§ 350.10 Billboards

   Billboards, as defined in division (e)(1) of Section 350.03, shall be permitted only in accordance with the following regulations and other applicable regulations of this chapter:

   (a)   Zoning Districts. Billboards shall be permitted only in General Industry and Unrestricted Industry Districts, except that billboards directed at any angle toward a freeway may be permitted in Semi- Industry Districts. Billboards shall not be permitted in Cleveland Landmark Districts, Public Land Protective Districts. Business Revitalization Districts or on the opposite side of any street bordering such districts. No billboards shall be permitted on the cast side of State Route 176 (the Jennings Freeway) and only one (1) billboard shall be permitted on the west side of State Route 176 (the Jennings Freeway).

   (b)   Sign Types. Billboards shall be permitted as either free-standing or wall signs, unless otherwise restricted in these Codified Ordinances. In General Industry and Unrestricted Industry districts, billboards shall also be permitted as roof signs not exceeding permitted building height and meeting the standards of division (h) of Section 350.08.

   (c)   Size. Billboard sign panels shall not exceed eight hundred and twenty (820) square feet in area and shall be further limited in size by the setback regulations in divisions (g) and (h) of this section. For purposes of determining required setbacks, the measurement of sign panel area shall exclude “extensions” projecting beyond the otherwise rectangular or standard geometric panel dimensions, provided that these extensions do not exceed twenty- one percent (21%) of such standard panel area.

   (d)   Height. The maximum height of a billboard above the roadway surface to which it is oriented shall be fifty (50) feet. However, in no case shall the height of the billboard as measured from the grade of the lot on which it is placed exceed the maximum permitted height for main buildings.

   (e)   Spacing. Along freeways, the minimum distance between billboards located on one (1) side of the road shall be fourteen hundred (1,400) feet. Along freeways, the minimum distance between billboards located on opposite sides of the road and visible to approaching traffic shall have a minimum spacing of five hundred (500) feet. Along other roads, such distance shall be seven hundred fifty (750) feet between two (2) billboards which are each less than one hundred (100) square feet in area and shall be one thousand (1,000) feet in all other instances. Except for double-sided (“back-to-back”) billboard panels, not more than one (1) billboard panel may be located on a single structure.

   (f)   Distance from Street Lines. Billboards shall be located behind the required building setback lines of the lots on which they are located. In addition, billboards shall be located a minimum distance of twenty-five (25) feet measured in any direction from the point of intersection of the right-of-way lines of two (2) intersecting streets.

   (g)   Distance from Zoning District Lines. Billboards located along streets other than freeways shall be set back at least two hundred (200) feet from Residential, Local Retail and General Retail District lines. For such billboard panels exceeding three hundred eighty (380) square feet in area, all minimum setbacks from zoning district lines shall be increased one (1) foot for each one (1) additional square foot of sign panel area. Billboards along freeways shall be set back at least fifty (50) feet from Residential, Local Retail, and General Retail District lines.

   (h)   Distance from Bridges Not on Freeways and from Parkways. A billboard directed at any angle toward a bridge, not on a freeway or toward a bridge not on a freeway or toward a parkway shall be set back from the outer pavement edge a minimum of one (1) foot for each one (1) square foot of sign panel area. However, the minimum such setback shall be three hundred thirty (330) feet. Furthermore, as required by State regulations, no billboard may be located within five hundred (500) feet of the interchange of a freeway, as measured along the right edge of the main traveled roadway in the direction of travel from the beginning or ending of pavement widening at the exit or entrance to the freeway.

   (i)   Distance from Freeways. A billboard directed at any angle toward a freeway shall be located outside of the freeway right-of-way, but in no case closer than fifty (50) feet from the freeway pavement edge.

   (j)   Illumination. Billboards shall be illuminated only by means of continuous reflected light. Internally- illuminated or back-lit billboards shall not be permitted. Billboards shall not include automatic changeable copy signs (i.e., electronic message centers) as defined in division (f)(2) of Section 350.03.

   (k)   Referral to City Planning Department. Any Building Permit application for installation of a new billboard shall be referred to the Director of the City Planning Department for a determination of compliance with the location, spacing and setback regulations of this section. In making this determination, the Director and staff of the Department shall utilize a map maintained by the Department showing locations of existing billboards, zoning districts and other information necessary to make such determination.

