University City City Zoning Code
ARTICLE VIII
Sign Regulations
Section 400.2160 Intent and Purpose.
[R.O. 2011 §34-100; Ord. No. 6139 §1(Exh. A (part)), 1997]
A.
It is the intent and purpose of this Article to provide sign regulations that promote the following objectives:
1.
Effective communication without excessive proliferation or size of signage;
2.
Protection of the public from unsafe signs by requiring proper location, installation and maintenance, and avoiding undue distractions to persons driving motor vehicles; and
3.
Provision of a quality community image, thereby protecting and enhancing the economic vitality of the City by ensuring that the City remains a desirable place to live, visit and conduct business.
Section 400.2170 Applicability.
[R.O. 2011 §34-101; Ord. No. 6139 §1(Exh. A (part)), 1997]
Except as otherwise provided for in Article IV, Section 400.780(D)(3) of this Chapter, the provisions of this Article shall govern the installation, erection, painting or display of any outdoor sign or sign which is designed to be seen by the public from out-of-doors.
Section 400.2190 Sign Permit Required.
[R.O. 2011 §34-103.1; Ord. No. 6139 §1(Exh. A (part)), 1997]
A.
It is unlawful for any person to erect, repair, alter, relocate, paint, repaint, replace the face of, or change any of the wording of any sign within the City of University City without first obtaining a sign permit which has been duly issued by the Building Commissioner and duly approved by the Zoning Administrator. This provision shall not apply to signs listed under Section 400.2240 of this Article.
B.
Permit Application. Application for a sign permit shall be submitted to the Building Commissioner and shall contain or have attached thereto the following information:
1.
The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the applicant, the owner of the property on which the sign is to be erected or affixed, and the company to be erecting or affixing the sign.
2.
Two (2) sets of plans (to scale) and specifications of the sign to be erected or affixed, detailing the method of construction and attachment to the building or ground. Such plans and specifications shall include information on material, dimensions (size and height), and electrical details (if applicable) and all other information required by the Building Commissioner to determine compliance with the Building Code.
3.
For any freestanding sign or projecting sign, the applicant shall submit two (2) site plans drawn to scale, locating such signs by dimension from the lot lines.
4.
Written consent of the property owner upon which the sign is to be erected or affixed, if different than the applicant.
5.
Such other information as may be determined necessary by the Building Commissioner or the Zoning Administrator to determine compliance with this Article or other applicable codes.
Section 400.2200 Determination of Sign Area.
[R.O. 2011 §34-103.2; Ord. No. 6139 §1(Exh. A (part)), 1997]
A.
The following regulations shall govern the determination of sign area:
1.
The surface area of a sign shall be computed by including the entire area within a perimeter of not more than eight (8) straight lines, or a circle or an ellipse, enclosing the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem or other display, together with any material, framing or color forming an integral part of the background of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop or structure against which it is placed.
2.
The posts or other supporting structures associated with a pole sign shall not be included in computing the sign area. In computing the sign area for a monument sign, the entire area of the sign shall be considered, exclusive of its elevated landscape planter box or base structure.
3.
For two-sided, multi-sided, or three-dimensional signs, the sign surface area shall be computed by including the total of all sides designed to attract attention or communicate information that can be seen at any one time by a person from one (1) vantage point. Without otherwise limiting the generality of the foregoing:
a.
The sign surface area of a double-faced, back-to-back sign shall be calculated by using the area of only one (1) side of such sign, so long as the distance between the backs of such signs does not exceed three (3) feet.
b.
The sign surface area of a double-faced sign constructed in the form of a "V" shall be calculated by using the area of only one (1) side of such sign (the larger side if there is a size difference), so long as the angle of the "V" does not exceed thirty degrees (30°).
Section 400.2210 Maintenance.
[R.O. 2011 §34-103.3; Ord. No. 6139 §1(Exh. A (part)), 1997]
A.
All signs and components thereof shall be maintained in good repair, free of rust, peeling, flaking, fading, broken or cracked panels, and broken or missing letters. All signs, components, supports and their surroundings shall be maintained in a safe, clean and attractive condition.
B.
When any sign becomes insecure, in danger of falling or otherwise unsafe, or if any sign is unlawfully installed, erected or maintained in violation of any of this Chapter or other applicable codes of the City, the owner thereof, or the person or firm maintaining the same, shall, upon written notice of the Building Commissioner, forthwith in the case of immediate danger and in any case, within not more than ten (10) days, make such sign conform to this Article or other applicable codes of the City, or shall remove it. If within ten (10) days the order is not complied with, the Building Commissioner may have such sign removed at the expense of the property owner, lessee, or other person responsible therefor.
Section 400.2220 Miscellaneous Regulations.
