restriction.

(18)

Bench, bus shelters, utility poles or waste receptacle signs. Any sign placed upon benches, bus shelters, telephone poles, or waste receptacles, except as may be authorized in writing by the city commission.

The following signs are permitted without a sign permit, provided they conform to the requirements of this article.

(1)

Temporary signs.

a.

One (1) temporary sign for church functions, not exceeding forty-two (42) inches in height nor nine (9) feet in surface area, and located on church property.

b.

Temporary commercial signs on the interior of glass, indicating the opening or closing of a business provided they do not exceed twenty-five (25) percent of the area of any given window or glass door, and are not illuminated except by normal interior business lighting or by soft indirect lighting of an entire window unit. Such message may be displayed for a period not exceeding thirty (30) days.

c.

One (1) temporary on-premise sign advertising the rent, sale, or lease of a commercial or residential property, provided that the surface area does not exceed four (4) square feet in surface area per building and the sign is not illuminated. Such signs may not be erected within fifteen (15) feet of the wear surface of any public or private road.

d.

Signs sponsored by municipal, school, civic, and other non-profit organizations, provided that the signs are only displayed in commercial zones, have a maximum surface area of nine (9) square feet, are posted in either commercial windows or in a secure fashion on private property, and are posted not more than thirty (30) days prior to a scheduled event and removed within twenty-four (24) hours after the event.

e.

Signs advertising the sale of produce out of a home garden on the premises where the produce is being sold, not to exceed three (3) non-illuminated signs per premises, provided that such signs do not exceed four (4) square feet in surface area per sign face, and are not placed within the public right-of-way or within fifteen (15) of any road wear surface if not right-of-way is defined.

f.

Residential yard sale signs, provided they do not exceed four (4) square feet in surface area per sign face, and the maximum time for display does not exceed forty-eight (48) hours.

g.

Temporary sign denoting the architect, engineer, contractor, lending agency or subcontractor on the premises of work under construction, provided they meet the following requirements:

1.

Each project site shall have no more than one (1) identification sign with one (1) sign face.

2.

Identification signs shall be either attached to the building under construction or affixed to a secure temporary post, and located out of the public right-of-way or beyond fifteen (15) feet of any road wear surface if no right-of-way is defined.

3.

Identification signs shall be no greater than four (4) square feet in residential zoning districts and sixteen (16) square feet in commercial zoning districts.

h.

Political signs containing sixteen (16) square feet or less in area may be erected on private property in business zones only not more than forty-five (45) days prior to any election. Such signs must be removed within five (5) days after the election, shall be so constructed as not to create any hazardous or dangerous condition to the public, and shall not be erected within five (5) feet of any public street or sidewalk.

(2)

Permanent signs.

a.

One (1) permanent sign for churches, not exceeding sixteen (16) square feet per sign face nor more than eight (8) feet in height, and either non-illuminated or indirectly illuminated by white lighting only. Church signs may be of a message-board type that use changeable lettering.

b.

Private commercial traffic signs, not exceeding three (3) square feet in surface area, indicating directions, entrances, or exits, which may also include the name and logo of the business. Such signs may be erected no closer than three (3) feet to the wear surface of the thoroughfare, and may not exceed a height of forty-two (42) inches or impair sight distance.

c.

Private commercial signs indicating charge card information, or general instructions, restriction, etc., provided that they shall be limited to not more that three (3) per business site, shall not display the name of the business, and shall not exceed one (1) square foot in surface area. Such signs may be attached to a building and/or an existing permitted free-standing sign.

d.

Signs for service stations, or any businesses selling gasoline, in addition to signs permitted in section 14-164(b)(3), (b)(4), (b)(5), and (b)(6),as follows:

1.

One (1) gasoline price sign located and secured to each pump island, not exceeding four (4) square feet per sign face and eight (8) square feet per sign total;

2.

Signs located at each pump island indicating self-service and all-service operation, not exceeding four (4) square feet per sign face;

e.

Individual nameplate signs for residences, provided they do not exceed two (2) square feet per sign face and are placed no closer than three (3) feet to any road wear surface. In addition to containing the name of the resident, such signs may refer to home occupations carried on within the place of residence provided they comply with section 14-162(b).

f.

Movie theatre marquees containing changeable lettering or numbering, provided such signs shall be considered part of the aggregate surface area based on building frontage for the movie theater per section 14-164(b)(3)a., (b)(4)a., (b)(5)b., and (b)(6)b.

g.

