HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-08-18-Ordinance 2427_Signage RegulationsORDINANCE NO.2427
]AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 305,WAUKEE MUNICIPAL CODE,
SIGN ORDINANCE,BY REPEALING SECTION 305 AND SUBSTITUTING IN LIEU
THEREOF SECTION 305 AMENDING SPECIFICATIONS AND REGULATIONS FOR
SIGNS IN THE CITY OF WAUKEE;PROVIDING FOR THE ADMINISTRATION
AND ENFORCEMENT THEREOF,AND PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ALL
ORDINANCES INCONFLICT THEREWITH.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WAUKEE,IOWA:
Section 1.Sign Ordinance.Section 305,Waukee
Municipal Code,Sign Ordinance,is hereby repealed,and the following
ordinance is hereby enacted in lieu thereof:
Section 305.1.Title.This Ordinance shall be known and may be cited and
referred to as the "Sign Ordinance"of the City of Waukee,Iowa,and shall
be referred to herein as "this ordinance."
Section 305.2.Definitions.For the purpose of this ordinance
certain terms and words are hereby defined.Words used in the present
tense shall include the future,the singular number shall include the plural
and the plural number includes the singular;the word "shall"is
mandatory,and the word "may"is permissive;the word "person"includes
a firm,association,organization,partnership,trust,estate,company,or
corporation as wen as an individual.
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I.Sign:Any device designed to inform or attract the attention
of persons not on the premises on which the sign is located;
provided,however,that the following shall not be included in the
application of the regulations herein:
A.Signs not exceeding one (1)square foot in area and
bearing only property numbers,post office box numbers,
names of occupants of premises,or other identification of
premises not having commercial connotations;
B.Flags and insignia of any govemment except when
displayed in connection with corrunercial promotion;
C.Legal notices;identification,informational or
directional signs erected,approved or required by
govemmental bodies;j
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D.Integral,decorative or architectural features of
buildings,except letters,trademarks,moving parts or
moving lights;
E.Signs directing and guiding traffic and parking on
private property,and bearing no advertising matter;not
exceeding four (4)square feet in area.
2.Sign Area:The surface area of a sign shall be computed as
including the entire area within a regnlar geometric form or combinations
of regular geometric forms comprising all of the display area of the sign
and including all of the elements of the matter displayed.Frames and
structural members not bearing advertising matter shall not be included in
computation of the surface area,except where such frames and structural
members are used as an integral primary or subsidiary portion of the
graphic,literal,or numerical display,such as forming a picture frame to
facilitate continuity or providing contrasts to emphasize the intended
purpose of the sign.
3.Sign,Exterior:A sign that directs attention to a business,
profession,service,product or activity sold or offered upon the premises
where such a sign is located.An exterior sign may be a sign attached flat
against a building or structure,or proj ecting out from a building or
structure or erected upon the roof of a building or structure.An exterior
sign may include any of the following:
A.Fascia Sign:A single-faced building or wall sign that is
directly attached to and parallel to its supporting walL
B.Projecting Sign:A double-faced building or wall SIgn
projecting at right angles to its supporting wall.
C.Marquee Sign:A sign attached to and contained within the
perimeter of the face or valance of a marquee.
D.Roof Sign:A sign attached upon or above a roof or parapet
of a building.
4.Sign,Free Standing or Post:Any sign erected or affixed in a rigid
manner to one or more poles,posts or the ground,and which carries any
advertisement strictly incidental and subordinate to a lawful use of the
premises on which it is located,including signs,or sign devices indicating
the business transacted,services rendered OT goods sold or produced on
the premises by an occupant thereof.A free standing or post sign may
also include the following:
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A.Directory Sign:A sign containing the name of a building,
complex or center and two or more identification signs or panels of
the same size,color and general design,limited to one
identification sign per occupant.
(]
B.Monument Sign:A structure,built on grade that forms an
integral part ofthe sign or its background.
5.Sign,Billboard:As used in this ordinance,billboard shall include
all structures,regardless of the materials used in the construction of the
same,that are erected,maintained or used for public display of posters,
painted signs,wall signs (whether the structure be placed on the wall or
painted on the wall itself),and pictures or other pictorial reading matter
which advertise a business or attraction which is not carried on or
manufactured in or upon the premises upon which said signs or billboards
are located.