[R.O. 2011 §34-103.4; Ord. No. 6139 §1(Exh. A (part)), 1997; Ord. No. 6676 §1(part), 2006]
A.
Building Code Requirements. All signs shall comply in every respect with the Building Code of the City of University City, including, but not limited to:
1.
No sign shall be erected, displayed or maintained so as to obstruct any fire escape, any required exit way, window or door opening used as a means of egress, or to obstruct any other means of egress required by the Building Code of the City; and
2.
No sign shall be erected, displayed, or maintained in a manner that interferes with any opening required for ventilation under the Building Code of the City.
B.
Projection Into Rights-Of-Way. No sign shall project beyond a right-of-way line, except for the following:
[Ord. No. 6972 §1, 11-10-2014]
1.
Wall signs not projecting more than eighteen (18) inches from the exterior surface of a building or the surface of an integral architectural element which is part of the building; or
2.
Signs mounted on or under a canopy, awning or marquee which is permitted to project into a right-of-way, in accordance with Article V, Section 400.1040(A)(2)(c) of this Article, and where the bottom edge of the sign is not less than seven (7) feet above the sidewalk or pedestrian way.
3.
In the "CC" Core Commercial District a primary wall sign may be attached to a building at an angle and project into the right-of-way, provided:
a.
There is no more than one (1) such sign for each entrance door to a business establishment;
b.
The sign does not project more than five (5) feet from the face of the building;
c.
The bottom of the sign is at least ten (10) feet from grade and its top is no higher than whichever of the following is highest: forty (40) feet from above grade, or the height of the building at the building line;
d.
No support for the sign shall extend above the cornice line of a building to which it is attached; and
e.
No signs perpendicular to the wall shall be internally illuminated.
4.
Portable signs displayed in accordance with Section 400.2220.C.
C.
Portable Signs.
[Ord. No. 6972 §1, 11-10-2014[1]]
1.
In any commercial zoning district, portable signs may be placed in front of a commercial establishment on private property or in the public right-of-way, provided:
a.
There is no more than one (1) such sign for a business and the sign is located in front of said business;
b.
No part of the sign shall extend beyond three (3) feet from the front exterior wall of the business. The sign shall not inhibit safe movement of pedestrian traffic. A minimum four-foot wide clear zone for pedestrians shall be maintained at all times;
c.
The maximum height of such sign shall be four (4) feet and the maximum area of the sign shall be eight (8) square feet;
d.
The sign material shall be made of plastic, wood, or metal material that is maintained in good conditions and shall not create a safety hazard.
D.
Sign Illumination. Internal and external illumination of signs shall concentrate the illumination upon the area of the sign so as to prevent glare upon the street or adjacent property.
E.
Miscellaneous Advertising Objects Prohibited. No person shall place on, or suspend from, any building or structure any goods, wares, merchandise or other advertising object or structure other than a sign as defined, regulated and prescribed by this Article.
F.
Signs Not To Constitute Traffic Hazard. No sign shall be erected at the intersection of any streets in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision; or at any location where, by reason of the position, shape or color, it may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device; or which makes use of the words "stop", "go", "look", "danger", "one-way", "yield", or any other word, phrase, symbol or character in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic. Sign placement shall be in accordance with the requirements contained in Article V, Section 400.1410, "Visibility at Intersections".
G.
Electrical Hazards. No freestanding sign shall be erected within eight (8) feet of any line conductors, service drops or power lines.
Section 400.2225 Banners, Etc. - Permit.
[R.O. 2011 §12.04.210; Ord. No. 6303 §1(part), 2001]
A.
No person shall place, erect, construct or maintain any decorative banner, flag, emblem or similar device upon or over any public street, sidewalk, alley or other public place before a permit to do so is issued by the Director of Public Works and Parks after application therefor is made. The applicant shall pay a filing fee in the amount of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) plus ten dollars ($10.00) for each such banner, flag, emblem or similar device to the Director of Public Works and Parks. The amount of the filing fee may be adjusted by the Director of Public Works and Parks from time to time to reflect the average cost of the actual time expended in the administration, inspection and superintendence of such work.
B.
Such permit shall expire on the date specified therein by the Director of Public Works and Parks, which shall be set based upon the purpose the banner, flag, emblem or other device serves and any other factors the Director of Public Works and Parks deems necessary to carry out the intent of this Section.
C.
The Director of Public Works and Parks is authorized to adopt and promulgate rules and regulations to interpret and implement the provisions of this Section to secure the intent thereof and to promote the public health, safety and general welfare.
Section 400.2230 Prohibited Signs.
[R.O. 2011 §34-104.1; Ord. No. 6139 §1(Exh. A (part)), 1997; Ord. No. 6142 §1(part), 1997; Ord. No. 6401 §1(part), 2002; Ord. No. 6891 §1, 7-23-2012]
A.
