A.

Purpose. The sign regulations of this section are intended to balance the following differing, and at times, competing goals:

1.

To support the desired character of the city, as expressed in adopted plans, policies and regulations;

2.

To promote an attractive visual environment;

3.

To encourage the effective use of signs as a means of communication for businesses, organizations and individuals;

4.

To provide a means of way-finding for visitors and residents;

5.

To provide for reasonable business identification, advertising and communication;

6.

To prohibit signs of such excessive size and number that they obscure one another to the detriment of the economic and social well-being of the city and its residents, property owners and visitors;

7.

To protect the safety and welfare of the public by minimizing hazards for motorized and nonmotorized traffic;

8.

To minimize the possible adverse effects of signs on nearby public and private property; and

9.

To provide broadly for the expression of individual opinions through the use of signs on private property.

B.

Scope and applicability. All signs within the city are subject to the regulations of this chapter and all other applicable provisions of this zoning code.

C.

Content neutrality. Any sign allowed under this chapter may contain, in lieu of any other message or copy, any lawful noncommercial message that does not direct attention to a business operated for profit, or to a product, commodity or service for sale or lease, or to any other commercial interest or activity, as long as the sign complies with all size, height, location and other applicable requirements of this chapter.

D.

Off-premise outdoor advertising signs. Off-premise outdoor advertising sign are allowed only in those locations expressly identified in this zoning code and only when such signs comply with all applicable off-premise outdoor advertising sign regulations. Provisions of this zoning code that refer to "signs" being allowed or certain types of signs being allowed (e.g., freestanding, wall, projecting) are not to be construed as references to off-premise outdoor advertising signs being allowed, unless the subject provision expressly refers to "off-premise outdoor advertising signs."

The following signs and sign characteristics are prohibited except as otherwise expressly stated:

A.

Signs for which no permit that is required under Title 51 of the Tulsa Revised Ordinances has been issued;

B.

Signs located in such a manner as to constitute a nuisance as provided in Title 24, Chapter 1 of the Tulsa Revised Ordinances;

C.

Search lights, strobe lights, rotating beacon lights, flashing lights that are visible from public right-of-way, except as otherwise expressly allowed by this chapter or required by law;

D.

Signs located in or obstructing a required parking or loading space, or that otherwise obstruct vehicular or pedestrian access or circulation, or that pose any other hazard to motorized or nonmotorized travel;

E.

Signs located in or that project into the right-of-way or planned right-of-way of a public street, unless a special exception has been approved by the board of adjustment in accordance with the procedures of Section 70.120 and a license has been granted by the city in the case of the right-of-way or a removal agreement has been entered into in the case of the planned right-of-way. (Title 11 § 1400 and following of the Tulsa Revised Ordinances grants a license for certain signs located in the "Central Business District" as therein defined);

F.

Signs that obstruct any fire escape, required exit, window or door opening used as a means of egress;

G.

Signs that interfere with an opening required for ventilation, except that signs may cover transom windows when not in violation of building and fire prevention codes;

H.

Signs affixed directly to a tree, utility pole or traffic control device;

I.

Signs that obstruct, impair, obscure, interfere with the view of, or that may be confused with, any authorized traffic control sign, signal, or device;

J.

Sign displays with a brightness of such intensity or brilliance that they impair the vision or endanger the safety and welfare of any pedestrian, cyclist, or person operating a motor vehicle;

K.

Signs that violate the intersection sight distance regulations of Title 24 (§ 103.A) of the Tulsa Revised Ordinances;

L.

Roof signs, except as expressly allowed by Subsection 60.080B.5.;

M.

Signs exceeding an illumination of seventy (70) foot-candles measured at a distance of two (2) feet;

N.

Signs attached to or painted on an inoperable or unlicensed vehicle (motorized or non-motorized) located in view of the right-of-way; and

O.

Signs attached to or painted on a licensed motor vehicle if the sign: (1) directs attention to a business, service, commodity, or activity offered or sold on the premises and (2) if the vehicle is parked closer to the street than the nearest building wall (does not apply to vehicles parked for the purpose of immediate loading and unloading).

(Ord. No. 24725, § 19, 11-17-21)

The following signs are not counted as signs for purposes of determining the number of signs or amount of signage on a lot:

A.

Driveway signs.

1.

One driveway sign may be installed at each vehicle entrance and exit to any lot occupied by an allowed nonresidential use or apartment/condo building. Such signs must be located within ten (10) feet of the intersection of the driveway and the street right-of-way. Driveway signs may be illuminated but may not exceed four (4) square feet in area or five (5) feet in height.

2.

Off-street parking areas with a capacity of more than four (4) vehicles, multi-tenant developments and uses on lots exceeding eighty thousand (80,000) square feet in area may display internal site driveway signs. Such signs must be located within ten (10) feet of an internal site driveway or drive aisle and may not exceed twelve (12) square feet in area or ten (10) feet in height.

B.

Drive-through signs. Drive-through signs are permitted in conjunction with drive-through uses, in accordance with the following regulations:

1.

Location. Drive-through signs must be located within ten (10) feet of a drive-through lane.

2.

Number and dimensions. One primary drive-through sign not to exceed thirty-six (36) square feet in area or eight (8) feet in height is allowed per order station up to a maximum of two (2) primary drive-through signs per lot. One secondary drive-through sign not to exceed fifteen (15) square feet in area or six (6) feet in height is allowed per lot.

