The purpose of the regulations of this article is to regulate all exterior signs and interior placed for exterior observance so as to protect property values, to insure light, air and open space, to reduce hazards at intersections, to prevent the accumulation of trash, to encourage attractive community appearance, and to protect health, safety, morals and general public welfare, by governing the location, size, and other characteristics of signs in each of the use districts established by this ordinance.

It is the intention of the regulations of this article that, among other things,

1001.1 The display of signs shall be appropriate to the land, building, or use to where they are appurtenant.

1001.2 With respect to signs advertising business uses, excessive competition and clutter among sign displays should be avoided.

1001.3 In commercial areas now in existence, and more so in proposed commercial and industrial areas, that all signs within one complex should be coordinated with the architecture in such a manner that the overall appearance is harmonious in color, form and proportion.

(Ord. No. 922, 8-4-2015)

In addition to the terms and definitions set forth in this article II of this ordinance, the following definitions relate to signs.

1002.1 Billboard: A large sign for advertising, which advertises a good business, commodity, entertainment, product or service, next to the road, not to exceed 672 sq feet or maximum size allowed by Mississippi Department of Transportation. This is not to include digital advertising signs.

1002.2 Digital advertising sign: Any sign which has capability to display a message by manipulation of light projected onto a screen or otherwise produced within the screen. Digital sign includes signs using LED technology, plasma technology or any industry equivalent that produces the same result as these technologies. A digital advertising sign directs attention to a events, business, commodity, service, product, entertainment or goods sold or offered elsewhere than upon the premises where such sign is located, or to which it is affixed.

1002.3 Corner triangle: The triangle area created by a line connecting points on the front and side for lines at a distance (as indicated below) from the intersection of said lines or the extension of said lines:

1002.4 Display surface: The entire back ground area upon which copy can be placed.

1002.5 Display surface area: The display area shall mean the sum of the gross display surface. The area of each display surface shall be computed by calculating the area of the circle, square, triangle, rectangle, or the combination of such common geometric forms necessary to enclose said surface. However, such area shall not include any structural or framing elements lying outside the limits of such sign and not forming an integral part of the display. Only one side of a double faced sign shall be included in calculating the sum of the display surface areas.

1002.6 Marquee: A permanent roofed structure attached to, and supported by a building.

1002.7 Sign: Any device used for visual communication, including any announcement, declaration, demonstration, display, ribbon, banner, illustration, figures, design, symbol, trademark or insignia, which is used to attract the attention of persons not on the premises, or to advertise, promote the interest of, or attract to any business, industry, individual, group, enterprise, subject, performance, article, machine, or merchandise whatsoever when the same is placed in the view of the general public. This shall include every sign, billboard, poster panel, illuminated sign or sign painted on any exterior surface of a building or other structure.

1002.8 Sign advertising: Any sign, including but not limited to billboards, which directs attention to a business, commodity, service or entertainment conducted, sold, or offered elsewhere than upon the premises where such sign is located, or to which it is affixed.

1002.9 Sign animated/electronic: Any sign with motion or action, having visible moving parts, requiring electrical energy, but not including wind actuated elements such as banners or flags. This definition does not include public service signs such as time and temperature, or revolving signs.

1002.10 Sign business: Any sign which gives the name of or which directs the attention to a lawful use of the premises on which it is located, including signs indicating the business transacted, services rendered, goods sold or produced on the premises, the name of a business, person, firm or corporation occupying the premises.

1002.11 Sign copy: All words, letters, numbers, figures, characters, art, work, symbols or insignia that are used in the display surface area.

1002.12 Sign ground: Any sign which is supported by one or more uprights, poles, braces, or other structure anchored in or on the ground.

1002.13 Sign permanent: Any sign except a "temporary sign", as defined herein.

1002.14 Sign projecting: Any sign, other than a "wall sign", which projects from and is supported by a wall of a building or other structure.

1002.15 Sign revolving: A sign, which revolves 360 degrees, but does not exceed 8 rpm.

1002.16 Sign temporary: A banner, pennant, poster or advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, plastic sheet, cardboard, wallboard or other like materials with or without frames, intended to be displayed for a limited period of time only.

1002.17 Sign wall: Any sign attached flat and parallel to the exterior of wall or screening surface of a building or other structure and confined within the limits thereof and which projects from that surface less than 12 inches at all points.

