(a)

Purpose and applicability.

(1)

The purpose of this section is to ensure that signage is appropriate for the respective uses, properly dimensioned and placed with respect to building form, and to provide legible information for pedestrians, not just drivers, protective of the public health, safety, and general welfare.

(2)

Applicability. This section applies to signs intended to be clearly legible from a public right-of-way for vehicles or pedestrians. This section applies to all such signs within the incorporated area of the city.

(b)

General requirements and standards for all signs.

(1)

Signs for active uses. All nongovernmental signs must be for an active business, on the premises. Signs for discontinued businesses must be removed within 30 days upon closure, discontinuance, or relocation of the business.

(2)

Sign condition. All signs shall be maintained in a legible and safe condition in accordance to the state building code as adopted in chapter 5, section 5-2 of this Code.

(3)

Permit required. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, it shall be unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, move or replace any sign or cause the same to be done, without first obtaining a building permit for a sign in the same manner required for other building permits specified in chapter 5.

(4)

Construction standards.

a.

All signs shall be constructed and installed in accordance with the applicable provisions of state building code as adopted in chapter 5, section 5-2.

b.

All illuminated signs shall be installed in accordance with the applicable provisions of the state building code as adopted in chapter 5, section 5-2 and all detached signs shall be so illuminated by an underground electrical source.

c.

Signs shall not obstruct any window, door, fire escape, stairway, ladder, or opening intended to provide light, air, ingress or egress for any building, as required by law.

d.

Nongovernmental signs shall not be attached to or painted on power poles, light poles, telephone poles, traffic signs, natural objects such as trees, or other objects not intended to support a sign.

(5)

Illumination standards. Lighting shall be restricted to eliminate glare on surrounding properties, streets, or pedestrian routes. Illumination is limited to:

a.

Natural lighting;

b.

External lighting lit from above;

c.

Halo-lit or backlit channel letters;

d.

Marquis, cinemas, and civic buildings are allowed to have digital/electronic signs;

e.

Gas price signs may be electronic/digital signs.

(6)

Rights-of-way. Nongovernmental signs shall not be erected upon, placed or encroach upon public rights-of-way, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.

(7)

Placement.

a.

Required vertical clearance except where specified otherwise:

1.

A minimum of nine feet over pedestrian ways.

2.

A minimum of 13.5 feet over vehicular travel ways and parking aisles.

b.

Signs shall not extend closer than one foot to the vertical edge of a building corner, or to the fascia, roofline or parapet unless where specified otherwise.

c.

All signs regardless attached to the building, shall not extend above eaves or parapets.

d.

All freestanding and ground mounted signage, both temporary and permanent, shall be a minimum of ten-foot setback from fire hydrants or other emergency apparatus.

e.

Signs shall not be allowed to create a visual obstruction to vehicular traffic at intersections and driveways.

(8)

Measurements of height and area.

a.

Height for ground mounted and freestanding signs shall be measured from finished grade to the top of the sign frame.

b.

Height and width shall be measured using smallest rectangle that fully encompasses the entire extent of letters, logo and background.

c.

The maximum height is determined by "Table 19-15F".

(9)

Fabrication techniques.

a.

All conduit, conductors, transformers, ballasts, and other equipment shall be concealed.

b.

All attachment hardware shall be of corrosion-resistant material.

c.

Sign-makers' logos, labels, or other identification is prohibited.

d.

Vinyl applied copy is prohibited except for window and awning signs.

e.

Where multiple signs are present on a single building or multi-tenant complex, signage shall be coordinated in terms of scale, placement, colors and materials.

(10)

[Limitations.] Permitted signs are limited by zoning district and the following restrictions according to "Table 19-15F General Sign Standards":

a.

Sign height.

b.

Copy height.

c.

Number of signs per sign type.

d.

Area of signs.

e.

Sign location.

(c)

Signs not requiring a permit. The following sign types shall be allowed without a sign permit provided that such signs comply with all applicable regulations in this section, including specific requirements and all requirements [in] "Table 19-15F".

(1)

Address and identification signs bearing only property numbers, post office box numbers, names of occupants of premises, or other identifications of premises not having commercial connotations.

(2)

Awning signs where the logo or copy text is applied to an existing awning provided:

a.

Awnings shall not extend beyond the width of the tenant space;

b.

A maximum one emblem or logo is permitted on each awning; and

c.

Awning signs shall not exceed 30 feet in horizontal width.

d.

A separate building permit shall be required for the installation or replacement of awnings.

(3)

Flags and insignia of any government except where displayed in connection with commercial promotion. Installation of permanent pole shall require a building permit.

