Any person violating any provision of this article shall be subject to penalties as provided in section 1-14 and in the city fine schedule, in addition to any specific penalties provided in this article.

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this division, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Abandoned signs means a sign whose message describes the availability of goods or services at a location where such goods and services are no longer available and have ceased to be available for a period of at least 90 days or, in the alternative, a sign which is non-commercial in nature and the content of the sign pertains to a time, event or purpose which has elapsed or expired in the preceding 90 days. Such abandonment should include intentional conduct, such as failure to pay taxes or permit fees, or to maintain the sign, or a negligent failure to do so. If cabinet remains, the message face shall be changed to blank opaque. Can/canister sign - box sign/cabinet sign can remain, but logo or word specific canister lettering should be removed, [and] has to be removed within 90 days of cessation of business.

Awning means any structure entirely supported by the wall or canopy to which it is attached and which is covered by canvas, cloth or material and/or which may be retracted or rolled to the structure by which it is supported.

Billboards means all signs which advertise a product or business not located on the same lot or premises as the sign. The term "billboards" includes, but is not limited to, billboards, junior poster panels (billboards less than 100 square feet in surface area), and freestanding signs on separate parcels. The term "billboards" does not include real estate, subdivision and subdivision real estate signs.

Canopy means any structure other than an awning attached to a building at the inner end and projected outward either supported or cantilevered. A portico shall be considered a canopy for the purpose of this division.

Device, attention-attracting, means wind-operated mechanisms, flashing lights and any other type of fluttering or flashing object designed or intended to attract the attention of the public, but shall not include three-dimensional signs or those otherwise defined under this division.

Erect means to build, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend or affix a sign to a wall, pole or structure.

Facing or surface means any area of a sign upon, against or through which the advertising message is displayed or illustrated on the sign, including structural trim, which displays or upon which is displayed any graphic, message, name or symbol of any kind for the purpose of advertising, announcing, directing or attracting attention from the outside of a building and which can be seen from a single location on an adjacent street; provided that the ends or thickness of a sign shall not be counted as a separate sign face unless an advertising message is displayed thereon.

Feather flags/signs means a form of temporary sign composed of durable lightweight fabric with a sturdy frame enclosing only a portion of the material's edge so that it can remain upright and still be flexible in the breeze, generally shaped to be tall and narrow when affixed into the ground or other bottom support, affixed to a pole which is located outdoors and contains advertisement, greeting or similar messaging purposes, which is activated by the wind and is used by businesses or organizations to promote events, products or services.

Flag means a piece of cloth or other flexible material varying in size, shape, color and design, usually attached at one edge to a staff or cord and used as the symbol of a nation, state or city, may also be imprinted with an advertising message or design.

Frontage means the length of the lot along the abutting street. The front of a lot abutting more than one street is considered separate for each street.

Indexing means turning and stopping action of the sections of a multiprism sign designed to show several messages in the same area.

Premises means that portion of a lot or building occupied by a single occupant, exclusive of common area, if any, shared with adjacent occupants. Permitted sign area shall be separately calculated for multitenant, commercial buildings only when said tenants have a separate entrance for their exclusive use.

Shopping center means any area containing four or more shops, stores and other places of business permitted in zoning districts C-O through C-3, and providing off-street parking facilities in common for all of the businesses and their customers.

Sign means a device, flag, illustration, structure or part of a structure, including structural trim, which displays or upon which is displayed any graphic, message, name or symbol of any kind for the purpose of advertising or promoting the interest of any service, establishment, product or person. A cross or other religious symbol on a religious building or site shall not be considered a sign. Sign supports are not a part of the sign for the purpose of computing dimension. The following are types of signs:

(1)

Animated means any sign which includes action or motion. For purposes of this division, the term "animated sign" does not refer to flashing, changing or indexing, all of which are separately defined.

(2)

Awning sign and canopy sign means a sign attached to or illustrated on a canopy or awning, respectively.

(3)

Banner means a sign made of any lightweight, nonrigid material such as plastic, vinyl, fabric, or other flexible material with no enclosing framework (including flags of similar material containing distinctive colors, patterns, or symbols used as a attractive device or symbol of a private entity).

(4)

Changeable (automatic) means an electronically or electrically controlled time, temperature and date sign, message center or readerboard, where different copy changes are shown on the same location.

(5)

Changeable copy (manual) means a sign on which copy or sign panels may be changed manually in the field, such as boards with changeable letters or changeable pictoral panels.

(6)

Construction means a temporary sign used during the construction of new buildings or reconstruction of or additions to existing buildings, such as those identifying the project and denoting the owner, architect, engineer, contractor and/or financing institution of the project.

(7)

Credit card or charge plate means any sign advertising the acceptance of, or being a replica of, any credit card plate whether national, local or otherwise.

(8)

Directional means a sign which indicates a direction for vehicular or pedestrian traffic or other movement.

(9)

Flashing/chasing means any sign which contains an intermittent or flashing light source, or which includes the illusion of intermittent or flashing light by means of animation, or an externally-mounted intermittent light source. The term "flashing sign" does not include automatic changing signs such as public service time, temperature and date signs or electronically controlled message centers which are classed as changeable signs.

(10)

Fluttering means a sign which flutters and includes pennants, banners, nonofficial governmental flags or other flexible material which moves with the wind or by some artificial means.

(11)

Freestanding means any sign erected, constructed or maintained for the purpose of indicating the name of the business, services, articles and products offered when such sign is supported by one or more uprights, posts, poles or braces placed upon or affixed in the ground and not attached to any building.

(12)

Monument/ground means any detached sign on the same lot or parcel for the purpose of indicating the name of the business, service, article or product offered, and which has its bottom portion erected upon or supported by the ground, a ground planter box or other support.

