HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-07-14-305 Sign Ordinance 03-08-20101
SIGN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WAUKEE
§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”.
§305.2 STATEMENT OF INTENT. The purpose of this ordinance 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 ordinance may be
erected and maintained only as on premises signs except as permitted elsewhere in this
chapter.
§305.3 JURISDICTION. The lawful use of a sign existing at the time of the
enactment of this ordinance may be continued although 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 title. 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 ordinance.
§305.4 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
well as an individual.
A. Multiple Tenant Building, Horizontal: A single story building designed for the
collection of two (2) or more tenants located side by side with each tenant separated by
demising walls.
B. Multiple Tenant Building, Vertical: A multiple story building designed for the
collocation of two (2) or more tenants located side by side and/or on separate floors of the
building.
C. 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:
1. 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;
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2. Flags and insignia of any government except when displayed in connection
with commercial promotion;
3. Legal notices; identification, informational or directional signs erected,
approved or required by governmental bodies;
4. Integral, decorative or architectural features of buildings, except letters,
trademarks, moving parts or moving lights;
5. Signs directing and guiding traffic and parking on private property, and
bearing no advertising matter; not exceeding four (4) square feet in area.
D. Sign Area: The surface area of a sign 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 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.
E. Sign, Abandoned: Any sign face remaining in place for a period of thirty (30) days or
more which no longer advertises an activity, business, product, or service available on the
premises on which the sign is located.
F. Sign, Association Identification Residential Development: 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.
G. Sign, Association Identification Commercial or Industrial Development: A sign
identifying the name of a commercial or industrial development included on a landscape
feature including planter beds, fountains, decorative walls or fences.
H. Sign, Bag: 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.
I. Sign, Banner: 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 (2) or more
edges.
J. 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.
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K. Sign, Building: 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.
L. Sign, Directory: 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.
M. Sign, Directional: A sign, other than warning and regulatory signs, which is located
on private property for the purposes of controlling all modes of traffic. .
N. Sign, Electric Changeable Copy: 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 premise.
O. 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 projecting out from a
building or structure.
P. Sign, Fascia/Wall: A single-faced building or wall sign that is directly attached to and
parallel to its supporting wall.
Q. 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 or goods sold or
produced on the premises by an occupant thereof.
R. 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 of the home occupation.
S. 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.
T. Sign, Interstate: A sign on a property abutting an interstate right of way that is
oriented to the interstate.
U. Sign, Marquee: A sign attached to and contained within the perimeter of the face or
valance of a marquee.
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V. Sign, Monument: A ground sign which is mounted in or on a monument that does not
have any exposed pole or pylon which includes the name of the development, business or
businesses located on the premises.
W. Sign, Multiple Tenant Monument: A sign intended to provide identification to a
multiple tenant commercial development of more than twenty five thousand (25,000)
square feet of gross building area in which more than three (3) tenants occupy individual
space within the building and which is under single ownership, management and control..
X. Sign, Off Site: 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.
Y. Sign, Project Identification: A sign which refers to the construction, lease, hire, or
sale of a building, premises, or subdivision lots.
Z. Sign, Projecting: A double-faced building or wall sign projecting at right angles to its
supporting wall.
AA. Sign, Special Event: A sign advertising a special event that is sponsored by the city.
BB. Sign, Roof: A sign attached upon or above a roof or parapet of a building.
CC. 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.
§305.5 GENERAL REGULATIONS
A.Permit Required. Except as provided in 305-6, 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
ordinance.
B.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.
C.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.
D.Non-Conforming Signs. Where a sign exists at the effective date of adoption or
amendment of this ordinance that could not be built under the terms of this ordinance by
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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:
1.No such sign may be enlarged or altered in a way that increases its non-
conformity; however, reasonable repairs and alterations may be permitted.
2.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 this ordinance.
E.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.
1.Electric signs shall be watertight, with service holes to provide access to each
compartment with fitted waterproof covers.
2.Any electrical equipment or apparatus of a sign, which causes interference
with radio or television reception, shall not be allowed.
F. 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.
G. 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.
H.Emissions Prohibited. No sign shall emit audible sound, noticeable odor, smoke or
other visible matter.
I. 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 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
corner lots and a line joining points along said street lines twenty-five (25) feet from the
point of intersection of right-of-way lines.
J. Obscene Matter Prohibited. No obscene, indecent or immoral matter shall be
displayed on any sign.
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K. Traffic Hazards. It shall be 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.
L.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.
§305.6 SIGNS NOT REQUIRING A PERMIT. Signs hereinafter designated
shall be permitted in all zoning districts.
