HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-06-30-167_Zoning Regulations, Signs1
CHAPTER 167
ZONING REGULATIONS
SIGNS
167.01 Statement of Intent 167.12 Association Identification Signs – Residential
167.02 Jurisdiction 167.13 Association Identification Signs – Commercial and
167.03 Definitions Industrial
167.04 Permit and General Regulations 167.14 Signs for Churches, Schools and Public Facilities
167.05 Signs Not Requiring Permit 167.15 Interstate Corridor Signs
167.06 Signs Prohibited in All Zoning Districts 167.16 Electric Changeable Copy
167.07 Fascia/Wall Signs 167.17 Temporary Signs
167.08 Multiple Tenant Fascia/Wall Signs 167.18 Window Signs
167.09 Monument Signs 167.19 Agricultural Identification Signs
167.10 Multiple Tenant Monument Signs 167.20 Table of Signs Permitted by Zoning District
167.11 Special Provisions for C-2 Downtown District
167.01 STATEMENT OF INTENT. The purpose of this chapter is to permit such signs
that will not, by reason of their size, location, construction, or manner of display, endanger life
and limb, confuse or mislead traffic, obstruct vision necessary for traffic safety, or otherwise
endanger the public morals, health and safety, and further, to regulate such permitted signs in
a way to promote development that is not detrimental to the property values and aesthetics of
the City. Signs allowed by this chapter may be erected and maintained only as on-premises
signs, except as permitted elsewhere in this chapter.
167.02 JURISDICTION. The lawful use of a sign existing at the time of the effective date
hereof may be continued even though such use may not conform to the regulations herein. For
those signs permitted before the adoption of these regulations, such signs shall be classified as
“permitted nonconforming structures.” No sign permit shall be issued for any lot, tenant, or
development after the effective date hereof and not in substantial conformity with the
provisions of this chapter. Nor shall any sign, except as hereinafter specified, be erected,
substantially improved, converted, enlarged, moved, or structurally altered without
conforming with the provisions of this chapter.
167.03 DEFINITIONS. For the purpose of this chapter, the following terms and words are
defined.
1.“Abandoned sign” means any sign face remaining in place for a period of 30
days or more and which no longer advertises an activity, business, product, or service
available on the premises on which the sign is located.
2.“Association identification (commercial or industrial development) sign”
means a sign identifying the name of a commercial or industrial development included
on a landscape feature, including planter beds, fountains, decorative walls or fences.
3.“Association identification (residential development) sign” means a sign
identifying the name of a residential complex, or neighborhood development included
on a landscape feature, including planter beds, fountains, decorative walls or fences.
4.“Bag sign” means a temporary cover made of a cloth or canvas material, used
to alter the message of an obsolete sign until such time as it is replaced with a new
sign.
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5.“Banner sign” means a temporary sign composed of lightweight material,
either enclosed in a rigid frame or not enclosed, secured or mounted to a structure or
post on two or more edges.
6.“Billboard signs” means 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.
7.“Building sign” means any sign attached to or erected against the wall or
painted on the surface of the wall of a building, with the exposed face of the sign in a
plane parallel with a plane of said wall. This definition includes fascia/wall signs.
8.“Directional sign” means a sign, other than a warning or regulatory sign,
which is located on private property for the purposes of controlling all modes of
traffic.
9.“Directory sign” means 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.
10.“Electric changeable copy sign” means a sign that is characterized by
changeable copy, letters, symbols or numerals to be modified from time to time by
electronic or mechanical devices, which sign is integrated as a part of a permitted
monument sign. Electric changeable copy signs may not be used to display
commercial messages related to products or services that are not offered on the
premises.
11.“Exterior sign” means 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
projecting out from a building or structure.
12.“Fascia/wall sign” means a single-faced building or wall sign that is directly
attached to and parallel to its supporting wall.
13.“Freestanding or post sign” means 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 or goods sold or produced on the premises by an occupant thereof.
14.“Home occupation sign” means one unlighted sign not over two square feet in
area attached flat against the dwelling and displaying only the occupant’s name and
occupation, and which advertises the presence or conduct of the home occupation.
15.“Institutional bulletin board sign” means 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.
16.“Interstate sign” means a sign on a property abutting an interstate right-of-
way, which sign is oriented to the interstate.
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17.“Marquee sign” means a sign attached to and contained within the perimeter
of the face or valance of a marquee.
