Quincy City Zoning Code

SIGNS

§ 162.255 INTENT.

It is the intent of this subchapter to regulate and control the location, erection, number and maintenance of signs and matters relating thereto within the city in order to promote public safety, health and general welfare of the community. These regulations are specifically designed to:

(A) Provide for uniform regulation and orderly development of signs consistent with established policies and ordinances of the city;

(B) Prohibit hazardous and dangerous signs; and

(1980 Code, § 29.1401)

§ 162.256 SCOPE.

(A) Generally. The provisions of this subchapter shall govern the erection, alteration and maintenance of all signs and outdoor display structures, together with their appurtenant and auxiliary devices, with respect to location, size, content, construction, structure and fire safety. Nothing herein shall be construed to limit or restrict any other applicable regulations or ordinances relating to signs.

(B) Exempt signage. The provision of this subchapter shall not apply to:

(1) Flags. Flags of any nation, state, county, city or other governmental unit and any not-for-profit organization;

(2) Temporary holiday displays. Temporary decorations or displays celebrating the occasion of traditionally accepted patriotic, religious or local holidays or events;

(3) Traffic signs. The erection, construction and maintenance of official traffic, fire and police signs, signals and devices and markings of the state, county or city;

(4) Directional sign. Non-illuminated directional or informational signs of a public nature;

(5) Political signs. Political signs or signs announcing political candidates or issue;

(6) Garage sale signs. Residential garage or patio sale signs not to exceed six square feet provided the signs located upon the premises where the sale is taking place and is removed within 72 hours of being posted or erected;

(7) Real estate sale signs. Property real estate signs not exceeding six square feet in area, which advertise the sale, rental or lease of the premises upon which the signs are located only;

(8) Building identification signs. Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and date of erection when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or other incombustible materials;

(9) Occupational signs. Non-illuminated professional name plates or occupational signs and home occupation signs not exceeding two square feet in area, wall-mounted adjacent to the main entrance of the building;

(10) Non-visible signs. Signs erected inside a building not visible through windows;

(11) Hospital directional signs. Informational or directional signs designating hospital emergency room entrances or drives; and

(12) Special displays. Special displays (see § 162.257(B)) provided the signs or displays are removed within 14 days of the conclusion or termination of the holiday, event or purpose promoted or advertised by the special display sign.

(1980 Code, § 29.1402) (Ord. 9104, passed 4-2-2007; Ord. 9240, passed 7-29-2013; Ord. 9255, passed 3-31-2014)

§ 162.257 RULES AND DEFINITIONS.

(A) Rules of construction. For the purpose of this subchapter, certain rules of construction shall apply to the text as follows.

(1) Words used in the present tense include the future tense; and the singular includes the plural, unless the context clearly indicates the contrary.

(2) The terms SHALL and MUST are always mandatory and not discretionary; the words MAY or SHOULD are permissive.

(3) Words or terms not interpreted or defined by this section shall be used with a meaning of common or standard utilization or as otherwise specifically provided in this code.

(4) The word PERSON includes a firm, organization, association, partnership, trust, company or corporation, as well as an individual.

(5) The words USE or OCCUPY shall include the words INTENDED, DESIGNED, ARRANGED TO BE USED or OCCUPIED.

(B) Definitions. The following definitions shall apply in interpretation and enforcement of this subchapter unless otherwise specifically stated.

ABANDONED SIGN. A sign which for a period of more than one year no longer correctly directs or exhorts any person, advertises a bona fide business, lessor, owner, project of activity conducted or product available on the premises where the sign is displayed, except as otherwise permitted for off premises advertising.

ANIMATED SIGNS. Any sign which includes action or motion. For purposes of this subchapter, this term does not refer to flashing or changing, all of which are separately defaced.

BANNER. A sign made of fabric, plastic, paper or other light pliable material, not enclosed in a rigid frame, so as to permit movement of the sign by wind or atmospheric movement.

BILLBOARD. See STANDARD OUTDOOR ADVERTISING STRUCTURE, § 162.001.

BUILDING FACE OR WALL. All window and wall area or a building in one place or elevation.

BUILDING INSPECTOR. The official responsible for enforcement of this subchapter, or his or her designee.

CANOPY. Any structure attached to a building at the inner end and supported on the other end, or a freestanding structure, with one or more supports, meant to provide shelter from weather elements onto which signs may be affixed or incorporated.

CHANGEABLE COPY SIGNS (MANUAL). A sign on which copy is changed manually in the field, i.e., reader boards with changeable letters or changeable pictorial panels.

CHANGEABLE COPY SIGNS (AUTOMATIC). A sign such as an electronically or electrically controlled public service time, temperature and date sign, message center of reader board, where different copy changes are shown on the same lamp bank.

CHURCH BULLETIN BOARDS. A sign attached to the exterior of a church or located elsewhere on church premises and used to indicate the services and/or other activities of the church, and including the church name, if desired.

CITY. The City of Quincy.

COPY. The wording or graphics on a sign surface.

DISTRICT. As defined under the zoning regulations and zoning district map.

ERECT. To build, construct, reconstruct, attach, hang, rehang, alter, place, affix, enlarge, move or relocate.

FACADE. The front or main part of a building facing a street; for purposes of this subchapter the FACADE is defined as measured from the ground elevations to the lead beam.

FACE OF SIGN. The entire area of a sign on which copy could be placed. The area of a sign which is visible from one direction as projected on a place.

FLASHING SIGNS. Any sign which contains an intermittent or flashing light source, or which includes the illusion of intermittent or flashing light by means of animation, or in externally mounted intermittent light source. Automatic changing signs such as public service time, temperature and date signs or electronically controlled message centers are not classed as FLASHING SIGNS.

FOOTCANDLE. A measure of illumination on a surface that is everywhere one foot from a uniform point source of light of one candle and equal to one lumen per square foot. A 0.3 FOOTCANDLE is 30% of the light of a single wax candle viewed from one foot away.

