Riverside City Zoning Code
ARTICLE VIII
Signs
Section 400.620 Purpose.
[R.O. 2011 §400.620; Ord. No. 2006-170 §1, 12-19-2006]
A.
The purpose of this Article is to create the framework for a comprehensive and balanced system of sign regulation to facilitate an easy and pleasant communication between people and their environment and to avoid the visual clutter that is potentially harmful to traffic and pedestrian safety, property values, business opportunities and community appearance. It is the intent of these provisions to preserve or enhance the character and scenic vistas of the City by authorizing the use of signs which are:
Section 400.630 General Provisions.
[R.O. 2011 §400.630; Ord. No. 2006-170 §1, 12-19-2006]
Other than legally non-conforming signs, no signs shall be permitted in any zoning district except in accordance with the provisions of this Article. Any sign authorized by this Article is allowed to contain non-commercial speech in lieu of any other speech. Signs placed in the public right-of-way or on publicly owned land and which are not in compliance with the regulations of this Article are subject to removal by the City without notice or compensation. Signs placed on private property that are not in compliance with the regulations of this Article are subject to removal by the property owner without notice or compensation. In addition, any sign that is not in compliance with the regulations of this Article is subject to the provisions of Article XIII Violations and Enforcement. These provisions may be applied to the person or business placing such sign, business or organization advertised in such sign or the owner of the property on which the sign is placed.
Section 400.640 Approval Procedures.
[R.O. 2011 §400.640; Ord. No. 2006-170 §1, 12-19-2006; Ord. No. 2007-47 §26, 5-15-2007]
A.
Approval Of Master Sign Plans.
1.
New development. Master sign plans for new development shall be approved in conjunction with a major development plan as outlined in Section 400.250 Development Plan Applications.
Existing development and amendments. Master sign plans for developments constructed or approved prior to the effective date of this Section (May 15, 2007) or amendments to approved master sign plans shall be processed as a minor development plan as outlined in Section 400.250 Development Plan Applications.
2.
Master sign plan submittal requirements.
a.
The location of all buildings, parking lots, driveways and landscaped areas on the lot or parcel.
b.
Computation of the maximum total sign area, the total number of signs, the area of each sign and the height of each sign.
c.
An accurate indication on the site plan of the location of any existing or proposed sign.
d.
A depiction of each sign detailing the following: materials, lighting, color scheme, lettering or graphic style, location of each sign on the buildings and sign proportions.
e.
A site plan of the facility's complex at a scale of not less than one (1) inch equals one hundred (100) feet.
B.
Permit Required. Except as otherwise provided in this Article, no sign shall be installed, erected, structurally altered or relocated until a sign permit has been issued by the City. Painting, cleaning or changing copy on legally existing signs shall not require a permit, as long as the sign is not physically altered or enlarged.
Section 400.650 Signs Exempt From Regulations.
[R.O. 2011 §400.650; Ord. No. 2006-170 §1, 12-19-2006]
A.
The following signs shall not require sign permits and shall be exempt from the requirements of other Sections in this Article. Except as otherwise stated each parcel shall be allowed a maximum of four (4) exempt signs.
1.
Any sign authorized by or on behalf of or pursuant to the authorization of a governmental body, including legal notices, identification, entry monument and information signs and traffic, directional or regulatory signs.
2.
Signs displaying a non-commercial message (including political signs) that are no more than four (4) square feet in area and displayed on private property. Each parcel may have an unlimited number of such signs provided the signs are located a minimum of ten (10) feet apart.
3.
Official signs of a non-commercial nature erected by public utility companies.
4.
Flags, provided the flag does not exceed fifty (50) square feet in area.
5.
Signs on or adjacent to doors of commercial or industrial buildings displaying information such as the names and addresses of the occupant, the hours of operation or instructions for deliveries. Such signs shall not exceed four (4) square feet in area and shall not be illuminated.
6.
Any sign located inside a building, but is visible from outside the building, provided it does not specifically advertise the business.
7.
Signs at a construction site that are posted at the entrance to the job site explaining rules for contractors and others entering the site.
Section 400.660 Prohibited Signs.
[R.O. 2011 §400.660; Ord. No. 2006-170 §1, 12-19-2006]
A.
The following types of signs shall be prohibited, except as stated below or as otherwise specifically provided for herein:
1.