3.

Residential separation. Drive-through signs must be set back at least fifty (50) feet from residential zoning districts.

4.

Visibility. Drive-through signs must be oriented to be visible by motorists in allowed drive-through lanes.

Figure 60-1: Drive-through Signs

C.

Nameplates. Nameplates are allowed in all zoning districts, provided they do not exceed two (2) square feet in area in residential districts or four (4) square feet in area in all other districts.

D.

Window Signs. Window signs are allowed as sign exceptions for allowed nonresidential uses, provided they do not cover more than twenty-five (25) percent of the area of the window to which they are affixed.

E.

Temporary signs.

1.

Real estate signs. One real estate sign is allowed per street frontage, subject to the standards in Table 60-1:

Table 60-1: Real Estate Signs

2.

Construction signs. One construction sign is allowed per street frontage, subject to the following standards:

a.

Construction signs may not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area or 0.50 square feet of sign area per linear foot of street frontage, whichever is greater, but in no case may the sign exceed four hundred (400) square feet in area. The maximum sign area calculation must be based on the street frontage to which the sign is oriented.

b.

Construction signs may not exceed fifteen (15) feet in height.

c.

Construction signs must be removed within two (2) weeks of completion of the construction or development.

3.

Banners.

a.

One banner attached to the wall of a building is allowed as a sign exception for allowed nonresidential uses, provided that such banner does not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area.

b.

Banners must be removed no later than ninety (90) days after installation or at such time that permanent signs are installed, whichever occurs first.

4.

Promotional signs. Promotional signs are permitted as sign exceptions on lots occupied by allowed nonresidential uses. Such signs are subject to the following standards:

a.

No more than four (4) promotional sign permits are allowed per business per year.

b.

A promotional sign permit may be issued for a maximum fourteen-day period. Any or all of the four (4) allowed promotional sign time periods may run consecutively.

c.

The height of a promotional sign may not exceed the maximum allowed height of any freestanding sign allowed in the subject zoning district. In addition, any inflatable promotional signs must be set back from all property lines by a minimum distance of one foot for every one foot of sign height, as measured from ground level at the base of the sign.

d.

Promotional signs may not be mounted on the roof, except for inflatable or other non-rigid sign/displays, which may be roof-mounted.

5.

Campaign signs. Campaign signs must be removed no later than seven (7) days after the voting event. Campaign signs are prohibited on public property and are allowed on private property only with the consent of the owner of the subject property. In R and O zoning districts campaign signs may not exceed sixteen (16) square feet in area.

6.

Special event signs. Special event signs are subject to city council approval. City council-approved special event signs are not subject to the sign regulations of this chapter unless otherwise expressly stated at the time of approval.

F.

Other sign exceptions The following additional signs are also allowed as sign exceptions:

1.

Signs erected and maintained pursuant to the discharge of governmental functions, or that are required by law, ordinance, or government regulation, or that are required to be posted in order to effectuate a legal right;

2.

Flags that do not contain a commercial message;

3.

Wall plaques and wall signs that are not illuminated and that do not exceed four (4) square feet in area;

4.

Signs that are not legible from any public right-of-way or from beyond the boundaries of the lot or parcel;

5.

Signs within completely enclosed buildings, provided that such signs are oriented to be primarily visible from inside the subject building; and

6.

Labels and notices on equipment or structures, provided the label or notice does not exceeding fifteen (15) square inches in area.

A.

Applicability. The regulations of this section apply to on-premise wall, projecting and freestanding signs and all off-premise outdoor advertising signs, except as otherwise expressly stated. These regulations are in addition to any other applicable regulations established in this chapter.

B.

Required setbacks, spacing and separations.

1.

All parts of a sign must be set back at least ten (10) feet of a freeway planned right-of-way.

2.

All on-premise projecting signs, roof signs and freestanding signs and all off-premise outdoor advertising signs must be separated from all other roof signs, projecting signs, freestanding signs and off-premise outdoor advertising signs by a minimum distance of thirty (30) feet. Additional spacing requirements apply between off-premise outdoor advertising signs (See Subsection 60.080F.5.).

3.

Signs that are visible from an R or AG-R district (other than street, highway or freeway right-of-way) or from a designated residential development area must be separated from the R or AG-R district or residential development area by a minimum distance of fifty (50) feet.

4.

Signs with an area of more than three hundred (300) square feet that are visible from an R or AG-R district (other than street, highway or freeway right-of-way) or from a designated residential development area must be separated from the R or AG-R district or residential development area by a minimum distance of two hundred (200) feet.

C.

Mounting height of wall signs and projecting signs. Wall signs and projecting signs must be mounted so that no portion of the sign extends above the top of the parapet or building wall to which they are attached, except in those cases where the height of the parapet or building wall or the presence of architectural features will not accommodate a wall or projecting sign that is at least three (3) feet in height. In such cases, the sign may extend above the parapet or building wall for a distance that will permit a sign with a height of up to three (3) feet.

D.

Dynamic displays. Unless otherwise expressly stated, all signs that include a dynamic display are subject to the supplemental regulations of Section 60.100.

E.