FRONTAGE. The length of the lot along the street side. For corner lots, the longer side of the lot fronting upon a street shall be considered to be the frontage.

GASOLINE AND OIL SERVICE STATIONS. Any business which dispenses, or is designed to dispense gasoline and/or oil for use in motor vehicles or boats.

GROUND LEVEL. Immediate surrounding grade.

HEIGHTS OF SIGN. The vertical distance measured from the surrounding grade to the highest point of sign.

ILLEGAL SIGNS. A sign which contravenes this subchapter, or a nonconforming sign for which a permit required under a previous ordinance was not obtained.

INTERIOR PROPERTY LINE. Property lines other than those forming a dedicated public right-of-way.

LOGO. A letter, character or symbol used to represent a person, corporation or business enterprise.

LOT. A parcel, tract, plat or area of land accessible by means of a street or other permanently reserved principal means of access. It may be a single parcel separately described in a deed or plat which is recorded in the office of the County Recorder of Deeds, or it may include parts of or a combination of the parcels when adjacent to one another and used as one as determined by the Building Inspector.

OWNER. A person recorded as such on official records and including duly authorized agent, a purchaser, lessee, devicee, receiver, trustee or any person having a vested or contingent interest in the property or business in question.

PERSON. Any natural person, firm partnership, association, corporation, company, trust or organization of any kind.

PREMISES. An area of land with its appurtenances and buildings which, because of its unity of use, may be regarded as the smallest conveyable unit of real estate.

READER BOARDS. Any sign that has changeable or removable lettering.

RIGHT-OF-WAY (R.O.W.). Any publicly owned or used right-of-way.

ROOF LINE. The highest point of the coping of a flat roof, false mansard or parapet wall; the decline of a true mansard roof; the ridge line between the upper and lower slopes of a gambrel roof; or the mean height level between the eaves and ridge for a gable or hip roof.

SEASONAL OR SPECIAL OCCASION TEMPORARY SIGNS. A sign which is not permanent and is limited to a special activity or in the celebration of holidays or other special events.

SETBACK. 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 subchapter.

SHOPPING CENTER. A building containing two or more shops, stores and other retail and/or service places of business, and providing off-street parking facilities in common for all of the businesses and their customers.

SHOW WINDOW SIGNS. Any temporary sign advertising sales or specials attached to or within three feet of the glass surface or any fixed window (glazing) visible from a public right-of-way.

SIGN. Any identification, description, illustration or device illuminated or non-illuminated which is visible from any public place or is located on private property and exposed to the public and which directs attention to a product, service, place, activity, person, institution, business or solicitation, including any permanently installed or situated merchandise or any emblem, painting, banner, pennant or placard designed to advertise, identify or convey information, with the exception of window displays and national flags. For the purposes of this subchapter, this definition shall include, but not be limited to, those SIGNS painted directly upon a building or other structure. For the purpose of removal, SIGNS shall also include all sign structures. Not included are decorative devices or emblems as may be displayed on a residential mailbox.

SIGN AREA. The area of the sign face. The SIGN AREA of a multi-faced sign is the sum of the sign areas of each face, including structural trim which can be seen from a single location on an adjacent street. If a sign is attached to a building or suspended in any manner whereby there is no apparent trim or confirming border, the SIGN AREA shall be computed by drawing an imaginary straight line around a generally rectangular margin and measuring the area so encompassed upon a building or other structure.

SIGN, ATTACHED. A sign erected or placed upon the wall of any building with the plane of the face parallel to the plane of the wall.

SIGN, BACKLIT. An internally illuminated sign in which light travels through the sign face.

SIGN, CANOPY. Any sign hanging entirely beneath a canopy, portico or marquee.

SIGN, COMMERCIAL DIRECTORY. A permanent pole sign designating the name of a commercial center and listing the various tenants of the center.

SIGN, CONSTRUCTION. A temporary sign used during construction of new buildings or reconstruction of or additions to existing buildings, such as those identifying the project and denoting the owner, architect, engineer, contractor and/or financing institutions of the project.

SIGN, DIRECTIONAL. A sign which indicates a direction for vehicular or pedestrian traffic or other movement.

SIGN, ELECTRICAL. A sign containing electrical wiring which is attached or intended to be attached to an electrical energy source.

SIGN, FLUTTERING. A sign which flutters and includes banners, flags, pennants or other flexible material which moves with the wind or by some artificial means.

SIGN, GROUND. Any detached sign of the same lot or parcel as the use it advertises which has its bottom portion erected upon or supported by the ground, a ground planter box or other supports.

SIGN, ILLUMINATED. Any sign which is illuminated by light sources mounted on or in the sign or at some other location.

SIGN, MEMORIAL OR TABLET. The permanent part of a building which denotes the name of the building, date of erection, historical significance, dedication or other similar in information.

SIGN, NONCONFORMING. A sign legally erected under the previously existing ordinances of the city, but which does not conform to the provisions of this subchapter.

SIGN, OPEN LETTER. A sign consisting of letters and/or numbers attached to the face of a building without structural trim or background.

SIGN, OVERHANGING. Any sign which project more than twelve inches beyond the plane of the wall on which the sign is erected or attached.

SIGN, OCCUPATIONAL AND/OR IDENTIFICATION. An attached wall sign not larger than two square feet in area identifying the name of a person occupying a building.

SIGN, POLITICAL. A temporary sign advocating or opposing any political proposition or candidate for public office.

SIGN, POLE. Any detached sign located on the same lot or parcel as the use it advertises which is supported by one or more stationary poles no taller than 30 feet above the mean grade line of the ground at its base provided that this shall not include a permitted ground sign as set forth.

SIGN, PORTABLE. See TEMPORARY SIGN.