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 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. 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. 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 provided that specific approval
is granted under regulations established by the City Council.
E.Seasonal Decorations. Signs pertaining to recognized national holidays and
national observances.
F.Directional Signs. Such signs shall be permitted 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 through(s) or drop box(es).
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1.Ground Directional Signs. Such signs shall be permitted provided the
following conditions are met:
i.Signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet in area and shall not be higher
than four (4) feet above grade.
ii.Are utilized only when necessary for traffic directional or other
informational purposes.
iii.Do not display logos or other commercial messages.
2.Building Directional Signs. Such signs shall be permitted provided the
following conditions are met:
i.Signs shall not exceed eight (8) square feet in area.
ii.Must be affixed to principal building or accessory structure canopy.
iii.Do not display logos or other commercial messages.
G.Personal Announcement and Celebration. Signs announcing births,
anniversaries, weddings and similar celebrations.
H.Special Events. Signs advertising or announcing a special event.
1. 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.
2. Such signs may be erected fourteen (14) days prior to the special event and
shall be removed within two (2) days following the special event.
3.Such signs shall be setback a minimum of five (5) feet from all right of way
lines.
I. Home Occupation Signs. Home occupation signs shall be permitted provided such
signs shall not be larger than two (2) square feet in sign area.
J. Garage Sale Signs. Garage sale signs shall be limited to six (6) square feet in area.
Such signs shall be removed within twenty four (24) hours of the event they advertise.
No sign shall be placed on public property.
K. 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
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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.
L. 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.
M. 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.
N. Institutional Bulletin Boards.
§305.7 SIGNS PROHIBITED IN ALL ZONING DISTRICTS.
A. Obsolete Signs. Signs that advertise an activity, business, product or service no
longer conducted on the premises on which the sign is located.
B. 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 elsewhere in this ordinance.
C. Portable Signs. Commercial signs that are not permanently anchored or secured to
either a building or the ground.
D. Off-Premise Signs on Public Property. Off-premise signs located on public
property that is being used for public purposes except as specifically provided elsewhere
in this ordinance.
E. Off-Premise Signs. Signs advertising a use not conducted upon the lot where the
sign is located.
F. Flashing, Blinking or Rotating Signs. No flashing, blinking, or rotation lights
shall be permitted for either permanent or temporary signs, except time and temperature
signs, brief public announcement signs and as specifically provided elsewhere in this
ordinance.
G. Moving Signs. No sign shall be permitted any part of which moves by any
mechanical or electronic means except as specifically provided elsewhere in this
ordinance.
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H. Painted Wall Signs. Off-premise signs painted on building walls for commercial
purposes.
I. Projecting Signs. Signs as defined in Section 305-4(X) except as specifically
provided elsewhere in this ordinance.
J. Pole Signs. Except as specifically permitted, no pole sign shall be permitted within
the City of Waukee.
K. 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.
§305.8 SIGNS PERMITTED BY ZONING 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 one/half 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 (1/2)
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 or
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.No sign shall project out from the building more than eighteen (18) inches.
5.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 fifty (50) square feet. Said sign shall be confined to the
actual dimensions of the canopy.
B.Multiple Tenant Fascia/Wall Signs.
1.Sign Area Allowed, Horizontal Multiple Tenant Buildings. For horizontal
multiple tenant buildings, that have a setback of two hundred and fifty feet (250')
or less from the lot line, one square foot of sign area may be erected for every
linear foot of tenant frontage measured from demising wall to demising wall (see
figure 305-8-1). For a setback of two hundred and fifty one feet (251') to five
hundred feet (500'), one and one/half square feet (1 1/2 sq ft) of sign area may be
erected per lineal foot of tenant frontage measured from demising wall to
demising wall. 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 tenant frontage
measured from demising wall to demising wall. Setbacks shall be measured from
the front of said building which faces a public street. In the case that a tenant is
not oriented towards a building frontage and desires to place a sign on the
elevation that faces a building frontage, the maximum allowable signage shall be
one square foot of sign area per linear foot of building frontage for all with a
maximum of three (3) total tenant signs on the building frontage (see figure 305-
8-2).
Figure 305.8-1: Horizontal Multiple Tenant Building Oriented Towards Street Frontage
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Figure 305.8-2: Horizontal Multiple Tenant Building not oriented towards street frontage. Tenants A, B and
C would be permitted to place a sign along the public street frontage provided the total overall signage for
the three together was not greater than 80 sq. ft.
