The purpose of this article is to create the framework for a comprehensive but balanced system of sign control for the city, thereby facilitating clear and pleasant communications. It is the belief of the city commission that the nature of signs is to provide an index to needed goods and services. It is the intention of this article to develop specific sign criteria which:

(1)

Are compatible with their surroundings;

(2)

Are legible under the circumstances in which they are seen;

(3)

Are expressive of the identity of individual businesses or organizations or the community as a whole;

(4)

Promote the aesthetic appearance of the community; and

(5)

Effectively and efficiently communicate the intent and nature of the business.

(Ord. No. 2007-02, exh. A, § 24, 2-21-2007)

Any sign not specifically permitted is prohibited, including, but not limited to, the following signs:

(1)

Animated signs or flashing signs;

(2)

Banner or pennant signs, unless otherwise permitted through an outdoor event permit;

(3)

Balloon signs, except as otherwise permitted through an outdoor event permit;

(4)

Bench signs on privately owned property;

(5)

Billboard signs located within 1,500 feet of another billboard sign or within 1,500 feet of a public school or residentially zoned district, except for any lawfully erected billboard sign existing on the effective date of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived along any portion of the federal-aid primary highway system. For the purposes of this article, the federal-aid primary highway system shall mean U.S. 441 (SR7);

(6)

Off-premises signs, except for any lawfully erected billboard sign that is existing on the effective date of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived, holds a current valid state permit, and is located within 200 feet of the edge of the right-of-way of any portion of a federal-aid primary highway;

(7)

Flags, unless otherwise permitted through an outdoor event permit;

(8)

Pole signs;

(9)

Projecting signs;

(10)

Roof signs;

(11)

Sandwich or sidewalk signs, unless otherwise permitted through an outdoor event permit;

(12)

Snipe signs;

(13)

Trailer signs, unless otherwise permitted through an outdoor event permit;

(14)

Vehicle signs;

(15)

Any sign that copies or imitates an official sign or purports to have official status;

(16)

Any illuminated tubing or strings of lights, including but not limited to those outlining property lines, open sales areas, rooflines, doors, windows, landscaping, or the edges of walls, except for strings of lights exempt under holiday decorations;

(17)

Any sign attached to an accessory structure, such as a fence or a wall, if such sign is legible from the public right-of-way or from other property;

(18)

Any sign that obstructs or substantially interferes with any window, door, fire escape, stairway, ladder, or opening intended to provide light, air, ingress, or egress to any building;

(19)

Signs placed on a piece of property without permission of its owners or agent;

(20)

Cabinet signs, roof signs, signs that extend above the parapet of a building, signs on benches and freestanding shelters not attached to a building; and

(21)

Externally-illuminated signs unless lighting is recessed in ground.

(Ord. No. 2007-02, exh. A, § 25, 2-21-2007; Ord. No. 2011-03, § 2(25A), 3-2-2011)

Except as provided in this section, nonconforming signs that were otherwise lawful on the effective date of the ordinance from which this article is derived may be continued. No person may engage in any activity that causes an increase in the extent of nonconformity of a nonconforming sign or causes a previously conforming sign to become nonconforming. A nonconforming sign may not be moved or replaced except to bring the sign into complete conformity with this article. Once a nonconforming sign is removed from the premises or otherwise taken down or moved, said sign may only be replaced with a sign which is in conformance with the terms of this article.

(1)

Minor repairs and maintenance of nonconforming signs. Minor repairs and maintenance activities necessary to keep a nonconforming sign for a particular use in sound condition are permitted so long as the nonconformity is not in any means increased. If a nonconforming sign is destroyed, it may not thereafter be repaired, reconstructed, or replaced except in conformity with all the provisions of this article, and the remnants of the former sign structure shall be cleared from the land. For purposes of this article, a nonconforming sign shall be considered destroyed if it receives damage to an extent of more than 50 percent of the sign's value immediately prior to the sign having received said damage.

(2)

Message changes. The message of a nonconforming sign may be changed so long as this does not create any new nonconformity. If a nonconforming on-premises sign which advertises a business, service, commodity, accommodation, attraction or other enterprise or activity that has for a period of at least 180 days not been operated, conducted or offered, that sign shall be deemed abandoned and shall be removed or brought into compliance by the sign owner, property owner or other party having control over such sign within 30 days after the 180-day period has expired.

