Richmond Heights City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 1179
Signs
1179.01 PURPOSE.
The purpose of this Chapter is to promote the public health, safety and welfare through the provision of standards for existing and proposed signs of all types. More specifically, this Chapter is intended to:
(a) Enhance and protect the physical appearance of the community and to protect and enhance property values;
(b) Promote and maintain visually attractive, residential, retail, commercial and industrial districts and to protect and enhance property values;
(c) Ensure that signs are located and designed to reduce sign distraction and confusion that may be contributing factors in traffic congestion and accidents, and maintain a safe and orderly pedestrian and vehicular environment;
(d) Provide review procedures that enable the City to comprehensively evaluate the appropriateness of a sign to the site, building and surroundings; and
(e) Prohibit all signs not expressly permitted by this Chapter.
(Ord. 3-2006. Passed 2-28-06.)
1179.02 DEFINITIONS.
(a) Signs shall mean any visual communication display, object, device, graphic, structure or part, situated indoors or outdoors, or attached to, painted on or displayed from a building or structure, in order to direct or attract attention, or to announce or promote, an object, product, place, activity, person, institution, organization, or business or the like, by means of letters, words, model, banner, flag, pennant, insignia, logo, device designs, colors, symbols, fixtures, images, illuminations or representation used as, or which is in the nature of an announcement, direction, or advertisement. For the purpose of this Code, the word “sign” does not include flag, pennant, badge, or insignia of any government or governmental agency.
(b) Animated Sign shall mean any sign that uses flashing lights or movement of the sign or some element thereof, to depict action or create a special effect or scene.
(c) Awning or Canopy Sign shall mean any sign that is painted on, printed on or attached to an awning, canopy, or other fabric, plastic, or structural protective cover.
(d) Back Lighted Letter is an illuminated reverse channel letter with an open or translucent back so that light from the letter is directed against the surface behind the letter producing a halo lighting effect around the letter; also referred to as a silhouette or halo-lighted.
(e) Banner Sign shall mean a sign made of lightweight fabric or similar material with no enclosing framework that is secured to a building or other structure at one or more edges.
(f) Billboard Sign (synonymous with off-site advertising) shall mean a sign that directs attention to a business, commodity, service or entertainment conducted, sold, or offered elsewhere than upon the same lot.
(g) Building Sign shall mean any sign attached parallel to any part of a building and including wall signs, awning or canopy signs and window signs.
(h) Cabinet Sign is a sign structure consisting of the frame and face(s) not including the internal components, embellishments, or support structure.
(i) Changeable Copy Sign shall mean a portion of a sign with letters, characters, or graphics that are not permanently affixed to the structure, framing, or background allowing the letters, characters or graphics to be modified manually from time to time as situations change, such as a bulletin board or announcement board.
(j) Channel letter is a fabricated or formed three-dimensional letter that may accommodate light source. (Ord. 3-2006. Passed 2-28-06.)
(k) Electronic Message Display Sign is a variable message sign that utilizes computer generated messages or some other electronic means of changing copy.
(Ord. 23-2014. Passed 5-13-14.)
(l) Entrance or Exit Sign shall mean a sign located at the driveway entrance or exit and intended to provide for safe ingress and egress.
(m) Exterior Illuminated Sign is a sign that is illuminated by a light source that is directed towards and shines on the face of a sign; also called direct illumination.
(n) Flag Sign shall mean a piece of flexible material having a distinctive size, color, and design, used as a symbol, standard, signal, or emblem.
(o) Ground or Monument Sign shall mean a sign supported from the ground and not attached to any building, and shall include a “Post and Panel Sign.”
(p) Halo lighted See definition (d) Backlighted letter.
(q) Ideological Sign shall mean any temporary sign announcing an idea, opinion or position on a social or political issue and containing no commercial message.
(r) Illuminated Sign shall mean a sign with an artificial light source incorporated internally or externally for the purpose of illuminating the sign.
(s) Instructional Sign shall mean a sign that has a purpose secondary to the use on the lot and that is intended to instruct employees, customers, or users as to matters of public safety or necessity such as specific parking requirements, the location or regulations pertaining to specific activities on the site or in the building, and including a sign erected by a public authority, utility, public service organization, or private industry that is intended to control traffic; direct, identify or inform the public; or provide needed public service as determined by the rules and regulations of governmental agencies or through public policy.
(t) Internally Illuminated Sign is sign illuminated internally through its sign face by a light source contained inside the sign.
(u) Marquee Sign shall mean a sign attached to a structure, other than an awning or canopy sign, projecting from a wall of a building above an entrance and extending over a street, sidewalk, or part thereof.
(v) Mobile Sign shall mean a sign that is on wheels, runners, casters, or has a frame to which wheels, runners, or casters may be affixed, parked trailers, parked vehicles, or other mobile devices, including tethered and/or anchored balloons.
(w) Pan Channel Letter is a dimensional letter that is constructed with sidewalls, a back, and a face making the letter a solid integral unity with the sidewalls and back having a pan-shaped cross section.
(x) Permanent Sign shall mean a sign that is not temporary.
(y) Post and Panel Sign shall mean a Sign Face supported between two posts on each end of the Sign Face. (See example of post and panel sign below.)
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(z) Projecting Sign shall mean a sign that is attached to a building wall and extending twelve (12) inches or more perpendicular to the face of the wall.
(aa) Reverse Channel Letter is a fabricated dimensional letter with opaque face and sidewalls. (See definition (d) Backlighted letter.)
(bb) Roof Sign shall mean a sign erected, constructed or maintained wholly upon or over the roof or parapet wall of any building with the principal support on the roof structure.
(cc) Sign Face shall mean the area or display surface used for the message.
(dd) Sign Plate shall mean a wall sign not exceeding two (2) square foot in area.
(ee) Temporary Sign shall mean a sign that is designed to be used only temporarily and is not intended to be permanently attached to a building, a structure or permanently installed in the ground.
(ff) Wall Sign shall mean a sign painted on, attached to, or erected against the wall of a building or structure with the exposed face of the sign in a plane parallel to the plane of the wall and not extending more than twelve (12) inches therefrom and which does not project above the roofline or beyond the corner of the building.