   (l)   Nonconforming Billboards. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 350.19, a legal nonconforming billboard may be replaced or may be reconstructed to an extent greater than otherwise permitted if the City Planning Commission determines that such replacement or reconstruction will satisfy the following conditions:

      (1)   Site and Design Improvements. The site of the new or reconstructed billboard shall be landscaped and otherwise improved, through use of an ornamental base or frame, a streamlined support structure, or similar features effective in improving the appearance of the site. At a minimum, evergreen shrubs, at least three (3) feet in height at the time of planting and four (4) feet in height after two (2) growing seasons, shall be planted at maximum intervals of four (4) feet along any side of the base of the billboard oriented toward a public street. Such planting shall extend at least the full width of the billboard panel. In addition, all portions of the parcel(s) of land on which the billboard site is located shall be planted with grass or other suitable vegetative ground cover between the billboard and all public streets abutting the parcel(s).

      (2)   Degree of Nonconformity. The new or reconstructed billboard shall be no greater in size, height, number of panels, or any panel dimension than is the existing billboard, nor shall the new or reconstructed billboard be less conforming to any zoning regulation than is the existing billboard, except that a panel or sign face may be added to the back of a billboard where previously there had been no panel or sign face.

      (3)   Location. The new or reconstructed billboard shall be placed in precisely the same location as the existing billboard unless the City Planning Commission determines that a different location on the same parcel of land would be more effective in meeting the intent of the sign regulations, as stated in Section 350.01.

      (4)   Sign Type. With respect to the “sign types” defined in division (f) of Section 350.03, the new or reconstructed billboard shall be the same type as the existing billboard unless the City Planning Commission determines that a different sign type would be more compatible with the subject property or nearby properties.

      (5)   Changeable Copy. The new or reconstructed billboard may incorporate automatic changeable copy only if such copy is limited to a single billboard panel or two (2) back-to-back billboard panels and only if each such panel replaces two (2) or more billboard panels on a single parcel of property or two (2) or more billboard panels on adjacent properties. The replacement billboard panel shall not be larger than any of the billboard panels it is replacing. In the case of a sign utilizing changeable copy, each message shall remain fixed for at least eight (8) seconds.

(Ord. No. 1233-15. Passed 11-9-15, eff. 11-11-15)

§ 350.11 Political Signs

   Political signs, as defined in division (e)(9) of Section 350.03, shall be permitted in addition to otherwise permitted signs and sign area and only in accordance with the following regulations and other applicable regulations of this chapter:

   (a)   Location. Political signs shall not be placed on any public property, public right-of-way, utility pole, bridge or bridge abutment. The location of political signs on private property is further prescribed in this chapter by the regulations for each zoning district.

   (b)   Number and Area. The maximum size of any political sign shall be eight (8) square feet if located in a Residential District and sixty-four (64) square feet if located in a non-residential district. In no case shall the total area of all free-standing political signs on a lot exceed sixty-four (64) square feet, except for a lot on which billboards are permitted. In such a case, political signs may be displayed in accordance with the regulations for billboards in Section 350.10.

   (c)   Substitution. In addition to the specifically authorized political signs, political messages may be displayed in place of commercial messages on any permitted billboard or other permitted permanent sign.

(Ord. No. 3076-A-89. Passed 12-10-90, eff. 12-20-90)

§ 350.12 Temporary Signs

   Temporary signs, as defined in division (e)(11) of Section 350.03, shall be permitted in addition to otherwise permitted signs and sign area in accordance with the following regulations and other applicable regulations of the Building Code and other City ordinances.

   (a)   Banners. The area of all banners displayed for a business or other non-residential use shall be limited to twenty-five percent (25%) of the permitted permanent sign area. Each business or use shall display banners for no more than four (4) months during any calendar year. Banners shall be displayed only as wall, window, canopy or projecting signs in accordance with the applicable regulations pertaining to each sign type. (NOTE: Regulations of this chapter do not apply to banners displayed in the public right-of-way).

