St Peters City Zoning Code
ARTICLE IX
Permanent Sign Regulations
Section 405.710 Intent And Purpose.
[R.O. 2007 § 405.710; Ord. No. 1523 § 9.0100, 5-11-1989]
The purpose of these regulations is to provide minimum control of permanent signs to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the public by lessening hazards to pedestrian and vehicular traffic, by preserving property values, and by preventing a proliferation of unsightly and incompatible development which has a general blighting effect on the City. For "temporary signs" see other applicable ordinances.
Section 405.715 Definitions.
[R.O. 2007 § 405.715; Ord. No. 1523 § 9.0200, 5-11-1989; Ord. No. 1720 § 1, 2-14-1991; Ord. No. 4178 § 1, 12-9-2004; Ord. No. 4913 § 1, 10-25-2007; Ord. No. 5096 § 2, 10-23-2008; Ord. No. 5177 § 6, 4-23-2009]
For the purposes of this Article, the following definitions shall apply:
An office or individual having specific authority to administer the regulations of this Article.
A sign mounted or painted on, or attached to, an awning, canopy, or marquee.
A sign structure advertising an establishment, merchandise, service, or entertainment, which is not sold, produced, manufactured, or furnished at the property on which said sign is located, such as billboards or outdoor advertising signage.
A permanent roof-like shelter extending from part or all of a building face onto which signs may be placed.
A sign with a time interval of ten (10) seconds or greater such as an electronically controlled message board where different copy changes are shown. Electronically controlled public service time, temperature and date sign message boards may have a minimum time interval of three (3) seconds. Combined business and changeable copy signs where the entire sign is electronically controlled may have a minimum time interval of twenty (20) seconds or greater.
A sign on which copy is changed manually in the field, such as reader boards with changeable letters or changeable pictorial panels.
A sign attached to the exterior of a church or located elsewhere on church premises and used to indicate the services and/or other activities of the church, and including the church name, if desired.
City of St. Peters.
Property of the City of St. Peters, whether or not the property is at the time being used for a public purpose, and includes that property which is owned, rented or leased to the City of St. Peters. This definition shall not apply to property owned by the City which is leased or rented to others.
The wording on a sign surface either in permanent or removable letter form. Permanent wording may also be in the form of an electronic display sign or video display sign where the display does not change more frequently than every twenty (20) seconds.
(See "GROUND OR POLE SIGN")
Any sign which serves solely to designate the location or direction of any place or area.
Any sign designed to provide artificial light either through transparent or translucent material from a light source within the sign.
Any sign containing electrical wiring which is attached or intended to be attached to an electrical energy source.
To build, construct, attach, hang, rehang, place, affix, or relocate and includes the painting of lettering for signs.
A noteworthy social occasion or happening of a non-commercial nature.
Signs exempted from normal permit requirements and fees.
The front or main part of a building facing a street; for purposes of this Article the facade is defined as measured from the ground elevation to the parapet line.
The entire area of sign on which copy could be placed. For purposes of this Article, the area in square feet of the smallest geometric figure which describes the area enclosed by the actual copy of a sign. For fascia signs, the copy area limits refer to the message, not to the illuminated background.
A sign attached to or erected against a wall of a building with the face horizontally parallel to the wall.
A flag of the Federal, State or local government or one having the name and/or corporate logo or symbol of the business establishment.
A sign or accessory light which is illuminated on an intermittent cycle except changeable copy sign (automatic).
A sign which flutters and includes banners and commercial flags.
(See "GROUND OR POLE SIGN")
The average level of the finished surface of the ground adjacent to a sign or the exterior wall of the building to which a sign is affixed.
A freestanding sign resting upon the ground or attached to it by means of one (1) or more poles or standards (See "DETACHED SIGN").
The measurement from the top of the highest structural element of the sign to the average level of the finished ground surface or grade.
A sign containing only the name and address of the occupant or business establishment.
A sign identifying the institutional or governmental facility.
A letter, character, or symbol used to represent a person, corporation or business enterprise.
The permanent part of a building which denotes the name of the building, date of erection, historical significance or similar information.
A freestanding sign having a solid appearance and a low profile, normally consisting of a face and base.
[Ord. No. 6219 § 1, 9-11-2014]
Any advertising structure or sign which was lawfully erected and maintained prior to such time as it came within the purview of this Article and any amendments thereto, and restrictions of this Article, or a non-conforming sign for which a variance has been issued.
Any sign that does not contain electrical wiring or is not attached or intended to be attached to an electrical energy source.
An off-premises or billboard type sign.
That portion of a building wall that rises above the roof level.
Any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, company or organization of any kind.
A portable changeable copy sign.
That portion of a lot or building occupied by a single occupant, exclusive of common area, if any, shared with adjacent occupants.
Any letter, word, sign device or representation used in nature of an advertisement or announcement projecting perpendicularly from the building.
Directional sign to subdivisions under construction and project site promotional sign.
That part of any street, road, alley or avenue dedicated for public use as a walkway or thoroughfare for pedestrians or motor vehicles, whether or not the public improvements thereon extend to the full dedicated limits of such right-of-way.
The top edge of the roof or the top of the parapet, whichever forms the top line of the building silhouette.
A sign mounted on the roof of a building or projecting above the top of the roof line (except a ground or pole sign).
A sign or portion of a sign which moves in a revolving or similar manner.
Any identification, description, illustration, or device illuminated or non-illuminated which is visible to the general public and directs attention to a product, service, place, activity, person, institution, business or solicitation, including any permanently installed or situated merchandise; or any emblem, painting, flag, banner, pennant, or placard designed to advertise, identify or convey information. Sign supports are not considered part of the sign.
The molding, battens, nailing strips, latticing, and platforms which are attached to the sign structure.
A permanent ground sign identifying a subdivision entry, subdivision name, and/or street names within the subdivision.
Sign supports shall apply to all structures by which the sign is held up, including for example: poles, braces, guys and anchors.
A sign of a civic, political, charitable, religious or commercial purpose and relating to a specific civic, political, charitable, religious, or commercial event including garage and yard sales, which event is not continuous or a frequent occurrence.
A sign permanently affixed to either side of the glass of an exterior door or window. For the purpose of this Article, a glass brick wall shall be deemed a window. This definition does not include merchandise located in the window.