(13)

Institutional or governmental means a sign identifying an institution or government facility.

(14)

Historic marker, memorial or tablet means a sign that denotes the name of a building or site, date of erection, historical significance, dedication or other similar information.

(15)

Neon means a sign using neon gas to illuminate said sign.

(16)

Nonconforming means a nonconforming sign is a sign, including the framework and support, which was lawful when constructed, but has become nonconforming as a result of the enactment or amendment of this division. No nonconforming sign shall be extended, enlarged or structurally altered; however, nonstructural alterations or modifications designed to improve the appearance of the sign are permitted and encouraged.

(17)

Occupational and/or identification means a sign identifying the name of an organization and/or persons occupying a building.

(18)

On-site informational means a sign located on a commercial, industrial, institutional, governmental, or other site which gives parking, fire protection, traffic flow (other than directional signs), height clearance, pedestrian or other similar information and which does not advertise the business or use located on said site, except for drive-in restaurant menu signs which are permitted.

(19)

Political means a temporary sign advocating or opposing any political proposition or candidate for public office which shall be removed no later than 30 days after a general or special election.

(20)

Portable means a sign that is temporarily affixed to one location or is so designed and which has the capability of being moved from one location to another, including any licensed or unlicensed vehicle or trailer which is used as a sign and is either:

a.

Placed 15 feet to 75 feet back from the sidewalk or placed 15 feet to 75 feet from the street curb if no sidewalk is present and shall not be used at the same location for more than 60 days; or

b.

Placed more than 75 feet back from the sidewalk or placed more than 75 feet back from the street curb if no sidewalk is present.

(21)

Projecting means a sign, other than a wall sign, which is attached to and projects from a structure or building face. The area of double-faced projecting signs is calculated on one face of the sign only.

(22)

Real estate means a sign pertaining only to the prospective rental, lease or sale of the property on which it is located. Real estate signs are excluded from the definition of freestanding signs.

(23)

Roof means any sign erected upon, against or directly above a roof or on top of or above the parapet of a building.

(24)

Subdivision means any entry sign identifying a subdivision entry, subdivision name and/or street names within the subdivision.

(25)

Subdivision orreal estate means a temporary real estate sign advertising an entire residential subdivision.

(26)

Wall means a sign attached to or erected against the wall of a building, with the face parallel to the building wall and extending not more than one foot therefrom including signs attached to a mansard or similar decorative roof.

(27)

Temporary sign is a portable structure that is intended to be used for a brief period of time not exceeding 60 days, nor shall such sign be larger than 100 square feet.

a.

Not permanently attached to any structure, building, motor vehicle, or the ground;

b.

Intended for a limited display period covering a special event; or

c.

Temporary signs may be displayed by any church, not-for-profit institution or governmental agency, provided that such signs are not displayed for a period longer than 15 days. Temporary off-site special event sign must be removed within seven days following completion of event.

(28)

Vehicular means any sign permanently attached to a motor vehicle.

Sign area means the area of the sign face. The sign area of a multifaced sign is the sum of the sign areas of each face, including structural trim which can be seen from a single location on an adjacent street and which displays or upon which is displayed any graphic, message, name or symbol of any kind for the purpose of advertising, announcing, directing or attracting attention from the outside of the building. If a sign or letters are attached to a building or suspended in any manner whereby there is no apparent trim or confining border, the sign area shall be computed by drawing imaginary straight lines around generally rectangular margins and measuring the area so encompassed by these lines.

Sign, structure, means the sign and all parts associated with its construction.

(Ord. No. 8738, § 1(31-41), 12-21-1992; Ord. No. 8988, § 1, 1-6-1997; Ord. No. 9563, § 1, 5-21-2007; Ord. No. 9938, § 1, 2-6-2012; Ord. No. 10285, § 2, 3-16-2015; Ord. No. 10909, § 2, 4-15-2019)

(a)

Enforcement by building official. Failure to comply with any of the provisions of this division is a municipal ordinance violation and unlawful; and, except as provided elsewhere herein, the building official, or his designee, shall be responsible for the enforcement of this division.

(b)

Written notice to be given of violations; exceptions.

(1)

If it is found that a sign is in violation of this division, the building official, or his designee, shall give written notice to the owner of the sign; or if the owner cannot be located within 30 days by the building official, to the owner of the premises on which the sign is located; or, if the sign erection is not complete, to the sign erector.

(2)

If a real estate sign, garage sale sign, auction sign, notice, political sign, poster or other paper or device, is posted or affixed to any lamppost, public utility pole, shade tree located on the public right-of-way or upon any public structure or building, the building official, or his designee or the city police department are hereby authorized to remove such sign without prior written notice to the owner of the sign.

(3)

If a real estate sign, garage sale sign or auction sign, is placed in the ground where the real estate, garage sale or auction referred to in such sign is not located, and such sign is placed between the sidewalk and the street or if there is no sidewalk present, such sign is placed within 15 feet of the street curb or where the street surface ends, the building official, or his designee or the city police department are hereby authorized to remove such sign without prior written notice to the owner of the sign.

(4)

If a political sign, poster or other paper or device, is placed in the ground and such sign is placed between the sidewalk and the street or if there is no sidewalk present, such sign is placed within 15 feet of the street curb or where the street surface ends, the building official, or his designee or the city police department are hereby authorized to remove such sign without prior written notice to the owner of the sign.

(c)

Responsibility. Any person who shall occupy the premises when the sign is erected or attached, as lessee or licensed operator, shall be jointly and severally responsible for compliance with the provision of this division in the same manner as the owner of the sign and/or the premises, as the case may be.

(d)

Violations.

