1159.04 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.
   (a)   Allowed Exempt Signs. A sign permit shall not be required for the following signs, which shall be allowed subject to the regulations specified:
      (1)   Address numbers with numeral height of at least three (3) inches and no greater than six (6) inches for residences and no greater than eighteen inches (18) for businesses.
      (2)   Nameplates identifying the occupants of a building provided they do not exceed two (2) square feet.
      (3)   Memorial signs or tablets.
      (4)   Signs on a bus, truck, trailer, or other vehicle while operated and used for transport in the normal course of a business, provided that the primary use of the vehicle displaying the sign shall not be for the purpose of advertising a business on the premises where the vehicle is parked. If a vehicle is not being driven or moved on a daily basis then its primary purpose shall be considered advertising.
      (5)   Flags bearing the official design of a nation, state, municipality, educational institution, or noncommercial organization.
      (6)   Incidental signs, provided that total of all such signs shall not exceed two (2) square feet.
      (7)   Public and private traffic control signs that conform to the traffic control requirements of the State of Ohio.
      (8)   Permanent signs on vending machines, gas pumps, propane cages, and ice containers, which indicate only the contents and brand of contents, provided that the sign area of each device shall not exceed six (6) square feet. One such sign shall be permitted on each face of the device.
      (9)   Real estate signs, which shall be subject to Section 1159.04(c).
      (10)   "Help wanted" signs soliciting employees for the place of business where posted, provided that the maximum area for all such signs shall be six (6) square feet.
      (11)   Any sign which is located completely within an enclosed building, and which is not visible from outside the building.
      (12)   Plaques or signs designating a building as a historic structure.
      (13)   "No Trespassing," "No Hunting," and "No Dumping" signs. Such signs shall not exceed three (3) sq. ft. in area.
      (14)   Signs used to direct vehicular or pedestrian traffic to parking areas, loading areas, or to certain buildings or locations on the site, subject to the following conditions:
         A.   A directional sign may display a logo, which shall not exceed one (1) square foot in area.
         B.   Directional signs shall not exceed eight (8) square feet in area and four (4) feet in height.
         C.   Directional signs may be located in the front setback area, provided they are setback at least fifteen (15) feet from the existing right-of-way line.
         D.   Such signs shall not be located where they would block drivers' visibility.
      (15)   Signs in the rear of buildings that are not visible from a street.
      (16)   Scoreboards for public, parochial, and private elementary, intermediate, and high schools, subject to the following conditions:
         A.   Scoreboards shall comply with the illumination requirements in Section 1159.05(b).
         B.   Where feasible, scoreboards shall be oriented away from residential areas.
   (b)   Prohibited Signs. The following signs are prohibited in all zoning districts:
      (1)   Any sign not expressly permitted.
      (2)   Signs which incorporate flashing, revolving, shaking, spinning, or moving lights; however, time and temperature or stock market and electronic changeable copy signs shall be permitted.
      (3)   Festoons, spinners, pennants or streamers used for commercial purposes.
      (4)   Balloons and inflatable figures, except that seasonal inflatable figures and balloons not exceeding ten (10) feet in height shall be permitted on residential and commercial parcels.
      (5)   Moving signs, including any sign which has any visible moving parts, visible revolving parts, visible mechanical movement, or other visible movement achieved by electrical, electronic, or mechanical means, including intermittent electric pulsations or movement caused by normal wind current or multi-vision signs, as defined herein.
      (6)   Any sign or sign structure which:
         A.   Is structurally unsafe;
         B.   Constitutes a hazard to safety or health by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, or abandonment;
         C.   Is capable of causing electric shock to person who come in contact with it; or
         D.   Is not kept in good repair, such that it has broken parts, missing letters, or non-operational lights.
         E.   Is so inflammatory as to be likely to result in a breach of the public peace, or otherwise be clearly contrary to the public health, safety or welfare of the City or its residents.