18.“Monument sign” means a ground sign that is mounted in or on a monument
which does not have any exposed pole or pylon and which includes the name of the
development, business or businesses located on the premises.
19.“Multiple tenant monument sign” means a sign intended to provide
identification to a multiple tenant commercial development of more than 25,000
square feet of gross building area in which more than three tenants occupy individual
space within the building and which is under single ownership, management and
control.
20.“Multiple tenant building, horizontal” means a single story building designed
for the collocation of two or more tenants located side by side with each tenant
separated by demising walls.
21.“Multiple tenant building, vertical” means a multiple story building designed
for the collocation of two or more tenants located side by side and/or on separate
floors of the building.
22.“Off-site sign” means any sign advertising any interest of any person or firm,
products, accommodations, services or activities not provided on the premises in
which the sign is placed.
23.“Project identification sign” means a sign that refers to the construction, lease,
hire, or sale of a building, premises, or subdivision lots.
24.“Projecting sign” means a double-faced building or wall sign projecting at
right angles to its supporting wall.
25.“Roof sign” means a sign attached upon or above a roof or parapet of a
building.
26.“Sign” means any device designed to inform or attract the attention of persons
not on the premises on which the sign is located; provided, however, the following are
not included in the application of the regulations herein:
A.Signs not exceeding one 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 government except when displayed in connection with
commercial promotion;
C.Legal notices; identification, informational or directional signs erected, approved or
required by governmental bodies;
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 square feet in area.
27.“Sign area” means the surface area of a sign and shall be computed as
including the entire area within a regular 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
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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.
28.“Special event sign” means a sign advertising a special event that is sponsored
by the City.
29.“Temporary sign” means any sign not permanently attached to the ground,
wall or building, and intended to be displayed for a short and limited period of time.
167.04 PERMIT AND GENERAL REGULATIONS.
1.Permit Required. Except as provided in Section 167.05 of this chapter, 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 conforming with this chapter.
2.Plans. A copy of plans and specifications shall be submitted to the
administrative official for each sign regulated by this chapter. 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 chapter.
3.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.
4.Nonconforming Signs. Where a sign exists at the effective date hereof or
amendment of this chapter that could not be built under the terms of this chapter 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
nonconformity; however, reasonable repairs and alterations may be permitted.
B.Should such sign be destroyed by any means to an extent of 50
percent or more of its replacement cost at time of destruction, it shall not be
reconstructed except in conformity with the provisions of this chapter.
5.Electric Signs. All electric signs shall be manufactured to meet UL
specifications and be approved by the administrative official in accordance with the
City Electrical Code.
A.Electric signs shall be watertight, with service holes to provide access
to each compartment with fitted waterproof covers.
B.Any electrical equipment or apparatus of a sign which causes
interference with radio or television reception shall not be allowed.
6.Wind Pressure and Dead Load Requirements. All signs and sign structures
shall be designed and constructed to withstand a wind pressure as regulated by the
Building Code of the City, and shall be constructed to receive dead loads as required
in the Building Code and/or other ordinances of the City. Temporary signs shall be
required to be securely anchored to prevent any and all motion.
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7.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 lenses concentrating the illumination upon the area of the
sign as to prevent glare upon the street of 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.
8.Emissions Prohibited. No sign shall emit audible sound, noticeable odor,
smoke or other visible matter.
9.Visibility at Intersections in Any District. On any corner 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 2½ and 10 feet above the centerline grades of the
intersecting streets in the area bounded by the street lines of such corner lots and a line
joining points along said street lines 25 feet from the point of intersection of right-of-
way lines.
10.Obscene Matter Prohibited. No obscene, indecent, or immoral matter shall be
displayed on any sign.
11.Traffic Hazards. It is illegal for any sign to interfere with, obstruct the view
of, or be of such design which may be confused with any authorized traffic sign,
signal, or device. No sign shall imitate an official traffic sign or include the words
“stop,” “look,” “caution,” or any other word, phrase, symbol, or character in such a
manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse motorists.
12.Appeal. Any person or persons aggrieved by the decision of the
administrative official to approve or disapprove a sign permit, as provided by this
chapter, may appeal such decision to the Board of Adjustment.
167.05 SIGNS NOT REQUIRING PERMIT. Signs hereinafter designated are permitted
in all zoning districts.