Off-premise business signs. Off-premise business signs may be approved for multi-tenant developments only when such developments are included in a mandatory development plan (See Section 70.040). The authority to approve off-premise business signs is intended to be used only when the location of the identified business or activity precludes placement of a sign that is visible to motorists and pedestrians along the highest (traffic) volume street that provides access to the subject development and when the result of the approval will be in keeping with the stated purposes of this chapter (Subsection 60.010A.). The intent of this off-premise business sign authorization is to provide flexibility in overcoming the locational and visibility challenges of lots within a mandatory development plan area, not to allow an overall increase in the amount of signage allowed or encourage a proliferation of signs within the area covered by the mandatory development plan. Any waiver, modification, or variance to the regulations of Subsection 60.040E. is considered a use variance and is thereby prohibited in accordance with Subsection 70.130B.1.

F.

Illumination. Except for authorized dynamic displays, the illumination on the face of any sign where illumination is permitted must be by constant light and may not exceed seventy (70) foot-candles measured at a distance of two (2) feet from the face of the sign.

G.

Electronic message center signs. Electronic message center signs shall be permitted in SR, MX, O, C, and I districts, and shall be subject to the regulations that apply to on-premise wall, projecting, and freestanding signs within the applicable zoning district, and the following supplemental regulations:

1.

Electronic message center signs may not exceed the maximum sign area allowed for the respective sign type or the following maximum areas, whichever is less:

a.

Thirty-two (32) square feet in SR and O districts; and

b.

Forty-eight (48) square feet in MX, C, and I districts.

The sign area allowed for electronic message center signs is not in addition to the maximum sign area allowed for a wall, projecting or freestanding sign, but rather is counted as part of the maximum area of the wall, projecting or freestanding sign. The board of adjustment may approve a greater sign area for electronic message center signs in accordance with the special exception procedures of Section 70.120.

2.

Display of messages shall remain static, without any animation or special effects, for a period of not less than five (5) minutes. The transition from one message to the next shall be direct and immediate, without any animation or special effects.

3.

Electronic message center signs with an area exceeding the maximum allowable sign area in Subsection 60.040G.1. may not be located within fifty (50) feet of the driving surface of a signalized intersection, unless expressly approved by the board of adjustment as part of the special exception approval. This separation distance must be measured horizontally in a straight line from the nearest point of the sign structure to the nearest point of the street curb or edge of the traveled roadway marked or understood as such.

4.

Electronic message center signs with a sign area exceeding the maximum allowable sign area in Subsection 60.040G.1. may not be located within two hundred (200) feet of an R or AG-R district (other than street, highway, or freeway right-of-way) or a residential development area, unless expressly approved by the board of adjustment as part of the special exception approval. This separation distance does not apply if the electronic message center sign is not visible from the referenced district, area or lot. Required separation distances must be measured horizontally in a straight line from the nearest point on a sign structure to the nearest point of an R or AG-R district or residential development area boundary.

5.

Electronic message center signs are subject to the illumination standards established in Subsection 60.040-F.

(Ord. No. 25512, § 1, 1-29-2025)

A.

Applicability. The regulations of this section apply to signs in R, AG, and AG-R districts. See also the general regulations of Section 60.040.

B.

Signs allowed. The following signs are allowed in R, AG, and AG-R districts in addition to any signs allowed pursuant to Section 60.030. On-premise roof signs, on-premise projecting signs and all off-premise outdoor advertising signs are prohibited in R, AG, and AG-R districts.

1.

Apartment/Condo buildings and neighborhood and subdivision identification signs.

a.

Lots occupied by one or more apartment/condo buildings are allowed a maximum of one freestanding sign per street frontage and a maximum of one wall sign per building wall. Wall signs may not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area.

b.

Residential neighborhoods and residential subdivisions, including manufactured housing parks, are allowed a single freestanding sign at each street entrance to the neighborhood or subdivision.

c.

The freestanding signs allowed by this section may not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area or 0.20 square feet of sign area per linear foot of street frontage, whichever is greater, but in no case may the sign exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet in area. The maximum sign area calculation must be based on the street frontage to which the sign is oriented. Maximum height may not exceed twenty (20) feet.

2.

Nonresidential uses. The following regulations apply to all principal nonresidential uses in R, AG, and AG-R districts:

a.

Wall signs. Nonresidential uses in R, AG, and AG-R districts are allowed a maximum of one wall sign per public building entrance. No individual wall sign may exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area. In buildings with multiple public building entrances, the sign area of all wall signs may not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in the aggregate.

b.

Freestanding Signs. Nonresidential uses in R, AG, and AG-R districts are allowed a maximum of one freestanding sign per street frontage. Allowed freestanding signs are subject to a maximum height limit of twenty (20) feet and may not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area or 0.20 square feet of sign area per linear foot of street frontage, whichever is greater, but in no case may the sign exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet in area. The maximum sign area calculation must be based on the street frontage to which the sign is oriented.

c.

Dynamic displays. Dynamic displays are prohibited in R, AG, and AG-R districts except that on a lot occupied by an allowed public, civic or institutional use, the board of adjustment is authorized to approve a special exception for the allowed wall sign or the allowed freestanding sign to include a dynamic display.

(1)

The allowed dynamic display component may not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area, and no more than one (wall or freestanding) dynamic display is allowed per street frontage.

(2)

The sign area allowed for a dynamic display is not in addition to the maximum sign area allowed for a wall or freestanding sign, but rather is counted as part of the maximum area of a wall or freestanding sign.