(4)

Home occupation signs provided:

a.

The property maintains a valid city business license for a home occupation;

b.

The sign is attached to the building face; and

c.

Non-illuminated.

(5)

Legal notices, identification, information, or directional signs erected or required by government bodies.

(6)

Memorial signs, plaques, historic markers or grave markers that are noncommercial in nature.

(7)

Public interest signs that are located on private property that displays information pertinent to the safety or legal responsibilities of the general public such as warning and no trespassing signs.

(8)

Sidewalk signs that are freestanding, double-sided temporary signs placed at the entrance to a business in a primarily pedestrian environment. Sidewalk signs are permitted with the public right-of-way provided:

a.

Sidewalk signs shall be removed at the close of business each day or during high winds or other weather conditions that might pose a hazard to public safety; and

b.

Sidewalk signs location does not block sidewalks by maintaining a minimum five [foot] clear space.

(9)

Temporary real estate, construction and planned development signs that are non-illuminated.

(10)

Temporary yard signs that are freestanding, double-sided located, and located on private property provided:

a.

Shall be removed after being displayed for no more than 60 consecutive days; or during high winds or other weather conditions that might pose a hazard to public safety; and

b.

Non-illuminated.

(11)

Window signs with copy area adhered to glass windows or glass doors.

(d)

Specifications for temporary signs requiring a permit.

(1)

Development sign (construction).

a.

Shall not be erected until either the approval of the final site plan or Land Development Plan and Plat (LDPP) by the planning commission.

b.

The development sign shall be removed upon completion of active work or when work ceases for a period of exceeding 90 days.

(2)

Temporary banner.

a.

Intended for noting a special event such a "grand opening" or a "special sales event"

b.

Temporary banners shall be issued a permit for a maximum of 60 days.

c.

Only one banner per establishment per calendar year;

d.

All banners shall be made a durable material, excluding paper.

(3)

[Freestanding temporary monument signs.] Temporary monument sign that are freestanding:

a.

Shall be removed after being displayed for no more than 60 consecutive days, and

b.

Non-illuminated.

(e)

Specifications for permanent signs requiring a permit. The following are specifications applicable to the various permanent signs:

(1)

Canopy signs.

a.

Canopy signs may be placed on existing canopies that project into the public right-of-way up to three feet from the face of the curb.

b.

Canopies shall not extend beyond the width of the building or tenant space, nor encroach above the roof line or the story above.

c.

Canopy signs mounted on a multi-tenant building shall be similar in terms of height and projection across all tenants in the building.

d.

Canopy signs may be affixed, above, to the sides, or to the front face of the canopy. The cumulative area of the canopy signs shall not exceed the maximum allowable sign area.

(2)

Band signs.

a.

The following band sign construction types are permitted:

1.

Cut-out letters. Letters shall be individually attached to the wall or on a separate background panel and shall be externally illuminated.

2.

Flat panel. Letters shall be printed or etched on same surface as the background, which is then affixed to the wall and externally illuminated.

3.

Channel letters. Each letter shall have its own internal lighting element, individually attached to the wall or onto a separate background panel. The letter shall be translucent, or solid to create a backlit halo effect.

4.

Band signs shall not be wider than 90 percent of the width of the building facade or tenant space.

b.

Band signs are not permitted when a wall sign is present for the tenant.

c.

Band signs shall be placed where the architectural features suggest the best placement for signage. They should be vertically aligned with the center of an architectural feature such as a storefront window, entry portal, or width of a bay or overall retail space. They shall not interrupt or obscure these features or cause visual disharmony.

(3)

Blade signs.

a.

Blade signs may be double-sided.

b.

Blade signs shall be permitted only for businesses that have a principal entrance on the first story.

c.

Blade signs may encroach into the public frontage or right-of-way up to four feet.

d.

Blade signs are to have a minimum separation of 15 feet.

(4)

Corner sign.

a.

Corner signs shall be vertical in proportion.

b.

Corner signs shall not project more than four feet from the face of the building and may project into the public right-of-way up to three feet from the face of the curb.

c.

Corner signs are to have a minimum separation of 15 feet from all other building signage.

(5)

Freestanding signs.

a.

Freestanding signs are not permitted when a monument or yard sign is present.

b.

Freestanding signs shall be the only detached sign permitted adjacent to the highway frontage of the shopping complex.

c.

All freestanding signs must maintain 100 feet of separation from any other freestanding or monument signs.

d.

Freestanding signs are not permitted to be used by an individual lot owner or tenant within a multi-lot shopping complex.

e.

Minimum ten-foot setback from property boundaries.

(6)

Marquees.

a.

Marques may be internally illuminated.

b.