1.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 square feet, shall be permitted on each premises. Such signs shall not
extend higher than four feet above grade level or be closer than 10 feet to any property
line unless located on the wall of a building. Such signs shall be removed within
seven days after the disposition of the premises.
2.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. 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 50 square feet, shall be permitted per street frontage.
Such sign shall not extend higher than 10 feet above grade level or be closer than 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.
3.Political Campaign Signs. 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.
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4.Street Banners. Banners advertising a public event, provided that specific
approval is granted under regulations established by the Council.
5.Seasonal Decorations. Signs pertaining to recognized national holidays and
national observances.
6.Directional Signs. Signs used on site in conjunction with any multiple-family
residential development, mobile home residential district, commercial, office or
industrial development to direct on-site vehicles to specific buildings, building
entrances and exits, drive-throughs, or drop boxes.
A.Ground Directional Signs. Such signs shall be permitted, provided
the following conditions are met:
(1) Signs shall not exceed six square feet in area and shall not be
higher than four feet above grade.
(2) Signs are utilized only when necessary for traffic directional
or other informational purposes.
(3) Signs do not display logos or other commercial messages.
B.Building Directional Signs. Such signs shall be permitted, provided
the following conditions are met:
(1) Signs shall not exceed eight square feet in area.
(2) Signs must be affixed to principal building or accessory
structure canopy.
(3) Signs do not display logos or other commercial messages.
7.Personal Announcement and Celebration. Signs announcing births,
anniversaries, weddings, and similar celebrations.
8.Special Events. Signs advertising or announcing a special event, provided:
A.Such signs shall be limited to one sign per event and shall only be
permitted to be located within Centennial Park at the corner of University
Avenue and Ashworth Drive and at Triangle Park at the corner of 6th Street
and Ashworth Drive.
B.Such signs may be erected 14 days prior to the special event and shall
be removed within two days following the special event.
C.Such signs shall be set back a minimum of five feet from all right-of-
way lines.
9.Home Occupation Signs. Home occupation signs, provided such signs are not
larger than two square feet in sign area.
10.Garage Sale Signs. Garage sale signs, limited to six square feet in area. Such
signs shall be removed within 24 hours of the event they advertise. No sign shall be
placed on public property.
11.Public Signs. Signs of a noncommercial 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
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hospitals, libraries, schools and other institutions or places of public interest or
concern.
12.Temporary Directional Signs Placed By City. Signs erected by the City, of a
size not greater than four feet by four feet, informing the public of means of access to
areas within the City to which normal access has been denied due to highway
construction.
13.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.
14.Institutional Bulletin Boards. Institutional bulletin boards.
167.06 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. Signs that contain or consist of banners, balloons,
posters, pennants, ribbons, streamers, spinners, or other similarly moving devices,
except as specifically provided elsewhere in this chapter.
3.Portable Signs. Commercial signs that are not permanently anchored or
secured to either a building or the ground.
4.Off-Premises Signs on Public Property. Off-premises signs located on public
property that is being used for public purposes except as specifically provided
elsewhere in this chapter.
5.Off-Premises Signs. Signs advertising a use not conducted upon the lot where
the sign is located.
6.Flashing, Blinking or Rotating Signs. Flashing, blinking, or rotation lights -
for either permanent or temporary signs - except time and temperature signs, brief
public announcement signs, and as specifically provided elsewhere in this chapter.
7.Moving Signs. Any sign that part of which moves by any mechanical or
electronic means except as specifically provided elsewhere in this chapter.
8.Painted Wall Signs. Off-premises signs painted on building walls for
commercial purposes.
9.Projecting Signs. Projecting signs, as defined in Section 167.03 of this
chapter, except as specifically provided elsewhere in this chapter.
10.Pole Signs. Pole signs, except as specifically permitted within the City.
11.Vehicle Signs. Any vehicle sign, not normally used in the day-to-day
operations of a business, parked in such a way to draw attention of people from a
public place or street.
167.07 FASCIA/WALL SIGNS.
1.Sign Area Allowed. The following sign areas shall be allowed.