Section 405.720 Permit Requirements.
[R.O. 2007 § 405.720; Ord. No. 1523 §§ 9.0301 — 9.0305, 5-11-1989; Ord. No. 3171 § 1, 1-13-2000]
Except as hereinafter provided for certain specified exempt signs, no sign subject to the provisions of this Article shall be erected, altered, or relocated without first obtaining a permit from the Administrative Officer. To obtain a permit, the person(s) erecting said sign shall file an application upon forms provided by the Engineering Department. Application for a sign and permit approval must occur prior to erection of a sign. Otherwise, said sign shall be deemed in violation of this Article.
Permit Applications. Applications for both temporary and permanent sign permits shall be submitted to the Engineering Department and shall contain or have attached thereto the following information:
The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the applicant, the owner of the property on which the sign is to be erected or affixed, the owner of the sign, and the person to be erecting or affixing the sign.
The location of the building, structure, or zoning lot on which the sign is to be erected and/or affixed.
A site plan of the property involved, showing accurate placement thereon of the proposed sign.
Two (2) blueprints or ink drawings of the plans and specifications of the sign to be erected or affixed and method of construction and attachment to the building or in the ground. Such plans and specifications shall include details of dimensions, materials, color, and weight.
If required by the Administrative Officer, a copy of stress sheets and calculations prepared by or approved by a registered structural engineer licensed by the State of Missouri showing that the sign is designed for dead load and wind pressure in any direction in the amount required by this and all other applicable ordinances of the City.
The written consent of the owner of the building, structure, or property on which the sign is to be erected or affixed.
Such other information as the Administrative Officer may require to determine full compliance with this and other applicable ordinances of the City.
Fees. A fee, as set forth in Appendix A of Title IV, per sign shall be paid to the City of St. Peters for processing of a permanent sign permit. The fee must be paid at the time the application is filed. There shall be no charge for processing of a temporary sign permit.
Denial Or Revocation. The Administrative Officer may deny, suspend or revoke a permit issued under provisions of this Article whenever the permit is issued on the basis of a misstatement of fact or fraud. When a sign permit is denied by the Administrative Officer, he/she shall give written notice of denial to the applicant, together with a brief written statement of the reasons for the denial.
Six Month Deadline. If the work authorized under a sign permit has not been completed within six (6) months after the date of issuance, the permit shall become null and void. An applicant must refile the appropriate information when said permit is voided.
Section 405.725 Unsafe, Obsolete, Unmaintained And Non-Conforming Signs.
[R.O. 2007 § 405.725; Ord. No. 1523 § 9.0306, 5-11-1989; Ord. No. 1988 § 1, 3-25-1993; Ord. No. 3622 § 1, 3-14-2002]
Unsafe Signs. If any sign is found to be unsafe or insecure, or is a menace to the public, the Administrative Officer shall give written notification to the owner of the property to which such sign is erected or affixed to remove or alter such unsafe or insecure sign within ten (10) days upon receipt of notification. Upon failure to comply with such notice within the time specified, the Administrative Officer shall find the owner of the sign in violation and take appropriate legal action to remove or repair said sign. The Administrative Officer may cause any sign that is an immediate peril to persons or property to be removed summarily and without notice.
Obsolete Signs.
Any obsolete sign that does not advertise an existing business or a product shall be taken down and removed by the owner of the property to which the obsolete sign is attached within ten (10) days after notification from the Administrative Officer. Upon failure to comply with such notice within the time specified, the officer shall cause for removal of such sign, and any expense incidental thereto shall be paid by said owner.
At the termination of a business or commercial enterprise, all signs pertaining thereto shall be removed from public view within ninety (90) days of such termination.
Alteration And Maintenance Of Non-Conforming Signs. Any non-conforming signs shall be brought into compliance when the following occurs:
Damage to a sign which requires repairs which will exceed fifty percent (50%) of the replacement value of the sign.
Required maintenance which will exceed fifty percent (50%) of the replacement of the sign.
A change in ownership or tenancy which requires a new certificate of occupancy for the premises on which a legal non-conforming sign is located.
Relocation of a sign either on the premises or to another location.
Remodeling which encompasses more than fifty percent (50%) of the display frontage of the business to which the sign relates.
Sign Condition.
All signs shall be maintained and in good working order including, but not limited to, operational electrical service and components and sign colors and detail that match the approved sign design.
All building facades, sign boards, and other areas to which signs are attached shall be returned to a smooth, finished surface that matches the building at the time of sign removal.
Section 405.730 Signs Prohibited.
[R.O. 2007 § 405.735; Ord. No. 1523 § 9.0400, 5-11-1989; Ord. No. 2770 § 1, 11-13-1997; Ord. No. 6219 § 1, 9-11-2014; Ord. No. 6865, 11-9-2017; Ord. No. 7839, 7-27-2023; Ord. No. 8080, 12-19-2024]
The following signs shall be prohibited:
Signs containing flashers, animators, electronic or mechanical movement or contrivances of any kind except for those signs classified as a changeable copy sign (automatic) or electronic signs otherwise permitted by this Code. This shall also apply to the interior of a building where flashing lights or other mechanical or electronic contrivances are used in conjunction with window signs or other advertisements which can be viewed from the outside of the building.
Paper posters and signs painted directly on exterior walls, chimneys or other parts of the building.
Signs or other advertising structures displaying any obscene, indecent or immoral matter.
No sign or other advertising structure erected regulated by this Article shall be at the intersection of any streets in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision; or at any location where, by reason of its shape or color, it may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device.
Roof signs.
Signs On Parked Vehicles. Signs placed on or affixed to vehicles and/or trailers which are parked on a public right-of-way, public property, or private property where the apparent purpose is to advertise a product or direct people to a business or activity located on the same or nearby property. However, this is not in any way intended to prohibit signs placed on or affixed to vehicles and trailers, such as permanent lettering on motor vehicles, where the sign is incidental to the primary use of the vehicle or trailer. Signs indicating a vehicle is for sale shall be permitted only if the vehicle is being driven on a regular basis; vehicles for sale shall not be parked at a non-residential location for more than one (1) day unless part of a permitted motor vehicle sales facility.
"A" frame or sandwich board and sidewalk, or curb signs except as otherwise noted in this Article.
Portable reader board (changeable copy sign).