Marques are permitted to have message boards that includes digital/electronic signs.

c.

Marquees shall be located only above the principal entrance of a building.

d.

No marquee shall be wider than the entrance it serves, plus two feet on each side thereof.

e.

No marquee shall extend closer to the curb than three feet.

(7)

Menu boards.

a.

Menu boards are to be internal to the site and not visible from a public right-of-way or civic space.

b.

Menu boards may have up to 32 square feet of changing copy.

c.

An increase in allowable area and number of outdoor display cases may be permitted through an administrative waiver (see chapter 19A, [section] 1.5.3, administrative waivers).

(8)

Monument signs.

a.

Monument signs are monolithic in which the bottom of the sign is flush with the ground.

b.

Monument signs are not permitted when a freestanding or yard sign is present.

c.

Only one monument sign shall be permitted per parcel.

d.

Minimum five-foot setback from property boundaries.

e.

The addition of changeable copy may be permitted through an administrative waiver (see chapter 19A, [section] 1.5.3, administrative waivers).

(9)

On-premises directional and instructional signs.

a.

Directional signs may be externally or internally illuminated.

b.

An increase in allowable area and number of directional signs may be permitted through an administrative waiver (see chapter 19A, [section] 1.5.3, administrative waivers).

(10)

Outdoor display cases.

a.

Outdoor display cases may be externally or internally illuminated.

b.

Outdoor display cases shall not be attached to shopfront windows.

c.

An increase in allowable area and number of outdoor display cases may be permitted through an administrative waiver (see chapter 19A, [section] 1.5.3, administrative waivers).

(11)

Permanent yard signs.

a.

Yard signs shall be installed onto a single- or double-post.

b.

Yard signs are not permitted when a monument sign is present.

c.

Yard signs are to be setback a minimum of three feet from the property line.

(12)

Wall sign shall be directly attached to an exterior wall of a building with its exposed face parallel to the plane of the building or structure on which the sign is affixed.

a.

The following wall sign construction types are permitted:

1.

Signs directly painted on walls and externally illuminated.

2.

Cut-out letters. Letters shall be individually attached to the wall or on a separate background panel, and shall be internally or externally illuminated.

3.

Flat panel. Letters shall be printed or etched on same surface as the background, which is then affixed to the wall and internally or externally illuminated.

4.

Channel letters. Each letter shall have its own internal lighting element, individually attached to the wall or onto a separate background panel. The letter shall be translucent, or solid to create a backlit halo effect.

b.

Wall signs are not permitted when a band sign is present for the tenant.

(f)

Signs prohibited in all districts.

(1)

Any sign that obscures a sign displayed by public authority for the purpose of giving traffic instructions, direction, or other public information.

(2)

Any sign that uses the word "stop" or "danger" or otherwise represents or implies that the need or requirement of stopping or caution or the existing of danger, or which is a copy of, or for any reason is likely to be confused with any sign displayed by public authority.

(3)

Signs that are similar in color, design, and appearance to traffic control signs.

(4)

Signs which contain, employ, or utilize lights or lighting which rotates, flashes, moves, or alternates except as otherwise provided in this chapter.

(5)

Roof signs that are erected or maintained in whole or in part upon, over, or above the roof or parapet of a building.

(6)

Feather banners, defined as vertical signs resembling a feather that are supported by a single, curved structural member and base.

(7)

Flashing, fluttering, swinging, or rotating signs.

(8)

Pennants, balloons, streamers, and air dancers.

(9)

Off-premises signs that directs attention to a business commodity, service, or establishment conducted, sold, or offered at a location other than the premises on which the sign is erected.

(10)

Outdoor advertising signs that generally, but not limited to, a rigidly assembled sign, display, or device, usually freestanding, that is affixed to the ground or to a building, the primary purpose of which is to display advertising posters. Such signs commonly referred to as "billboards" are generally designed so that the copy or poster on the sign can be changed frequently and the advertising space is for lease.

(11)

Vehicular signs and signs on parked vehicles where the primary purpose of the vehicle is to advertise a product or to direct people to a business or activity located on the same or nearby property. Vehicular signs shall not include business logos, identification or advertising on vehicles primarily used for other business purposes.

(12)

Other signs not expressly allowed by these regulations.

(g)

Violations and enforcement. See chapter 5, article III, subsection 5-50(f).

(h)

Nonconforming signs. Legal nonconforming signs: Any sign which existed at the time of adoption or amendment of this chapter, but which does not comply with this chapter by reason of regulations on type, height, number, sign area, copy height, placement, or other restrictions related to the structure, may be continued subject to the following conditions:

(1)

The sign is not located or encroaching into a public right-of-way.