2.Sign Area Allowed, Vertical Multiple Tenant Buildings. For vertical
multiple tenant buildings, that have a setback of two hundred and fifty feet (250')
or less from the lot line, the maximum square footage for all tenant signs shall be
one square foot of sign area for every linear foot of building frontage (See figure
305-8-3). For a setback of two hundred and fifty one feet (251') to five hundred
feet (500'), one and one/half square feet (1 1/2 sq ft) of sign area may be erected
per lineal foot of building frontage. 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 frontage (see figure 305-3-3). Setbacks shall be measured from the front
of said building which faces a public street.
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Figure 305.8-3: Vertical Multiple Tenant
Building Signage
3.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.
4.Letters, symbols, and logos: Under no circumstances will a letter, symbol or
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.
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.
C.Monument Signs.
1.Number of Signs. One (1) freestanding monument identification sign shall be
permitted for each lot, or one (1) sign for each three-hundred (300) feet of street
frontage, whichever is greater , subject to provision hereinafter specifically set out. A
minimum distance of 200 feet shall separate each permitted monument
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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 (2) monument signs be permitted for each
lot.
2.Setback Requirement. The minimum setback required for monument signs shall be
fifteen (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 sixty (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 fifteen (15) feet and the maximum width
of the sign shall be twelve (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 eighty (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 (6) inches.
8.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.
D.Multiple Tenant Monument Signs. Monument signage in planned commercial
development with at least three (3) tenants, and over twenty-five thousand (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 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:
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1.Number of Signs. One (1) freestanding multiple tenant monument identification
sign shall be permitted for each lot, or one (1) sign for each three-hundred (300) feet of
street frontage, whichever is greater , subject to provision 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 (2) multiple tenant monument signs be
permitted for each lot.
2.Setback Requirement. The minimum setback required for monument signs shall be
fifteen (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 one hundred (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 fifteen (15) feet and the maximum width
of the sign shall be twelve (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 eighty (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 (6) inches.
8.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.
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E.Special Provisions for the C-2 Downtown District Sign Regulations
1. Fascia/Wall Signs.
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 one/half 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 (1/2) the lineal footage of said wall. At no time shall more than two walls be
used to compute allowable signage.
i.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.
ii.Letters, symbols, and logos: Under no circumstances will a letter, symbol or
logo dimension greater than four feet (4') be allowed.
iii.No sign shall project out from the building more than twelve (12) inches.
iv.No sign shall project above the roofline or parapet where one exists.
v.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 above.
2. Projecting Signs
One (1) projecting sign shall be allowed per establishment.
i.Projecting signs must not exceed nine (9) square feet. The maximum
projection beyond the face of the building will be four (4) feet.
ii.The maximum height to the top of the sign, as measured from the sidewalk
elevation at the building line on the façade to which the sign is attached, shall not
exceed twelve (12) feet. The lower edge of such a sign must be at least seven (7)
feet six (6) inches above the sidewalk directly beneath the sign.
iii.Two-dimensional signs shall have both faces parallel, vertical and at right
angles to the building line.
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3. Monument Signs.
One (1) freestanding monument identification sign shall be permitted for each lot,
or one (1) sign for each one-hundred fifty (150) 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
principle monument sign.
i.The sign may be two-sided. The monument shall not have a total surface in
excess of thirty (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 (6)
feet, and the maximum width shall be six (6) feet.
4. Canopies, marquees and awnings may contain signage provided the following
requirements are met:
i. If signage is parallel to the building façade, its area shall be deducted from
the maximum allowable area of fascia/wall signs.
ii. If at right angles, it shall substitute for all other projecting signs.
5. Sign materials will not be limited; however, signage should be professional in
appearance and should fit in with the building and surroundings in the area.
6. Exemptions. The following signs shall be exempt from the limitations of this
ordinance. These signs may be repaired or replaced so long as the repaired or replaced
sign is identical to the sign in place at the time this ordinance is passed. 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 St. – Pin Oak Gallery Mural
7. Appeal. Any differentiation from the items set forth in this ordinance may be brought
before the Waukee Downtown Review Committee for recommendation prior to following
the Board of Adjustment appeals process as defined within Section 301.29 of this Code.
F.Association Identification Signs, Residential Development. 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 be 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 forty (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
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(8) feet. Association identification signs shall be dominated with materials of permanency and
strength, such as brick or stone.
G.Association Identification Signs, Commercial and Industrial Development. A
commercial or industrial development, which has a minimum of forty (40) acres, may erect one
(1) 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 be 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 sixty (60) square feet. The minimum setback required of association identification signs
shall be height of the sign. The maximum height of the sign shall be ten (10) feet. Association
identification signs shall be dominated with materials of permanency and strength, such as brick
or stone.