(3)

Dynamic displays in R, AG, and AG-R districts may operate only between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. unless otherwise expressly approved through the special exception process.

(4)

Dynamic displays are subject to the dynamic display regulations of Section 60.100.

A.

Applicability. The regulations of this section apply to signs in all office zoning districts. See also the general regulations of Section 60.040.

B.

Signs allowed.

1.

In addition to any sign exceptions allowed pursuant to Section 60.030, and any development identification sign allowed pursuant to Section 60.060B.2., lots in office zoning districts are allowed a maximum of one on-premise sign per street frontage. The allowed on-premise sign may be a wall sign, a projecting sign or a freestanding sign. Roof signs and off-premise outdoor advertising signs are prohibited in office districts.

2.

Development identification signs. Developments with multiple tenants are allowed a single monument style or freestanding sign with a maximum height of eight (8) feet at each street entrance to the development. Such signage shall count against the maximum sign area permitted on the lot in which it is located, and may not identify any tenant or tenants within the development.

C.

Maximum area. Signs allowed in the OH district may not exceed forty-eight (48) square feet in area or 0.50 square feet of sign area per linear foot of street frontage, whichever is greater, but in no case may a sign in an OH district exceed two hundred twenty-five (225) square feet in area. Signs allowed in all other O districts may not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area or 0.30 square feet of sign area per linear foot of street frontage, whichever is greater, but in no case may the sign exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet in area. The maximum sign area calculation must be based on the street frontage to which the sign is oriented.

D.

Maximum height. Freestanding signs in the OH district may not exceed thirty (30) feet in height. Freestanding signs in other O districts may not exceed twenty (20) feet in height or the height of the principal building on the lot, whichever is less.

E.

Dynamic displays. Dynamic displays are prohibited in O districts except that on a lot occupied by an allowed public, civic or institutional use, either the allowed wall sign or the allowed freestanding sign may include a dynamic display.

1.

The allowed dynamic display component may not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area, and no more than one (wall or freestanding) dynamic display is allowed per street frontage.

2.

The sign area allowed for a dynamic display is not in addition to the maximum sign area allowed for a wall or freestanding sign, but rather is counted as part of the maximum area of a wall or freestanding sign.

3.

Dynamic displays in O districts may operate only between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

4.

Dynamic displays are subject to the dynamic display regulations of Section 60.100.

A.

Applicability. The regulations of this section apply to signs in all SR zoning districts. See also the general regulations of Section 60.040.

B.

Signs allowed.

1.

On-premise wall signs. On-premise wall signs are allowed in SR zoning districts. Wall signs may not exceed an aggregate area of more than one square foot per linear foot of building wall to which they are attached. Wall signs are not counted against a lot's allowed sign budget, pursuant to Subsection 60.070C.

2.

On-premise projecting signs and freestanding signs. On-premise projecting signs and freestanding signs are allowed in SR zoning districts. Projecting signs and freestanding signs are counted against a lot's allowed sign budget, pursuant to Subsection 60.070C. They are subject to the regulations of Subsection 60.070D.

3.

On-premise roof signs and off-premise outdoor advertising signs prohibited. On-premise roof signs and off-premise outdoor advertising signs are prohibited in SR zoning districts.

4.

Development identification signs. Developments with multiple tenants are allowed a single monument style or freestanding sign with a maximum height of eight (8) feet at each street entrance to the development. Such signage shall count against the maximum sign area permitted on the lot in which it is located, and may not identify any tenant or tenants within the development.

C.

Sign budget.

1.

Applicability. The sign budget provisions of this subsection govern the maximum aggregate number and combined area of all projecting and freestanding signs on a lot in an SR district, except as otherwise expressly stated.

2.

Maximum number. In addition to any sign exceptions allowed pursuant to Section 60.030, lots in SR zoning districts are allowed a maximum of one projecting sign or freestanding sign per street frontage.

3.

Maximum area. The maximum aggregate sign area of all projecting and freestanding signs allowed in SR zoning districts may not exceed 0.50 square feet of sign area per linear foot of street frontage or three hundred (300) square feet, whichever is less.

D.

Maximum height of projecting signs and freestanding signs.

1.

Projecting signs in SR districts may not exceed twenty (20) feet in height or the height of the principal building on the lot, whichever is less. In addition, projecting signs may not extend above the top of the parapet or building wall to which they are attached except in those cases where the height of the parapet or building wall, or the presence of architectural features will not accommodate a projecting sign that is at least three (3) feet in height, in which case the projecting sign may extend above the parapet or building wall for a distance that will permit a projecting sign with a height of three (3) feet.

2.

Freestanding signs in the SR zoning district may not exceed thirty (30) feet in height.

E.

Dynamic displays. Dynamic displays are prohibited in SR districts except that on a lot occupied by an allowed public, civic or institutional use, either the allowed wall sign or the allowed freestanding sign may include a dynamic display. The allowed dynamic display component may not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area, and no more than one (wall or freestanding) dynamic display is allowed per street frontage. The sign area allowed for a dynamic display is not in addition to the maximum sign area allowed for a wall or freestanding sign, but rather is counted as part of the maximum area of a wall or freestanding sign. Dynamic displays are subject to the dynamic display regulations of Section 60.100.

A.