A.Public street facing tenant:
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i.One and a half square feet of sign area may be erected for every
linear foot of tenant frontage to a maximum of one hundred (100)
square feet.
ii.In the case that the tenant sign has a setback of greater than two
hundred fifty feet (250’) from the nearest public street right-of-
way, two (2) square feet of sign area may be erected per linear
foot of tenant frontage to a maximum sign area of two hundred
(200) square feet.
iii.In the case that a tenant has frontage along more than one public
street, the total sign area shall be calculated off of no more than
two (2) public street frontages, up to a maximum of four hundred
(400) square feet.
iv.Buildings greater than 50,000 square feet are not subject to the
square footage maximums listed above.
B.Nonpublic street facing tenant:
i.One and a half square feet of sign area may be erected for every
linear foot of tenant frontage to a maximum of one hundred (100)
square feet.
ii.In the case that the tenant sign has a setback of greater than two
hundred fifty feet (250’) from the nearest public street right-of-
way, two (2) square feet of sign area may be erected per linear
foot of tenant frontage to a maximum sign area of two hundred
(200) square feet.
iii.In the case that a tenant has frontage along both a non-public
street and a public street, the sign area shall be calculated off of
the public street facing frontage.
iv.In the case that a tenant is not oriented towards a street frontage
and desires to place a sign on the elevation that faces a street
frontage, the maximum allowable sign area allowed to be
displayed by all tenants on the public street facing frontage shall
be one and a half square feet of sign area per linear foot of
building frontage.
v.Buildings greater than 50,000 square feet are not subject to the
square footage maximums listed above.
2.Number of Signs Allowed. A maximum of three (3) signs will be allowed
per business with a maximum of one 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, or
logo dimension greater than six feet 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 in height.
4.Projecting Out From Building. No sign shall project out from the building
more than 18 inches.
5.Projecting Above Roofline. No sign shall project above the roofline or
parapet where one exists.
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6.Convenience Stores. In addition to the regulations stated above, one sign on a
canopy in a convenience store or gasoline pump use may be permitted. Said sign shall
be one square foot per linear foot of frontage of the canopy to a maximum sign area of
50 square feet. Said sign shall be confined to the actual dimensions of the canopy.
167.08 MULTIPLE TENANT FASCIA/WALL SIGNS.
1.Sign Area Allowed – Horizontal Multiple Tenant Buildings. The following
sign areas shall be allowed.
A.Public street facing tenant(s):
i.One and a half square feet of sign area may be erected for every
linear foot of tenant frontage to a maximum of one hundred (100)
square feet.
ii.In the case that the tenant(s) sign has a setback of greater than
two hundred fifty feet (250’) from the nearest public street right-
of-way, two (2) square feet of sign area may be erected per linear
foot of tenant frontage to a maximum sign area of two hundred
(200) square feet.
iii.In the case that a tenant has frontage along more than one public
street, the total sign area shall be calculated off of no more than
two (2) public street frontages, up to a maximum of four hundred
(400) square feet.
iv.Tenants frontage shall be measure from demising wall to
demising wall (See Figure 167A).
v.Buildings greater than 50,000 square feet are not subject to the
square footage maximums listed above.
B.Nonpublic street facing tenant(s):
i.One and a half square feet of sign area may be erected for every
linear foot of tenant frontage to a maximum of one hundred (100)
square feet.
ii.In the case that the tenant(s) sign has a setback of greater than
two hundred fifty feet (250’) from the nearest public street right-
of-way, two (2) square feet of sign area may be erected per linear
foot of tenant frontage to a maximum sign area of two hundred
(200) square feet.
iii.In the case that a tenant has frontage along both a non-public
street and a public street, the sign area shall be calculated off of
the public street facing frontage.
iv.In the case that a tenant is not oriented towards a street frontage
and desires to place a sign on the elevation that faces a street
frontage, the maximum allowable sign area allowed to be
displayed by all tenants on the public street facing frontage shall
be one and a half square feet of sign area per linear foot of
building frontage.
v.Tenant frontage shall be measured from demising wall to
demising wall (See Figure 167A).
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vi.Buildings greater than 50,000 square feet are not subject to the
square footage maximums listed above.
Figure 167A
Horizontal Multiple Tenant Building Oriented Toward Street Frontage
2. Sign Area Allowed – Vertical Multiple Tenant Buildings. In the case of a vertical
multiple tenant building, the maximum square footage for each building or tenant signs shall
be one square foot of sign area for every linear foot of building or tenant frontage. In the event
that a tenant occupies more than one story, they shall not be permitted to count the frontage on
both stories (See Figure 167B).