Restaurant message boards on the wall or in window, as close to the main entrance of a restaurant as possible containing changeable lettering or numbering, provided such signs shall be considered part of the aggregate surface area based on building frontage if on the wall per section 14-164(b)(3)a., (b)(4)a., (b)(5)b., and (b)(6)b., or part of the maximum permissible area allowed on window glass per section 14-164(e).

h.

Professional name plate not exceeding two (2) square feet in area, attached to a non-residential building.

i.

Bulletin boards and directories for public, nonprofit or religious facilities, located on the premises of said facilities and not exceeding twelve (12) square feet in area, attached to a building.

j.

Memorial signs or tablets.

k.

Names of buildings and dates of erection when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or other noncombustible material.

l.

Signs not visible from a street which are inside a building.

m.

Non-advertising wall murals when approved by the city commission.

(a)

Temporary signs. The following temporary signs are permitted, subject to the issuance of a permit by the city manager. Applications for temporary sign permits shall be made on the proper form obtainable at city hall; permit fees may be set at the discretion of the board of commissioners, as set forth in the fee schedule maintained in the city office by the city clerk.

(1)

Temporary signs, flags, or banners advertising the initial openings of business establishments or special sales, not to exceed four (4) signs per year, are permitted provided the location of such signs if approved by the city manager administrator. Such signs shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in surface area on one (1) side and shall not be displayed longer than ten (10) days.

(2)

Temporary banners for annual civic events and special holidays. Such banners may be strung across public rights-of-way, provided the location, height, and size are approved by the city manager, and of a period of time not to exceed seven (7) days.

(b)

Permanent signs. The following permanent signs, are permitted, subject to the issuance of a permit by the city manager. Applications for permanent sign permits shall be made on the proper form obtainable at city hall, and shall include the name of the owner of the sign and the property, a drawing of the sign indicating its size and heights, a site plan drawing of the sign indicating its location on the business premises and relation to any adjacent rights-of-way, method of illumination, and whatever other information the city manager deems necessary to ensure compliance with these regulations. Fees for sign permits may be set at the discretion of the board of commissioners, as set forth in the fee schedule maintained in city hall by the city clerk. With the exception of outdoor advertising signs, any substantial change in the copy of a sign, such as change of the name of business, shall require application for a new sign permit at the prevailing permit fee; no permit shall be issued in the event of such a change in copy unless the sign complies with the current provisions of this article.

(1)

Agricultural zoning districts.

a.

Each ranch or farm is permitted one (1) free-standing sign at each major entrance, not to exceed two (2) free-standing signs for the entire ranch or farm development. Such signs shall be adequately secured, shall not be located within any public right-of-way, nor within fifteen (15) feet of the wear surface of any public thoroughfare if no right-of-way is defined among the public records of Palm Beach County; shall not exceed six (6) feet in height; shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet in surface area per sign face; and may be either non-illuminated or indirectly illuminated by white lighting only.

(2)

Residential zoning districts.

a.

Each subdivision or multi-family development, as defined by this chapter, is permitted one (1) free-standing sign at each major entrance, not to exceed two (2) free-standing signs for the entire subdivision or multi-family development. Such signs shall be adequately secured, shall not be located within any public right-of-way, nor within fifteen (15) feet of the wear surface of any public thoroughfare if no right-of-way is defined among the public records of Palm Beach County; shall not exceed six (6) feet in height; shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet in surface area per sign face; and may be either non-illuminated or indirectly illuminated, as defined by this Ordinance, by white lighting only.

b.

Home occupations, as defined by this chapter, are permitted one (1) sign not exceeding four (4) square feet in surface area per sign face, which may be free-standing, wall, or hanging in type.

c.

Tourist homes are permitted one (1) sign not exceeding four (4) square feet in surface area per sign face, which may be free-standing, wall, or hanging in type.

(3)

Single businesses in the CORE and neighborhood business district. Each single business in the CORE and neighborhood business district, not located in a shopping center, is permitted the following signs:

a.

One (1) or more wall signs, provided that the total aggregate surface area does not exceed a ratio of one-half (½) square foot for each one (1) linear foot of building frontage, as defined by this chapter, nor a maximum of thirty-two (32) square feet for any single sign. Consistent with section 14-162(2), no sign placed under these circumstances shall project above the mansard roof or project more than twelve (12) inches from the building wall at the base of the sign.

b.