Applicability. The regulations of this section apply to signs in all mixed-use, commercial and industrial zoning districts. See also the general regulations of Section 60.040.

B.

Signs allowed. In addition to any sign exceptions allowed pursuant to Section 60.030, the following signs are the only signs allowed in all mixed-use, commercial and industrial zoning districts:

1.

On-premise wall signs. On-premise wall signs are allowed in all mixed-use, commercial and industrial zoning districts. Wall signs may not exceed an aggregate area of more than three (3) square feet per linear foot of building wall to which they are attached. Wall signs are not counted against a lot's allowed sign budget, pursuant to Subsection 60.080C.

2.

On-premise projecting signs. On-premise projecting signs are allowed in all mixed-use, commercial and industrial zoning districts. Projecting signs are counted against a lot's allowed sign budget, pursuant to Subsection 60.080C. They are also subject to the regulations of Subsection 60.080D.

3.

On-premise freestanding signs. Freestanding signs are allowed in all mixed-use, commercial and industrial zoning districts. Freestanding signs are counted against a lot's allowed sign budget, pursuant to Subsection 60.080C. They are also subject to the regulations of Subsection 60.080D.

4.

Off-premise outdoor advertising signs. Off-premise outdoor advertising signs are subject to the regulations of Subsection 60.080F. Where allowed, off-premise outdoor advertising signs are counted against a lot's allowed sign budget, pursuant to Subsection 60.080C.

5.

Roof signs.

a.

Roof signs are allowed only in the Central Business District (CBD) and the Route 66 Overlay, subject to the following provisions:

(1)

Roof signs may not include any dynamic display; and

(2)

Roof signs may not extend more than twenty-five (25) feet above the point where the sign is attached to the roof, measured in a vertical line from the horizontal plane of the lowest point where the sign is attached to the roof to the horizontal plane of the highest location on the sign's structure.

b.

Roof signs are counted against a lot's allowed sign budget, pursuant to Subsection 60.080C.

c.

Only major street frontage along that portion of the subject lot that is occupied by the business displaying the sign may be counted in determining the maximum sign area of a roof sign allowed under this section.

6.

Development identification signs. Developments with multiple tenants are allowed a single monument style or freestanding sign with a maximum height of eight (8) feet at each street entrance to the development. Such signage shall count against the maximum sign area permitted on the lot in which it is located, and may not identify any tenant or tenants within the development.

C.

Sign budget.

1.

Applicability. The sign budget provisions of this subsection govern the maximum aggregate number and combined area of all projecting, roof, freestanding, and off-premise outdoor advertising signs allowed on a lot in mixed-use, commercial and industrial zoning districts, except as otherwise expressly stated.

2.

Maximum number.

a.

Lots with frontage on only minor streets. Lots with frontage on only minor streets are allowed a maximum of one roof, freestanding, or projecting sign per lot.

b.

Lots with frontage on major streets. The maximum aggregate number of roof, projecting, freestanding, and off-premise outdoor advertising signs allowed on lots with frontage on one or more major streets may not exceed the limits established in Table 60-2.

Table 60-2: Maximum Aggregate Number of Signs

3.

Maximum area.

a.

Lots with frontage on only minor streets. Signs allowed on lots with frontage on only minor streets may not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area or 0.20 square feet of sign area per linear foot of street frontage, whichever is greater, but in no case may the sign exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet in area. The maximum sign area calculation must be based on the street frontage to which the sign is oriented.

b.

Lots with frontage on major streets.

(1)

The maximum aggregate sign area of all roof, projecting, freestanding, and off-premise outdoor advertising signs allowed on lots with frontage on one or more major streets may not exceed the limits established in Table 60-3:

Table 60-3: Maximum Aggregate Sign Area

[1] Off-premise outdoor advertising signs are prohibited outside of freeway sign corridors and prohibited in MX districts.

(2)

In addition to the maximum aggregate sign area limits, individual roof, projecting, and freestanding signs may not exceed five hundred (500) square feet in area. Individual off-premise outdoor advertising signs may not exceed six hundred seventy-two (672) square feet in area.

D.

Maximum height of on-premise projecting and freestanding signs.

1.

Lots with frontage on only minor streets. On-premise projecting signs and freestanding signs on lots with frontage on only minor streets may not exceed twenty (20) feet in height or the height of the principal building on the lot, whichever is less.

2.

Lots with frontage on major streets. On-premise projecting signs and freestanding signs on lots with frontage on major streets may not exceed twenty-five (25) feet in height, except that a maximum height of forty (40) feet is allowed if the sign is set back from the planned right-of-way line at least one foot for each foot of sign height in excess of twenty-five (25) feet. Projecting signs and freestanding signs may not exceed forty (40) feet in height unless the subject lot abuts a freeway, in which case the maximum allowed height is fifty (50) feet.

E.

Dynamic displays on on-premise wall, projecting and freestanding signs. A maximum of one of the on-premise wall signs, projecting signs or freestanding signs allowed on a lot in a mixed-use, commercial or industrial zoning district may include a dynamic display. The dynamic display may not exceed the maximum sign area allowed for the respective sign type or forty-eight (48) square feet, whichever is less. The sign area allowed for a dynamic display is not in addition to the maximum sign area allowed for a wall, projecting or freestanding sign, but rather is counted as part of the maximum area of the wall, projecting or freestanding sign. Only one, contiguous dynamic display is allowed on a wall, projecting or freestanding sign face. Off-premise outdoor advertising signs that incorporate a dynamic display are subject to the dynamic display regulations of Section 60.100.