Off-premises signs.
2.
Billboards, except where a special use permit has been obtained for such sign.
3.
Attention-attracting devices including, but not limited to, banners, pennants, streamers, wind-operated mechanisms, inflatable devices, flashing lights, beacon lights and strobe lights.
4.
Portable signs or similar signs that are not permanently affixed to a building, structure or the ground, other than temporary signs as specifically provided for herein.
5.
Pole signs.
6.
Roof signs (signs attached to mansard roofs shall be considered roof signs).
7.
Signs containing obscene material.
8.
Vehicles (including trailers) parked so that they function primarily as a sign. Vehicles shall be considered signs if all of the following conditions are met:
a.
The vehicle is parked at a prominent location.
b.
The sign can be easily read by people driving past the vehicle.
c.
The vehicle is parked at the same or similar location for twenty-four (24) hours.
[Ord. No. 1671, 7-16-2019]
d.
There is no stated or apparent reason, other than signage purposed, that justify the vehicle being at the location.
Section 400.670 Regulations Applicable to All Signs.
[R.O. 2011 §400.670; Ord. No. 2006-170 §1, 12-19-2006]
A.
The following provisions shall be applicable to all signs unless otherwise provided for herein.
1.
All signs shall have sound structural quality and be maintained in good repair.
2.
All signs shall be located such that they do not obstruct the view of or interfere with pedestrian or vehicle traffic; traffic signals, signs or device; or other signs erected by governmental agencies.
3.
Signs shall not be located within public right-of-way,
4.
All parts of a sign shall be set back a minimum of three (3) feet from the side and rear property lines.
5.
All outdoor signs and supports shall be weather-resistant so as to prevent rust, peeling, flaking or fading.
6.
Signs shall not be attached to utility poles or other appurtenances which exist within public street right-of-way.
7.
Signs shall not interfere in any way with the free use of any fire escape, exit or standpipe.
8.
Signs shall be located a minimum of six (6) feet horizontally or twelve (12) feet vertically from overhead electrical conductors which are energized in excess of seven hundred fifty (750) volts.
9.
Any on-premise sign which advertises a business no longer conducted or a product no longer sold on the premises shall be altered by the owner so that the sign face advertising such business or product is removed within thirty (30) days after the business is no longer in operation or the product is no longer being sold on premises.
10.
Wall signs shall not project beyond the plane of the wall more than one (1) foot.
11.
All monument signs shall be located within a landscaped area, extending a minimum of three (3) feet on all sides of the sign base.
12.
Electronic message panels shall not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the sign area and shall only display information related to the entity located on the same premises as the electronic message panel and non-commercial messages intended to inform the public.
Section 400.680 Temporary Signs.
[R.O. 2011 §400.680; Ord. No. 2006-170 §1, 12-19-2006]
A.
Project Identification/Construction Signs. Signs identifying a new construction or remodeling project, except those involving a single-family or two-family residence, shall be allowed in accordance with the following provisions:
1.
The sign shall be located on the property where the construction work is taking place and be at least ten (10) feet from the street right-of-way.
2.
The sign may contain the construction team's (i.e., architect, engineer, contractor) name, logo, contact information, the nature of the project and related information.
3.
One (1) sign shall be allowed for each street frontage, provided the total number of signs for a single construction project does not exceed three (3). Where an independent construction project is taking place concurrently within a larger project (i.e., a pad site building within a larger shopping center), an additional sign shall be allowed on the site of the smaller project.
4.
The total area of the sign, including the sign face, base and supporting or decorative elements, shall not exceed forty-eight (48) square feet with a maximum height of eight (8) feet above the average grade.
5.
Signs shall not be erected until a development plan has been approved for the project and a sign permit has been issued by the Director of Community Development.
[Ord. No. 1671, 7-16-2019]
6.
The sign shall be removed from the site as soon as an occupancy permit has been issued for the last building in each phase of the project.
B.
Special Event Banners. Special event banners shall be allowed in accordance with the following provisions:
1.
Each business or organization shall be allowed one (1) special event banner twice each year.
2.
A temporary sign permit shall be obtained prior to the installation of the banner.
3.
The banner shall be installed for a maximum of one (1) week.
4.
The banner shall be located entirely on private property and shall not impede vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
C.