(1)

Injunctive relief. In case any sign is erected, constructed, reconstructed, altered, converted or maintained, or any sign is used in violation of this article, the proper local authorities of the municipality, in addition to other remedies, may institute any appropriate action or proceedings to prevent such unlawful erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, conversion, maintenance or use to restrain, correct or abate such violation. Such regulations shall be enforced by the building official or his designee, who is empowered to cause any sign to be inspected and examined, and to order in writing the remedying of any condition found to exist therein or thereat in violation of any provision of the regulations enumerated herein.

(2)

Penalties. The owner or general agent of a building or premises in or upon which a violation of any provisions of this article has been committed or shall exist; or the lessee or tenant of any part of the building or premises in or upon which such violation has been committed or shall exist, or the general agent, architect, building contractor or any other person who commits, takes part or assists in any violation or who maintains any sign in or upon which such violation shall exist, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $10.00 and not more than $100.00 for each and every day that such violation continues, but if the offense is willful, on conviction thereof the punishment shall be a fine of not less than $100.00 or more than $250.00 for each day that such violation shall continue, or by imprisonment for ten days for each and every day such violation shall continue, or by both such fine and imprisonment in the discretion of the court. Any such person who, having been served with an order to remove any such violation shall fail to comply with such order within ten days after such service, or shall continue to violate any provision of this article in the respect named in such order, shall also be subject to a civil penalty of $250.00.

(Ord. No. 8738, § 1(31-54), 12-21-1992)

(a)

Standards. This division provides standards for the erection and maintenance of signs. Signs use private land and the sight line created by public rights-of-way to inform and persuade the general public by publishing a message. All signs shall be erected and maintained in accordance with these standards. The provisions of the building and electrical codes of the city shall regulate the construction, alteration and maintenance of all signs and outdoor display signs, with their permanent and auxiliary devices insofar as they do not conflict with the provisions of this division.

(b)

Purpose. The general purpose of these standards is to promote, preserve, and protect the health, safety, general welfare, convenience, and enjoyment of the public, to preserve and protect the aesthetic quality of the city, and to achieve the following:

(1)

Safety. To promote the safety of persons and property by providing that signs:

a.

Do not create a hazard due to collapse, fire, collision, decay, abandonment, or other safety considerations;

b.

Do not obstruct fire fighting or police surveillance;

c.

Do not create traffic hazards by confusing or distracting motorists;

d.

Do not impair the driver's ability to see pedestrians, obstacles, or other vehicles, or to read traffic signs and signals; and

e.

Do not otherwise interfere with or detract from the safety of persons or property.

(2)

Communications efficiency. To promote the efficient transfer of information in sign messages by providing that:

a.

Customers and other persons may locate a business or service;

b.

No person or group is arbitrarily denied the use of the sight lines from the public right-of-way for communication purposes; and

c.

The messages in signs may otherwise be communicated efficiently.

(3)

Landscape quality and preservation. To protect the public welfare and to enhance the appearance and economy of the city, by providing that signs:

a.

Do not create a nuisance to persons using the public rights-of-way;

b.

Do not constitute a nuisance to occupancy of adjacent property by their brightness, size, height, or movement;

c.

Are not detrimental to land or property values;

d.

Do not overwhelm people by the number of messages presented, and do not interfere with the exercise of freedom of choice to observe or ignore said messages, according to the observer's purpose;

e.

Do not negatively effect the city's tourism industry;

f.

Do not create or worsen visual clutter or visual blight;

g.

Do otherwise protect and preserve a quality landscape in the city; and

h.

Do otherwise enhance the appearance and economy of the city.

(Ord. No. 8738, § 1(31-40), 12-21-1992)

The following types of signs and devices shall be prohibited and any other signs are also prohibited, if such signs and devices are between the sidewalk and the street or if no sidewalk is present, within 15 feet of a street curb or where the street surface ends:

(1)

Attention-attracting devices.

(2)

Fluttering signs, except for the following:

a.

Banners, pennants and streamers which are secured to a permanent structure located on private property and in which the total sign area does not exceed 36 square feet;

b.

Flags permitted under section 64-207; and

c.

Flags of the United States, the state and the city.

(3)

Paper, cardboard or other similar nonpermanent material signs located outside of a building, except for signs not requiring a permit.

(4)

Signs on parking lot light standards other than on-site informational and directional signs as provided for in section 64-206.

(5)

Banners may be placed across the right-of-way at the following locations, with approval in the form of a building permit issued by the community development department.

a.

Ohio street between Broadway and Main Street. Request for permit must be submitted by Sedalia Downtown Development Incorporated (SDDI);

b.

Third Street between Vermont and Moniteau. Request for permit must be submitted by Sacred Heart Church.

The banner shall be approved by the citizens traffic advisory commission (CTAC) and the development review committee (DRC) prior to community development department issuance of a permit. Request shall be reviewed for safety (CTAC, DRC), location including height (CTAC, DRC), and method of mounting (DRC).

(6)

Notices, posters or other papers or devices calculated to attract the attention of the public posted or affixed to any lamppost, public utility pole, shade tree located on the public right-of-way or upon any public structure or building, except as may be authorized by or required by law.

(Ord. No. 8738, § 1(31-42), 12-21-1992; Ord. No. 8988, § 2, 1-6-1997; Ord. No. 9563, § 2, 5-21-2007)

Any sign existing on the effective date of the ordinance from which this division is derived shall be governed by the following provisions:

(1)

Existing church bulletin boards and signs, institutional or governmental signs, memorial signs, or tablet signs shall not be affected by this division, except that should said signs be removed, replaced or substantially altered, they shall be brought into conformity with this division.

(2)

It shall be unlawful to enlarge, structurally alter or relocate off premises any existing sign, except in accordance with the provisions of this division.

