It is the intent of the following requirements to control the use of publicly legible signs, to support traffic safety; to encourage the safe construction and effective use of signs as a means of communication to the public; to safeguard the public use and nature of city streets and sidewalks; to prevent the accumulation of trash; to minimize adverse effects to nearby public and private property; and to enhance the visual environment of the city.

(Ord. No. 2022-008, 3-15-2022)

For the purpose of this article, certain words and terms are defined as follows:

§ 9.02.01 Abandoned Sign. A permanent sign (1) that has displayed no message for a continuous period of one year or more or (2) that the principal use to which it was accessory has not been active on the premises for a continuous period of one year or more. A sign is considered accessory to a use when the operator of the use or owner of the property, on which the use was located, installed, maintained or received a permit for the sign during the time the use was active on the premises.

§ 9.02.02 Attached Sign. A permanent sign other than a Freestanding Sign, including Wall Signs, Projecting Signs and Awning and Canopy Signs.

§ 9.02.03 Awning or Canopy Sign. A sign directly painted on or directly affixed to an awning or canopy.

§ 9.02.04 Changeable Copy Sign. A sign in which the message may be manually or electronically changed without altering the sign.

§ 9.02.05 Commercial Message. A sign message that identifies or directs attention to a business, commodity, service or entertainment sold or offered for sale or a fee.

§ 9.02.06 Double-faced Sign: A sign constructed to display its message on the outer surfaces of two opposing planes. When only one face is legible from any vantage point along the street, the area of one side (the larger, if applicable) is counted toward allowable sign area. If both faces may be viewed from the same vantage point, the area of both sides is counted.

§ 9.02.07 Electronic Message Sign. A sign designed so that the characters, letters or illustrations can be changed or rearranged electronically or through mechanical means.

§ 9.02.08 Freestanding Sign. A sign supported by its own structure, which support structure is mounted upon the ground and not attached to another structure.

§ 9.02.09 Government Sign. Any sign erected on public property and maintained by the City, State or Federal Government for dissemination of general information and matters of public interest.

§ 9.02.10 Install. To place, construct, erect, mount, paint, affix or attach a sign to a structure or to the ground.

§ 9.02.11 Legible. Able to be read by a person of ordinary eyesight standing at grade level or seated in a vehicle at a location on an adjoining public right-of-way, public space or, if applicable, an adjoining private property.

§ 9.02.12 Noncommercial Message. Any message other than a commercial message. This includes all messages or types of messages considered noncommercial speech by a court of law.

§ 9.02.13 Permanent Sign. A sign constructed of durable materials, attached to the ground or a building in a manner to resist wind and other environmental loads and to prevent ready removal or movement.

§ 9.02.14 Portable Sign. Any freestanding sign greater than six square feet in area that is readily movable and that is not permanently affixed to the ground, including signs mounted on weighted bases or wheeled chassis. Portable Sign does not include a sign carried by a person or animal.

Portable Sign

§ 9.02.15 Premises. One or more adjoining lots developed in a unified manner and design with shared parking and driveway facilities or an undeveloped property.

§ 9.02.16 Projecting Sign. A sign attached to a building wall that extends more than 12 inches from the face of such wall.

§ 9.02.17 Seasonal Decorations. Decorations and lighting displayed during religious, national or state holidays not installed in a permanent manner and that contain no commercial message. This does not include temporary signs that are greater than four square feet in area, that are directed at and legible from the public right-of-way.

§ 9.02.18 Sign. Any device, fixture, placard or structure, including its component parts, which draws attention to an object, product, place, activity, opinion, person, organization, or place of business, or which identifies or promotes the interests of any person and which may be viewed from the private property of another or from any public right-of-way (collectively referred to as a "public area"). For the purposes of these regulations, the term Sign includes all structural members. The term Sign does not include the following objects though they may be legible from a public area: cemetery markers, vending machines or express mail drop-off boxes, decorations, artwork or a building's architectural features, or a manufacturer's or seller's markings on machinery or equipment.

§ 9.02.19 Sign Face. The surface of the sign upon, against or through which the message of the sign is displayed.

§ 9.02.20 Sign Structure. The supports, uprights, bracing, or framework of any structure, be it single-faced, double-faced, V-type, or otherwise exhibiting a sign.

§ 9.02.21 Temporary Sign. A sign, other than a Portable Sign, that is not permanently attached to the ground or a structure and that is not designed or intended for permanent display.