Commercial flags, streamers and pennants.
Permanent or temporary signs attached to a fence except identifying signs which may not exceed thirty-six (36) square inches in size.
Section 405.740 Exempt Signs.
[R.O. 2007 § 405.740; Ord. No. 1523 § 9.0500, 5-11-1989; Ord. No. 1988 § 1, 3-25-1993; Ord. No. 2312 § 1, 6-8-1995; Ord. No. 2920 § 1, 9-10-1998; Ord. No. 3451 § 1, 5-24-2001]
The following signs shall be exempt from all but the maintenance and public safety requirements of this Article.
Awning, Canopy And Marquee Signs. Awning signs not exceeding a gross area of four (4) square feet or canopy and marquee signs not exceeding a gross area of twenty-five (25) square feet, indicating only the name of the activity conducted on the premises on which the sign is located and/or a brief generic description of the business conducted by the activity. All such signs shall be constructed in accordance with the Building Code provisions of the City of St. Peters. Advertising material of any kind is strictly prohibited on awning and canopy signs.
Agricultural Business Sign. Business signs, not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet, when located on property used for agricultural purposes and pertaining to the sale of agricultural products grown or produced on the premises.
Business Nameplates. Non-electrical nameplates denoting the business name of an occupation legally conducted on the premises, provided that the sign area does not exceed two (2) square feet in area.
Bulletin Boards. Bulletin boards, not exceeding twenty (20) square feet for public, charitable, or religious institutions where the same are located on the premises of said institutions.
Directional Signs. Signs not exceeding four (4) square feet in area, which provide instruction or direction and are located entirely on the property to which they pertain, to identify restrooms, public telephones, walkways, parking lot entrances and exits, and features of a similar nature. The Administrative Office shall have the authority to deny such signs if they are deemed unnecessary or to be used for advertising purposes.
Flags, Emblems And Insignias (for Non-Commercial Purposes). Flags, emblems and insignias of political, professional, religious, educational and corporate organizations shall not exceed a height of five (5) feet and a width of eight (8) feet. Such flags, emblems and insignias may only be used for non-commercial purposes and comply with all applicable regulations pertaining to flag etiquette. National, State and City flags shall be exempt from all provisions contained within the permanent sign regulations, providing that such flags are used for non-commercial purposes and comply with all applicable regulations pertaining to flag etiquette.
Government And Institutional Signs. Signs of a duly governmental body, including traffic or other similar regulatory devices, directional signs, legal notices, warnings at railroad crossings, and other instructional or regulatory signs having to do with health, hazards, parking, swimming, dumping, and so forth.
House Number Sign. (Provided such signs do not flash.)
Interior Signs. Signs which are fully located within the interior of any building or within an enclosed lobby of any building which are intended solely for information relating to the interior operation of the building in which they are located.
Memorial Signs. Memorial signs or tablets listing names of buildings and date of erection, when cut into any masonry surface or inlaid so as to be part of the building or when constructed of bronze or other incombustible material.
Religious And Historic Symbols. Religious symbols, identification emblems of religious order, or commemoration plaques of recognized historical agencies, provided that no such symbol, plaque, or identification emblem shall exceed four (4) square feet and provided further that all such symbols, plaques and identification emblems shall be placed flat against a building, stone, or other permanent surface.
Section 405.745 Permanent Sign Regulations By Zoning District.
[R.O. 2007 § 405.745; Ord. No. 1523 §§ 9.0600 — 9.0603, 5-11-1989; Ord. No. 1988 § 1, 3-25-1993; Ord. No. 2312 § 1, 6-8-1995; Ord. No. 2516 § 1, 8-8-1996; Ord. No. 2770 § 1, 11-13-1997; Ord. No. 3039 § 1, 5-13-1999; Ord. No. 3082 § 1, 8-12-1999; Ord. No. 3451 § 1, 5-24-2001; Ord. No. 3474 § 1, 7-12-2001; Ord. No. 3580 § 1, 1-10-2002; Ord. No. 3648 § 1, 5-9-2002; Ord. No. 3701 § 1, 9-12-2002; Ord. No. 4913 § 1, 10-25-2007; Ord. No. 5096 § 3, 10-23-2008; Ord. No. 5339 § 14, 2-25-2010; Ord. No. 5466 § 10, 8-26-2010; Ord. No. 5563 § 13, 3-24-2011]
All signs in this Section are considered permanent and shall be located in the zoning districts as set out herein.
Signs Permitted In "A-1" Agricultural District. For uses permitted upon review and approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission, refer to appropriate zoning district for sign regulations. The regulations below shall only apply to an agricultural business advertising agricultural products which are sold from the premises on a year-round basis (vegetables, greenhouse stock).
Changeable Copy Sign. Only one (1) sign shall be permitted per street facing. Said sign shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet per facing or forty-eight (48) square feet per facing or forty-eight (48) square feet for the total aggregate sign area. Sign shall not exceed fifteen (15) feet in height above the average street grade. Sign copy shall only advertise goods or products sold on the premises and not contain the name of the business.
Permanent Agricultural Business Signs. There shall not be more than one (1) ground sign per street facing containing only the name of the business or enterprise on the premises. Said sign shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet per facing or sixty-four (64) square feet for the total aggregate sign area. Signs may be illuminated. Sign shall not be higher than fifteen (15) feet above the average grade. Changeable copy sign shall be allowed in addition to a ground sign provided individual permits are obtained.
Signs Permitted In All Residential Districts. In all residential districts and Planned Urban Developments (PUD) that allow residential uses, including multiple family developments, the following signs are permitted in accordance with the regulations set forth herein:
[Ord. No. 7709, 9-22-2022; Ord. No. 7710, 9-22-2022]
Subdivision Signs. All subdivision signs shall be ground signs. Subdivision signs indicating only the name of the development, the management or developer thereof, and/or the address or location of the development shall be permitted. There shall not be more than two (2) residential subdivision signs for each point of vehicular access to a development. No new subdivision signs shall be permitted within the median of a public street. Subdivision signs that are monument style shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet in area for each exposed face and not exceed a total aggregate area of one hundred (100) square feet, or a height of eight (8) feet. Subdivision signs that are freestanding pole signs shall be permitted a maximum height of fifteen (15) feet with a maximum sign size of thirty (30) square feet. Subdivision signs may be located in any required yard and must be located outside of the City right-of-way. Signs located adjacent to an arterial or collector roadway shall be set back five (5) feet from the right-of-way.