(3)

Portable signs shall be subject to the provisions of this division within nine months from the date of the enactment of the ordinance from which this division is derived.

(4)

Temporary signs shall be subject to the provisions of this Code on the effective date of the ordinance from which this division is derived.

(5)

Any nonconforming sign, prior to the date of enactment of the ordinance from which this division is derived, shall within a period of ten years be made to comply with all of the provisions of this division together with all other ordinances of the city applicable thereto, or be removed. This section shall not be applicable to a sign that has received a variance for its particular location.

(Ord. No. 8738, § 1(31-43), 12-21-1992)

Subject to limitations hereinafter set forth, the following signs shall be permitted in R-1 through R-3, RS and A districts:

(1)

Church bulletin boards.

(2)

Construction signs.

(3)

Directional signs.

(4)

Institutional or governmental signs.

(5)

Memorial signs or tablet signs.

(6)

Political signs.

(7)

Real estate signs.

(8)

Special displays.

(9)

Subdivision real estate signs.

(10)

Subdivision entrance signs.

(11)

On-site informational signs

(12)

Flags of the United States, state, city, all nations, all states, elementary schools, secondary schools and any institutions of higher learning.

(13)

Signs which prohibit trespassing or indicate private premises, driveways or roads.

(14)

Garage sale and auction signs.

(15)

Occupational signs.

(Ord. No. 8738, § 1(31-44), 12-21-1992)

(a)

Subject to limitations hereinafter set forth, only the following signs shall be permitted in C-0 through C-3, M-1, M-2 or planned unit development (PUD) districts:

(1)

All signs and flags permitted in residential districts.

(2)

Monument/ground sign.

(3)

Canopy or awning or umbrella sign (umbrella's must be associated with outdoor eating or public seating space). Words, letters, numerals, figures, devices, designs or trademarks and logos on awnings and canopies attached directly to the main structure shall not exceed coverage of one-half of the face of the canopy or awning. Awning and canopy signage shall be included within the maximum wall sign area total for each use. Canopy signs shall be internally or non-illuminated, and awning signs shall be non-illuminated. An awning or canopy sign must be an integral part of the awning or canopy to which it is affixed and may only be placed on first and/or second story building elevations. No awning sign may project above, below, or beyond the edges of the face of the building wall or architectural element on which it is located.

(4)

Occupational or identification sign.

(5)

Wall sign (shall not exceed 25 percent of the area of each wall).

(6)

Neon sign, which is defined as an internally illuminated sign containing glass tube lighting in which gas and phosphors are used in combination to create a colored light. A neon sign is either:

a.

An illuminated sign where a neon glass tube provides the illumination, but the lighting tube is not visible; or

b.

Exposed neon, where the glass tube lighting is meant to be visibly seen and creates the signage.

c.

Except in the C-2 district, neon signs within 185 feet of a residential building shall only operate between the hours of 7 AM and 10 PM.

(7)

Projecting sign. A projecting sign is a sign affixed to a wall of a building that extends more than 12 inches from the surface of such wall, usually perpendicular to the wall surface. Such signs are only permitted in the C-2 and PUD districts, shall maintain a clearance of eight feet above finished grade and shall not extend more than five feet from the wall. In no case shall a projecting sign extend above a public street. Such signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area. Projecting signs must be located on the vertical surface of a building. Such signs shall not extend above the top of the roof or parapet line. Projecting signs may be non-illuminated, internally illuminated or externally illuminated and are subject to other applicable regulations.

(8)

Roof sign (as part of master sign plan).

(9)

Portable sign.

(b)

Businesses in the C-2 district are hereby encouraged to hang and display neon and projecting signs as a unique aesthetic feature and addition to the district.

(Ord. No. 8738, § 1(31-45), 12-21-1992; Ord. No. 10285, § 2, 3-16-2015; Ord. No. 10909, § 2, 4-15-2019; Ord. No. 12115, § 2, 8-19-2024)

Subject to limitations hereinafter set forth, only the following signs shall be permitted in C-O through C-3, M-l, M-2 or planned unit development (PUD) districts contiguous to U.S. highways:

(1)

Any sign permitted in C-O through C-3 districts.

(2)

Billboards.

(3)

One freestanding sign exceeding 35 feet but not taller than 65 feet above the nearest adjacent street level shall be permitted in M-l and M-2 districts on properties contiguous to divided (grass median) U.S. highways (65 highway North of 765).

(Ord. No. 8738, § 1(31-46), 12-21-1992; Ord. No. 10285, § 2, 3-16-2015; Ord. No. 11240, § 2, 9-8-2020)

The following standards and conditions shall be applicable to the signs listed herein:

(1)

Directional signs shall be subject to the following restrictions:

a.

All sign supports and frames shall be of a permanent material.

b.

Zoning C-3, M-1, M-2 or PUD signs may be double-faced not to exceed 48 square feet per face, maximum height eight feet. Said dimensions shall be exclusive of sign trim or supports. Zoning C-1 and C-2 signs may be doubled-faced not to exceed six square feet per face. Said dimensions shall be exclusive of sign trim or supports.

c.

Signs shall be located so as not to obstruct the view of motorists.

d.

At least 50 percent of any directional sign face shall contain one of the following words, phrases or similar traffic directions:

1.

Entrance or entrance only.

2.

One-way.

3.

Exit or exit only.

4.

Do not enter.

5.

No exit or no entrance.

6.

Drive-in or drive-through window.

7.

Right turn only or no left turn.

8.

Loading area, parcel pickup area or loading zone.

9.

Service vehicles only or no trucks.

10.

Directional arrows or graphic.

e.

In the remaining 50 percent of the sign face, there may be provided the name of the business center, development or name of the use or building, trademark, logo or similar matter.

f.