§ 9.02.22 Wall Sign. A sign painted on or permanently affixed or fastened to the wall of a structure in such a manner that the sign face is parallel to the wall plane and in which the wall is the supporting structure of the sign.

§ 9.02.23 Window Sign. A sign applied or attached to a window or displayed within six feet of the interior of a first-floor window area to attract attention of persons outside the building. Window Signs do not include merchandise in a window display.

(Ord. No. 2022-008, 3-15-2022)

§ 9.03.01 Applicability. All signs hereafter installed or maintained must comply with the requirements of this Article, except as provided in § 9.03.03.

§ 9.03.02 Permit Required. No sign may be installed, replaced (including face changes), or changed in location or size without a valid Sign Permit issued by the City, unless exempted by §9.03.04. Applications for Sign Permits must show the proposed location of the sign, and any pavement, curb, public right-of-way or easement within 25 feet of the sign, sign type, size, height, type of foundation, electrical scheme, illumination scheme, and any other information required by the Director. The Director will issue permits only upon determination that the plan conforms to the requirements of this article.

§ 9.03.03 Excluded Signs. The following are exempt from regulation under this Article and do not require a Sign Permit, though they may require other types of permits, whenever applicable:

1.

Signs that are not legible from any public right-of-way or public space

2.

Any permanent sign with a sign area of one square foot or less

3.

Signs of a duly constituted governmental body or authority or public utility including, but not limited to, traffic or similar regulatory devices, legal devices, warnings at railroad crossings, governmental survey or boundary markers, notices of water lines or buried cables, and public hearing notices

4.

Publicly owned memorial tablets or signs

5.

Signs required by law or governmental order, rule, or regulation

6.

Signs inside a building other than Window Signs

7.

Seasonal decorations containing no commercial message

8.

Signs on an operable vehicle used in the normal course of business; except signs on vehicles that are kept, on a recurring basis, on the premises so that the signs is legible from the street

§ 9.03.04 Signs, Actions not Requiring a Permit. The following signs and actions related to a sign do not require a Sign Permit, unless the sign or action is of a nature that requires a Building Permit. However, they must nonetheless conform in all other respects to the requirements of this article and may not be illuminated:

1.

Temporary signs.

2.

Window signs.

3.

Changing of copy on Changeable Copy Signs provided there is no structural change or change in the primary lighting source.

4.

Routine sign maintenance, including painting, repainting, cleaning and repair not involving structural changes or changes to the sign area or height.

5.

Signs and notices issued by any court, officer or other person in performance of a governmental duty.

§ 9.03.05 Fees. All applicable fees must be provided with each Sign Permit application.

§ 9.03.06 Expiration. A Sign Permit expires if work has not begun within 90 days from the date it is issued. Applicants are allowed one 30-day extension of each Sign Permit, provided the extension is applied for prior to the original permit's expiration.

§ 9.03.07 Indemnification of City: Every Sign Permit application must include an agreement of indemnification and hold the City harmless for any damages or expenses that may be incurred because of the sign and related structure.

§ 9.03.08 Permit Revocation. The City may revoke a Sign Permit if it is found that there has been concealment or misrepresentation of material facts in the Sign Permit application or submitted plans.

(Ord. No. 2022-008, 3-15-2022; Ord. No. 2022-041, 10-18-2022)

§ 9.04.01 Viewpoint and Content Neutrality, Substitution.

1.

It is the policy of the City to regulate signs in a manner that does not favor commercial speech over noncommercial speech and does not regulate speech by message content. No sign will be subject to any limitation based on the viewpoint of the sign message.

2.

Signs authorized by this Article may carry noncommercial messages in lieu of any other commercial or noncommercial messages. Substitution of messages may be made without additional approval or permitting process, except where the change of message increases the sign area or requires changes to the sign that would otherwise require a Sign Permit. This provision prevails over any more specific provision to the contrary within this Article. The purpose of this provision is to prevent an inadvertent favoring of commercial messages over noncommercial messages or favoring of any particular noncommercial message over any other noncommercial message. This provision does not create a right to increase the total amount of signage on a lot, nor does it affect the requirement that a sign structure or mounting device be properly permitted.

§ 9.04.02 Prohibited Signs. In the interest of public safety and aesthetics, the following are prohibited in all districts:

1.