SIGN, PROJECT IDENTIFICATION. A permanent ground sign identifying an apartment complex, condominium project or mobile home development entry, name and/or street names within the project.

SIGN, PROJECTING. Any sign which projects more than 12 inches beyond the plane of the wall on the sign which is erected or attached.

SIGN, PROPERTY REAL ESTATE. A sign pertaining only to the prospective rental, lease or sale of the property upon which it is located. REAL ESTATE SIGNS shall be exclude from the definition of pole signs.

SIGNS, RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION PROJECT. Any temporary sign that provides direction to any residential development under construction, or promotes the residential development on the project site.

SIGN, ROOF. Any sign erected on a roof but excluding marquee and canopy signs and wall signs. The generally vertical plan of a mansard-type roof shall be interpreted as the same as a wall of a building.

SIGN, STRUCTURE. The sign and all parts associated with its construction.

SPECIAL DISPLAYS. Signs not exceeding 32 square feet, used for holidays, public demonstrations or promotion of civil welfare or charitable purposes.

SIGN, SUPPORTS. All structures by which a sign is held up, including, for example, poles, braces, guys and anchors.

STREET. A public thoroughfare which affords the principal means of access to abutting property.

SUBDIVISION IDENTIFICATION SIGNS. A permanent ground sign identifying a subdivision entry, subdivision name and/or street names within the subdivision.

TEMPORARY SIGNS. Any sign intended for a limited or intermittent period of display or which is portable and not permanently attached or affixed to real estate or any improvement thereon.

TEMPORARY WINDOW SIGNS. A temporary sign affixed to the inside or hanging within three feet of an exterior window or glass door.

USE. The purpose of which a building, lot, sign or other structure is arranged, intended, designed, occupied or maintained.

ZONING REGULATIONS. The zoning regulations of the city and the current zoning district map related thereto.

(1980 Code, § 29.1403) (Ord. 9104, passed 4-2-2007; Ord. 9165, passed 2-22-2010; Ord. 9240, passed 7-29-2013; Ord. 9271, passed 12-22-2014)

§ 162.258 ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT.

(A) Administration.

(1) Except where herein otherwise stated, the provisions of this subchapter shall be administered by the Building Inspector or by deputies of his or her Department as he or she may designate to enforce provisions of this subchapter.

(2) The Building Inspector (or his or her authorized representative) is hereby empowered in performance of its functions to enter upon any land in the city for the purpose of making inspections, examinations and surveys, or to place and maintain thereon markers, notices or signs required to effect provisions of this subchapter.

(3) The above authorized person shall be required to present proper credentials upon demand when entering upon any land or structure for the purpose of this subchapter.

(B) Duties of the Building Inspector.

(1) The Building Inspector shall have the power to grant sign permits, and to make inspections of buildings or premises necessary to carry out his or her duties in the enforcement of this subchapter.

(2) Unless otherwise provided in this subchapter or other provisions of this code, it shall be improper for the Building Inspector to approve plans or issue any permits or certificates for any sign until he or she has inspected the plans in detail and found them to conform with this subchapter, nor shall the Building Inspector vary or change any terms of this subchapter.

(3) If the Building Inspector shall find that any of the provision of this subchapter are being violated, he or she shall notify in writing the person responsible for the violations, indicating the nature of the violation and stating the action necessary to correct it. He or she shall order discontinuance of illegal use of land, buildings or structures; removal of illegal signage; discontinuance of any illegal work being done; or shall take any other action authorized by this subchapter to ensure compliance with or to prevent violation of its provisions.

(1) Generally. It shall be unlawful to commence or to proceed with the erection, construction, reconstruction, conversion, alteration, enlargement, extension or moving or any sign or sign structure or any portion thereof without first having applied in writing to the Building Inspector for a sign permit to do so and a sign permit has been granted therefore. Primary responsibility for securing the necessary permits shall be the property owner’s. However, if the property owner should contract part or all of the proposed work, it shall become the responsibility of the person or firm hired to ensure that all required permits and approvals have been secured prior to any work being initiated.

(2) Exception. No permit shall be required for signs or banners attached to or painted on interior windows or doors. The door or window signs or banners shall not cover more than 50% of the total window or door area to which they are applied.

(3) Form. Application for permits shall be made in a form as required by the Building Inspector. There shall be a separate permit for each sign to be constructed, altered or erected.

(4) Fee. The applicant for a sign permit shall pay a fee to the Building Inspector as follows:

SIGNS
Sign Size	Fee
0 - 24 square feet	$25
25 - 49 square feet	$50
50 - 74 square feet	$75
75 - 99 square feet	$100
100 - 150 square feet	$150
Over 150 square feet	$300
Temporary signs	$50
Poster Panel - Billboards
Billboard Size	Fee
0 - 199 square feet	$300
200 - 300 square feet	$500

(5) Expiration. Any sign permit issued hereunder, shall expire and be void unless:

(a) Construction work has been commenced within six months after the date of issuance of the permit; and

(b) Construction has been completed within one year of the time of issuance of the permit.

(D) Voiding of sign permit. A permit may be revoked by the Building Inspector at any time prior to the completion of the sign for which the same was issued, when it shall appear to the Building Inspector that there is departure from the plans, specifications or conditions as required under the terms of the permit, that the same was procured by false representation, or that any provisions of this subchapter are being violated. Written notice of the revocation shall be served upon the owner, his or her agent or contractor, or upon any person employed on the building or structure for which the permit was issued, via a stop-work order, which shall be posted in a prominent location, and thereafter no the construction shall proceed.

(E) Compliance with sign permits. Sign permits on the basis of approved plans and applications authorize only the use, arrangement and construction set forth in the approved plans and applications, and no other use, arrangement or construction. Any use, arrangement or construction at variance with the authorized shall be deemed a violation of this subchapter as provided herein.