The following types of signs are prohibited in all zoning districts of University City:
1.
Moving signs of which all or any part of the sign moves or which appears to move by any means, including fluttering or rotating. This prohibition includes, but is not limited to, pennants, streamers, or propellers.
2.
Flashing signs, except illuminated signs which indicate the time, temperature, weather or other similar information, shall not be considered flashing signs; provided that the total area of such sign is not greater than sixteen (16) square feet, the vertical dimension of any letter or number is not greater than twenty-four (24) inches, and the color or intensity of light is constant except for periodic changes in the information display, which occur not more frequently than once every thirty (30) seconds.
3.
Strips or strings of lights outlining property lines, sales area, rooflines, doors, windows, wall edges or other architectural features of a building, except decorative holiday lighting between Thanksgiving and January tenth (10th) of the following year.
4.
Signs on municipal land or rights-of-way, other than real estate open house signs, those signs erected at the direction or with the permission of a public authority and signs authorized to project into a right-of-way in accordance with this Article; provided however, that this prohibition shall not be enforced on any election day on any municipal land in an area beginning twenty-five (25) feet from the outer door to any municipal building designated as a polling place.
5.
Signs which are not securely affixed to the ground, or otherwise affixed in a permanent manner to an approved supporting structure, except for portable signs as allowed in Section 400.2220(C) of this Chapter.
[Ord. No. 6972 §1, 11-10-2014]
6.
Signs attached to, painted on, or placed on any vehicle including a trailer that is parked in public view on private property. This provision is not to be construed as prohibiting the identification of a firm or its principal products on a vehicle operating during the normal course of business or parked after business hours, provided parking takes place as inconspicuously as possible and the duration of the parking does not exceed a period of sixteen (16) hours, except on weekends or holidays.
7.
Off-premises advertising signs, except as authorized in this Chapter.
8.
"Sold" signs displayed after seven (7) working days following the removal of the property from the market.
10.
Obsolete signs remaining thirty (30) days after they become obsolete.
11.
Signs installed, erected, enlarged or structurally altered in violation of the provisions of this Article.
12.
Signs which have become deteriorated or damaged to an extent that the cost of the reconstruction or restoration of such signs is in excess of fifty percent (50%) of its replacement value exclusive of foundations.
13.
Signs lettered in a crude or amateurish fashion.
14.
Other signs not expressly permitted by this Article.
Section 400.2240 Permitted Signs.
[R.O. 2011 §34-104.2; Ord. No. 6672 §1, 2006; Ord. No. 6891 §1, 7-23-2012]
A.
Except as otherwise limited in this Section, the following types of signs are permitted, without a sign permit, in all of the zoning districts of University City:
1.
Temporary signs — on-premise yard signs not exceeding ten (10) square feet in gross area (per sign) for each ten thousand (10,000) square feet of lot area or fraction thereof and not exceeding three (3) feet in height for each ten thousand (10,000) square feet of lot area or fraction thereof; provided the height limitations shall not apply to signs displayed in windows or attached directly to building walls. Height shall be measured from the ground at the base of the sign to the highest point of the sign or its support. The number of signs, described in this Subsection, shall be limited to one (1) sign for each street frontage per message conveyed, but in no event shall more than one (1) of the same sign for each street frontage be displayed.
2.
Temporary signs — off-premise real estate open house signs and open house directional signs shall be permitted only during open house hours and when the owner or a representative of the owner is in attendance. Such directional signs may be located off-premises and within a street right-of-way, subject to the requirements of Article V, Section 400.1410, "Visibility at Intersections" of this Chapter. Location of such signs in street rights-of-way not under the control of the City shall be subject to the rules and regulations of the applicable authority (e.g., Missouri Highway and Transportation Department, or St. Louis County Department of Highways and Traffic).
3.
Official public notices and notices posted by a public authority in accordance with public notice requirements as may be required by law, including City codes.
4.
Governmental signs for the control or direction of traffic and other public purposes, such as neighborhood watch program signs, historical markers and plaques, or temporary emergency signs.
5.
"No Parking" or "No Trespassing" signs which are no larger than one (1) square foot in gross sign area.
6.
Signs painted, or applied in decal form, in the windows of commercial and industrial districts not exceeding one (1) square foot in gross sign area for each business located on the ground floor of the premises.
7.
Single identification signs not exceeding four (4) square feet in gross sign area which are hung below a canopy or awning; provided they allow a clearance of at least seven (7) feet above the sidewalk or other pedestrian way.
8.
Painted graphics when located in a non-residential zoning district.
9.