Figure 167B
Vertical Multiple Tenant Building Signage
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3. Number of Signs Allowed. A maximum of two signs will be allowed per business with a
maximum of one sign per wall. Corner tenants that front a public street or a nonpublic street
will be allowed a maximum of three (3) signs. Sign size will be limited by the regulations
stated above.
4. Letters, Symbols and Logos. Under no circumstances will a letter, symbol, or logo
dimension greater than six feet 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
in height.
5. Design. All signage on a multi-tenant building shall complement the character and
architecture of the building and be consistent in design and construction.
167.09 MONUMENT SIGNS.
1.Number of Signs. One freestanding monument identification sign shall be permitted
for each lot, or one sign for each 300 feet of street frontage, whichever is greater, subject to
provisions hereinafter specifically set out. A minimum distance of 200 feet shall separate each
permitted monument sign. Businesses that have frontage on more than one street will be
permitted the use of a second sign. In no case shall more than two monument signs be
permitted for each lot.
2.Setback Requirement. The minimum setback required for monument signs shall be 15
feet. All signs shall have a side setback not less than the height of the sign.
3.Sign Area. The total area of a sign shall be the actual square footage of one sign face.
Double faced signs may be permitted with the maximum square footage permitted on each
side. The maximum sign area of a monument sign shall not exceed 60 square feet. The copy
area shall be limited to a single geometric shape unless it emulates the building form or
feature.
4.Sign Size. The maximum height shall be 15 feet and the maximum width of the sign
shall be 12 feet.
5.Sign Bases. All sign bases shall be designed and constructed of materials that are
similar to those used on the principal building. Sign bases shall be dominated with materials
of permanency and strength, such as brick, stone, block, or other masonry or concrete
materials and shall be consistent with the materials used in the construction of the building.
Metal skirting around a supporting pole shall not be considered an acceptable sign base
material.
6.Monolithic or Columnar Line. Monument signs shall have a monolithic or columnar
line that maintains essentially the same profile from grade to top. The width of the sign base
shall be a minimum of 80 percent of the entire width of the sign.
7.Vertical Distance. The vertical distance between the sign face and the base shall not
be greater than six inches.
8.Prohibited Signs. Signs that are composed of wood material or signs with metal as the
primary material and any sign surface with letters painted upon a panel or wall area are
prohibited.
167.10 MULTIPLE TENANT MONUMENT SIGNS. Monument signage in planned
commercial development with at least three tenants, and over 25,000 square feet of gross
building square footage, is intended to provide primary development identification within a
planned commercial unit. Additionally, such signage may provide advertisement to tenants of
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the development. In lieu of any other permitted monument sign, a multiple tenant sign shall
be allowed on lots or tracts under single ownership, management or control, provided the
following conditions are met:
1.Number of Signs. One freestanding multiple tenant monument identification sign
shall be permitted for each lot, or one sign for each 300 feet of street frontage, whichever is
greater, subject to provisions hereinafter specifically set out. A minimum distance of 200 feet
shall separate each permitted multiple tenant monument sign. Developments that have
frontage on more than one street will be permitted the use of a second sign. In no case shall
more than two multiple tenant monument signs be permitted for each lot.
2.Setback Requirement. The minimum setback required for monument signs shall be 15
feet. All signs shall have a side setback not less than the height of the sign.
3.Sign Area. The total area of a sign shall be the actual square footage of one sign face.
Double faced signs may be permitted with the maximum square footage permitted on each
side. The maximum sign area of a multiple tenant monument sign shall not exceed 100 square
feet. The copy area shall be limited to a single geometric shape unless it emulates the building
form or feature.
4.Sign Size. The maximum height shall be 15 feet and the maximum width of the sign
shall be 12 feet.
5.Sign Bases. All sign bases shall be designed and constructed of materials that are
similar to those used on the principal building. Sign bases shall be dominated with materials
of permanency and strength, such as brick, stone, block, or other masonry or concrete
materials and shall be consistent with the materials used in the construction of the building.
Metal skirting around a supporting pole shall not be considered an acceptable sign base
material.
6.Monolithic or Columnar Line. Monument signs shall have a monolithic or columnar
line that maintains essentially the same profile from grade to top. The width of the sign base
shall be a minimum of 80 percent of the entire width of the sign.
7.Vertical Distance. The vertical distance between the sign face and the base shall not
be greater than six inches.