F.

Off-premise outdoor advertising signs. Off-premise outdoor advertising signs are allowed only in compliance with regulations of this subsection (Subsection 60.080F.).

1.

Where allowed. Off-premise outdoor advertising signs are a use allowed in commercial and industrial zoning districts but only when located in a freeway sign corridor. Off-premise outdoor advertising signs are a use allowed in corridor zoning districts when approved through the development plan approval process of Section 70.040 but may only be so approved when located in a freeway sign corridor. Off-premise outdoor advertising signs are prohibited in mixed-use zoning districts. Any waiver, modification, or variance to the regulations of Subsection 60.080F.1. is considered a use variance and is thereby prohibited in accordance with Subsection 70.130B.1.

2.

Maximum number and area. The maximum number and area of allowed off-premise outdoor advertising signs is governed by the sign budget provisions of Subsection 60.080C.

3.

Maximum height. Off-premise outdoor advertising signs may not exceed fifty (50) feet in height, except when the adjacent freeway is elevated ten (10) feet or more above grade in the location where the sign is to be located, in which case the off-premise outdoor advertising sign may not exceed sixty (60) feet in height or a maximum of twenty (20) feet in height above the centerline of the travel lanes of the freeway, whichever is greater.

4.

Orientation. All off-premise outdoor advertising signs must be oriented to be primarily visible from the adjacent freeway.

5.

Required setbacks, spacing and separations.

a.

All off-premise outdoor advertising signs must be separated by a minimum distance of one thousand two hundred (1,200) feet from any other off-premise outdoor advertising sign except when the subject signs are separated by and on opposite sides of the same freeway.

b.

Off-premise outdoor advertising signs must be separated by a minimum distance of one hundred fifty (150) feet from any public park.

c.

Off-premise outdoor advertising signs that are visible from an R or AG-R district (other than street, highway or freeway right-of-way) or from a designated residential development area must be separated from the R or AG-R district or residential development area by a minimum distance of one hundred fifty (150) feet if the sign does not exceed three hundred (300) square feet in area and by a distance of at least two hundred (200) feet if the sign is greater than three hundred (300) square feet in area.

d.

See Subsection 60.040B. for setback, spacing and separation regulations generally applicable to all signs.

6.

Number of sign faces. Off-premise outdoor advertising signs may not have more than two (2) sign faces. See also Subsection 60.130A.3.

7.

Cutouts and extensions. Cutouts or extensions are permitted and do not count in calculating the sign area of an off-premise outdoor advertising sign unless the cutouts or extensions exceed fifteen (15) percent of the sign face, in which case the cutout or extension area in excess of fifteen (15) percent of the sign face area does count.

8.

Posts and columns. Off-premise outdoor advertising signs that are freestanding may not be supported by more than one post or column unless required by site engineering considerations, as certified by a registered professional engineer.

9.

Illumination.

a.

Illumination on the face of any off-premise outdoor advertising sign may not exceed seventy (70) foot-candles.

b.

Any illumination must be by constant light unless otherwise expressly stated.

c.

No off-premise outdoor advertising sign may contain flashing, blinking or traveling lights or reflective glitter.

10.

Conversion. A sign permitted as an off-premise outdoor advertising sign may not be converted to any other type of sign without first obtaining a permit. The reverse is also true.

11.

Dynamic displays.

a.

Off-premise outdoor advertising signs that incorporate a dynamic display are subject to the dynamic display regulations of Section 60.100.

b.

No off-premise outdoor advertising sign with a dynamic display may be modified, extended, or enlarged until a permit has been issued for its installation and use as a dynamic display sign.

c.

The conversion of an off-premise outdoor advertising sign into an off-premise outdoor advertising sign with a dynamic display requires a permit as if it were an entirely new sign.

d.

A nonconforming off-premise outdoor advertising sign may not be modified, changed or converted into a dynamic display off-premise outdoor advertising sign unless it complies with all requirements of this zoning code, and all setback, spacing and separation requirements have been verified.

(Ord. No. 25604, §§ 12, 13, 6-18-2025)

A.

AG and AG-R district. See Section 60.050.

B.

PK district. In addition to any sign exceptions allowed pursuant to Section 60.030, a maximum of one on-premise freestanding sign is allowed on a lot in a PK (Parking) zoning district. The freestanding sign may not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area or 0.20 square feet of sign area per linear foot of street frontage, whichever is greater, but in no case may the sign exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet in area. The maximum sign area calculation must be based on the street frontage to which the sign is oriented.

C.

CO district. Signs in CO districts are subject to same regulations that apply in commercial and industrial zoning districts (see Section 60.080). They are subject to review as part of development plan approval process (see Section 70.040).

D.

IMX district.

1.

Applicability. The regulations of this section apply to signs in all IMX zoning districts. See also the general regulations of Section 60.040.

2.

Signs allowed. In addition to any sign exceptions allowed pursuant to Section 60.030, the following signs are the only signs allowed in IMX zoning districts:

a.

Directional and way-finding signs;

b.

On-premise building signature signs;

c.

On-premise wall signs;

d.

On-premise projecting signs;

e.

On-premise canopy signs;

f.

On-premise marquee signs; and

g.

On-premise, monument-style ground signs.

3.

Directional and way-finding signs. Directional and way-finding signs for business establishments located in the IMX district may be permitted by special exception within the lot containing the use. Such signs are subject to conditions (including but not limited to regulation of the location, number, sign area and height of such signs) established by the board of adjustment in approving the special exception.

4.

On-premise wall signs, projecting signs, canopy signs, and marquee signs.

a.

When allowed. On-premise wall, projecting, canopy and marquee signs are permitted only for business establishments located within the ground-floor level, second-floor level, and third-floor level of a building.

b.

Business establishments. For purposes of administering interpreting and enforcing the IMX district sign regulations of this section, the term "business establishment" means a space within a building occupied for a use permitted by right or special exception in the IMX district, except for residential uses.

c.

Maximum number.

(1)

A maximum of three (3) such signs are permitted for each business establishment located within the ground-floor level of a building and having a façade that faces a street.

(2)

A maximum of two (2) such signs are permitted for each business establishment located within the second-floor level or third-floor level of a building and having a façade that faces a street.

(3)

One additional such sign is permitted for each business establishment located within the ground-floor level, second-floor level or third-floor level of a building and occupying a corner space that faces two (2) streets. Such additional sign must be oriented toward the additional street.

(4)

Only one of the allowed signs may be projecting along each street-facing façade of the subject business establishment.

(5)

If the subject business establishment is identified on a ground sign that is permitted for the building in which the business establishment is located, the number of wall, projecting, canopy and marquee signs otherwise permitted for the business establishment is reduced by one for each ground sign in which the business establishment is identified.

d.

Maximum area. No individual projecting sign may exceed twelve (12) square feet in area, and no other individual sign may exceed sixty (60) square feet in area, provided that the total area of all on-premise wall, projecting, canopy and marquee signs permitted for a business establishment may not exceed ten (10) percent of the area of the street-facing façade of the subject business establishment.

e.

Location and height. Permitted on-premise wall, projecting, canopy and marquee signs must be located directly above the independent entrance to the subject business establishment identified on the sign or directly above or adjacent to windows in the street-facing façade of the business establishment and within the area of the street-facing façade of the building establishment, provided, however:

(1)

No portion of a sign permitted for a ground-floor level business establishment may be located more than thirty-five (35) feet above the elevation of the nearest curb.

(2)

No portion of a sign permitted for a second-level or third-level business establishment may be located more than fifty (50) feet above the elevation of the nearest curb.

(3)

No portion of any sign may extend above the top of a parapet or building wall upon which it is located.

5.

Ground signs.

a.

When allowed. Ground signs are permitted only for business establishments within a building containing more than twenty-five thousand (25,000) square feet of floor area.

b.

Maximum number. If the building for which a ground sign is permitted faces only one street, a maximum of one ground sign is permitted. If the building faces two (2) or more streets, a maximum of two (2) ground signs is permitted, provided that each sign is oriented toward a different street.

c.

Size and height. Ground signs may not exceed eighteen (18) feet in length and two (2) feet in depth, measured from the outer edges of the ground sign, and five (5) feet in height measured from the lowest point of the elevation of the nearest curb to the highest point of the ground sign.

6.

Building signature signs.

a.

A building signature sign is a sign that identifies the owner of the building or a business establishment located in the building that occupies more than fifty (50) percent of the floor area of the subject building.

b.

Building signature signs are permitted only on buildings four (4) or more stories in height, provided no part of such sign may extend above the top of the parapet or building wall upon which it is located.

c.

Only one building signature sign is permitted per exterior building wall.

d.

The sign area of a building signature sign may not exceed five (5) percent of the area of the wall to which it is affixed or three hundred (300) square feet, whichever is less.

e.

All sides of the building that display a building signature sign must contain the exact copy that is displayed on any other side of the building that displays a building signature sign.

7.

Prohibited signs. In addition to the signs prohibited by Section 60.020, the following signs are expressly prohibited in the IMX district:

a.

Off-premise outdoor advertising signs;

b.

Dynamic displays;

c.

Inflatable signs; and

d.

Roof signs.

E.

MPD district. Except as otherwise expressly allowed as part of an approved MPD development plan:

1.

Residential development areas are subject to the sign regulations that apply to R districts; and

2.

Nonresidential development areas are subject to the sign regulations that apply to CS districts.

The supplemental regulations of this section apply to all signs with dynamic displays. Except as otherwise expressly stated, these regulations apply whether incorporated into off-premise outdoor advertising signs or on-premise signs that are allowed to include a dynamic display.

A.

The images and messages displayed on a dynamic display must have a minimum dwell time of at least eight (8) seconds and may not contain any movement, animation, audio, video, pyrotechnics or other special effects.

B.

The transition or change from one message to another must occur in one second or less and involve no animation or special effects.

C.

The images and messages displayed must be complete in and of themselves within the required dwell time.

D.

Dynamic displays may not be located within fifty (50) feet of the driving surface of a signalized intersection, measured horizontally in a straight line from the nearest point of the sign structure to the nearest point of the intersection.

E.

Dynamic displays may not be located within or within twenty (20) feet of the driving surface of a street, measured horizontally in a straight line from the nearest point of the sign structure to the nearest point of the street curb or edge of the traveled roadway marked or understood as such.

F.