Temporary residential garage sale signs including, but not limited to, garage sale, patio sale, yard sale, porch sale, basement sale or any similarity thereto, that do not exceed five (5) square feet and located upon premises where the sale is taking place. These signs shall be removed within twenty-four (24) hours following the completion of the sale.
10.
Tablets or plaques in building walls denoting names of buildings, names of officers and officials and date of erection when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or other incombustible materials.
11.
Address numbers.
12.
Flags of the United States of America, States, Cities or other regional or national governmental flags.
13.
Other flags.
b.
Commercial.
(1)
Types.
(a)
Plain flags (of any color) when displayed on commercial zoned property, and/or
(b)
Flags with design elements including primary sign information, insignias, emblems and logos commonly used by and associated with the business or organization when displayed on commercially-zoned property. Copy (beyond insignias, emblems, ad logos) on such flags shall be limited to that permitted under Section 400.030, "Definitions" for identification signs in this Chapter.
c.
Dimensions. Shape must be rectangular and size must not exceed a height of three (3) feet and a width of five (5) feet.
d.
Display.
(1)
Means. Each flag must be individually hung from a wood, fiberglass or metal pole which is securely affixed to a building at no less than a forty-five degree (45°) angle from the vertical plane.
(2)
Location. Flag must be on the portion of the building occupied by the resident/ applicant and in no case shall be displayed above ground floor level.
(3)
The resident or displaying commercial business shall be limited to five (5) such flags on their portion of the building.
Section 400.2250 Subdivision or Development Identification Signs.
[R.O. 2011 §34-104.3; Ord. No. 6139 §1(Exh. A (part)), 1997]
Up to two (2) permanent subdivision or development signs (one (1) on each corner of the entry street) not exceeding fifty (50) square feet in size each, inclusive of any logo, shall be allowed for any planned development, subdivision, multiple-family (apartment) or condominium development with ten (10) or more lots or units, or for any commercial or industrial subdivision, or commercial/industrial planned development with five (5) or more lots. Where the subdivision or development has access on two (2) or more streets, or has more than one (1) entrance on one (1) street, up to two (2) identification signs shall be allowed at each entrance.
Section 400.2260 Sign Placement.
[R.O. 2011 §34-104.4; Ord. No. 6139 §1(Exh. A (part)), 1997]
No sign shall be placed in or project over a street right-of-way line, except as provided for in this Chapter, including signs on canopies, awnings or marquees that are permitted to project into a right-of-way under the provisions of Article V, Division 2 of this Chapter.
Section 400.2270 General.
[R.O. 2011 §34-105; Ord. No. 6139 §1(Exh. A (part)), 1997]
It is unlawful to erect, permit the erection of, display or permit the display of any sign in connection with a residential use or in a residential zoning district or in a "HR-O" Planned Residential Office District unless such sign is expressly permitted by this Article, subject to all of the limitations and provisions stated in this Chapter.
Section 400.2280 Single-Family and Two-Family Residential Uses.
[R.O. 2011 §34-105.1; Ord. No. 6139 §1(Exh. A (part)), 1997]
No signs, other than those permitted under the provisions of Sections 400.2240 and 400.2250 of this Chapter, shall be permitted in "SR" single-family residential zoning districts, "LR" limited residential zoning districts, or in connection with single-family and two-family residential uses in other zoning districts.
Section 400.2290 Multi-Family Residential Uses.
[R.O. 2011 §34-105.2; Ord. No. 6139 §1(Exh. A (part)), 1997]
A.
The following types of signs, subject to the limitations prescribed in this Chapter, shall be the only signs permitted in "MR" moderate-density residential districts, "HR" high-density residential districts, "HR-O" planned residential office districts, or in connection with multi-family residential uses in other districts:
2.
One (1) parking direction sign not exceeding twelve (12) square feet in gross sign area and not exceeding a height of ten (10) feet for each driveway serving twenty-five (25) or more dwelling units.
3.
One (1) parking regulation sign not exceeding five (5) square feet in gross sign area for each ten (10) parking spaces or fraction thereof.
Section 400.2300 General.
[R.O. 2011 §34-106; Ord. No. 6139 §1(Exh. A (part)), 1997]
It is unlawful to erect, permit the erection of, display or permit the display of any sign in connection with any non-residential use or in a non-residential zoning district unless such sign is expressly permitted by this Article, subject to all of the limitations and provisions stated in this Chapter.
Section 400.2310 Classification of Signs.
[R.O. 2011 §34-106.1; Ord. No. 6139 §1(Exh. A (part)), 1997]
A.
For purposes of this Section, signs shall be classified as primary signs, secondary signs, and special-purpose signs.
1.
Identification signs are the only signs which are classified as primary signs.
2.
Secondary signs shall include the following signs: bulletin boards, incidental signs, paper signs, public service message signs, temporary promotional displays, and window signs.
