Purpose. The purpose of this Article is to protect the safety and orderly development of the community through the regulation of signs and sign structures.

1.   Definitions. The following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this chapter and as used elsewhere in this code, have the meanings shown herein.

   ABANDONED SIGN. A sign structure that has ceased to be used, and the owner no longer intends to use, for the display of sign copy, or as otherwise defined by state law.

   ANIMATED SIGN. A sign employing actual motion or the illusion of motion. Animated signs, which are differentiated from changeable signs as defined and regulated by this code, include the following types:

   ELECTRICALLY ACTIVATED. Animated signs producing the illusion of movement by means of electronic, electrical, or electro- mechanical input and/or illumination capable of simulating movement through employment of the characteristics of one or both of the classifications noted below:

   1.   Flashing. Animated signs or animated portions of signs whose illumination is characterized by a repetitive on-off illumination. For the purposes of this Article, flashing will not be defined as occurring if the cyclical period between on-off phases of illumination exceeds 4 seconds.   

   2.   Patterned illusionary movement. Animated signs or animated portions of signs whose illumination is characterized by simulated movement through alternate or sequential activation of various illuminated elements for the purpose of producing repetitive light patterns designed to appear in some form of constant motion.   

   (See ELECTRONIC MESSAGE SIGN OR CENTER)

   ENVIRONMENTALLY ACTIVATED. Animated signs or devices motivated by wind, thermal changes, or other natural environmental input. Includes spinners, pinwheels, pennant strings, and/or other devices or displays that respond to naturally occurring external motivation.

   MECHANICALLY ACTIVATED. Animated signs characterized by repetitive motion and/or rotation activated by a mechanical system powered by electric motors or other mechanically induced means.

   ARCHITECTURAL PROJECTION. Any projection that is not intended for occupancy and extends beyond the face of an exterior wall of a building but does not include signs as defined herein. See also; “Awning”, “Backlit awning”, and “Canopy-attached and freestanding.”

   AWNING. An architectural projection or shelter projecting from and supported by the exterior wall of a building and composed of a covering of rigid or non-rigid materials and/or fabric on a supporting framework that may be either permanent or retractable, including such structures that are internally illuminated.

   AWNING SIGN. A sign displayed on or attached flat against the surface or surfaces of an awning. See also; “Wall” or “Fascia sign.”

   BACKLIT AWNING. An awning with a translucent covering material and a source of illumination contained within its framework.

   BANNER. A flexible substrate on which copy, or graphics may be displayed.

   BANNER SIGN. A sign utilizing a banner as its display surface.

   BILLBOARD. See “Off-premises sign” and “Outdoor advertising sign.”

   BUILDING ELEVATION. The entire side of a building, from ground level to the roof line, as viewed perpendicularly to the sides of the building.

   CANOPY (Attached). A multi-sided overhead structure or architectural projection supported by attachments to a building on one or more sides and either cantilevered from such building or also supported by columns at additional points. The surface(s) and/or soffits of an attached canopy may be illuminated by means of internal or external sources of light. See also, “Marquee.”

   CANOPY (Freestanding). A multi-sided overhead structure supported by columns, but not enclosed by walls. The surface(s) and/or soffits of a freestanding canopy may be illuminated by means of internal or external sources of light.

   CANOPY SIGN. A sign affixed to the visible surface(s) of an attached or freestanding canopy. For reference, see Section 12-503.

   CHANGEABLE SIGN. A sign with the capability of content change by means of manual or remote input, including signs which are:

   1.   Manually activated. Changeable sign whose message copy or content can be changed manually.

   2.   Electrically activated. Changeable sign whose message copy or content can be changed by remote electrical means. Illumination may be integral to the components, such as characterized by lamps or other light-emitting devices; or it may be from an external light source designed to reflect off the changeable component display. See also, “Electronic message sign or center.”

   COMBINATION SIGN. A sign that is supported partly by a pole and partly by a building structure.

   COPY. Those letters, numerals, figures, symbols, logos, and graphic elements comprising the content or message of a sign, excluding numerals identifying a street address only.

   DEVELOPMENT COMPLEX SIGN. A freestanding sign identifying a multiple-occupancy development, such as a shopping center or planned industrial park, which is controlled by a single owner or landlord, approved in accordance with Section 12-509.2 of this Article.