      (7)   Any sign located on a utility pole, except for public or utility company signs.
      (8)   Obsolete signs.
      (9)   Portable signs, except where expressly permitted in this Ordinance.
      (10)   Any sign which obstructs free access to or egress from a required door, window, fire escape, or other required exit.
      (11)   Any sign which makes use of the words "Stop," "Look," or "Danger," or any other words, phrases, symbols, or characters, in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic.
      (12)   Any sign containing obscene, indecent, or immoral content.
      (13)   Any sign unlawfully installed, erected, or maintained.
      (14)   Roof signs.
      (15)   Projecting signs. Pedestrian blade signs, however, are permitted.
      (16)   Signs on street furniture, such as on benches and trash receptacles.
      (17)   Real estate signs no longer valid due to the sale, rental or lease of the property.
      (18)   Video display signs.
      (19)   Signs that obstruct the vision of drivers or detract from the visibility of any traffic signs or traffic control devices.
      (20)   Privately-owned signs located in the street right-of-way, or on any property owned by the City, State, or political subdivision of the State.
      (21)   Privately-owned signs attached to a tree located in the street right-of-way.
      (22)   Graphics or images that appear to move or change in size, or be revealed sequentially rather than all at once, are prohibited in all districts.
   (c)   Temporary Signs. See table.
Section 1159.04 General Requirements; subsection (c) Temporary Signs
 
Type of Sign
Permit Required
Allowed District(s)
Allowed Location
Maximum Size
Display Duration
Right-of- Way Setback
Maximum Number
Allowed Type
Illumination Permitted
Accessory Sales
No
Residential
On sale parcel only
5 sq. ft.;
4 ft. in height
Only for allowed sales periods; 6 months for product sales, not more than twice a year for vehicle sales
0
1
Ground Sign Only
No
Garage Sale
No
All
1 on sale parcel, 2 as off-site directional
5 sq. ft.
No sooner than 1 day before sale, removed least day of sale; no more than twice a year
0
3
Ground Sign Only
No
Personal Interest/ Issue
No
All
On property of person expressing opinion
9 sq. ft.;
6 ft. in height
None specified.
0
1
Ground or Window Only
No
Political Signs
No
All
Any parcel with owner's consent
9 sq. ft.;
6 ft. in height
No sooner than time when the candidate's nomination petition is certified in writing by the appropriate authority, or if the candidate is a write- in, from the time he or she files a declaration of intent with the appropriate authority as a candidate running for election; must be removed within 5 days after election.
0
No limit
Ground Sign Only
No
 
Type of Sign
Permit Required
Allowed District(s)
Allowed Location
Maximum Size
Display Duration
Right-of- Way Setback
Maximum Number
Allowed Type
Illumination Permitted
Residential Real Estate
No
Residential
On sale parcel only
5 sq. ft.
During the term of the listing
5 ft.
1 per road frontage
Ground Sign or Post Sign Only
No
Commercial and Industsrial Real Estate
No
Commercial and Industrial
On sale parcel only
32 sq. ft.
120 days
5 ft.
1 per road frontage
Ground Sign or Post Sign Only
Yes
Real Estate Open House
No
All
On sale parcel or other parcels with owner's consent
2 sq. ft.
2 hours before to 2 hours after open house
0
5
Ground Sign Only
No
Public
No
All
As needed
As needed
As needed
May be in right-of-way if necessary
No limit
As needed
Yes
Model Home
No
Residential
On model home parcel
12 sq. ft.
1 year
10 ft.
1
Ground Sign or Post Sign Only
No
Site Plan & Subdivision Project
No
All
On project property
32 sq. ft.
Up to 1 year, following completion
10 ft.
1
Ground Sign Only
Yes
Temporary Window
No
Commercial
Inside window or door glazing
20% of window area
30 days
Not applicable
Not applicable
Temporary Window Sign
No
 
 
Type of Sign
Permit Required
Allowed District(s)
Allowed Location
Maximum Size
Display Duration
Right-of- Way Setback
Maximum Number
Allowed Type
Illumination Permitted
Grand Opening Signs
No
Commercial
On new business property
32 sq. ft.;
10 ft. in height
30 days
10 ft.