There shall be no more than two such signs per entry/exit unless said entry/exit is divided by a raised median in which case each side shall be treated as a separate entry/exit.

(2)

Church, institutional and governmental signs shall be subject to the following restrictions:

a.

Shall not be over 36 square feet in sign area, nor exceed a total height of seven feet above grade at its base.

b.

No more than one sign shall be placed on each road frontage.

c.

Shall be located only on the property of a governmental agency, on not-for-profit institutional property or private property with the owner's permission.

d.

No direct light shall be cast upon any residential property from sign illumination.

(3)

Real estate, garage sale and auction signs shall be subject to the following restrictions:

a.

Nonilluminated.

b.

Not greater than 32 square feet per sign face.

c.

Real estate, garage sale and auction signs giving directions and located on the premises to which they do not pertain shall not be in use more than 48 hours per week.

d.

Real estate, garage sale and auctions signs shall not be posted or affixed to any lamppost, public utility pole, shade tree located on the public right-of-way or upon any public structure or building nor shall such signs be placed in the ground between the sidewalk and the street and if there is no sidewalk present, no such signs shall be placed within 15 feet of the street curb or where the street surface ends.

e.

Garage sale signs shall be removed no later than 30 days after said sale has taken place.

(4)

Special displays shall be subject to the following restrictions:

a.

Temporary signs pertaining to special events may be displayed by any church, not-for-profit institution or governmental agency, provided that such signs are not displayed for a period longer than 15 days, nor shall any such sign be permitted more often than once each 60 days, nor shall such sign be larger than 200 square feet.

b.

Portable signs not exceeding 40 square feet may be used for grand openings for a period not to exceed 30 days.

c.

The name or logo of the business may appear on the special display.

(5)

Subdivision real estate signs shall not exceed 64 square feet per sign face and shall be maintained in good repair and shall be removed when 95 percent of the lots in said subdivision have been sold, subject to the following conditions:

a.

One sign per subdivision entrance; and

b.

Each subdivision may have one off-premises sign located within 1,000 feet of the exterior boundary of the subdivision.

(6)

Subdivision entrance signs shall conform to standards for ground signs and may be illuminated, provided such illumination does not shine directly onto adjacent residences.

(Ord. No. 8738, § 1(31-47), 12-21-1992; Ord. No. 10909, § 2, 4-15-2019)

Ground signs shall be subject to the following restrictions:

(1)

Shall be located so as to not obstruct vision at an intersection or a vehicular entry or exit from the property.

(2)

Ground/monument signs shall not exceed ten feet in height and a maximum size of 80 square feet. Pre-existing signs may not be altered without engineered plans.

(3)

One ground sign shall be allowed for each building fronting a public street. The foregoing, however, is subject to the specific provisions of this division regarding the total number of signs allowed for each business.

(Ord. No. 8738, § 1(31-48), 12-21-1992; Ord. No. 10285, § 2, 3-16-2015; Ord. No. 10909, § 2, 4-15-2019; Ord. No. 11877, § 1, 8-21-2023)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 10909, § 2, adopted April 15, 2019, changed the title of § 64-210 from "Ground signs" to read as herein set out.

Freestanding signs shall be subject to the following restrictions:

(1)

One freestanding sign shall be allowed for each building fronting a public street. The foregoing, however, is subject to the specific provisions of this division regarding the total number of signs allowed for each business.

(2)

Height shall not exceed 35 feet above the nearest adjacent street level. One freestanding sign exceeding 35 feet but not taller than 65 feet above the nearest adjacent street level shall be permitted in M-l and M-2 districts on properties contiguous to divided (grass median) U.S. highways (65 highway North of 765).

(3)

Every freestanding sign shall be constructed and anchored securely in conformity with the provisions for materials, loads and stresses in the city's building and electrical codes. The effect of special local wind pressures shall be thoroughly considered in the design; but each such sign must meet wind loads specifications in the city's current building code as set forth in article IV of chapter 10.

(4)

A freestanding sign may have an area of 80 square feet, or three-fourths square foot of sign face for every foot of frontage of the business advertised, whichever is greater; however, the maximum allowable size for any freestanding sign shall be 700 square feet. Ground skirts are not included in the square footage calculation of sign area unless there is advertising content on the skirt.

(5)

The sign must be so located that no part of it projects beyond a one-foot setback line from the property line of the street on which it abuts, or closer than one foot to an interior property line.

(Ord. No. 8738, § 1(31-49), 12-21-1992; Ord. No. 10285, § 2, 3-16-2015; Ord. No. 10909, § 2, 4-15-2019; Ord. No. 11240, § 2, 9-8-2020)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 10909, § 2, adopted April 15, 2019, changed the title of § 64-211 from "Freestanding signs" to read as herein set out.

On-site informational signs shall be subject to the following restrictions:

(1)

Each sign shall not be more than six square feet per sign face, nor exceed a height of ten feet from ground level; and

(2)

Each sign shall be constructed of permanent, weatherproof materials.

(Ord. No. 8738, § 1(31-50), 12-21-1992)

Billboards shall be subject to the following restrictions:

(1)

Billboards shall not be located within 300 feet of any residentially zoned property and shall only be located along U.S. Highway 50 or 65 within the city limits and district C-2, general business as provided for exclusively in and by subparagraph (4) below.

(2)

Billboards shall not be erected within 1,200 feet of one another on the same side of the road. Double-faced sign structures having parallel sign surfaces and adjacent sign structures having touching sign surfaces with an angle no greater than 90 degrees between sign surfaces, provided they do not exceed the sign surface requirements, shall not be prohibited by this requirement. Such minimum spacing distance shall be measured along the centerline of the U.S. highway from a point opposite any edge of a billboard and perpendicular to the centerline of such highway.