   DIRECTIONAL SIGN. Any sign that is designed and erected for the purpose of providing direction and/or orientation for pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

   DOUBLE-FACED SIGN. A sign with two faces, back to back.

   ELECTRIC SIGN. Any sign activated or illuminated electrically.

   ELECTRONIC MESSAGE SIGN OR CENTER. An electrically activated changeable sign whose variable message capability can be electronically programmed.

   EXTERIOR SIGN. Any sign placed outside a building.

   FACADE. See “Building facade.”

   FASCIA SIGN. See “Wall sign.”

   FLASHING SIGN. See “Animated Sign, electrically activated.”

   FOR SALE SIGN. A temporary sign advertising and item for sale.

   FREESTANDING SIGN. A sign principally supported by a structure affixed to the ground, and not supported by a building, including signs supported by one or more columns, poles or braces placed in or upon the ground. For visual reference. See Section 12-503.

   FRONTAGE (Building). The length of an exterior building wall or structure of a single premise oriented to the public way or other properties that it faces.

   FRONTAGE (Property). The length of the property line(s) of any single premise along either a public way or other properties on which it borders.

   GROUND SIGN. See “Freestanding sign.”

   HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT SIGN. Any sign determined by the Design Committee of Main Street of Perry, Inc., to exhibit unique characteristics that enhance the streetscape or identity of a neighborhood and as such contribute to the historical or cultural character of the building, streetscape or the community at large.

   ILLUMINATED SIGN. A sign characterized by the use of artificial light, either projecting through its surface(s) (internally illuminated); or reflecting off its surface(s) (externally illuminated).

   INTERIOR SIGN. Any sign placed within a building, but not including “window signs” as defined by this Article. This chapter does not regulate interior signs, with the exception of window signs as defined.

   MANSARD. An inclined decorative roof-like projection that is attached to an exterior building facade.

   MARQUEE. See “Canopy (attached).”

   MARQUEE SIGN. See “Canopy sign.”

   MENU BOARD. A freestanding sign oriented to the drive-through line for a restaurant that advertises menu items available from the drive-through window, and which has no more than 20 percent of the total area for such a sign utilized for business identification.

   MULTIPLE-FACED SIGN. A sign containing three or more faces.

   OFF-PREMISE SIGN. See “Outdoor advertising sign.”

   ON-PREMISE SIGN. A sign erected, maintained, or used in the outdoor environment for the purpose of the display of messages appurtenant to the use of, products sold on, or the sale or lease of, the property on which it is displayed.

   OUTDOOR ADVERTISING SIGN. A permanent sign erected, maintained or used in the outdoor environment for the purpose of the display of commercial or noncommercial messages not appurtenant to the use of, products sold on, or the sale or lease of, the property on which it is displayed.

   PARAPET. The extension of a building facade above the line of the structural roof.

   PERSONAL NOTICE SIGN. A sign erected, maintained, or used for the purpose of displaying messages appurtenant to the property on which it is displayed. Such signs include but are not limited to “BEWARE OF DOG”, “NO TESPASSING” and “NO SOLICTING”.

   POLE SIGN. See “Freestanding sign.”

   POLITICAL SIGN. A temporary sign intended to advance a political statement, cause, or candidate for office. A legally permitted outdoor advertising sign shall not be considered to be a political sign.

   PORTABLE SIGN. A sign not permanently attached to the ground or to a building surface.

   PROJECTING SIGN. A sign other than a wall sign that is attached to or projects more than 18 inches from a building face or wall or from a structure whose primary purpose is other than the support of a sign. For visual reference, see Section 12-503.

   REAL ESTATE SIGN. A temporary sign advertising the sale, lease or rental of the property or premises upon which it is located.

   REVOLVING SIGN. A sign that revolves 360 degrees about an axis. See also, “Animated sign, mechanically activated.”

   ROOF LINE. The top edge of a peaked roof or, in the case of an extended facade or parapet, the uppermost point of said facade or parapet.