(gg) Window Sign shall mean a sign that is applied or attached to a window or door, or a sign located near a window within a building for the purpose of being visible to and read from the outside of the building except for signs that are not legible from a distance of more than three (3) feet beyond the building in which such sign is located.
(Ord. 3-2006. Passed 2-28-06.)
1179.03 APPLICATION OF SIGN REGULATIONS.
(a) The regulations contained in this Chapter shall apply to signs outside of the public right-of-way, except when specifically stated otherwise.
(b) A sign may only be erected, established, painted, created or maintained in the City in conformance with the standards, procedures, exemptions and other requirements of this Chapter.
(c) All permanent signs shall comply with the sign design guidelines set forth in Section 1179.10, Design Standards.
(d) Architectural Features. Architectural features that are either part of the building or part of a freestanding structure are not considered signs and are thus exempt from these regulations. Architectural features include:
(1) Any construction attending to, but not an integral part of the sign, and which may consist of landscape or building or structural forms that enhance the site in general.
(2) Graphic stripes and other architectural painting techniques applied to a structure that serves a functional purpose or to a building when the stripes or other painting technique do not include lettering, logos or pictures.
(Ord. 3-2006. Passed 2-28-06.)
1179.04 COMPUTATIONS AND RULES OF MEASUREMENT.
The following regulations shall control the computation and measurement of sign area, sign height, window area and building frontage:
(a) Determining Sign Area or Dimension.
(1) Sign area shall include the face of all the display area of the sign. Sign area shall not include the frame and structural support unless such structural support is determined to constitute an integral part of the sign design.
(2) For a sign that is framed, outlined, painted or otherwise prepared and intended to provide a background for a sign display, the area of the sign shall be the area of one (1) rectangular shape that encompasses the entire background or frame.
(3) For a sign comprised of individual letters, figures or elements on a wall or similar surface of a building or structure, or an irregular shaped ground sign, the area of the sign shall be the area of one (1) rectangular shape that encompasses the perimeter of all the elements in the display.
A. When separate elements are organized to form a single sign, but the elements are separated by open space, the area shall be the area of one (1) rectangular shape that comprises all the display areas, including the space between the elements.
B. One minor protrusion may be permitted to extend above or below the sign area when the area of the protrusion is less than 25% of the open space included in the sign area. For the purposes of this section, only the open space within the sign area that is located above and below the majority of the letters shall be included in the calculation. See Figure 1.
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(4) For ground signs and projecting signs:
A. The sign area shall be computed by the measurement of one (1) of the faces when two (2) identical display faces are joined, are parallel or within 30 degrees of being parallel to each other and are at no point separated by a distance that exceeds two feet apart.
B. No more than two display faces shall be permitted.
C. The portion of a solid sign base that is mostly screened by landscaping, up to a maximum height of two (2) feet, shall not be calculated as sign area.
(5) Air under a ground sign between supporting posts, air between a projecting sign and the wall to which it is attached, and lighting fixtures and associated brackets shall not be included in the calculation of sign area. See Figure 2.
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(b) Determining Sign Height. The height of a sign shall be measured from the average natural grade at the base of the sign or support structure to the tallest element of the calculated sign area. A ground sign on a man-made base, including a graded earth mound, shall be measured from the average site grade prior to the addition of the sign.
(c) Determining Building Frontage and Building Unit. For the purposes of these sign regulations, the length of the building wall that faces a public street or that contains a public entrance to the uses therein shall be considered the building frontage.
(1) The building frontage shall be measured along such building wall between the exterior faces of the exterior side walls.
(2) In the case of an irregular wall surface, a single straight line extended along such wall surface shall be used to measure the length.
(3) A building shall have only one building frontage except as otherwise set forth below.
(4) A building shall have two frontages whenever the lot fronts on two or more streets, or the building has a public entrance on a wall other than the wall that faces the street. The property owner shall determine which wall shall be the primary building frontage and which wall shall be the secondary building frontage. Only one outside wall of any business shall be considered its primary frontage and only one additional wall considered its secondary frontage.
(5) For multi-occupant buildings, the portion of a building that is owned or leased by a single occupant shall be considered a building unit. The building frontage for a building unit shall be measured from the centerline of the party walls defining the building unit.
(d) Determining Window Area. The window area of a building shall be the total glass area of windows on the building frontage. For the purposes of determining window area for ground floor occupants, the ground floor shall be considered to be no more than fifteen (15) feet in height above grade.
(Ord. 3-2006. Passed 2-28-06.)
1179.05 SIGNS IN NONRESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS.
Signs in nonresidential districts shall conform to the standards set forth in this Section, except for residential uses which shall comply with the standards set forth in Section 1179.06.
(a) Maximum Number and Area of Permanent Signs Attached to Buildings. Permanent signs attached to buildings shall conform to the maximum number and area limitations set forth in Table 1179.05
(a). In addition to the sign area permitted in Table 1179.05
(a), each building shall be permitted to display numerals indicating the building’s street address, provided the numerals and letters do not exceed eight (8) inches in height.
Table 1179.05(a) Permanent Signs Attached to Buildings | ||
Type | Maximum Number Permitted | Maximum Area |
(A) Signplate | 2/address and 1/entry | 2 sq ft |
(B) Building Sign | 1/ground floor occupant frontage | 1.5 square ft per linear ft of building frontage, not to exceed 100 sq ft (a) |
(C) Projecting Sign | 1/ground floor occupant frontage(b) | 6 sq ft |
(D) Instructional Sign | ||
(a) See Section 1179.05(b) | ||
(b) Building Signs. The building sign permitted in Table 1179.05
(a) shall be either a wall sign, awning sign or window sign erected in compliance with the following additional regulations.
(1) Window Sign.
B. Upper Story Occupants. For a multi-story building, each occupant above the ground floor shall be permitted one permanent sign to be placed in a window of the occupant space, not to exceed six (6) square feet or 25 percent of the area of the window in which the sign is placed, whichever is smaller. These signs shall be in addition to the maximum allowable area for building signs pursuant to Table 1179.05
(a).
(2) Awning Signs. Awning signs may be permitted to extend over a public right-of-way provided such awning signs comply with the regulations of this Chapter.