[Ord. No. 7839, 7-27-2023]
Name And Address Signs. See "Exempt Signs."
Home-Based Work. Signs relating to the business activity of home-based work is prohibited in all residential districts.
Signs Permitted In All "C" Commercial And "I" Industrial Districts (Non-Residential). In certain non-residential districts, the following signs are permitted in accordance with the regulations set forth herein:
Ground Signs.
Ground signs as described above shall be permitted as follows:
"C-1" Neighborhood Commercial. No ground sign permitted.
"C-2" Community Commercial District. The maximum height may not exceed twelve (12) feet. The face of such sign may not exceed fifty (50) square feet per sign face or a total area of one hundred (100) square feet.
"C-3" General Commercial. The maximum height may not exceed thirty (30) feet. The face of such sign may not exceed one hundred (100) square feet per face or a total aggregate sign area of two hundred (200) square feet.
Lots directly abutting the right-of-way of Interstate 70 and Highway 94, the following maximum height and size will apply:
"C-3" General Commercial. The maximum height may not exceed forty-five (45) feet. The face of such sign may not exceed two hundred fifty (250) square feet per face or a total aggregate sign area of five hundred (500) square feet.
"C-4" Regional Shopping Center. The maximum height may not exceed forty-five (45) feet. The face of such sign may not exceed nine hundred (900) square feet per face or a total aggregate sign area of eighteen hundred (1,800) square feet and may include a changeable sign (automatic) to be used for:
"I-1" Light Industrial And "I-2" Heavy Industrial. The maximum height may not exceed thirty (30) feet. The face of such sign may not exceed one hundred (100) square feet per face or a total aggregate sign area of two hundred (200) square feet.
The following regulations shall apply to all ground (pole and monument) signs in all zoning districts:
One (1) ground sign shall be allowed per each public street fronting the lot with the exception of identification signs and as permitted in Subsection (b)(3) below. A ground sign shall be allowed fronting a private street or access drive in lieu of a permitted ground sign as approved by the Administrative Officer. Where a lot has no frontage on a public or private street, the Administrative Officer shall determine frontage for all sign locations.
Ground signs are limited to a commercial message pertaining to the business or enterprises operating on the lot on which the ground sign is located.
When multiple tenants occupy a single building on a lot, tenants' signs shall be grouped and placed on the same set of sign supports. Lots with multi-tenant buildings shall be permitted one (1) ground sign at each entrance if the entrances are a minimum of fifty (50) feet apart, measured from the center of each entrance. The signs shall not exceed the maximum sign size permitted per the underlying zoning district, and shall be a maximum of twelve (12) feet in height. Signs within a single shopping center shall have a consistent theme including color and style.
Ground signs shall not extend nearer than ten (10) feet to the public right-of-way (as measured from the sign edge).
Sign heights will be measured from the elevation of the adjacent street or the elevation of the average finished ground elevation along the side of the building facing the street, whichever is greater.
The structural supports of all ground/pole signs shall consist of one (1) or more of the following: decorative in nature, architecturally treated, concealed within the supporting base, concealed by rigid trim and/or skirting material.
All ground/pole signs shall be located in a protected landscaped area.
Ground signs may be in an electronic format. However, electronic ground signs may not be used in conjunction with an electronic changeable copy sign.
[Ord. No. 6219 § 1, 9-11-2014]
In lieu of a separate electronic ground sign and changeable copy sign, a combined electronic sign and changeable copy sign may be permitted. Said combined signs shall not exceed the total square footage of the permitted ground sign and the changeable copy sign.
The area of an electronic changeable copy sign may be increased in area if the non-electronic business sign it is attached to is decreased in area proportionally.
Sign plazas shall be permitted within City right-of-way at the City's discretion. Space within sign plazas may be leased or provided to individual businesses as directed by the City.
Commercial And Industrial Park Sign.
A commercial or industrial park shall be permitted an entrance identification sign. Such sign shall identify the name of the development and may also include the names of the businesses within the commercial/industrial park. The Administrative Officer shall determine the boundaries of the commercial/industrial park, if said boundaries are not established by plat.
The placement of the sign shall be on a lot at the entrance to the development and shall occupy one (1) of the regular ground sign locations for this lot. Such commercial/industrial park signs must conform to all signage regulations for that district including size and height.
In addition to the entrance identification sign, each lot or building within an office development accessed via a private drive and/or parking lot shall be permitted one (1) monument sign not to exceed thirty (30) square feet in area. A wall sign that meets the minimum standards of this Section may be used in lieu of the monument sign.
Institutional Uses.
[Ord. No. 6138 § 1, 5-8-2014]
Churches, fire district stations and fire district administrative buildings, ambulance district buildings, school buildings, and library buildings shall be permitted one (1) ground sign up to fifty (50) square feet in size of which twenty-four (24) square feet may be used as changeable copy. All other sign requirements shall apply, including ground sign regulations as contained in Subsection (D)(1)(b)(1) through (8) as appropriate. Design of such signs shall be of monument style and lighted so as to not detract from any adjoining residential property.
Churches, fire district stations and fire district administrative buildings, ambulance district buildings, school buildings, and library buildings located in commercial or industrial districts may elect to construct a sign in conformance with the size and height requirements of that district.
Wall Signs.
The total area of each wall sign shall not exceed five percent (5%) of the building facade or thirty-two (32) square feet, whichever is greater. A wall sign shall be permitted on each wall which parallels and is adjacent to, or is oriented to a street or access drive. If the business fronts on more than one (1) street or access drive, the sign area for each wall shall be computed separately and shall include all signs on each wall. Where a business has no wall fronting on a street or access drive, the Administrative Officer shall determine frontage for all sign locations. The Administrative Officer may approve the placement of a wall sign or a portion of a wall sign on a main facade, including, but not limited to, facades fronting a parking lot or including a main building entrance, in lieu of a sign parallel to a roadway. The transferred sign area shall not exceed the permitted sign area.
[Ord. No. 6865, 11-9-2017]
Awning, canopy, and marquee signs anchored to the primary building may be used in place of a wall sign. Awning, canopy, and marquee signs used in place of wall signs will be subject to the same requirements as a wall sign.