1002.18 Sign window: Any sign displayed on the inside or outside of a window and visible from a public street, walkway, parking lot or any other public way.

(Ord. No. 922, 8-4-2015)

All signs hereafter erected on any lot in all districts except official, traffic and street signs shall conform to the provisions of this section, unless otherwise provided in this ordinance. The following regulations shall apply to signs in all districts:

1003.1 No sign shall be erected as to prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window or fire escape, and no sign of any kind shall be attached to a stand-pipe or fire escape.

1003.2 No sign shall be erected at the intersection of any streets in such a manners to obstruct free and clear vision; or at any location where, by reason of position, it may interfere with or obstruct the view of traffic sight lined or traffic control devices ( if located within direct line of vision of traffic control device). No flashing or intermittent blue, red, green or amber illumination shall be used.

1003.3 Any sign affixed flat against the wall of a building and not more than 15 inches in thickness shall not be deemed a projecting sign. Projecting signs may extend not more than 48 inches beyond the building line or over public property, but in no event closer than two feet to the curb line, and shall be at least ten feet above the finished grade of the sidewalk. Wall signs shall not extend more than 15 inches over public property; lighting devices, however, may extend not more than six feet over public property provided the lowest part of such device is at least 15 feet above the finished grade.

1003.4 Business and advertising signs in the A-1 agricultural district shall be located a minimum of ten feet from any street or highway right-of-way line. Business and advertising signs in all other districts may not be located nearer to the street or highway right-of-way line than one-third of the required set back distance, or ten feet, which ever distance is greater.

1003.5 The illumination of any sign within 50 feet of and facing a residential zone lot line shall be diffused or indirect and designed to prevent direct rays of light from shining into adjoining residential districts, and in no event shall flashing or intermittent illumination be permitted where the sign faces directly into and/or is nearer than 300 feet to dwellings in a residential district.

1003.6 Directional or informational signs of a public or quasipublic nature not exceeding six square feet in area may be permitted in any district on approval of the city inspection officer. Any illumination shall be non-flashing, uncolored and confined to the face of the sign. No advertising matter whatsoever shall be permitted on signs of this type.

1003.7 Temporary signs indicating an event of public interest, such as state or local fair, local or general election, cattle or horse show, etc. may be erected on a thirty day (30) non-renewable permit on approval of the city code enforcement officer.

1003.8 Whenever a sign becomes structurally unsafe or endangers the safety of a building or premises or endangers the public safety, the city inspector officer shall give written notice to the owner of the sign or the owner of the premises on which the sign is located that such sign be made safe or removed within ten days.

1003.9 Any business or outdoor advertising sign legally existing prior to the adoption of this ordinance which does not conform to these provisions shall not be altered or changed in overall dimensions, except to conform to the provisions of this ordinance. If damaged to an extent in excess of one-half of its current replacement value, it shall not be rebuilt, provided that nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent normal maintenance and repairs, reprinting or posting of such signs or structures.

1003.10 Portable signs shall be prohibited.

1003.11 Location of billboards: Billboards are not allowed in the corporate limits of the City of Picayune except those permitted by Mississippi Department of Transportation along Interstate 59. Sign owner must first obtain permit from MDOT before making application to the city.

1003.12 Placement of digital advertising signs shall not be more than 250 square feet in size and cannot be located within a one-mile radius of another digital sign. All digital sign locations must be first approved by the director of planning and zoning and code enforcement so as to not physically interfere with the effectiveness of an official traffic signal, signal, or device, and those that obstruct or physically interfere with driver's view of approaching, merging, or intersecting traffic or a nuisance or infringement upon the rights of an adjacent property owner. No digital signs are to be placed in R1, R2, R3, R4, M1 or C2 zoning districts.

1003.13 No sign shall be placed without first submitting a picture showing dimensions and completing an application for a permit in the planning and zoning department. All permit fees are based on the current ICC Code that has been adopted by the city.

(Ord. No. 922, 8-4-2015)

1004.1 A permanent sign, not exceeding six square feet in area, giving the name and/or address only of the land or building on which displayed or the owner or lessee thereof.

1004.2 A temporary sign pertaining to the lease or sale of a building or property, provided such sign shall not exceed 12 square feet in surface area and is unilluminated.