Fireworks Sales Signs. Signs advertising the sale of fireworks shall be allowed in accordance with the following provisions:
1.
Each stand or tent possessing its own business license shall be allowed a total of two (2) signs; provided, such signs may contain advertising on both of their two (2) sides. Attention-attracting devices, including, but not limited to, pennants, streamers, wind-operated mechanisms, inflatable devices, flashing lights, beacon lights, strobe lights and mobile signs, are not permitted.
[Ord. No. 1328 §1, 6-17-2014]
2.
Signs shall be located on the property where the sale shall occur.
3.
Signs shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area per sign face with a maximum height of eight (8) feet.
4.
Signs shall not be erected until a business license has been obtained. Signs shall only be displayed during the dates of the sale.
D.
Political Signs. Political signs shall be allowed in accordance with the following provisions:
1.
Signs shall not exceed forty-eight (48) square feet in area per sign face with a maximum height of eight (8) feet.
2.
Signs shall only be placed on private property, provided prior permission has been obtained from the property owner.
3.
Signs may not be placed in any street right-of-way, median, highway interchange, public park or any other publicly owned facility.
4.
Signs shall be located a minimum of ten (10) feet from another political sign.
5.
A sign permit shall not be required for political signs.
[Ord. No. 1671, 7-16-2019]
E.
Real Estate Signs. Real estate signs shall be allowed in accordance with the following provisions:
1.
Each lot shall be allowed one (1) non-illuminated, detached real estate sign, except that lots larger than one (1) acre may have one (1) sign per street frontage, up to a maximum of three (3) signs.
2.
Signs located in residential districts shall not exceed six (6) square feet in area with a maximum height of four (4) feet. Signs located in commercial or industrial districts shall not exceed forty-eight (48) square feet in area (including the sign face, base and supporting or decorative elements) with a maximum height of eight (8) feet.
3.
Signs shall only be permitted on property that is actively being offered for sale, rent or lease.
4.
A sign permit shall not be required for real estate signs.
F.
Garage Or Estate Sale Signs. Garage or estate sale signs shall be allowed in accordance with the following provisions:
1.
Signs shall be located on the property where the sale shall occur.
2.
Signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet in area with a maximum height of four (4) feet.
3.
Signs may be displayed during the dates of the sale and up to three (3) days prior to the sale.
4.
A sign permit shall not be required for garage or estate sale signs.
5.
Signs are limited to sales of used household furniture, clothing, appliances and similar household items, but not including the sale of motor vehicles, recreational vehicles, boats or any product or service associated with a home occupation.
G.
Off-Site Directional Signs. Off-site directional signs for real estate sales, garage sales, estate sales and other similar events shall be allowed in accordance with the following provisions:
1.
Signs shall not exceed four (4) square feet in area with a maximum height of four (4) feet.
2.
Signs shall only be placed on private property, provided prior permission has been obtained from the property owner.
3.
Signs may not be placed in any street right-of-way, median, highway interchange, public park or any other publicly owned facility.
4.
Signs shall be limited to the days that the event occurs, except that directional real estate signs shall be limited to a period of time each week starting on Friday at 6:00 A.M. and ending on the following Sunday at 6:00 P.M.
5.
Signs cannot be used to advertise commercial developments, apartments, vacant land, motor vehicles, recreational vehicles, boats or any product or service associated with a home occupation.
6.
A sign permit shall not be required for off-site directional signs.
Section 400.685 Landmark Signs.
[Ord. No. 1881, 11-1-2022]
A.
General. Landmark signs standards are intended to provide for the preservation of the City's unique character, history, or identity as reflected in its historic and iconic signs.
B.
Designation Criteria. The following criteria shall be considered in designating a landmark sign:
1.
The sign has been in continuous existence since at least 1990.
2.
The sign is associated with historic figures, events, or locations within the City; is recognized as a popular focal point in the community; or reflects the history or historical use of the building or history of the City.
3.
The sign retains the majority of its character defining features.
C.
Procedure For Designation. The Planning Commission shall make a recommendation to the Board of Aldermen regarding designating a sign as a landmark sign, either upon request of a sign owner, or at the initiation by the Director of Community Development. The Board of Aldermen may, by ordinance, designate a landmark sign.
D.
