HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-04-02-Ordinance 2343_Signage RegulationsORDINANCE NO 2343
AN ORDINANCE UNDER CHAPTER 305,WAUKEE MUNICIPAL CODE,
ESTABLISHING A SIGNAGE ORDINANCE,PROVIDING FOR THE ADMINISTRATION
AND ENFORCEMENT THEREOF,AND PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF AIL
ORDINANCES INCONFLICT THEREWITH.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WAUKEE,
IOWA:
Section 305.1.Title.This Ordinance shan be known and may be cited and
referred to as the "Sign Ordinance"of the City of Waukee,Iowa,and shan be
referred to herein as "this ordinance."
Section 305.2.Definitions.For the purpose of this ordinance certain
terms and words are hereby defined.Words used in the present tense shall include
the future,the singular number shall include the plural and the plural number
includes the singular;the word "shall"is mandatory,and the word "may"is
permissive;the word "person"includes a film,association,organization,
partnership,trust,estate,company,or corporation as wen as an individual.
1.Sign:Any device designed to inform or attract the attention of
persons not on the premises on which the sign is located;provided,
however,that the following shall not be included in the application of the
regulations herein:
A.Signs not exceeding one (l)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 (4)
square feet in area.
2.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 1
picture frame to facilitate continuity or providing contrasts to emphasize the I
intended purpose of the sign.
3.Sign,Exterior:A sign which 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 or erected upon the roof of
a building or structure.An exterior sign may include any of the following:
A.Fascia Sign:A single-faced building or wall sign which is directly
attached to and parallel to its supporting wall.
B.Projecting Sign:A double-faced building or wall sign projecting at
right angles to its supporting wall.
C.Marquee Sign:A sign attached to and contained within the
perirneter of the face or valance of a marquee.
D.Roof Sign:A sign attached upon or above a roof or parapet of a
building.
4.Sign,Free Standing or Post:Any sign erected or affixed in a rigid manner
to one or more poles,posts or the ground,and which carries any advertisement
strictly incidental and subordinate to a lawful use of the premises on which it is
located,including signs,or sign devices indicating the business transacted,
services rendered or goods sold or produced on the premises by an occupant
thereof.A free standing or post sign may also include the following:
A.Directory Sign:A sign containing the name of a building,complex
or center and two or more identification signs or panels of the same size,
color and general design,limited to one identification sign per occupant.
B.Monument Sign:A structure,built on grade,that forms an integral
part of the sign or its background.(See Attachment A for illustrations of
sign area and sign types.)
5.Sign,Billboard:As used in this ordinance,billboard shall include all
structures,regardless of the materials used in the construction of the same,that are
erected,maintained or used for public display of posters,painted signs,wall signs
(whether the structure be placed on the wall or painted on the wall itself),and
pictures or other pictorial reading matter which advertise a business or attraction
which is not carded on or manufactured in or upon the premises upon which said
signs or billboards are located.
6.Sign,Institutional Bulletin Board:An on-premises sign contammg a
surface area upon which is displayed the name of a religious institution,school,
library,public building,community center or similar institution and the
announcement of its services or activities.
7.Sign,Temporary:A temporary sign is any sign not permanently attached
to the ground,wall or building,and intended to be displayed for a short and
limited period of time.
8.Sign,Home Occupation.No sign,other than one unlighted sign not over
two (2)square foot in area attached flat against the dwelling and displaying only the
occupant's name and occupation,shalladvertise the presence or conduct of the home
occupation.
Section 305.3.Signs Permitted in All Zoning Districts.Signs hereinafter
designated shall be permitted in all zoning districts.
1.Temporary Signs.
A.Real Estate Signs 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 premises.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 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,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'Signs advertising a public event providing 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.Personal Announcement and Celebration Signs'Signs announcing
births,anniversaries,weddings and similar celebrations.
G.Banners,balloons and posters advertising an opening or closing of 'I
business and for special events providing that specific approval is granted
by the City Council.
2.public Signs'Signs of a non-commercial nature and in the public interest,
erected by or upon the order of a public officer in the performance of public duty,
such as safety signs,danger signs,trespassing signs,traffic signs,memorial
plaques,signs of historical interest and other similar signs,including signs
designating hospitals,libraries,schools and other institutions or places of public
interest or concern.