Signs with moving, strobing or flashing lights or any design that may be confused with the lights of a police, fire or emergency response vehicle

2.

Signs that contain or are an imitation of an official traffic signal or contain the words "stop", "go slow", "caution", "danger", "warning", or similar words, when used in such a manner that the sign may be mistaken for an official sign.

3.

Portable signs.

4.

Signs wrapped around or otherwise affixed to bollards.

5.

Signs that move, rotate, whirl, spin or otherwise make use of motion to attract attention, including but not limited to inflatable signs, streamers, pennants, string lights and other attention-getting devices that may be moved by the wind; this does not include flags installed on flagpoles or stanchions in accordance with § 9.06.03.

6.

Signs that emit any detectable noise, smoke, vapor, odor, particles or that include any lighting or control mechanism that interfere with radio, television or electronic means of communication.

7.

Signs involving tires and tires used as attention-getting devices in any form.

8.

Signs constructed of mirrors or other surfaces that reflect light.

§ 9.04.03 Maintenance.

1.

All signs and sign structures must be kept in a proper state of repair and legibility. The Director is authorized to order the painting, repair or alteration of signs, which may include correcting conditions such as rust or peeling paint on signs and sign structures and faded messages. The Director may cause any structurally unsafe or insecure sign to be immediately removed if the sign presents an immediate peril to the public health or safety.

2.

Temporary signs found to be torn, faded, or in otherwise deteriorated condition are a violation.

3.

All electronic and illuminated signs that are no longer functional must be made functional or removed at the owner's expense within 30 days of becoming dysfunctional.

4.

The owner is responsible for the costs of any required repair, painting, alteration or removal of signs.

§ 9.04.04 Placement.

1.

Permanent signs may not be installed in or over a public right-of-way. However, the Board of Adjustment may permit a sign to be placed in a public right-of-way as a Special Exception if it determines that:

a.

There are conditions unique to the premises that are beyond the control of the applicant and that prevent the installation of allowable signage in conformance with placement restrictions; and

b.

The proposed location does not conflict with the public interest.

In making its determination, the Board will consider the written opinions of the Police Chief, City Engineer, Fire Chief, and the Director prior to making its determination.

2.

Temporary signs may not be posted in a public right-of-way and must be set back at least ten feet from the nearest edge of pavement or back of curb, whichever is applicable, and at least three feet from the back of any sidewalk or other pedestrian or bicycle path; except as otherwise permitted in the Downtown Overlay District. Improperly placed temporary signs in the right-of-way or city property are a violation of this Ordinance and may be removed immediately by City employees, or further enforcement action may be pursued.

3.

Signs may not be placed or extend into or over the required side or rear yard setback nor extend over a property line.

4.

Signs may not be installed at any location, whereby the position, size, shape, color, movement, or illumination would obstruct the view of traffic or cause the sign to be confused with any governmental traffic signal, safety barricade or emergency vehicle.

5.

Signs may not be attached to utility poles, meter posts or trees.

6.

Except as required by law, no sign may be displayed on a property without the consent of the legal owner.

7.

Signs may not be installed on the roof of any building or project above its roof line. However, signs may extend to the top of the parapet when present.

8.

On any premises where the principal structure is set back less than the required setback for freestanding signs, the Director, after consultation with the Police Chief, Fire Chief, and City Engineer, may authorize a lesser setback provided a public hazard will not be created.

9.

Signs and sign structures may not obstruct openings required for ventilation or means of egress, including any fire escape, window, door, stairway, exit, walkway, utility access or Fire Department connection.

§ 9.04.05 Determination of heights and areas of signs for all districts:

1.

For sign messages installed on a background panel, cabinet, or surface distinctively designed to serve as the background for the sign message, sign area is calculated as the smallest rectangle that encompasses the extreme limits of the background panel, cabinet or surface. See Figures 9-1 and 9-2.

2.

For sign messages where individual letters or elements are installed on a building façade and where there is no background panel, cabinet or surface distinctively designed to serve as the background for the sign message, sign area is calculated as the smallest rectangle that encloses all the letters or elements associated with the sign and multiplied by 0.8. When there are multiple sign elements on the same surface, the Director determines the outermost boundaries of individual sign elements. See Figure 9-3.

3.

Supporting framework, bracing, or decorative fences or walls are not included in calculating sign area.

4.