8.Prohibited Signs. Signs that are composed of wood material or signs with metal as the
primary material and any sign surface with letters painted upon a panel or wall area are
prohibited.
167.11 SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR C-2 DOWNTOWN DISTRICT.
1. Sign Area Allowed – Fascia Wall Signs. The following sign areas shall be
allowed.
A. Public street facing tenant:
i. One and a half square feet of sign area may be erected for
every linear foot of tenant frontage to a maximum of one hundred
(100) square feet.
ii.In the case that the tenant sign has a setback of greater than
two hundred fifty feet (250’) from the nearest public street
right-of-way, two (2) square feet of sign area may be erected
per linear foot of tenant frontage to a maximum sign area of
two hundred (200) square feet.
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iii.In the case that a tenant has frontage along more than one
public street, the total sign area shall be calculated off of no
more than two (2) public street frontages, up to a maximum
of four hundred (400) square feet.
B. Nonpublic Street facing tenant:
i.One and a half square feet of sign area may be erected for every
linear foot of tenant frontage to a maximum of one hundred (100)
square feet.
ii.In the case that the tenant sign has a setback of greater than two
hundred fifty feet (250’) from the nearest public street right-of-
way, two (2) square feet of sign area may be erected per linear
foot of tenant frontage to a maximum sign area of two hundred
(200) square feet.
iii.In the case that a tenant has frontage along both a non-public
street and a public street, the sign area shall be calculated off of
the public street facing frontage.
iv.In the case that a tenant is not oriented towards a street frontage
and desires to place a sign on the elevation that faces a street
frontage, the maximum allowable sign area allowed to be
displayed by all tenants on the public street facing frontage shall
be one and a half square feet of sign area per linear foot of
building frontage.
A.
B.Number of Signs Allowed. A maximum of two signs will be allowed per business
with a maximum of one sign per wall. Sign size will be limited by the regulations stated
above.
C.Letters, Symbols and Logos. Under no circumstances will a letter, symbol, or logo
dimension greater than four feet be allowed.
D.No sign shall project out from the building more than 12 inches.
E.No sign shall project above the roofline or parapet where one exists.
F.If a building houses more than one business, then more than one sign may be erected,
provided the total size of all signs are still within the requirements as set forth in this section.
1.Projecting Signs.
A.One projecting sign shall be allowed per establishment.
B.Projecting signs must not exceed nine square feet. The maximum projection beyond
the face of the building will be four feet.
C.The maximum height to the top of the sign, as measured from the sidewalk elevation
at the building line on the facade to which the sign is attached, shall not exceed 12 feet. The
lower edge of such a sign must be at least seven feet, six inches above the sidewalk directly
beneath the sign.
D.Two-dimensional signs shall have both faces parallel, vertical, and at right angles to
the building line.
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2.Monument Signs.
A.One freestanding monument identification sign shall be permitted for each lot, or one
sign for each 150 feet of street, whichever is greater, subject to provisions 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 of the total dimension of the
principal monument sign.
B.The sign may be two sided. The monument shall not have a total surface in excess of
30 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 six feet, and the maximum width shall be
six feet.
3.Canopies, Marquees, Awnings. Canopies, marquees, and awnings may contain
signage, provided the following requirements are met:
A.If signage is parallel to the building facade, its area shall be deducted from the
maximum allowable area of fascia/wall signs.
B.If at right angles, it shall substitute for all other projecting signs.
4.Sign Materials. Sign materials will not be limited; however, signage should be
professional in appearance and should fit in with the buildings and surroundings in the area.
5.Exemptions. The following signs shall be exempt from the limitations of this section.
These signs may be repaired or replaced so long as the repaired or replaced sign is identical to
the sign in place at the effective date hereof. Where such repair or replacement would change
the appearance of the sign, the provisions of this section must be met.
A.529 Ashworth – Farmer’s Co-Op Pole Sign.
B.405 6th Street – Pin Oak Gallery Mural.
6.Appeal. Any differentiation from the items set forth in this section may be brought
before the Board of Adjustment appeals process as defined in Chapter 166 of these zoning
regulations.
167.12 ASSOCIATION IDENTIFICATION SIGNS – RESIDENTIAL. Association
identification signs shall be permitted for the purpose of establishing a common neighborhood
or complex identification when there exists an owners’ association that provides for the
maintenance of the sign and structures. Such association shall not be disbanded or terminated
without the City’s consent. Such signs shall be extensively landscaped with trees, plantings,
and natural features. Such signs may incorporate fountains, fences, or similar features.