A.Temporary Directional Signs placed By CitY"Signs may be erected
by the City of Waukee of a size not greater than 4 feet by 4 feet informing
the public of means of access to areas within the City of Waukee to which
normal access has been denied due to highway contruction.
3.Integral Signs'Signs for churches or temples,or names of buildings,dates
of erection,monumental citations,commemorative tablets and other similar signs
when carved into stone,concrete or other building material or made of bronze,
aluminum,or other permanent type of construction and made an integral part of
the structure to which they are attached.
4.Window Signs'Such signs which are displayed inside of a window or
within a building,provided however,that lighted window signs shall be permitted
only in those districts where lighted signs are permitted.
5.Monument Signs One (1)freestanding monument identification sign
shall be pennited for each frontage of a lot,or one (1)sign for each three-hundred
(300)feet of street,whichever is greater,subject to provision hereinafter
specifically set out.
6.Interstate Corridor Signs
The following freestanding monument identification sIgns,shall be permitted
within the following zoning districts by use:
Zoning Maximumsize (sq.ft.)Maximum Minimum
District Total/skin oortlon Total Heicht (feet'Setback (feet'
A-1 80 10 20
AW 40 10 15
C-1 180/54 15 15
C-1A 180/54 15 15
C-2 180/54 15 15
C-3 180/54 15 15
C-4 180/54 15 15
M-1 180/54 10 20
M-1A 180/54 10 20
M-2 180/54 10 20
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R-1'40 10 15
R-2'40 10 15
R-3'40 10 15
R-4'40 10 15
R-5'40 10 15
R-6'40 10 15
*In areas so designated,the placement and erection of monument signs is restricted to entry
signs placed in the first lot upon entry into a new development,no other exceptions will be
allowed or allowances made.Monument signs within developments are restricted in content
to only allow for the name of the development and such artwork as may be in keeping with
the residential nature of the area in question.The maximum begins at road grade;thus if the sign is placed 3'
below road grade,then the sign can technically be 18'v.15'in height.
Section 305.4.Signs Permitted in Specified Zoning Districts.
1.A-l Agricultural District
A.One board or sign not to exceed thirty-two (32)square feet in area
referring to the construction,lease,hire,or sale of a building,premises,or
lots;which sign shall refer to property on which the sign is located,and
shall be removed as soon as the premises are sold or leased or construction
completed.
B.Signs,not exceeding 10 square feet in area,identifying the
premises or indicating the product grown or material and equipment used
on the premises.
2.R -1 Single Family Residential District.
A.One board sign not to exceed fifty (50)feet in area referring to the
construction,lease,hire,or sale of a building,premises,or subdivision
lots;which sign shall refer to property on which the sign is located,and
shall be removed as soon as the premises are sold or leased or construction
completed.
B.Institutional bulletin board signs.
3.R-2 Single Family Residential District.
A.One board sign not to exceed fifty (50)feet in area referring to the
construction,lease,hire,or sale of a building,premises,or subdivision
lots;which sign shall refer to property on which the sign is located,and
shall be removed as soon as the premises are sold or leased or construction
completed.
B.Institutional bulletin board signs.
4.R-3 Multi-family Residential District,
A.One board sign not to exceed fifty (50)feet in area referring to the ')
construction,lease,hire,or sale of a building,premises,or subdivision
lots;which sign shall refer to property on which the sign is located,and
shall be removed as soon as the premises are sold or leased or construction
completed.
B.Institutional bulletin board signs.
C.One non-lighted sign not to exceed twelve (12)square feet in total
area attached flat against the principal structure,indicating the name of the
premises and/or the names of the occupants,shall be permitted,
D.In lieu of C above,one monument or directory sign shall be
permitted.Such sign shall not exceed sixteen (16)square feet in area and
shall be set back at least twenty (20)feet from any public light-of-way or
property line.Such sign may be indirectly or internally lighted.
5.R-4 Multi-family Residential District.
A.One board sign not to exceed fifty (50)feet in area referring to the
construction,lease,hire,or sale of a building,premises,or subdivision
lots;which sign shall refer to property on which the sign is located,and
shall be removed as soon as the premises are sold or leased or construction 1
completed.