1004.3 Temporary signs, for one year, advertising a new subdivision development of lots or more, provided such signs do not exceed 60 square feet in surface area, are no more than 15 feet nor less than two feet above ground, advertise only the development in which they are located and are erected only at dedicated street entrances.

1004.4 One illuminated sign identifying an engineer, architect or contractor engaged in the construction of a building, provided such sign shall not exceed 12 square feet in surface area, is no more than 15 feet or less than two feet above the ground and is removed within 30 days following occupancy of the building.

1004.5 One identifying sign, not to exceed 30 square feet in area, for the following uses: church, school, hospital, library, farm, park, clinic or other similar uses. Such sign shall be solely for the purpose of displaying the name of the institution and its activities or services. It may be illuminated but not flashing.

1004.6 Directional signs not to exceed two square feet in surface area for the following area for the following uses: church, school, hospital, sanatorium, clinic or similar use provided that each shall be limited to one such sign per major thoroughfare approach. No such sign shall be permitted on minor residential streets.

1004.7 One name plate sign for a dwelling group of four or more units not exceeding six square feet in surface area. Such signs may indicate the names and address of the building or it may be a directory for occupants.

(Ord. No. 922, 8-4-2015)

In the C-1 and C-3 districts, signs are permitted subject to the following regulations:

1005.1 All signs permitted in the "R" and "M-1" districts.

1005.2 The total area of all business signs on a building or lot shall not exceed 300 square feet. No single business sign surface may exceed 150 square feet in the area, nor shall two or more smaller signs be so arranged and integrated as to create a surface area in excess of 300 square feet.

1005.3 Planned shopping center: Each planned shopping center may have one incidental or free standing identification sign for each street frontage, set back at least 20 feet from the road right-of-way and announcing only the name of the shopping center, business located therein.

(Ord. No. 922, 8-4-2015)

In the C-2 district, signs are permitted subject to the following regulations:

1006.1 All signs permitted in the residential district.

1006.2 The total surface area of a business sign or signs on a lot shall not exceed six square feet for each lineal foot of lot frontage.

1006.3 Advertising sign structures shall be limited to not more than one structure for a lot of 50-foot frontage or less, and to one additional structure for each 50 feet of additional lot frontage. Such structure may contain no more than two signs per facing nor exceed 55 feet in length. No advertising sign may be erected within 50 feet of an adjoining residential district if designed to face into such district.

(Ord. No. 922, 8-4-2015)

In the A-1, I-1 and I-2 districts, signs are permitted to the following regulations:

1007.1 All signs permitted in the residential districts.

1007.2 The total surface area of a business sign or signs on a building or lot shall not exceed ten square feet for each lineal foot of lot frontage.

Advertising sign structure shall be permitted subject to subsections 1003.4 and 1003.9.

(Ord. No. 922, 8-4-2015)

1008.1 Scope and purpose of regulations: The purpose of the regulations of this section is to regulate all exterior signs and interior signs placed for exterior observance so as to protect property values, to insure light, air and open space, to reduce hazards at intersections, to prevent the accumulation of trash, to encourage attractive community appearance, and to protect health, safety, morals and general public welfare, by governing the location, size, and other characteristics of signs located in the office/professional district.

1008.2 Definitions: The following definitions relate to signs in the office/professional district:

Animated sign: Any sign which moves or which appears to move by any means including fluttering or rotating. Animated signs shall include but are not limited to pennants, flags, balloons, ribbons, streamers or propellers. For purpose of this ordinance, this term does not refer to flashing or changing signs, all of which are separately defined.

Building face or wall: All window and wall area of a building in one place or elevation.

Campus environment office project: A multi-building commercial development consisting of buildings with uniform architecture located within a subdivision containing covenants and restrictions and arranged with common areas and similar landscaping.

Face of sign: The entire area of a sign on which copy could be placed, and in the instance where a double faced sign is utilized, the area of the one face shall be included to determine face square footage, if both faces include the same copy.

Front footage: The lineal width measured parallel to the street frontage of the heated and enclosed structure, not including out-building or appurtenant structures, unless said structure has no street frontage in which case the front footage shall be the structure's side width of principal entrance.

Ground level: Immediate surrounding grade.