(3)

The maximum gross area of any billboard shall not exceed 480 square feet. For purposes of this provision, each side of a billboard shall be considered a separate sign.

(4)

No billboard shall be attached to the roof or wall of any building, except in district C-2, general business where this is the only type of billboard allowed.

(5)

No new billboard shall hereafter be erected having more than one viewable sign face which is directed toward the same lane of traffic.

(6)

Billboards may be illuminated by electrical lighting of the surface of the sign face; however, no flashing, blinking or intermittent lighting of billboard sign faces shall be allowed.

(7)

Billboards shall not exceed a height of 35 feet above the nearest adjacent street level.

(8)

Every billboard shall be constructed and anchored securely in conformity to the provisions for materials, loads and stresses in the city's building and electrical codes. The effect of special local wind pressures shall be thoroughly considered in the design; but each such sign must meet wind loads specifications in the city's current building code as set forth in article IV of chapter 10.

(9)

No billboard in district C-2, general business shall be electronically automated (ie. video).

(Ord. No. 8738, § 1(31-51), 12-21-1992; Ord. No. 10285, § 2, 3-16-2015)

(a)

Application for a permit shall be made to the building official or his designee upon a form provided by said building official, and shall be accompanied by such information as may be required to ensure compliance with all appropriate laws and regulations of the city, including, but not limited to:

(1)

Name, address, and business license number of the permit applicant;

(2)

Name and address of the owner of the sign;

(3)

Name and address of the owner and the occupant of the premises where the sign is located or to be located;

(4)

Clear and legible drawings with a description showing the precise location of the sign which is the subject of the permit and all other existing signs on the same premises or as otherwise specified by the building official or his designee;

(5)

Drawings showing the dimensions, construction supports, sizes, materials of the sign, and method of attachment and character of structural members to which attachment is to be made;

(6)

The following types of signs do not require a permit:

a.

Real estate signs;

b.

Political signs;

c.

Flags;

d.

No trespassing signs;

e.

Auction signs;

f.

Garage sale signs;

g.

Birth announcement signs;

h.

Birthday signs;

i.

Banners;

j.

Pennants;

k.

Streamers;

l.

Feather flags/sign;

m.

Balloon signs and air-activated graphics; [and]

n.

Inflatable device.

(7)

Payment of the cost of said permit shall be as set forth in the city's fee schedule, with the permit valuations including the total value of work inclusive of materials and labor;

(8)

Any other information required by the building official or his designee.

(b)

The building official or his designee shall issue a permit for work to be done on a sign when an application therefor has been properly made and the sign complies with all appropriate laws and regulations of the city.

(Ord. No. 8738, § 1(31-52), 12-21-1992; Ord. No. 8988, § 3, 1-6-1997; Ord. No. 9237, § 1, 4-2-2001; Ord. No. 10909, § 2, 4-15-2019)

Except as hereinafter provided, all signs shall be subject to the following general construction standards and maintenance standards:

(1)

The building official, or his designee, shall initiate the necessary procedures to remove any sign of immediate danger or hazard to persons or property, as provided in the city's current building code as set forth in article IV of chapter 10, relating to the abatement of dangerous buildings.

(2)

No signs or other advertising structure regulated by this division shall be erected in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision; or at any location where, by reason of its position, shape or color, it may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device; or which makes use of the words "stop," "look," "drive-in," "danger," or any word, phrase, symbol or character in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic.

(3)

All outdoor signs and supports shall be weather-resistant and shall be maintained in good repair so as to prevent rust, peeling, flaking or fading. Broken panels, missing letters, flaking or peeling paint and other visual damage to a sign shall be repaired within 45 days of notice to repair.

(4)

Illuminated signs shall be oriented so as to prevent casting light onto residential properties.

(Ord. No. 8738, § 1(31-53), 12-21-1992)

Within the purview of its jurisdiction, the zoning board of adjustment is empowered to review or modify, the building official or his designee's order or determination, with respect to signs covered by this division and may consider variances as provided by law.

(Ord. No. 8738, § 1(31-55), 12-21-1992)

Historic marker signs placed in the public right-of-way on the sidewalks of the central business and cultural district are limited to signs owned by the City of Sedalia and shall be subject to the following restrictions:

(1)

One freestanding historic marker sign shall be allowed in the public right-of-way for each building fronting a public street, but with a minimum of 25 feet between historic marker signs.

(2)

The bottom of all such signs shall be at least four feet six inches above the main ground level on which the signs are placed, and shall not exceed a height of seven feet above the main ground level.

(3)

Every historic marker sign shall be constructed and anchored securely in conformity with the provisions for materials, loads and stresses in the city's building and electrical codes.

(4)

A historic marker sign shall not exceed 24 inches in width and 24 inches in height.

(5)

Historic marker signs must be so located that no part of it projects beyond a one-foot set-back line from the street curb line of the street on which it abuts, or closer than three feet to a building property line to allow for ADA (American Disability Act) standards on pedestrian access.

(6)

Historic marker signs must be so located that placement does not interfere with the opening of car passenger doors. The sign must be placed even with parking stripe marker between designated parking spaces. In the instance that a parking stripe marker does not exist at the location the city engineer has discretion for proper placement.

(7)

Historic marker signs shall be located so as not to obstruct the view of motorists.

(8)

All historic marker signs and support poles shall be of permanent material consistent with the historic environment of the district and must be consistent with the historic streetscape design.

(9)

Historic marker signs are first subject to approval of content and placement by the central business and cultural district board of directors. Historic marker sign applications and funding of such will be reviewed at regularly scheduled monthly CBCD board meetings. Final approval of historic marker signs, upon favorable recommendation by the CBCD, is subject to City of Sedalia City Council.