Effect Of Designation. A landmark sign shall be exempt from the provisions of this UDO subject to the following conditions:
1.
The sign shall be kept in good repair and condition.
2.
The sign may not be enlarged or extended.
3.
The structure supporting the sign may not be modified in height by more than ten percent (10%).
4.
Landmark signs may only be relocated with approval of the Board of Aldermen upon a finding that the relocation and reuse of the sign is consistent with the sign's associated history (such as to another location that houses the same or similar business) and subject to current set back requirements.
5.
For any sign relocated, a sign permit with approved site plan is required.
Section 400.690 Signs Permitted in All Districts.
[R.O. 2011 §400.690; Ord. No. 2006-170 §1, 12-19-2006]
A.
Public/Semi-Public Facilities. Religious institutions, libraries, community centers and other public/semi-public facilities shall be allowed signs as follows:
1.
Facilities with a land area of ten (10) acres or less shall be allowed a total of two (2) signs with a maximum of one (1) monument sign. Signs shall be allowed in accordance with the following provisions:
a.
Wall signs shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the area of the wall on which they are placed with a maximum of one (1) per facade.
b.
Monument signs shall be located on the premises and be at least ten (10) feet from the street right-of-way. The total area of the sign, including the sign face, base and supporting or decorative elements, shall not exceed forty-eight (48) square feet with a maximum height of eight (8) feet above the average grade.
2.
Facilities with a land area of more than ten (10) acres shall be allowed a total of three (3) signs with a maximum of two (2) monument signs. Signs shall be allowed in accordance with the following provisions:
a.
Wall signs shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the area of the wall on which they are placed with a maximum of one (1) per facade.
b.
Monument signs shall be located on the premises and be at least ten (10) feet from the street right-of-way. There shall be a maximum of one (1) monument sign per street frontage. The total area of the sign, including the sign face, base and supporting or decorative elements, shall not exceed forty-eight (48) square feet with a maximum height of eight (8) feet above the average grade.
3.
In lieu of the signs that would otherwise be permitted by the standards above, facilities with a land area of more than ten (10) acres may apply for approval of a master sign plan. A master sign plan is intended to allow larger facilities additional flexibility in regards to the number and size of signs installed on their complex, while ensuring the signs fit with the use and site and respect the neighborhood. The plan shall be reviewed and approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission. In reviewing a master sign plan, the Planning and Zoning Commission shall consider the following:
4.
A master sign plan shall contain the following:
a.
A site plan of the facility's complex, at a scale of not less than one (1) inch equals one hundred (100) feet.
b.
The location of all buildings, parking lots, driveways and landscaped areas on the lot or parcel.
c.
Computation of the maximum total sign area, the total number of signs, the area of each sign and the height of each sign.
d.
An accurate indication on the site plan of the location of any existing or proposed sign.
e.
A depiction of each sign detailing the following: materials, lighting, color scheme, lettering or graphic style, location of each sign on the buildings and sign proportions.
B.
Directional Signs. Directional signs shall be allowed in accordance with the following provisions:
1.
One (1) parking lot directional sign shall be allowed at each entrance to a building site, at key intersections within the site and at each entrance to a drive-through facility.
2.
Ground-mounted signs shall not exceed three (3) feet in height (including sign face, base and supporting elements), shall not exceed two (2) square feet of area per sign face and may be single- or double-faced.
3.
Wall mounted signs shall not exceed two (2) square feet in area and may be located adjacent to drive-up windows, loading docks or service entrances.
4.
Directional signs may indicate entrances, exits, addresses, direction of traffic flow and the location of parking areas, loading docks, leasing offices, ATMs, delivery doors, drive-through lanes and similar facilities.
Section 400.700 Signs Permitted in Residential Districts ("R-1", "R-2" and "R-3").
[R.O. 2011 §400.700; Ord. No. 2006-170 §1, 12-19-2006]
A.
Home Occupation Signs. One (1) non-illuminated home occupation sign attached to the house and not exceeding one (1) square foot in area shall be allowed per lot. A sign permit shall not be required for a home occupation sign.
B.
Residential Development Signs. A residential development sign shall be allowed at each principal entrance to the subdivision or residential project in accordance with the following provisions:
1.
Signs shall be located on the premises of the subdivision or residential project and be at least ten (10) feet from the street right-of-way.