For sign messages that are nonplanar, the sign area is calculated as the smallest rectangle that encompasses the profile of the sign message and any background object, panel, cabinet or surface distinctively designed to serve as the background for the sign message. The profile used is the largest area of the sign message and background visible from any one point. See Figure 9-4.

5.

Sign heights. For attached signs, clearance height is measured from grade level directly beneath the sign to the lowest point of the sign. For freestanding signs, including temporary and portable signs, height is measured from grade level at the base of the sign to the highest part of the sign. However, when the grade level of a freestanding sign is lower than that of the adjoining roadway, sign height is measured from the grade of roadway.

§ 9.04.06 Abandoned Signs. Conforming signs that become abandoned must have their sign area covered or the sign message removed, as approved by the Director based on the design of the sign.

(Ord. No. 2022-008, 3-15-2022; Ord. No. 2022-041, 10-18-2022)

§ 9.05.01 Permanent Signs. Untreated wood and unfinished wood may not be used on the exterior of a sign, including any background panel, cabinet, surface, message or supporting structure.

§ 9.05.02 Attached Signs.

1.

Attached signs, including Wall, Projecting, and Awning and Canopy Signs must be installed on the principal structure and may not be installed on accessory structures.

2.

Projecting signs may not project more than 40 inches from the wall plane.

§ 9.05.03 Portable Signs, existing on the effective date of this Ordinance, must be secured, subject to the approval of the Director, to prevent unintended movement due to wind or other causes.

§ 9.05.04 Electronic Message Signs, whether attached or freestanding, are subject to the following:

1.

Electronic Message Signs may not be larger than 50 sf.

2.

Electronic Message Signs brightness and illumination shall be measured by the following:

a.

Illuminance shall be measured with the sign off, and again with the sign displaying a white image for a full color-capable sign, or a solid message for a single-color sign.

b.

The difference between the off and solid-message measurements shall not exceed 0.3 footcandles at night.

c.

Illumination shall be measured at a distance of: Measurement Distance (in ft) = (√ (area of sign face (in sf) x 100), rounded to nearest whole foot.

3.

Electronic Message Signs must be equipped with a dimmer control and photocell and must automatically adjust the display intensity according to natural ambient light conditions.

4.

Electronic Message Signs must have a default mechanism that will freeze the display in a static message if a malfunction occurs.

5.

Electronic Message Signs may not display light of such intensity or brilliance to cause glare, impair the vision of an ordinary driver or constitute a nuisance to traffic and pedestrian safety, regardless of ambient light conditions or illumination measurements.

6.

Message displays must be static, employing no motion, animation or changes in color or brightness, and may not change more frequently than eight seconds. Transitions between message displays must be instantaneous and may not simulate movement.

7.

Electronic Message Signs must be set back at least 50 ft from any residential district boundary. If permitted by special exception within a residential district, the sign must be set back at least 50 ft from lot lines of the nearest dwelling, or otherwise as far as practicable as determined by the Director.

§ 9.05.05 Illuminated Signs.

1.

Illuminated signs must conform in all respects to the City Electrical and Fire Codes. In no case will an electrical cord be permitted to lie upon the ground. Any other provision of this article notwithstanding, the Building Official, Fire Marshal, or Director may order the repair or removal of any sign which does not conform to these codes.

2.

Any light mounted on, within or directed toward any sign must be shielded so that no direct illumination is cast upon any surrounding property or on or toward any public right-of-way.

(Ord. No. 2022-008, 3-15-2022; Ord. No. 2022-041, 10-18-2022)

§ 9.06.01 Temporary Signs, in accordance with § 9.07 Residential Districts, § 9.08 Nonresidential Districts and § 9.09 FAR Districts. Temporary signs may be used for commercial or noncommercial speech.

§ 9.06.02 Permanent, freestanding signs installed on nonresidential premises within six feet of the vehicular access to the premises not more than four square feet in area and not more than four feet in height. No more than one such sign is permitted per direction of travel at each vehicular access.

§ 9.06.03 Flagpoles and Stanchions.

1.

Unless otherwise required by state law, for each parcel and development site in residential use with at least one principal structure, one flagpole is permitted. There is no limit to the number of flags that may be displayed per flagpole.

2.

For each nonresidential parcel or development site up to one-half acre in size, up to two flagpoles may be installed. For each nonresidential parcel or development site over one-half acre in size, up to three flagpoles may be installed. For each additional acre, up to two additional flagpoles may be installed. Up to two flags may be displayed per flagpole.