3.
Special purpose signs are limited to directory signs, parking direction signs, parking regulation signs, directional signs, shopping center identification signs, and marquee signs.
Section 400.2320 Primary Signs.
[R.O. 2011 §34-106.2; Ord. No. 6676 §1(part), 2006]
A.
Each business or institution occupying the ground floor of a premise shall be permitted primary signs with a total gross sign area of not more than twenty-five (25) square feet. This total gross sign area may be increased to forty (40) square feet if the building frontage of the portion of the building occupied by the business or institution exceeds nineteen (19) feet, increased to eighty (80) square feet if the building frontage of the portion of the building occupied by the business or institution exceeds ninety (90) feet, and increased to one hundred twenty (120) square feet if the building frontage of the portion of the building occupied by the business or institution exceeds one hundred twenty (120) feet. Primary signs may be freestanding signs, wall signs, roof signs, window signs, or signs affixed to or painted on canopies or awnings, subject to the limitations stated herein. In the "CC" Core Commercial District the above may include wall signs perpendicular to the face of the building if erected according the regulations set forth in Section 400.2220(B)(3).
B.
Each business or institution occupying a floor of premises other than the ground floor and having a direct exterior entrance to that business or institution on that floor shall be permitted primary wall or window signs of not more than four (4) square feet. The sign shall only be displayed on the part of the building occupied by that business or institution. If applicable, the business or institution shall be limited to either primary signs or ground floor entrance signs (as described in Subsection (C) of this Section), but not both. In the "CC" Core Commercial District the above may include wall signs perpendicular to the face of the building if erected according the regulations set forth in Section 400.2220(B)(3).
C.
In addition, each business or institution with no ground floor frontage other than an entrance on the ground floor shall be permitted to install a single wall sign, window sign or sign affixed to or painted on a canopy or awning, provided the sign does not project beyond the limits of the width of the entrance and the height of the ground floor story. Such sign shall be limited to a gross sign area equal to one and one-half (1½) square feet for each foot of building frontage occupied by the entrance up to a maximum of fifteen (15) square feet. Where open letter signs are used, the full area of the enclosing rectangle or circle shall be counted as the gross area of the sign. Where an entrance is shared by more than one (1) business or institution, only one (1) sign shall be installed which shall contain the identification for no more than three (3) businesses or institutions. The term "entrance", where used in this Subsection, means the space which is allocated to providing ground floor access from the exterior of the building and which is not part of a ground floor tenant space. In the "CC" Core Commercial District the above may include wall signs perpendicular to the face of the building if erected according the regulations set forth in Section 400.2220(B)(3).
D.
Freestanding Primary Signs. Each business or institution occupying the ground floor of a premise (and not located within a strip center or shopping center) shall be permitted one (1) freestanding primary sign, not exceeding ten (10) feet in sign height, for each street frontage; except that when the street frontage exceeds three hundred (300) feet, such freestanding sign may be increased in sign height to a maximum of twenty-two (22) feet.
E.
Canopy And Awning Signs. Signs may be attached to or painted directly on a canopy or awning provided such signs shall not extend beyond the bottom edge of such canopy or awning.
F.
Roof Signs. No signs shall be constructed on or project above the roof unless the sign is composed of individual freestanding letters or connected strip lettering which does not exceed twenty-four (24) inches in height above the leading edge of the roof.
G.
High-Rise Building Identification Wall Sign. For those buildings in excess of one hundred (100) feet in height, one (1) building identification wall sign shall be permitted for each building facade, with a total of no more than four (4) such signs, containing only the name of the building or institution, and/or the address in conformance with the limitations stated below.
1.
For signs affixed to a building at a height of seventy-five (75) feet or less, the gross sign area shall not exceed four (4) feet times the horizontal dimension of the building facade at the elevation of the facade where the sign is located; and no sign shall be placed closer than four (4) feet to the vertical edge, line or corner of the facade.
2.
For signs affixed to a building at a height of seventy-five (75) feet to one hundred fifty (150) feet, the gross sign area shall not exceed six (6) feet times the horizontal dimension of the building facade at the elevation of the facade where the sign is to be placed, and no sign shall be placed closer than six (6) feet to the vertical edge, line or corner of the facade.
3.
For signs affixed to a building at a height greater than one hundred fifty (150) feet, the gross sign area shall not exceed seven (7) feet times the horizontal dimension of the building facade at the elevation of the facade where the sign is placed; and no sign shall be placed closer than seven (7) feet to the vertical edge or corner of the facade.
H.
Painted Wall And Roof Signs. Painted wall and roof signs shall be permitted only after posting a bond in a form acceptable by the City in the amount of five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) for the removal of the sign by sandblasting, re-roofing or other approved means should the sign become an obsolete sign as defined herein.