One (1) hanging sign, provided a clearance of at least seven (7) feet is established between the bottom of the sign and any pedestrian walking surface. Such signs may extend no more than four (4) feet from the right-of-way line over the walking surface, and may not exceed eight (8) square feet in surface area per sign face.

c.

In construing the provisions of this section, signs erected within or upon show windows, cantilevers and marquees shall be considered in computing the number of signs on the building, provided however, that signs upon show windows, display windows, or doors containing letters not exceeding four (4) inches in height shall not be counted in computing the number of signs.

(4)

Single businesses in the general commercial business districts. Each single business in the general and neighborhood business districts, not located in a shopping center, is permitted the following signs:

a.

One (1) free-standing sign, provided it shall not be located within any public right-of-way, nor within fifteen (15) feet of the wear surface of any public thoroughfare if no right-of-way is defined among the public records of Palm Beach County; shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height; and shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in surface area per sign face. Businesses which adjoin more than one (1) of major highway serving Pahokee, and which are served by entrances from said highways, shall be permitted two (2) free-standing signs thirty-two (32) square feet in surface area per sign face, one (1) on each highway.

b.

A choice between wall signs or one (1) hanging sign meeting the requirements of section 14-164(3), paragraphs a. and b.

c.

In construing the provisions of this section, signs erected within or upon show windows, cantilevers and marquees shall be considered in computing the number of signs on the building, provided however, that signs upon show windows, display windows, or doors containing letters not exceeding four (4) inches in height shall not be counted in computing the number of signs.

(5)

Shopping centers in the CORE and neighborhood business district.

a.

Each shopping center in the CORE and neighborhood business district is permitted one (1) wall sign, as defined by this chapter, identifying the shopping center, provided it does not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in total surface area. Such sign may also contain the names of the individual businesses in the shopping center.

b.

Each individual business located in a shopping center in the CORE and neighborhood business district shall be permitted the following:

1.

One (1) or more wall signs, provided that the total aggregate surface area does not exceed a ratio of one-half (½) square foot for each one (1) linear foot of building frontage, as defined by this chapter nor a maximum of thirty-two (32) square feet for any single sign. Consistent with section 14-162(2), no sign placed under these circumstances shall project above the mansard roof or project more than twelve (12) inches from the building wall at the base of the sign. Individual businesses which are not readily visible from the main thoroughfare on which the shopping center is located may locate any portion of their wall signs on another exterior wall of the shopping center facing the thoroughfare.

2.

One (1) hanging sign, as defined by this chapter, provided a clearance of at least seven (7) feet is established between the bottom of the sign and any pedestrian waling surface, such signs may extend no more than four (4) feet from the building wall over the walking surface, and may not exceed eight (8) square feet in surface area per sign face.

3.

In construing the provisions of this section, signs erected within or upon show windows, cantilevers and marquees shall be considered in computing the number of signs on the building, provided however, that signs upon show windows, display windows, or doors containing letters not exceeding four (4) inches in height shall not be counted in computing the number of signs.

(6)

Shopping centers in the general business districts.

a.

Each shopping center in the general business districts is permitted one (1) free-standing sign identifying the shopping center, provided it shall not be located within any public right-of-way, on or within fifteen (15) feet of the wear surface of any public thoroughfare if no right-of-way is defined among the public records of Palm Beach County; shall not exceed ten (10) feet in height; and shall not exceed sixty-four (64) square feet in surface area per sign face. Such sign may also contain the names of the individual businesses in the shopping center. Shopping centers which adjoin more than one (1) major highway serving Pahokee, and which are served by entrances from said highways shall be permitted two (2) free-standing signs sixty-four (64) square feet in surface area per sign face, one (1) on each highway.

b.

Each individual business located in a shopping center in the general business districts shall be permitted wall signs and one (1) hanging sign meeting the requirements of section 14-164(b)(5)b, paragraphs 1. and 2.

c.

In construing the provisions of this section, signs erected within or upon show windows, cantilevers and marquees shall be considered in computing the number of signs on the building, provided however, that signs upon show windows, display windows, or doors containing letters not exceeding four (4) inches in height shall not be counted in computing the number of signs.

(7)

Light and heavy industrial zones.

a.

Each industrial park in light and heavy industrial zones is permitted one (1) free-standing sign identifying the industrial park, provided it shall not be located within any public right-of-way, on or within fifteen (15) feet of the wear surface of any public thoroughfare if no right-of-way is defined among the public records of Palm Beach County; shall not exceed ten (10) feet in height; and shall not exceed sixty-four (64) square feet in surface area per sign face. Such sign may also contain the names of the individual businesses in the industrial park. Industrial parks which adjoin more than one (1) major highway serving Pahokee, and which are served by entrances from said highways shall be permitted two (2) free-standing signs sixty-four (64) square feet in surface area per sign face, one (1) on each highway.

b.

Each individual business located in a light or heavy industrial zone shall be permitted the following:

1.

One (1) or more wall signs, provided that the total aggregate surface area does not exceed a ratio of one-half (½) square foot for each one (1) linear foot of building frontage, as defined by this chapter nor a maximum of thirty-two (32) square feet for any single sign. Consistent with section 14-162(2), no sign placed under these circumstances shall project above the mansard roof or project more than twelve (12) inches from the building wall at the base of the sign.

2.

One (1) hanging sign, as defined by this chapter, provided a clearance of at least seven (7) feet is established between the bottom of the sign and any pedestrian waling surface. such signs may extend no more than four (4) feet from the building wall over the walking surface, and may not exceed eight (8) square feet in surface area per sign face.

c.

In construing the provisions of this section, signs erected within or upon show windows, cantilevers and marquees shall be considered in computing the number of signs on the building, provided however, that signs upon show windows, display windows, or doors containing letters not exceeding four (4) inches in height shall not be counted in computing the number of signs.

(c)

Historic signs.

(1)

The design of any new or reproduction historic sign should be consistent with its corresponding facade in terms of style, size, placement, and materials. No building should be applied with signs which are of a style pre-dating the construction of the facade. For example, Victorian storefronts should not be adorned with "colonialized" signs.

(2)

Historic markers shall be the size and design in accordance with the historical markers cast for the State of Florida's Bureau of Historical Sites and Properties as if the same were fully set forth herein.

(d)

Signs on awnings. Signs shall be permitted to be painted, stamped, perforated, or stitched or otherwise applied on the valance of an awning subject to the following provisions:

(1)

Such signs shall be limited to the name of the owner or the trade name of the business, and the street number of the building; the business name or owner's name shall appear not more than once on any one (1) side valance or front valance of any awning, but street numbers may be placed before and after each statement of the business name or owner's name; the street name shall in no case be permitted upon any awning valance.

(2)

All lettering on such signs shall be placed thereon in one (1) line and the letters or numerals shall not in any case exceed four (4) inches in height.

(3)

Marks or insignia constituting or forming a decorative motif shall be permissible above the valance of any awnings under the following circumstances: the mark or insignia shall be approved by the main street design committee upon drawings or sketches submitted to it. Such decorative motifs shall not include trademarks, lettering, printing or signs of any kind but shall be limited strictly to a decorative motif.

(e)

Window signs. Window signs may not cover more than twenty-five (25) percent of the window surface, displays of merchandise in windows, and photographs of homes or other properties in the widows of real estate offices may be placed in commercial windows in addition to the twenty-five (25) percent area restriction.

(a)

Sign area.

(1)

Area of copy (to be used when copy is on fascia or wall sign only) means the entire area within a single, continuous perimeter composed of squares or rectangles, which enclose the extreme limits of the advertising message, announcement or decoration on fascia or wall sign.

(2)

Area of sign (to be used only when (a) is not applicable) means the area of the largest single face of the sign within a perimeter which forms the outside shape including any frame, and which forms an integral part of the display, but excluding the necessary supports or uprights on which the sign may be placed. If the sign consists of more than one (1) section or module, all area will be totalled.

(b)

All signs, except those protected by glass or other transparent cover, shall be constructed of materials that will not rapidly deteriorate, fade, fall apart, or in any way become a hazard to the public health, safety, and general welfare.

(c)

Any sign permitted under this Ordinance must comply with applicable requirements of the South Florida Building code, National Electrical code, and other applicable federal, state, or local codes.

(d)

Every sign and its supports, frames, guys, anchors, and electrical equipment shall be securely fastened and placed to withstand adverse weather conditions.

(e)

All signs, unless otherwise stated or implied, shall have no more than two (2) faces, displayed on opposite sides and without a space or angled projection to one (1) another. Said signs shall have the same message and general design on both faces.

(f)

All signs shall be kept free from defective or missing parts or peeling paint. The code enforcement officer shall possess the authority to order the painting, repair, or alteration of a sign which constitutes a hazard to the public health, safety, or general welfare by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, or obsolescence. Notice of such repair shall be given to the owner by personal service or registered mail, return receipt requested.

(g)

The immediate premises around a sign shall be kept free from litter and debris. However, no person other than persons authorized by the city shall damage, trim, destroy, or remove trees, shrubs, or other vegetation located within the public right-of-way of any street or road for the purpose of increasing or enhancing the visibility of a sign; nor shall such work be performed on property that is not under the ownership or control of the person performing or responsible for such work, unless done pursuant to the express authorization of the person owning the property where such trees or shrubs are located.

(a)

General. Any sign legally in existence prior to the effective date of this chapter, or any applicable amendment thereto, which does not satisfy the requirements of this ordinance, is declared non-conforming. The eventual elimination, as expeditiously and fairly as possible, of non-conforming signs is as much a subject of health, safety, and welfare as is the regulation of new signs.

(b)

Conformance required. All non-conforming signs in existence prior to the effective date of this chapter shall either be made to conform to all provisions of this chapter or shall be removed within (7) years after the enactment of this chapter, unless explicitly prohibited by federal or state law. Any sign that does not conform at the end of the seven (7) year period shall be considered an illegal sign and must be removed by the owner at that time.

(c)

Alterations and repairs to non-conforming signs. Non-conforming signs shall not be moved, altered, enlarged, or changed in any manner to increase the degree of non-conformity. Ordinary maintenance, such as re-painting or repairing, shall be permitted for non-conforming signs. However, no substantial change in the copy of the sign, such as change of the name of a business, shall be permitted, with the exception of outdoor advertising signs. Moreover, if, within any twelve (12) month period, alterations or repairs are anticipated to cost in excess of fifty (50) percent of the physical value of the existing sign, such sign shall be removed or made to conform with the current regulations of this chapter.

(d)

Outdoor advertising signs (billboards).

(1)

All outdoor advertising signs (billboards) legally in existence within the corporate limits of the City of Pahokee prior to the effective date of this chapter, are hereby declared non-conforming, unless such declaration is explicitly prohibited by federal or state law, and shall be removed by the owner within three (3) years.

(a)

Discontinuance of use. Whenever the use of a building or premises is discontinued by a business for reasons other than a normal seasonal shutdown for a period of thirty (30) days, any signs pertaining to that business shall be removed within thirty (30) days of the discontinuance of use. The zoning administrator shall notify the owner at the last known address that said signs are in violation of this chapter and must be removed within thirty (30) days; any signs not removed within that period shall be removed by the city at the owner's expense.

(b)

Signs located within a public right-of-way. Any sign, consistent with section 14-162(5), except as permitted by sections 14-161(9), 14-163(2)b., and (2)e., which is found to be located within a public right-of-way shall be removed by its owner within thirty (30) days of written notice thereof. If ownership of a sign cannot be reasonably established, a notice shall be attached to the sign by the zoning administrator stating the need to remove it within thirty (30) days; otherwise, the town shall remove the sign. Temporary signs shall be removed by the city upon discovery.

(c)

Encroachments over public right-of-way.

(1)

The owner of the sign shall execute a restrictive covenant prepared by the city attorney, which shall run with the title of the land, agreeing to provide public liability insurance, coverage for the encroachment in the minimum limits required by the city, and naming the city as additional insured under the policy.

(2)

An executed copy of the restrictive covenant, together with certificate of required insurance, shall be presented to the building official, prior to the issuance of any permits for such work.

(3)

Signs must be in accordance with the provisions of this section and the South Florida Building Code, and maintained in good condition at all times at the property owner's expense.

(4)

The city reserves the right to remove, add, maintain or have the owner remove any sign within the right-of-way at the owner's expense.

(d)

Signs erected without a permit. The owner of any sign, as defined by this article, that has been erected without a permit in accordance with section 14-164(a) and 14-164(b) of this article shall obtain a permit for the sign and otherwise ensure that it complies with these regulations within twenty-four (24) hours of notification by the city manager that the sign has been illegally erected, or shall cause such sign to be removed. If the sign has to been removed with twenty-four (24) hours of notification, it may be removed and confiscated by the code enforcement officer at the owner's expense.