Ground sign: A sign mounted at or near ground level the face of which is no more than 36 inches and no less than 24 inches above the centerline of the adjacent street, highway or right-of-way.

Height of sign: The distance measured above the centerline of the adjacent street, highway, or right-of-way to the highest point of the sign.

Office park: A project of one or more buildings that has been planned as an integrated unit or cluster on property that is under unified control or ownership.

Portable signs: Any sign constructed on a trailer with wheels which may or may not be detached or which is designed to be transported from place to place by any means for temporary use and is not designed to be permanently affixed to a building or lot.

Roof line: The apex, or highest point of the roof. If there is a series of roofs, the apex of the lowest roof will be considered.

Roof sign: A sign that is erected, constructed, or maintained on a roof. All bracing to the roof shall be concealed (not visible from the road or ground) by the same material as the face of the sign.

Set back: The minimum horizontal distance between either the face of curb, the edge of pavement, or the right-of-way line and the sign structure as specified in a particular section of this ordinance.

Sign: Any device, structure, fixture or placard using graphics, symbols, and/or written copy designed specifically for the purpose of advertising or identifying any establishments, product, good or service, activity, place, person, or any other item of information.

Sign area: The surface area of a sign computed as including the entire area with a rectangle, triangle, circle, or other regular geometric form, or aggregates thereof, encompassing all of the display area of the sign and including all of the elements of the matter displayed. Base, apron, supports, and other structural members not bearing advertising matter shall not be included in computation of surface area. Border or trim shall be included in computation of surface area.

Sign conversion: The permanent affixation to building, pole, or lot of a portable sign.

Sign structure: Any structure that supports, has supported, or is capable of supporting a sign including decorative cover.

Sign plaza: A linear arrangement of two or more businesses or offices under one or many ownerships or management providing off-street parking and consisting of a similar of compatible architectural or graphic character of theme.

Wall sign: A sign which is fastened and parallel to or painted on the wall of a building or structure in such a manner that the wall becomes the supporting structure for or forms the background surface of the sign, and which does not extend more than 12 inches from such building or structure.

Window sign: A business sign painted on or posted in window and visible from a public right-of-way.

1008.3 Allowable signs:

1.

A wall sign face mounted on building wall provided said wall contains the main entrance and store front of the business or occupant. The following wall signs may also be allowed:

a.

Sign on other wall of occupant in lieu of or in combination with sign of wall containing a main exterior entrance.

b.

More than one sign when there is more than one entrance.

2.

Ground mounted signs. In no case shall more than one ground-mounted sign be allowed per street frontage.

a.

For building, tenant or project identification in lieu of or in combination with wall signs- one sign is allowed for each street frontage.

b.

Multi-tenant signs for building or development and tenant identification for office buildings, office parks and professional complexes only. In lieu of or in combination with wall signs- one ground-mounted sign is allowed for each street.

3.

Permanent project sign. A sign used for business identification and address only, when there are more than four tenant businesses and when the lot is over two acres in size.

4.

Traffic/intra-site directional signs. Two are allowed at each vehicular entrance to property.

5.

Canopy signs.

6.

Non-illuminating commemorative wall-mounted signs constructed of metal or weed only.

1008.4 Size:

1.

Wall signs. A maximum total sign area of 40 square feet or one-half square foot for each linear foot of building wall width or lease space on which the sign is erected, whichever results in the smaller sign area, with a minimum of 20 square feet. Where frontage is on more than one street, only signs computer with the frontage of that street shall face the street.

2.

Ground mounted signs. In lieu of or in combination with wall signs, shall conform with paragraph 1. above. Ground mounted signs shall not exceed 40 square feet per face and total sign are shall not exceed 80 square feet total of all faces.

3.

Permanent project signs. Shall not exceed 50 square feet per face per street frontage and the total sign area shall not exceed 200 square feet.

4.

Traffic directional signs. Shall not exceed a maximum total area of 216 square inches per face (12″ × 18″) with a maximum of two faces per sign, not to exceed a total of 432 square inches for signs denoting "enter" or "exit". Signs denoting intra-site directions should not exceed a single face side of 26 inches by 15 inches, with two faces (back to back) allowable. Intra-site directional signs shall have letters, numbers, or graphics no larger than two inches in height and no more than 40 percent of the face may be blank. Lettering for "enter" or 'exit" signs shall not exceed three and one-half inches in height. Such signs shall not exceed 31 inches above existing grade.