(Ord. No. 9938, § 2, 2-6-2012)

(a)

A master sign plan application may be approved for the purpose of establishing consistent, logical, and equitable signage for:

(1)

Multiple uses on a single property;

(2)

A building group of a single use or multiple uses that may involve multiple compact and contiguous properties; or

(3)

A large tract that contains a single use with multiple services.

(b)

The main intent of a master sign plan is to provide clarity of communication regarding tenants and services to users of the premises or building group. A master sign plan is not intended to provide special or additional signage allowance in terms of total effective area than would otherwise be permitted by division 2 of this article.

(Ord. No. 9692, § 31-57, 11-17-2008)

(a)

The planning and zoning commission may approve the establishment of a master sign plan for:

(1)

Two or more commercial, office, or industrial uses on a single property or lot;

(2)

An identifiable building group such as but not limited to, a medical, university or college campus, industrial or office park, or shopping center; or

(3)

Any other site containing at least five acres of land area.

(b)

Except for specifically permitted variations from the spacing and number of signs in the approved master sign plan, all other signs within the area defined within the master sign plan shall comply with all provisions of this division.

(c)

Master sign plans shall prescribe the standards of size, number and types of signage permitted. No other signs shall be permitted except signs that are directional in nature which are listed under section 64-209(1) or function as on-site informational signs as described in section 64-212.

(d)

No freestanding sign shall exceed the maximum effective area permitted by section 64-211. nor shall the total effective area of detached, projecting and roof signs exceed what sections 64-211 through 64-216 would otherwise permit.

(e)

No freestanding sign shall exceed the maximum height of 35 feet, permitted by section 64-211. One freestanding sign exceeding 35 feet but not taller than 65 feet above the nearest adjacent street level shall be permitted in M-l and M-2 districts on properties contiguous to divided (grass median) U.S. highways (65 highway North of 765).

(f)

The provisions of this division shall not apply to off-premises signs, which are signs that are not on the subject property.

(g)

The provisions of this division shall only apply to on-premises signs or signs relating to activities within the area that the master sign plan is to serve.

(h)

Detached signs supported by a pole are not permitted unless the pole is concealed. Different types of signs, as identified by the specific master sign plan (development identification, tenant identification, directional, etc.), may be constructed of different materials.

(i)

Any changeable message or image shall be displayed on the sign for at least ten seconds without any change of movement.

(Ord. No. 9692, § 31-58, 11-17-2008; Ord. No. 11240, § 2, 9-8-2020)

All applications shall be filed at least 45 days prior to a regularly scheduled public meeting where the application will be reviewed by the planning and zoning commission. The application shall contain the following information as well as such additional information as may be described by rule of the planning and zoning commission or the community development director:

(1)

The applicant's name and address and his legal interest in the subject property;

(2)

The owner's name and address, including trustees, and, if different than the applicant, the owner's signed consent to the filing of the application and authorization for the applicant to act in his behalf;

(3)

The street addresses (or common description) and a copy of the deed of record or legal descriptions of the property as prepared by and certified by a land surveyor, abstractor, title company or attorney;

(4)

The zoning classification of the subject properties;

(5)

The current and proposed use of the subject properties;

(6)

A statement from the applicant describing how the proposed master sign plan:

a.

Addresses the eight review criteria listed in section 64-334; and

b.

Provides more consistent, logical, and equitable signage than would be permitted by applying the sign requirements division 2 of this article.

(7)

A scaled site plan showing:

a.

Location of the buildings, parking lots, property lines, easements, driveways and landscaped areas on the subject properties;

b.

Any additional information necessary to address the eight review criteria listed in section 64-334 such as, significant natural topographic or physical features of the site; and

c.

The proposed location of each current and proposed sign of any type.

(8)

The standards of consistency among all signs with regard to:

a.

General location of each sign on buildings and structures;

b.

Effective area limitations, which may be based on length of street, frontage, area of building or some other form of calculation; and

c.

Materials to be used for detached sign support structures.

(Ord. No. 9692, § 31-59, 11-17-2008)

The planning and zoning commission shall review and either approve, deny or amend all applications for master sign plans. No review of a master sign plan application shall be done by the planning and zoning commission unless the community development director, or his duly designated delegate, has certified to the planning and zoning commission that the application is complete, based on the information required by section 64-333, and does not contain or reveal violations of this division or other applicable regulations. The planning and zoning commission in considering whether or not to approve, deny or amend an application for a master sign plan shall be guided by the general purpose of this section and the following:

(1)

The proposed master sign plan will be consistent with the adopted policies of the city comprehensive plan;

(2)

The proposed master sign plan has the potential to improve the safety and convenience of the motoring public and of pedestrians using the property and the area immediately surrounding the property;

(3)

The location, lighting and type of signs proposed and the relationship of signs to traffic control is appropriate for the property;

(4)

The proposed signs will be constructed, arranged and operated so as not to dominate the immediate vicinity or to interfere with the development and use of neighboring property in accordance with the applicable district regulations;

(5)

The proposed signs, as shown by the application, will not destroy, damage, detrimentally modify or interfere with the enjoyment or function of any significant natural topographic or physical features of the site;

(6)

The proposed signs will not result in the destruction, loss or damage of any natural, scenic or historic feature of significant importance;

(7)

The proposed signs, as shown by the application, will not interfere with any easements, roadways, rail lines, utilities and public or private rights-of-way; and

(8)

The proposed signs will not have any substantial or undue adverse effect upon, or will not lack amenity or be incompatible with, the use or enjoyment of adjacent and surrounding property, the character of the neighborhood, traffic conditions, parking, utility facilities, and other matters affecting the public health, safety, and general welfare.