(3) Corner Lots and Public Entrances Not Fronting a Street. The maximum allowable area for building signs set forth in Table 1179.05
(a) shall be the area allowed for the occupant’s primary frontage. In the event an occupant has a secondary frontage as defined in Section 1179.04
(c) additional sign area shall be permitted in compliance with the following:
A. The sign area for the secondary building frontage shall be 60 percent of the sign area permitted for the primary frontage.
B. The property owner may choose to locate the permitted building sign area on any exterior building wall provided the sign area on any one wall does not exceed the formula set forth in Table 1179.05
(a) and signs are attached to no more than two (2) exterior walls.
(4) Large Building Setbacks. The maximum allowable area for a building sign may be increased by 25% for each additional 100 feet of building setback when the principal building is located more than 100 feet from the principal street on which the building is located and the building is visible from the street. The additional 25% in area for each additional 100 feet of setback can be used on a graduated scale basis for each additional 100 feet of setback. For example, a principal building with a setback of 150 feet from the principal street may have a building sign not to exceed 112.5% of the maximum allowable area. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no sign shall exceed 200% of the maximum allowable area.
(c) Projecting Signs.
(1) Projecting signs shall be limited to occupants that have a minimum of 12 feet of occupant frontage.
(2) All projecting signs shall not extend above the roof line or exceed a height of 14 feet, whichever is less, and shall have a minimum clearance of seven (7) feet from the ground to the bottom of the sign, except when the projecting sign is located above a landscaped area or other area that does not permit pedestrian traffic beneath the sign.
(d) Permanent Ground Signs. Permanent ground signs permitted in nonresidential districts shall comply with the following regulations:
(1) Maximum Number, Area and Height, Minimum Setback of Permanent Ground Signs. Permanent ground signs shall comply with the maximum number, area and height limitations and minimum setback from the street right-of-way set forth in Table 1179.05
(d).
(Ord. 3-2006. Passed 2-28-06.)
Table 1179.05(d) Permanent Ground Signs | ||||
Maximum Number | Maximum Area | Maximum Height | Minimum Setback (b) | |
1. Primary Sign(a) | ||||
a. Building Setback > 30 feet (b) | 1 per lot (c) | 40 sq ft | 9 ft | 15 ft |
b. Building Setback > 12 but < 30 feet (b) | 1 per lot (c) | 32 sq ft | 9 ft | Equal to height of sign |
2. Entrance/Exit Signs | 2 per driveway (1 in, 1 out) | 2 sq ft | 3 ft | 0 |
3. Instructional Signs | ||||
(a) Not permitted on the site when the building is setback less than 12 feet from the street right-of-way. (b) From the street right-of-way. (c) Except as otherwise permitted in Section 1179.05(d)(2) for lots that exceed 500 feet in street frontage. | ||||
(Ord. 3-2006. Passed 2-28-06; Ord. 23-2014. Passed 5-3-14.)
(2) Additional Ground Signs. One additional primary ground sign shall be permitted for every additional five hundred (500) feet of street frontage or fraction thereof per lot greater than five hundred (500) feet. For example, if the street frontage of the lot is 501 feet, up to two primary ground signs are permitted and three primary ground signs are not permitted unless the street frontage of the lot is at least 1,000 feet. For corner lots, each street frontage shall be calculated separately. Ground signs on the same lot shall be separated by a minimum of two hundred (200) feet, as measured along the street right-of-way line. For corner lots, both sides of the intersection shall be used in measuring spacing.
(3) Minimum Sign Setback from Intersection. On corner lots, ground signs shall comply with the minimum sign setback from both streets right-of- way, as set forth in Table 1179.05
(d).
(4) Minimum Sign Setback from Side Lot Lines. Ground signs shall be located a minimum of fifteen (15) feet from any side lot line, except that when a side lot line coincides with a residential district boundary line or a lot used for residential purposes, the minimum setback shall be thirty (30) feet.
(5) Base and Skirting. Ground signs, other than temporary signs and post and panel signs, shall have a solid base or solid skirting around the bottom of the sign extending from the bottom of the sign panel down to the ground.
(6) Landscaping. Ground signs shall be erected in a landscaped setting and not on sidewalks, drives or in parking lots. Neither the landscaping nor the ground sign shall obstruct the view of vehicles entering or exiting the property. There shall be landscaping around the base of the ground sign pursuant to a plan approved by the City’s Landscape Architect and the landscaping shall be continuously maintained according to the plan during the existence of the sign. Any changes to the approved plan must be approved by the City’s Landscape Architect.
(7) Changeable Copy. Ground signs may have up to 30% of the sign area set forth in Table 1179.05
(d) devoted to changeable copy.
A. The changeable copy shall not be changed more than eight (8) times per day, and no more than one (1) time per hour.
B. Changeable copy may only be manually changed.
C. All changeable copy shall comply with the lettering style, lettering color, background color and all other elements approved by the Architectural Board of Review. No alphabetic letter or number shall be used as a substitute for a different alphabetic letter or number or a different color of letter.
(8) Multi-Occupant Facilities. When a ground sign is permitted on a site that has more than one occupant, it is the property owner’s responsibility to determine if the sign area shall be devoted to identification of the building(s), the anchor occupant, all occupants, or some combination thereof.
(e) Instructional Signs. Instructional signs that are clearly intended for instructional purposes shall be permitted as needed provided such signs comply with the following:
(1) The signs are not larger than necessary to serve the intended instructional purpose;
(2) The number of instructional signs located on the site are the minimum needed to serve the intended instructional purpose;
(3) Lettering on the sign does not exceed two (2) inches in height; and
(4) The signs are not in a location and do not possess design characteristics that constitute or serve to attract attention beyond the perimeter of the site.
(1) Temporary signs may be ground signs, window signs or banner signs.
(2) The total area of temporary window signs shall not exceed 25% of the total transparent glass area of the window in which the sign is placed.
(3) The total maximum number and area permitted for temporary ground signs and temporary banner signs shall be regulated based on the district in which the lot is located.
A. In Districts B-1 and B-3, a maximum of two (2) signs per parcel shall be permitted provided the total area of all temporary ground signs and temporary banner signs shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet per parcel.