B.Institutional bulletin board signs.
C.One non-lighted sign not to exceed twelve (12)square feet in total
area attached flat against the principal structure,indicating the name of the
premises and/or the names of the occupants,shall be permitted.
D.In lieu of C above,one monument or directory sign shall be
permitted.Such sign shall not exceed sixteen (16)square feet in area and
shall be set back at least twenty (20)feet from any public light-of-way or
property line.Such sign may be indirectly or intemally lighted.
6.R-5 Planned Unit Development District.
A.Such signs as shall be specifically included III the Final
Development Plan approved by the City Council.
7.R-6 Mobile Home Residential District.
A.One permanent identification sign shall be permitted at any
entrance to a Mobile Home Park.Such sign shall be of omamental metal,
stone,masonry,or other permanent material and shall indicate only the
name of such Mobile Home Park.Such sign shall not exceed one-hundred
(100)square feet surface area.
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8.C-l Community and Highway Service Commercial District.
A.Exterior signs located on the street frontages of principal buildings
referring only to a use or uses located within such building,and attached
or integral thereto,provided that:
(1)Such signs shall not have an aggregate surface area in
excess of twenty (20)percent of the total surface area of the
building elevation to which they are attached;
(2)Signs which project out from the building more than
eighteen (18)inches must be at least twelve (12)feet above grade
and may project a maximum of six (6)feet;
(3)No sign shall project more than four (4)feet above the roof
line or parapet where one exists.
B.One free standing or post sign referring only to a use or uses
conducted on the premises may be erected in any yard abutting a public
street,provided however:
(1)That such sign shall not have a surface area in excess of one
hundred (l00)square feet on anyone side and not more than two
sides of said sign shall be used for advertising purposes;
(2)That such sign located closer than ten (10)feet to the
right-of-way line must be at least twelve (12)feet above grade.
(3)A directory sign or monument sign may be substituted in
place of a post sign,subject to the requirements set forth in (4)(a)
above.A monument sign shall not be more than ten (10)feet in
height and shall not be located closer than ten (10)feet to any
property line.
(4)The administrative official shall have the authority to
prohibit the erection of any sign that interferes with visibility for
either vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
9.C-IA Neighborhood Commercial District.
A.Exterior signs located on the street frontages of principal buildings
referring only to a use or uses located within such building,and attached
or integral thereto,provided that:
(1)Such signs shall not have an aggregate surface area in
excess of twenty (20)percent of the total surface area of the
building elevation to which they are attached;
(2)Signs which project out from the building more than
eighteen (18)inches must be at least twelve (12)feet above grade
and may project a maximum of six (6)feet;,1
(3)No sign shall project more than four (4)feet above the roof
line or parapet where one exists.
B.One free standing monument identification sign referring only to a
use or uses conducted on the premises is permitted for each frontage lot,or
one sign for each 300 feet of street,whichever is greater,subject to the
following provisions:
(1)Such a sign may be attached to the building if it is in
compliance with section 305.4(9)A and each subparagraph thereof;
or such sign may be located within any required yard on a directory
srgn,
(2)The sign may be two-sided.Such sign shall not have a total
surface in excess of one hundred eighty (180)square feet on any
side,and not more than two sides of said sign shall be used for
advertising purposes.The maximum height shall be fifteen (15)
feet,and the maximum width shall be twelve (12)feet.
(3)The sign must have a brick or stone base that measures at 1
least 15%of the total height.The sign can be entirely or partially
surrounded by brick or stone.The sign portion must not exceed
70%of the total area.The sign portion must not exceet fifty-four
(54)square feet in any case.
(4)The sign portion by be construction of any material,but
must consist only of the name and/or identifying logo of the
individual business,building or complex,and product and/or
services being offered.The entire monument may be in stone or
brick with engraved,painted or attached lettering,however,that
portion is still bound by the sign portion size restrictions,
(5)Lighting.Signs may be lit intemally or extemally,but must
avoid glare or reflection into adjacent property or onto a street or
alley creating a traffic hazard.No exposed neon tube lighting or
open light bulbs shall be permitted.