Association identification sign area shall not exceed 40 square feet. The minimum setback
required of association identification signs shall be height of the sign. The maximum height
of the sign shall be eight feet. Association identification signs shall be dominated with
materials of permanency and strength, such as brick or stone.
167.13 ASSOCIATION IDENTIFICATION SIGNS – COMMERCIAL AND
INDUSTRIAL. A commercial or industrial development may erect one association
identification sign with the name of the building, complex, or center, provided there exists an
owners’ association that provides for the maintenance of the sign and structures. Such
association shall not be disbanded or terminated without the City’s consent. Such signs shall
be extensively landscaped with trees, plantings, and natural features. Such signs may
incorporate fountains, fences, or similar features. Association identification sign area shall not
exceed 60 square feet. The minimum setback required of association identification signs shall
15
be the height of the sign. The maximum height of the sign shall be 10 feet. Association
identification signs shall be dominated with materials of permanency and strength, such as
brick or stone.
167.14 SIGNS FOR CHURCHES, SCHOOLS AND PUBLIC FACILITIES. Signs for
churches, schools, and other public uses shall be regulated in accordance with Sections 167.07
and 167.09 of this chapter.
167.15 INTERSTATE CORRIDOR SIGNS. In addition to monument signs as permitted
under this chapter, one interstate monument sign shall be allowed on lots or tracts under single
ownership, management, or control which have frontage abutting the interstate right-of-way,
provided the following conditions are met:
1.Interstate/Freeway Signs. Interstate sign identifies the name of an office park,
commercial park, industrial park, or single tenant user. Interstate/freeway signs must have a
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 inches away from the base.
2.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 120 square feet.
3.Maximum Height. The maximum height of an interstate/freeway sign shall not
exceed 30 feet above interstate/road grade with the minimum height set at 15 feet. Refer to
monument sign regulations if the sign height falls under the minimum height stated in this
section. The minimum brick or stone allotment for the base of the sign shall equal or exceed
40 percent of the width of the sign with the minimum base width of three feet.
4.Sign Setback. Minimum interstate sign setback shall be 15 feet from interstate right-
of-way.
5.Prohibited Signs. 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 are
prohibited.
6.Distance From Other Signs. An interstate monument sign must be at least 100 feet
from any other such interstate monument sign, or other monument sign.
7.Permits. All applicable permits and regulatory approvals as required by law shall be
obtained from the State and federal government prior to the issuance of a permit from the City.
167.16 ELECTRIC CHANGEABLE COPY. Electric changeable copy shall be allowed
on monument signs within certain commercial districts. A maximum of 30 square feet or 50
percent of the maximum sign area, whichever is less, may be dedicated to electric changeable
copy, provided the following conditions are met:
1.Electric changeable copy may change no more than one time in a five-minute interval
and shall not include any flashing, flowing, alternating or blinking lights. Time and
temperature may be included as a component of electric changeable copy or permitted in lieu
of electric changeable copy and shall not be restricted by the requirements of the five-minute
interval as specified above.
2.Electric changeable copy shall be integral to and a part of an approved monument
sign.
3.Sign content should be limited to on premises advertising or public announcements.
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167.17 TEMPORARY SIGNS The purpose of this section is to allow temporary signage
for specified land uses and events of a limited duration.
1.Identification Signs. Project identification signs, provided such signs do not exceed
50 square 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.
A.Such signs shall be limited to two signs for each plat listed in any residential district.
Such signs shall be limited to one sign for each lot listed in any commercial or industrial
district.
B.The minimum setback required of such sign shall be five feet from the property line.
C.Such sign shall be removed as soon as the premises are sold or leased or construction
has been completed.
2.Business Advertising, Opening and Closing. Banners, not exceeding 32 square feet,
A-frame signs, balloons, posters and signs advertising an opening or closing of business
subject to approval by the administrative official.
A.Such signs may only remain in place for four weeks and no more than one time per
year per opening or closing.
B.The minimum setback required is five feet from the property line.
3.Business and Public Advertising Special Events. Banners, not exceeding 32 square
feet, A-frame signs, balloons, posters and signs advertising a special event subject to approval
by the administrative official.
A.Such signs may only remain in place for two weeks and no more than four times per
year. Such signs events shall be permitted to be consecutive.