H.Signs for Churches, Schools and Public Facilities. Signs for churches, schools and
other public uses shall be regulated in accordance with section 305-8(A) and 305-8(C) of this
chapter.
I.Interstate Corridor Signs. In addition to monument signs as permitted under this
ordinance, one interstate monument sign shall be allowed on lots or tracts under single
ownership, management or control that have frontage abutting the interstate right of way
provided the following conditions are met:
1.Interstate sign identifies the name of an office park, commercial park, industrial
park, or single tenant user. Interstate/freeway 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.
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 one hundred and
twenty (120) square feet.
3.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 brick or 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.
4.Minimum interstate sign setback shall be fifteen (15) feet from interstate right of
way.
5.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.
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6.Distance From Other Signs. An interstate monument sign must be at least one
hundred feet (100’) 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.
J.Electric Changeable Copy. Electric changeable copy shall be allowed on monument
signs within certain commercial districts. A maximum of twenty four (24) square feet or fifty
percent (50%) 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 (5) 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 (5) 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-premise advertising or public announcements.
K.Temporary Signs. The purpose of this section is to allow temporary signage for
specified land uses and events of a limited duration.
1.Project Identification Signs, provided such signs do not exceed fifty (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.
i.Such signs shall be limited to two (2) 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.
ii.The minimum setback required of such sign shall be five (5) feet from the
property line.
iii.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.
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i.Such signs may only remain in place for four (4) weeks and no more than one
time per year per opening or closing.
ii.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.
i.Such signs may only remain in place for two (2) weeks and no more than four
(4) times per year. Such signs events shall be permitted to be consecutive.
ii.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 forty five (45) days.
L.Window Signs. All window signs, whether temporary or permanent, shall be restricted
to no more than fifty (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.
M.Agricultural Identification Signs. Signs, not exceeding ten (10) square feet in area,
identifying the premises or indicating the product grown or material and equipment used on the
premises.
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Table 305.8-1: Signs Permitted by Zoning District
SIGN TYPE NUMBER
ALLOWED
SIGN
AREA
MINIMUM
SETBACK(S)
MAX.
HEIGHT
DESIGN
STANDARDS
PERMITTED
DISTRICTS
Fascia/Wall 2 per
business; 1
per wall
1 square
foot per
lineal foot
of frontage
0 to 250 feet N/A A-1 (schools, churches
and public facilities), C-
1, C-1A,C-1B, C-
2(subject to Section
305-8(E)), C-3, C-4, M-
1, M-1A and M-2 1.5 square
feet per
lineal foot
of frontage
251 to 500
feet
2 square
foot per
lineal foot
of frontage
500 + feet
Monument 1 per lot or 1
sign per 300
feet of
frontage
2 per lot for
lots with two
street
frontages
60 square
feet on
each of two
sides; side
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
Section 305-8(C)
A-1 (schools, churches
and public facilities), C-
1, C-1A, C-1B C-
2(subject to Section
305-8(E)), C-3, 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 two
street
frontages
100 square
feet on
each of two
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
Section 305-8(D)
C-1, C-1A, C-1B, C-3,
C-4, M-1, M-1A and M-
2
Building must be
minimum 25,000 s.f.
and include three
tenants
Association
Identification
Signs
1 per
development
entrance
40 square
feet on
each of two
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
Section 305-8(F)
All Residential Districts
1 per
development
60 square
feet on
each of two
sides; sides
must be
parallel
Height of the
sign
10 feet To be
constructed of
brick, stone, or
similar material
approved as a
part of the plans
for a
development and
subject to
Section 305-8(G)
All commercial and
Industrial Districts.
Development must be a
minimum of 40 acres.
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SIGN TYPE NUMBER
ALLOWED
SIGN
AREA
MINIMUM
SETBACK(S)
MAX.
HEIGHT
DESIGN
STANDARDS
PERMITTED
DISTRICTS
Interstate
Corridor
Signs
1 per lot 120 square
feet on
each of two
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
24 square
feet on
each of two
sides or
50% of the
maximum
sign area;
sides must
be parallel
15 feet from
all property
lines
N/A Electronic
change of copy
subject to
Section 305-8(J)
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
four 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
two consecutive
weeks for four
times per year
All Commercial and
Industrial Districts
Window Undefined Not more
than 50%
of the total
window
area
N/A N/A Sign must be on
the inside of the
window area.
Commercial Districts
Only
(repealed and replaced in entirety) March 8, 2010 – Ordinance 2663