6.Sign,Institutional Bulletin Board;An on-premises sign containing
a surface area upon which is displayed the name of a religious institution,
school,library,public building,community center or similar institution
and the announcement of its services or activities.
7.Sign,Temporary:A temporary sign is any sign not permanently
attached to the ground,wall or building,and intended to be displayed for a
short and limited period of time.
8.Sign,Home Occupation.No sign,other than one unlighted sign not
over two (2)square foot in area attached flat against the dwelling and
displaying only the occupant's name and occupation,shall advertise the
presence or conduct ofthe home occupation.
9.Sign,Landscape:Signage identifying the name of a building,
complex,or development included on a wall or landscape feature including
planter beds,fountains or decorative walls.
Section 305.3.Signs Permitted in All Zoning Districts.Signs
hereinafter designated shall be permitted in all zoning districts.
1.Temporary Signs.
A.Real Estate:Signs advertising the sale,rental,or lease of
the premises or part of the premises on which the signs are
displayed.One non-illuminated sign,not to exceed eight (8)
square feet,shall be permitted on each premise.Such signs shall
not extend higher than four (4)feet above grade level or be closer
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than ten (10)feet to any property line unless located on the wall of
a building.Such signs shall be removed within seven (7)days
after the disposition of the premises.
B.Construction:Signs identifying the architect,engineer,
contractor or other individuals involved in the construction of a
building and such signs announcing the character of the building
enterprise or the purpose for which the building is intended but not
including product advertising.A sign advertising for new
incoming businesses will be allowed provided that a business has
been issued a building permit.One non-illuminated sign not to
exceed fifty (50)square feet shall be permitted per street frontage.
Such sign shall not extend higher than ten (10)feet above grade
level or be closer than ten (10)feet to any property line unless
located on the wall of a building on the premises or on a protective
barricade surrounding the construction.Such signs shall be
removed within one week following completion of construction.
C.Political Campaign:Signs announcing candidates seeking
public political office or pertinent political issues.Such signs shall
be confined to private property and shall be removed within one
week following the election to which they pertain.
D.Street Banners:Banners advertising a public event
providing that specific approval is granted under regulations
established by the City Council.
E.Seasonal Decorations:Signs pertammg to recognized
national holidays and national observances.
F.Personal Announcement
announcmg births,anniversaries,
celebrations.
and Celebration:
weddings and
Signs
similar
G.Special Events:Signs advertising or announcing a special
event,usually public event.
Banners,balloons and posters in association with any of the above
categories are subj ect to approval by the Code Compliance Officer.
2.Public SignS:Signs of a non-commercial nature and in the public
interest,erected by or upon the order of a public officer in the performance
of public duty,such as safety signs,danger signs,trespassing signs,traffic
signs,memorial plaques,signs of historical interest and other similar
signs,including signs designating hospitals,libraries,schools and other
institutions or places of public interest or concern.
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A.Temporary Directional Signs Placed By City:Signs may be
erected by the City of Waukee of a size not greater than 4 feet by 4
feet informing the public of means of access to areas within the
City of Waukee to which normal access has been denied due to
highway construction.
3.Integral Signs:Signs for churches or temples,or names of
buildings,dates of erection,monumental citations,commemorative tablets
and other similar signs when carved into stone,concrete or other building
material or made of bronze,aluminum,or other permanent type of
construction and made an integral part of the structure to which they are
attached.
4.Window Signs:Such signs which are displayed inside of a window
or within a building,provided however,that lighted window signs shall be
permitted only in those districts where lighted signs are permitted.
5.Monument Sign:A ground sign that does not have any
exposed pole or pylon.Such sign has a base of brick or some similar hard
surface material and said material borders the sign on at least three sides.
6.The Director of Planning and the Code Compliance Officer have
the authority to classify a proposed sign as incompatible to the already
existing environment.