B.The minimum setback required is five feet from the property line.
4.Bag Signs. Such signs shall be permitted for businesses wishing to cover existing
signage until the replacement sign is manufactured. Bag signs shall be made of a canvas or
cloth material and may be displayed for a period no longer than 45 days.
167.18 WINDOW SIGNS. All window signs, whether temporary or permanent, shall be
restricted to no more than 50 percent of the size of the applicable window area and shall be
located on the interior side of the window. Typical window signs include, but are not limited
to: painted signage, vinyl signage, neon beverage signs, sale and product ads, etc.
167.19 AGRICULTURAL IDENTIFICATION SIGNS. Signs, not exceeding 10 square
feet in area, identifying the premises or indicating the product grown or material and
equipment used on the premises.
167.20 TABLE OF SIGNS PERMITTED BY ZONING DISTRICT. The following
Table 167A contains a summary of signs allowed, by zoning district.
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TABLE 167A – SIGNS PERMITTED BY ZONING DISTRICT
Sign Type Number
Allowed
Sign Area Minimum
Setback
Maximum
Height
Design Standards Permitted Districts
Fascia/Wall
3 per business,
2 per business
for internal
tenants; 1 per
wall
1.5 square foot
per linear foot of
frontage 0 to 250 feet
n/a See Section 167.07
of this chapter.
A-1 (schools,
churches, public
facilities); C-1, C-
1A, C-1B, C-2
(subject to Sec.
167.11 of this
chapter); C-4, M-1,
M-1A and M-2
2 square feet per
linear foot of
frontage
251 to 500
feet
Monument
1 per lot or 1
sign per 300
feet of
frontage; 2 per
lot for lots with
2 street
frontages
60 square feet on
each of 2 sides;
sides must be
parallel
15 feet from
all property
lines
15 feet
To be constructed of
the same materials
present on the
principal building
and subject to
167.09 of this
chapter
A-1 (schools,
churches, public
facilities);C-1, C-1A,
C-1B, C-2 (subject to
Sec. 167.11 of this
chapter); C-4, M-1,
M-1A and M-2
Multi-Tenant
Monument
1 per lot or 1
sign per 300
feet of
frontage; 2 per
lot for lots with
2 street
frontages
100 square feet
on each of 2
sides; sides must
be parallel
15 feet from
all property
lines
15 feet
To be constructed of
the same materials
present on the
principal building
and subject to
167.10 of this
chapter
C-1, C-1A, C-1B,
C-4, M-1,
M-1A and M-2;
building must be
minimum 25,000
square feet and
include 3 tenants
Association
Identification
Signs
1 per
development
entrance
40 square feet on
each of 2 sides;
sides must be
parallel
Height of the
sign
8 feet
To be constructed of
brick, stone, or
similar material
approved as a part of
the plans for a
development and
subject to Sec. 167.12
of this chapter
All residential
districts
1 per
development
60 square feet on
each of 2 sides;
sides must be
parallel
10 feet
To be constructed of
brick, stone, or
similar material
approved as a part of
the plans for a
development and
subject to Sec. 167.13
of this chapter
All commercial and
industrial districts
Interstate
Corridor
Signs
1 per lot
120 square feet
on each of 2
sides; sides must
be parallel
15 feet from
interstate
right-of-way
30 feet
To be constructed of
brick, stone or
similar materials
Commercial districts
only
Electric
Changeable
Copy
1 per lot
integrated into
a monument
sign
30 square feet on
each of 2 sides or
50 percent of the
maximum sign
area; sides must
be parallel
15 feet from
all property
lines
n/a
Electronic change of
copy subject to
167.16 of this
chapter
C-1 and C-1B
Temporary
Signs -
Opening and
Closing
1 per business 32 square feet
5 feet from
all property
lines or
affixed to the
building
n/a
Sign allowed for 4
consecutive weeks
per year
All commercial and
industrial districts
Temporary
Signs –
Special
Events
1 per business 32 square feet
5 feet from
all property
lines or
affixed to the
building
n/a
Sign allowed for 2
consecutive weeks,
4 times per year
All commercial and
industrial districts
Window Undefined
Not more than 50
percent of the
total window area
n/a n/a
Sign must be on the
inside of the
window area
Commercial districts
only
(repeal Chapter 305, replace in entirety) July 15, 2019 – Ordinance 2932