C.Entry Monuments.
A commercial development such as an office park or j
shopping center may erect one (1)monument with the name of the
building,complex or center.To qualify for use of this sign,the
development must be at least forty (40)acres (otherwise the '
monument identification sign requirements still apply).The
allowable sizes are as follows:
Acres
40-79
80-119
120-159
160-greater
Maxjmum Square Footage
150
200
250
300
The maximum allowable size is 300 square feet,in any
case.These monuments must be made up of at least fifty percent
(50%)brick,stone or similar material,The sign may be erected in
two places so as to surround an entryway;however,the square
footage of the two pieces,when summed,must fit within the above
requirements.
10.C-2 Central Business District,
A.Exterior signs only,located on the street frontages of principal
buildings referring only to a use or uses located within such building,and
attached or integral thereto,provided that:
(1)Such signs shall not have an aggregate surface area in
excess of twenty (20)percent of the total surface area of the
building elevation to which they are attached;
(2)Signs may not project out from the building more than
eighteen (18)inches.
(3)No sign shall project more than four (4)feet above the roof
line or parapet where one exists.
B.One free standing monument identification sign referring only to a
use or uses conducted on the premises is permitted for each frontage lot,or
one sign for each 300 feet of street,whichever is greater,subject to the
following provisions:
(l)Such a sign may be attached to the building if it is in
compliance with section 305.4(10)A and each subparagraph
thereof;or such sign may be located within any required yard on a
directory sign.
(2)The sign may be two-sided.Such sign shall not have a total
surface in excess of one hundred eighty (180)square feet on any
side,and not more than two sides of said sign shall be used for
advertising purposes.The maximum height shall be fifteen (15)
feet,and the maximum width shall be twelve (12)feet.
(3)The sign must have a brick or stone base that measures at
least 15%of the total height.The sign can be entirely or partially
surrounded by brick or stone.The sign portion must not exceed
70%of the total area.The sign portion must not exceet fifty-four
(54)square feet in any case.
)(4)The sign portion by be construction of any material,but
must consist only of the name and/or identifying logo of the
individual business,building or complex,and product and/or
services being offered.The entire monument may be in stone or
brick with engraved,painted or attached lettering,however,that
portion is still bound by the sign portion size restrictions.
(5)Lighting.Signs may be lit internally or externally,but must
avoid glare or reflection into adjacent property or onto a street or
alley creating a traffic hazard.No exposed neon tube lighting or
open light bulbs shall be permitted.
C.Entry Monuments.
A commercial development such as an office park or
shopping center may erect one (I)monument with the name of the
building,complex or center.To qualify for use of this sign,the
development must be at least forty (40)acres (otherwise the
monument identification sign requirements still apply).The
allowable sizes are as follows:
Acres
40-79
80-119
120-159
l60-greater
Maxjmllill Square Footage
150
200
250
300
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The maximum allowable size is 300 square feet,in any
case.These monuments must be made up of at least fifty percent
(50%)brick,stone or similar material.The sign may be erected in
two places so as to surround an entryway;however,the square
footage of the two pieces,when summed,must fit within the above
requirements.
11.C-3 Planned Commercial Development Regulations.
A.Signs will be permitted according to the following restrictions:
(I)One monument sign on each street on which a business
abuts shall be permitted.An exterior sign shall pertain only to a
use conducted within the building.No sign may project over any j
street line (or extend more than six (6)feet over any building line)
whether fixed to the building or any other structure.In no case
shall any sign project more than four (4)feet above the roof line,or '
parapet wall.
(2)On premises roof signs shall be permitted to a maximum of
one hundred fifty (150)square feet.The back of said sign shall be
effectively shielded from public view by a building wall,by
backing the sign against another sign face,by grouping such signs
in clusters to conceal the exposed backs,or by painting the exposed
back a neutral color.All roof signs must adhere to the height
limitations of this district.
(3)The total area of all signs pertammg to the business
conducted in any building,shall not exceed a total area of two
hundred (200)square feet.