3.

Flagpoles may not exceed 1.5 times the allowed building height for the district, but in no event may a flagpole be taller than 50 ft above grade.

4.

For each principal structure, up to two flag brackets or stanchions may be attached or placed for the display of flags.

(Ord. No. 2022-008, 3-15-2022)

§ 9.07.01 General Standards.

1.

Only those signs expressly permitted in § 9.06 and this Section are permitted.

2.

Electronic Message Signs may be permitted only by Special Exception and only on the premises of permitted nonresidential uses.

3.

The following signs are prohibited:

a.

Projecting Signs

b.

Permanent freestanding signs on undeveloped property

§ 9.07.02 Attached Signs.

1.

Each multifamily building is permitted one attached sign, which may not exceed six square feet in area.

2.

Each nonresidential building is permitted one attached sign. Attached signs may not be larger than one square foot of sign area per two linear feet of the entire length of the elevation containing the main entrance or 80 sf, whichever is more restrictive. This sign area may be distributed anywhere on the building. One additional attached sign is permitted for a secondary façade along an adjoining public street or an on-premises parking area. The additional attached sign is limited to 65% of the sign area allowed from the primary facade.

§ 9.07.03 Freestanding Signs.

1.

Subdivisions. Each subdivision is permitted one sign at each street entrance, which may not be taller than six feet above grade nor be larger than 24 square feet in sign area. An acceptable legal entity must be identified to provide perpetual maintenance for the sign

2.

Multifamily Developments, Manufactured Home Parks and Nonresidential Premises. Each housing development and nonresidential premises is permitted one freestanding sign, which may not exceed eight feet in height nor 100 square feet in sign area.

§ 9.07.04 Temporary Signs.

1.

During construction of a residential or nonresidential development, only the following temporary signs are permitted:

a.

Subdivisions, Multifamily and Nonresidential Developments, Manufactured Home Parks. Up to two temporary signs are permitted at the primary entrance to the development. Each sign may be up to 32 square feet in area and may not be taller than six feet above grade level. These signs must be removed within 30 days following the completion of the development. For residential subdivisions, "completion" refers to issuance of Certificates of Occupancy for 75% of the dwellings in the subdivision or phase thereof, as applicable, or 24 months after Final Plat approval, whichever comes first. In all other cases "completion" refers to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy for the development.

2.

After initial construction, each residential and nonresidential premises is permitted the following temporary signs:

a.

At any time, three temporary signs with a combined area of 20 sf, with no sign larger than nine square feet in sign area nor taller than four feet above grade. No temporary sign may be posted for longer than 90 days and may not be attached to fences.

b.

For nonresidential uses, one additional temporary sign may be posted for up to 15 days from the time of its initial opening and up to 15 days prior to its final closing. The sign may not be larger than 20 sf in sign area. If freestanding, it may not be taller than six feet above grade.

(Ord. No. 2022-008, 3-15-2022; Ord. No. 2022-041, 10-18-2022)

§ 9.08.01 General Standards. In all Business, Manufacturing, Office and Institutional Districts, only those signs expressly permitted in § 9.06 and this Section are permitted.

§ 9.08.02 Attached Signs.

1.

Residential premises are permitted attached signs in accordance with § 9.07 Residential Districts.

2.

For nonresidential and mixed-use premises, each ground floor tenant is permitted one attached sign subject to the following:

a.

Attached signs may not be larger than two square feet of sign area per linear foot of wall on which the tenant has a main entrance or 200 sf, whichever is more restrictive. This sign area may be distributed anywhere on the building. However, regardless of wall length each tenant is permitted an attached sign or signs of at least 40 sf in total area. An additional attached sign is permitted for tenant spaces with a secondary façade along an adjoining public street or on-premises parking area. The additional attached sign is limited to 65% of the sign area on the primary facade.

b.

The aggregate area of window signs may not exceed 25% of the total glass area of all windows on that building wall on the same floor. Illuminated signs in the interior of a building and placed within five feet of the window to be seen from the exterior, are counted toward window sign area.

c.

In addition to a primary attached sign, each premises or each tenant on a premises with multiple tenants is allowed up to two canopy or awning signs as a secondary form of signage. The area of such signs is counted toward the total allowed attached sign area.

§ 9.08.03 Freestanding Signs.

1.

Residential premises are permitted freestanding signs in accordance with § 9.07 Residential Districts.

2.

Nonresidential and mixed-use premises are permitted freestanding signs as follows:

a.

Any premises not developed with a principal structure or use is allowed only one permanent freestanding sign, subject to § 9.10 Permanent Freestanding Signs on Undeveloped Property.

b.

Developed premises are allowed one freestanding sign per street frontage, subject to the following:

1)

Premises with more than 300 feet along a street frontage may have one additional freestanding sign along that street frontage provided the signs are at least 200 feet apart.

2)

The maximum height of freestanding signs is based on the classification of the street on which the premises fronts and the freestanding sign is oriented towards, as shown in Table 9-1.

3)

The maximum sign area for freestanding signs is calculated at one square foot per linear foot of street frontage up to a total sign area of 100 square feet. Premises with freestanding signs no taller than the reduced maximum height in Table 9-1 are permitted a maximum sign area calculated at 1.25 sf per linear foot of street frontage up to a total sign area of 150 square feet.

4)

Nonresidential premises within 1,000 feet of the I-65 right-of-way and that front on an arterial street or frontage road may have one additional freestanding sign with a maximum sign area of 200 square feet, which is not counted against the allowable sign area of other freestanding signs on the premises. The overall height of the sign may not exceed 100 feet.

5)

If signs are permitted along additional street frontages, signs must be at least 100 feet apart.

§ 9.08.04 Temporary Signs.

1.

Residential premises are permitted temporary signs in accordance with § 9.07 Residential Districts.

2.

Nonresidential and mixed-use premises are permitted temporary signs as follows (refer also to Downtown Overlay District for additional standards):

a.

During construction, up to two temporary signs are permitted at the primary entrance to the development. Each sign may be up to 32 sf in area and may not be taller than six feet above grade level. These signs must be removed within 30 days following the completion of the development.

b.

After initial construction, each premises is permitted the following temporary signs:

1)

At any time, each premises is permitted two temporary signs with each sign no larger than 16 square feet in sign area nor taller than six feet above grade. No temporary sign may be posted for longer than 90 days.

2)

In lieu of one of the allowed temporary signs in subsection 1 above, one temporary banner may be posted under the same time limits. Such banners may not be larger than 40 square feet in sign area. If freestanding, the sign may not be taller than six feet above grade.

3)

Beginning 180 days before a local, state, or federal election, as well as the time period between a primary or special election and any corresponding run-off election, and the time period between a primary election and the corresponding general election, and ending ten days after the final election, each premises is permitted one additional temporary sign no larger than 32 sf in sign area nor taller than six feet above grade.

c.

During permitted repair, renovation or addition to an existing building, one additional temporary sign per premises may be posted for up to 60 days. The sign may not be larger than 12 square feet in sign area nor taller than six feet above grade. These signs must be removed within seven days of completion of the repair, renovation or addition.

(Ord. No. 2022-008, 3-15-2022; Ord. No. 2022-041, 10-18-2022)

§ 9.09.01 General Standards.

1.

Only those signs expressly permitted in § 9.06 and this Section are permitted.

2.

Electronic message signs may only be permitted as Special Exceptions and only on the premises of permitted nonresidential uses.

3.

The following signs are prohibited:

a.

Projecting Signs

b.

Permanent freestanding signs on undeveloped property

§ 9.09.02 Attached Signs. Agricultural and other nonresidential premises are permitted attached signs as follows:

1.

Attached signs may not be larger than one square foot of sign area per linear foot of wall on which the tenant has a main entrance or 100 square feet, whichever is more restrictive.

2.

Window signs may not exceed 25% of the total glass area of the window. Illuminated signs in the interior of a building and placed within five feet of the window so as to be seen from the exterior are counted toward window sign area.

3.

In addition to a primary attached sign, each premises is allowed up to two canopy or awning signs as a secondary form of signage. The area of such signs is counted toward the total allowed attached sign area.

§ 9.09.03 Freestanding Signs.

1.

Residential premises are permitted permanent freestanding signs as provided for Residential Districts in § 9.07.03.

2.

All other premises developed with a principal use or structure, other than a sign, are allowed one freestanding sign regardless of the number of street frontages. Freestanding signs may not be taller than ten feet above grade and may not be larger than 100 square feet in sign area.

§ 9.09.04 Temporary Signs.

1.

Residential premises are permitted temporary signs as provided for Residential Districts in § 9.07.04.

2.

All other premises are permitted temporary signs as follows:

a.

During construction, up to two temporary signs are permitted at the primary entrance to the development. Each sign may be up to 32 sf in area and may not be taller than six feet above grade. These signs must be removed within 30 days following the completion of the development.

b.

After initial construction, each premises is permitted the following temporary signs:

1)

At any time, each premises is permitted three temporary signs with each sign no larger than nine square feet in sign area nor taller than six feet above grade.

2)

One additional temporary sign may be posted for up to 30 days from the time of its original opening and for up to 30 days prior to its final closing. Such signs may not be larger than 40 sf in sign area. If freestanding, the sign may not be taller than six feet above grade.

(Ord. No. 2022-008, 3-15-2022; Ord. No. 2022-041, 10-18-2022)

Permanent freestanding signs on undeveloped property are permitted only on properties with frontage on I-65 or a frontage road adjoining the I-65 right-of-way subject to the following standards. For the purposes of this article, undeveloped property is property with no established use.

§ 9.10.01 Electronic message signs and illuminated signs are subject to the applicable standards in § 9.05.04 and § 9.05.05 respectively, not including size limitations in those sections Illumination requirements may need to be verified by approved professional at expense of owner or applicant.

§ 9.10.02 Height and sign area is subject to Table 9-2. Height is measured from grade level at the base of the sign or grade level of the highway, whichever is higher.

§ 9.10.03 Spacing between any permanent freestanding signs on undeveloped property is subject to Table 9-2 and the following:

1.

Signs may not be located closer than 400 feet to any residential district.

2.

Signs may not be located closer than 400 feet to the nearest point along the right-of-way of any intersecting street or as required by the ALDOT or the City Engineer, whichever is greater.

(Ord. No. 2022-008, 3-15-2022; Ord. No. 2022-041, 10-18-2022)

§ 9.11.01 All lawfully nonconforming signs in existence or under construction with a valid permit upon the effective date of this article may continue subject to the following:

1.

The sign does not become damaged or deteriorated so as to become a public hazard. The Director may order the removal of any sign which becomes a public hazard. Such sign must be removed within 30 consecutive days of the date of the order.

2.

Any single repair does not exceed 50% of the sign's value immediately prior to the repair;

3.

The sign is not extended or maintained in such a way as to extend its nonconformity; and

4.

The sign is not expanded and, if a permanent sign, relocated or removed for any length of time.

§ 9.11.02 Any nonconforming sign that becomes abandoned must be removed or brought into conformity at the owner's expense.

(Ord. No. 2022-008, 3-15-2022)

§ 9.12.01 Gas Stations.

1.

The allowed sign area, as determined by the principal structure, may be distributed between the principal structure and the canopy, if present.

2.

If an accessory car wash is present, the walls with the entrance and exit openings are allowed 20 sf of sign area each.

§ 9.12.02 Mini-Storage or Self Storage Facilities.

1.

The building with an office will be considered the principal structure. If no office is present, one structure shall be selected to serve as the principal structure for sign area determination and for the location of attached signs.

§ 9.12.03 Multi-Tenant or Shopping Center Locations.

1.

For the purposes of this section, a multi-tenant or shopping center location shall consist of at least two individual businesses and over 10,000 sf of gross building area. Sign structures must be constructed of the same or similar architectural elements and in similar materials and colors as the building(s).

2.

Shopping centers consisting of between 10,000 and 50,000 sf of gross building area may be permitted one freestanding sign with a total sign area not exceed 150 sf, or a reduced maximum height area of 200 sf (heights determined by Table 9-1). An additional sign, if permitted by §9.08.03, must conform to area maximums and spacing as determined by that section.

3.

Shopping centers consisting of between 50,001 and 100,000 sf of gross building area may be permitted one freestanding sign with a total sign area not exceed 200 sf, or a reduced maximum height area of 250 sf (heights determined by Table 9-1). An additional sign, if permitted by §9.08.03, must conform to area maximums and spacing as determined by that section.

4.

Shopping centers consisting of over 100,000 sf of gross building area may be permitted one freestanding sign with a total sign area not exceed 250 sf, or a reduced maximum height area of 300 sf (heights determined by Table 9-1). An additional sign, if permitted by §9.08.03, must conform to area maximums and spacing as determined by that section.

(Ord. No. 2022-041, 10-18-2022)