(2)

Legal nonconforming signs shall not be altered or enlarged in any way to increase their nonconformity.

(3)

Maintenance and repairs necessary to keep a legal non-conforming sign in sound condition shall be permitted.

(4)

The signs are for continuous and active uses.

(i)

Definitions. For the purposes of these regulations, the following words and phrases shall be defined as specified below:

Address means only property numbers, post office box numbers, names of occupants of premises, or other identifications of premises not having commercial connotations.

Awning means where the logo or copy text is applied to an existing awning provided.

Band means building-mounted sign attached to, displayed, or painted on an exterior wall in a manner parallel with the wall surface.

Banner means intended to be hung either with or without a frame, possessing characters, letters, illustrations, or ornamentations applied to plastic or fabric of any kind, excluding flags and emblems of political, professional, religious, education, or corporate organizations.

Blade means extending from a building face or wall so that the sign face is perpendicular to the building face or wall.

Campaign means advertises a candidate or issue to be voted upon on a definite election day.

Canopy means a permanent structure other than an awning made of cloth, metal or other material attached or unattached to a building for the purpose of providing shelter to patrons or automobiles, or as a decorative feature on a building wall. A canopy is not a completely enclosed structure.

Changeable copy means copy that is or can be changed manually in the field or through mechanical means (e.g. readerboards with changeable letters).

Corner means attached to the corner angle of a building perpendicular to the ground.

Development means in conjunction with an approved planned residential, office, businesses, industrial or mixed-use development.

Directional means a sign designed to guide vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic by using such words as "Entrance," "Exit," "Parking," "One-Way," or similar directional instruction, but not including any advertising message.

Flag means a piece of cloth or similar material, typically oblong or square, attachable by one edge to a pole or rope and used as the symbol or emblem of a country or institution or as a decoration during public festivities.

Freestanding means not connected to a building, standing on its own.

Home occupation means attached to a home business building.

Linear frontage means the length of a property abutting a public right-of-way from one side lot line to another.

Memorial or wall plaque means a sign designating names of buildings and/or date of erection and other items such as architect, contractor, or others involved in the building's creation, cut into or attached to a building surface.

Menu boards means intended to serve a restaurant use and designed for the purpose of identifying specific meal items, prices, and specials.

Monument means a monolithic sign in which the bottom of the sign is flush with the ground and the vertical dimension of the sign is greater than the horizontal dimension.

Marquee means a permanent roofed structure projecting over public property or right-of-way, attached to and supported by a building.

On-premises directional means a sign that directs attention to a business commodity, service, or establishment conducted, sold, or offered on the premises on which the sign is erected.

Outdoor display cases means a display outside of a building with a cabinet to store information for the public.

Parapet means that portion of a building wall or false front that extends above the roofline.

Planned development means a tract of land under single, corporation, partnership, or association ownership planned and developed as an integral unit in a single development operation or a definitely programmed series of development operations and according to an approved development plan.

Premises means a parcel of real property with a separate and distinct number of designations shown on a recorded plat, record of survey, parcel map, subdivision map, or a parcel legally created or established pursuant to applicable zoning. Outparcels of shopping centers shall be considered on the premises of the shopping center for the purpose of these regulations.

Public interest means a sign on private property that displays information pertinent to the safety or legal responsibilities of the general public such as warning and no trespassing signs.

Real estate means a sign that is used to offer for sale, lease, or rent the premises upon which such sign is placed.

Roofline means the highest point of a flat roof and mansard roof and the lowest point of a pitched roof, excluding any cupolas, chimneys or other minor projections.

Sidewalk means not secured or attached to the ground or surface upon which it is located, but supported by its own frame, which is typically in the shape of an A.

Sign means any object, device, or structure, or part thereof, situated outdoors, which is used to advertise, identify, display, direct, or attract attention to an object, person, institution, organization, business, product, service, event or location by any means, including words, letters, figures, designs, symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination, or projected images.

Special event means a planned, temporary activity.

Temporary yard. See Yard sign definition.

Temporary monument. See Monument sign definition.

Wall sign means a sign connected to a building facade.

Window sign means painted on, attached to, or suspended directly behind or in front of a window or the glass portion of a door.

Yard sign means a free-standing sign placed in the yard of a business.

TABLE 19-15F: SIGN REGULATIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS

E   Exempt—No permit required

PR  Permit Required

(T)  Temporary

(Ord. No. 233, § 1, 4-17-12; Ord. No. 314, 8-6-19; Ord. No. 332, § 1, 3-15-22; Res. No. 2023-30, 9-5-23)