(1980 Code, § 29.1404) (Ord. 9104, passed 4-2-2007) Penalty, see § 162.999

§ 162.259 SIGN CONTRACTORS.

(A) Sign contractor’s license.

(1) Sign contractors to be licensed.

(a) Generally. No person shall perform any work or service for any person for compensation, in whatever form, in connection with the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, improvement, maintenance of any sign in the city, or any work or service, in connection with causing any work to be done unless the person shall first have obtained a sign contractor’s license from the City Clerk and paid the license fees provided for by the city, or shall be represented by a subcontractor licenses herein as a contractor. Any license issued hereunder shall be personal to the licensee and shall not be assignable.

(b) Exception. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a person engaged solely in painting or repainting of sign structure shall not be deemed a “sign contractor” as defined above and shall not be required to obtain a sign contractor’s license.

(2) Sign contractor license fee. Before any person shall engage in the business of sign contracting in the city or continue in the business, the person shall be required to pay a license fee of $25 the first year and $25 per year thereafter. All registrations hereunder shall expire on April 30 of each year, irrespective of the date of issuance. The City Clerk shall keep a suitable record of all registrations for sign contractor’s licenses in the city.

(B) Indemnification for sign installation and maintenance. As a condition to the issuance of a sign contractor’s license as required herein, all persons engaged in the business of painting, installing or maintaining signs which involves, in whole or part, the erection, alteration, relocation, maintenance of a sign, or other sign work in or over or immediately adjacent to a public right-of-way or public property so that a portion of the public right-of-way is used or encroached upon by the sign installer, shall, and by the issuance of the license agree to indemnify and hold harmless the city, its officers, agents and employees, from any and all claims of negligence resulting from erection, alteration, relocation or maintenance work.

(C) Insurance. Every applicant for a license shall, before the license is granted, file with the city a satisfactory certificate of insurance against any form of liability for property damage and for personal injury. The insurance shall be maintained in full force and effect during the term of the business license.

(1980 Code, § 29.1405) Penalty, see § 162.999

§ 162.260 PROHIBITED SIGNS.

The following signs and advertising devices are hereby declared to be unlawful:

(A) Any sign erected in a location prohibited by this subchapter;

(B) Any sign erected in a public easement or right-of-way, except as otherwise provided in this code;

(C) Any sign erected so as to prevent free ingress to or egress from any door or window, or any other exit way required by the building or fire codes of the city;

(D) Any sign attached to any public utility pole, tree, fire hydrant, curb, sidewalk or other surface located on public property, except as otherwise provided in this code;

(E) Any sign erected in any location where, by reason of its location, will obstruct the view of any authorized traffic sign, signal or other traffic-control device. Nor may any sign, by reason of its shape, position or color interfere with or be confused with any authorized traffic signal sign or device. Further, no sign shall be erected in a location where it will obstruct, vision of the public right-of-way to a vehicle operator during ingress to, egress from, or while traveling on the public right-of-way;

(F) Except for permitted standard outdoor advertising sign structures, any on-premises sign advertising an article or product not manufactured, assembled, processed, repairer or sold or a service not rendered upon the premises upon which the sign is located. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any sign advertising a product or article for sale on the premises solely from a vending machine or other machine dispensing products or articles upon the deposit of currency is prohibited;

(G) Any sign or advertising device erected, such as banners or pennants affixed to the ground or poles, wires, ropes or streamers, wind-operated devices, fluttering signs, pinwheels, streamers, or other temporary advertising sign used for a period of more than 30 days in any 12-month period. A permit shall be required for signs covered by this provision;

(H) Any “A” frames or other temporary portable signs of like nature, and other similar signs not permanently affixed to a building or to ground, except that these devices may be used for a period of 30 days in any 12-month period by permit from the Building Inspector;

(I) Off-site or off-premises signs except as provided in this subchapter;

(J) Signs, which contain characters, cartoons, statements, words or pictures of an obscene, indecent prurient or immoral character;

(K) Moving or flashing signs. Signs with flashing lights, intermittent illumination or moving parts, except those signs which may contain slow changing movements, or changing messages displays where the intensity of light and color does not change. Signs, which are illuminated as permitted, shall consist of a constant intensity of light and color at all times;

(L) Vehicle signs. Signs painted directly on or affixed to vehicles and/or trailers, including tri-vision signs, other than those signs incidental to the primary use of the vehicle and/or trailer;

(M) Search lights. Search lights or spot lights which shine into the air which are not focused on a sign or building; and

(N) Balloon signs. Inflatable signs, balloons or other air or gas filled signs or fixtures, either tethered to the ground or to the structure.

(1980 Code, § 29.1406) (Ord. 9104, passed 4-2-2007; Ord. 9240, passed 7-29-2013) Penalty, see § 162.999

§ 162.261 NONCONFORMING SIGNS.

(A) Generally. Any sign legally existing prior to enactment of this subchapter, but which shall violate any provision of this subchapter, may continue to be maintained and used after passage of this subchapter subject to the following provisions.

(1) Enlargement. No nonconforming sign shall be enlarged, expanded or extended to occupy a greater square footage or height than was occupied on the date of adoption or amendment of the subchapter.

(2) Relocation. No nonconforming sign shall be moved in whole or in part to any other portion of the lot, parcel or building not so occupied on the date of adoption of this subchapter, except that any sign which is hereafter required to be moved by a governmental body for the purpose of construction, relocation, widening or improvement of a street, highway or other public purpose, may be relocated once and allowed to be maintained and used as before.

(3) Discontinuance. Except for seasonal signs, if the business or service advertised or identified by a nonconforming sign ceases to be conducted for a period exceeding 30 calendar days, the nonconforming sign shall be classified as an “abandoned sign,” and removed. See § 162.263(E).