(Ord. No. 9692, § 31-60, 11-17-2008)

In approving a master sign plan application, the planning and zoning commission may impose such conditions, safeguards and restrictions upon the premises benefited by the master sign plan as may be necessary to comply with the requirements of this division or to avoid, or minimize, or mitigate any potentially adverse or injurious effect of such master sign plan upon other property in the neighborhood, and to carry out the general purpose and intent of this division. Such conditions shall be set out in the approval of the master sign plan application.

(Ord. No. 9692, § 31-61, 11-17-2008)

(a)

The planning and zoning commission shall, within 30 days after the public hearing is concluded, approve or deny an application for a master sign plan. If the application is denied, the planning and zoning commission shall state the reasons for denial in writing to the applicant and shall also make suggestions in regard to appropriate changes. In the event that an application is denied, the applicant may:

(1)

Resubmit a revised application within 45 calendar days of denial by the commission for reconsideration by the commission; or

(2)

File an appeal to the zoning board of adjustment within 15 days of the denial by the planning and zoning commission.

(b)

The secretary of the planning and zoning commission shall maintain complete records of all actions of the commission with respect to applications for master sign plans.

(Ord. No. 9692, § 31-62, 11-17-2008)

(a)

After approval of a master sign plan application, no sign shall be erected, placed, reconstructed, structurally altered, or moved except in conformance with the master sign plan.

(b)

The approval of a master sign plan application shall not authorize the erection, placement, reconstruction, structural alteration or moving of any sign, but shall merely authorize the preparation, filing and processing of applications for any permits or approvals, which may be required by the codes and ordinances of the city, including, but not limited to, a building or sign permit. Each sign shall be required to have a separate permit.

(Ord. No. 9692, § 31-63, 11-17-2008)

In case of any conflict between the provisions of a master sign plan and any other provisions of this division, this division shall prevail.

(Ord. No. 9692, § 31-63, 11-17-2008)

A master sign plan may be amended by filing a new master sign plan application that conforms to all requirements of this division.

(Ord. No. 9692, § 31-64, 11-17-2008)

Historic sign means a wall sign, hand-painted sign, neon sign, or projecting sign which had as its original purpose advertisement of a closed or off-site business; or a sign which a still operating business no longer uses as its sign, that meets all the following criteria:

(1)

The sign must have been originally created, hung, or manufactured more than 25 years from the date of a historic sign permit or historic sign park permit application;

(2)

The sign is structurally safe or is capable of being made so without substantially altering its historical significance; and

(3)

The sign meets one or more of the following conditions:

a.

The sign contributes to the historical or cultural character of the streetscape and the community at large;

b.

The sign is associated with historic figures, events, or places;

c.

The sign is significant as evidence of the history of the product, business, or service advertised;

d.

The sign reflects the history of the building or the development of the historic district;

e.

The sign is characteristic of a specific historic period;

f.

The sign is a local landmark recognized as a popular focal point in the community; or

g.

The sign contains elements important in defining the character of a historic district.

Historic sign park means an indoor or outdoor display of no less than six, but not more than 150 historic signs designed to be a tourist attraction or a local landmark.

(Ord. No. 12115, § 1, 8-19-2024)

(a)

Historic sign parks shall only be allowed in the following zoning districts:

(1)

C-0;

(2)

C-1;

(3)

C-2;

(4)

C-3;

(5)

M-1;

(6)

M-2; and

(7)

A planned unit development if approved in the original final development plan.

(b)

When a historic sign park permit is obtained, a historic sign park shall be exempt from all other sign regulations contained in chapter 64, article VII of this code.

(c)

All historic signs displayed outdoors shall be exhibited in a way that does not cause unsafe distraction or visual impairment to drivers passing by. For purposes of this section, an unsafe distraction shall mean a sign or multiple signs, due to its size or level of illumination, that blocks sight to adjacent roadways or causes a visual obstruction to oncoming traffic.

(Ord. No. 12115, § 1, 8-19-2024)

(a)

Historic sign permits. Properties located in C-0 through C-3, M-1, M-2, and PUD districts may display between one and five historic signs if a historic sign permit is obtained by the property owner.

(b)

Historic sign park permits. Prior to operating a historic sign park, a historic sign park permit shall be obtained by the property owner.

(c)

Historic sign and historic sign park permit process.

(1)

Historic sign permit or historic sign park permit applications shall be submitted to the community development director in a form prescribed by the community development director.

(2)

Upon the filing of a historic sign permit or historic sign park permit application, and payment of the appropriate fee as designated by the city's fee schedule, the community development director shall, within 30 days of the date of the application, submit the application to the historic preservation commission for a recommendation on approval or denial of the application.

(3)

Within 30 days of receipt of a historic sign permit or historic sign park permit application, the historic preservation commission shall hold a meeting to consider said application and shall make a recommendation to approve or deny the application to the community development director. When considering a historic sign permit or historic sign park permit application, the historic preservation commission shall determine whether the sign(s) to be displayed meet the definition of a historic sign or a historic sign park, as applicable, as provided section 64-360 and whether the historic signs are permitted in the applicable zoning district.

(4)

Within 15 days of receipt of a recommendation from the historic preservation commission, the community development director shall issue a decision approving or denying a historic sign permit or historic sign park application. Notice of the decision shall be mailed to the applicant within seven days of the decision.

(5)

An applicant may appeal the decision of the community development director to the zoning board of adjustments in accordance with this Code within ten days of receipt of the notice of the community development director's decision. The decision of the zoning board of adjustments shall be final.

(d)

It shall be unlawful for any person or entity to operate a historic sign park or display a historic sign without obtaining a permit required by this section, punishable in accordance with section 1-14 of this Code.

(Ord. No. 12115, § 1, 8-19-2024)