HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-09-24-Ordinance 2356_Signage RegulationsORDINANCE NO.2356
)AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 305,WAUKEE MUNICIPAL CODE,
SIGNAGE ORDINANCE,BY REPEALING CHAPTER 305 AND SUBSTITUTING IN LIEU
THEREOF CHAPTER 305 AMENDING SPECIFICATIONS AND REGULATIONS OF SIGNS
WITHIN THE CITY OF WAUKEE;PROVIDING FOR THE ADMINISTRATION AND
ENFORCEMENT THEREOF,AND PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES
INCONFLICT THEREWITH.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WAUKEE,
IOWA:
Section 1.Sign age Ordinance.Chapter 305,Waukee Municipal Code,Signage
Ordinance,is hereby repealed,and the following signage ordinance is hereby
enacted in lieu thereof:
Section 305.1.Title.This Ordinance shall be lmown and may be cited and
referred to as the "Sign Ordinance"of the City of Waukee,Iowa,and shall be
referred to herein as "this ordinance."
Section 305.2.Defmitions.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.
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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 (1)square foot in area and bearing
only property numbers,post office box numbers,names of
occupants of premises,or other identification of premises not
having commercial connotations;
B.Flags and insignia of any 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;J
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
picture frame to facilitate continuity or providing contrasts to emphasize the
intended purpose of the sign.
3.Sign,Exterior;A sign that directs attention to a business,profession,
service,product or activity sold or offered upon the premises where such a sign is
located.An exterior sign may be a sign attached flat against a building or
structure,or proj ecting out from a building or structure or erected upon the roof of
a building or structure.An exterior sign may include any of the following:
A.Fascia Sign:A single-faced building or wall sign that is directly
attached to and parallel to its supporting wall.
B.Projecting Sign:A double-faced building or wall sign projecting at
right angles to its supporting wall.
C.Marquee Sign:A sign attached to and contained within the
perimeter of the face or valance of a marquee.
D.Roof Sign:A sign attached upon or above a roof or parapet of a
building.
4.Sign,Free Standing or Post:Any sign erected or affixed in a rigid manner
to one or more poles,posts or the ground,and which carries any advertisement
strictly incidental and subordinate to a lawful use of the premises on which it is
located,including signs,or sign devices indicating the business transacted,
services rendered 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 backgronnd.(See Attachment A for illustrations of
sign area and sign types.)
5.Sign,Billboard:As used in tins ordinance,billboard shall include all ')
structures,regardless of the materials used in the construction of the same,that are
erected,maintained or used for public display of posters,painted signs,wall signs
(whether the structure be placed on the wall or painted on the wall itself),and
pictures or other pictorial reading matter which advertise a business or attraction
which is not carried on or manufactured in or upon the premises upon which said
signs or billboards are located.
6.Sign,Institutional Bulletin Board;An on-premises sign 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,Horne 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
OCCUpaIlt'Sname and occupation,shall advertise the presence or conduct of the
horne occupation.
JSection305.3.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 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 ofthe 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.A sign advertising for new incoming businesses will be
allowed provided that a business has been issued a building permit,One
non-illuminated sign not to exceed fifty (50)square feet shall be permitted I
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
confmed 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
business and for special events subject to approval by the Code
Compliance Officer.Such signs may only remain in place for two (2)
weeks and no more than four (4)times per year.
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.Temporarv Directional Signs Placed By City:Signs may be erected
by the City of Waukee of a size not greater than 4 feet by 4 feet informing
the public of means of access to areas within the City of Waukee to which
normal access has been denied due to highway construction.
3.Integral Signs:Signs for churches or temples,or names of buildings,dates
of erection,monumental citations,commemorative tablets and other similar signs
when carved into stone,concrete or other building material or made of bronze,
aluminum,or other permanent type of construction and made an integral part of
the structure to which they are attached.
4.Window Signs:Such signs which are displayed inside of a window or
within a building,provided however,that lighted window signs shall be pennitted
only in those districts where lighted signs are permitted.
5.Monument Signs.One (1)freestanding monument identification sign
shall be permitted for each lot,or one (l)sign for each three-hundred (300)feet of
street,whichever is greater,subject to provision hereinafter specifically set out.
Businesses that have frontage on more than one street will be permitted the use of
a second sign provided it measures less than one third (1/3)of the total dimension
ofthe monument sign.
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A.Proposed Monument Signs drawings and specifications shall be
submitted along with a site plan and materials list to the City Code
compliance officer for review.
B.The sign must have a brick or stone base that measures at least 15%of
the total height with a minimum base height of one (l)foot.The sign can be
entirely or partially surrounded by brick or stone with the minimum of one
(1)foot coverage on three (3)sides.The sign portion must not exceed 70%
of the total area.The sign portion must not exceed sixty (60)square feet.