2.
Signs shall be a monument sign. The total area of the sign, including the sign face, base and supporting or decorative elements, shall not exceed forty-eight (48) square feet with a maximum height of eight (8) feet above the average grade.
3.
In lieu of the signs that would otherwise be permitted by the standards above, a design alternative may be submitted for approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission. A design alternative is intended to allow greater design and creative flexibility so that additional elements such as fountains, waterfalls, natural features, architectural features and similar items may be included with the design of the sign.
4.
The design alternative shall respect the neighborhood and fit with the subdivision or residential project. A design alternative submittal shall include the location of the sign relative to the development and street rights-of-way and a depiction of the sign detailing design, materials, lighting, color scheme and sign proportions.
Section 400.710 Signs Permitted in Non-Residential Districts ("C-1" and "I")
[R.O. 2011 §400.710; Ord. No. 2006-170 §1, 12-19-2006; Ord. No. 1184 §1, 2-5-2013; Ord. No. 1671, 7-16-2019]
A.
Individual Businesses. Each individual business shall be allowed a total of three (3) signs with a maximum of one (1) monument sign; provided however, an individual business located on a corner lot with at least two hundred fifty (250) feet of frontage along each of two (2) primary arterial streets shall be allowed a total of four (4) signs with a maximum of two (2) monument signs. Such signage shall be allowed in accordance with the following provisions:
1.
Wall signs shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the area of the wall on which they are placed with a maximum of one (1) per facade.
2.
Monument signs shall be located on the premises and be at least three (3) feet from the street right-of-way. The total area of the sign, including the sign face, base and supporting or decorative elements, shall not exceed sixty-four (64) square feet with a maximum height of ten (10) feet above the average grade.
3.
Projecting signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet in area and shall not extend more than four (4) feet from the face of the building.
4.
Canopy signs shall be located so as to provide sufficient vertical clearance for pedestrian traffic. Only canopies displaying the name of the business shall be considered canopy signs.
B.
Office, Business And Industrial Parks And Shopping Centers.
1.
Office, business and industrial parks and shopping centers designed as one (1) unified entity shall submit a master sign plan. A master sign plan is intended to allow additional flexibility in regards to the number and size of signs installed, while ensuring the signs fit with the use and site and respect the neighborhood. The plan shall be reviewed and approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission. In reviewing a master sign plan, the Planning and Zoning Commission shall consider the following:
2.
A master sign plan shall contain the following:
a.
A site plan of the park or center at a scale of not less than one (1) inch equals one hundred (100) feet.
b.
The location of all buildings, parking lots, driveways and landscaped areas on the lot or parcel.
c.
The total number of signs, the area and height of each sign and the computation of total sign area.
d.
An accurate indication on the site plan of the location of any existing or proposed sign.
e.
A depiction of each sign detailing the following: materials, lighting, color scheme, lettering or graphic style, location of each sign on the buildings and sign proportions.
3.
Although a master sign plan is intended to allow flexibility, the following provisions should be used as guidelines when designing a master sign plan.
a.
Each business within the park or center should be allowed signs in accordance with the "individual businesses" regulations above.
b.
Identification signs for the park or center should:
(1)
Be located at principal entrances to the park or center.
(2)
Be located on the premises and be at least ten (10) feet from the street right-of-way.
(3)
Not exceed sixty-four (64) square feet (including the sign face, base and supporting or decorative elements) with a maximum height of ten (10) feet above the average grade.
Section 400.720 Signs Permitted in Districts "PD" and "GP".
[R.O. 2011 §400.720; Ord. No. 2006-170 §1, 12-19-2006]
Signs within Districts "PD" and "GP" shall be allowed in accordance with the signage plan which was approved with the development plan. Although the "PD" and "GP" Districts are designed to allow for additional flexibility, the sign regulations contained herein shall act as a guide for creating the signage plan. In instances where the signage plan does not provide specific enough regulations, the regulations contained herein shall be utilized.
Section 400.730 Billboards.
[R.O. 2011 §400.730; Ord. No. 2006-170 §1, 12-19-2006]
A.
General. Billboards shall be allowed in Districts "C-1", "I" and "GP", provided they are visible from the interstate system or a freeway primary highway.
B.