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The following freestanding monument identification signs shall be permitted
within the following zoning districts by use:
Zoning Maximumsize (sq.ft.)Maximum Minimum
District Total/sian oortion Total Heiaht (feet)Setback (feet)
A-1 80 10 20
AR*40 10 15
C-1 120/60 15 15
C-1A 120/60 15 15
C-2 120/60 15 15
C-3 120/60 15 15
C-4 120/60 15 15
M-1 120/60 10 20
M-1A 120/60 10 20
M-2 120/60 10 20
R-1*120/60 10 15
R-2*120/60 10 15
R-3*120/60 10 15
R-4*120/60 10 15
R-5*120/60 10 15
R-6*120/60 10 15*In areas so designated,the placement and erection of monument SIgnS IS restricted to entry
signs placed in the first lot upon entry into a new development,no other exceptions will be
allowed or allowances made.Monument signs within developments are restricted in content
to only allow for the name of the development and such artwork as maybe in keeping with
the residential nature of the area in question.
Section 305.4.Signs Permitted in Specified Zoning Districts.
1.A-I Agricultural District.
A.One board or sign not to exceed thirty-two (32)square feet
in area referring to the construction,lease,hire,or sale of a
building,premises,or lots;which sign shall refer to property on
which the sign is located,and shall be removed as soon as the
premises are sold or leased or construction completed.
B.Signs,not exceeding 10 square feet in area,identifying the
premises or indicating the product grown or material and
equipment used on the premises.
2.R -1 Single Family Residential District.
A.One board sign not to exceed fifty (50)feet in area
referring to the construction,lease,hire,or sale of a building,
premises,or subdivision lots;which sign shall refer to property on
which the sign is located,and shall be removed as soon as the
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premises are sold or leased or construction completed.
B.Institutional bulletin board signs.
C.Monument Signs.
One (1)freestanding monument identification sign shall be
permitted for each subdivision or complex.
(2)The sign may be two-sided.The monument shall
not have a total surface in excess of one hundred and
twenty (120)square feet on any side,and not more than
two sides of said sign shall be used for advertising
purposes.The maximum height shall be ten (10)feet,and
the maximum width shall be twelve (12)feet.
(3)The sign must have a brick or stone base that
measures at least 15%of the total height with a one (1)foot
minimum.The sign can be entirely or partially surrounded
by brick or stone with the minimum of one (1)foot
coverage on three (3)sides.The sign portion must not
exceed 70%of the total area.
(4)If a development has access on more than one street
a second sign will be permitted,provided that frontage
exceeds 150 feet.The second sign must measure less than
one third (1/3)of the total dimension of the main
monument sign.
3.R-2 Single Family Residential District.
Signs are permitted in this district as limited by R-l District
regulations.
4.R-3 Multi-family Residential District.
A.One board sign not to exceed fifty (50)feet in area
referring to the construction,lease,hire,or sale of a building,
premises,or subdivision lots;which sign shall refer to property on
which the sign is located,and shall be removed as soon as the
premises are sold or leased or construction completed.
B.Institutional bulletin board signs.
.I
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C.One non-lighted sign not to exceed twelve (12)square feet
in total area attached flat against the principal structure,indicating
the name of the premises and/or the names of the occupants,shall
be permitted.
D.One (1)freestanding monument identification sign shall be
permitted for each lot,or one (1)sign for each three-hundred (300)
feet of street,whichever is greater,subject to provision hereinafter
specifically set out.
(1)Such a sign may be attached to the building if it is
in compliance with section 305.4(9)A and each
subparagraph thereof;or such sign may be located within
any required yard on a directory sign.
(2)The sign may be two-sided.The monument shall
not have a total surface in excess of one hundred and
twenty (120)square feet on any side,and not more than
two sides of said sign shall be used for advertising
purposes.The maximum height shall be fifteen (15)feet,
and the maximum width shall be twelve (12)feet.
(3)The sign must have a brick or stone base that
measures at least 15%of the total height with a one (1)foot
minimum.The sign can be entirely or partially surrounded
by brick or stone with the minimum of one (1)foot
coverage on three (3)sides.The sign portion must not
exceed 70%ofthe total area.
(4)If a development has access on more than one street
a second sign will be permitted,provided that frontage
exceeds 150 feet.The second sign must measure less than
one third (1/3)of the total dimension of the main
monument sign.
5.R-4 Multi-family Residential District.
Signs are permitted in this district as limited by R-3 District
regulations.
6.R-5 Planned Unit Development District.
A.Such signs as shall be specifically included in the Final
Development Plan approved by the City CounciL
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Signs are permitted in this district as limited by R-3 District
regulations,
]7,R -6 Mobile Home Residential District.