All support structures for wall mounted signs shall be concealed from public view.
Signs shall not be installed wholly above the roofline. A design element of a sign may extend above a sign board or flat roof a maximum of ten percent (10%) of the sign area. Sign area shall not extend beyond the sides of the building facade.
[Ord. No. 6219 § 1, 9-11-2014; Ord. No. 6865, 11-9-2017]
A maximum of two (2) background colors shall be used for all box type wall signs within a multi-tenant shopping center. A limit on background color shall not apply to tenants that take up greater than thirty thousand (30,000) square feet in area. Digital wall signs shall not be permitted. Channel letters shall be required on a building if channel letters only are in place on the building.
[Ord. No. 6865, 11-9-2017]
The facade area behind all wall signs within a multi-tenant shopping center shall be treated with the same materials and color.
In commercial and industrial developments where multiple wall signs are used, a consistent sign theme shall be maintained for all wall signage. The sign theme shall apply to sign style, color and placement. The sign theme shall be established at the submittal of the initial sign permit application. Existing developments shall establish a sign theme by July 31, 2002 and install signs in compliance with this theme by July 31, 2003.
Changeable copy signs. Changeable copy signs may be permitted in conjunction with ground signs provided they are permanently mounted or affixed to a structure and advertise only goods or services available on the premise. When used in conjunction with a ground sign, changeable copy signs must be located on the same sign supports. Said sign shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet per sign facing or forty-eight (48) square feet for the total aggregate sign area. In no case shall the sign flash or contain any other mechanical or electronic contrivance although the scrolling of messages shall be allowed.
Window Signs. Permanent window signs may be affixed to a window (see definition for "Window Sign") advertising goods or services sold on the premises, provided that the total of all signs, including those temporarily mounted in that window, occupy no more than twenty percent (20%) of the window's area. No flashing or other mechanical contrivances, including lights around or in windows, shall be permitted in conjunction with such advertising on a permanent basis unless approved as an architectural element. Electronic window signs may change message a maximum of four (4) times in a twenty-four-hour period. These regulations shall not apply to merchandise or products. Window screening, including but not limited to adhesive screens and other applied materials, shall be considered an architectural element and may be subject to architectural review and approval.
[Ord. No. 7458, 6-24-2021]
Awning, Canopy Or Marquee Signs. See "Exempt Signs".
Identification Signs. One (1) identification sign is permitted for the principal access to the premises and one (1) sign for the secondary access. The sign shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet in area per sign facing or twenty-four (24) square feet for the gross aggregate sign area.
Flashing Or Revolving Signs. Flashing signs and revolving signs are expressly prohibited (See Prohibited Signs.[1]) with the exception of time and temperature signs which serve the public interest and electronic signs allowed by this Code.
[Ord. No. 6219 § 1, 9-11-2014]
Menu Board Signs.
[Ord. No. 6865, 11-9-2017]
All fast food menu signs shall not exceed forty (40) square feet for the gross aggregate sign area. Two (2) signs are allowed per drive through lane as approved on the site development plan.
All menu items, promotions, pictures, or other displays related to the menu sign(s) must be contained within the permanent structure of the menu sign(s).
Produce Stands. Produce stands which are not operated in conjunction with a supermarket or other retailer and businesses in the "S-D" Special Old Town Overlay District shall be permitted one (1) "A" frame or sandwich board. The sign shall not exceed twenty-five (25) square feet in area. The sign shall not be located on the right-of-way and shall be maintained in a neat and orderly fashion. The sign shall be constructed of wood, metal, or plastic; no cardboard or paper signs shall be permitted. The sign shall advertise the items and prices for sale on the premises.
Service Stations And Convenience Stores.
[Ord. No. 6219 § 1, 9-11-2014]
One (1) price, business, logo or corporate sign per pump island shall be permitted and may be illuminated; each sign shall be a maximum of two (2) square feet per sign face.
Signs advertising products available at the subject business shall be permitted on each pump island; each sign shall not exceed two (2) square feet per sign face.
Television/computer screens used for general or specific promotions or informational programming may be permitted on the pump island. The entire screen must be contained within the structure of the pump island.
Property development, including building construction, shall be identified with a sign which shall be installed by the owner, developer, or business owner. Said sign shall be a minimum of fifteen (15) square feet in area, shall indicate the business name, and shall be installed prior to the issuance of the first permit for the development.
[Ord. No. 6865, 11-9-2017]
Section 405.750 Temporary Signs.
[R.O. 2007 § 405.750; Ord. No. 1523 §§ 9.0604 — 9.0622, 5-11-1989; Ord. No. 2312 § 1, 6-8-1995; Ord. No. 2326 § 1, 7-13-1995; Ord. No. 2516 § 1, 8-8-1996; Ord. No. 2770 § 1, 11-13-1997; Ord. No. 2920 § 1(9.0609), 9-10-1998; Ord. No. 3280 § 1, 8-10-2000; Ord. No. 3530 § 1, 9-27-2001; Ord. No. 3701 § 1, 9-12-2002; Ord. No. 3781 § 1, 2-20-2003; Ord. No. 3961 § 1, 1-20-2004; Ord. No. 4178 § 1, 12-9-2004; Ord. No. 4300 § 1, 6-23-2005; Ord. No. 5096 § 4, 10-23-2008; Ord. No. 5339 § 15, 2-25-2010; Ord. No. 5466 § 11, 8-26-2010; Ord. No. 5563 § 14, 3-24-2011]
Definitions. For the purpose of this Section, the following definitions shall apply:
That property of the City of St. Peters, whether or not the property is at the time being used for a public purpose, and includes that property which is owned, rented or leased to the City of St. Peters. This definition shall not apply to property owned by the City and leased or rented to others.
Directional signs to subdivisions under construction and project site promotional signs.
That part of any street, road, alley, avenue, dedicated for public use as a walkway or thoroughfare for pedestrians or motor vehicles, whether or not the public improvements thereon extend to the full dedicated limits of such right-of-way.
Any sign of a civic, political, charitable, religious or commercial purpose and relating to a specific civic, political, charitable, religious, or commercial event including garage and yard sales, which event is not continuous or a frequent occurrence.