1
Ground or Wall Sign
Yes
Help Wanted - On-Premise
No
Commercial and Industrial
On company property
16 sq. ft.;
6 ft. in height
During the period that employees are being sought
10 ft.
1
Ground or Sandwich Board Sign
No
Help Wanted - Off-Premise
No
Industrial
Any industrial parcel with owner's consent
16 sq. ft.;
6 ft. in height
During the period that employees re being sought
10 ft.
1
Ground or Sandwich Board Sign
No
Banner
Yes
Commercial and Industrial
Front face of principal building
20 sq. ft.
14 days, 4 times per year, minimum of 30 days between displays
Not applicable
1
Banner Sign
No
Supple- mental Commercial
Yes
Commercial
On commercial property
6 sq. ft.
From 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily
10 ft.
1
Ground or Sandwich Board Sign
No
   (d)   Off-Premise Advertising Signs. The City of Aurora is known for its aesthetic appeal, attractive residential neighborhoods, the Landmark District or historical listed properties, and vital commercial and industrial districts. The City's image has not developed by happenstance; rather, it the result of a long tradition of planning and zoning. The City finds that billboards and other off-premise signs would adversely impact the positive defining characteristics of the City, and contravene the longstanding planning and zoning program. Such signs would be out-of-scale with other developments and other signs in the community. They would adversely impact the aesthetics, vitality, and value of the City at large. For these reasons, billboards and off-premise signs are prohibited by this Ordinance. (Ord. 2013-128. Passed 3-10-13.)
   (e)   Electronic Display Signs. Electronic display signs, as defined in Section 1159.02, are permitted as noted in the following chart:
 
Type of Electronic Display Sign
Residential Districts
Commercial Districts
Office Districts
Industrial Districts
Landmark District
T-1 Overlay Transitional Commercial Services District
Electronic Changeable Copy Signs  1, 5, 6
Permitted 2
Permitted
Permitted
Permitted
Not Permittedin the district or within 250 feet of the district
Not Permitted in the district or within 250 feet of the district
Electronic Graphic Display Sign 1, 5, 6
Not Permitted
Permitted 3
Permitted 4
Permitted 4
Not Permittedin the district or within 250 feet of the district
Not Permitted in the district or within 250 feet of the district
Video Display Sign
Not Permitted
Not Permitted
Not Permitted
Not Permitted
Not Permittedin the district or within 250 feet of the district
Not Permitted in the district or within 250 feet of the district
 
Footnotes
1.   The message on Electronic Display Signs shall change at fifteen (15) second intervals or longer.
2.   Non-residential uses only are permitted to have Electronic Changeable Copy signs in residential districts.
3.   Electronic Display Signs in commercial districts may use messages that appear or disappear from the display through dissolve, fade, travel, and scroll modes.
4.   Businesses in office and industrial districts may use static electronic display only (i. e., showing no movement).
5.   Electronic Display Signs shall have automatic dimming controls, either by photocell (hardwired) or via software settings, so that the signs do not exceed the maximum luminance level of seven hundred fifty (750) cd/m2 or nits, regardless of the method of illumination.
6.   An Electronic Display Sign may occupy no more than one third (1/3) of a ground or planter sign.
   (Ord. 2017-009. Passed 2-27-17.)
   (f)   Entranceway Signs. Entranceway signs are permitted for the purposes of identifying the entrances to residential subdivisions or condominium developments, apartment complexes, commercial center, industrial subdivisions or condominium developments, office parks, and similar developments. Such signs shall comply with the following regulations:
      (1)   Maximum Sign Size: 48 sq. ft. (sign structure may exceed 48 sq. ft.)