(3)

Change of use. If there is a change of use or name of business on a particular piece of property, and there were one or more nonconforming signs which advertised the business or use, all new signs for the use or business must meet all sign requirements.

(4)

Multi-tenant project signs. Nonconforming signs for multitenant projects must be removed at any time that 50 percent or more of the signs in the project are replaced.

(5)

Blank signs. If a nonconforming sign remains blank for a continuous period of 180 days, that sign shall be deemed abandoned and shall, within 30 days after such abandonment, be altered to comply with this article or be removed by the sign owner, owner of the property where the sign is located, or other person having control over such sign. For purposes of this article, a sign shall be deemed blank, if any of the following exists:

a.

It advertises a business, service, commodity, accommodations, attraction, or other enterprise or activity that is no longer operating or being offered or conducted.

b.

The advertising message it displays becomes illegible in whole or substantial part.

c.

It does not contain an advertising message. For such purposes, the terms "Sign for Rent," "Sign for Lease," "Sign for Sale," etc., shall not be deemed to be an advertising message.

(6)

Billboard signs within 1,500 feet of another billboard sign or within 1,500 feet of a public school or residentially zoned district, except for any lawfully erected sign along any portion of the federal-aid primary highway system shall be determined to be a nonconforming use after the effective date of the ordinance from which this article is derived.

a.

Any billboard sign within 1,500 feet of another billboard sign or within 1,500 feet of a public school or residentially zoned district, except for any lawfully erected sign along any portion of the federal-aid primary highway system existing on the effective date of the ordinance from which this article is derived shall be removed as follows: Billboard signs for which a permit was issued prior to the effective date of the ordinance from which this article is derived may only be removed or relocated in accordance with applicable provisions of Florida Statutes.

b.

No variance may be granted from the provisions of this section to allow a billboard sign which is within 1,500 feet of another billboard sign or within 1,500 feet of a public school or residentially zoned district to be enlarged, extended, reconstructed or structurally altered. No variance may be granted from the provisions of this section to allow a nonconforming billboard sign to be enlarged, extended, reconstructed or structurally altered. However, repairs, maintenance, and improvements may be carried out in any one calendar year in an amount not to exceed 50 percent of the market value of the sign for that year and, provided that such work does not increase the height, size or setback deficiency of the nonconforming sign. Changeable copy signs and embellishments shall be prohibited on all nonconforming billboard signs.

(Ord. No. 2007-02, exh. A, § 25, 2-21-2007; Ord. No. 2007-13, § 7(25a), 9-5-2007; Ord. No. 2011-03, § 2(25B), 3-2-2011)

(a)

Applications. No permanent sign, other than those specified in this section shall be placed or altered on any plot, nor any existing sign copy changed, until a certificate of use has been issued and until a permit has been obtained. In addition, sign permit applications shall contain and be accompanied by the following:

(1)

The name, address, and telephone number of the owner of the proposed sign;

(2)

An indication of the specific type of sign and sign structure;

(3)

The address and legal description or tax folio number of the plot where the sign will be located;

(4)

A plan or design of the sign, drawn to a scale, showing the dimensions, square foot area, sign face, copy, height of letters, colors, lighting and the sign structure;

(5)

The location and type of all other signs on the same plot;

(6)

For freestanding signs, the overall height of the sign;

(7)

For building, wall, parapet, facade, graphic and individual letter signs, the building frontage and height of the building wall, parapet, facade or silhouette of the building;

(8)

For window signs, the building frontage and height of the building wall, parapet or facade, the area of all windows and the area of such windows to be used for signs; and

(9)

For strip lighting, an elevation indicating the location and linear feet of all such lighting.

(b)

Exempt. Permits shall not be required for the following signs, provided the sign area is six square feet or less and the sign is nonilluminated:

(1)

Building identification signs;

(2)

On-premises directional signs;

(3)

Flags;

(4)

Garage sale signs;

(5)

General information signs;

(6)

Hanging signs;

(7)

Interior signs;

(8)

Model signs;

(9)

Nameplate signs;

(10)

Real estate signs;

(11)

Religious signs;

(12)

Use-related informational signs; and

(13)

Window signs.

(c)

Not required. Permits shall not be required for the following signs:

(1)

Holiday or seasonal signs;

(2)

Murals;

(3)

Opinion signs;

(4)

Public service signs; and

(5)

Traffic control signs.

