1. 1.
   Create a healthier residential and business environment by improving the visual quality of the city.
2. 2.
   To promote traffic safety by protecting motorists from the distracting visual clutter of excessive signage. The regulations contained in this article restrict signage primarily to that which is an accessory use and not a principal use.

1. 1.
   Any sign which is located completely within an enclosed building and which is not visible from outside the building, and any sign which is so located that it is not visible beyond the boundaries of the lot or parcel on which it is located or from any public thoroughfare, except, however, that signs within a shopping center shall be subject to review and approval pursuant to site plan review.
2. 2.
   Traffic signs of any public or governmental agency.
3. 3.
   Any identification of any official public office, notices thereof, or any flag, emblem or insignia of the nation, a unit of government, or public school.
4. 4.
   Any grave marker, headstone, memorial statue, or other similar remembrances that are noncommercial in nature.
5. 5.
   Works of fine art, both two and three dimensional, with a commercial enterprise which may receive direct commercial gain from such display.
6. 6.
   Temporary decorations or displays celebrating the occasion of traditionally accepted patriotic or religious holidays.
7. 7.
   Signs on a truck, bus, trailer, or other vehicle which is maintained and operated for normal business purposes other than the display of such a sign on a lot.
8. 8.
   Names and addresses on postal boxes.
9. 9.
   Residential address numbers.
10. 10.
    Names of newspapers and similar publications on their delivery boxes.
11. 11.
    The posting of privately owned land and/or buildings or structures against trespassing, hunting, fishing, swimming or any other activity, and/or the warning of any person against any danger, hazard or condition pertaining to such land and/or buildings and structures.
12. 12.
    The flying of individual national, state, or city flags attached to freestanding poles mounted on the ground, limited to a total of three provided that such flags shall not be used for commercial promotion.
13. 13.
    Cornerstones, memorial tablets, and similar markers made of masonry, bronze and other incombustible and durable material and used to indicate, without advertising matter, information relating to the development of the facility on which they are located such as those involved in planning, financing and construction of buildings.
14. 14.
    Historical signs and markers designating places of historical significance.
15. 15.
    Directional markings, entrance and exit locators, traffic warnings, lane and stall markings, parking and loading area reservations and restrictions, and similar information when painted on or otherwise affixed to pavement, curbs or wheelstops.
16. 16.
    Any informational sign, not exceeding six square feet, identifying an institutional use. Such signs may be located in public rights-of-way subject to engineering approval.
17. 17.
    Any sign approved by the city commission for use on city-owned property at the city auditorium/stadium complex, and which is in conformance with subsection 94-408(d) (signs permitted in general commercial and city center-3 district).
18. 18.
    Any sign approved by the city commission and incorporated into a county bus shelter, a city trolley shelter, or located at a bicycle sharing station or bicycle sharing kiosk, which signs shall be in conformance with the provisions of subsection 94-305(e) regarding visibility at intersections.
19. 19.
    City entry identification signs designating entry points to the city.
20. 20.
    Neighborhood entry identification signs designating entry points to neighborhoods.
21. 21.
    City park identification signs designating city parks and recreation areas.
22. 22.
    Temporary light pole banners which are located in a public right-of-way and which announce and promote special noncommercial events or organizations of public interest. Such banners are regulated in chapter 78, article VI, pertaining to special events.

1. 1.
   Such signs shall indicate only the name of the building or the name of the principal occupant of the building.
2. 2.
   Such signs shall be affixed flat to the face of the marquee, projecting no more than three inches therefrom.
3. 3.
   Such signs shall not extend above or below the structure of the marquee.
4. 4.
   Such signs shall be counted in determining the area of wall mounted signs permitted on the wall from which the marquee projects.

1. 1.
   Such signs shall indicate only the name of the building or the name of the principal occupant of the building.
2. 2.
   Such signs shall be painted or printed directly on the canopy or awning.
3. 3.
   Such signs shall be counted in determining the area of wall mounted signs permitted on the wall from which the canopy or awning projects.