Public Safety. No temporary sign or other sign permitted by this Section, shall be placed or erected so as to prevent ready access to any window, door, passageway, or fire escape, nor shall any temporary sign be placed on private property in such a manner as specified in the zoning ordinance of the City so as to constitute a hazard to motor vehicles and pedestrian traffic, or obscure the view of motor vehicle operators or pedestrians.
Secure Fastening Of Signs. All temporary signs and other signs permitted by this Section shall be securely fastened to a post in the ground or anchored to the ground by an adequate wire or cable or wooden braces.
Presumption As To Ownership Of Sign. Any person, persons, firm, corporation, or partnership promoting the event, candidate, proposition or commercial event, or providing direction, promoted by a temporary sign, or other sign permitted by this Section, shall be presumed to be the owner of such sign, provided however, this presumption shall be rebuttable. All temporary signs, except as otherwise noted, shall be located on the site of the subject business or event being advertised.
Signs On City Right-Of-Way And City Property.
No person, firm, corporation, partnership or committee shall erect any garage/yard sale sign, real estate sign, residential construction project sign, church directional sign, political signs, or any other temporary or permanent sign on any public right-of-way or any City property of the City of St. Peters except the City of St. Peters, its departments, agencies, contractors or subcontractors, the County of St. Charles and the State of Missouri except as follows:
Within the public right-of-way within one hundred (100) feet of a polling place for public election where such temporary sign supports or opposes a proposition or candidate being voted on at such election, and then such signs may be placed in the public right-of-way only on the day of such election.
A civic or organizational event, charitable function, or fund-raising activity, and then such sign may be placed in the public right-of-way only on the day prior to and the day of the event.
Public Utility Poles. No temporary signs or other signs permitted by this Section shall be placed on any telephone, electric or other public utility poles, whether or not such public utility poles are located on any right-of-way defined by this Section.
Traffic And Pedestrian Regulation Signs. No temporary sign shall be placed on or affixed to any sign or its supporting structure in the City of St. Peters which sign has as its purpose the regulation of, or warning to, motor vehicle or pedestrian traffic.
Temporary Signs For Temporary Uses. Each temporary use, as allowed by City Code, shall be permitted a maximum of one (1) temporary sign for the duration of the temporary use. The sign shall be a banner not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area or five percent (5%) of the wall area or a yard/pole sign not to exceed sixteen (16) square feet in area. All signs shall be properly secured and shall be authorized by a temporary sign permit.
[Ord. No. 6219 § 1, 9-11-2014]
Church Directional Signs. Churches may erect up to three (3) directional signs off the right-of-way. Said directional signs shall not exceed twenty-four (24) inches by eighteen (18) inches in size and shall be constructed of metal and shall be placed on a metal post.
Temporary Advertising Signs (Length Of Time). Except as provided by ordinance, no person, persons, firm, corporation or partnership, except the City of St. Peters, shall be allowed to display any temporary sign for more than fifty-six (56) days per calendar year. The maximum consecutive days a temporary sign may be displayed is twenty-eight (28) days. A maximum of one (1) temporary sign may be displayed at one time for each business. In addition, temporary flags and tall balloons in the shape of a character or item (air dancers) may be displayed no more than fifty-six (56) days per calendar year. Temporary signs and temporary flags and tall balloons in the shape of a character or item (air dancers) must be located on the same lot or within the same development where the activity/business is located. A maximum of three (3) flags identifying a business or product and one (1) tall balloon (air dancer) shall be permitted per business. Temporary flags and tall balloons in the shape of a character or item (air dancers) shall be set back from the street pavement a minimum of ten (10) feet. In addition, signs advertising a position for hire may be posted for an additional twenty-one (21) days per year; said signs may not exceed sixteen (16) square feet in area.
[Ord. No. 6219 § 1, 9-11-2014]
Size Of Temporary Signs. All temporary signs in zoning districts "A-1", "R-1", "R-2", "R-3", "R-4", "R-M" and residential "PUD" shall not exceed six (6) square feet and all temporary signs in all other zoning districts shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet except temporary wall signs may be five percent (5%) of the wall area or thirty-two (32) square feet, whichever is greater.
Cold Air Balloons. Cold air balloons are permitted at a height not to exceed thirty-two (32) feet. Each business is permitted one (1) such advertising device per quarter for a period not to exceed seven (7) days. Such aids may not be placed on the roof of the building. A permit application shall be submitted to and approved by the Administrative Officer prior to erection.
Search Lights. Search lights may not interfere with the normal use of adjacent property or cause interference to motor vehicle or pedestrian traffic. Each business is permitted two (2) such advertising devices per calendar year for a period not to exceed seven (7) days each. Such devices may not be placed on the roof of a building. Search lights shall be required to submit a permit and receive approval from the Administrative Officer prior to use.
Grand Openings. New businesses or business under new ownership or new name may use pendants and streamers only as a part of a grand opening event for up to seven (7) days. Such pendants and streamers must be in good condition, free from dirt or missing pieces.
Garage And Yard Sales. No temporary sign advertising a garage or yard sale shall be placed on any residentially zoned property other than the property on which such sale takes place without consent of the owner of such property. This Section shall apply to signs advertising yard or garage sales, provided such signs for garage or yard sales are removed within two (2) days following the last day of such yard or garage sale.
Commercial Construction Signs. Builders and developers of commercial buildings may erect no more than two (2) signs relating to the construction or financing of a future business. Each sign may not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in size. The signs must be grouped onto the same set of supports. Such signs shall be removed not more than seven (7) days after construction is concluded or thirty (30) days after construction activity has been suspended. In lieu of these signs, signs relating to the construction or financing of a future business may be placed on trailers. A maximum of two (2) signs on trailers shall be permitted for each building. Signs on trailers are subject to the same requirements for removal as other construction signs. No permit shall be required.
Residential Construction Project Signs.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Article, builders and developers of residential subdivisions or buildings may erect directional signage as follows.
No permit is required unless otherwise specified by Building Code requirements.
Weekend Subdivision Directional Signage.
Weekend signage for new subdivisions and residential developments of any type shall be within sign plazas (grouped signs) approved by the City and installed per the City's agreement with an approved vendor, or signs may be placed or displayed before sunrise on Saturday and removed no later than sunset on Sunday (of the same weekend), at which time all poles and stakes must be completely removed. No permit shall be required.