(d)

Issuance and sign label. If, upon review, it is determined that an application is in accordance with the provisions of this section, a permit shall be issued. Fees for permits and sign labels shall be in accordance with the schedule adopted by the city commission by resolution. The permit holder shall also be issued a sign label, indicating the sign permit number, which shall be affixed to the sign prior to final permit inspections for the sign, in a manner so that the sign label will be readily visible for inspection purposes, but does not deface the sign.

(e)

Revocation for noncompliance. Permits for signs may be revoked by the city administrator or designee, if it is determined that any sign fails to comply with the terms of this section and the owner of such sign fails to bring the sign into conformity within 30 days from receipt of any written notice of noncompliance.

(f)

90-day time limit for installation commencement or abandonment. Every sign permit issued by the city shall become null and void, if installation is not commenced within 90 days from the date of such permit. If work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned for 90 days any time after the work is commenced, a new permit shall be first obtained to do so, and the fee will be the full amount required for a new permit for such work.

(g)

Code requirements. Structural and safety features and electrical systems shall be in accordance with the requirements of the city's adopted building code. No sign shall be approved for use unless it has been inspected and found to be in compliance with all the requirements of this chapter and applicable codes.

(h)

Review. The city shall approve or deny the sign permit based on whether it complies with the requirements of this chapter. The city shall approve or deny the sign permit within 30 days after receipt of a complete application. The city shall prepare a written notice of its decision, describing the applicant's appeal rights, and send it by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the applicant. The applicant may file a written notice of appeal to the city commission within 15 days after the date of receipt of the city's written notice. The city commission shall hear the appeal at the next available commission meeting. If the city commission does not grant the appeal, then the appellant may seek relief in the circuit court for the county, as provided by law.

(i)

Revocation. The city may suspend or revoke, in writing, a permit issued under provisions of this chapter, whenever the permit is issued on the basis of a misstatement of fact or fraud. The written revocation shall describe the appeal process. The city shall send the revocation by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the sign owner. Any person having an interest in the sign or property may appeal the revocation, by filing a written notice of appeal with the city commission within 15 days after receipt of the written notice of revocation. The city commission shall hear the appeal within 30 days after the date of receiving the written notice of appeal. If the city commission does not grant the appeal, then, as provided by law, the appellant may seek relief in the circuit court for the county.

(Ord. No. 2007-02, exh. A, § 25, 2-21-2007; Ord. No. 2007-13, § 7(25b), 9-5-2007; Ord. No. 2011-03, § 2(25C), 3-2-2011)

(a)

All permitted signs and sign structures shall be maintained in good condition and not allowed to remain in a state of disrepair. Any such sign shall either be removed or repaired within 30 days of notice to the sign owner and/or property owner.

(b)

Any abandoned sign shall be removed by the sign owner or by the property owner, if the sign owner cannot be verified or located, within 30 days of notice to the sign owner and/or property owner.

(Ord. No. 2007-02, exh. A, § 26, 2-21-2007)

(a)

Changeable copy signs. Such signs shall not exceed 50 percent of the maximum permitted area of a sign.

(b)

Directional and general information signs. Such signs may be double-faced, may be monument or building wall signs, shall be adjacent to paths of vehicular or pedestrian traffic, and shall be no larger than six square feet in sign area and four feet in height, except for building wall signs which may be incorporated into the aggregate permitted sign area for such signs.

(c)

Illumination of signs. Where permitted, sign illumination shall be provided by one of the following methods:

(1)

Backlighting. The copy is raised beyond the sign face and the lighting illuminates the copy from behind in the form of backlighting or reversed channel lighting.

(2)

Shielded spotlight. The sign face and copy are lighted by spotlights specifically directed at it. Such spotlights shall be fully shielded so that they are not visible from streets or adjoining property and so that there is no light spillage beyond the sign face.

(d)

Landscaping. All developed nonresidential properties shall provide landscaping at the base of any freestanding sign on the plot in accordance with this chapter.

(e)

Logos and religious signs. Logos and religious signs shall not exceed 50 percent of any sign area.

(f)

Opinion signs. Opinion signs may constitute all or any part of the total area of any sign permitted in this section. Such signs may only be illuminated in business, commercial or industrial districts.