1. 1.
   No structural alteration, enlargement, or extension shall be made to a legal noncomplying sign unless the structural alteration, enlargement, or extension will result in the elimination of the noncomplying features of the sign.
2. 2.
   No sign shall be moved in whole or in part to any other location where it would remain noncomplying.
3. 3.
   If a legal noncomplying sign is damaged or destroyed by any means to the extent of 50 percent or more of its replacement value at the time of the damage, the sign may not be rebuilt or used thereafter unless it conforms to all of the provisions of this ordinance. In the event the damage or destruction is less than 50 percent of its replacement value at the time, the sign may be rebuilt to its original condition and may continue to be displayed.
4. 4.
   Normal maintenance of legal noncomplying signs, including necessary nonstructural repairs and incidental work which does not extend or intensify the noncomplying features of the sign, shall be permitted.
5. 5.
   Billboards

   1. a.
      Any billboards within the City of West Palm Beach, with exception of those located within 350 feet of the main line of Interstate 95, existing before March 9, 1998, may be relocated adjacent to Interstate 95 by March 23, 2007, subject to the approval of a Class A special use permit prior to applying for a billboard sign permit with the construction services department. The city commission may grant waivers of the additional standards if the request is found consistent with the waiver standards outlined in subsection 94-273(a)(2). All distance requirements provided in this section shall be measured from the furthest projection of the structure.

      1. 1.
         Applicable locations. Billboards may be located in any industrial or general commercial zoning district, or in any industrial or commercial planned development district, where billboards are permitted, subject to the following regulations:

         1. i.
            Billboards shall be located a maximum of 350 feet from the main line of the Interstate 95 right-of-way;
         2. ii.
            Billboards located along the same side of the Interstate 95 right-of-way shall have a minimum separation distance of 1,500 feet.
         3. iii.
            All relocated billboards shall be constructed on a monopole.
         4. iv.
            Roof-mounted billboards are prohibited.
      2. 2.
         Additional application requirements.

         1. i.
            The plans submitted with the Class A special use permit and the billboard sign permit shall include the following:

            1. I.
               The location and the billboard face square footage of the billboard(s) proposed for removal;
            2. II.
               The location of the proposed relocated billboard;
            3. III.
               A site plan and a survey indicating the proposed setbacks from the Interstate 95 right-of-way, the nearest billboard(s) to the north and south on the same side of the Interstate 95 right-of-way, residential zoning district(s) on the same side of the Interstate 95 right-of-way, and the nearest intersection on the same side of the Interstate 95 right-of-way;
            4. IV.
               A cross section that depicts the distance between nearest point of the billboard and the main line of the Interstate 95 right-of-way, as well as the maximum height of the billboard at grade and from the crown of Interstate 95;
            5. V.
               An elevation plan that depicts the dimension of the relocated billboard face; and
            6. VI.
               The written permission of the property owner of the relocated billboard location.
         2. ii.
            A relocated billboard structure with two faces may be constructed adjacent to Interstate 95 for each billboard structure with two faces removed.
         3. iii.
            The face of the relocated billboard, including temporary embellishments, shall not exceed 700 square feet in area.
         4. iv.
            A lighting plan showing the illumination for a relocated billboard directed only towards the billboard face.
         5. v.
            The relocated billboard(s) may not commence construction prior to the removal of the existing billboard(s) being relocated. The relocated billboard(s) shall commence construction within six months of the issuance of the billboard sign permit. If the applicant has demonstrated good faith effort to commence construction, the building official may extend such billboard sign permit for a period not to exceed an additional six months. Should a sign permit for construction of a relocated billboard(s) lapse, the demolished billboard(s) shall not be reconstructed at the original location and no further billboard relocation right shall exist.
      3. 3.
         Additional standards.