      (2)   Maximum Sign Height:
         A.   Residential: 6 ft. (maximum sign structure height: 8 ft.)
         B.   Manufacturing, wholesale and commercial uses: 8 ft. (maximum sign structure height: 10 ft.)
      (3)   Minimum Setback from the road right-of-way: 0 ft. Except as noted in subsection (f)(6) hereof, following, no part of an entranceway sign shall encroach into the road right-of-way.
      (4)   If a sign is on private property, evidence of an easement or other legal document must be submitted to verify that permission has been given to locate the sign where proposed.
      (5)   Type of sign permitted: Ground sign only.
      (6)   Entryway Island Option: An entranceway sign may be located on a landscaped entranceway island, provided that:
         A.   The nearest edge of the sign must be set back a minimum of 10 feet from the right-of-way of the intersecting street.
         B.   Such signs shall be located where they will not obscure the vision of drivers.
         C.   Signs in the road right-of-way require a permit from the appropriate road agency.
      (7)   Number of Signs Permitted: one (1) sign per major point of entry.
   (g)   Comparable Signs.  
      (1)   General Requirements. From time to time an applicant will propose a type of sign that is not specifically addressed in this Ordinance. The Director of Planning, Zoning & Building Division is given the authority to determine if such sign should be permitted, based in part on whether the proposed sign is comparable to other permitted signs in the district in which it is located. Other criteria the Director shall use to evaluate the proposed sign include:
         A.   Is the proposed sign consistent with the purposes of this Ordinance?
         B.   Is the sign similar to other signs in the district with respect to dimensions, height, location and design?
      (2)   Authority of the Director. This Section does not give the Director the Authority to vary any regulations in this Ordinance, or to permit signs that are specifically prohibited. If the Director determines that a proposed sign qualifies as a comparable sign, it must be further approved following the regular permit process.
   (h)   Proprietary Marketing Signage.
      (1)   Description of Proprietary Marketing Signage. Proprietary Marketing Signage contains a legally recognized and protected element that is specific to the business identified in the sign. Examples of Proprietary Marketing Signage recognized by the Aurora Sign Ordinance are signs which include any of the following:
         A.   Trademarked Symbol or Representation. Any name, symbol, figure, letter, word, or distinctive mark or feature particularly characteristic of or identified with a person or thing, adopted and used by a manufacturer or merchant in order to designate his or her goods and to distinguish them from those manufactured or sold by others. A trademark is a proprietary term that can be, but is not required to be, registered with the Patent and Trademark Office to assure its exclusive use by its owner. A company's logo is often trademarked in an effort to protect the exclusivity of the business represented.
         B.   Trade Dress. Trade dress is a legal term of art that refers to characteristics of the visual appearance of a product or its packaging, including its size, shape, color, design, and texture. When these characteristics are incorporated into a sign's physical appearance, trade dress in the sign may refer to the manner in which a product is packaged, wrapped, labeled, presented, promoted, or advertised, including the use of distinctive graphics, configurations, and marketing strategies that signify the source of the product to consumers. Only designs, shapes, or other aspects of the product that were created strictly to promote the product or service are protectable Trade Dress. Trade dress may include a logo.
         C.   Copyright. A sign containing a symbol or other communication which establishes the legally exclusive right to make copies, license, and otherwise exploit a literary, musical, or artistic work, whether printed, audio, video, etc.
      (2)   District Regulations.
         A.   Residential Districts. Non-residential uses in residential districts may use Proprietary Marketing Signage.
         B.   All other Districts. Businesses or business activity by individuals located in all other districts may use Proprietary Marketing Signage.
         C.   Application of Other Regulations. Although this section expressly authorizes the use of Proprietary Marketing Signage, other regulations of the Aurora Sign Code apply to the portions of a sign which are not a part of the Trademark, Trade Dress or Copyrighted portion of the Proprietary Marketing Sign.
            (Ord. 2013-128. Passed 3-10-13.)