(g)

Setbacks. Freestanding signs of any type shall not be subject to front yard or street side setbacks specified in any zoning district, but shall be located no closer than five feet from any dedicated right-of-way or recorded road easement and shall not be closer than three feet from any other privately owned property and, in nonresidential districts, not closer than 25 feet from any residentially zoned property. Setbacks shall be measured from the edge of the sign face, cabinet, border or the outermost portion of the sign structure, whichever is closer to the plot line.

(h)

Sight distance triangle. No sign structure of any type shall be located within 25 feet of the intersection of any two public or private streets or within an area of property on both sides of an access way or driveway formed by the intersection of each side of the access way and the public right-of-way line with both sides of the triangle being 15 feet in length from the point of intersection and the third side being a line connecting the ends of the other two sides. The sign face of a monument sign may extend into the sight triangle to the minimum setback.

(i)

Under canopy signs. Such signs shall have a minimum vertical clearance of eight feet and shall not exceed six square feet in sign area. Copy shall be limited to the name or the main character of the establishment the sign serves.

(j)

Use-related informational signs. Such signs shall not exceed 50 percent of the total permitted sign area, except that they may constitute 100 percent of any changeable copy sign.

(k)

Window signs. Window signs shall not cover more than 20 percent of any individual window or door area.

(Ord. No. 2007-02, exh. A, § 27, 2-21-2007)

All permitted permanent signs shall comply with the following limitations and requirements unless otherwise specified:

(1)

Building wall signs, graphic signs, canopy signs, marquee signs and panel signs.

a.

Letters or borders shall not exceed the height of any canopy or marquee upon which the sign is affixed;

b.

The maximum length shall not exceed 80 percent of the building frontage; and

c.

The total area of any building wall sign, graphic sign or panel sign shall not exceed 20 percent of the building frontage.

(2)

Awning or umbrella signs. The sign copy may only be located on the portion of the awning or umbrella which is parallel to the building to which it is affixed or at a 90-degree angle to the ground.

(3)

Directory signs, freestanding wall signs, freestanding signs, identification signs, monument signs and panel signs. The maximum height of all such signs shall be six feet:

a.

The maximum area of any such sign shall be 36 square feet.

b.

The maximum area specified applies to each sign face of a double-faced sign.

(Ord. No. 2007-02, exh. A, § 28, 2-21-2007)

Signs shall be permitted subject to limitations contained in this section and subject to the following additional limitations and requirements:

(1)

Gasoline stations and convenience stores. The following signs, which may include logos, shall be permitted for gasoline stations and convenience stores:

a.

One freestanding identification sign in the form of a panel sign, monument sign or fence or freestanding wall sign;

b.

Canopy signs;

c.

One building wall sign, which may include a logo and use-related informational sign on a maximum of two building walls. If an additional business is located within the principal building, one additional building wall sign may be utilized, provided the aggregate sign area of both signs does not exceed 20 percent of the building frontage;

d.

Directional or general information signs, which shall be building wall signs and incorporated into the maximum sign size;

e.

Gasoline price rate signs shall be incorporated into the sign area of the freestanding identification sign, not to exceed 20 percent of the sign area, but not smaller than 15 square feet;

f.

Gasoline price rate signs placed on gasoline pumps shall not exceed six square feet in total area per pump unit dispenser;

g.

Window signs, any or all of which may be use-related informational signs;

h.

Building identification signs;

i.

Changeable copy signs incorporated into a freestanding or building wall sign; and

j.

Signs for gasoline stations and convenience stores may be illuminated.

(2)

Hotels and motels. The following signs, which may include logos, shall be permitted for hotels and motels:

a.

One freestanding identification sign in the form of a monument sign, panel sign or fence or freestanding wall sign along the primary frontage. One additional such sign shall be permitted on a secondary frontage not to exceed three-quarters of the permissible height and one-half of the permissible area of the primary sign;

b.

Changeable copy signs incorporated into the sign area of a freestanding sign or as a marquee sign;

c.

One building wall sign on each building frontage;

d.

Directional or general information signs;

e.

Strip lighting;

f.

One additional building wall sign shall be permitted for identification of a restaurant or lounge accessory to the hotel or motel, not to exceed 25 percent of the maximum permissible area for such signs;

g.

Canopy signs; and

h.

Signs may be illuminated.

(3)

Multiple-family residences. The following signs shall be permitted for all multiple-family residences:

a.