8.C-1 Community and Highway Service Commercial District,
A.Fascia/Wall Signs.
(1)Sign Area Allowed:One square foot (1 sq ft)of
sign area may be erected for every lineal foot of a building
front that has a setback of two hundred and fifty feet (250')
or less from the lot line,For a setback of two hundred and
fifty one feet (251')to five hundred feet (500'),one and
onelhalf square feet (1 1/2 sq ft)of sign area may be
erected per lineal foot of building front.For a setback
greater than five hundred feet (500'),two square feet (2 sq
ft)of sign area may be erected per lineal foot of building
front.Set backs shall be measured from the front of said
building.The front of said building shall be that wall that
contains the main entry.If the front of a building faces
away from the street frontage,a wall sign may be erected
on the rear or sidewall of said building at a rate of one half
(112)the lineal footage of said wall,At no time shall more
than two walls be used to compute allowable signage.
(2)Number of Signs Allowed:A maximum of two
signs will be allowed per business with a maximum of one
(1)sign per wall,Sign size will be limited by the
regulations stated above.
(3)Letters,symbols,and logos:Under no
circumstances will a letter,symbol 01'logo dimension
greater than six feet (6')be allowed,except any use that
occupies in excess of 100,000 square feet of building area
shall be allowed to have individual letters not to exceed
eight feet (8')in height.
(4)Signs which project out from the building more than
eighteen (18)inches must be at least twelve (12)feet above
grade and may project a maximum of six (6)feet;
(5)No sign shall project more than four (4)feet above
the roofline or parapet where one exists,
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B.One board sign not to exceed fifty (50)feet in area
referring to the construction,lease,hire,or sale of a building,
premises,or subdivision lots;which sign shall refer to property on
which the sign is located,and shall be removed as soon as the
premises are sold or leased or construction completed.
C.One (I)freestanding monument identification sign shall be
permitted for each lot,or one (I)sign for each three-hundred (300)
feet of street,whichever is greater,subject to provision hereinafter
specifically set out.Businesses that have frontage on more than
one street will be permitted the use of a second sign provided it
measures less than one third (1/3)of the total dimension of the
monument sign.
(1)Such a sign may be attached to the building if it is
in compliance with section 305.4(9)A and each
subparagraph thereof;or such sign may be located within
any required yard on a directory sign.
(2)The sign may be two-sided.The monument shall
not have a total surface in excess of one hundred and
twenty (120)square feet on any side,and not more than
two sides of said sign shall be used for advertising
purposes.The maximum height shall be fifteen (IS)feet,
and the maximum width shall be twelve (12)feet.
(3)The sign must have a brick or stone base that
measures at least 15%of the total height with a one (I)foot
minimum.The sign can be entirely or partially surrounded
by brick or stone with the minimum of one (I)foot
coverage on three (3)sides.The sign portion must not
exceed 70%of the total area.The sign portion must not
exceed eighty (80)square feet in any case.
(4)For lots that have more than one business a sign of
eighty (80)square feet will be allowable with the entire
monument sign having a maximum of one hundred and sixty
(160)square feet.
D.Signs that are composed of wood material or signs with
metal as its primary material and any sign surface with letters
painted upon a panel or wall area shall be prohibited.
E.Illumination:Signs shall be illuminated by internal fixtures
or externally with a constant level of light maintained throughout
the sign.Reflectors shall be provided with proper glass or plastic
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lenses concentrating the illumination upon the area ofthe sign as to
prevent glare upon the street or adj acent property.Illumination
shall be no greater than one foot -candle in intensity when
measured from the property bounds,and all ground lighting shall
be concealed from view by landscape plantings.
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F.Entry Monuments:A commercial development such as an
office park or shopping center may erect one (I)monument with
the name of the building,complex OT center.To qualify for use of
this sign,the development must be at least forty (40)acres
(otherwise the monument identification sign requirements still
apply).The allowable sizes are as follows:
Acres
40-79
80-119
120-159
160-greater
Maximlun Square Footage
150
200
250
300
The maximum allowable size is 300 square feet,in any case.
These monuments must be made up of at least fifty percent (50%)
brick,stone or similar material.The sign may be erected in two
places so as to surround an entryway;however,the square footage
of the two pieces,when summed,must fit within the above
requirements.]
G.Business Advertising,Opening and Closing:Banners,
balloons,posters and signs advertising an opening or closing of
business subject to approval by the Code Compliance Officer.
Such signs may only remain in place for four (4)weeks and no
more than one time per year per opening or closing.
H.Business &Public Advertising,Special Events:Banners,
balloons,posters and signs advertising a special event subject to
approval by the Code Compliance Officer.Such signs may only
remain in place for two (2)weeks and no more than four (4)times
per year.
1.The Director of Planning and the Code Compliance Officer
have the authority to classify a proposed sign as incompatible to
the already existing environment,
9.C-IA Neighborhood Commercial District.
Signs are permitted in this district as limited by C-I District Iregulations.
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10.C-2 Central Business District.
Signs are permitted in this district as limited by C-l District
regulations.
11.C-3 Planned Commercial Development Regulations.
Signs are permitted in this district as limited by C-l District
regulations.
(1)On premises roof signs shall be permitted to a
maximum of one hundred fifty (150)square feet.The back
of said sign shall be effectively shielded from public view
by a building wall,by backing the sign against another sign
face,or by grouping such signs in clusters to conceal the
exposed backs.All roof signs must adhere to the height
limitations of this district.
(2)The total area of all signs pertaining to the business
conducted in any building shall not exceed a total area of
two hundred (200)square feet.
12.C-4 Office Park Commercial District.
Signs are permitted in this district as limited by C-l District
regulations,in C-4 districts,however,the monument may not
be illuminated.
In addition,one non-illuminated nameplate not over four
(4)square feet in area shall be permitted for each individual
business or service and/or person engaged in a business or
profession within the building.Said signs may be attached to the
building or be located within any required yard on a directory sign.
13.M -1 Light Industrial District.
Signs are permitted in this district as limited by C-l District
regulations.
14.M-IA Limited Industrial District.
Signs are permitted in this district as limited by C-l District
regulations.
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15.M-2 Heavy Industry District.,]
Signs are permitted in this district as limited by C-1 District
regulations.
16.Interstate Corridor Signs.
A.Interstate/freeway sign identifies the name of an office
park,commercial park,industrial park,or single tenant user.
Interstate/fi·eeway signs must have brick or stone base that
preserves largely the same profile from interstate/road grade to
bottom edge of sign.The sign face shall be no further than six (6)
inches away from the base.
B.Size of sign:The total area of a sign shall be actual square
footage of one sign face.Dual faced signs may be permitted with
the maximum square footage permitted on each side.The
maximum size of an interstate/freeway sign shall not exceed one
hundred and twenty (120)square feet.
C.The maximum height of an interstate/freeway sign shall not
exceed thirty (30)feet above interstate/road grade with the
minimum height set at fifteen (15)feet.Refer to monument sign
regulations if the sign height falls under the minimum height stated
above.The minimum b11Ckor stone allotment for the base of the
sign shall equal or exceed forty (40)percent of the width of the
sign with the minimum base width of three (3)feet.
D.Signs that are composed of wood material or signs with
metal as its primary material and any sign surface with letters
painted upon a panel or wall area shall be prohibited.
E.Illumination:Signs shall be illuminated by internally
fixtures or externally with a constant level of light maintained
throughout the sign.Reflectors shall be provided with proper glass
or plastic lenses concentrating the illumination upon the area of the
sign as to prevent glare upon the street or adjacent property.
Illumination shall be no greater than one foot-candle in intensity
when measured from the property bounds,and all ground lighting
shall be concealed from view by landscape plantings.
F.A tract must have frontage adj acent to the interstate right of
way to qualify under this ordinance.
G.Minimum interstate sign setback shall be fifteen (15)feet
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from interstate right of way.
H.Sign allotment:On lots that have interstate frontage with an
adj acent roadway and more than one business shall be permitted a
monument sign of three hundred (300)total square feet and one
hundred and sixty (160)square feet of sign portion.The sign may
not be higher than thirty (30)feet,and not wider than ten (10)feet.
1.Number of signs:Land adjacent to the interstate will be
allowed one (I)sign per lot.Lots that have interstate frontage with
another bordering roadway will be allowed one (1)monument sign
adjacent to that particular roadway given the sign size is one third
(1/3)of the total dimension of a monument sign,referring to the
regulations set in Section 305.3 (5).