5.

Canopy signs. In lieu of or in combination with wall signs and ground-mounted signs shall conform to the restriction set forth in [subsection] 1. above. Length of canopy is not to be considered in allowable signage.

6.

Multi-tenant signs. Overall sign size is to follow same wording rules governing ground mounted signs. Individual tenant signs shall be as follow:

a.

All lettering shall be uniform in size for all tenants' names with a letter height of three inches.

b.

Color of background shall be uniform on entire sign with dark background and color of letters shall be uniform on entire sign. If more than one sign is used, as in the case of a corner with two frontages, both signs shall be uniform in color.

c.

Individual tenant signs shall be mounted to the main sign. In no case shall individual tenant signs be allowed to hang from the main sign. Individual tenant signs must be identical in size, shape, material and color. The sign of tenant signs shall be no taller than nine inches and shall be the width of the main sign background. However, where the entrance to an individual tenants business fronts on a private street, and tenant may have a separate sign, not to exceed four square feet in size, in lieu of any other signage. This sign, which must front on the private street, will be deducted from the total sign area allowed for the site.

7.

Commemorative wall mounted signs. Shall not exceed 192 inches in area. Such signs may be erected in addition to other signs create in this section. No more than one such commemorative sign shall be permitted per building or per lot.

1008.5 Location:

1.

Wall signs. All signs shall be face mounted on the building wall. Wall mounted signs shall note project more than 12 inches from the face of the building. Signs shall not project above the roofline unless incorporated into the roof design and only if approved by the city council.

2.

Ground mounted identification signs. Setback for signs shall be 11 feet from highway right-of-way.

3.

Height of ground mounted identification signs. Shall be a maximum of six feet as measured from surrounding grade.

4.

Permanent project signs. The project sign setback 11 feet from the highway or roadway right-of-way. Height of the sign wall is a maximum of six feet as measured from the surrounding grade.

5.

Traffic/intra-site. Shall be located a minimum of one foot from the right-of-way (existing or proposed, whichever is greater) of any street. Such signs shall not exceed 31 inches above existing grade. Intra-site directional information (words other than "enter" or "exit" shall be allowed only to owners with one business or single use per property.

6.

Canopy signs. Bottom of sign shall have a minimum seven-foot clearance from finish grade directly above.

7.

Regulatory information signs. As required by federal, state and county and city authorities.

8.

Commemorative wall mounted signs. Commemorative wall-mounted signs shall not project more than four inches from the face of the building.

1008.6 Contents:

1.

Wall signs shall be limited to the name of the development, business, address, hours, dates instructions and primary products and services to he located at the one main entrance as determined by owner.

2.

Ground mounted signs shall be limited to the name of the development or business, address, hours, dates instructions and primary products and services.

3.

Permanent project signs shall be limited to the name and address of the product. Tenant names shall not be allowed on permanent project signs.

4.

Logos.

5.

Traffic/intra-site directional signs shall indicate "enter" or "exit" and approved logos only, except as noted above, in which case intra-site directional signs shall be limited to designation of specific parking, drive-up business windows or service designations.

6.

Canopy signs shall be limited to the name of the business, address, hours, dates, instructions and primary products and services.

7.

Multi-tenant signs shall be limited to the name of the building or development and/or its address and the name of each business and/or tenant. A minimum of the top 25 percent of the sign shall be used to identify the name of the building or development and/or its address.

1008.7 Illumination: Illuminated signs shall adhere to the following provisions and restrictions in addition to those stated in the sign ordinance.

1.

The light for or from any illuminated sign shall be so shaded, shielded or directed that the light intensity will not be objectionable to surrounding areas.

2.

No sign shall have blinking, flashing or fluttering lights or other illuminating devices that have a changing light intensity, brightness or color. Beacon lights are not permitted.

3.

No colored lights shall be used at any location in any manner so as to be confused with or construed as traffic control devices.

4.

Neither directs nor reflects light from primary light sources shall create a traffic hazard to operations of motor vehicles.

5.

Exposed light bulbs shall not be used on the exterior surface of any signs.

6.

Decorative lights are allowed on top of the ground-mounted signs. Lights shall not extend more than 18 inches beyond the top of the sign but total height, including lights, shall not exceed six feet.