Two building identification signs for each building on a multiple-family plot, which shall be building wall signs, monument signs or hanging signs, and which shall not exceed five square feet in sign area per sign. Monument signs shall not be higher than five feet;

b.

One nameplate sign per dwelling unit, not to exceed 1½ square feet in sign area;

c.

Directional and general information signs;

d.

Opinion signs, not larger than five square feet in sign area;

e.

Garage sale or yard sale signs; and

f.

Building identification may be illuminated by shielded spotlights or internal illumination.

(4)

Open space, conservation and outdoor recreational uses. The following signs shall be permitted for open space, conservation and recreational uses and properties:

a.

One nonilluminated building identification sign for each individual building, not to exceed five square feet in sign area. Such signs shall be building wall signs or monument signs. Monument signs shall not be higher than six feet in height;

b.

One freestanding identification sign at each entrance, not to exceed 50 square feet in sign area. Such signs may include changeable copy. Such signs may be illuminated, except that illumination shall be prohibited in conservation districts; and

c.

Nonilluminated directional and general information signs.

(5)

Freestanding schools, places of worship, community facilities, and hospitals. The following identification signs, which may include logos or religious signs, shall be permitted for freestanding schools, places of worship, community facilities and hospitals:

a.

One freestanding identification sign, which may be double-faced and which may be a monument sign, fence or freestanding wall sign or panel sign along the frontage. If there is frontage on more than one street, one sign shall be permitted along the primary or principal frontage, and one additional sign shall be permitted along one additional frontage, not larger than three-quarters of the permissible height and one-half of the permissible area of the primary frontage sign;

b.

One identification sign in the form of a building wall sign, graphic sign, canopy sign or marquee sign on each building frontage;

c.

Changeable copy signs and use-related information signs;

d.

Directional and general information signs;

e.

Building identification signs;

f.

Opinion signs; and

g.

Outdoor event signs.

(6)

Shopping centers, office parks, industrial complexes, major employment centers and other multiple-tenant buildings. The following signs, which may include logos and religious signs, shall be permitted for shopping centers, office parks, industrial complexes, major employment centers and other multiple-tenant buildings:

a.

One freestanding identification sign in the form of a monument sign, panel sign, fence or freestanding wall sign along the primary frontage, plus one additional such sign along all other frontages of the property, not more than three-quarters of the permissible height and one-half of the permissible area of the primary sign. Such signs may include any of the following:

1.

Directory signs;

2.

Changeable copy signs; and

3.

Building identification signs;

b.

Building wall signs and graphic signs, or one canopy or awning sign, for identification of each tenant, which may include use-related informational signs and which may be illuminated. Individual letter signs may only be internally illuminated;

c.

One under canopy sign for each tenant;

d.

Directional and general information signs;

e.

Opinion signs;

f.

Strip lighting;

g.

Window signs, any or all of which may be use-related informational signs;

h.

One nameplate for each tenant in an office complex, not to exceed six square feet in sign area;

i.

Building identification signs; and

j.

Menu signs adjacent to a drive-through facility not visible from a street or other thoroughfare and not higher than eight feet. A logo may be affixed to any side of the sign, not to exceed three square feet in area.

(7)

Single- and two-occupant commercial and industrial properties, shopping center outparcels and other nonresidential uses not specifically mentioned. The following signs, which may include logos and religious signs and use-related informational signs, shall be permitted for single- and two-occupant commercial and industrial properties, including shopping center outparcels:

a.

One freestanding identification sign, which may be a panel sign, monument sign or a fence or freestanding wall sign along the primary frontage, plus one additional such sign along all other frontages of the property, not more than three-quarters of the height and one-half of the permissible area of the primary sign. Such sign may include one or both occupants of the property and may include changeable copy signs;

b.

One of the following for each occupant:

1.

Canopy sign;

2.

Marquee sign;

3.

Awning sign;

c.

Directional and general information signs;

d.

Opinion signs;

e.

Window signs, any or all of which may be use-related signs;

f.

Strip lighting;

g.

Building identification signs;

h.

Menu signs adjacent to a drive-through facility, not visible from a street or other thoroughfare, and not higher than eight feet. A logo may be affixed to any side of the sign not containing menu information, not to exceed three square feet in sign area;

i.

One building wall sign, graphic sign, canopy sign, or awning sign for identification of the tenant on a maximum of three walls of the building; and

j.