   (b)   Portable Signs. Portable signs shall be permitted only for community facility uses as listed in division (a) of Section 337.01 of the Zoning Code and for businesses located in Retail or Industrial Districts, and shall be displayed for no more than one (1) period of not more than thirty (30) consecutive days per calendar year. Portable signs shall be limited to one (1) per lot, forty (40) square feet in sign face area, and six (6) feet in height. Such sign shall be set back a minimum of one (1) foot from the street right-of-way lines and twenty (20) feet from side lot lines.

   (c)   Inflatable Signs. An inflatable sign shall be displayed no more than fourteen (14) days during a calendar year on any lot in a General Retail, Shopping Center or Industrial District. Inflatable signs shall be permitted in no other circumstances. Inflatable signs shall be limited to one (1) per lot, forty (40) feet in any dimension, and for display as either a free-standing or roof sign. The height of such sign above ground level shall not exceed permitted building height by more than twenty (20) feet.

   (d)   Window Signs. Temporary window signs, as permitted in Retail and Industrial Districts, shall cover no more than twenty-five percent (25%) of window area, as defined in division (a)(3) of Section 350.05.

   (e)   Pennants. The display of strings of pennants streamers, pinwheels, balloons and similar objects, as defined in division (f)(8) of Section 350.03, shall be prohibited except as permitted for carnivals and open- air festivals in accordance with the regulations of Section 329.07 and for new businesses under division (c) of Section 350.20.

   (f)   Other Temporary Signs. Real estate, development and political signs and signs for new businesses shall be permitted as temporary signs in accordance with other regulations of this chapter.

   (g)   Illumination. Temporary signs shall be illuminated only in accordance with the regulations of Section 350.07.

   (h)   Carnivals and Festivals. Notwithstanding the regulations of this chapter, temporary signs may be permitted for carnivals and open-air festivals in accordance with the regulations of Section 329.07.

   (i)   Safety Standards. Temporary signs shall meet regulations of the Building Code, National Electrical Code and other applicable codes.

   (j)   Nonconforming Temporary Signs. See division (d) of Section 350.19.

(Ord. No. 3076-A-89. Passed 12-10-90, eff. 12-20-90)

§ 350.13 Signs for Residential Districts

   Signs in Residential Districts and Residence- Office Districts, as well as signs for community facility uses permitted in these districts, shall be permitted as regulated below:

   (a)   Permitted Types, Number, Area and Height (Residential). Signs by use and structural type are permitted only in accordance with regulations presented in the schedule of Permitted Types, Number, Area and Height (Residential). Sign types not listed are prohibited except for political signs which are permitted as regulated in Section 350.11. Automatic changeable copy signs are prohibited in all Residence Districts. (All signs are permanent unless listed as temporary).

   Schedule of Permitted Types, Number, Area, & Height

   (Residential)

Signs by Use Type	Land Use Categories
	1-2 Family Dwellings	Townhouses (Row Houses)2	Multi-family Apartments	Community Facility3
Nameplate	TYPES: wall or free standing	TYPES: wall	Not Permitted	Not Permitted
	#: 2 per dwelling unit	#: 1 per dwelling unit
	SF: 2	SF: 2
	Ht: 3 ft.
Information	TYPES: wall or free standing
	#: minimum necessary as approved by Building Commissioner
	SF: 1	SF: 4	SF: 4	SF: 4
	Ht: 2 ft.	Ht: 3 ft.	Ht: 3 ft.	Ht: 3 ft.
Identification 2	TYPES: wall, free-standing or canopy
	#: 1 per vehicular entrance to a subdivision	#: 1 per vehicular entrance	#: 1 per vehicular 1 entrance	#: 1 per vehicular entrance
	SF: 20	SF: 20	SF: 20	SF: 40
	Ht: 5 ft.	Ht: 5 ft.	Ht: 5 ft.	Ht: 5 ft.
Directional	Not Permitted	TYPES: wall or free standing
		#: minimum necessary as approved by Building Commissioner
		SF: 4	SF: 4	SF: 4
		Ht: 3 ft.	Ht: 3 ft.	Ht: 3 ft.
Real Estate (Temporary)	TYPES: free-standing or window	TYPES: free-standing or window	TYPES: wall, window or free-standing
	#: 1 per lot	#: 1 per unit	#: 1 per vehicular entrance
	SF: 6	SF: 6	SF: 32	SF: 32
	Ht: 6 ft.	Ht: 6 ft.	Ht: 8 ft.	Ht: 8 ft.
Development (Temporary)	TYPES: free-standing	TYPES: wall, window or free-standing
	#: 1 per vehicular entrance to a subdivision	#: 1 per vehicular entrance
	SF: 48	SF: 64	SF: 64	SF: 64
	Ht: 10 ft.	Ht: 10 ft.	Ht: 10 ft.	Ht: 10 ft.
Bulletin Board	Not Permitted	Not Permitted	Not Permitted	TYPES: wall or free- standing
				#: 1 per lot
				SF: 40
				Ht. 8 ft.
TYPE: Permitted signs by structural type #: Maximum number of signs SF: Maximum sign face area (in square ft.) per side of each sign Ht: Maximum height for free-standing signs
1   1 additional identification sign not exceeding 10 square feet in area shall be permitted for each apartment building in a complex of 2 or more such buildings.    2   In any One-Family or Two-Family Residential District, such signs are permitted only for subdivisions of at least 10 lots.    3   Identification or Bulletin Board signs using electronically changeable copy may be permitted for Community Facility Uses only in accordance with the regulations of division (g) of this section.