Section 400.2330 Secondary Signs.
[R.O. 2011 §34-106.3; Ord. No. 6139 §1(Exh. A (part)), 1997; Ord. No. 6401 §1(part), 2002; Ord. No. 6496 §1, 2004]
A.
Signs authorized by this Subsection are not to be included in calculating the allowable gross area for primary signs. Except for temporary promotional displays, the total gross sign area of all secondary signs shall not exceed sixty percent (60%) of the allowable gross sign area for primary signs, except that this limit shall not apply to incidental signs associated with non-residential uses in the "CC" district.
1.
Bulletin boards. No more than one (1) bulletin board, not exceeding twelve (12) square feet in area, shall be permitted for each street frontage.
2.
Incidental signs. No more than four (4) incidental signs may be attached to a ground sign structure or to a building wall, but shall not be attached perpendicular to the wall. Such signs shall be restricted to trading stamps, credit cards accepted, notices of services or restrictions, or shall pertain to a major service, commodity or facility offered on the premises. The area of any one (1) incidental sign shall not exceed eight (8) square feet.
3.
Paper signs and temporary window signs. The total gross sign area of all paper signs and temporary window signs shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the allowable gross sign area for primary signs for the street frontage on which the signs are displayed. Window signs shall not be located in the area between four (4) feet and seven (7) feet above the level of the ground floor.
4.
Public service message signs. Public service message signs shall be permitted when attached to a freestanding sign or to a building wall, provided the street frontage of the use involving the sign exceeds three hundred (300) feet along the street on which the sign is located. The illuminated message area shall not exceed ten (10) square feet in area.
5.
Temporary promotional displays. Temporary promotional displays shall be permitted for a maximum of forty (40) calendar days during a calendar year, with a gross sign area equal to the maximum gross sign area permitted for primary signs for said use, provided the displays are securely mounted to minimize movement due to wind and air currents and a permit is obtained for such temporary promotional display prior to installation. A permit shall be required for each incremental period for up to ten (10) days at a time; provided however, no incremental display period shall exceed ten (10) consecutive days per permit (any further time increments will require a separate permit). Such permit shall not be issued unless a permit fee of eleven dollars forty cents ($11.40) is first paid to the City of University City.
Section 400.2340 Special Purpose Signs.
[R.O. 2011 §34-106.4; Ord. No. 6139 §1(Exh. A (part)), 1997]
A.
Signs authorized in this Subsection are not to be included in calculating the allowable sign area for primary signs.
1.
Parking direction signs. Freestanding parking direction signs shall be permitted for each driveway provided the sign does not exceed twelve (12) square feet in gross sign area, the sign height does not exceed five (5) feet, and no portion of the sign is located closer than twelve (12) feet from a street curb line. If the sign is located at a private driveway which is for the exclusive use of a single business or institution, the sign may contain the name or address of such business or institution. If the driveway is not for the exclusive use of a single business or institution, the parking directional sign shall be limited to directional information only and shall not contain any other information such as the name or address of a business or institution.
2.
Directional signs. Directional signs other than parking direction signs shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet in gross sign area or ten (10) feet in sign height and shall not be located within fifty (50) feet of a public or private right-of-way.
3.
Parking regulation signs. One (1) non-illuminated parking regulation sign, not exceeding five (5) square feet in gross sign area and not exceeding ten (10) feet in sign height, shall be permitted for each parking lot. Parking lots with more than twenty (20) parking spaces shall be permitted one (1) sign for each twenty (20) parking spaces or fraction thereof.
4.
Directory signs. Buildings or a group of buildings containing various businesses or activities are permitted one (1) directory sign at or near each building or courtyard entrance. Such sign shall contain only the names of the businesses served by such entrance or courtyard and shall not exceed a gross sign area of one (1) square foot times the number of businesses listed on the sign.
5.
Shopping center identification signs. Multi-tenant shopping centers containing a minimum of fifteen thousand (15,000) square feet of floor area, a minimum of four (4) establishments, and a minimum of three hundred (300) feet of street frontage shall be permitted a shopping center identification sign which may be a wall sign or a freestanding sign not exceeding twenty-two (22) feet in sign height and located with a setback of at least five (5) feet from the right-of-way line. Such shopping center identification sign shall not exceed eighty (80) square feet in gross sign area and may include the name of the shopping center, address, and directory information.
6.
Marquee signs. Marquee signs for theaters, cinemas, exhibition centers and similar public assembly uses shall be permitted only upon issuance of a conditional use permit in accordance with Article XI of this Chapter.
7.
Group directory signs. Groups of businesses or institutions shall be permitted one (1) freestanding directory sign, provided that:
a.