Signs may be illuminated.

(8)

Single-family residences. The following signs shall be permitted for all single-family residences:

a.

One identification sign, nameplate or religious sign, not larger than three square feet in area, which shall be a building wall sign, a fence or freestanding wall sign or a hanging sign;

b.

Opinion sign;

c.

General information signs not exceeding a total of three square feet in area for all such signs;

d.

Garage sale signs; and

e.

No sign shall be illuminated;

(9)

Subdivision signs. Subdivision signs shall be permitted in all residential zoning districts subject to the following limitations:

a.

Two signs shall be permitted at the primary entrance to a subdivision, neighborhood or multiple-family complex, a maximum of 32 square feet in sign area per sign and not exceeding eight feet in height. One additional sign shall be permitted at any other entrance, one-half of the permissible area and three-fourths of the permissible height of the primary sign;

b.

Subdivision signs shall be monument signs or fence or freestanding wall signs; and

c.

Signs may be illuminated.

(10)

Theaters. The following signs, which may include logos, shall be permitted for theaters:

a.

One freestanding identification sign in the form of a monument sign, panel sign or fence or freestanding wall sign;

b.

One identification sign which may be a building wall sign;

c.

A changeable copy sign, limited to sign copy indicating the title of the performance or activity, the MPAA rating, the hours and date of the event, the name of the production company or sponsor, and/or the major star. Such sign may either be incorporated into the freestanding identification sign or may be a canopy or marquee sign. Multiple-screen theaters may be permitted additional changeable copy area, not to exceed 25 square feet per additional screen, over and above the maximum permitted sign area;

d.

Directional and general information signs;

e.

Strip lighting; and

f.

All signs shall be internally illuminated.

(11)

Flags and banners. All flags on nonresidentially used property shall be displayed on a flagpole and shall be maintained in good condition and not allowed to remain in a state of disrepair. Any such sign shall either be removed or repaired within 30 days of notice to the sign owner and/or property owner. Flags shall not be displayed on vehicles for sale or lease at an automobile, truck, recreational vehicle or boat dealership. A permit shall be required for any flagpole.

(12)

Billboard signs. Billboard shall be permitted in business and industrial districts and shall be subject to the limitations and requirements set forth in this subsection, provided that any such signs shall be located at least 1,500 feet from any other billboard sign or at least 1,500 from any public school or residentially zoned district other than agricultural zoning districts. Any lawfully erected billboard sign along any portion of the federal-aid primary highway system which is within 1,500 feet of another billboard sign or within 1,500 feet of a public school or residentially zoned district shall be subject to the limitation and requirements set forth in this subsection; however, the distance requirement in this subsection shall not be construed to require any lawfully erected billboard to be altered to meet the criteria set forth in this subsection. Any nonconforming billboard sign existing lawfully on the effective date of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived or which becomes nonconforming as of said effective date shall be subject to the following limitations and requirements:

a.

Height. The top of a billboard, excluding authorized embellishments, shall not be higher than 35 feet above the crown of the right-of-way along the property frontage which the sign serves.

b.

Sign area. No billboard sign shall exceed 50 feet in overall length, excluding authorized extensions, and 672 square feet in sign area, excluding authorized embellishments. Embellishments shall be permitted, not to exceed 20 percent of the total sign area. No embellishment shall extend into a required yard or setback nor extend above or beyond the permitted sign face more than five feet.

c.

Sign faces. A maximum of two sign faces may be erected on one sign structure, back to back, side to side or in single V, having an interior angle not greater than 30 degrees. The aggregate area of such signs at a single location facing the same direction shall not exceed 672 square feet and any such grouping of sign faces shall not exceed 50 feet in length.

d.

Identification. The name of the owner of the billboard sign shall be attached to each sign structure and shall be legible from the nearest right-of-way.

e.

Spacing.

1.

No billboard shall be closer than 1,500 feet from any other billboard sign along the same side of a common right-of-way. Any billboard less than 100 feet from the intersection of any two rights-of-way shall be subject to spacing along both rights-of-way.

2.

No billboard sign shall be located within 200 feet of a plot occupied by a public park or playground, conservation area or building for which a certificate of use has been issued as a place of worship.

f.

Setbacks.

1.

No billboard sign shall be erected to extend closer than 25 feet from any right-of-way or closer to any right-of-way than any part of a building on any other property having frontage on the same right-of-way, and which building is located within 100 feet of the billboard sign.

2.

No billboard sign shall be closer than five feet from any contiguous property.

g.

Illumination. Billboard signs shall be illuminated only by means of shielded spotlights or internal illumination. The use of strip lighting is prohibited.

h.

Changeable copy. Billboard signs which conform to all requirements of this chapter may be changeable copy signs, provided:

1.

The static display time for each message is a minimum of six seconds;

2.

The time to completely change from one message to the next is a maximum of two seconds;

3.

The change of message occurs simultaneously for the entire sign face;

4.

The billboard sign contains a default design that will freeze the changeable copy in one position should a malfunction occur; and

5.

The billboard sign is in compliance with all provisions of this section and is not a nonconforming use.

(Ord. No. 2007-02, exh. A, § 29, 2-21-2007; Ord. No. 2007-13, § 8, 9-5-2007; Ord. No. 2011-03, § 2(25C), 3-2-2011)

A master sign plan is required for all permanent residential and nonresidential development before any development signs may be erected on the property. All owners, tenants, subtenants and purchasers of individual units within the development shall comply with the approved plan.

(1)

Elements. The master sign plan shall consist of five elements that shall govern all signs within the site or development:

a.

Location;

b.

Materials;

c.

Size;

d.

Color; and

e.

Illumination.

The plan shall include details, specifications, dimensions, and plans showing the proposed locations of signs and how such locations conform to the requirements of this chapter.

(2)

No sign permits shall be issued contrary to the master sign plan.

(3)

The master sign plan shall meet all of the provisions of this section and shall include the following:

a.

An elevation plan, drawn to scale, depicting all signs placed or to be placed on the buildings on the plot;

b.

A site plan, drawn to scale, indicating the location of all freestanding signs erected or to be erected on the plot, including setbacks;

c.

A scale drawing of all freestanding signs depicting the sign type, height, dimensions and sign area, including the sign structures;

d.

For directory signs or other signs providing for more than one tenant, the amount of sign area allocated for each tenant shall be indicated;

e.

The standards for letter styles, letter colors, letter heights, and background colors to be used for the various types of signs on the plot. The size and type of items of information may be varied for major or anchor tenants in a shopping center;

f.

The types of illumination to be used for each type of sign;

g.

A statement indicating how many anchor tenants will be on the site and sign criteria for same insofar as letter styles, colors, and letter heights.

(4)

For new projects, the master sign plan shall be submitted at the time of final site plan submittal.

(5)

For existing buildings, the property owners or their agent shall submit a master sign plan which complies with all of the provisions of this section within five years of the effective date of the ordinance from which this section is derived. If a master sign plan has not been approved within the five-year period, no sign permits shall be issued until such master plan has been submitted and approved.

(6)

Once the master sign plan has been approved for a plot, the criteria shall apply to the entire plot shown on the master sign plan, as well as each individual tenant or occupant, and shall remain as long as the buildings exist, regardless of change of ownership, management or occupancy, or until a complete new master sign plan has been submitted and approved.

(7)

No part of an approved master sign plan may be waived by the city.

(8)

All existing signs on the plot must conform to the master sign plan within a period of one year from approval of the plan.

(9)

A master sign plan shall not be approved until and unless the city administrator or designee finds that:

a.

The plan provides that signs are uniform in type and function, illumination, fabrication, sign area and have a consistent color scheme and material construction.

b.

The plan provides that signs meet the size limitations, location requirements and other applicable requirements of this chapter.

(10)

Amendment procedures. The plan may be amended by filing a new master plan with the city administrator or designee. The application may be filed only by the owner of the land affected by the proposed change; or an agent, lessee or contract purchaser specifically authorized by the owner to file such application.

(Ord. No. 2007-02, exh. A, § 30, 2-21-2007)

(a)

The provisions of this section shall pertain to the erection, placement and maintenance of all temporary signs.

(b)

Temporary signs shall be permitted in addition to any other permitted sign on private property and shall be exempt from all other provisions of this section, provided such signs fully comply with this section.

(c)

The following types of signs may be erected as temporary signs:

(1)

Contractor signs.

(2)

Election signs.

(3)

Model signs.

(4)

Project signs.

(5)

Real estate signs.

(6)

Sales office signs.

(d)

A permit as required shall be obtained for any temporary sign six square feet or larger in size.

(e)

Temporary signs on developed plots shall not be larger or higher than any permanent sign permitted on the premises where the sign will be located.

(f)

Temporary signs on undeveloped plots shall not exceed the following:

(1)

For parcels less than one acre in area, a maximum of 12 square feet in sign area and six feet in height above the ground;

(2)

For parcels between one and ten acres in area, a maximum of 16 square feet in area and six feet in height above the ground; and

(3)

For parcels over ten acres in area, a maximum of 24 square feet in sign area and six feet in height above the ground.

(g)

Temporary signs shall be limited to one sign of each type specified herein for each 1,000 linear feet of street or waterway frontage of a plot, except that:

(1)

One model sign shall be permitted at the location of each model on a residential development under construction not to exceed three square feet in sign area per sign and three feet in height above the ground; and

(2)

One election sign shall be permitted for each street frontage per plot for each candidate and issue.

Such signs may be double-faced and may be a hanging sign, a building wall sign, pole sign or window sign. All freestanding signs shall be set back a minimum of five feet from any plot line.

(h)

Where two or more types of temporary signs are combined on one sign face or sign structure, then the sign area may be increased by 20 percent.

(i)

No temporary sign shall be placed on public property or property owned or used by the city or any other governmental entity. Signs placed in violation of this provision shall be subject to removal without notice by the city.

(j)

A real estate sign in a residential area may be increased in size by a maximum of 50 percent of the permitted sign size to accommodate additional information such as: "by appointment only," "sold," or "open house." Open house signs may only be:

(1)

Displayed while the premises are actually available for inspection by a prospective buyer or tenant;

(2)

Off-premises signs, provided they are not:

a.

Less than 400 feet apart;

b.

More than three square feet in area; and

c.

More than three feet in height.

(3)

Displayed on private property.

Information boxes shall not be considered a sign.

(k)

All temporary signs shall be removed within ten days after the conclusion of the election, to which any temporary sign pertains, or the development, construction or sale of any building or property to which any temporary sign pertains, or shall be removed after the expiration of six months from the erection of the sign, whichever occurs first.

(Ord. No. 2007-02, exh. A, § 31, 2-21-2007)

(a)

Any commercial enterprise, other than a home office, which has been issued a certificate of use, may make application for a temporary sign permit for any of the following purposes:

(1)

Grand opening.

(2)

Holiday or post-holiday sale.

(3)

Change of management.

(4)

Special promotions.

(b)

Permits shall be limited as follows:

(1)

No more than six such permits shall be issued to any one commercial enterprise in any one calendar year.

(2)

No permit shall be issued for a period exceeding 14 consecutive days.

(3)

No permit shall be issued for temporary promotional signs within 45 days of the issuance of any previous temporary sign permit for the same commercial enterprise on the same plot.

(c)

Temporary signs that may be permitted on the premises of the commercial enterprise are as follows:

(1)

Banners, flags and pennants.

(2)

Balloon signs.

(3)

Sidewalk signs.

(4)

Trailer signs without animation.

(d)

All signs shall be placed on the private property occupied by the commercial enterprise. No trailer sign or sidewalk sign shall block or interfere with any pedestrian or vehicular areas.

(e)

Maximum size and number of signs. Temporary signs shall be limited as follows:

(1)

Banners, flags and pennants shall not be limited.

(2)

Balloon signs shall be limited to one per commercial enterprise.

(3)

Balloon signs shall not be elevated to a height exceeding 25 feet from the ground, and shall be a maximum of 24 feet wide.

(4)

Balloon signs and trailer signs shall not be placed in any landscaped area, shall not be located less than ten feet from any right-of-way line or other private property line and shall not be located within any district boundary line separation or setback area.

(5)

Sidewalk signs shall be limited to two signs, a maximum 24 inches by 30 inches in size per sign.

(6)

Trailer signs shall be limited to one per commercial enterprise, a maximum 24 square feet in area.

(f)

Any commercial enterprise which is found to be in violation of this section by the code enforcement special magistrate, shall not be issued a temporary promotional sign permit for one year after the expiration of the last such permit issued to the commercial enterprise or after the adjudication of the violation by the code enforcement special magistrate.

(Ord. No. 2007-02, exh. A, § 32, 2-21-2007)