Rules And Regulations. The following rules and regulations shall apply to all billboards:
1.
Lighting.
a.
No revolving or rotating beam or beacon of light that simulates any emergency light or device shall be permitted as part of any billboard. No flashing, intermittent or moving light or lights, except scoreboards and other illuminated signs designating public service information, such as time, date or temperature or similar information, shall be allowed.
b.
External lighting shall be allowed, provided the light source is directed upon the face of the billboard and is shielded so as to prevent beams or rays of light from being directed into any portion of the main traveled way of the interstate or freeway primary highway and provided the lights are not of such intensity so as to interfere with a driver's operation of a motor vehicle.
c.
No billboard shall be illuminated in a manner that interferes with the effectiveness of or obscures an official traffic sign, device or signal, nor shall the illumination be directed toward any residential area.
d.
The maximum average lighting intensity level shall be twenty (20) foot-candles.
2.
Size.
a.
Billboards shall have a maximum area of six hundred seventy-two (672) square feet with a maximum height of fourteen (14) feet and a maximum length of forty-eight (48) feet, inclusive of border and trim, but excluding the base or apron, support and other structural elements.
b.
The maximum size limitations shall apply to each side of a billboard. Billboards may be placed back-to-back, double-faced or a V-type construction with a maximum of two (2) sign faces and no more than one (1) sign face facing the same line of traffic.
3.
Spacing.
a.
No billboard shall be erected within one thousand four hundred (1,400) feet of an existing billboard on either side of the interstate or freeway primary highway.
b.
On-premise signs shall not be subject to the spacing provisions of this Subsection, nor shall measurements be made from such signs for the purpose of compliance with the previous provision.
c.
The spacing requirements of this Section shall be minimum distances between billboards measured along the nearest edge of the pavement of the interstate or freeway primary highway and shall apply to billboard structures located on either side of the interstate or freeway primary highway involved.
d.
No billboard shall be located so as to obstruct or otherwise physically interfere with the effectiveness of any official traffic sign, signal or device or obstruct or physically interfere with a motor vehicle operator's view of approaching, merging or intersecting traffic.
4.
Setbacks, safety clearance and height. To provide a safety zone to prevent injury or property damage from collapse of billboards, each billboard shall have minimum setbacks of the following:
a.
A minimum of ninety (90) feet from the billboard's nearest edge to the right-of-way of any interstate or freeway primary highway.
b.
A minimum of ninety (90) feet (two (2) times the height of the structure) from all points of the billboard to all property lines and all roofed structures.
c.
In order to further provide a safety zone to prevent injury or property damage from collapse of billboards, each billboard shall have a maximum height, including base and apron, measured from the ground to the highest point of such billboard, of forty (40) feet. In addition, the application for a permit shall include documentation, such as a legally enforceable lease, deed or restrictive covenant, that the applicant has secured the right to prevent the erection of structures within the setback zones. No building permit shall be issued for construction of any building within the setback/clearance zone for any billboard.
5.
Setbacks at highway interchanges. No billboard shall be located adjacent to or within one thousand five hundred (1,500) feet of any interchange (existing or approved for construction by the Missouri Department of Transportation), at-grade intersection or safety rest area. Said one thousand five hundred (1,500) feet shall be measured from the beginning or ending of the pavement widening at the exit from or entrance to the main traveled way.
6.
Setbacks from residential and public areas. No billboard shall be located within two thousand (2,000) feet of a residential district or land zoned or used for public recreational activities, such as a public park.
7.
Setbacks from river levee improvements. No billboard shall be located within five hundred (500) feet riverward or three hundred (300) feet landward of the centerline of any existing or proposed flood protection levee.
8.
Landscaping, lighting and fencing. Before a permit shall be issued, the applicant shall receive approval for a plan for landscaping, lighting and fencing around the proposed billboard to ensure that the structure will be aesthetically compatible with its surroundings and the aesthetic standard of the community and neighboring property and be safe and secure from trespassers or vandals. Landscaping plans shall comply with Section 400.530 Landscaping and Buffering and shall detail the grade, type of ground cover and specific location of any shrubs and trees.