         1. i.
            A relocated billboard shall be located on a property that has a minimum frontage of 250 linear feet along Interstate 95.
         2. ii.
            A relocated billboard shall comply with the setbacks listed below:

            1. I.
               From side and rear property lines: 50 feet minimum.
            2. II.
               From a residential zoning district on the same side of the right-of-way: 250 feet minimum.
         3. iii.
            The height of a relocated billboard shall not exceed 65 feet above the crown of Interstate 95 to the top of the highest sign face, including temporary embellishments.
   2. b.
      An existing billboard affected by any roadway modification constructed or required by the state department of transportation may be modified or relocated on the same parcel subject to subsections (g)(5)a.1., (g)(5)a.2.iv., (g)(5)a.2.iv, and (g)(5)a.3. of this section and the following requirements:

      1. 1.
         A billboard which is eligible for modification or relocation under these provisions shall be subject to Class A special use permit review.
      2. 2.
         Waivers from the dimensional requirements of subsection (g)(5)a.3. of this section may be granted provided that such waivers are found consistent with the waiver standards outlined in subsection 94-273(a)(2) and that such waivers are the minimum required for the modified or relocated billboard as demonstrated by the applicant.
      3. 3.
         The face of the modified or relocated billboard shall not exceed that of the existing billboard.
      4. 4.
         A modified or relocated billboard shall not commence construction prior to the demolition of the billboard that requires modification or relocation. The modified or relocated billboard shall commence construction within six months of the issuance of the billboard sign permit. If the applicant has demonstrated good faith effort to commence construction, the building official may extend such billboard sign permit for a period not to exceed six months. Should a sign permit for a modified or relocated billboard lapse, the demolished billboard shall not be reconstructed at the original location and no further billboard modification or relocation right shall exist.
      5. 5.
         Mitigating measures including, but not limited to, a landscape buffer, shall be considered to mitigate any negative impacts of the modified or relocated billboard.

1. 1.
   The haphazard placement of signs on buildings; and
2. 2.
   The use of an array of different sign constructions on one building.

   It is recognized that this intent may be met by approaches other than those specifically set forth in this section. Accordingly, this section makes provisions for approval of signs which conform to the intent of this section but which do not conform to the specific requirements of subsections (h) and (i) of this section.

1. 1.
   Cornice line;
2. 2.
   Lintel lines, actual and extended;
3. 3.
   Sill lines, actual and extended;
4. 4.
   Belt course lines;
5. 5.
   Column and pilaster lines.

This requirement may be considered met even if one or more of the types of lines in subsections (f)(1)—(5) of this section are broken if the building is designed so that a permitted sign cannot be located without breaking one or more of the above lines and the sign or signs are placed to minimize the breaking of important building lines.

1. 1.
   Wall-mounted signs. The requirements for wall mounted signs shall be as follows:

   1. a.
      Content: the name, logo and address of the building and building occupants to which the sign is accessory, and other related information. In addition, signs permitted pursuant to this section may contain any noncommercial message which has not been declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be obscene, defamatory or otherwise contrary to law.
   2. b.
      Maximum sum total area of all signs mounted on the front facade of a building: 75 percent of the area permitted by section 94-409.
   3. c.
      Maximum sum total area of all signs mounted on a facade other than the front facade: 75 percent of the area permitted by section 94-409.
   4. d.
      Maximum number on each building: one sign for each individual business occupant of the building, plus two additional signs.
   5. e.
      Maximum height: no higher than the building wall on which it is mounted.
2. 2.
   Low freestanding signs. The requirements for low freestanding signs shall be as follows:

   1. a.
      Content: the name, logo, and address of the building and building occupants to which the sign is accessory and other related information in addition, signs permitted pursuant to this section may contain any noncommercial message which has not been declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be obscene, defamatory, or otherwise contrary to law.
   2. b.
      Maximum sum total area of all low freestanding signs on front street: one square foot for each one linear foot of front street frontage of the lots on which located.
   3. c.
      Maximum sum total area of all low freestanding signs on side street frontage: 0.50 square feet for each one linear foot of front street frontage of the lots on which located.
   4. d.
      Maximum number of all low freestanding signs on each lot: one sign for each individual business occupant on the lot to a maximum of three signs.
   5. e.
      Minimum setbacks:

      1. 1.
         From lot line of another lot: 24 feet.
      2. 2.
         From public right-of-way line: five feet.
      3. 3.
         From intersections of streets with other streets and with access drives: as required by subsection 94-305(e).
      4. 4.
         Maximum height: ten feet.
3. 3.
   Time and temperature signs. Signs giving time and temperature information shall be permitted when attached to or made part of an otherwise permitted sign. Such signs shall not be larger than 25 percent of the permitted area of the sign to which they are attached. Such signs shall be counted on part of the permitted area of the sign to which they are attached.
4. 4.
   Manual changeable copy signs. Changeable copy information signs shall be permitted when attached to or made part of an otherwise permitted sign. Such signs shall be limited to two manual changeable copy message signs per parcel and shall be counted as part of the permitted area of the sign to which it is attached.
5. 5.
   Pedestrian blade signs. Pedestrian blade signs are permitted in the neighborhood commercial (NC) district on properties which have frontage on Dixie Highway and Tamarind Avenue. The requirements for pedestrian blade signs shall be as follows:

   1. a.
      Location and size requirements: The signs may be attached perpendicular to the building facade extending up to four feet from the frontage line and not exceeding three feet in vertical dimension, including all mounting brackets and hardware, and shall be set back a minimum of two feet from the corner of the building or storefront.
   2. b.
      Clearance: The bottom of the pedestrian blade sign shall be a minimum of eight feet above the ground surface when projecting over a private or public right-of-way (i.e. walkway or road).
   3. c.
      Maximum number of signs:

      1. 1.
         One pedestrian sign is permitted for each business with an entrance door at the sidewalk level.
      2. 2.
         Multiple businesses sharing a single entrance door are allowed only one shared sign.
   4. d.
      Illumination: The illumination of pedestrian blade signs shall be directed toward the sign face only.
   5. e.
      Sign design requirements: Shall comply to standards found in subsection 94-108(f)(4).
   6. f.
      Installation requirements: Shall comply to standards found in subsection 94-108(f)(5).

1. 1.
   Wall mounted signs. The requirements for wall mounted signs shall be as follows:

   1. a.
      Content: the name, logo and address of the building and building occupant to which the sign is accessory and other related information. In addition, signs permitted pursuant to this subsection may contain any noncommercial message which has not been declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be obscene, defamatory or otherwise contrary to law.
   2. b.
      Maximum sum total area of all signs mounted on the front facade of a building: area shall be as set forth in section 94-409 if there is only one sign on the street facade, and two percent less than the area designated in section 94-409 for each sign more than two on the front street facade.
   3. c.
      Maximum sum total area of all signs mounted on facade other than front facade: area shall be 50 percent of the area set forth in section 94-409, if there is only one sign on a facade, and two percent less than 50 percent of the area designated in the building facade sign area table for each sign more than two on the facade.
   4. d.
      Maximum number for each building: one sign for each individual business occupant of the building, plus two additional signs.
   5. e.
      Maximum height: no higher than the building wall on which it is mounted.
2. 2.
   Low freestanding signs. The requirements for low freestanding signs shall be as follows:

   1. a.
      Content: the name, logo and address of the building and building occupants to which the sign is accessory and other related information. In addition, signs permitted pursuant to this section may contain any noncommercial message that has not been declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be obscene, defamatory, or otherwise contrary to law.
   2. b.
      Maximum sum total area of all low freestanding signs on front street shall be the larger of either:

      1. 1.
         1.25 square feet for each one linear foot of front street frontage of the lots on which located; or
      2. 2.
         Two times the area permitted, but not utilized for high freestanding signs under the provisions of subsection (d)(3) of this section.
   3. c.
      Maximum sum total area of all low freestanding signs on side street frontage shall be the larger of either: 0.75 square feet for each one linear foot of side street frontage, or two times the area permitted but not utilized for high freestanding signs under the provisions of subsection (d)(3) of this section.
   4. d.
      Maximum number of all low freestanding signs on each lot: one sign for each individual business occupant on the lot, to a maximum of three signs.
   5. e.
      Minimum setbacks:

      1. 1.
         From lot line of another lot: 24 feet.
      2. 2.
         From public right-of-way line: five feet.
      3. 3.
         From intersections of streets with other streets and with access drives: as required by subsection 94-305(e).
   6. f.
      Maximum height: ten feet.
3. 3.
   High freestanding signs. the requirements for high freestanding signs shall be as follows:

   1. a.
      Content: the name, logo and address of the building and building occupants to which the sign is accessory and other related information. In addition, signs permitted pursuant to this section may contain any noncommercial message that has not been declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be obscene, defamatory or otherwise contrary to law.
   2. b.
      Maximum sum total area of all high freestanding signs along front street right-of-way lines which are not opposite residential uses: oe square foot for each one linear foot of frontage.
   3. c.
      Maximum sum total area of all high freestanding signs along front right-of-way lines which are not front street right-of-way lines and which are opposite residential uses: 0.50 square feet for each one linear foot of frontage.
   4. d.
      Maximum sum total area of all high freestanding signs along front street of other public right-of-way lines which are opposite residential uses: 0.25 square feet for each one linear foot of frontage.
   5. e.
      Maximum number of all high freestanding signs on each street frontage: no signs for the first 75 linear feet of street frontage; one sign for each additional 75 feet or fraction thereof of street frontage. Frontage on each street shall be considered separately in determining if this requirement is met.
   6. f.
      Minimum setbacks:

      1. 1.
         From lot line of another lot: 24 feet.
      2. 2.
         From public right-of-way line: five feet, except that in the triangular area made by the intersection of two public right-of-way lines and a line connecting points on each line 20 feet from the point of intersection, one freestanding sign may be erected provided the lot on which it is erected qualifies for a high freestanding sign under the area and number provisions of this subsection (d)(3)f.2. Signs so located shall conform to the provisions of subsection 94-305(e).
      3. 3.
         From other high freestanding signs on same lot: 75 feet measured from the grade level of the land where the sign is positioned.
      4. 4.
         From utility poles which support electrical transmission lines: eight feet.
   7. g.
      Maximum height:

      1. 1.
         For automobile filling stations located within 750 feet of a four-ramp I-95 interchange or within 1,000 feet of a clover leaf-type ramp at an I-95 interchange: 60 feet.
      2. 2.
         For all other nonresidential uses: 30 feet.
      3. 3.
         The height of above permitted signs shall be measured at grade level of land where sign is to be positioned.
4. 4.
   Time and temperature signs. Signs giving time and temperature information shall be permitted when attached to or made part of an otherwise permitted sign. Such signs shall not be larger than 25 percent of the permitted or of the sign to which they are attached. Such signs shall be counted as part of the permitted area of the sign to which they are attached.
5. 5.
   Window signs advertising special sales, events or services. Signs pertaining to special sales, events or services may be affixed to the inside of a window for not more than 30 days provided that their total area does not exceed 25 percent of the window area.
6. 6.
   Temporary signs and displays announcing the opening of a new business or the change in ownership of an established business. Temporary signs and displays announcing the opening of a new business or the change in ownership of an established business or the change in ownership of an established business shall be permitted in addition to other signs which may be permitted on the lot where located. Such signs shall not remain in place for more than 30 days commencing immediately upon the opening of a new business or the change of ownership of an established business. On lots with more than one business establishment, no signs or displays shall be permitted under the provision of this section. Signs established pursuant to this section shall not be subject to the prohibition of portable signs set forth in subsection 94-402(b)(9).
7. 7.
   Temporary balloon type signs. The following regulations shall apply to all temporary balloon signs:

   1. a.
      The leading edge of the balloon on the ground shall be set back a minimum of 15 feet from all base building lines;
   2. b.
      The balloon itself shall be no higher than 30 feet from the base to the top and no more than 30 feet in width;
   3. c.
      If placed on a building, the balloon shall only be on one- or two-story buildings and maximum height shall not exceed 60 feet from the ground;
   4. d.
      Balloons shall be erected no closer than 500 feet in any direction from any other legally permitted balloon;
   5. e.
      No parcel or development shall be issued more than four permits in any calendar year. The maximum duration of any permit shall be for ten days. There shall be 30 days between subsequent permits from the day the balloon is removed;
   6. f.
      Balloons shall not be located in any required vehicular use area and shall comply with the parking code and all other city codes;
   7. g.
      Only cold air shall be used in the balloons, no hazardous gas or hot air;
   8. h.
      No balloon shall be allowed in any right-of-way; and
   9. i.
      A copy of the following shall be provided to the planning department for processing the permit application:

      1. 1.
         Legal description and address of location;
      2. 2.
         Written permission of property owner or owner's designated agent;
      3. 3.
         Occupational license;
      4. 4.
         Liability and property damage insurance;
      5. 5.
         Copy of a survey or site plan showing the location of the balloon, centerline of any right-of-way and demonstrating compliance with these regulations; and
      6. 6.
         A photograph of the balloon.
8. 8.
   Manual changeable copy signs. Changeable copy information signs shall be permitted when attached to or made part of an otherwise permitted sign. Such signs shall be limited to two manual changeable copy message signs per parcel and shall be counted as part of the permitted area of the sign to which it is attached.
9. 9.
   Pedestrian blade signs. Pedestrian blade signs are permitted in the general commercial (GC) district on properties which have frontage on Dixie Highway. The requirements for pedestrian blade signs shall be as follows:

   1. a.
      Location and size requirements: The signs may be attached perpendicular to the building facade extending up to four feet from the frontage line and not exceeding three feet in vertical dimension, including all mounting brackets and hardware, and shall be set back a minimum of two feet from the corner of the building or storefront.
   2. b.
      Clearance: The bottom of the pedestrian blade sign shall be a minimum of eight feet above the ground surface when projecting over a private or public right-of-way (i.e. walkway or road).
   3. c.
      Maximum number of signs:

      1. 1.
         One pedestrian sign is permitted for each business with an entrance door at the sidewalk level.
      2. 2.
         Multiple businesses sharing a single entrance door are allowed only one shared sign.
   4. d.
      Illumination: The illumination of pedestrian blade signs shall be directed toward the sign face only.
   5. e.
      Sign design requirements: Shall comply to standards found in subsection 94-108(f)(4).
   6. f.
      Installation requirements: Shall comply to standards found in subssection 94-108(f)(5).

1. 1.
   Wall mounted signs. The requirements for wall mounted signs shall be as follows:

   1. a.
      Content: the name, logo and address of the building and of the occupants of the building which the sign is accessory, and other related information. In addition, signs permitted pursuant to this section may contain any noncommercial message which has not been declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be obscene, defamatory or otherwise contrary to law.
   2. b.
      Maximum sum total area of all signs mounted on the front facade of a building: 100 percent of the area permitted by section 94-409.
   3. c.
      Maximum sum total area of all signs mounted on a facade other than front facade: 50 percent of the area permitted by section 94-409.
   4. d.
      Maximum number on each building: one sign for each individual business occupant of the building, plus two additional signs.
   5. e.
      Maximum height: no higher than the building wall on which it is mounted.
2. 2.
   Low freestanding signs. The requirements for low freestanding signs shall be as follows:

   1. a.
      Content: the name, logo and address of the building and building occupants to which the sign is accessory and other related information. In addition, signs permitted pursuant to this section may contain any noncommercial message which has not been declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be obscene, defamatory, or otherwise contrary to law.
   2. b.
      Maximum sum total area of all low freestanding signs on front street: one square foot for each one linear foot of front street frontage of the lots on which located.
   3. c.
      Maximum sum total area of all low freestanding signs on side street frontage: 0.50 square feet for each one linear foot of the side street frontage.
   4. d.
      Maximum number of all low freestanding signs on each lot: One sign for each individual business occupant on the lot, to a maximum of three signs.
   5. e.
      Minimum setbacks:

      1. 1.
         From lot line of another lot: 24 feet.
      2. 2.
         From public right-of-way line: five feet.
      3. 3.
         From intersections of streets with other streets and with access drives: as required by subsection 94-305(e).
   6. f.
      Maximum height: ten feet.

1. 1.
   The name of the artist;
2. 2.
   Description of the materials to comprise the mural and manner of application;
3. 3.
   A statement regarding the durability of the materials considering the location and positioning of the mural; and
4. 4.
   Plans for installation of the mural, including the need for scaffolding, and/or other equipment to be attached to the building.

1. 1.
   The plans for installation of the work is reasonable;
2. 2.
   Excessive maintenance should not be required; and
3. 3.
   The materials to be used and the manner of application will not impact or harm neighboring properties, the public or the environment.