11.C-4 Office Park Commercial District,
One nonself-illuminated sign,not to exceed fifty (50)square feet in
area denoting only the name of the building and use shall be permitted.In
addition,one nons elf-illuminated nameplate not over four (4)square feet
in area shall be permitted for each individual business or service ancllor
person engaged in a business or profession within the building.Said signs
may be attached to the building or be located within any required yard on a
directory sign.
12.M-l Light Industrial District,
Signs are permitted in this district as limited by C-l District
regulations.
13.M-l A Limited Industrial District.
Signs are permitted in this district as limited by C-2 District
regulations.
14.M-2 Heavy Industry District,
Signs are permitted in this district as limited by M-IA District
regulations.
Section 305.5.Signs Prohibited in All Zoning Districts.
1.Obsolete Signs'Signs that advertise an activity,business,product or
service no longer conducted on the premises on which the sign is located.
2.Banners Balloons,Posters etc'Signs which contain or consist of
banners,balloons,posters,pennants,ribbons,streamers,spinners,or other
similarly moving devices,except as specifically provided in Section 301.8
(K.1.d.)hereof.These devices when not part of any sign shall also be prohibited.
3.Portable Signs'Commercial signs that are not permanently anchored or
secured to either a building or the ground.
4.Off premise Signs on pllbJic PropertY'Off-premise signs located on public
property which is being used for public purposes.,)
5.Flashing Signs'No flashing,blinking,or rotation lights shall be permitted
for either permanent or temporary signs,except time and temperature signs and
brief public announcement signs.
6.Moving Signs'No sign shall be permitted any part of which moves by any
mechanical or electronic means.
7.painted Wall Signs'Off-premise signs painted on building walls for
commercial purposes.
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8.Projecting Signs'Signs as defined in Section 301.3
9.Pole Signs'Except as specifically permitted,no pole SIgn shall be
permitted within the City of Waukee.
10.Visibility at Intersections in Any Districts.On any comer lot in any
district,no sign shall be erected,placed,or allowed to be situated in such a
manner as materially to impede vision between a height of two and one-half (2
112)and ten (10)feet above the centerline grades of the intersecting streets in the
area bounded by the street lines of such comer lots and a line joing points along
said street lines twenty-five (25)feet from the point of intersection of right-of-way
lines
Section 305.6.General Sign Regulations.
1.ConfoDlJance Re<plired'Except as may be hereinafter specified,no sign
shall be erected,placed,maintained,converted,enlarged,reconstructed or
structurally altered which does not comply with all of the regulations established
by this ordinance.
2.Maintenance'All signs shall be maintained in a good state of repair,
including,but not limited to,the structural components,the lighting if any,the
portion attaching the sign to the ground or structure,and the surface features.
3.Non-ConfOlwing 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 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 which increases
its non-conformity;however,reasonable repairs and alterations may be
permitted.
B.Should such sign be destroyed by any means to an extent of fifty
(50)percent or marc of its replacement cost at time of destruction,it shall
not be reconstructed except in conformity with the provisions of this
ordinance.
4.Pelwit ReqlJired'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.
5.P/Olwit Not ReqlJired'A permit shall not be required for repainting without
changing permanent wording,composition,or colors;or for non-structural repairs.
6.Plans;A copy of plans and specifications shall be submitted to the .)
administrative official for each sign regulated by this ordinance.Such plans shall
show sufficient details about size of the sign,location and materials to be used
and such other data as may be required for the administrative official to determine
compliance with this ordinance.
7.Appeal'Any person or persons aggrieved by the decision of the
administrative official to approve or disapprove a sign permit,as provided by this
ordinance,may appeal such decision to the Board of Adjustment as provided by
Section 301.28 of this ordinance.
Section 305.7.Repealer.All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict
with the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed.
Section 305.8.Severability Clause.If any section,provision or part of this ordinance shall
be adjudged invalid or unconstitutional,such adjudication shall not affect the validity of the
ordinance as a whole or any section,provision,or part thereof not adjudged invalid or
unconstitutional.
Section 305.9.Effective Date.This ordinance shall be in effect upon its final passage,
approval and publication as provided by law.
Passed by the Council this 2nd day of AP~ed this 2nd day of April,2001.
~Jr.
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MAYOR
Mark J.Arentsen,j klAdministrator
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