   ROOF SIGN. A sign mounted on, and supported by, the main roof portion of a building, or above the uppermost edge of a parapet wall of a building and which is wholly or partially supported by such a building. Signs mounted on mansard facades, pent eaves, and architectural projections such as canopies or marquees shall not be considered to be roof signs. For a visual reference example of a roof sign, and a comparison of differences between roof and fascia signs, see Section 12-503.

   SIGN. Any device visible from a public place that displays either commercial or noncommercial messages by means of graphic presentation of alphabetic or pictorial symbols or representations. Noncommercial flags or any flags displayed from flagpoles or staffs will not be considered to be signs.

   SIGN AREA. The area of the smallest geometric figure, or the sum of the combination of regular geometric figures, which comprise the sign face. The area of any double-sided or “V” shaped sign shall be the area of the larger single face only. The area of a sphere shall be computed as the area of a circle. The area of all other multiple-sided signs shall be computed as 50 percent of the sum of all the area of all faces of the sign. See section 12-503.

   SIGN COPY. Those letters, numerals, figures, symbols, logos, and graphic elements compromising the content or message of a sign, exclusive of numerals identifying a street address only.

   SIGN FACE. The surface upon, against or through which the sign copy is displayed or illustrated, not including structural supports, architectural features of a building or sign structure, nonstructural or decorative trim, or any areas that are separated from the background surface upon which the sign copy is displayed by a distinct delineation, such as a reveal or border. See Section 12-503.

   1.   In the case of panel or cabinet type signs, the sign face shall include the entire area of the sign panel, cabinet or face substrate upon which the sign copy is displayed or illustrated, but not open space between separate panels or cabinets.

   2.   In the case of a sign face with routed areas of sign copy, the sign face shall include the entire area of the surface that is routed, except where interrupted by a reveal, border, or a contrasting surface or color.

   3.   In the case of a sign painted on a building, or individual letters or graphic elements affixed to a building or structure, the sign face shall comprise the sum of the geometric figures drawn closest to the edge of the letters or separate graphic elements comprising the sign copy, but not the open space between separate groupings of sign copy on the same building or structure.

   4.   In the case of sign copy enclosed within a painted or illuminated border or displayed on a background contrasting in color with the color of the building or structure, the sign face shall comprise the area within the contrasting background, or within the painted or illuminated border.

   SIGN STRUCTURE. Any structure supporting a sign.

   TEMPORARY SIGN. A sign intended to display either commercial or noncommercial messages of a transitory or temporary nature. Portable signs or any sign not permanently embedded in the ground, or not permanently affixed to a building or sign structure that is permanently embedded in the ground, are considered temporary signs.

   UNDER CANOPY SIGN OR UNDER MARQUEE SIGN. A sign attached to the underside of a canopy or marquee.

   V SIGN. Signs containing two faces of approximately equal size erected upon common or separate structures, positioned in a “V” shape with an interior angle between faces of not more than 90 degrees with the distance between the sign faces not exceeding 5 feet at their closest point.

   WALL OR FASCIA SIGN. A sign that is in any manner affixed to any exterior wall of a building or structure and that projects not more than 18 inches from the building or structure wall, including signs affixed to architectural projections from a building provided that copy area of such signs remains on a plane that is parallel to the face of the building facade or to the face or faces of the architectural projection to which it is affixed. For visual reference and comparison examples of differences between wall or fascia signs and roof signs (See Section 12-503).

   WINDOW SIGN. A sign affixed to the surface of a window with its message intended to be visible to and readable from the public way or from adjacent property.

   1.   General. Sign types and the computation of sign area of sign area shall be depicted in Figures (1) through (4).

   1.   Conformance to codes. Any sign hereafter erected shall conform to the provisions of this Article and the provisions of the International Building Code and of any other ordinance or regulations within this jurisdiction.

   2.   Signs in rights-of-way. No sign other than an official traffic sign or similar sign shall be erected within 2 feet of the edge of any street, or within any public way, unless specifically authorized by other ordinances or regulations of this jurisdiction or by specific authorization of the code official.

   3.   Projections over public ways. Signs projecting over public walkways shall be permitted to do so only subject to the projection and clearance limits either defined herein or, if not so defined, at a minimum height of 8 feet from grade level to the bottom of the sign. Signs, architectural projections, or sign structures projecting over vehicular access areas must conform to the minimum height clearance limitations imposed by the jurisdiction for such structures.