 

   (b)   Location (Residential). Signs as permitted for residential and community facility uses shall conform with the location regulations presented in the Schedule of Location Regulations (Residential) in addition to the regulations of Section 350.08.

   Schedule of Location Regulations (Residential)

   Free-Standing Sign Types

 

Minimum Distance From	Nameplate Political & Information	Identification	Real Estate* & Development	Bulletin Board
All Lot Lines	5 ft.	20 ft.	20 ft.	25 ft.
Occupied 1-2 Family Dwelling	–	35 ft.	75 ft.	–
*   Real estate signs for individual 1-family, 2-family and townhouse units shall be located a minimum distance of 2 feet from every lot line and dwelling.

 

   (c)   Garage Sale and Open House Sign Regulations. Signs directing attention to a real estate open house or a sale of household items from a garage or house shall be permitted for one (1) and two (2) family dwellings and townhouses (rowhouses) in accordance with the following regulations:

      (1)   Maximum Number of Signs: One (1) per lot or townhouse unit;

      (2)   Permitted Sign Types: Window or free- standing;

      (3)   Maximum Sign Area: Four (4) square feet per sign;

      (4)   Maximum Height: Four (4) feet for free- standing signs;

      (5)   Location: Five (5) feet minimum setback from every lot line;

      (6)   Display Period: No more than three (3) four (4) day periods per year.

   (d)   Temporary Directional Signs. Signs directing attention to a real estate open house, garage sale or house auction, for a single-family, two (2) family or townhouse unit, may be displayed as free-standing signs on “tree lawn” areas in accordance with the following regulations:

      (1)   Maximum Number of Signs: Four (4) per event, with no more than two (2) per block for any single event;

      (2)   Maximum Sign Area: Two (2) square feet per sign;

      (3)   Maximum Heights: Three (3) feet;

      (4)   Location: At least one (1) foot from curbs and sidewalks and only on corner lots or at street intersections;

      (5)   Display Period: Only on the days of the event and not more than three (3) three (3) day periods per year for garage sales and house auctions and not more than two (2) days per week for open house events;

      (6)   Consent: Temporary directional signs shall be displayed only with the consent of the owner of the property that immediately adjoins the tree lawn on which the sign is to be placed.

   (e)   Signs or Accessory Business Uses. In any Multi-Family Residential District, a business or home occupation permitted as an accessory use may be identified by means of a permitted nameplate sign. Such sign may be displayed as either a wall or window sign not exceeding two (2) square feet in area and illuminated, if at all, by reflected light from a light source which is not visible from beyond the subject lot. No such signs, however, shall be permitted in an One- Family or Two-Family Residential District.

   (f)   Office Buildings. Signs for office buildings in Residence-Office Districts shall be permitted in accordance with the regulations for retail uses as provided in Section 350.14.

   (g)   Community Facility Uses. A variance shall be required and may be granted for Identification or Bulletin Board signs using electronically changeable copy to display information pertinent to a Community Facility use on the premises of such Community Facility use only if the Board of Zoning Appeals determines that the sign will provide community information without adversely affecting the character of nearby residential properties, in accordance with the following provisions.