B. In Districts, B-2, O-S, I-1 and 1-2, a maximum of four (4) signs per parcel shall be permitted provided the total area of all temporary ground signs and temporary banner signs shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet per parcel.
(4) Temporary ground signs shall have a maximum height of six (6) feet and shall be located a minimum distance from the public right- of-way that is equal to the height of the sign.
(5) One temporary ideological ground sign permitted in Subsection 1179.05
(f)(3) may be erected for an unspecified time. All other temporary ground signs and temporary banner signs shall be permitted for a maximum of fifteen (15) consecutive days, and not more than a total of seventy-five (75) days per calendar year.
(6) Temporary signs that are erected in order to announce or advertise a specific event shall be removed within three (3) days after the close of such event.
(Ord. 3-2006. Passed 2-28-06.)
1179.06 SIGNS IN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS.
Signs in residential districts shall comply with the regulations set forth in this section.
(a) Sign Standards. Signs in residential districts shall be limited in number, area, height and setback based on the type of use, as set forth in Table 1179.06
(a).
Table 1179.06(a) Signs in Residential Districts | |||||
Regulations for Ground Signs | |||||
Type | Maximum Number Permitted | Maximum Total Sign Area per Type | Maximum Area Per Sign | Maximum Heights | Min. Setback from ROW |
(A) Signs for Single-Family Dwellings, Duplexes and Townhouses: | |||||
1. Permanent Signs | |||||
a. Signplate or window sign | per DU(a) | 2 sq ft | 2 sq ft | -- | -- |
b. Ground Sign | 1/building | 2 sq ft | 2 sq ft | 5 ft | 0(b) |
2. Ground Sign for Residential Subdivision | 2/subdivision entrance | (c) | 15 sq ft | 8 ft | -- |
3. Temporary window or ground sign(d) | per building (a) | 12 sq ft | 6 sq ft | 5 ft | 0(b) |
(B) Multi-Family Buildings: | |||||
1. Permanent Signs | |||||
a. Signplate or window sign | per DU(a) | 2 sq ft | 2 sq ft | -- | -- |
1/public entrance to building | 2 sq ft | 2 sq ft | -- | -- | |
b. Ground Sign | 1/development entrance | 15 sq ft | 15 sq ft | 8 ft | equal to height of sign |
2. Temporary sign (b) | |||||
a. Window Sign | per DU(a) | 2 sq ft | 2 sq ft | -- | -- |
b. Ground sign | per building (a) | 16 sq ft | 6 sq ft | 5 ft | 0 (b) |
(C) Parcels Used for Nonresidential Purposes: | |||||
1. Permanent Signs | |||||
a. Signplate | 1/address | 2 sq ft | 2 sq ft | -- | -- |
b. Primary Wall Sign | 1/building | 40 sq ft | 40 sq ft | -- | -- |
c. Primary Ground Sign | 1/500 feet or less of parcel frontage(e) | 25 sq ft plus 5 sq ft for every 50 ft of frontage >100 ft | 40 sq ft | 9 ft | 15 ft |
2. Temporary ground sign or banner sign (d) | per parcel (a) | 16 sq ft/200 feet of parcel frontage (e) | 16 sq ft | 8 ft | equal to height of sign |
(D) Instructional Sign: | Shall be exempt from regulations when in compliance with Section 1179.06(e)
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(a) No limit on the number provided the total area of this type of sign does not exceed the maximum area permitted. (b) But no closer than 10 feet from the pavement of the travel lane of the public or private street. (c) See also subsection 1179.06(b)(4). (d) See also subsection 1179.06(c). (e) Or fraction thereof, except as otherwise permitted in Section 1179.06(b)(5) for lots that exceed 500 feet in street frontage. DU = Dwelling Unit |
(Ord. 3-2006. Passed 2-28-06; Ord. 23-2014. Passed 5-13-14.)
(b) Supplemental Regulations for All Ground Signs.
(1) Ground signs shall be erected in a landscaped setting and not on sidewalks, drives or in the paved areas of parking lots. Ground signs may be placed in parking lots when placed on islands and landscaped as required by other provisions of this Code. (Ord. 23-2014. Passed 5-13-14.)
(2) No part of a ground sign, the wall or entry feature on which a sign is mounted, or the landscaping shall obstruct the view of vehicles entering or exiting the property.
(3) For residential subdivisions, the ground sign shall have a maximum of two (2) sign faces per entrance and be either a double-faced ground sign or two (2) single-sided sign faces attached to walls or entry features located one on each side of the street entrance.
(4) For all parcels used for nonresidential purposes in residential districts, one (1) additional primary ground sign shall be permitted for every five hundred (500) feet of street frontage or fraction thereof per lot greater than five hundred (500) feet. For corner lots, each street frontage shall be calculated separately. Ground signs on the same lot shall be separated by a minimum of two hundred (200) feet, as measured along the street right-of-way line. For corner lots, both sides of the intersection shall be used in measuring spacing.
(5) For all parcels used for nonresidential purposes, a maximum of 30% of the permitted ground sign area may be devoted to changeable copy.
A. The changeable copy shall not be changed more than once per day.
B. Changeable copy shall only be manually changed.
C. All changeable copy shall comply with the lettering style, lettering color, background color and all other elements approved by the Architectural Board of Review. No alphabetic letter or number shall be used as a substitute for a different alphabetic letter or number.
(c) Supplemental Regulations for Temporary Signs.
(1) Temporary signs for residential uses and temporary window signs for parcels used for nonresidential purposes permitted in Table 1179.06(a) may be erected for an unspecified time.
(2) On parcels used for nonresidential purposes, one temporary ground sign that does not exceed six (6) square feet may be erected for an unspecified time. All other temporary ground signs and temporary banner signs shall be permitted for a maximum of fifteen (15) consecutive days, not more than seventy-five (75) days per calendar year.
(3) Notwithstanding subsections (1) and (2) above, vacant parcels in residential districts shall be permitted one temporary sign that may be erected for an unspecified time. The permitted sign area shall be eight (8) square feet for every two hundred (200) feet of lot frontage or fraction thereof, provided the sign shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet.
(4) Temporary signs that are erected in order to announce or advertise a specific event shall be removed within three (3) days after the close of such event.