The group contains a minimum of four (4) establishments with a minimum average floor area of four thousand (4,000) square feet each; and
b.
The sign does not exceed forty (40) square feet in gross sign area and ten (10) feet in sign height; provided however, if the street frontage for the group is over three hundred (300) lineal feet, the sign may be increased to eighty (80) square feet in gross sign area and fifteen (15) feet in sign height. A commercial group directory sign which exceeds either ten (10) feet in height or forty (40) square feet in area shall maintain a minimum right-of-way setback of five (5) feet and shall not be located closer than one hundred fifty (150) feet from any property which does not contain a building or establishment in the group; and
c.
No other freestanding signs related to businesses within the group, other than parking direction signs and directional signs not exceeding six (6) feet in height, shall be located within two hundred (200) feet of a commercial group directory sign. A commercial group directory sign may include the name of the commercial group, address and directory information.
Section 400.2350 Generally.
[R.O. 2011 §34-107; Ord. No. 6139 §1(Exh. A (part)), 1997; Ord. No. 6157 §1(part), 1998]
Off-premises advertising signs shall be subject to the regulations set forth under Sections 226.500 to 226.600, RSMo., and the provisions of this Article. To the extent the regulations of this Article differ from the provisions of Sections 226.500 to 226.600, RSMo., such regulations of this Article shall apply. Notwithstanding other provisions of this Article which apply to off-premises advertising signs, the following regulations shall apply to any such off-premises advertising sign erected after the effective date of this Chapter.
Section 400.2360 Location of Signs.
[R.O. 2011 §34-107.1; Ord. No. 6139 §1(Exh. A (part)), 1997; Ord. No. 6157 §1(part), 1998]
A.
Off-premises advertising signs shall only be permitted within six hundred sixty (660) feet of the nearest edge of the right-of-way of Interstate 170 in areas zoned "IC".
B.
No off-premises advertising sign shall be located adjacent to or within one thousand (1,000) feet of any interchange. Such one thousand (1,000) feet shall be measured from the beginning or ending of the pavement widening at the exit from or entrance to the main traveled way.
C.
No off-premises advertising sign shall be located within one thousand (1,000) feet of land zoned as "SR", "LR", "MR", "HR", "HR-O", "PA", or "PD-R".
D.
In order to provide a safety zone to prevent injury or property damage from collapse of a sign or billboard caused by acts of God or other causes, each off-premises advertising sign shall have minimum setbacks of the following:
1.
At least ninety (90) feet from its nearest edge to the right-of-way of any interstate or primary highway, and
2.
At least ninety (90) feet from all property lines and from all roofed structures, from all points of the off-premises advertising sign. No City building permit shall be issued for construction of any building within the setback/clearance zone for any off-premises advertising sign.
E.
No sign shall be located on the roof of a building or on a non-sign structure.
F.
No sign shall be located in such 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.
Section 400.2370 Size of Signs.
[R.O. 2011 §34.107.2; Ord. No. 6139 §1(Exh. A (part)), 1997; Ord. No. 6157 §1(part), 1998]
The maximum area for any one (1) sign shall be one hundred twenty (120) square feet, measured in accordance with Section 400.2200 of this Article. 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.
Section 400.2380 Height of Signs.
[R.O. 2011 §34-107.3; Ord. No. 6139 §1(Exh. A (part)), 1997; Ord. No. 6157 §1(part), 1998]
The maximum height of any off-premises advertising sign shall be twenty-two (22) feet, as measured from the average ground elevation at the base of the structural support of the sign.
Section 400.2390 Spacing of Signs.
[R.O. 2011 §34-107.4; Ord. No. 6139 §1(Exh. A (part)), 1997; Ord. No. 6157 §1(part), 1998]
No off-premises advertising sign shall be erected within five thousand two hundred eighty (5,280) feet of an existing off-premises sign on the same side of the highway, whether or not such existing sign is located within the City limits.
Section 400.2400 Lighting of Signs.
[R.O. 2011 §34-107.5; Ord. No. 6139 §1(Exh. A (part)), 1997; Ord. No. 6157 §1(part), 1998]
A.
Illumination of off-premises advertising signs shall be permitted, subject to the following provisions, provided however, that such signs shall not be visible as a result of such illumination during the period from dusk until dawn from any property, and any dwelling unit thereon, located within the "SR", "LR", "MR", "HR", "HR-O", "PA", or "PD-R" zoning districts. All restrictions contained in University City Zoning Code Section 400.2230 "Prohibited Signs" shall also apply.
1.
External lighting such as floodlights, thin line and gooseneck reflectors are permitted, provided the light source is directed upon the face of the sign and is effectively shielded so as to prevent beams or rays of light from being directed into any portion of the main traveled way of the interstate of Federal-aid primary highway and the lights are not of such intensity so as to cause glare, impair the vision of the driver of a motor vehicle, or otherwise interfere with a driver's operation of a motor vehicle;
2.
No sign shall be so illuminated that it interferes with the effectiveness of, or obscures, any official traffic sign, device, or signal, nor shall the illumination be directed toward any residential area.
3.
The maximum average lighting intensity level for such sign shall be twenty (20) foot-candles.
Section 400.2410 Permits.
[R.O. 2011 §34-107.6; Ord. No. 6139 §1(Exh. A (part)), 1997; Ord. No. 6157 §1(part), 1998]
A.
The Building Commissioner shall not issue a permit, as required under Section 400.2190 of this Article, without a permit having first been issued by the Missouri Department of Transportation.
B.
The City shall charge a permit fee equal in amount to its building permit fee for other signs or similar structures to assure compliance with the City wind load and electrical requirements when the sign is first erected, but shall not charge any subsequent permit or inspection fee for such sign.
C.
Before a permit is issued, the applicant shall submit the following certification for the appropriate licensed professional regarding the following: certification from a licensed engineer that the soil and subsoil surface is capable of accepting the projected loads; certification from an electrical engineer to the electrical portion of the sign; certification from a structural engineer as to the structural strength of the sign and certified boundary survey of the site and its setback/clearance zone.
D.
Annual Inspection. Owners of all off-premises advertising signs erected after this date shall be required to submit an inspection report from a Missouri licensed engineer as to the sign's structural integrity. Such certification shall be done on or before June first (1st) of each year. Failure to submit a report shall result in the immediate revocation of the sign's permit.
Section 400.2420 Miscellaneous.
[R.O. 2011 §34-107.7; Ord. No. 6139 §1(Exh. A (part)), 1997; Ord. No. 6157 §1(part), 1998]
A.
Before a permit is issued, the applicant shall receive approval for a plan for landscaping, billboard lighting and fencing around the proposed off-premises advertising sign to ensure that the structure will be aesthetically compatible with its surroundings and the aesthetic standard of the community and neighboring property, insofar as may be practicable, as well as safe and secure from trespassers or vandals. Such plans shall be reviewed and approved by the Director of Planning. In determining whether the landscaping plan is reasonably suitable, the Director of Planning shall take into consideration the nature of the location, the impact on surrounding properties, the safety and security of the proposed off-premises advertising sign, and the relative cost of the landscaping, lighting and fencing to the applicant in relationship to the overall impact upon the property values in the immediate area which would be caused by a lack of such landscaping, lighting and fencing for the proposed off-premises advertising sign.
B.
Any off-premises advertising sign which, because of lack of maintenance, upkeep, vandalism, accumulation of litter, refuse or debris, or the deterioration of landscaping, lighting or fencing, becomes unsightly or unsafe is hereby declared to be a nuisance and shall be subject to abatement by the City in the same manner all other nuisances on private property.
C.
Direct access to off-premises advertising signs from curb cuts along a State highway or service road shall be prohibited. Direct access shall be gained through paved roads and drive which are private and internal to a lot or parcel. All vehicles, equipment and people used to build, service, maintain and repair such signs must confine their activity so as not to interfere with pedestrian or vehicular traffic on public roads.
Section 400.2425 Definition.
[R.O. 2011 §34-108.1; Ord. No. 6139 §1(Exh. A (part)), 1997]
A "non-conforming sign" means one which was lawfully erected or affixed prior to the effective date of this Chapter or any amendment thereto, and which no longer is permitted or fails to conform to one (1) or more of the applicable regulations of this Article.
Section 400.2430 Continuance of Non-Conforming Status.
[R.O. 2011 §34-108.2; Ord. No. 6139 §1(Exh. A (part)), 1997]
Except as provided for herein, all non-conforming signs may continue to exist, provided however, that such signs shall not be enlarged, structurally altered, or altered in any other manner, other than normal maintenance, unless such sign is made to comply with the provisions of this Article.
Section 400.2440 Replacement of Components and Repairs.
[R.O. 2011 §34-108.3; Ord. No. 6139 §1(Exh. A (part)), 1997]
Replacement of components or repairs to a non-conforming sign is permitted, except that if such replacement of components or repairs exceeds fifty percent (50%) or more of its total replacement value, exclusive of foundations and structural supports, then such sign shall be removed or made to conform to the applicable provisions of this Article.
Section 400.2450 Discontinuance.
[R.O. 2011 §34-108.4; Ord. No. 6139 §1(Exh. A (part)), 1997]
If a non-conforming sign does not serve its intended purpose (e.g., identification of a particular business establishment) for a period twelve (12) consecutive months, then such sign shall be removed or made to conform to the applicable provisions of this Article.