      (1)   Community Facility Uses, for purposes of these provisions, shall include schools, places of worship, libraries, museums, hospitals, municipal recreation centers, parks, playgrounds, police stations, fire stations and other principal uses determined to be similar uses by the Board of Zoning Appeals.

      (2)   Information displayed on the sign shall be limited to information that pertains to the community facility use on which property the sign is located. Each display of information shall remain static or fixed for a minimum of twenty (20) seconds, thereby prohibiting flashing, scrolling, animated or other copy that gives the appearance of motion.

      (3)   The sign using electronically changeable copy shall be either a wall sign or a freestanding sign or portion of such sign and shall be a maximum of thirty (30) square feet in area.

      (4)   The placement and design of the sign using electronically changeable copy shall be approved by the City Planning Commission and Landmarks Commission, as applicable, in accordance with the design review guidelines established in this Zoning Code for signs and, specifically, with the intent of ensuring compatibility with the character of nearby residential properties.

      (5)   The Board of Zoning Appeals may approve a sign that varies from these provisions if both the Board and the City Planning Commission or Landmarks Commission, as applicable, determine that the sign will meet a community need without adversely impacting the character of nearby residential properties.

(Ord. No. 934-10. Passed 5-16-11, eff. 5-20-11)

§ 350.14 Signs for Retail Districts

   Signs for uses in University Retail, Local Retail, General Retail and Shopping Center Districts shall be permitted as regulated below:

   (a)   Maximum Sign Face Area (Retail). The maximum sign face area of all permanent building- mounted signs for each building or unit thereof shall be related to the width of the building or unit. (For lots without buildings or with unusually small buildings, see division (d) of Section 350.20.) Maximum sign face area, excluding the area of free-standing signs, shall be determined according to the measurement standards of Section 350.05 and the following formula where “W” is the width of frontage (in feet) of the building or unit thereof: (W × 1.5) + 25 = Square Feet of Signage.

   (b)   Permitted Types, Number, Area and Height (Retail). Signs by use and structural type are permitted only in accordance with the regulations presented in the schedule of Permitted Types, Number, Area and Height (Retail). Sign types not listed are prohibited except for political signs which are permitted as regulated in Section 350.11. (All signs are permanent unless listed as temporary).

Schedule of Permitted Types, Number, Area, & Height
(Retail)

Signs by Use Type	Signs by Structural Type
	Free-Standing	Wall	Window	Canopy	Projecting
Identification or Business 2, 3	#: 1 per lot 4	SF: As regulated by formula		#: 1 per building unit	#: 1 per building unit
	SF: 50 1			SF: 6 if hanging from soffit	SF: 12
	Ht: 12 ft. - Local Retail Districts
	25 ft. - Other Retail Districts
Directional & Information 5	#: Minimum necessary as approved by Building Commissioner				Not Permitted
	SF: 4	SF: 4	SF: 4	SF: 4
	Ht: 3 ft.
Real Estate (Temporary)	#: 1 per street frontage	#: 1 per building side	#: 1 per building unit	Not Permitted	Not Permitted
	SF: 48	SF: 48	SF: 12
	Ht: 10 ft.
Development 6 (Temporary)	#: 2 per lot (total)			Not Permitted	Not Permitted
	SF: 96	SF: 96	SF: 12
	Ht: 12 ft.
Temporary (Excluding Real Estate and Development)	As permitted in Section 350.12		SF: 25% of window area	As permitted in Section 350.12
#: Maximum number of signs SF: Maximum sign area (in square ft.) per side of each sign Ht: Maximum height for free-standing signs and roof signs Sign Area Formula: (W × 1.5) + 25 = square feet
1   Except 75 sq. ft. maximum for establishments with a building frontage of 100-200 ft. and 100 sq. ft. maximum for establishments with a building frontage exceeding 200 ft. For shopping centers, see Section 350.14(d).    2   Identification or business signs using animation, electronically-changeable copy or flashing lights are specifically prohibited for “adult entertainment uses,” as defined in Section 347.07(b).    3   Identification and business signs using animation or electronically-changeable copy are permitted in Local Retail Districts subject to the provisions of division (h) of this section, General Retail Districts and Shopping Center districts as free-standing, wall or window signs and, for theatres, also as canopy signs.    4   See division (b) of Section 350.20.    5   For hospitals, colleges and other public facilities and institutions, directional and information signs may be permitted to a maximum area of 12 sq. ft. and a maximum height of 6 ft. as necessary in the determination of the Building Commissioner.    6   In Local Retail Districts, wall and free-standing development signs shall be limited to 48 sq. ft. and 10 ft. in height (for free-standing signs).