   4.   Traffic visibility. No sign or sign structure shall be erected at the intersection of any street in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision, nor at any location where by its position, shape or color it may interfere with or obstruct the view of or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device.

   5.   Computation of frontage. If a premises contains walls facing more than one property frontage bounded by more than one street or other property usages, the sign area(s) for each building wall or property frontage will be computed separately for each building wall or property line facing a different frontage. The sign area(s) thus calculated shall be permitted to then be applied to permitted signs placed on each separate wall or property line frontage. For instance, businesses located in commercial and industrial zones proximate to Interstate 35 may have two frontages for wall and free-standing sign purposes.

   6.   Animation and changeable messages. Animated signs, except as prohibited in Section 12-506, are permitted in commercial and industrial zones. Changeable signs, both mechanically and electrically activated, are permitted in all nonresidential zones.

   7.   Maintenance, repair, and removal. Every sign permitted by this Article shall be kept in good condition and repair. When any sign becomes insecure, in danger of falling or is otherwise deemed unsafe by the code official, or if any sign shall be unlawfully installed, erected or maintained in violation of any of the provisions of this Article, the owner thereof or the person or firm using same shall, upon written notice by the code official forthwith in the case of immediate danger, and in any case within nor more than ten (10) days, make such sign conform to the provisions of this Article, or shall remove it. If within ten (10) days the order is not complied with, the code official shall be permitted to remove or cause such sign to be removed at the expense of the owner and/or the user of the sign.

   8.   Obsolete sign copy. Any sign copy that no longer advertises or identifies a use conducted on the property on which said sign is erected must have the sign copy covered or removed within thirty (30) days after written notification from the municipal code official; and upon failure to comply with such notice, the code official is hereby authorized to cause removal of such sign copy, and any expense incident thereto shall be paid by the owner of the building, structure or ground on which the sign is located. Historically significant signs are exempt from this provision.

   9.   Nonconforming signs. Any sign legally existing at the time of the passage of this Article that does not conform in use, location, height or size with the regulations of the zone in which such sign is located, shall be permitted to continue in such status until such time as it is either abandoned or removed by its owner, subject to the following limitations:

   A.   Structural alterations, enlargement or re-erection are permissible only where such alterations will not increase the degree of nonconformity of the signs.

   B.   Any legal nonconforming sign may be rebuilt without increasing the existing height or area if it is damaged or deteriorated but must be removed if the cost of repair or restoration exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the replacement cost of the sign as determined by the code official.

   C.   Signs that comply with either Subsection A or B above do not need a permit.

   1.   Exempt signs. The following signs shall be exempt from the permit requirements but must comply with all other provisions of this Article. No sign shall be exempt from Section 12-504.4.

   A.   Official notices authorized by a court, public body, or public safety official.

   B.   Directional, warning or information signs authorized by federal, state, or municipal governments.

   C.   Memorial plaques, building identification signs and building cornerstones when cut or carved into a masonry surface or when made of noncombustible material and made an integral part of the building or structure.

   D.   The flag of a government or noncommercial institution, such as a school.

   E.   Religious symbols and seasonal decorations within the appropriate public holiday season.

   F.   Works of fine art displayed in conjunction with a commercial enterprise where the enterprise does not receive direct commercial gain.

   G.   Street address signs and combination nameplate and street address signs that contain no advertising copy and which do not exceed 6 square feet in area.

   H.   Historically Significant Signs.

   I.   Personal Notice Signs.

   J.   For-Sale Signs

   K.   Temporary Signs, excepting portable signs which shall require a permit.

   1.   Prohibited signs. The following devices and locations shall be specifically prohibited:

   A.   Signs located in such a manner as to obstruct or otherwise interfere with an official traffic sign, signal, or device, or obstruct or interfere with a driver’s view of approaching, merging, or intersecting traffic.

   B.   Except as provided for elsewhere in this Article, signs encroaching upon or overhanging public right-of-way. No sign shall be attached to any utility pole, traffic light poles or any other public facility or structure located within the public right-of-way.

   C.   Signs which blink, flash or are animated by lighting in any fashion that would cause such signs to have the appearance of traffic safety signs and lights, or municipal vehicle warning from a distance.

   D.   Portable signs except as allowed for temporary signs.

   E.   Any sign attached to, or placed on, a vehicle or trailer parked on public or private property, except for signs meeting the following conditions:

   1.   The primary purpose of such a vehicle or trailer is not the display of signs.   

   2.   The signs are magnetic, decals or painted upon an integral part of the vehicle or equipment as originally designed by the manufacturer, and do not break the silhouette of the vehicle.

   3.   The vehicle or trailer is in operating condition, currently registered and licensed to operate on public streets when applicable, and actively used or available for use in the daily function of the business to which such signs relate.

   F.   Signs on vehicles and trailers used primarily as static displays, advertising a product or service, or utilized as storage, shelter or distribution points for commercial products or services for the general public.

   G.   Balloons, streamers, or pinwheels except those temporarily displayed as part of a special sale, promotion, or community event. For the purpose of this subsection, “temporarily” means no more than twenty (20) days in any calendar year.

   1.   Permits required. Unless specifically exempted (See 12- 505.1), a permit must be obtained from the code official for the erection and maintenance of all signs erected or maintained within the City and in accordance with the municipal code. Exemptions from the necessity of securing a permit, however, shall not be construed to relieve the owner of the sign involved from responsibility for its erection and maintenance in a safe manner and in a manner in accordance with all the other provisions of this ordinance.

   2.   Construction documents. Before any permit is granted for the erection of a sign or sign structure requiring such permit, construction documents shall be filed with the code official showing the dimensions, materials and required details of construction, which may include loads, stresses, anchorage and any other pertinent data. The permit application shall be accompanied by the written consent of the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is to be erected and by engineering calculations signed and sealed by a registered design professional where required by the International Building Code.

   3.   Changes to signs. No sign shall be structurally altered, enlarged, or relocated except in conformity to the provisions herein, nor until a proper permit, if required, has been secured. The changing or maintenance of moveable parts or components of an approved sign that is designed for such changes, or the changing of copy, business names, lettering, sign faces, colors, display and/or graphic matter, or the content of any sign shall not be deemed a structural alteration.

   4.   Permit fees. Permit fees to erect, alter or relocate a sign shall be Five Dollars ($5.00) by resolution or ordinance duly enacted.

   1.   Identification signs.

   1.1   Wall signs. Every single-family residence, multi-family residential complex, commercial or industrial building, and every permitted non-conforming commercial or industrial use or building located in a residential or agricultural zone may display wall signs on each street frontage subject to the limiting standards set forth:

TABLE 12-508.1.1
IDENTIFICATION SIGN STANDARDS FOR WALL SIGNS

 

   1.2    Freestanding signs. In addition to any allowable wall signs, every single-family residential complex, commercial or industrial building, and every permitted non-conforming commercial or industrial use or building located in a residential or agricultural zone shall be permitted to display freestanding or combination signs per street frontage subject to the limiting standards set fort

TABLE 12-508.1.2
IDENTIFICATION SIGN STANDARDS FOR FREESTANDING SIGNS

 

FIGURE 5
ON-PREMISES FREE-STANDING SIGNS
COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ZONES
VEHICULAR SPEED SUBJECT TO POSTED
LIMITS UNDER 35 MILES PER HOUR

FIGURE 6
ON-PREMISES FREE-STANDING SIGNS
COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ZONES
VEHICULAR SPEEDS SUBJECT TO POSTED
LIMITS BETWEEN 35 AND 55 MILES PER HOUR

FIGURE 7
ON-PREMISES FREE-STANDING SIGNS
COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ZONES
VEHICULAR SPEED SUBJECT TO POSTED LIMITS ABOVE 55 MILES PER HOUR

   1.   Directional signs. No more than two directional signs shall be permitted per street entrance to any lot. There shall be no limit to the number of directional signs providing directional information interior to a lot. In residential zones, the maximum area for directional signs shall be 10 square feet. For all other zones, the maximum area for any directional sign visible from adjacent property or rights-of-way shall be 25 square feet. No more than 25 percent of the area of any directional sign shall be permitted to be devoted to business identification or logo, which area shall not be assessed as identification sign area.   

   1.4   Personal notice signs. Personal Notice signs shall be permitted on private property in all zoning districts, subject to the following limitations:

   1.   Such signs shall not exceed an area of 1 square foot.

   2.   Personal Notice signs may be permanently displayed with a limit of one sign per street frontage.

   2.   Temporary signs.

   2.1   Real estate signs. Real estate signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts, subject to the following limitations:

   1.   Real estate signs located on a single residential lot shall be limited to one sign, not greater than 3 feet in height and 6 square feet in area.

   2.   Real estate signs advertising the sale of lots located within a subdivision shall be limited to one sign per entrance to the subdivision, and each sign shall be no greater than 50 square feet in area nor 6 feet in height. All signs permitted under this section shall be removed within 10 days after sale of the last original lot.

   3.   Real estate signs advertising the sale or lease of space within commercial or industrial buildings shall be no greater than 50 square feet in area nor 6 feet in height and shall be limited to one sign per street front.

   4.   Real estate signs advertising the sale or lease of vacant commercial or industrial land shall be limited to one sign per street front, and each sign shall be no greater than 10 feet in height, and 100 square feet in area.

   5.   Real estate signs shall be removed no later than 10 days after execution of a lease agreement in the event of a lease, or the closing of the sale in the event of a purchase.

   2.2   Development and construction signs. Signs temporarily erected during construction to inform the public of the developer, contractors, architects, engineers, financing group or groups the nature of the project or anticipated completion dates, shall be permitted in all zoning districts, subject to the following limitations:

   1.   Such signs on a single residential lot shall be limited to one sign, not greater than 3 feet in height and 6 square feet in area.

   2.   Such signs for residential subdivision or on one of the lots to be built upon and shall be no greater than 6 feet in height and 50 square feet in area.

   3.   Such signs for permitted non-conforming commercial or industrial use or building located in a residential or agricultural zone shall be limited to one sign and shall be no greater than 6 feet in height and 50 square feet in area.

   4.   Such signs for commercial or industrial projects shall be limited to one sign per street front, not to exceed 10' feet in height and 100' square feet in area.

   2.3   Special promotion, event, and grand opening signs. Signs temporarily displayed to advertise special promotions, events and grand openings shall be permitted for permitted non-conforming commercial or industrial use or building located in a residential or agricultural zone, and for all commercial and industrial districts subject to the following limitations:

   1.   Such signs shall be limited to one sign per street front.

   2.   Such signs may be displayed for not more than 30 consecutive days in any 3-month period, and not more than 60 days in any calendar year. The signs shall be erected no more than 5 days prior to the event or grand opening and shall be removed not more than 1 day after the event or grand opening.

   3.   The total area of all such signs shall not exceed 25 square feet in any single-family residential district, 50 square feet in any multifamily residential district and 50 square feet in any commercial or industrial district.

   2.4   Special event signs in public ways. Signs advertising a special community event shall be allowed (with a permit) in or over public rights- of-way, subject to approval by the code official as to the size, location, and method of erection. The code official may not approve any special event signage that would impair the safety and convenience of use of public rights-of-way or obstruct traffic visibility.

   2.5   Portable signs. Portable signs shall be permitted only in the commercial and industrial districts, as designated in this code, subject to the following limitations:

   1.   No more than one such sign may be displayed on any property and shall not exceed a height of 5 feet nor an area of 32 square feet.

   2.   Such signs shall be displayed not more than 20 days in any calendar year.

   3.   Any electrical portable signs shall comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC), as adopted in this City.

   4.   No portable sign shall be displayed prior to obtaining a sign permit.

   5.   No portable sign shall obstruct traffic visibility.

   2.6   Political signs. Political signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts, subject to the following limitations:

   1.   Such signs shall not exceed a height of 5 feet nor an area of 16 square feet.

   2.   Such signs for election candidates or ballot propositions shall be displayed only for a period of 60 days preceding the election, whether primary, run-off or general, and shall be removed within 10 days after the election, whether primary, run-off or general.