Signs are limited to the name of the subdivision, developer and directions to the specific subdivision and shall not exceed four (4) square feet in size or four (4) feet in height.
No sign shall be attached to any existing utility structure, tree, fence or any public or private signage structure.
Sign plazas or signs may be placed in the public right-of-way but may not obstruct visibility for pedestrians or vehicles.
Subdivision Directional Signage.
Signs may be placed during active sales and construction of homes. After ninety percent (90%) of the units are sold, the City, at its discretion, can require such signs to be removed if active marketing and construction of homes has ceased.
Signs are limited to the name of the subdivision, developer and directions to the specific subdivision and shall be limited in size to the panels within the approved sign plazas, shall be limited to sixteen (16) square feet in size and four (4) feet in height.
Signs shall be self-supporting. No sign shall be attached to any existing utility structure, tree, fence or any public or private signage structure.
Signs not placed in sign plazas must be placed a minimum of ten (10) feet back from the edge of the right-of-way and may not obstruct visibility for pedestrians or vehicles. The owner of such signs must obtain written permission from the property owner for the placement of the sign.
No more than four (4) such signs, including panels in sign plazas, may be erected or installed and must be located a minimum of two hundred (200) feet apart.
Subdivision Entrance Promotional Signs.
Signs may be placed during active sales and construction of homes. A building permit shall be required. After ninety percent (90%) of the units are sold, the City, at its discretion, can require such signs to be removed if active marketing and construction of homes has ceased.
Signs are limited to the name of the subdivision, developer, features or other pertinent information specific to the subdivision and shall not exceed one hundred twenty (120) square feet in size and not more than twenty-five (25) feet in height.
A maximum of two (2) signs shall be placed at the entrance to the subdivision, a minimum of ten (10) feet back from the edge of the right-of-way and may not obstruct visibility for pedestrians or vehicles.
Signs shall be self-supporting. No sign shall be attached to any existing utility structure, tree, fence or any public or private signage structure.
Banners may be installed in lieu of signs. The content on banners is subject to the same information restrictions as detailed in Subsection (5)(b) above. A maximum of six (6) banners may be installed along the right-of-way which abuts or is near the subject subdivision in lieu of two (2) signs; three (3) banners may be installed in lieu of one (1) sign. The banners may not exceed two (2) feet in horizontal measurement or six (6) feet in vertical measurement including all brackets required for such banner. Banners may be affixed to public utility poles but only after securing written authority to do so from the owner of the utility pole.
Signs attached to a tractor-trailer may be installed in lieu of one (1) entrance sign. Trailers shall be located a minimum of ten (10) feet back from the edge of the right-of-way and shall not cause a sight visibility obstruction. Trailers shall be skirted from the bottom of the trailer to the ground. Trailers shall be placed on a paved surface unless they are located in a development or construction area where signs must be placed on a gravel or dust-free surface.
Banners In Zoning District "S-D" Special Old Town Overlay District And Other General Rights-Of-Way. The provisions of this Subsection shall apply only to zoning district "S-D" Special Old Town Overlay District rights-of-way as designated by the City, and utility easements as designated by the City.
Placement Of Banners. Notwithstanding any other provision of the ordinances of the City of St. Peters, the placement of banners on utility poles situated on the street and road rights-of-way of the City of St. Peters is permitted under these terms and conditions:
A temporary sign permit as required by the ordinances of the City of St. Peters be secured for each banner.
The banners relate to a civic condition or event, or are part of a City sponsored or endorsed banner program.
All such banners be securely affixed to a public utility pole, but only after securing written authority to do so from the owner of the utility pole.
All banners affixed to public utility poles be not more than two (2) feet in horizontal measurement and not more than six (6) feet in vertical measurement, including all brackets required for such banner. Banners which are part of a City sponsored or endorsed program may exceed the stated size.
The bottom of the banner be not less than ten (10) feet above ground level.
The banner not be displayed for more than ninety (90) days unless waived by the Administrative Officer.
The banner and its affixing device be maintained in good condition.
Approval for the placing of such banners be secured from all public authorities having jurisdiction over the public roadway or street.
City's Removal Of Banners. The City of St. Peters shall remove banners displayed in accordance with this Subsection if:
A banner becomes unsightly.
The banner is displayed for a period of time longer than provided in Subparagraph (1)(f) of this Subsection.
The banner violates any provision of Subparagraph (1) of this Subsection.
The banner constitutes a hazard to the public safety and welfare of the residents of the City of St. Peters or persons traveling on the public streets and roadways of the City.
Section 405.755 Penalty.
[R.O. 2007 § 405.755; Ord. No. 1523 § 9.0623, 5-11-1989; Ord. No. 2770 § 1, 11-13-1997; Ord. No. 3530 § 1, 9-27-2001]
Any person, firm, corporation or partnership who shall violate any provisions of this Article, and be found guilty of such offense, shall be deemed guilty of an ordinance violation. Any owner of property who suffers or permits such temporary signs to be placed on his/her property, or remain on his/her property in violation of the Article shall, upon being found guilty of such violation, be deemed to be guilty of an ordinance violation, but the fine imposed on such property owner shall be limited to ten dollars ($10.00) with each day constituting a separate offense.
Section 405.760 Miscellaneous Provisions.
[R.O. 2007 § 405.760; Ord. No. 1523 § 9.0700, 5-11-1989]
The following provisions are applicable to all signs subject to the regulations of this Article:
All signs must be maintained in good repair at all times.
No signs other than those authorized by City regulations shall be erected or posted on City street right-of-way or other public properties.
Underground wiring shall be required for all illuminated or electrical ground type signs.
No sign shall violate the corner visibility regulations. (See Article VI, "Supplementary Regulations".)
All signs must meet the City's Building Code and other applicable regulations.
Section 405.765 Billboards (Off-Premises Signs).
[R.O. 2007 § 405.765; Ord. No. 1523 §§ 9.0800 — 9.0804, 5-11-1989; Ord. No. 1617 § 1, 4-12-1990; Ord. No. 2168 § 1, 7-28-1994; Ord. No. 2516 § 1, 8-8-1996; Ord. No. 2770 § 1, 11-13-1997; Ord. No. 2920 § 1, 9-10-1998; Ord. No. 3558 § 1, 11-15-2001; Ord. No. 5096 § 5, 10-23-2008; Ord. No. 5132 § 20, 1-8-2009; Ord. No. 5233 § 1, 7-23-2009; Ord. No. 5339 § 16, 2-25-2010]
Intent And Purpose.