C.For lots that have more than one business a sign of eighty (80)square
feet will be allowable with the entire monument sign having a maximum of
one hundred and sixty (160)square feet.
The following freestanding monument identification signs,shall be permitted within
the following zoning districts by use:
Zoning Maximumsize (sq.ft.)Maximum Minimum
District Total/sign portion Total Height (feet)Setback (feet)
A-1 80 10 20
AR*40 10 15
C-1 120/60 15 15
C-1A 120/60 15 15
C-2 120/60 15 15
C-3 120/60 15 15
C-4 120/60 15 15
M-1 120/60 10 20
M-1A 120/60 10 20
M-2 120/60 10 20
R-1*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
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*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'betow road grade,then the sign can teclmically be 18'v.15'in height.l
Section 305.4.Signs Permitted in Specified Zoning Districts.
1.A-I Agricultural District.
A.One board or sign not to exceed thirty-two (32)square feet in area
referring to the construction,lease,hire,or sale of a building,premises,or
lots;which sign shall refer to property on which the sign is located,and
shall be removed as soon as the premises are sold or leased or construction
completed.
B.Signs,not exceeding 10 square feet in area,identifying the
premises or indicating the product grown or material and equipment used
on the premises.
2.R -1 Single Family Residential District.
A.One board sign not to exceed fifty (50)feet in area referring to the
construction,lease,hire,or sale of a building,premises,or subdivision
lots;which sign shall refer to property on which the sign is located,and
shall be removed as soon as the 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
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.
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6.R-5 Planned Unit Development District.
A.Such signs as shall be specifically included ill 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 ornamental 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.
8.C-I Community and Highway Service Commercial District.
A.Fascia/Wall Signs.
(I)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 I
line.For a setback of two hundred and fifty one feet (251 ')to five
hundred feet (500'),one and onelha1f square feet (1 1/2 sq ft)of
sign area may be erected per lineal foot of building front.For a
setback greater than five hundred feet (500'),two square feet (2 sq
ft)of sign area may be erected per lineal foot of building front.Set
backs shall be measured from the front of said building.The front
of said building shall be that wall that contains the main entry.If
the front of a building faces away from the street frontage,a wall
sign may be erected on the rear or sidewall of said building at a rate
of one half (112)the lineal footage of said wall.At no time shall
more than two walls be used to compute allowable signage.
(2)Number of Signs Allowed:A maximum of two signs will
be allowed per business with a maximum of one (1)sign per wall.
Sign size will be limited by the regulations stated above.
(3)Letters,symbols,and logos:Under no circumstances will a
letter,symbol 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)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 maximwn of six (6)feet;
(5)No sign shall project more than four (4)feet above the
roofline or parapet where one exists.
B.One board sign not to exceed fifty (50)feet in area referring to the
construction,lease,hire,or sale of a building,premises,or subdivision
lots;which sign shall refer to property on which the sign is located,and
shall be removed as soon as the premises are sold or leased or construction
completed.
C.One (1)freestanding monument identification sign shall be
permitted for each lot,or one (1)sign for each three-hundred (300)feet of
street,whichever is greater,subject to provision hereinafter specifically set
out.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
(113)ofthe total dimension of the monument sign.
(1)Such a sign may be attached to the building if it is in
compliance with section 305.4(9)A and each subparagraph
thereof;or such sign may be located within any required yard on a
directory sign.
(2)The sign may be two-sided.The monument shall not have )
a total surface in excess of one hundred and twenty (120)square
feet on any side,and not more than two sides of said sign shall be
used for advertising purposes.The maximum height shall be
fifteen (15)feet,and the maximum width shall be twelve (12)feet.
(3)The sign must have a brick or stone base that measures at
least 15%of the total height with a one (1)foot minimum.The
sign can be entirely or partially surrounded by brick or stone with
the minimum of one (1)foot coverage on three (3)sides.The sign
portion must not exceed 70%of the total area.The sign portion
must not exceed eighty (80)square feet in any case.
(4)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.
(5)illumination:Signs shall be illuminated by internally
fixtures or externally with a constant level of light maintained
throughout the sign.Reflectors shall be provided with proper glass
or plastic lenses concentrating the illumination upon the area ofthe
sign as to prevent glare upon the street or adj acent property.
Illumination shall be no greater than one foot-candle in intensity
when measured from the property bounds,and all ground lighting
shall be concealed from view by landscape plantings.
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D.Entry Monuments.
A commercial development such as an office park or
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
l60-greater
Maximum Square Footage
150
200
250
300
The maximum allowable size is 300 square feet,in any I
case.These momunents 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.
E.The Director of Planning and the Code Compliance Officer have
the authority to classify a proposed sign as incompatible to the
already existing environment.
9.C-IA Neighborhood Commercial District.
Signs are permitted in this district as limited by C-l District
regulations.
10.C-2 Central Business District.