(d) Illuminated Signs in Residential Districts. Permanent signs shall be permitted to be illuminated, provided such illumination complies with Section 1179.08
.
(e) Instructional Signs. Instructional signs that are clearly intended for instructional purposes shall be permitted as needed on a lot in a residential district when the lot is devoted to a multi-family or nonresidential use provided such signs comply with the following:
(1) The signs are not larger than necessary to serve the intended instructional purpose;
(2) The number of instructional signs located on the site are the minimum needed to serve the intended instructional purpose;
(3) Lettering on the sign does not exceed two (2) inches in height; and
(4) The signs are not in a location and do not possess design characteristics that constitute or serve to attract attention beyond the perimeter of the site.
(Ord. 3-2006. Passed 2-28-06.)
1179.065 ELECTRONIC MESSAGE DISPLAY SIGNS.
(a) Electronic message display signs shall be limited to ground signs only and shall be permitted subject to the Administrative Provisions of Section 1179.11 and the provisions of this section:
(1) Electronic message display signs shall be permitted in all nonresidential districts and in residential districts on parcels which are used for institutional or other nonresidential uses.
(2) Only one electronic message display sign shall be permitted on each parcel and shall be considered as the primary ground sign for that parcel. Additional non-electronic ground signs may be added if permitted by this chapter.
(3) The electronic message display area of each sign shall be fully framed and shall be subject to the size limitations of Table 1179.05(d). The sign base shall not be included in the maximum permitted sign area, nor shall a non-electronic header over the top of the electronic reader board that is used to identify the owner or the address of the parcel. However, the entire sign assembly, including the base, electronic message board and header, are subject in total to the maximum height in Table 1179.05(d).
(4) Electronic message display signs shall be located a minimum of 200 feet from any residentially-zoned district or 200 feet from any lot line separating a residentially and nonresidentially used parcel in a residentially-zoned district. Notwithstanding the forgoing setback requirement, electronic message display signs may be located from 100 feet to 200 feet from a residential district or a residentially-used parcel provided that the sign is illuminated no longer than 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. any day of the week.
(5) Electronic message display signs shall not advertise establishments, products, services or events not actually located on or associated with the specific property upon which the sign is located or its occupant.
(6) Each message shall remain fixed for a minimum of ten (10) seconds, and individual messages shall be separated by a three (3) second pause, during which pause a still image or blank screen shall be shown. The entire message shall change at once. Messages shall not flash, blink, scroll, rotate or include movable or animated text or images.
(7) The electronic message display sign may be capable of producing a full color spectrum for pedestrian and traffic viewing; However, no sign shall emulate a traffic control device, nor shall displays use the colors of green, yellow or red in such a way, in the discretion of the Building Commissioner, as to confuse passing motorists.
(8) The changeable copy portion of the sign shall not exceed the sizes found in Table 1179(a) for the permitted area of ground signs. Sign bases and headings shall not be included in the maximum allowable area of the sign.
(b) Illumination and luminance.
(1) Each owner must be capable of dimming, both manually and by photo cell or other automatic means, the digital display intensity of the sign.
The light intensity level of the display must automatically adjust to natural ambient light conditions.
(2) No electronic message display sign may be illuminated to a degree of brightness that is greater, in the opinion of the Building Commissioner, than necessary for adequate visibility, nor shall the sign exceed the maximum luminance level of 0.3 foot candles above ambient light levels for the location and time of day when measured at the distances recommended by the International Sign Association (ISA) and based on the digital display size.
(3) The owner shall provide from the manufacturer of each electronic message display sign, prior to the issuance of a permit, a certification that the values permitted herein will not be exceeded.
(4) Electronic message display signs shall comply with the provisions of Section 1179.08(a)(5). (Ord. 23-2014. Passed 5-13-14.)
1179.07 PROHIBITED SIGNS.
All signs not expressly permitted in this Chapter shall be prohibited in the City. Such signs include but are not limited to the following:
(a) Roof Signs;
(b) Billboards;
(c) Flags intended for advertising or commercial purposes;
(d) Marquee signs;
(e) Kiosk signs;
(f) No mobile signs shall be erected, constructed, displayed or maintained except those on licensed commercial delivery and service vehicles. Such vehicles shall not be parked in any district closer to the street than the front line of the principal building, unless the principal building has a rear parking area; in which case, all such vehicles shall not be parked closer to the street than the rear line of said building.
(g) Temporary directional signs, other than Municipal or emergency signs or those temporary signs as may be approved by City Council.
(h) Flashing, moving, inflatable, blinker, racer type, intermittent, rotating, moving or revolving signs, whirligig devices, tethered inflatable signs, pennants, ribbons, streamers, spinners, exposed light bulbs, and strings of lights not permanently mounted to a rigid background, and other similar types of attention-getting devices.
(i) The interior illumination of signs, except as expressly permitted in Section 1179.08(a)(2) and signs with characters, letters, figures, designs or outlines by electric lights or luminous tubes as part of the sign.
(j) Merchandise, equipment, products, vehicles or other items not themselves for sale and placed for attention getting, identification or advertising purposes.
(k) Permanent signs erected or attached to accessory structures.
(Ord. 23-2013. Passed 5-13-14.)
1179.08 SIGN ILLUMINATION, CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE STANDARDS.
In addition to ensuring compliance with the numerical standards of these regulations, the Architectural Board of Review shall consider the proposed sign according to the following standards:
(a) Illumination. Signs shall be permitted to be illuminated in compliance with the following:
A. Only direct lighting from an external source shall be used to illuminate the sign.
B. The source of light shall not be visible from the street or adjacent property.
C. No variances to this Section 1179.08(a)(1) shall be sought or granted. (Ord. 3-2006. Passed 2-28-06.)
(2) Internal Illumination:
A. Internal illumination of signs is permitted for parcels in all nonresidential districts and certain parcels in residential districts provided that only reverse pan channel, or halo-lighted letters, characters or graphics are utilized or as provided for in Section 1179.065(b) for electronic messaging display signs.
B. Internally illuminated cabinets are permitted provided such cabinets shall consist of a solid opaque background with “knock-out” areas for copy, graphics and embellishments.
(3) Signs shall not include animated, flashing, or moving text or imaging. Messages maybe intermittent only as provided for in Section 1179.065.
(4) Light shall not be from a colored light source.
(5) All illumination shall be extinguished between the hours of 10 p.m. or at close of business, whichever is later, and 6:00 a.m. Notwithstanding the hours set forth herein, signs in nonresidential districts shall be permitted to be illuminated during the hours of 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., provided that the message is static during those hours.
(6) No temporary sign shall be illuminated or have the potential to be illuminated.
(7) Electronic message display signs shall be permitted to be illuminated as set forth in Section 1179.065(b). (Ord. 23-2014. Passed 5-3-14.)
(b) Construction Standards.
(1) The construction, erection, safety and maintenance of signs shall comply with Part Thirteen - the Building Code.
(2) Signs shall be structurally sound and located so as to pose no threat to pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
(3) Permanent signs shall be constructed and erected to withstand wind pressures of at least thirty (30) pounds per square foot of surface, and shall be fastened, suspended or supported so that they will not be a menace to persons or property.
(4) Permanent signs shall be fabricated on and of materials that are of good quality and good durability.
(5) No sign shall be erected so as to project over and obstruct any window, door, fire escape, balcony, platform, stairway, ladder, vent or other means of ingress of any building.
(6) No sign shall be attached to a utility pole, tree, trash receptacle, bench or other structure not intended or approved as a sign support.
(7) Temporary signs shall be durable and weather-resistant and fastened or anchored sufficiently, whether attached to the building or positioned in the ground.
(8) No sign regulated by any of the provisions of this Chapter shall be erected in the right-of-way, in proximity to railroad crossings, or at the intersection of any streets in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision; or at any location where, by reason of the position, shape, or color, it may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with, any authorized traffic sign signal or device as defined in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices; or which makes use of the words “STOP,” “LOOK,” “DANGER”, or any other word, phrase, symbol or character in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic.
(9) No temporary sign shall have moveable lettering or lettering capable of being moved or replaced.
(c) Maintenance. All signs shall be maintained in accordance with the following:
(1) The property owner, occupant, or other person responsible for the sign shall maintain the sign in a condition fit for the intended use and he or she shall have a continuing obligation to comply with all building code requirements and the requirements of this Chapter.
(2) If the Building Commissioner finds that any sign is unsafe, insecure, a menace to the public; or constructed, erected, or maintained in violation of the provisions of this Code, notice shall be given in writing by the Building Commissioner to the property owner, occupant, or other person responsible for the sign. The property owner, occupant, or other person responsible for the sign shall, within forty-eight (48) hours of such notification, correct such unsafe condition or remove the sign. If the correction has not been made within the forty-eight (48) hours, the sign may be removed or altered by the City to comply with these regulations at the expense of the property owner, occupant, or other person responsible for the sign. The Building Commissioner may cause any sign, which, in the City’s opinion, creates an immediate danger to persons or property to be removed immediately and without prior notice.
(3) Whenever any sign, either conforming or nonconforming to these regulations, is required to be removed for the purpose of repair, refurbishing, or repainting, the same may be done without a permit or any payment of fees provided that all of the following conditions are met:
A. There shall be no alteration or remodeling to the sign face, lettering (except as otherwise permitted for changeable copy), sign base, sign support(s) or the mounting of the sign itself.
B. There shall be no enlargement or increase in any of the dimensions of the sign or its structure.
C. The sign shall be accessory to a legally permitted, conditional or nonconforming use.
(4) The Building Commissioner may order any sign to be painted or refurbished whenever needed to keep the sign in a neat and safe condition. All supports, guys, braces and anchors for such signs shall be maintained in a safe condition, and it shall be unlawful for the owners or person having charge of such sign not to remove the same after receiving notice from the Building Commissioner.
(5) Any permanent sign which advertises a business no longer conducted on the premises or fails to serve the purposes for which it was intended, or evidences a lack of maintenance, shall be removed by the owner, agent, or person having the beneficial use of the building, structure or land upon which such sign is located, within thirty (30) days after written notice by the Building Commissioner. A party served with such notice shall have the right to appeal the Building Commissioner’s order by filing a notice of appeal with the Zoning Board of Appeals within thirty (30) days of receipt of the notice. Upon failure to file a timely notice of appeal and failure to comply with such notice within the time specified in such order, the Building Commissioner is hereby authorized to cause removal of such sign, and any expense incident thereto shall be paid by the owner of the property on which such sign is located.
(6) If a sign, its letters or its message are designed and approved by a City issued permit to be internally illuminated and the sign or any of its letters or message are only partially lit, all illumination of the sign shall be discontinued until the sign is repaired and properly illuminated as it was designed and approved in the permit for the sign.
(Ord. 3-2006. Passed 2-28-06.)
1179.09 REGULATIONS FOR NONCONFORMING SIGNS.
(a) Maintenance of Nonconforming Signs. Nonconforming signs shall be maintained in good condition pursuant to this Chapter and may continue until such sign is required to be removed as set forth in this Chapter.
(b) Alteration, Relocation or Replacement of Nonconforming Signs. A nonconforming sign shall not be structurally altered, relocated or replaced unless it is brought into compliance with the provisions of this Chapter, except as otherwise permitted in this Chapter.
(c) Reconstruction of Damaged Sign. If a sign face and/or its support is damaged to the extent where the repair cost exceeds 50% of the replacement cost of the sign, the sign shall be removed or brought into compliance with this Chapter. If the repair costs do not exceed 50% of the replacement cost of the sign, the sign may be repaired, subject to approval of consistency in design by the Architectural Board of Review and provided all repair work is completed within sixty (60) days of the date the damage was incurred.
(d) Termination. A non-conforming sign shall immediately lose its legal non conforming status, and shall be brought into conformance with this Chapter or removed, when any of the following occur:
(1) The size or shape of the sign is changed.
(2) The sign structure is altered.
(3) If the property upon which the sign is located ceases to be used for a period of six (6) months or more.
(e) Historic Signs. The Architectural Board of Review may grant exceptions to these standards whenever a sign has been designated as a historic landmark pursuant to applicable law.
(Ord. 3-2006. Passed 2-28-06.)
1179.10 DESIGN STANDARDS.
All permanent signs reviewed by the Architectural Board of Review shall comply with the following Standards.
(a) Diversity/Cohesiveness of Signs Seen in a Series. Within a commercial area or development where multiple storefronts are situated side by side, the level of variety or cohesiveness in the design of signs that are seen in a series or sequence should be commensurate with the level of variety or cohesiveness presented by the architecture of the building(s):
(1) Variety in the design of signs among different storefronts should be encouraged when the architecture of the building(s) suggests variety. (See Figure 3.)
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Figure 3 Environment where individual stores are articulated through varied architectural design.
(2) Storefronts with common architectural elements should have signs that share continuity of design so that the placement and design of individual signs contribute to the cohesive appearance created by the common architectural elements. For example, a series of storefronts that, because of their architecture and design, have the appearance of a single building should have occupant signs that share common elements. (See Figure 4.)
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Figure 4 Building where all storefronts share common architectural features.
(3) Sign Plans. Owners of multi-occupant buildings shall develop Sign Plans in conformance with Section 1179.11 (c)(4) for the building and site to aid in determining the level of variety/cohesiveness required for signs.
(b) Placement of Signs on Buildings. Signs should be designed and placed on buildings to be compatible with and complement the appearance of the building.
(1) All signs should be reviewed for their impact on the overall building facade.
(2) The sign and associated lighting fixtures should complement the architecture of the building on which it is placed and should be placed in an appropriate location on the building facade.
(3) If the building design does not clearly identify the appropriate placement for a sign panel (see Figure 5), then individual letters are encouraged unless there is a clear location for adding panels, such as establishing one or more repetitive, common architectural features in order to create a repetitive sequence. (See Figure 6.)
Figure 5 Figure 6
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Figure 5 Building with no specific sign placement location using sign affixed
to a panel verses individual letters. Awkward placement of sign panels.
to a panel verses individual letters. Awkward placement of sign panels.
Figure 6 Building is better suited to sign comprised of individual letters.
(4) Whenever a new or renovated sign is proposed for an existing building:
A. It may be determined that building alterations are needed in order for the proposed sign to be properly placed on the building facade.
B. Any inappropriate and extraneous elements from past remodeling project(s) should be removed prior to the installation of the proposed sign to improve the clarity and design of the proposed sign and restore the intended character of the building.
(5) A sign should be confined within the fascia consistent with signs on adjacent buildings and shall not extend beyond the identified signable area on the building or over the edges of the sign panel.
(6) In multi-occupant buildings, signs for first floor occupants should not extend above the windowsill of the second story unless the establishment is also located on the second floor.
(7) Colors of the sign and the sign background should be compatible with the building’s colors.
(c) Specific Standards for Window Signs, Projecting Signs, and Ground Signs.
(1) Window Signs. Permanent window signs should be comprised of individual letters, logos, or design elements that are not encompassed by a solid opaque background so as not to obscure the view through the window. (See Figure 7.)
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Figure 7 Transparent window sign.
(2) Projecting Signs. The size of the lettering and graphics on a projecting sign should be appropriate for viewing by pedestrians.
(3) Ground Signs. The design and placement of ground signs and associated lighting fixtures should complement the overall visual appearance of the site:
A. Ground signs should be designed to relate to and share common design elements with the building and the sign(s) attached to the building.
B. Whenever a building is located thirty (30) feet or more from the street, its ground sign should be placed on a solid base.
C. Approved year-round landscaping shall be used around the base of the sign to screen lighting fixtures and sources in compliance with Section 1179.08(a)(l)(B). (See Figure 8.)
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Figure 8 Signs shall be appropriately landscaped.
D. When properly screened, the lower two (2) feet of the solid base of a ground sign may be exempt from the sign area calculation. (See Figure 8.)
E. Ground signs should be spaced or combined along the street frontage in a manner that ensures that one ground sign does not obscure the view of another ground sign.
F. A ground sign that provides a directory of occupants for a multi- occupant building should have simplicity of design to compensate for the additional amount of information provided (i.e. utilize common elements such as the same background color, or other common elements, etc.)
(d) Overall Design of Signs (Wall, Awning, Window, Projecting and Ground Signs).
(1) The size and shape of the sign shall be in proportion to the space the sign is to occupy:
A. A sign (whether comprised of a panel or individual letters) should not exceed approximately 70% of the height and length of the signable area of the building. (See Figures 9, 10 and 11.)
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Figure 9 Signable area of building is that portion of a building façade
that can accommodate a sign with an open area framed by the
architectural elements of the building.
that can accommodate a sign with an open area framed by the
architectural elements of the building.
Figure 10
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Figure 11
Figure 10 Height and width of sign panel should not exceed 70%
of the height and width of signable area. Height and width
of lettering should not exceed 70% of the height and width of sign panel.
of the height and width of signable area. Height and width
of lettering should not exceed 70% of the height and width of sign panel.
Figure 11 Height and width of sign comprised of individual letters
should not exceed 70% of the height and width of signable area.
should not exceed 70% of the height and width of signable area.
B. The lettering within a sign panel should not exceed approximately 70% of the height and length of the sign panel. (See Figure 10.)
(2) Elements of the sign should create an overall cohesive design, reflect simplicity, avoid visual clutter and ensure legibility. Each sign should:
A. Be consolidated into a minimum number of elements, whether words, symbols, or graphics.
B. Have a simple shape,
C. Have appropriate contrast,
D. Be designed with a limited number of, and harmonious use of, colors,
E. Be constructed with a minimum number of materials.
(3) The message should be easy to read from the intended vantage point public street, public sidewalk, or public parking lot - but not be out of scale with the building, site or streetscape.
A. The ratio of the message to the background should permit easy recognition of the message.
B. Lettering size should be the size needed to ensure the sign can be seen from the intended distance.
C. The number of items of information displayed should be consistent with the amount of information that can be comprehended by the intended viewer.
1. Generally ten (10) items or less of information per sign are a typical amount of information the average person can comprehend while driving. This is based upon the principle that the more readable the type face and the better the contrast between the letter and the background, the more readable and comprehendible the sign.
2. An item of information includes a symbol, geometric shape, logo, word, abbreviation or number, or a grouping of letters and numbers which together convey meaning. For signs combining different shapes, each shape may be considered an item of information. (See Figure 12.)
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Figure 12 Calculation Number of Items Logo = 1 item Sign Text = 2 items Supplemental Information = 3 items Total = 6 |
D. Lettering and numbers less than three (3) inches in height should only be used when intended to be viewed from a vantage point on the interior of the site, such as after the vehicle has entered the site or by pedestrians.
E. For awning signs, the sign graphics should be located on the portion of the awning fabric that hangs perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the ground, below the awning’s support structures.
(4) All plaques hanging from the same projecting sign supports should have a compatible size, shape and color so that the entire projecting sign has an overall cohesive design.
(5) All wall signs, projecting signs, ground signs and wall signs mounted on a panel should have a compatible frame or border.
(6) The aggregate exterior lighting used to illuminate any one sign face in a residential district should not exceed an initial lumen output of 2850 lumens (equivalent to a 150 watt incandescent A lamp).
(e) Sign Construction. All signs shall be framed, constructed, and erected so as to complement the overall appearance of the building and site as well as the overall appearance of the sign.
(1) Sign Graphics. A sign’s graphic elements shall be executed in a professional manner.
(2) General Sign Construction.
A. All signs shall be constructed, and erected in a professional and workmanlike manner.
B. Signs shall be structurally sound and located so as to pose no threat to pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
(3) Materials.
A. Signs should be fabricated on and of materials that are of permanent quality, good durability and are complimentary to the building of which they become a part.
B. Materials used should be those materials that weather well and reduce maintenance.
C. Signs should have a matte finish, not have a glossy or reflective finish.
(4) Framing And Supports.
A. Visible frames or supports for freestanding or projecting signs should be:
1. In scale with the size and character of the building;
2. Designed either as a key element of the sign or minimized so as not to detract from the sign.
B. All signs attached to buildings shall be attached in a manner that preserves the historic integrity of the building.
C. No part of any sign shall be revolving, oscillating or otherwise designed to move to attract attention.
(Ord. 3-2006. Passed 2-28-06.)
1179.11 ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS.
(a) Compliance with this Chapter. No person shall erect, locate, move, alter, or replace any sign or cause a sign to be located or maintained, unless all provisions of this Chapter have been met.
(b) Signs Requiring a Permit. To ensure compliance with these regulations, a permit shall be obtained for all signs, unless specifically exempted below. All temporary ground signs and banner signs, except ideological signs, shall be registered with the Department of Building, Zoning and Housing on forms provided by the Department of Building, Zoning and Housing.
(c) Application Requirements.
(1) An application for a permit shall be made to the Building Commissioner on the form provided and in the manner required.
(2) When any person other than the owner of the property submits an application, the owner of the property or an authorized agent for the owner shall also sign such application.
(3) Each application shall be accompanied by drawings to scale, showing:
A. The design and layout proposed including the total area of the sign, the size, character and color of letters, lines and symbols.
B. The method of illumination, if any.
C. The exact location of the sign in relation to the building and property.
D. Details and specifications for construction, erection and attachment as may be required by the Ohio Basic Building Code.
(4) Applicants shall, when required pursuant to this Section, submit a Sign Plan for review and approval by the Architectural Board of Review.
A. A Sign Plan shall be required for all multi-occupant buildings and shall be submitted by the owner of a multi occupant building whenever:
1. A new multi-occupant building is constructed; or
2. An existing building is renovated, or remodeled and after the renovation or remodeling, there is more than one occupant that occupies the remodeled or renovated building; or
3. When a replacement sign is proposed for an existing multi-occupant building.
B. The Sign Plan shall create a set of specific standards for sign design and placement on the proposed building, and on the site.
C. The Sign Plan shall include the following:
1. Building sections and elevations drawn at an appropriate scale.
2. Computation of the maximum total sign area and the maximum area of signs for individual storefronts or building units affected by the Sign Plan.
3. An accurate indication on the elevation/section drawings of the location of each existing and proposed sign.
D. The Sign Plan shall specify one or more standards for consistency among all signs on the multi-occupant building(s) included in the Sign Plan with regard to and in the priority of the elements listed below:
1. Uniform sign placement and/or sign height;
2. Uniform size and/or shape;
3. Type of sign construction (materials) and letter components (i.e., sign panel vs. raised letters) and framing;
4. Type of lighting, and the type of lighting fixtures, if any;
5. Uniform background colors or harmonious use of a limited range of complementary background colors, and/or harmonious use of a limited range of complementary colors for the sign lettering.
E. The complexity of the Sign Plan shall be based on the level of variety/cohesiveness of the building architecture and the surrounding area. When a building exhibits a high degree of architectural uniformity, the Sign Plan should require a high degree of consistency among sign elements and, therefore, should specify standards for most or all of the elements set forth in subsection (D) above.
(d) Sign Review.
(1) The Architectural Board of Review shall review and act on applications for permanent signs that exceed two (2) square feet, according to the standards set forth in this Chapter and the review procedures for development plan review set forth in this Code.
(2) The Building Commissioner shall review all temporary signs, except as otherwise specifically exempted below.
(3) The erection of the following signs shall not require a permit provided that all applicable regulations of this Chapter are complied with:
A. Signplates for residential uses;
B. Temporary signs;
(e) Referral of Applications to the Architectural Board of Review. The Building Commissioner, upon receiving an application, shall examine such plans, specifications and other data and the premises upon which it is proposed to erect the sign or other advertising structure.
(1) If it appears that the proposed sign is in compliance with this Chapter and all other ordinances of the City, the application shall be referred to the Architectural Board of Review, when its approval must be obtained before the permit is issued.
A. The Architectural Board of Review has the discretion to waive the submission of any items as deemed appropriate.
B. When approved by the Architectural Board of Review, the application shall be returned to the Building Commissioner, who shall issue the permit.
C. If the work authorized under a permit has not been completed within six (6) months after the date of issuance, the Building Commissioner shall not issue a permit in connection with any application referred to the Architectural Board of Review for review unless the Board approves the same. The Board shall conduct such review as a matter over which it has original jurisdiction.
(Ord. 3-2006. Passed 2-28-06.)