Landscaping, lighting and fencing plans shall be submitted to and reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission and approved by the Board of Aldermen. Such plans must be submitted concurrent with an application for a special use permit as outlined in Subsection (B)(10) Permits below. In determining whether the landscaping, lighting and fencing plans are reasonably suitable, the reviewing bodies shall take into consideration the nature of the location, the impact on surrounding properties, the safety and security of the proposed billboard and the relative cost of the landscaping, lighting and fencing to the applicant in relationship to the overall impact upon the property values in the immediate area which would be caused by a lack of such landscaping, lighting and fencing for the proposed billboard.
9.
Service roads. Direct access to billboards from the interstate system, freeway primary system or an unpaved road shall be prohibited. Direct access shall be gained through paved roads which are private and internal to the lot on which the billboard is erected. Access to such private roads shall be from paved public roads or streets. All vehicles, equipment and people used to build, service, maintain and repair such billboard must confine their activity so as not to interfere with pedestrian or vehicular traffic on public roads. Paved private roads shall be constructed to comply with minimum City standards for residential streets as set forth in Section 510.010 of the City Municipal Code. The applicant must submit construction plans and specifications for such paved roads and the plans must be reviewed and approved by the City. Such plans must be submitted concurrent with an application for a special use permit as outlined in Subsection (B)(10) Permits below.
10.
Permits.
a.
State permit. No billboard shall be erected, moved, enlarged, reconstructed, altered, used or allowed to exist without obtaining a permit from the Missouri Department of Transportation, if such permit is required by State law.
b.
Special use permit. No billboard shall be erected, moved, enlarged, reconstructed, altered, used or allowed to exist without a special use permit. A special use permit shall be obtained following the process established in Section 400.230 Special Use Permit Applications. In addition to the submittal requirements outlined in Section 400.230 Special Use Permit Applications, the following items shall also be submitted for any billboard special use permit application:
(1)
Documentation from a licensed engineer that the soil and subsoil surface is capable of accepting the projected loads.
(2)
A certificate from an electric engineer as to the electrical requirements and safety.
(3)
A certificate from a structural engineer as to the structural strength of the sign.
(4)
A sign survey indicating the relative vertical and horizontal distanced between the proposed billboard and all other billboards within two thousand (2,000) feet. The survey must be certified by a Missouri licensed land surveyor.
c.
Performance bond.
(1)
Prior to the issuance of a building permit for a billboard, the applicant shall post a performance bond to ensure all of the requirements of the City Municipal Code have been and will be fully complied with.
(2)
The performance bond shall be an amount equal to the estimated construction costs as documented in the application by the construction bid or contract.
(3)
The form of the performance bond shall be approved by the City Administrator.
d.
Insurance.
(1)
Prior to the issuance of a building permit for a billboard, the applicant shall provide to the City satisfactory proof of liability insurance coverage of at least one hundred thousand dollars/three hundred thousand dollars/fifty thousand dollars ($100,000.00/ $300,000.00/$50,000.00) and shall endorse the City as an additional insured on the policy.
(2)
The applicant must prove that the liability insurance is in force each year thereafter. Proof of insurance shall be provided to the City each year with the annual inspection report as provided below.
11.
Annual inspection. Owners of all billboards erected after December 7, 1996, shall submit an annual inspection report from a Missouri licensed engineer as to the billboard's structural integrity. Such certification shall be done on or before June first (1st) of each year. Failure to submit a report shall result in the immediate revocation of the billboard's special use permit.
12.
Obscene advertisement. No person shall display upon any billboard any obscene matter.
13.
Nuisance. Any billboard which, because of lack of maintenance, upkeep, vandalism, accumulation of litter, refuse or debris or the deterioration of landscaping, lighting or fencing, becomes unsafe or adversely affects the reasonable use and enjoyment of neighboring properties is hereby declared to be a nuisance and shall be subject to abatement by the City in the same manner as all other nuisances on private property.
14.
Removal of billboards. Billboards and supporting structures shall be removed at the owner's expense under any of the following circumstances:
a.
A prior special use permit authorizing the billboard is lawfully revoked and the owner does not comply or refuses to comply with the new special use permit governed by the regulations and restrictions herein.
b.
A non-conforming billboard is unlawfully enlarged, substantially altered or changed.
c.
The billboard is an abandoned sign.
d.
The billboard becomes damaged or dilapidated to fifty percent (50%) or more of its physical structure or economic value.