 

   (c)   Location (Retail). Free-standing signs as permitted for retail uses shall conform with the location regulations presented in the Schedule of Location Regulations (Retail) in addition to the regulations of Section 350.08.

Schedule of Location Regulations (Retail)
Free-Standing Sign Types

 

Minimum Distance From	Identification/ Business	Real Estate & Development	Information & Political	Directional
Residential District Line	25 ft.	25 ft.	5 ft.	5 ft.
Street R.O.W. Line(s)	3 ft.	3 ft.	3 ft.	1 ft.
Side & Rear Lot Lines	5 ft.	5 ft.	5 ft.	5 ft.

 

   (d)   Shopping Centers. For purposes of this chapter, three (3) or more retail businesses located on a single lot and served by common parking or common vehicular entrances shall be classified as a “shopping center” and shall be permitted one (1) free-standing identification sign and one (1) wall identification sign in addition to other permitted signs and in accordance with the following regulations:

      (1)   Display of Information. Each shopping center identification sign shall display only the name of the center and the name of not more than one (1) business located within the center, except that, with approval of the council member whose ward is affected as expressed by an ordinance or resolution of Council, for any shopping center with retail floor area exceeding one hundred fifty thousand (150,000) square feet, excluding “outlots” with separate free-standing signs, such sign may display the names of not more than two (2) businesses located within the center.

      (2)   Size. The maximum sign face area of a shopping center identification sign shall equal twenty (20) square feet for each ten thousand (10,000) square feet of gross floor area but shall not exceed one hundred twenty-five (125) square feet. All shopping centers, however, shall be permitted a sign of at least fifty (50) square feet.

      (3)   Other Regulations. All other regulations of this chapter applicable to identification signs shall apply to a shopping center identification sign.

      (4)   Other Signs. A lot displaying a shopping center identification sign may display no other free- standing identification or business signs.

      (5)   Secondary Frontages and Entrances. One (1) additional shopping center identification freestanding sign and one (1) additional shopping center identification wall sign shall be permitted for a shopping center with more than one (1) vehicular entrance, provided that such signs meet the requirements of division (b) of Section 350.20.

      (6)   Outlots. If a vehicular entrance or parking lot of a shopping center also serves a use located on a separate lot (i.e., “out lot”), the free- standing identification or business sign permitted for such lot shall be limited to a maximum of twenty-five (25) square feet in area and seven (7) feet in height.

      (7)   Design Review. No sign identifying a shopping center or identifying two (2) or more businesses within a shopping center and no permanent identification sign of any type located within a designated Shopping Center District shall be erected or altered in appearance without the approval of the City Planning Commission or its Director. In considering such approval, the Commission shall seek to ensure that the signs demonstrate a high degree of graphic and architectural quality, legibility, and design compatibility with the shopping center, its signage and nearby development.

      (8)   Consolidation of Free-Standing Signs. In the case of a shopping center with more than the number of signs allowed under this chapter, which signs were legally established prior to the effective date of this ordinance, a new free-standing sign identifying two (2) or more businesses may be erected if the following conditions are met:

         A.   The new multi-tenant sign shall display the name of the shopping center and tenant names no greater in number than the tenant names currently displayed on free-standing signs in the shopping center, but in no case shall more than six (6) tenant names be displayed on such sign;

         B.   All other free-standing business identification signs on the shopping center property shall be removed prior to erection of the new sign, except that conforming signs permitted for outlots may be retained;

         C.   The sign does not exceed twelve (12) feet in height;

         D.   The council member whose ward is affected approves, as expressed by an ordinance or resolution of Council.

   (e)   Gasoline Service Stations. Signs for gasoline service stations shall conform with all regulations of this chapter except for the maximum sign area regulations of division (a) of Section 350.14 and any regulations which directly conflict with the regulations stated below:

      (1)   Free-Standing Business Sign. Each station shall be permitted one (1) permanent free- standing business signs, with total sign face area of the panel or panels not exceeding one hundred (100) square feet. Such sign shall be limited to identifying the company name, management, fuel prices, and services offered.