Within the previous Sections, sign regulations applied specifically to on-premises advertising. However, the City recognizes another classification of signage which advertises goods and/or services available off the premises. Said signs exist primarily for the directing or communicating with the traveling public. Because such signs are freestanding and their content is not necessarily related to the uses of the premises upon which it is erected, billboards for purposes of this Article are considered a distinct business. This distinction is the basis for treating billboards separately from on-premises advertising.
Permitted Zones.
Billboards or outdoor signage pertaining to "off-premises" shall be a permitted use in all zoning districts except the following listed below, or unless specifically prohibited within that district's regulations.
Billboards shall only be allowed along Interstate Highway 70, Missouri State 94 and along State numbered routes of three (3) or more lanes in each direction, which intersect with or have an interchange with Interstate Highway 70, within two thousand (2,000) feet of the main driving lanes on Interstate Highway 70.
General Provisions.
A one-time fee for the permit application shall be as stated in Appendix A to this Title IV. As per Sections 605.920 et seq. (regulating business licenses for outdoor advertising) the sign applicant must also obtain a business license. The business license term shall be from January 1 through December 31 of each year. The license fee for each billboard shall be as adopted by ordinance and shall not be prorated.
Before any City sign permit is valid, billboards or other outdoor advertising must comply with all State and Federal laws.
Non-Conforming Or Abandoned Signs. Where a sign structure does not include advertising information other than for the use of the sign for a period of one hundred twenty (120) continuous days, such sign structure shall be deemed in violation thereafter and shall be removed. Non-conforming signage shall be removed or brought into compliance within ninety (90) days from changes in State Statutes pertaining to off-premises advertising signage.
No sign or billboard (off-premise sign) shall be permitted which contains obscene statements, words, or pictures.
No sign shall be placed on rocks, trees or on poles maintained by public utilities.
All outdoor advertising signs erected in the City shall be documented by a registered engineer to withstand wind pressures of no less than fifteen (15) pounds per square foot.
The Administrative Officer may require any additional information as deemed necessary to protect the health, safety and general welfare of the public.
Signs Permitted. Lighting restrictions, size, location and specifications:
Lighting. No sign shall be permitted which is an imitation of, or which resembles an official control device, railroad sign or signal, or which hides from view or interferes with the effectiveness of an official traffic control device or any railroad sign, signal or traffic sight lines. Illuminated signs shall be so constructed as to avoid glares or reflection on any portion of an adjacent highway or residential buildings. However, no flashing or rotating flashing illumination shall be permitted.
Electronic billboards shall be subject to the following criteria:
The full off-premises sign image or any portion thereof must have a minimum duration of ten (10) seconds and no portion of the image may flash, twirl, change color or in any matter imitate movement although written messages shall be permitted to scroll across the sign.
No portion of any billboard may change its message or background in a manner or by a method of display characterized by motion or pictorial imagery, or depicts action or a special effect to imitate movement, or the presentation of pictorials or graphics displayed in a progression of frames that give the illusion of motion or the illusion of moving objects, moving patterns or bands of light or expanding or contracting shapes.
When the full billboard image or any portion thereof changes, the change sequence must be accomplished by means of instantaneous re-pixalization.
The sign must not exceed a maximum illumination of five thousand (5,000) nits (candelas per square meter) during daylight hours and a maximum illumination of three hundred (300) nits (candelas per square meter) between dusk and dawn as measured from the sign's face at maximum brightness.
[Ord. No. 6219 § 1, 9-11-2014]
No portion of any billboard may fluctuate in light intensity or use intermittent, strobe, or moving light or light that changes in intensity in sudden transitory bursts, streams, zooms, twinkles, sparkles or that in any manner creates the illusion of movement.
Electronic graphic display signs must have an automatic dimmer control to produce a distinct illumination change from a higher illumination level to a lower level for the time period between dusk and dawn.
Audio speakers are prohibited in association with a billboard.
Location And Spacing. All billboards must be erected in the permitted zones along the highway and corridors specified and must meet the following location requirements:
No sign structure shall be hereafter erected within one (1) mile of an existing sign on the same side of the highway. This distance shall be measured along the nearest edge of the pavement at points directly opposite the signs along each side of the highway. This shall apply to only outdoor advertising sign structures located on the same side of the highway involved.
No sign shall be located in such a manner as to obstruct or otherwise physically interfere with the effectiveness of an official traffic sign, signal, or device or obstruct or physically interfere with a motor vehicle operator's view of approaching, merging, or intersecting traffic.
No portion of any sign shall be located within a six hundred sixty (660) feet radius of any point of any residence or residentially zoned district.
No outdoor advertising sign shall be placed closer than one thousand (1,000) feet to the beginning or end of an interchange ramp taper of a dual or proposed dual highway. No business sign shall be so located to obstruct the vision of traffic using entrance ways, driveways, or any public road intersection.
All outdoor advertising signs shall be required to meet the yard provisions in the districts in which they are permitted. The front yard setback from the road right-of-way shall be a minimum of thirty (30) feet.
No sign shall be located on the right-of-way of any road or on any slope or drainage easement for such road.
No portion of a billboard shall be placed within a fifty (50) foot radius of any point of a building.
All outdoor advertising signs shall be placed on a separate lot as established by Subdivision Regulations contained in this Title.
Size.
The maximum area for any one (1) sign shall be three (3) times the size permitted in the zoning district with a maximum height of thirty (30) feet and a maximum length of sixty (60) feet, inclusive of border and trim but excluding the base, apron, or supports, and other structural members. The area shall be measured by the smallest square, rectangle, triangle, circle, or combination thereof which will encompass the entire sign.
The maximum size limitations shall apply to each side of a sign structure, and signs may be placed back to back, double faced, or in V-type construction with not more than two (2) displays to each facing, but such sign structure shall be considered as one (1) sign.
Height. The maximum height shall not exceed forty-five (45) feet above ground level or the grade level of the adjoining street, whichever is higher.
Type. All outdoor advertising signage shall consist of a monopole type design. Electronic billboards shall be permitted with electronic messages which change no more frequently than every ten (10) seconds.