7.

Electrical requirements for all signs shall conform to the pertinent requirements of the current National Electrical Code.

1008.8 Small business location (one building/one tenant):

1.

The occupant of a single business structure may have one wall sign and one additional sign (either wall or street) on each street upon which the structure fronts. The total area of wall signage shall not exceed one and one-half square feet of the of sign for every foot of front footage of the applicable building, subject to the following restrictions:

a.

The maximum square footage wall sign allotment shall not exceed 150 square feet except as provided herein.

b.

Where the front footage of a building would allow for more that he maximum wall sign as stated above, additional square footage may be allowed, upon approval by the planning commission. This additional square footage shall not exceed one and one-half square feet per linear foot of building, and shall not exceed a maximum wall sign size of 300 square feet.

c.

Where a single business fronts on more than one street, the allowable square footage for the wall sign shall be computed separately for each street.

d.

In those instances where a building frontage is less than 100 linear feet, the planning commission may vary the maximum square footage allowed for a wall sign.

2.

Refer to appendix A for height, size and setback requirements of ground signs. The base of all ground signs shall be fully landscaped with planters and/or shrubbery in all directions, not less than the dimensional width of the sign. If a single business fronts on more than one street, the allowance for a ground sign shall be determined pursuant to appendix "A", based upon the number of lanes for each street.

3.

If the occupant of a single business structure elects to use a wall sign: The wall sign shall not be higher than the roofline or face of the building.

4.

If the occupant elects to use changeable copy, only one of the signs, wall or ground sign may have changeable copy. No more than one-third of the allowable square footage of the ground or wall sign shall be changeable copy sign (manual).

1008.9 Single office building:

1.

Each single office building with four or less tenants shall be allowed one ground mounted project sign per street frontage.

(a)

Refer to appendix A for height, size and setback requirements of ground signs. The base of all signs shall be fully landscaped with planters and/or shrubbery in all directions, not less than the dimensional width of the sign.

(b)

The sign shall contain the name of the project and street address and may have up to four tenants, along with the owner's name on the building, and the name of the building.

2.

Each business within a single office building which has an exterior entrance shall be allowed one wall mounted sign no larger than four square feet adjacent to the entrance.

1008.10 Office parks:

1.

Strips plazas, office parks and shopping centers shall be allowed to display one ground sign per street frontage to identify the center. Refer to appendix A for height, size and setback requirements of ground signs. The base of all ground signs shall be fully landscaped with planters and/or shrubbery in all directions, not less than the dimensional width of the sign. The street address shall be included on the sign.

2.

Each individual business within the strip plaza, office park or shopping center shall be allowed to display one wall sign. The size of the wall sign shall be computed by taking the length of the wall of the tenant's leased area and multiplying it by 1.5 (the length of the wall of the tenant's leased wall multiplied by 1.5 equals the total allotment for the sign).

3.

Private sign standards required: In the case of an office park, strip plaza, shopping center or other grouping of five or more tenants or establishments, the developer shall prepare a set of sign standards for all exterior signs to be approved by the city's planning commission. Such standards shall run with all leases or sales of portions of the development. The planning commission, when reviewing these standards shall consider the size colors, materials, styles of lettering, appearance of any logo, type of illumination, and location. Sign permits shall not be issued until the planning commission has approved the sign standards after having been assured that the developer or owner will enforce such standards. The sale, subdivision, or other partition of the site after developments does not exempt the project or portions

1008.11 Campus environment signs:

1.

Each campus environment project shall be allowed no more than two project signs per entrance. However, in the event the entrance contains a curbed median, three project signs shall be allowed for that entrance. Multiple signs for each project entrance must maintain a uniform appearance and design. Refer to appendix A for height, size, and setback requirements of ground signs. The base of all ground signs shall be fully landscaped with planters and/or shrubbery in all directions, not less than the dimensional width of the sign.

2.

A campus environmental project may have a ground mounted address sign for each building. The address sign shall be out of the right of way, no higher than five feet and no wider than five feet.

3.