Dynamic displays may not be located within two hundred (200) feet of any of the following: (1) an R or AG-R district (other than street, highway or freeway right-of-way); (2) a residential development area. This separation distance does not apply if the dynamic display is not visible from the referenced district, area or lot, and the requirements may be modified in R, AG, and AG-R districts if approved through the special exception process. Required separation distances must be measured horizontally in a straight line from the nearest point on a sign structure to the nearest point of an R or AG-R district or residential development area boundary.

G.

Dynamic displays must be equipped with a default mechanism that freezes the display in one position or presents a static or blank display if a malfunction occurs.

H.

Dynamic displays must be equipped with a light detector/photocell that automatically adjusts the display's brightness according to natural ambient light conditions.

I.

The maximum brightness level of a dynamic display may not exceed six thousand five hundred (6,500) nits (candelas per square meter) during daylight hours or five hundred (500) nits between thirty (30) minutes after sunset and thirty (30) minutes before sunrise, as those times are determined by the National Weather Service (Actual Time). Brightness must be measured from the brightest element of the sign's face.

J.

Any off-premise outdoor advertising sign that includes a dynamic display that was lawfully established before January 1, 2010, must be separated by a minimum distance of one thousand two hundred (1,200) feet from any other off-premise outdoor advertising sign that includes a dynamic display. This spacing limitation does not apply between signs separated by a freeway. The one thousand two hundred (1,200) foot distance must be measured in a straight line from the center of the subject sign structures, as located on the ground.

K.

Except as provided in Subsection 60.100J., any off-premise outdoor advertising sign that includes a dynamic display and that was approved by a permit issued on or after January 1, 2009, must be separated by a minimum distance of one thousand two hundred (1,200) feet from any other off-premise outdoor advertising sign that includes a dynamic display facing the same traveled way. The one thousand two hundred (1,200) foot distance must be measured in a straight line from the center of the subject sign structures, as located on the ground.

(Ord. No. 24725, §§ 20, 21, 11-17-2021)

A.

Any person proposing to erect any sign requiring a sign permit must submit a sign permit application to the development administrator. Applications for such permit must be accompanied by detailed plans, including scaled drawings of the proposed sign, a detailed site plan and other information deemed necessary by the development administrator to determine compliance with applicable regulations.

B.

Sign permit fees must be paid prior to the issuance of a sign permit.

C.

If the work associated with a sign permit has not been completed within one hundred eighty (180) days of the date of the issuance of the permit, such permit will lapse and become null and void.

See Section 80.060.

A.

Sign area.

1.

Signs enclosed in frames or cabinets. The area of a sign enclosed in a frame or cabinet is determined based on the outer dimensions of the frame or cabinet surrounding the sign face (see Figure 60-2).

Figure 60-2: Sign Area Measurement (Signs in Cabinets or Frames)

2.

Channel (individual) letter signs.

a.

The area of a sign comprised of individual letters or elements attached to a building wall is determined by calculating the area of the smallest geometric figure (e.g. square, rectangle, circle, polygon, etc.) that can be drawn around the letters and/or elements (see Figure 60-3).

b.

Signs consisting of individual letters and/or elements will be measured as one sign when the distance between the letters and/or elements is less than the largest dimension of the largest sign letter (see Figure 60-4).

Figure 60-3: Sign Area Measurement (Individual Letter Signs)

Figure 60-4: Sign Area Measurement (Single vs. Multiple Signs)

3.

Multi-sided signs. Unless otherwise expressly stated, when the sign faces of a multi-sided sign are parallel or within thirty (30) degrees of parallel, only one side is counted for the purpose of determining the area and number of signs. If the sign faces are not parallel or within thirty (30) degrees of parallel, all sign faces are counted (see Figure 60-5).

Figure 60-5: Multi-Sided Signs

4.

Non-planar signs. Spherical, free-form, sculptural or other non-planar sign area is measured as fifty (50) percent of the sum of the areas using only the four (4) vertical sides of the smallest four-sided polyhedron that will encompass the sign structure. Signs with greater than four (4) polyhedron faces are prohibited.

Figure 60-6: Non-Planar Sign Measurement

B.

Sign height. The height of a sign is measured as the vertical distance from curb level to the highest point of the sign.

Figure 60-7: Sign Height Measurement

C.

Setback, spacing and separation distances.

1.

Required setback, spacing and separation distances between signs must be measured in a straight line from the nearest points on the respective sign structures. Required separation distances between signs and zoning districts, area or lots must be measured in a straight line from the nearest point on the sign structure to the nearest point of the subject district, area or lot.

2.

The required separation distance between off-premise outdoor advertising signs must be measured in a straight line from the center of the respective off-premise outdoor advertising sign structures, as located on the ground.

D.

Illumination and luminance.

1.

Foot-candles. Sign illumination in foot-candles is measured two (2) feet from the sign face.

2.

Nits. For the purpose of verifying compliance with maximum brightness level limits expressed in "nits," brightness levels must be measured with the dynamic display set to run full white copy with a luminance meter positioned at a location perpendicular to the sign face center. When taking the luminance reading, the sign face must be the only subject visible in the viewfinder.

E.

Window area. The area of a window includes only the glass or glazed elements of the window. Frames, mullions and similar features are not counted as part of the window area (see Figure 60-8).

Figure 60-8: Measurement of Window Area