(a) Permanent Signs.
(1) Location and type. The following types of signs shall be permitted in the R/O, O, B-1, B-2, B-3, M-1 and S Zoning Districts, subject to the provisions specified in these sign regulations.
A. No wall sign shall project more than twenty-four inches from the face of the building or structure upon which it is located.
B. Free-standing signs must be located a minimum of five (5) feet off the adjacent property line.
(2) Maximum number. Except as provided for within subsection (b) hereof, a maximum number of three signs shall be permitted per business and not more than one sign shall be a free-standing sign having not more than two individual sign faces.
(3) Maximum size. Except as provided for within a shopping center development and office complex development, a maximum total of 100 square feet of sign area shall be permitted per business; and in no case shall any individual sign contain more than fifty square feet per sign face, further provided that:
A. The total sign area permitted per establishment shall not exceed two square feet of sign area per lineal foot of width of the building occupied by the establishment. Width shall be measured along the building face which is nearest parallel to the street line. In the case of a corner lot, either frontage may be used in determining the maximum permitted sign area.
B. The total sign area permitted in shopping center and office complex developments shall be governed by provisions specified in subsection (b) hereof.
(4) Maximum height.
A. The top edge of a wall sign shall not extend above the building on or to which it is painted, attached or supported.
(Ord. 1997-11. Passed 3-19-97.)
B. No free-standing sign shall exceed fifteen (15) feet in height. No free-standing sign shall extend without support more than eight (8) feet horizontally, nor within five (5) feet of the right-of-way edge of the street next to which it is located or placed. All free-standing signs shall be placed within an approved landscaped area which shall be at least as large as one side or face of the proposed sign. Such landscaped area shall be separated from any paved area by curbing.
Where a free-standing sign is located within a paved area which may be subject to vehicular or pedestrian traffic, the sign must be:
1. Situated so as to not unduly obstruct the normal traffic pathways; and
2. Have its bottom edge either within two (2) feet of grade or not less than nine (9) feet above grade to provide adequate and safe clearance.
No free-standing sign shall have its supporting structure located closer than fifty (50) from any R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R- PUD or R-MHP Zoning District.
(Ord. 2014-06. Passed 2-5-14.)
(b) Shopping Center, Office or Busienss Complexes and Multiple Business Buildings.
(1) Location. The following types of signs shall be permitted in shopping centers, subject to the following provisions:
A. Free-standing signs must be located a minimum of five (5) feet from the property line.
B. Wall signs.
C. Marquee signs.
(2) Maximum number.
A. One free-standing sign having not more than two individual sign faces, shall be permitted at a shopping to serve all of the businesses within the center.
B. The maximum number of wall signs and marquee signs permitted within a shopping center shall be limited by the number of establishments located within the center. One wall sign and one marquee sign having not more than two individual sign faces shall be permitted per establishment.
(3) Maximum size.
A. The maximum permitted sign area of a free-standing sign shall be 150 square feet and in no case shall any individual sign contain more than seventy-five square feet per sign face.
B. The maximum permitted sign area of the wall sign permitted per business shall not exceed two square feet of sign area per lineal foot of width of the building or part of the building occupied by the establishment. Width shall be measured along the building face which is nearest parallel to the street line. In the case of a corner lot or location, either frontage may be used in determining the maximum permitted sign area.
C. The maximum permitted sign area of the marquee sign permitted per establishment shall be four square feet and in no case shall any individual sign contain more than two square feet per sign face.
(4) Maximum height.
A. No free-standing sign shall exceed thirty feet in height.
No free-standing sign shall extend without support more than eight feet horizontally, nor within five feet of the right-of-way edge of the street next to which it is located or placed.
Where a free-standing sign is located within a paved area which may be subject to vehicular or pedestrian traffic, the sign shall be:
1. Situated so as to not duly obstruct normal traffic or pathways; and
2. Have its bottom edge either within two feet of grade, or not less than nine feet above grade to provide adequate and safe clearance.
No free-standing sign shall have its supporting structure located closer than fifty feet from any R-1, R-2, R3, R-4, R-5, or R-PUD Zoning District.
B. The top edge of a wall sign shall not extend above the building on or to which it is painted, attached or supported.
(Ord. 2022-05. Passed 2-2-22.)
(c) Business Complexes and Multiple Business Buildings.
(1) Location. The following types of signs shall be permitted in office or business complexes and multiple business buildings, subject to the provisions specified in these sign regulations.
A. Free-standing signs must be located a minimum of five (5) feet from the property line.
B. Wall signs (except that no wall signs shall be permitted in the Design Review/Historical Preservation Area)
C. Marquee signs.
(2) Maximum number.
A. One free-standing sign having not more than two individual sign faces, shall be permitted at an office or business complex and multiple business building development to serve all of the businesses within such development.
B. The maximum number of wall signs and marquee signs permitted at an office complex development shall be limited by the number of establishments located within the development. One wall sign and one marquee sign having not more than two individual sign faces shall be permitted per establishment.
(3) Maximum size.
A. The maximum permitted sign area of a free-standing sign shall be 150 square feet and in no case shall any individual sign contain more than seventy-five square feet per sign face.
B. The maximum permitted sign area of the marquee sign permitted per establishment shall be four square feet and in no case shall any individual sign contain more than two square feet per sign face.
(4) Maximum height.
A. No free-standing sign shall exceed thirty feet in height.
No free-standing sign shall extend without support more than eight feet horizontally, nor within five feet of the right-of-way edge of the street next to which it is located or placed.
Where a free-standing sign is located within a paved area which may be subject to vehicular or pedestrian traffic, the sign shall be:
1. Situated so as to not duly obstruct normal traffic or pathways; and
2. Have its bottom edge either within two feet of grade, or not less than nine feet above grade to provide adequate and safe clearance.
No free-standing sign shall have its supporting structure located closer than fifty feet from any R-1, R-2, R3, R-4, R-5, or R-PUD Zoning District.
B. The top edge of a wall sign shall not extend above the building on or to which it is painted, attached or supported.
(Ord. 2022-06. Passed 2-2-22.)
(d) Temporary Signs. Construction signs, political signs, real estate signs, and religious, charitable and civic organization signs where permitted in all zoning districts shall be considered as temporary signs and shall only be permitted subject to the provisions specified in these regulations. (Ord. 2018-04. Passed 3-7-18.)
(1) Construction signs. Construction signs shall be permitted in any location where current, on-going construction projects are in progress.
A. Construction signs shall not be illuminated.
B. One construction sign having not more than two individual sign faces shall be permitted per construction site.
C. The maximum permitted sign area of a construction sign shall be six (6) square feet per side.
D. Construction signs may identify the name of the building or project under construction, the name of the architect, engineer, contractor, project costs, completion date and agencies associated with the project.
E. Construction signs shall be located on the same property as the specific project under construction, and shall be located (i) in the required front yard, either behind the existing sidewalk or if no sidewalk exists, fifteen feet (15') from the paved portion of the road right of way, or (ii) place on the structure being constructed or renovated. (Ord. 2021-57. Passed 11-17-21.)
(2) Religious, charitable or civic organization signs. Religious, charitable or civic organization signs shall also meet the following requirements:
A. No flashing illumination or illumination which involves movement or causes the illusion of movement resulting from the arrangement of lighting.
B. Permitted use shall not exceed two weeks.
C. The maximum permitted sign area shall be four feet by five feet or twenty square feet per sign face, with a maximum of two individual sign faces.
(Ord. 1997-11. Passed 3-19-97.)
D. Signs shall be located either behind the existing sidewalk, or if no sidewalk exists, fifteen feet (15') from the paved portion of the road right of way.
(Ord. 2018-04. Passed 3-7-18.)
E. No signs shall be placed upon utility poles or trees.
F. No sign shall be located at or near an intersection of two or more streets in such a manner as to hinder or obstruct free and clear vision; and no sign shall be of a shape or color that may be confused with traffic control signs or devices.
(Ord. 1997-11. Passed 3-19-97.)
(3) Political signs. It is the intent of this section to regulate, restrict and control the display of political signs as to duration, size and location. It is further not the intent of this section to prohibit or discourage political signs, rather, to maintain the appearance of the community before, during and after a political election, as well as to provide for the health, safety and welfare of residents of the City who may be endangered due to defective construction and/or location of the signs.
A. Political signs shall not be illuminated and shall not have more than two individual sign faces.
B. The maximum permitted area of a political sign shall be no more than twelve (12) total square feet and in no case shall any individual sign contain more than six (6) square feet per sign face. Such signs shall be permitted for the period beginning forty-five (45) days before an election to ten (10) days thereafter. Should any signs remain after this period, the Municipality may remove such signs and charge the expenses of removal to the owner of the property where such sign(s) are located. (Ord. 2009-15. Passed 4-1-09.)
C. No political signs shall be permitted upon utility poles or trees. Such signs shall be located behind the existing sidewalk, or if no sidewalk exists, fifteen feet (15') from the paved portion of the road right of way. (Ord. 2018-04. Passed 3-7-18.)
D. No more than two (2) political signs shall be placed on any lot by any candidate or issue opponent or proponent.
(Ord. 2019-59. Passed 12-18-19.)
(4) Real estate signs.
A. Real estate signs shall not be illuminated.
B. One real estate sign or similar sign, having not more than two individual sign faces, designating an individual parcel of land for sale, lease or rent shall be permitted on that particular parcel being offered for sale.
C. The maximum permitted sign area of a real estate sign shall be eight square feet, and in no case shall any individual sign contain more than four square feet per sign face.
D. No real estate signs shall be permitted upon utility poles or trees. Such signs shall be located behind the existing sidewalk, or if no sidewalks exists, fifteen feet (15') from the paved portion of the road right of way.
E. Real estate signs shall only be permitted during the duration that the subject property is actively listed for sale with a real estate agent or actively offered for sale by the owner.
(Ord. 2020-12. Passed 3-18-20.)
(e) Signs in R-PUD District.
(1) Location.
A. Sign shall be located at the main or primary entrance to the District.
B. Signs shall be situated so as not to unduly obstruct normal traffic or clear sight distance at an intersection.
(Ord. 1997-11. Passed 3-19-97.)
C. Signs shall not be permitted upon utility poles or trees. Such signs shall be located behind the existing sidewalk, or if no sidewalk exists, fifteen feet (15') from the paved portion of the private roadway in the R-PUD. (Ord. 2018-04. Passed 3-7-18.)
D. Sign shall not be within fifty feet of R-1 property.
(2) Maximum number.
A. Only one sign per individual district containing not more than two individual sign faces shall be allowed.
B. All signs must be permanently mounted and properly landscaped.
(3) Type.
A. All signs shall be ground mounted and shall not exceed six feet in height.
B. All signs must be permanently mounted and properly landscaped.
(4) Total size. Total sign area shall not exceed sixty square feet and in no case shall any individual sign face exceed thirty square feet.
(5) Lettering. The sign shall only contain the name of the development.
(6) Approval. All signs for an R-PUD shall receive the prior approval of the Planning and Zoning Commission.
(7) Lighting. All lighting shall be ground mounted and directed so as not to be objectionable to adjacent and surrounding properties.
(f) Signs at Historic Structures.
(1) Location.
A. Sign shall be located in the front yard.
(Ord. 1997-11. Passed 3-19-97.)
B. Signs shall not be permitted upon utility poles or trees. Such signs shall be located behind the existing sidewalk, or if no sidewalk exists, fifteen feet (15') from the paved portion of the road right of way. (Ord. 2018-04. Passed 3-7-18.)
C. Sign shall not obstruct the clear sight distance of any vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
D. Minimum distance with regard to location of sign from any side yard shall not be less than twenty-five percent (25%) of the total frontage measurement of property.
(2) Maximum number. Only one sign per structure, containing not more than two individual sign faces shall be allowed.
(3) Type.
A. All signs shall be ground mounted not to exceed six feet in height.
B. All signs shall be properly landscaped.
(4) Total size. Total sign area shall not exceed forty square feet and in no case should any individual sign face exceed twenty square feet.
(5) Lettering. Sign shall only contain the name of the historic structure and dates.
(6) Approval. All signs shall receive approval of the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Design Review/Historic Preservation Committee prior to being erected.
(7) Lighting. All lighting shall be ground mounted and directed so as not to be objectionable to adjacent and surrounding properties.
(g) Signs in R-la, R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 Districts.
(1) Requirements. The subdivision must be in excess of fifty acres.
(2) Location.
A. The sign(s) shall be located at only one main or primary entrance to the subdivision.
B. The sign(s) shall be situated so as not to unduly obstruct normal traffic or clear sign distance at an intersection.
C. Sign shall not be within fifty feet of any building.
(Ord. 1997-11. Passed 3-19-97.)
D. Signs shall be located behind the existing sidewalk, or if no sidewalk exists, fifteen feet (15') from the paved portion of the road right of way.
(Ord. 2018-04. Passed 3-7-18.)
(3) Maximum number.
A. One sign per individual subdivision containing not more than two individual sign faces shall be allowed, or not more than two signs having not more than one sign face shall be allowed.
B. Single-sided signs shall have the blank side obstructed from view by utilizing an ornamental wall, shrubs or trees.
(4) Type.
A. All signs shall be ground mounted and shall not exceed six feet in height. If signs are placed on earth mounds, the height of sign shall be calculated from the base of the earth mound to the top of the sign.
B. All signs must be permanently mounted and properly landscaped.
(5) Total size. Total sign area shall not exceed sixty square feet and in no case shall any individual sign face exceed thirty square feet.
(6) Lettering. The sign shall only contain the name of the development.
(7) Lighting. All lighting shall be ground mounted and directed so as not to be objectionable to adjacent and surrounding properties.
(8) Approval. All signs for an R-1a, R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 Districts shall receive the prior approval of the Planning and Zoning Commission.
(h) Signs in R-5 District.
(1) Requirements. The complex shall contain a minimum of sixteen dwelling units to qualify for a sign.
(2) Locations.
A. Sign shall be located at the main entrance to the complex.
B. Sign shall be situated so as not to unduly obstruct normal traffic or clear sight distance at an intersection.
C. Sign shall not be within fifty feet of R-1a, R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 property.
(Ord. 1997-11. Passed 3-19-97.)
D. Signs shall be located behind the existing sidewalk, or if no sidewalk exists, fifteen feet (15') from the paved portion of the road right of way.
(Ord. 2018-04. Passed 3-7-18.)
(3) Maximum number. Only one sign per individual complex containing not more than two individual sign faces shall be allowed.
(4) Type.
A. All signs shall be ground mounted and shall not exceed six feet in height.
B. All signs must be permanently mounted and properly landscaped.
(5) Total size. Total sign area shall not exceed sixty square feet and in no case shall any individual sign face exceed thirty square feet.
(6) Lettering. The sign shall only contain the name of the complex.
(7) Lighting. All lighting shall be ground mounted and directed so as not to be objectionable to adjacent and surrounding properties.
(8) Approval. All signs shall receive the prior approval of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Signs which were existing at the time of the adoption of these sign regulations, but which were erected in compliance with previously adopted regulations shall be considered preexisting signs which may be continued as long as they are kept in good repair and maintained in safe condition.
(Ord. 1997-11. Passed 3-19-97.)
(i) Electronic Changeable Copy Signs. Multiple message and variable message electronic or digital signs (“Changeable Copy Signs” or “Signs”) shall conform with the following requirements:
(1) Full color Electronic Changeable Copy Signs shall be allowed with a black background.
(2) Changeable Copy Signs shall be permitted in B-2, B-3, M-1, and S Zoning districts except that no signs shall be permitted in the Historical District areas as defined in Section 1129.01.
(3) Messages shall remain fixed for at least fifteen (15) seconds.
(4) Messages shall not spin, rotate, scroll, flash, or contain video displays, animation or intermittent light.
(5) Changes to messages must be accomplished instantaneously without fading or other special effects.
(6) Signs must be capable of regulating display intensity and the light intensity level of the display must automatically adjust to natural light conditions.
(7) No sign shall be of such intensity as to create a distraction to motorists, or emulate traffic control devices.
(8) Signs must contain a default design that will cause them to go dark if a malfunction occurs.
(9) The changeable copy portion of any sign shall not exceed seventy-five percent (75%) of the total allowable area of the subject sign.
(10) Electronic or digital portions of such signs must be turned off at the later of (i) when the subject business or subject owner is closed for business or (ii) 10:00 p.m.
(11) All Changeable Copy Signs shall include a photocell providing for dimmed illumination at night.
(12) One (1) Changeable Copy Sign shall be permitted per single property or unified site, i.e., a plaza.
(13) Upon (a) installation, or (b) at any time subsequent thereto upon the City’s request, the owner shall provide the City with proof of compliance with the following illuminance requirement.
Illuminance shall be measured with an illuminance meter set to measure footcandles accurate to at least two decimals and shall be measured with the sign off, and again with the sign displaying a white image for a full color-capable sign, or a solid message for a single-color sign. All measurements shall be taken perpendicular to the face of the sign at the distance determined by the total square footage of the sign as set forth in the table below. The difference between the off and solid-message measurements using the measurement criteria shall not exceed 0.3 footcandles.
Area of Sign Sq. Ft. | Measurement distance (ft.) |
10 | 32 |
15 | 39 |
20 | 45 |
25 | 50 |
30 | 55 |
35 | 59 |
40 | 63 |
45 | 67 |
50 | 71 |
55 | 74 |
60 | 77 |
65 | 81 |
70 | 84 |
75 | 87 |
80 | 89 |
85 | 92 |
90 | 95 |
95 | 97 |
100 | 100 |
110 | 105 |
120 | 110 |
130 | 114 |
140 | 118 |
150 | 122 |
160 | 126 |
170 | 130 |
180 | 134 |
190 | 138 |
Area of Sign Sq. Ft. | Measurement distance (ft.) |
200 | 141 |
220 | 148 |
240 | 155 |
260 | 161 |
280 | 167 |
300 | 173 |
(14) There shall be a minimum distance of 200 feet between any Changeable Copy Signs.
(15) At no time shall the total digital illumination area of a Sign fall below ninety-five percent (95%). If a sign falls below the ninety-five percent (95%) minimum illumination requirement, the sign shall be shut off until it is repaired and complies with the illumination requirement.
(16) Messages displayed must be static and complete in themselves, without continuation in context to another message or to another sign.
(17) Changeable Copy Signs should be limited to monument signs only.
(18) All Changeable Copy Signs must comply with all other applicable provisions contained in this Chapter 1183.
(Ord. 2020-61. Passed 12-16-20.)
(j) Sandwich Board Type Sign. In any B-1 zoning district, one (1) sandwich Board type sign per building may be displayed in the frontage area adjacent to the business, subject to the following:
(1) The sign shall be submitted to the Zoning Inspector by the Owner of the subject property for review and approval prior to use.
(2) The sign shall advertise only goods and/or services offered by a business in the building whose frontage the sign occupies.
(3) The sign shall have no moving parts.
(4) The sign shall not be illuminated.
(5) The sign may have no more than two sides.
(6) The sign and supporting structure’s overall dimensions shall not exceed a height of four (4) feet, or a width of three (3) feet when open, and the sign’s advertising space shall not exceed nine (9) square feet.
(7) The sign shall not block pedestrian or vehicular traffic or be placed in a loading area or fire or emergency vehicle area.
(8) The sign shall not hinder the ability of persons to exit or enter vehicles parked along the curb and shall not hinder exit from or entry to a building.
(9) The sign shall be constructed of finished all-weather materials.
(10) The sign shall not be secured, tethered, or installed on traffic devices, utility equipment, street trees, street lights, or any other public fixture.
(11) The sign may be on display only during those hours during which the subject business is open to the public.
(12) The sign shall be well maintained.
(13) Applicant shall execute a Hold Harmless Agreement with the City as adopted from time to time by the City.
(14) Sandwich board type signs permitted by this section are not be considered when determining other signage allowed by other provisions in this Chapter 1183.
(15) If the sign is to be located in the right of way, the Owner must (i) add the City as an additional insured to the comprehensive general liability policy of the Owner in an amount of at least one hundred thousand and no/100 dollars ($100,000.00), and (ii) provide proof of such coverage.
The placement of a Sandwich Board sign in accordance with this section shall not require approved by the Design Review Historical Preservation Committee, the Planning and Zoning Commission, or the Board of Zoning Appeals.
There shall be an administrative processing fee of twenty dollars ($20.00) as a permanent fee for the use of a sandwich board sign in accordance with Section 1183.03.
(Ord. 2020-29. Passed 7-15-20.)
(k) Window Signs. Window signs placed within four (4) feet of a window, or directly on the window and visible to the outside shall not cover more than thirty percent (30%) of the window space between 4 feet and 7 feet above grade and shall not block views to any cashier area if one exists. Only seventy-five percent (75%) of the total area(s) where letters are placed directly on windows shall count toward the maximum amount of allowable window coverage.
(Ord. 2020-23. Passed 5-20-20.)