(4) Destruction. Should any nonconforming sign be damaged or destroyed by any means to an extent of up to 50% of its surface area or structure, it shall not be reconstructed, except in conformance with the requirements of this subchapter.

(5) Eventual removal-amortization. Except as to standard outdoor advertising structures, poster panel and/or billboards, in any instance where a sign is nonconforming to any of the requirements of this subchapter, the signs, and supporting structure where necessary, shall be discontinued and removed not later than 15 years from the date of passage of the subchapter.

(B) Violations not made valid. Any sign which is prohibited by this subchapter, and was erected in violation of former § 29.703 of this code or other requirements of the city, shall not be considered to be granted nonconforming status by the passage of this subchapter.

(C) Determination of nonconformance. Should any existing sign be enlarged, replaced or reconstructed, it shall be considered a new sign, except standard outdoor advertising structures, post panels and billboards. If an existing sign is repainted or the sign panels replaced for the purpose of changing the business, occupation or tenant advertised or identified, it shall not be considered a new sign. Repainting a sign for ordinary maintenance or the repair or restoration of an existing sign to a safe condition after being damaged by storm or other accidental act as shown in accordance with the original sign permit, shall not constitute a new sign, subject to the provisions of division (A)(4) above.

(1980 Code, § 29.1407) (Ord. 9240, passed 7-29-2013) Penalty, see § 162.999

§ 162.262 APPEALS.

(A) Generally. Any person, firm, corporation, aggrieved by a decision of the Building Inspector, or any governmental officer, department, board or commission, may appeal a decision of the Building Inspector to the Zoning Board of Appeals in accordance with §§ 40.120 through 40.128 of this code, subject to the further requirements of this section.

(B) Grounds for granting a variance. The Zoning Board of Appeals may grant variances from this subchapter for any permitted form of a signage where it is found that because of the limitations on character, size or dimensions of a sign, or the regulations controlling the erection or installation of a sign, the applicant would be subject to undue hardship. The loss of possible advantage, economic loss or gain, or mere inconvenience to the applicant alone shall not be considered undue hardship.

(1980 Code, § 29.1408)

§ 162.263 GENERAL SIGN REQUIREMENTS.

(A) Permit number displayed. Any sign hereafter erected following passage of this subchapter shall display the sign permit number upon the face of the sign in the lower right-hand corner or as otherwise approved by the Building Inspector. In the case of pole mounted signs, the number shall be incorporated into the base of the sign structure.

(B) Structural requirements.

(1) Generally. All signs shall comply with the pertinent requirements of the Building Code, as adopted by the city.

(2) Freestanding signs; materials. All freestanding sign structures or poles shall be self-supporting structures erected on and permanently attached to concrete foundations. The structures or poles shall be fabricated only from painted steel or other materials as may be approved by the International Building Code, as adopted and incorporated into this code.

(3) Electric signs. All electric signs have a disconnecting switch located in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 54 of this code. The full number of illuminating elements thereof shall be kept in satisfactory working condition or immediately repaired or replaced. Signs that are only partially illuminated shall meet all electrical requirements for that portion directly illuminated. All electrical wiring used in connecting illuminated signs to power source shall be installed in accordance with Chapters 54 and 110 of this code.

(4) Glass. When glass is used for sign letters or transparent panels, it shall be at least double strength thickness for sign areas up to and including 300 square inches. When glass is used for sign letters or transparent panels for sign areas in excess of 300 square inches at least one-quarter-inch wire glass shall be used and the maximum span between supports shall be four feet.

(5) Strength of parapet wall. A parapet wall must have sufficient strength to support any sign which is attached hereto.

(6) Supports and braces. Metal supports or braces shall be adequate for wind loadings (see division (B)(7) below). Wire or cable supports shall be adequate for safe support of the sign. All metal, wire cable supports and braces and all bolts used to attach sign to bracket or brackets and signs to the supporting building or structure shall be galvanized or of an equivalent material.

(7) Wind loads. All signs shall be designed and constructed in conformity to the provisions of materials, loads and stresses International Building Code as adopted and incorporated into this code. The effect of special local wind pressures shall be thoroughly considered in the design, but in no case shall the wind load be assumed less than 30 pounds per square foot of net exposed area for roof signs or ground signs.

(8) Sign anchoring. Signs shall be anchored to prevent any lateral movement that would cause wear on supporting members or connectors.

(9) Use of combustibles. All signs shall conform with the provisions International Building Code as adopted and incorporated in this code regarding the use of combustible materials. Notwithstanding any other requirements or regulations, all signs hereafter located on or at any lot or premises containing a gasoline service station shall be constructed of noncombustible materials.

(C) General safety. Any existing sign which is or becomes an immediate danger or hazard to person or property because of being in an unsafe condition, or which obstructs any vehicular traffic view, fire escape, window or door, is subject to immediate removal by the Building Inspector without notice and at the expense of the property and/or sign owner.

(D) Maintenance. Each sign shall be maintained in a safe, presentable and good condition. All existing signs shall be painted except where the sign is of a non-corroding material, galvanized, or otherwise, treated to prevent rust. Broken panels, missing letters, flaking or peeling paint incompletely illuminated (if intended as an illuminated sign) and other visual damage to a sign shall be repaired within 45 days of occurrence or notification by the Building Inspector.

(E) Abandoned signs. Any abandoned sign as defined in this subchapter or other sign or sign structure which advertises a business no longer conducted or service no longer sold on the premises or lot shall be classified an abandoned sign and shall be removed by the owner, agent or person having beneficial use of the premises or lot upon which the sign is located within ten days following written notice by the Building Inspector concerning its removal.

(F) Illumination. Neither the direct nor reflected light from primary light sources shall create a traffic hazard to operators of motor vehicles on public thoroughfares.

(G) State right-of-way requirements. All signs erected within the jurisdiction of state right-of-way requirements shall meet both state and city requirements.