Signs are permitted in this district as limited by C-l District
regulations.
11.C-3 Planned Commercial Development Regulations.
Signs are permitted in this district as limited by C-l District
regulations.
(l)On premises roof signs shall be permitted to a maximum of
one hundred fifty (150)square feet.The back of said sign shall be
effectively shielded from public view by a building wall,by
backing the sign against another sign face,or by grouping such
signs in clusters to conceal the exposed backs.All roof signs must
adhere to the height limitations ofthis district.
(2)The total area of all signs pertaining to the business
conducted in any building shall not exceed a total area of two
hundred (200)square feet.
12.C-4 Office Park Commercial District.
Signs are permitted in this district as limited by C-l District
regulations,in C-4 districts,however,the monument may not be
illuminated.
In addition,one non-illuminated nameplate not over four (4)square feet in
area shall be permitted for each individual business or service andlor
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.
14.
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15.
13.M -1 Light Industrial District,
Signs are permitted in this district as limited by C-I District
regulations.
M -1 A Limited Industrial District.
Signs are permitted in this district as limited by C-l District
regulations.
M-2 Heavy Industry District.
Signs are permitted in this district as limited by C-l District
regulations.
16.Interstate Corridor Signs.
A.Interstate/freeway sign identifies the name of an office park,
commercial park,industrial park,or single tenant user.Interstate/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.
B.Size of sign:The total area of a sign shall be actual square footage
of one sign face.Dual faced signs may be permitted with the maximum
square footage permitted on each side.The maximum size of an
interstate/freeway sign shall not exceed one hundred and twenty (120)
square feet.
C.The maximum height of an interstate/freeway sign shall not exceed
thirty (30)feet above interstate/road grade with the minimum height set at
fifteen (15)feet.Refer to monument sign regulations if the sign height
falls under the minimum height stated above.The minimum 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.
D.Signs that are composed of wood material or signs with metal as
its primary material and any sign surface with letters painted upon a panel
or wall area shall be prohibited.
E.Illumination:Signs shall be illuminated by intemally fixtures or
extemally with a constant level of light maintained throughout the sign.
Reflectors shall be provided with proper glass or plastic lenses
concentrating the illumination upon the area of the sign as to prevent glare
upon the street or adjacent property.Illumination shall be no greater than
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one foot-candle in intensity when measured from the property bounds,and
all ground lighting shall be concealed from view by landscape plantings.
F.A tract must have frontage adj acent to the interstate right of way to
qualify under this ordinance.
G.Minimum interstate sign setback shall be fifteen (15)feet from
interstate right of way.
H.Sign allotment:On lots that have interstate frontage with an
adjacent roadway and more than one business shall be permitted a
monument sign of three hundred (300)total square feet and one hundred
and sixty (160)square feet of sign portion.The sign may not be higher
than thirty (30)feet,and not wider than ten (10)feet.
1.Number of signs:Land adjacent to the interstate will be allowed
one (1)sign per lot.Lots that have interstate frontage with another
bordering roadway will be allowed one (1)monument sign adjacent to that
particular roadway given the sign size is one third (1/3)of the total
dimension of a monument sign,referring to the regnlations set in Section
305.3 (5).
Section 305.5.Signs Prohibited in All Zoning Districts.
1.Obsolete Signs:Signs that advertise an activity,business,product or
service no longer conducted on the premises on which the sign is located.
2.Banners,Balloons,Posters,etc,:Signs which contain.or consist of
banners,balloons,posters,pennants,ribbons,streamers,spinners,or other
similarly moving devices,except as specifically provided in Section 301.8
(K,l.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.Oft~Premise Signs on Public Property:Off-premise signs located on public
property that 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
conunercial purposes.)8.Projecting Signs:Signs as defmed 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
1/2)and ten (10)feet above the centerline grades of the intersecting streets in the
area bounded by the street lines of such comer lots and a line joining points along
said street lines twenty-five (25)feet from the point of intersection of right-of-way
lines.
Section 305.6.General Sign Regulations.
1.Conformance Required:Except as may be hereinafter specified,no sign
shall be erected,placed,maintained,converted,enlarged,reconstructed or
structurally altered which does not comply with all of the regulations established
by this ordinance.
J2.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-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 tins 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 more of its replacement cost at time of destruction,it shall
not be reconstructed except in conformity with the provisions of tins
ordinance.
4.Permit Required:A sign permit,signed by the owner and tenant,and
approved by the administrative official,shall be required before the erection,
construction,alteration,placing,or locating of all signs conforming with this
ordinance.I
5.Permit Not Required: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 ofthis 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 2.Repealer.All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with
the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed.
Section 3.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 4.Effective Date.This ordinance shall be in effect upon its final passage,
approval and publication as provided by law.
Passed by the Council this 24th day of September 2001,and approved this 24th day of
September 2001.
Attest: