(a)

Signs obstruct views, distract motorists, displace alternative uses for land, and pose other problems that legitimately call for regulation. The purpose of this article is to regulate the size, color, illumination, movement, materials, location, height and condition of all signs placed on private property for exterior observation, thus ensuring the protection of property values, the character of the various neighborhoods, the creation of a convenient, attractive and harmonious community, protection against destruction of or encroachment upon historic areas, and the safety and welfare of pedestrians and wheeled traffic, while providing convenience to citizens and encouraging economic development. This article allows adequate communication through signage while encouraging aesthetic quality in the design, location, size and purpose of all signs. This article shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with the First Amendment guarantee of free speech. If any provision of this article is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such finding shall not affect the validity of other provisions of this article which can be given effect without the invalid provision.

(b)

A sign placed on land or on a building for the purpose of identification, protection or directing persons to a use conducted therein shall be deemed to be an integral but accessory and subordinate part of the principal use of land or building. Therefore, the intent of this article is to establish limitations on signs in order to ensure they are appropriate to the land, building or use to which they are appurtenant and are adequate for their intended purpose while balancing the individual and community interests identified in subsection (a) of this section.

(c)

These regulations are intended to promote signs that are compatible with the use of the property to which they are appurtenant, landscape and architecture of surrounding buildings, are legible and appropriate to the activity to which they pertain, are not distracting to motorists, and are constructed and maintained in a structurally sound and attractive condition.

(Code 1993, § 32-500; Code 2004, § 114-500; Code 2015, § 30-500; Ord. No. 2017-149, § 1, 9-11-2017)

The regulations contained in this article shall be applicable to signs in all districts as specified. No sign shall be erected, placed, constructed, installed, attached, painted on, moved or altered except in conformity with all of the sections set forth in this article applicable to the particular sign in the district in which it is located.

(Code 1993, § 32-501; Code 2004, § 114-501; Code 2015, § 30-501)

(a)

Definitions. Definitions of the various types of signs are set forth in Article XII of this chapter, together with other definitions of words and terms used in this chapter.

(b)

Calculation of area of sign. For the purpose of calculating permitted sign area, the area of a sign shall be the smallest individual rectangle, triangle or circle or combination of not more than three contiguous rectangles, triangles or circles which will encompass all elements of the sign, provided that for a freestanding sign, such figures need not be contiguous. The area of a double-faced sign shall be construed to be the area of the largest single face of the sign, provided that the interior angle formed by the two faces does not exceed 30 degrees. When a sign is placed on a fence, wall or any other structure that serves a separate purpose other than support for the sign, the entire area of such structure shall not be computed as sign area.

(c)

Aggregate area of all signs. When, for purposes of describing permitted sign area, the sections of this article refer to the aggregate area of all signs on a lot or the aggregate area of all signs directed toward or intended to be viewed from any street frontage, such reference shall include the sum total of the areas of all signs on the lot or the sum total of the areas of all signs directed toward or intended to be viewed from any street frontage, as the case may be, provided that such sum total shall not include the areas of signs that are specifically permitted in all districts by Section 30-505 or the area of any sign that is specifically permitted in addition to or is specifically excluded from calculation of aggregate sign area by the district sign regulations. In no case shall the area of any individual sign permitted by the sign regulations for a particular district exceed the permitted aggregate sign area in that district.

(d)

Signs visible from any street frontage. When, for the purpose of describing permitted sign area, the sections of this article refer to signs visible from any street frontage, such reference shall include all signs on a lot which are located along a street frontage in such manner that the faces of the signs are oriented to and viewed from any point along the street providing such frontage, as well as signs located on a side of a building in such manner as to be viewed from the same street. For a lot having multiple street frontages, the area of signs that can be viewed from more than one street shall be attributed to the street frontage along which such signs have the more direct orientation and are more easily visible.

(e)

Buildings greater than one story in height. In the case of a building greater than one story in height where permitted sign area is determined by building frontage along a street, the permitted aggregate sign area shall be calculated based on the frontage of the ground floor of the building or buildings located on the lot. Stories other than the ground floor shall not be considered to be separate buildings. The location of permitted signs on such building shall be governed by the district sign regulations and other applicable provisions of this article and shall not be limited to the ground floor of the building.

(Code 1993, § 32-502(1)—(4); Code 2004, § 114-502; Code 2015, § 30-502; Ord. No. 2006-329-2007-11, § 1, 1-8-2007; Ord. No. 2011-205-2012-1, § 1, 1-9-2012; Ord. No. 2017-149, § 1, 9-11-2017)

Cross reference— Definitions generally, § 1-2.

The following shall be prohibited in all districts, unless specifically permitted by this article:

(1)

Animated signs.

(2)

Portable signs.

(3)

Commercial flag signs, pennant signs, and any other attention-getting signs or devices such as streamers, balloons, or inflatable devices of any configuration acting to attract attention to any use other than noncommercial activity at a residential use.

(4)

Vehicle or trailer signs.

(5)

Signs that emit smoke, flame, scent, mist, aerosol, liquid, or gas.

(6)

Signs that emit sound.

(7)

Off-premises signs.

(8)

Window signs whose aggregate area on a window or door exceed 25 percent of the total area of the window or door.

(9)

Any sign displayed without complying with all applicable regulations of this chapter.

(Code 1993, § 32-503; Code 2004, § 114-503; Code 2015, § 30-503; Ord. No. 2017-149, § 1, 9-11-2017; Ord. No. 2023-369, § 1, 1-8-2024)

The following subsections qualify, supplement or modify, as the case may be, the district sign regulations and shall apply to signs in all districts:

(1)

Signs to be located on main buildings. Unless specifically indicated to the contrary by this article, permitted wall signs, projecting signs and other signs attached to buildings may be attached to main buildings or may be attached to accessory buildings.

(2)

Compliance with building code. All signs shall conform to applicable sections of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

(3)

Illumination of signs. Unless otherwise specified by this article, permitted signs may be illuminated, provided the source of illumination is of such type and is located, directed or shielded so as not to shine directly on adjoining properties or streets.

(4)

Interference with traffic. No sign shall be located, arranged, designed or illuminated in such a manner that it interferes with traffic by any of the following means:

a.

Glare;

b.

Confusion with a traffic control device by reason of its color, location, shape, or other characteristic;

c.

Similarity to or confusion with official signs, traffic signals, warning lights or lighting on emergency vehicles; or

d.

Any other means.

(5)

Underclearance for projecting signs, awning signs, canopy signs, and suspended signs. Projecting signs, awning signs, canopy signs, and suspended signs shall be provided with an underclearance of not less than eight feet.

(6)

Painted wall signs. The total area of all wall signs painted on a building wall shall not exceed 25 percent of the area of such wall.

(7)

Wall signs facing lots in R or RO district. No wall sign located on a lot in a UB, UB-2, B-1, B-2 or B-3 district shall face an abutting lot located in an R or RO district unless separated therefrom by an off-street parking area serving the lot in the UB, UB-2, B-1, B-2 or B-3 district.

(8)

Signs along alley frontages. Any portion of the aggregate sign area permitted on a lot may be allocated to wall signs attached to a building and oriented to an alley abutting the lot, provided that no such sign adjacent to or across an alley from an R or RO district shall be illuminated.

(9)

Encroachment or extension beyond property lines. No portion of any sign or its supporting structure shall extend beyond the property lines of the lot on which it is located, provided that a sign permitted by this article may extend into or project over the right-of-way of a public street, public alley or other public way when in compliance with and authorized pursuant to the encroachment policies and regulations of the City. The area of such sign shall be included in the calculation of permitted sign area under this article.

(10)

Service station pump island and canopy signs. Signs displayed on service station pump islands shall not be included in the calculation of aggregate sign area permitted on a lot, provided that such signs do not exceed a total of six square feet per pump face within the pump island. Signs displayed on service station pump island canopies shall be included in the calculation of aggregate sign area permitted on a lot, shall not exceed ten square feet each in area, and not more than one such sign shall be displayed on each side of a pump island canopy.

(11)

Illuminated awnings and canopies. Except as provided in subsection (10) of this section, no awning or canopy, whether or not it contains any awning or canopy sign as defined in Section 30-1220, shall be illuminated by internal or integral means or by outlining its extremities, provided that lighting external to an awning or canopy may be provided for purposes of illuminating a building or entrance thereto.

(Code 1993, § 32-504; Code 2004, § 114-504; Code 2015, § 30-504; Ord. No. 2008-2-55, § 2, 3-24-2008; Ord. No. 2017-149, § 1, 9-11-2017; Ord. No. 2018-209, § 1, 9-10-2018)

The following subsections qualify, supplement or modify, as the case may be, the district sign regulations and shall apply to awning signs in all districts:

(1)

The horizontal projection (i.e., depth) of any awning containing an awning sign shall not exceed ten feet from the face of the building to which it is attached.

(2)

The vertical distance (i.e., height) from the top to the bottom of any awning containing an awning sign shall not exceed four feet, including the valance.

(3)

No portion of any awning containing an awning sign shall extend above any part of the windowsill level of the story, if any, above it.

(4)

Any awning containing an awning sign shall be attached immediately above the lintel.

(5)

An awning sign may be attached on the awning valance or the shed of the awning.

(6)

Awning signs shall not be permitted above the ground floor of the building.

(7)

Awning signs shall not exceed a maximum width of 75 percent of the awning length and shall not exceed a maximum of 50 percent of the awning height.

(8)

Awning signs shall be permitted on awning ends.

(9)

Any awning containing an awning sign shall not obscure distinctive or unique architectural elements.

(Code 2015, § 30-504.01; Ord. No. 2018-209, § 3, 9-10-2018)

The following subsections qualify, supplement or modify, as the case may be, the district sign regulations and shall apply to canopy signs in all districts:

(1)

The horizontal projection (i.e., depth) of any canopy containing a canopy sign shall not exceed ten feet from the face of the building to which it is attached.

(2)

The vertical distance (i.e., height) from the top to the bottom of any canopy containing a canopy sign shall not exceed two feet, including the valance.

(3)

No portion of any canopy containing a canopy sign shall extend above any part of the windowsill level of the story, if any, above it.

(4)

Any canopy containing a canopy sign shall be attached above the lintel.

(5)

A canopy sign shall be attached completely below or completely above the canopy fascia or completely within the perimeter limits of the canopy fascia.

(6)

Canopy signs shall not extend outside the length of the canopy.

(7)

Canopy signs shall not be permitted above the ground floor of the building.

(8)

Canopy signs shall not exceed a maximum width of 75 percent of the canopy or canopy fascia.

(9)

Canopy signs shall not be permitted on canopy ends.

(10)

Canopy signs shall be constructed of individual freestanding letters, numbers, other characters, or logos and shall not:

a.

Exceed 24 inches in height.

b.

Exceed 12 inches in depth.

(11)

Any canopy containing a canopy sign shall not obscure distinctive or unique architectural elements.

(Code 2015, § 30-504.02; Ord. No. 2018-209, § 3, 9-10-2018)

(a)

All signs shall be constructed and mounted in compliance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

(b)

All signs and components thereof shall be maintained in good repair and in a safe, neat and clean condition.

(c)

The building official may cause to have removed or repaired immediately without written notice any sign which, in his opinion, has become insecure, in danger of falling, or otherwise unsafe, and, as such, presents an immediate threat to the safety of the public. If such action is necessary to render a sign safe, the cost of such emergency removal or repair shall be at the expense of the owner or lessee thereof.

(d)

Not including any off-premises signs permitted pursuant to this article, the owner of any sign used to attract attention to a commercial use, product, service, or activity and located on a lot on which the use or business has ceased operating shall, within 60 days of the cessation of use or business operation, replace the sign face with a blank face until such time as a use or business has resumed operating on the lot.

(e)

Sign condition, safety hazard, nuisance abatement, and abandonment.

(1)

Any sign which becomes a safety hazard or which is not kept in a reasonably good state of repair shall be put in a safe and good state of repair within 30 days of a written notice to the owner and permit holder.

(2)

Any sign which constitutes a nuisance may be abated by the City under the requirements of Code of Virginia, § 15.2-900, 15.2-906, or 15.2-1115, as applicable.

(Code 2015, § 30-504.1; Ord. No. 2017-149, § 2, 9-11-2017)

The following signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts, and the area of such signs shall not be included in calculating the maximum permitted area of signs permitted on any lot:

(1)

Temporary sign on lot for sale or rent. On any lot for sale or rent, one or more temporary signs not exceeding an aggregate area of six square feet along each street frontage of such lot, provided such signs shall not be illuminated and shall be removed when the lot is no longer being offered for sale or rent. If affixed to the ground, such signs shall not be located within five feet of any street line or within 15 feet of any other property line.

(2)

Temporary construction signs. On any building under construction, not more than two temporary signs not exceeding an aggregate area of 32 square feet. If affixed to the ground, such signs shall not be located within five feet of any street line or within 15 feet of any other property line.

(3)

Subdivision development signs. At the entrance of any approved subdivision that is under development, one freestanding sign not to exceed 32 square feet in area, provided such sign shall not be illuminated and shall not be displayed for longer than one year. Such sign shall not be located within five feet of any street line or within 15 feet of any other property line.

(4)

On-site traffic directional signs. Noncommercial signs located on private property devoted to uses other than single-family or two-family dwellings and directing and guiding traffic or persons or identifying parking on such property provided such signs do not exceed four square feet in area. If freestanding, such signs shall not exceed five feet in height and shall not be located within three feet of any street line or other property line.

(5)

Noncommercial flags and banners. Noncommercial flags and banners containing no commercial message, logo or name of a business or product and not displayed in connection with a commercial promotion or for purposes of attracting attention to a commercial activity.

(6)

Minor signs. Minor signs.

(7)

Governmental signs. Signs erected by a governmental body or required to be erected by law.

(8)

Signs erected and maintained by a public utility showing the location of underground facilities or providing other information pertaining to public safety.

(9)

Any sign that is required to be maintained or restored as a result of being designated as a historic sign or a contributing feature by the National Register of Historic Places, the Virginia Landmarks Register, or the Commission of Architectural Review pursuant to Article IX, Division 4 of this chapter.

(Code 1993, § 32-505; Code 2004, § 114-505; Code 2015, § 30-505; Ord. No. 2006-197-217, § 4, 7-24-2006; Ord. No. 2017-149, § 3, 9-11-2017)

Unless specifically provided otherwise in this article and subject to the regulations and restrictions set forth in this article, the following signs shall be permitted and the following sign regulations shall apply in R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-5A, R-6, R-7 and R-8 residential districts:

(1)

Nondwelling uses permitted by right. On any lot utilized for nondwelling uses permitted by right, not more than two wall signs, awning signs, or canopy signs not exceeding an aggregate of 16 square feet in area on each building frontage along a street and one freestanding sign not exceeding 32 square feet in area on each site shall be permitted.

(2)

Nondwelling uses permitted by conditional use permit. On any lot utilized for nondwelling uses permitted by conditional use permit, wall signs, awning signs, and canopy signs not exceeding an aggregate of 16 square feet in area on each lot shall be permitted. Such signs shall not be illuminated.

(3)

Signs at entrance to residential neighborhoods and residential subdivisions. One freestanding sign not exceeding 32 square feet in area at each entrance to a residential neighborhood or residential subdivision, but not more than a total of two such signs, shall be permitted.

(4)

Freestanding sign limitations. Freestanding signs shall not exceed a height of eight feet and shall not be located within five feet of any street line or within 15 feet of any other property line.

(Code 1993, § 32-506; Code 2004, § 114-506; Code 2015, § 30-506; Ord. No. 2010-18-30, § 5, 2-22-2010; Ord. No. 2017-149, § 3, 9-11-2017; Ord. No. 2018-209, § 1, 9-10-2018)

Unless specifically provided otherwise in this article and subject to the regulations and restrictions set forth in this article, the following signs shall be permitted and the following sign regulations shall apply in R-43, R-48, R-53 and R-73 Multifamily Residential Districts:

(1)

Signs permitted in R-1 through R-8 districts. Any sign permitted in R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-5A, R-6, R-7, and R-8 residential districts as set forth in Section 30-506 shall be permitted.

(2)

Signs identifying other permitted uses. On any lot utilized for any use permitted by right other than those uses set forth in Section 30-506(1), wall signs, suspended signs, awning signs, canopy signs, and freestanding signs shall be permitted, provided that:

a.

The aggregate area of all signs directed toward or intended to be viewed from any street frontage shall not exceed 12 square feet for street frontages of less than 100 feet, 20 square feet for street frontages of 100 feet to 300 feet, and 32 square feet for street frontages of greater than 300 feet.

b.

Not more than one freestanding sign shall be permitted along each street frontage. Freestanding signs shall not exceed a height of eight feet and shall not be located within five feet of any street line or within 15 feet of any other property line.

(Code 1993, § 32-507; Code 2004, § 114-507; Code 2015, § 30-507; Ord. No. 2017-149, § 3, 9-11-2017; Ord. No. 2018-209, § 1, 9-10-2018)

Unless specifically provided otherwise in this article and subject to the regulations and restrictions set forth in this article, the following signs shall be permitted and the following sign regulations shall apply in the R-63 Multifamily Urban Residential District:

(1)

Signs identifying uses permitted in R-1 throughR-8 districts. Any sign permitted in R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-5A, R-6, R-7, and R-8 residential districts as set forth in Section 30-506 shall be permitted.

(2)

Signs identifying other permitted uses. On any lot utilized for any use permitted by right other than those uses set forth in Section 30-506(1), wall signs, suspended signs, awning signs, and canopy signs shall be permitted, provided that the aggregate area of all signs directed toward or intended to be viewed from any street frontage shall not exceed one square foot for each linear foot of building frontage along such street, nor in any case 16 square feet.

(3)

Projecting signs. On any lot utilized for principal uses permitted only on corner lots as listed in Section 30-419.3, projecting signs shall be permitted, provided that:

a.

No projecting sign shall exceed six square feet in area or be located within 25 feet of another projecting sign on the same building wall.

b.

No projecting sign, other than a noncommercial flag, shall project greater than three feet from the face of the building or extend above the height of the wall to which it is attached.

c.

The area of projecting signs shall be included in the calculation of maximum permitted aggregate area of all signs.

(Code 2004, § 114-507.1; Code 2015, § 30-507.1; Ord. No. 2006-197-217, § 2, 7-24-2006; Ord. No. 2017-149, § 3, 9-11-2017; Ord. No. 2018-209, § 1, 9-10-2018)

Unless specifically provided otherwise in this article and subject to the regulations and restrictions set forth in this article, the following signs shall be permitted and the following sign regulations shall apply in the R-MH Manufactured Home District:

(1)

Signs identifying uses permitted in R-1 through R-8 districts. Any sign permitted in R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-5A, R-6, R-7, and R-8 residential districts as set forth in Section 30-506.

(2)

Manufactured home parks. On any lot utilized for a manufactured home park, one wall sign or freestanding sign not exceeding 32 square feet in area shall be permitted, provided that freestanding signs shall not exceed a height of eight feet and shall not be located within five feet of any street line or within 15 feet of any other property line.

(Code 1993, § 32-508; Code 2004, § 114-508; Code 2015, § 30-508; Ord. No. 2004-180-167, § 1, 6-28-2004; Ord. No. 2017-149, § 3, 9-11-2017)

Unless specifically provided otherwise in this article and subject to the regulations and restrictions set forth in this article, the following signs shall be permitted and the following sign regulations shall apply in RO-1, RO-2, and RO-3 Residential-Office Districts:

(1)

Signs identifying uses permitted in R-1 through R-8 districts. Any sign permitted in R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-5A, R-6, R-7, and R-8 residential districts as set forth in Section 30-506 shall be permitted.

(2)

Signs identifying other permitted uses. On any lot utilized for any use permitted by right other than those uses set forth in Section 30-506(1), wall signs, projecting signs, suspended signs, awning signs, canopy signs, and freestanding signs shall be permitted, provided that:

a.

The aggregate area of all signs directed toward or intended to be viewed from any street frontage shall not exceed 12 square feet for street frontages of less than 100 feet, 20 square feet for street frontages of 100 feet to 300 feet, and 32 square feet for street frontages of greater than 300 feet. In addition thereto, where two or more main buildings occupied by nondwelling uses are located on a lot, each such building may be permitted with a wall sign not exceeding 12 square feet in area.

b.

No projecting sign shall exceed 24 square feet in area or be located within 25 feet of another projecting sign on the same building wall. No such sign, other than a noncommercial flag, shall project greater than five feet from the face of the building or extend above the height of the wall to which it is attached.

c.

Not more than one freestanding sign shall be permitted along each street frontage. Freestanding signs shall not exceed a height of eight feet and shall not be located within five feet of any street line or within 15 feet of any other property line.

(Code 1993, § 32-509; Code 2004, § 114-509; Code 2015, § 30-509; Ord. No. 2017-149, § 3, 9-11-2017; Ord. No. 2018-209, § 1, 9-10-2018)

Unless specifically provided otherwise in this article and subject to the regulations and restrictions set forth in this article, the following signs shall be permitted and the following sign regulations shall apply in the HO Hotel-Office District:

(1)

Signs identifying uses permitted in R-1 through R-8 districts. Any sign permitted in R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-5A, R-6, R-7, and R-8 residential districts as set forth in Section 30-506 shall be permitted.

(2)

Other permitted uses. On any lot utilized for any use permitted by right other than those uses set forth in Section 30-506(1), wall signs, projecting signs, suspended signs, awning signs, canopy signs, and freestanding signs shall be permitted, provided that:

a.

The aggregate area of all signs directed toward or intended to be viewed from any street frontage shall not exceed two square feet for each linear foot of lot frontage along the street nor in any case 300 square feet for each street frontage. In addition thereto, one wall sign may be located on the face of a building above a height of 100 feet when no other signs are located on such face above a height of 35 feet. The area of such sign shall not exceed 300 square feet.

b.

No projecting sign shall exceed 24 square feet in area or be located within 25 feet of another projecting sign on the same building wall. No such sign, other than a noncommercial flag, shall project greater than five feet from the face of the building or extend above the height of the wall to which it is attached.

c.

Not more than one freestanding sign shall be permitted along each street frontage. Freestanding signs shall not exceed 50 square feet in area or eight feet in height.

(Code 1993, § 32-510; Code 2004, § 114-510; Code 2015, § 30-510; Ord. No. 2017-149, § 3, 9-11-2017; Ord. No. 2018-209, § 1, 9-10-2018)

Unless specifically provided otherwise in this article and subject to the regulations and restrictions set forth in this article, the following signs shall be permitted and the following sign regulations shall apply in the I Institutional District:

(1)

Types of permitted signs. Wall signs, projecting signs, suspended signs, awning signs, canopy signs, and freestanding signs shall be permitted subject to the restrictions set forth in this section.

(2)

Permitted sign area. The aggregate area of all signs visible from any street frontage shall not exceed 32 square feet. In addition thereto, where two or more main buildings are located on a lot, each building may be permitted to have a wall sign not exceeding 12 square feet in area.

(3)

Projecting signs. No projecting sign shall exceed 24 square feet in area or be located within 25 feet of another projecting sign on the same building wall. No such sign, other than a noncommercial flag, shall project greater than five feet from the face of the building or extend above the height of the wall to which it is attached.

(4)

Freestanding signs. Not more than one freestanding sign shall be permitted along each street frontage. Freestanding signs shall not exceed a height of eight feet and shall not be located within five feet of any street line or within 25 feet of any lot in an R or RO district.

(Code 1993, § 32-511; Code 2004, § 114-511; Code 2015, § 30-511; Ord. No. 2017-149, § 3, 9-11-2017; Ord. No. 2018-209, § 1, 9-10-2018)

Unless specifically provided otherwise in this article and subject to the regulations and restrictions set forth in this article, the following signs shall be permitted and the following sign regulations shall apply in the UB and UB-2 Urban Business Districts:

(1)

Types of permitted signs. Wall signs, projecting signs, suspended signs, awning signs, canopy signs, and freestanding signs shall be permitted, subject to the restrictions set forth in this section.

(2)

Permitted sign area. The aggregate area of all signs located on a lot shall not exceed one square foot for each linear foot of street frontage nor in any case 100 square feet, provided that:

a.

No individual sign shall exceed the smaller of 32 square feet in area or such smaller sign area specified elsewhere in this article.

b.

For a lot having frontage on more than one street, permitted sign area shall be determined by the street frontage having the greatest dimension.

c.

Where more than one main building is located on a lot, the aggregate area of all signs attached to each building shall not exceed one square foot for each linear foot of building frontage along the street nor in any case 100 square feet for each building frontage along a street, and in addition thereto such lot shall be permitted one freestanding sign subject to the restrictions set forth in subsection (4) of this section.

(3)

Projecting signs. No projecting sign shall exceed 24 square feet in area or be located within 25 feet of another projecting sign on the same building wall. No such sign, other than a noncommercial flag, shall project greater than five feet from the face of the building or extend above the height of the wall to which it is attached.

(4)

Freestanding signs. Freestanding signs shall be permitted subject to the following:

a.

One freestanding sign not exceeding 16 square feet in area or ten feet in height shall be permitted. Except as set forth in subdivision b of this subsection, such sign shall be included in the calculation of the permitted sign area set forth in subsection (2) of this section.

b.

On any lot utilized for a shopping center, one freestanding sign not exceeding 32 square feet in area or ten feet in height shall be permitted on a shopping center site provided no other freestanding signs are located on such lot. Such sign shall not be included in calculation of the permitted sign area set forth in subsection (2) of this section.

(Code 1993, § 32-512; Code 2004, § 114-512; Code 2015, § 30-512; Ord. No. 2008-2-55, § 2, 3-24-2008; Ord. No. 2017-149, § 3, 9-11-2017; Ord. No. 2018-209, § 1, 9-10-2018)

Unless specifically provided otherwise in this article and subject to the regulations and restrictions applicable to all districts set forth in this article, the following signs shall be permitted and the following sign regulations shall apply in the B-1 Neighborhood Business District:

(1)

Types of permitted signs. Wall signs, projecting signs, suspended signs, awning signs, canopy signs, and freestanding signs shall be permitted, subject to the restrictions set forth in this section.

(2)

Permitted sign area. The aggregate area of all signs located on a lot shall not exceed one square foot for each linear foot of street frontage nor in any case 100 square feet, provided that:

a.

This subsection shall not be construed to restrict any lot to less than 32 square feet of sign area.

b.

For a lot having frontage on more than one street, permitted sign area shall be determined by the street frontage having the greatest dimension.

c.

Where more than one main building is located on a lot, the formula for determining permitted sign area in this subsection shall apply to individual buildings and building frontages along a street, rather than to lots and lot frontages.

(3)

Projecting signs. No projecting sign shall exceed 24 square feet in area or be located within 25 feet of another projecting sign on the same building wall. No such sign, other than a noncommercial flag, shall project greater than five feet from the face of the building or extend above the height of the wall to which it is attached.

(4)

Freestanding signs. Freestanding signs shall be permitted only on lots utilized for uses set forth in Section 30-506(1) and shall be subject to the restrictions applicable to freestanding signs as set forth in Section 30-506. Such signs shall be included in the calculation of the permitted sign area set forth in subsection (2) of this section.

(Code 1993, § 32-513; Code 2004, § 114-513; Code 2015, § 30-513; Ord. No. 2017-149, § 3, 9-11-2017; Ord. No. 2018-209, § 1, 9-10-2018)

Unless specifically provided otherwise in this article and subject to the regulations and restrictions applicable to all districts set forth in this article, the following signs shall be permitted and the following sign regulations shall apply in the B-2 Community Business District:

(1)

Types of permitted signs. Wall signs, projecting signs, suspended signs, awning signs, canopy signs, and freestanding signs shall be permitted, subject to the restrictions set forth in this section.

(2)

Permitted sign area. The aggregate area of all signs directed toward or intended to be viewed from any street frontage shall not exceed one square foot for each linear foot of street frontage nor in any case 250 square feet for each street frontage, provided that this shall not be construed to restrict any lot to less than 40 square feet of sign area per street frontage. Where more than one main building is located on a lot, the formula in this subsection for determining permitted sign area shall apply to individual buildings and building frontages along a street, rather than to lots and lot frontages.

(3)

Projecting signs. No projecting sign shall exceed 24 square feet in area or be located within 25 feet of another projecting sign on the same building wall. No such sign, other than a noncommercial flag, shall project greater than five feet from the face of the building or extend above the height of the wall to which it is attached.

(4)

Freestanding signs. Freestanding signs shall be permitted subject to the following:

a.

Not more than one freestanding sign shall be permitted along each street frontage. The total square footage attributable to a freestanding sign shall not exceed 100 square feet in area, nor shall a freestanding sign exceed 35 feet in height.

b.

On any lot less than two acres in area and utilized for a shopping center, one freestanding sign not exceeding 100 square feet in area or 35 feet in height shall be permitted. On any such lot having multiple street frontages, one additional freestanding sign shall be permitted along each street frontage of 300 feet or more. Such freestanding signs shall not be included in the calculation of the permitted sign area set forth in subsection (2) of this section.

(Code 1993, § 32-514; Code 2004, § 114-514; Code 2015, § 30-514; Ord. No. 2017-149, § 3, 9-11-2017; Ord. No. 2018-209, § 1, 9-10-2018)

Unless specifically provided otherwise in this article and subject to the regulations and restrictions applicable to all districts set forth in this article, the following signs shall be permitted and the following sign regulations shall apply in the B-3 General Business District:

(1)

Types of permitted signs. Wall signs, projecting signs, suspended signs, awning signs, canopy signs, freestanding signs and off-premises signs shall be permitted, subject to the restrictions set forth in this section and Section 30-504.

(2)

Permitted sign area. The aggregate area of all signs directed toward or intended to be viewed from any street frontage shall not exceed two square feet for each linear foot of lot frontage along the street nor in any case 200 square feet for each street frontage, provided that this shall not be construed to restrict any lot to less than 50 square feet of sign area per street frontage. Where more than one main building is located on a lot, the formula in this subsection for determining permitted sign area shall apply to individual buildings and building frontages along a street, rather than to lots and lot frontages.

(3)

Projecting signs. No projecting sign shall exceed 24 square feet in area or be located within 25 feet of another projecting sign on the same building wall. No such sign, other than a noncommercial flag, shall project greater than five feet from the face of the building or extend above the height of the wall to which it is attached.

(4)

Freestanding signs. Freestanding signs shall be permitted subject to the following:

a.

Not more than one freestanding sign shall be permitted along each street frontage. The total square footage attributable to a freestanding sign shall not exceed 100 square feet in area, nor shall a freestanding sign exceed 35 feet in height.

b.

On any lot less than two acres in area and utilized for a shopping center, one freestanding sign not exceeding 100 square feet in area or 35 feet in height shall be permitted. On any such lot having multiple street frontages, one additional freestanding sign shall be permitted along each street frontage of 300 feet or more. Such freestanding signs shall not be included in the calculation of the permitted sign area set forth in Subsection (2) of this section.

(5)

Off-premises signs. Off-premises signs shall be permitted provided such off-premises signs are oriented towards, visible from, and located within 660 feet of the right-of-way of an interstate highway, and further provided that:

a.

Such signs shall not exceed 700 square feet in area or 35 feet in height.

b.

No two structures shall be spaced less than 500 feet apart along the same side of the highway. The distance between structures shall be measured along the nearest edge of the pavement between points marking the intersections of the edge of the pavement and perpendiculars extending from the edge of the pavement to the structures.

c.

No such structure shall be located within 500 feet of an interchange. The distance from an interchange shall be measured along the nearest edge of the pavement between points marking the beginning or ending of the pavement widening at the exit ramp from or entrance ramp to the main traveled way and a point marking the intersection of the edge of the pavement and a perpendicular extending from the edge of the pavement to the structure.

(Code 1993, § 32-515; Code 2004, § 114-515; Code 2015, § 30-515; Ord. No. 2017-149, § 3, 9-11-2017; Ord. No. 2018-209, § 1, 9-10-2018; Ord. No. 2020-209, § 1, 10-12-2020)

Unless specifically provided otherwise in this article and subject to the regulations and restrictions applicable to all districts set forth in this article, the following signs shall be permitted and the following sign regulations shall apply in the B-4 Central Business District:

(1)

Types of permitted signs. Wall signs, projecting signs, suspended signs, awning signs, canopy signs, and freestanding signs shall be permitted, subject to the restrictions set forth in this section.

(2)

Permitted sign area. Permitted sign area shall be as follows:

a.

The aggregate area of all signs directed toward or intended to be viewed from any street frontage shall not exceed two square feet for each linear foot of lot frontage along the street nor in any case 200 square feet for each street frontage.

b.

In addition to the permitted sign area set forth in subsection (2)a of this section, one wall sign not exceeding 300 square feet may be located on each face of a building above a height of 100 feet when no other signs are located on such face above a height of 35 feet, provided that the permitted sign area for any building face may be increased by up to 25 percent by transferring permitted sign area from another face of the same building.

(3)

Projecting signs. No projecting sign shall be located within 25 feet of another projecting sign on the same building wall. No such sign, other than a noncommercial flag, shall project greater than five feet from the face of the building or extend above the height of the wall to which it is attached.

(4)

Freestanding signs. One freestanding sign not exceeding 50 square feet in area or eight feet in height shall be permitted along each street frontage, provided that a flag shall not exceed a height of 35 feet.

(Code 1993, § 32-516; Code 2004, § 114-516; Code 2015, § 30-516; Ord. No. 2017-149, § 3, 9-11-2017; Ord. No. 2018-209, § 1, 9-10-2018)

Unless specifically provided otherwise in this article and subject to the regulations and restrictions applicable to all districts set forth in this article, the following signs shall be permitted and the following sign regulations shall apply in the B-5 Central Business District:

(1)

Types of permitted signs. Wall signs, projecting signs, suspended signs, awning signs, and canopy signs shall be permitted, subject to the restrictions set forth in this section.

(2)

Permitted sign area. The aggregate area of all signs directed toward or intended to be viewed from any street frontage shall not exceed two square feet for each linear foot of lot frontage along the street nor in any case 300 square feet for each street frontage.

(3)

Projecting signs. No projecting sign shall be located within 25 feet of another projecting sign on the same building wall. No such sign, other than a noncommercial flag, shall project greater than five feet from the face of the building or extend above the height of the wall to which it is attached.

(Code 1993, § 32-517; Code 2004, § 114-517; Code 2015, § 30-517; Ord. No. 2017-149, § 3, 9-11-2017; Ord. No. 2018-209, § 1, 9-10-2018)

Unless specifically provided otherwise in this article and subject to the regulations and restrictions applicable to all districts set forth in this article, the following signs shall be permitted and the following sign regulations shall apply in the B-6 Mixed Use Business Districts:

(1)

Types of permitted signs. Wall signs, projecting signs, suspended signs, awning signs, canopy signs, and freestanding signs shall be permitted, subject to the restrictions set forth in this section.

(2)

Permitted sign area. The aggregate area of all signs directed toward or intended to be viewed from any street frontage shall not exceed one square foot for each linear foot of lot frontage along the street nor in any case 32 square feet for each street frontage. Where more than one main building is located on a lot, the above formula for determining permitted sign area shall apply to individual buildings and building frontages along a street, rather than to lots and lot frontages.

(3)

Projecting signs. No projecting sign shall be located within 25 feet of another projecting sign on the same building wall. No such sign, other than a noncommercial flag, shall project greater than five feet from the face of the building or extend above the height of the wall to which it is attached.

(4)

Freestanding signs. One freestanding sign not exceeding 16 square feet in area or six feet in height shall be permitted along each street frontage.

(Code 1993, § 32-518; Code 2004, § 114-518; Code 2015, § 30-518; Ord. No. 2006-168-189, § 2, 7-10-2006; Ord. No. 2006-329-2007-11, § 1, 1-8-2007; Ord. No. 2017-149, § 3, 9-11-2017; Ord. No. 2018-209, § 1, 9-10-2018)

Unless specifically provided otherwise in this article and subject to the regulations and restrictions applicable to all districts set forth in this article, the following signs shall be permitted and the following sign regulations shall apply in the B-7 Mixed-Use Business District:

(1)

Types of permitted signs. Wall signs, projecting signs, suspended signs, awning signs, canopy signs, freestanding signs and roof signs shall be permitted, subject to the restrictions set forth in this section.

(2)

Permitted sign area. The aggregate area of all signs directed toward or intended to be viewed from any street frontage shall not exceed two square feet for each linear foot of lot frontage along the street nor in any case 300 square feet for each street frontage. Where more than one main building is located on a lot, the above formula for determining permitted sign area shall apply to individual buildings and building frontages along a street, rather than to lots and lot frontages.

(3)

Projecting signs. No projecting sign shall be located within 25 feet of another projecting sign on the same building wall. No such sign, other than a noncommercial flag, shall project greater than five feet from the face of the building or extend above the height of the wall to which it is attached.

(4)

Freestanding signs. One freestanding sign not exceeding 50 square feet in area or 15 feet in height shall be permitted along each street frontage.

(5)

Roof signs. Roof signs located on buildings utilized for uses permitted by Section 30-446.2(46), when such signs are lawfully existing on the effective date of the ordinance from which this section is derived to include the property in the B-7 district, and provided that such signs shall not be included in the calculation of permitted sign area set forth in subsection (2) of this section.

(Code 2004, § 114-518.1; Code 2015, § 30-518.1; Ord. No. 2010-19-31, § 2, 2-22-2010; Ord. No. 2017-149, § 3, 9-11-2017; Ord. No. 2018-209, § 1, 9-10-2018)

Unless specifically provided otherwise in this article and subject to the regulations and restrictions applicable to all districts set forth in this article, the following signs shall be permitted and the following sign regulations shall apply in the RF-1 Riverfront District:

(1)

Types of permitted signs. Wall signs, projecting signs, suspended signs, awning signs, canopy signs, and freestanding signs shall be permitted, subject to the restrictions set forth in this section.

(2)

Permitted sign area. The aggregate area of all signs directed toward or intended to be viewed from any street shall not exceed two square feet for each linear foot of lot frontage along the street nor in any case 300 square feet for each street frontage.

(3)

Projecting signs. No projecting sign shall be located within 25 feet of another projecting sign on the same building wall. No such sign, other than a noncommercial flag, shall project greater than five feet from the face of the building or extend above the height of the wall to which it is attached.

(4)

Freestanding signs. One freestanding sign not exceeding 50 square feet in area or ten feet in height shall be permitted along each street frontage of 150 feet or more, provided freestanding signs not exceeding 60 square feet in area or 12 feet in height in addition to other signs permitted by this section, and shall not be included in the calculation of aggregate sign area permitted on any lot.

(Code 1993, § 32-518.2; Code 2004, § 114-518.2; Code 2015, § 30-518.2; Ord. No. 2017-149, § 3, 9-11-2017; Ord. No. 2018-209, § 1, 9-10-2018)

Unless specifically provided otherwise in this article and subject to the regulations and restrictions applicable to all districts set forth in this article, the following signs shall be permitted and the following sign regulations shall apply in the RF-2 Riverfront District:

(1)

Types of permitted signs. Wall signs, projecting signs, suspended signs, awning signs, canopy signs, and freestanding signs shall be permitted, subject to the restrictions set forth in this section.

(2)

Permitted sign area. The aggregate area of all signs directed toward or intended to be viewed from any street shall not exceed two square feet for each linear foot of lot frontage along the street nor in any case 300 square feet for each street frontage.

(3)

Projecting signs. No projecting sign shall be located within 25 feet of another projecting sign on the same building wall. No such sign, other than a noncommercial flag, shall project greater than five feet from the face of the building or extend above the height of the wall to which it is attached.

(4)

Freestanding signs. One freestanding sign not exceeding 50 square feet in area or ten feet in height shall be permitted along each street frontage of 150 feet or more, provided freestanding signs not exceeding 60 square feet in area or 12 feet in height in addition to other signs permitted by this section, and shall not be included in calculation of aggregate sign area permitted on any lot.

(Code 1993, § 32-518.3; Code 2004, § 114-518.3; Code 2015, § 30-518.3; Ord. No. 2017-149, § 3, 9-11-2017; Ord. No. 2018-209, § 1, 9-10-2018)

In addition to the regulations set forth in this article applicable to signs in all districts, the following signs shall be permitted and the following sign regulations shall apply in the TOD-1 transit-oriented nodal district:

(1)

Types of permitted signs. Wall signs, projecting signs, suspended signs, awning signs, canopy signs, and freestanding signs shall be permitted, subject to the restrictions set forth in this section.

(2)

Permitted sign area. Permitted sign area shall be as follows:

a.

The aggregate area of all signs directed toward or intended to be viewed from any street frontage shall not exceed two square feet for each linear foot of lot frontage along the street nor in any case 200 square feet for each street frontage. Where more than one main building is located on a lot, the above formula for determining permitted sign area shall apply to individual buildings and building frontages along a street, rather than to lots and lot frontages.

b.

In addition to the permitted sign area set forth in subsection (2)(a) of this section, one wall sign not exceeding 300 square feet may be located on each face of a building above a height of 100 feet when no other signs are located on such face above a height of 35 feet, provided that the permitted sign area for any building face may be increased by up to 25 percent by transferring permitted sign area from another face of the same building.

(3)

Projecting signs. Projecting signs shall be permitted subject to the following:

a.

No projecting sign shall be located within 15 feet of another projecting sign on the same building wall.

b.

No such sign, other than a noncommercial flag, shall project greater than five feet from the face of the building or extend above the height of the wall to which it is attached.

c.

The aggregate area of all projecting signs shall not exceed 100 square feet.

(4)

Freestanding signs. One freestanding sign not exceeding 20 square feet in area or five feet in height shall be permitted.

(5)

Roof signs. Roof signs located on buildings utilized for uses permitted by Section 30-457.2, when such signs are lawfully existing on the effective date of the ordinance from which this section is derived, provided that such signs shall not be included in calculation of permitted sign area set forth in subsection (2) of this section.

(6)

Exempt signs. Notwithstanding subsections (1) through (5) of this section, signs on a lot containing a stadium structure with at least three thousand seats shall be exempt from all sign regulations in this article.

(Code 2015, § 30-518.4; Ord. No. 2017-150, § 3, 9-25-2017; Ord. No. 2018-209, § 1, 9-10-2018; Ord. No. 2023-369, § 1, 1-8-2024)

Unless specifically provided otherwise in this article and subject to the regulations and restrictions applicable to all districts set forth in this article, the following signs shall be permitted and the following sign regulations shall apply in the CM Coliseum Mall District (see Sections 30-502 through 30-504 and 30-505):

(1)

Types of permitted signs. Wall signs, projecting signs, suspended signs, awning signs, and canopy signs shall be permitted, subject to the restrictions set forth in this section.

(2)

Permitted sign area. The aggregate area of all signs directed toward or intended to be viewed from any street or mall frontage shall not exceed two square feet for each linear foot of lot frontage along the street or mall nor in any case 300 square feet for each street frontage.

(3)

Projecting signs. No projecting sign shall be located within 25 feet of another projecting sign on the same building wall. No such sign, other than a noncommercial flag, shall project greater than five feet from the face of the building or extend above the height of the wall to which it is attached.

(Code 1993, § 32-519; Code 2004, § 114-519; Code 2015, § 30-519; Ord. No. 2017-149, § 3, 9-11-2017; Ord. No. 2018-209, § 1, 9-10-2018)

Unless specifically provided otherwise in this article and subject to the regulations and restrictions applicable to all districts set forth in this article, the following signs shall be permitted and the following sign regulations shall apply in the DCC Downtown Civic and Cultural District:

(1)

Types of permitted signs. Wall signs, projecting signs, suspended signs, awning signs, canopy signs, and freestanding signs shall be permitted, subject to the restrictions set forth in this section.

(2)

Permitted sign area. The aggregate area of all signs directed toward or intended to be viewed from any street or mall frontage shall not exceed two square feet for each linear foot of lot frontage along the street or mall.

(3)

Projecting signs. No projecting sign shall be located within 25 feet of another projecting sign on the same building wall. No such sign, other than a noncommercial flag, shall project greater than five feet from the face of the building or extend above the height of the wall to which it is attached.

(4)

Freestanding signs. Freestanding signs shall be permitted subject to the following:

a.

One freestanding sign not exceeding 50 square feet in area or ten feet in height shall be permitted along each street frontage of 150 feet or more.

b.

Uses located on a mall and outside of an enclosed building which are not otherwise entitled to any sign under subsection (2) of this section and subdivision a of this subsection shall be permitted one freestanding sign not exceeding 12 square feet in area.

(Code 1993, § 32-520; Code 2004, § 114-520; Code 2015, § 30-520; Ord. No. 2017-149, § 3, 9-11-2017; Ord. No. 2018-209, § 1, 9-10-2018)

Unless specifically provided otherwise in this article and subject to the regulations and restrictions applicable to all districts set forth in this article, the following signs shall be permitted and the following sign regulations shall apply in the OS Office-Service District:

(1)

Signs permitted in R-1 through R-8 districts. Any sign permitted in R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-5A, R-6, R-7, and R-8 residential districts as set forth in Section 30-506 shall be permitted.

(2)

Other permitted uses. On any lot utilized for any use permitted by right other than those uses set forth in Section 30-506(1), wall signs, projecting signs, suspended signs, awning signs, canopy signs, and freestanding signs shall be permitted, provided that:

a.

The aggregate area of all signs directed toward or intended to be viewed from any street frontage shall not exceed 12 square feet for street frontages of less than 100 feet, 20 square feet for street frontages of 100 feet to 300 feet, and 32 square feet for street frontages of greater than 300 feet. In addition thereto, where two or more main buildings are located on a lot, each such building may be permitted to have a wall sign not exceeding 12 square feet in area.

b.

No projecting sign shall exceed 24 square feet in area or be located within 25 feet of another projecting sign on the same building wall. No such sign, other than a noncommercial flag, shall project greater than five feet from the face of the building or extend above the height of the wall to which it is attached.

c.

One freestanding sign shall be permitted. Freestanding signs shall not exceed a height of eight feet and shall not be located within five feet of any street line or within 15 feet of any other property line.

(Code 1993, § 32-521; Code 2004, § 30-521; Code 2015, § 30-521; Ord. No. 2017-149, § 3, 9-11-2017; Ord. No. 2018-209, § 1, 9-10-2018)

Unless specifically provided otherwise in this article and subject to the regulations and restrictions applicable to all districts set forth in this article, the following signs shall be permitted and the following sign regulations shall apply in the RP Research Park District:

(1)

Types of permitted signs. Wall signs, projecting signs, suspended signs, awning signs, canopy signs, and freestanding signs shall be permitted, subject to the restrictions set forth in this section.

(2)

Permitted sign area. The aggregate area of all signs directed toward or intended to be viewed from any street frontage shall not exceed two square feet for each linear foot of lot frontage along the street nor in any case 200 square feet for each street frontage. Where more than one main building is located on a lot, the formula in this subsection for determining permitted sign area shall apply to individual buildings and building frontages along a street, rather than to lots and lot frontages.

(3)

Projecting signs. No projecting sign shall be located within 25 feet of another projecting sign on the same building wall. No such sign shall project greater than five feet from the face of the building or extend above the height of the wall to which it is attached.

(4)

Freestanding signs. One freestanding sign not exceeding 25 square feet in area or eight feet in height shall be permitted along each street frontage.

(Code 1993, § 32-522; Code 2004, § 114-522; Code 2015, § 30-522; Ord. No. 2017-149, § 3, 9-11-2017; Ord. No. 2018-209, § 1, 9-10-2018; Ord. No. 2022-245, § 1, 9-26-2022)

Unless specifically provided otherwise in this article and subject to the regulations and restrictions applicable to all districts set forth in this article, the following signs shall be permitted and the following sign regulations shall apply in the M-1 and M-2 Industrial Districts:

(1)

Types of permitted signs. Wall signs, projecting signs, suspended signs, awning signs, canopy signs, freestanding signs, roof signs, and off-premises signs shall be permitted, subject to the restrictions set forth in this section.

(2)

Permitted sign area. The aggregate area of all signs directed toward or intended to be viewed from any street frontage shall not exceed three square feet for each linear foot of lot frontage along the street nor in any case 300 square feet for each street frontage, provided that this shall not be construed to restrict any lot to less than 50 square feet of sign area per street frontage. Where more than one main building is located on a lot, the formula in this subsection for determining permitted sign area shall apply to individual buildings and building frontages along a street, rather than to lots and lot frontages.

(3)

Off-premises signs. Off-premises signs shall be subject to the regulations applicable in the B-3 General Business District set forth in Section 30-515(5).

(Code 1993, § 32-523; Code 2004, § 114-523; Code 2015, § 30-523; Ord. No. 2017-149, § 3, 9-11-2017; Ord. No. 2018-209, § 1, 9-10-2018)

On any lot utilized for a nonconforming use and located in an R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-5A, R-6, R-7, or R-8 residential district, one wall sign shall be permitted, provided that such sign shall not exceed 12 square feet in area and shall not be illuminated. On any lot utilized for a nonconforming use and located in any district other than an R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-5A, R-6, R-7, or R-8 residential district, signs shall conform to the sign regulations applicable in the district in which the lot is located.

(Code 1993, § 32-524; Code 2004, § 114-524; Code 2015, § 30-524; Ord. No. 2010-18-30, § 5, 2-22-2010; Ord. No. 2017-149, § 4, 9-11-2017)

(a)

A nonconforming sign as defined in Section 30-1220 may remain except as set forth in this section. The owner of the property shall bear the burden of establishing the nonconforming status of a sign and of the physical characteristics and location of such a sign. Upon notice from the zoning administrator, a property owner shall submit verification that the sign lawfully existed at the time of erection. Failure to provide such verification shall be cause for an order to remove the sign or to bring the sign into compliance with the current provisions of this chapter.

(b)

No nonconforming sign shall be enlarged, and no feature of a nonconforming sign, such as illumination, shall be increased.

(c)

No provision of this section shall be interpreted or construed to prevent the keeping in good repair of a nonconforming sign. Nonconforming signs shall not be extended, structurally reconstructed, or altered in any manner except that a sign face may be changed if the new face is equal to or reduced in height or sign area, either or both.

(d)

No nonconforming sign shall be moved any distance on the same lot or to any other lot unless such change in location will make the sign conform in all respects to the provisions of this article.

(e)

A nonconforming sign that is destroyed or damaged by any casualty to an extent not exceeding 50 percent of its area may be restored within two years after such destruction or damage but shall not be enlarged in any manner. If such sign is so destroyed or damaged to an extent exceeding 50 percent, it shall not be reconstructed but may be replaced with a sign that is in full accordance with the provisions of this article.

(f)

A nonconforming sign which is changed to becoming conforming or which is replaced by a conforming sign shall no longer be deemed nonconforming, and thereafter such sign shall be in accordance with the provisions of this article.

(g)

A nonconforming sign structure shall be subject to the removal provisions of this chapter. In addition, a nonconforming sign structure shall be removed if the use to which it is accessory has not been in operation for a period of two years or more. The owner or lessee of the property shall remove such a sign structure. If the owner or lessee fails to remove the sign structure, the zoning administrator shall give the owner written notice that the sign must be removed within 15 days after the notice is given. If the owner fails to comply with this notice, the zoning administrator may enter the property upon which the sign is located and remove any such sign or may initiate such action as may be necessary to bring the sign into compliance with this provision. The cost of such removal shall be chargeable to the owner of the property.

(Code 1993, § 32-525; Code 2004, § 114-525; Code 2015, § 30-525; Ord. No. 2017-149, § 4, 9-11-2017)

Nothing contained in this article shall be construed to authorize or permit the continuance of any sign which was in violation of any chapter of this Code pertaining to zoning and preceding this chapter, and any such sign shall not be deemed to be nonconforming under this chapter and shall be unlawful.

(Code 1993, § 32-526; Code 2004, § 114-526; Code 2015, § 30-526)

(a)

Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, any sign permitted by this article for which a permit to erect a sign is not required by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code or any other building code which may be adopted by the City shall require a certificate of zoning compliance as set forth in Article X, Division 3 of this chapter.

(b)

Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, the following signs, displays, and devices, shall not require a certificate of zoning compliance:

(1)

Noncommercial flags and banners containing no commercial message, logo, or name of a business or product and not displayed in connection with a commercial promotion or for purposes of attracting attention to a commercial activity.

(2)

Minor signs.

(3)

Signs erected by a governmental body or required to be erected by law.

(4)

Signs erected and maintained by a public utility showing the location of underground facilities or providing other information pertaining to public safety.

(Code 1993, § 32-527; Code 2004, § 114-527; Code 2015, § 30-527; Ord. No. 2017-149, § 5, 9-11-2017)