(H) Corner clearance requirement for ground mounted signs. No ground mounted sign shall be permitted within the triangular area formed by the intersection of any street curb lines by a straight line drawn between said curb lines at a distance along the extension of each line 30 feet from the point of the intersection. The Police or Engineering Departments may establish more restrictive corner clearance requirements if conditions warrant.

(1980 Code, § 29.1409) (Ord. 9175, passed 9-7-2010) Penalty, see § 162.999

§ 162.264 RESIDENTIAL SIGNAGE.

(A) Generally. Residential signage shall be permitted in RU1, RE, RS, R1A, R1B, R1C, R2, R3 and NR1 Districts (single-, two-family and multi-family districts).

(B) Single-, two-family and multi-family residential uses.

(1) Allowable signs.

(a) Subdivision identification signs.

1. Two permanent subdivision or project identification signs not exceeding 32 square feet in size per face, shall be allowed per development; and

2. Where the development has access on two or more streets, or has more than one entrance on one street, identification shall be allowed at each entrance.

(b) Church, public or semi-public buildings or public park identification signs. Not more than one sign per street frontage not exceeding 32 square feet in size per face;

(c) Construction signs. Not more than one sign per street frontage not exceeding ten square feet in size per face. Signs identifying contractor, mechanics, painters, architects, engineers and similar artisans and workers which are on the site or attached to or on trailers on the site of construction shall be permitted provided that upon completion of the project the sign or the trailer to which it is attached must be removed within one week;

(d) Residential project construction promotional signs. One sign not exceeding 32 square feet per face. The sign shall be removed either at the time as the permanent subdivisions entrance sign is erected, or when 50% of the lots and/or dwelling units have been sold, whichever circumstances occurs first;

(e) Directional signs. Two signs per entry/exit not exceeding six square feet in size per face;

(f) Property real estate sales signs. One sign per lot frontage not exceeding six square feet in size per face. The signs shall be removed within ten days following the date of closing or lease initiation;

(g) Special displays and other temporary signs. See § 162.257(B);

(h) Signs not exceeding two square feet. Signs not exceeding two square feet in size per side nor a height of four feet from the ground which prohibit trespassing, or indicate privacy or premises, driveways or streets;

(i) Non-illuminated home occupation wall signs. Non-illuminated home occupation wall signs not exceeding two square feet wall-mounted on the dwelling, affixed to a window or placed no more than one inch from the foundation; and

(j) Official government flags. Official government flags.

(2) Location and height.

(a) No sign placed upon the ground shall be located closer than ten feet to any property line;

(b) No sign attached to the wall of a building or other structure shall extend above the roof line of that building or structure;

(c) For the signs included in divisions (B)(l)(a) through (B)(1)(c) and (B)(1)(g), no sign shall exceed eight feet in height from the surrounding grade to the highest point of the sign;

(d) Residential project construction promotion signs. One sign per major entrance to the subdivision or project site;

(e) Direction signs. No sign shall exceed three and one-half feet above the elevation of the adjacent driveway;

(f) Property real estate signs. No sign shall exceed six feet in height from the surrounding grade to the highest point on the sign; and

(g) Subdivision and project identification signs. No sign shall be more than six feet in height from the surrounding grade to the highest point on the sign.

(1980 Code, § 29.1410) (Ord. 9104, passed 4-2-2007) Penalty, see § 162.999

§ 162.265 COMMERCIAL SIGNAGE.

(A) Generally. Commercial signage shall be permitted C1A through C3 zoning districts.

(B) Allowable signs.

(1) General provision. All signs permitted in § 29.1410(B)(1);

(2) Attached signs. One or more attached signs, provided the total of all attached signage does not exceed 10% of the total square footage of the building face upon which it is placed or one attached open letter sign not exceeding 15% of the total square footage of the building face upon which it is placed. In the instance of corner lots, additional attached signs will be permitted on each street frontage of the building not exceeding 10% or 15% as the case may be of the total square footage of the respective building face upon which it is placed. For buildings with multiple tenants, see division (D) below;

(3) Overhanging sign. One overhanging sign not exceeding 32 square feet. In the instance on corner lots, an additional overhanging sign shall be permitted for each street frontage of the building;

(4) Ground-mounted signs.

(a) One 32-square-foot per face ground-mounted sign shall be permitted per lot.

(b) One ground-mounted sign not exceeding 50 square feet per face on any lot having not less than 50 feet nor more than 75 feet of street frontage.

(c) One ground-mounted sign not exceeding 75 square feet per face on any lot having not less than 75 feet nor more than 200 feet of street frontage.

(d) One ground-mounted sign not exceeding 150 square feet per face for any lot having more than 200 feet of street frontage. Additional ground-mounted signs shall be permitted for parcels over 200 feet of street frontage. The size of additional ground-mounted signs shall be based on the above street frontage requirements. The total square footage of signage shall conform to the requirements of this section.

(5) Pole signs. Except in C1A and multiple occupancy buildings (see division (B)(9) below). Pole signs shall be allowed as follows:

(a) No pole sign shall exceed 30 feet in height.

(b) Pole signs shall be permitted based on a parcel’s street frontage.

Street Frontage	Number of Signs Allowed	Permitted Sign Size
Less than 50-feet	0	None
50-feet to 75-feet	1	50 square feet
76-feet to 200-feet	1	75 square feet
201-feet to 250-feet	1	150 square feet
251-feet to 300-feet	2	150 square feet & 50 square feet
301-feet to 325-feet	2	150 square feet & 75 square feet
326-feet to 400-feet	2	150 square feet & 150 square feet

(c) A property with more than 400-feet of street frontage may have one additional pole sign, not exceeding 150 square feet, for every 200-feet of frontage beyond the first 400-feet of street frontage.

(6) Changeable copy signs. Changeable copy signs shall be allowed as follows:

(a) Automatic changeable copy signs shall only be located where permitted:

1. Pole signs. One changeable copy sign not exceeding 32 square feet shall be permitted when attached to a pole sign, regardless of the number of tenants located on the zoning lot.

2. Ground signs. Ground signs may contain changeable copy signs not exceeding 32 square feet.

(b) Automatic changeable copy signs shall be equipped with a sensor or device that automatically determines the ambient illumination and is programmed to automatically dim according to ambient light conditions, not to exceed 0.3 footcandles above ambient light.

(c) The applicant shall provide written certification from the automatic changeable copy sign manufacturer that the light intensity has been factory preset not to exceed 0.3 footcandles above ambient light and the intensity level is protected from end user manipulation by password-protected software or other method as deemed appropriate by the Director of Planning and Development.

(d) Any person, firm or corporation that violates the automatic changeable copy sign provisions, in addition to other such relief as the law may afford, will be subject to a minimum fine of $500.

(7) Occupational/identification signs. One attached sign not exceeding two square feet in displaying the name, occupation and/or service located upon the premises and the address;

(8) Permanent window signs. Shall not cover more than 20% of the total window area or door to which they are applied;

(9) Directories. For buildings with multiple occupancies, a directory sign may be substituted in lieu of the allowable pole sign. A sign may exceed the limitations specified in division (B)(5) above, upon review and approval by the Zoning Board of Appeals as to height and overall square footage;

(10) Canopy signs. Canopy signs which are attached to a canopy not exceeding five square feet; and

(11) Directional signage. Two signs per entry/exit not exceeding six square feet per face.

(1) Generally. All signs permitted by division (B) above shall be governed as to height and location by the requirements of § 162.264(A)(2);

(2) Overhanging signs. The signs shall be at least ten feet above the surrounding grade. No sign shall extend over public right-of-way except as approved by the City Council as provided in § 91.110 of this code;

(3) Ground mounted signs. The signs shall not exceed eight feet in height from the surrounding grade to the highest point on the sign and shall be located no closer than ten feet to any property line. Surrounding grade shall be defined as the highest grade within five feet of the sign base and may include a maximum 18 inches high permanent raised planter or seat wall around the perimeter of the sign. The signs shall not be located so as to obstruct lines of sight for safe vehicular entry or exit from the property.

(4) Pole signs. The bottom of the sign shall be at least ten feet above the surrounding grade;

(5) Occupational/identification signs. The signs shall conform to the locational requirements of division (B)(2) above of this section;

(6) Window signs. The signs may be attached to or painted on either the interior or exterior of a window or glass door and shall be maintained in good repair; and

(7) Canopy signs. Canopy signs shall maintain a clearance of eight feet above ground or pavement.

(D) Other requirements.

(1) Maximum number of signs.

(a) Generally. Except as otherwise provided, each building or property shall be allowed a maximum number of signs as follows:

1. One overhanging sign; and

2. Either a ground-mounted sign or a pole sign, unless more than one of the signs is permitted pursuant to division (B)(5) above.

(b) Exception. Window signs and occupational/directions signs as regulated by this section are excluded from this maximum restriction. A ground-mounted sign or a pole sign, may include a separate sign area or face consisting of an information, changeable sign, provided the total sign area of the ground or pole sign does not exceed the limitations specified in divisions (B)(4) and (B)(5) above.

(2) Multiple occupancy building. For buildings and/or property containing more than one business or tenant, each business or tenant may have an attached sign conforming to the requirements of this section. For the purposes of determining the total square footage of the attached sign, only the face of each respective lease unit to which the respective sign will be attached shall be counted. Each sign must be attached to the lease unit containing the business or tenant identified.

(3) Additional attached signs. Each building or property may have additional attached signs conforming to the requirements of this section on walls containing a main entrance which face customer parking area. For this exception to apply, the signs must be attached to the same wall as their respective entrances and both the signs and the entrances must be upon the same plane of the building.

(4) Plan required. An application to erect a pole sign shall be accompanied by the following:

(a) A set of plans, provided by owner of the sign or structural engineer or architect providing all necessary construction and electrical details of the sign and sign structure, including a representation of the proposed sign, including the width and length of the sign faces, and height from surrounding grade and wind load as provided in the ICC Building Code as adopted and incorporated in this code; and

(b) A site plan containing:

1. The proposed location of the sign upon the property;

2. The distance from the proposed sign location to any building (s) upon the property, and adjoining street right-of-way lines and driveway entrances;

3. The distance from the proposed sign location to the adjacent property lines; and

4. The distance from the proposed sign location to the nearest street intersection in either direction.

(1980 Code, § 29.1411) (Ord. 8915, passed 7-9-2001; Ord. 9104, passed 4-2-2007; Ord. 9175, passed 9-7-2010; Ord. 9184, passed 6-11-2011; Ord. 9240, passed 7-29-2013; Ord. 9271, passed 12-22-2014; Ord. 9351, passed 10-1-2018; Ord. 9423, passed 8-16-2021; Ord. 9511, passed 1-7-2025) Penalty, see § 162.999

§ 162.266 INDUSTRIAL SIGNAGE.

Industrial signage shall be permitted in Ml, M2 and M3 Districts.

(A) Allowable signs. All signs permitted by § 162.265(B).

(B) Location and height.

(1) Generally. As regulated by § 162.265(C).

(2) Exception. Industrial uses having one or more permanent building(s) may provide any number of illuminated wall or pole signs in any location on the premises or building, provided that the signs do not exceed the height, area or setback requirements as set forth in § 162.265(C). This exception shall not apply to commercial uses permitted within M1 through M3 zoning districts.

(1980 Code, § 29.1412) Penalty, see § 162.999

§ 162.267 SPECIAL USE SIGNAGE.

(A) Automobile and truck service stations-convenience stores with gasoline pumps.

(1) Allowable signs.