   3.   Such signs shall not be placed in any public right-of-way or obstruct traffic visibility.

   2.7   For-sale signs. “For Sale” signs shall be permitted on private property in all zoning districts, subject to the following limitations:

   1.   Such signs shall not exceed an area of 1 square foot.

   2.   The display of “For Sale” signs shall be limited to one sign per street frontage.

   3.   Requirements for specific sign types.

   3.1   Canopy and marquee signs.

   1.   The permanently affixed copy area of canopy or marquee

signs shall not exceed an area equal to 25 percent of the face area of the canopy, marquee, or architectural projection upon which such sign is affixed or applied.

   2.   Graphic striping, patterns, or color bands on the face of a building, canopy, marquee, or architectural projection shall not be included in the computation of sign copy area.

   3.2   Awning signs.

   1.   The copy area of awning signs shall not exceed an area equal to 25 percent of the background area of the awning or awning surface to which such sign is affixed or applied, or the permitted area for wall or fascia signs, whichever is less.

   2.   Neither the background color of an awning, nor any graphic treatment or embellishment thereto such as striping, patterns or valances, shall be included in the computation of sign copy area.

   3.3   Projecting signs.

   1.   Projecting signs shall be permitted in lieu of freestanding signage on any street frontage limited to one sign per occupancy along any street frontage with public entrance to such occupancy, and shall be limited to the height of the building and an area not greater than .5’ for each lineal foot of building frontage, except that no such sign shall exceed an area of 50 square feet.

   2.   No such sign shall extend vertically above the highest point of the building facade upon which it is mounted.

   3.   Such signs shall not extend over a public sidewalk in excess of the width of the sidewalk.

   4.   Such signs shall maintain a clear vertical distance above any public sidewalk of a minimum of 9 feet.

   3.4   Under canopy signs.

   1.   Under canopy signs shall be limited to no more than one such sign per public entrance to any occupancy and shall be limited to an area not to exceed .1 (1/10) square foot for each 1 lineal foot of building frontage.

   2.   Such signs shall maintain a clear vertical distance above any sidewalk or pedestrian way a minimum of 8 feet.

   3.5   Roof signs.

   1.   Roof signs shall be permitted in commercial and industrial districts only.

   2.   Such signs shall be limited in height to that of the roofline.

   3.   The sign area for roof signs shall be assessed against the aggregate permitted area for wall signs on the elevation of the building most closely parallel to the face of the sign.

   3.6   Window signs. Window signs shall be permitted for any permitted non-conforming commercial or industrial use or building located in a residential or agricultural zone, and for all commercial and industrial districts, subject to the following limitations:

   1.   The aggregate area of all such signs shall not exceed 25 percent of the window area on which such signs are displayed. Window panels separated by muntins or mullions shall be considered as one continuous window area.

   2.   Window signs shall not be assessed against the sign area permitted for other sign types.

   3.7   Menu Boards. Menu board signs shall not be permitted to exceed 50 square feet.

   9.1   Master sign plan required. All landlord or single owner controlled multi-occupancy development complexes on parcels exceeding 8 acres in size, such as shopping centers or planned industrial parks, shall submit to the code official a master sign plan prior to issuance of new sign permits. The master sign plan shall establish standards and criteria for all signs in the complex that require permits, and shall address, at a minimum, the following:

   1.   Proposed sign locations.

   2.   Materials.

   3.   Type of illumination.

   4.   Design of freestanding sign structures.

   5.   Size.

   6.   Quantity.

   7.   Uniform standards for nonbusiness signage, including directional and informational signs.

   9.2   Development complex sign. In addition to the freestanding business identification signs otherwise allowed by this Article, every multiple-occupancy development complex shall be entitled to one freestanding sign per street front, at the maximum size permitted for business identification freestanding signs, to identify the development complex. No business identification shall be permitted on a development complex sign. Any freestanding sign otherwise permitted under this Article may identify the name of the development complex.

   9.3   Compliance with master sign plan. All applications for sign permits for signage within a multiple-occupancy development complex shall comply with the master sign plan.

   9.4   Amendments. Any amendments to a master sign plan must be signed and approved by the owner(s) within the development complex before such amendment will become effective.

In addition to the sign regulations provided for in Chapter 12, Article 5 of this municipal code, in the event the application seeking the sign approval is a part of a Site Plan Review Process, Section 12-286.E.11 shall be applicable and govern such sign approval