Exterior directories shall be allowed for each building within a campus environment project. The purpose of the directory shall be for customer convenience, direction and safety. There shall be one directory for each main entrance to the building. The directories shall be located no more than 75 feet from building entrances and set back at least 15 feet from curb entrance or edge of pavement. No exterior directory shall exceed 32 square feet per face. Up to two building identification signs shall be allowed for each multi-tenant building within a campus environment project which building contains at least 25,000 square feet. Each identification sign shall not exceed 20 square feet per face. No ground exterior directory or identification sign shall exceed six feet in height as measured from surrounding grade. Each tenant listing on the exterior directory sign shall be of identical size, shape and color. Exterior directory signs may be a changeable manual copy sign.

4.

Where a building within a campus environment project fronts on more than one street, the building may have one wall or ground mounted identification sign per street frontage. The surface area of a wall sign may not exceed 15 percent of the surface area of the wall to which it is attached. Provided however, that a single tenant building which is located in excess if 200 feet from the property line of the street from which it fronts may have a wall sign who surface area does not exceed 25 percent of the wall on which it is located.

5.

In addition to any and all signage allowed in a campus environment project, each building located within a campus environment project may place a numerical identification on the exterior of the building that will not exceed 16 square feet per face. The purpose of the numerical identification shall be for customer convenience, direction and safety.

6.

Sign permits shall be issued by the building official, if in instances where the number and/or location of signs as provided for above constitute, in his judgment, a traffic hazard, nuisance or infringement upon the rights of an adjacent property owner.

1008.12 Prohibited signs:

1.

Animated signs.

2.

Flashing signs having intermittent or animated illumination or moving parts. No signs shall have lights that imitate or resemble official emergency vehicle or traffic signals. Changeable copy signs (automatic) are allowed to provide time and temperature only.

3.

Signs which are not securely affixed to the ground, or otherwise affixed in a permanent manner to an approved supporting structure, including but not limited to, portable signs (including sign conversions).

4.

No sign or device regulated by this ordinance shall be erected or continue to be displayed in such a manner as to obstruct the free and clear vision of vehicle drivers; or in any location where, by reason of the position, shape, color, it may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic or government sign. Signal, or device; or any other words, phrase, symbol or character in such manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic.

Portable and flashing signs:

1.

Due to the manifest traffic safety hazards, the use of portable and/or flashing signs, with or without changeable copy board attached are declared a public nuisance and therefore prohibited. This includes not only intact portable signs, but also sign conversions.

1008.13 Standards for variances:

The planning commission shall not grant a variance unless it makes finding based upon evidence presented to it as follows:

(a)

The particular physical surrounding shape, topographical or location conditions of the specific property or structure involved would result in a particular hardship upon the owner as distinguished from a mere inconvenience, if the strict application of this ordinance is carried out.

(b)

The conditions upon which the petition for a variance is based would not be applicable, generally, to other property or structure in the same general area.

(c)

The request for variance is based upon a clause in a lease executed and effective prior to the effective date of this ordinance or upon the subsequent renewal of said lease; if the original lease contains an automatic renewal clause.

(d)

The variance will not authorize signs, sign structures, or other sign-related activities other than those permitted by this ordinance.

(e)

Financial returns only shall not be considered as a basis for granting a variance.

(f)

Any person having an interest in the sign, sign structure, or property after the effective date of the ordinance has created the alleged difficulty or hardship requested.

(g)

The granting the variance requested will not confer on this application any special privilege that is denied by the ordinance to other land structures, signs, sign structure, or buildings similarly situated.

(h)

The variance is the minimum variance that will make possible the reasonable use of the land, building, or structure for sign purposes.

(i)

The granting of the variance will not be detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to other property or improvements in the area that the sign is located.

(j)

The proposed variance will not impair an adequate supply of light and air to adjacent property, substantially increase congestion in the public streets, increase the danger of fire, endanger the public safety, or substantially diminish or impair property values within the area.

Conditions and restrictions by the planning commission: The planning commission may impose such conditions and restrictions upon the property, sign, or sign structure as may be necessary to comply with the provisions set out in the above section, to reduce or minimize the injurious effects of such variation upon surrounding property and better carry out the general intent of this ordinance. The planning commission may establish expiration dates as a condition or as part of the variances.

Allowance for ground signs:

*Four-lane roadway excludes Goodyear Boulevard.

Height includes the measurement from grade to the top of the sign, including the base area.

Setback distance is measured from leading edge of the sign to the roadway right-of-way.

(Ord. No. 922, 8-4-2015)