(a) Brand identification signs.

1. One pole-mounted sign not exceeding 50 square feet per face. In addition, there may be attached to a pole sign an informational or changeable copy sign not exceeding 32 square feet;

2. One ground-mounted sign, in lieu of a pole-mounted sign, not exceed 50 square feet in size per face; and

3. One attached sign meeting the requirements of § 162.265(B)(2).

(b) Price signs. One price sign for each pole or ground-mounted sign and for each pump island not exceeding 16 square feet per face per sign, per price, not exceeding 48 square feet total;

(c) Self-service and/or full service signs. Two self service or full service signs per pump island not exceeding ten square feet per face per sign;

(d) Federal and state stamps, octane ratings, pump use directions, no smoking signs. As required by federal, state and local authorities; and

(e) Temporary signs.

1. No more than six temporary signs may be displayed on a zoning lot and the total sign area shall not exceed 120 square feet. Temporary signs may include light standard, banners and freestanding signs;

2. An event sign announcing a campaign, drive or event of a civic, philanthropic, educational or religious organization is excluded from the total allowable square footage requirement. The signs shall be displayed no more than 30 days before the campaign, drive or event and removed within seven days after the end of the campaign, drive or event;

3. On any corner lot, no temporary sign shall be located within 15 feet of a street intersection as measured from the street right-of-way at the corner;

4. At all vehicle driveways, there shall be no temporary signs placed within 15 feet of the intersection of the driveway and street right-of-way unless eight feet above grade;

Figure 7 - Temporary Signs

5. No sign shall be placed which impedes pedestrian or vehicular traffic;

6. Any sign that is deteriorating or weather worn shall be removed promptly upon notification by the Building Inspector; and

(2) Location and height.

(a) Brand identification signs.

1. Pole signs. As regulated by § 162.265(C)(4);

2. Ground-mounted signs. As regulated by § 162.265(C)(3); and

3. Attached signs. As regulated by § 162.265(C)(5).

(b) Price signs and self-service and/or full service signs. Shall be located on the pole or ground-mounted sign and/or at the ends of pump islands and may be affixed to the canopy, canopy supports, poles or end pumps.

(c) Federal and state stamps, octane ratings, pump use directions, no smoking signs. Shall be placed upon the body of the gasoline pump, or as required by the respective governmental authority.

(3) Other requirements. An attached or detached canopy may be used in addition to the permitted pole sign for the location of brand identification signs, price signs or company logos.

(B) Other temporary or portable signs.

(1) Temporary or portable signs not permanently affixed to the ground, a building or other appurtenant structure may be approved by issuance of a permit by the Building Inspector for up to a 30 day time period during any 12-month period. The signs may be extended beyond the 30-day time period, but only upon review and approval by the Building Inspector.

(2) Temporary or portable off-premises signs may be approved by issuance of a permit by the Building Inspector when necessary to direct traffic toward the location of a business or commercial property which has been made less accessible to traffic by the 2002-2003 closing of the Memorial Bridge provided that the permit shall be only for the duration of the bridge closing.

(1980 Code, § 29.1413) (Ord. 8898, passed 1-29-2001; Ord. 8986, passed 7-21-2003; Ord. 9104, passed 4-2-2007) Penalty, see § 162.999

§ 162.268 DOWNTOWN DISTRICT SIGNAGE.

In the downtown districts, all signs shall be subject to the following regulations:

(A) Attached signs. Attached signs are permitted as follows:

(1) On frontage walls up to 25 feet above street grade. The combined area of all frontage signs shall not exceed 10% of the frontage wall. If individual letters are used for frontage signs, the sign area shall include the space in between each letter.

(2) Non-frontage attached signs shall be flush-mounted or painted directly upon the first floor area of the wall and shall not exceed 5% of the wall area.

(3) Attached signs may include:

(a) Backlit signs, provided no less than 60% of the sign area is opaque;

(b) Channel-lettered signs, where every letter is internally illuminated;

(d) Neon signs, where lettering and other images are illuminated but the background of the sign is not illuminated.

(B) Projecting signs. Signs projecting over city right-of-way are allowed only by revocable permit, which shall be issued by the Director of Utilities and Engineering upon approval of the City Council. The signs shall be no larger than 15 square feet and brackets for such signs shall be located under second floor windows but not more than 15 feet above the street grade. The bottom of a projecting sign shall not be less than ten feet above sidewalk grade or project more than six feet from the building facade or over the street curb. Projecting signs may include:

(1) Backlit signs, provided no less than 60% of the sign area is opaque;

(2) Channel-letter signs, where every letter is internally illuminated;

(3) Reverse channel-letter signs, where the background of the sign is illuminated but not the lettering; and

(4) Neon signs, where lettering and other images are illuminated but the background of the sign is not illuminated.

(C) Ground signs. Ground signs shall not exceed a height of 8 feet from the surrounding grade and shall be located at least two feet from the boundary of any adjoining properties. Surrounding grade means the highest grade within five feet of the sign base and may include up to 18 inches of permanent architectural landscaping or a seat wall surrounding the perimeter of the sign. The face of each ground sign shall not exceed 32 square feet, excluding structural components that do not convey an advertising message. Ground signs may contain manual and automatic changeable copy surfaces.

(D) Window signs. Signs painted or attached to windows shall not exceed 50% of the window area.

(E) Directional signs. Signs providing directions shall not exceed SIX square feet, nor exceed three feet in height from the surrounding grade.

(F) Prohibited signs. The following signs are prohibited in the downtown districts:

(1) Internally-illuminated plastic awnings;

(2) Flashing signs;

(3) Pole signs;

(4) Backlit signs with less than 60% opaque sign area;

(5) Standard outdoor advertising signs;

(6) Portable signs; and

(7) Attached internally illuminated changeable copy signs.

(Ord. 9184, passed 6-1-2011)