Section 305.5.Signs Prohibited in All Zoning Districts.
1.Obsolete Signs:Signs that advertise an activity,business,product
or service no longer conducted on the premises on which the sign is
located.
2.Banners,Balloons,Posters,etc.:Signs which contain or consist of
banners,balloons,posters,pennants,ribbons,streamers,spinners,or other
similarly moving devices,except as specifically provided in Section 305.3
(I.d.)hereof.These devices when not part of any sign shall also be
prohibited.
3.Portable Signs:Commercial signs that are not permanently
anchored or secured to either a building or the ground.
4.Off-Premise Signs on Public Property:Off-premise signs located
on public property that is being used for public purposes.
5.Off-Premise Signs:Signs advertising a use not conducted upon the
lot where the sign is located.
6.Flashing Signs:No flashing,blinking,or rotation lights shall be
permitted for either permanent or temporary signs,except time and
temperature signs and brief public announcement signs.
7.Moving Signs:No sign shall be permitted any part of which moves
by any mechanical or electronic means.
8.Painted Wall Signs:Off-premise signs painted on building walls
for commercial purposes.
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9.Projecting Signs:Signs as defined in Section 305.2(3.b)I10.Pole Signs:Except as specifically permitted,no pole sign shall be
permitted within the City of Waukee.
11.Visibility at Intersections in Any Districts:On any comer lot in
any district,no sign shall be erected,placed,or allowed to be situated in
such a manner as materially to impede vision between a height of two and
one-half (2 1/2)and ten (10)feet above the centerline grades of the
intersecting streets in the area bounded by the street lines of such comer
lots and a line joining points along said street lines twenty-five (25)feet
from the point of intersection of right-of-way lines.
Section 305.6.General Sign Regulations.
1.Confonnance Required:Except as may be hereinafter specified,no
sign shall be erected,placed,maintained,converted,enlarged,
reconstructed or structurally altered which does not comply with all of the
regnlations established by this ordinance.
2.Maintenance:All signs shall be maintained in a good state of
repair,including,but not limited to,the structural components,the lighting
if any,the portion attaching the sign to the ground or structure,and the
surface features.j
3.Non-Confonning Signs:Where a sign exists at the effective date of
adoption or amendment of tills ordinance that could not be built under the
terms of this ordinance by reason of restrictions on area,use,height,
setback,or other characteristics of the sign or its location on the lot,such
sign may be continued so long as it remains otherwise lawful,subject to
the following provisions:
A.No such sign may be enlarged or altered in a way that
increases its non-conformity;however,reasonable repairs and
alterations may be permitted,
B.Should such sign be destroyed by any means to an extent of
fifty (50)percent or more of its replacement cost at time of
destruction,it shall not be reconstructed except in conformity with
the provisions of tills ordinance.
4.Permit Required:A sign permit,signed by the owner and tenant,
and approved by the administrative official,shall be required before the
erection,construction,alteration,placing,or locating of all signs
confomri.:ng with tills ordinance.I
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5.Pennit Not Required:A perrnit shall not be required for repainting
without changing permanent wording,composition,or colors;or for
non-structural repairs.
6.Plans:A copy of plans and specifications shall be submitted to the
administrative official for each sign regulated by this ordinance.Such
plans shall show sufficient details about size of the sign,location and
materials to be used and such other data as may be required for the
administrative official to determine compliance with this ordinance.
7.Appeal:Any person or persons aggrieved by the decision of the
administrative official to approve or disapprove a sign permit,as provided
by this ordinance,may appeal such decision to the Board of Adjustment as
provided by Section 301.29 of this ordinance.
Section 305.7.Repealer.All ordinances or parts of ordinances in
conflict with the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed.
Section 305.8.Severability Clause.If any section,provision or part of this
ordinance shall be adjudged invalid or unconstitutional,such adjudication shall not affect the
validity of the ordinance as a whole or any section,provision,or part thereof not adjudged
invalid or unconstitutional.
Passed by the City Council of the City of Waukee,Iowa,this 18th day of
August 2003 and approved this 18th day of A 2003.
ark J.Arentse,ity Administrator/Clerk
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