      (2)   Signs at Service Islands. Stations shall be permitted information signs at fuel or other service islands which display information regarding type of service or are necessary in directing or instructing the motorist who has entered the station area. Signs not extending beyond the edges of fuel pumps are permitted and shall not be counted as business identification signs.

      (3)   Wall and Canopy Signs. Each station shall be permitted permanent identifications, business, directional and information signs displayed as wall or canopy signs and not exceeding one hundred (100) square feet in combined area. Non-opaque internally- illuminated canopy surfaces (“fascia”) shall be considered as sign panels for purposes of sign area measurement.

      (4)   Temporary Signs. Temporary signs shall be permitted in accordance with the regulations of Section 350.12.

   (f)   Drive-Through Restaurants. For restaurants providing direct service to customers in motor vehicles, one (1) free-standing or wall-mounted “menu board” sign (limited to information regarding the restaurant’s menu and related instructions) shall be permitted for each drive-through lane in addition to signs and sign area otherwise permitted. Such sign shall not exceed forty (40) square feet in area and six (6) feet in height and shall meet setback regulations applicable to free- standing identification signs (as specified in division (c) of this section).

   (g)   Regulations for Larger Projecting Signs. A projecting sign may exceed the otherwise maximum permitted size of twelve (12) square feet and the otherwise maximum permitted projection of four (4) feet from a building wall if such sign meets the following standards:

      (1)   Such sign shall be set back from the closest interior side lot line and the closest tenant party wall line at least one (1) foot for each one (1) square foot of sign area;

      (2)   Such sign shall in no case exceed thirty- six (36) square feet in area nor eight (8) feet in projection from the building wall and shall be set back at least two (2) feet from the outer edge of any street curb;

      (3)   No Building Permit shall be issued for such sign without approval of the City Planning Commission, which shall consider the design quality of the sign and its compatibility with the design character of the subject property and surrounding properties. In addition to considering such general design factors as placement, proportions, color, materials, and consistency with signs to be seen as a series, the City Planning Commission may specifically require use of non-rectangular, custom-shaped panels, exposed neon or reflected lighting, unobtrusive support structures, narrow-profile sign cabinets, or other design features necessary to ensure that a larger projecting sign will enhance the appearance of the building on which it is placed and the district in which it is located;

      (4)   At least five (5) working days prior to the City Planning Commission meeting at which approval under the regulations of this division will be considered, written notice shall be provided to the City Council member in whose ward the proposed sign is to be located.

   (h)   Automatic Changeable Copy Signs in Local Retail Districts. Automatic changeable copy signs shall be permitted in a Local Retail District only if the Board of Zoning Appeals grants a Variance in accordance with the following standards.

      (1)   The Board of Zoning Appeals determines that the proposed sign will not adversely impact the character of nearby properties and will not cause disturbances to users of those properties.

      (2)   The design and placement of the sign has been approved by the City Planning Commission or Landmarks Commission, as applicable, in accordance with the general design guidelines established for use by each Commission.

      (3)   Each display of information shall remain static or fixed for a minimum of twenty (20) seconds, thereby prohibiting flashing, scrolling, animated or other copy that gives the appearance of motion, unless the City Planning Commission or Landmarks Commission, as applicable, determines that animated or more frequently changing displays can be accommodated in a particular location without causing disturbances to nearby properties.

   (i)   Supplemental Regulations. Signs in Retail Districts shall also conform to regulations of Section 350.20.

(Ord. No. 934-10. Passed 5-16-11, eff. 5-20-11)

§ 350.15 Signs for Industrial Districts

   Signs for uses in Residence-Industry, Semi- Industry, General Industry and Unrestricted Industry Districts shall be permitted as regulated below:

   (a)   Maximum Sign Face Area (Industrial). The maximum sign face area of all building-mounted permanent signs for each building or unit thereof shall be related to the width of the building or unit. (For lots without buildings or with unusually small buildings, see division (d) of Section 350.20). Maximum sign face area, excluding the area of free-standing signs, shall be determined according to the measurement standards of Section 350.05 and the following formula where “W” is the width of frontage (in feet) of the building or unit thereof: (W × 1.5) + 25 = Square Feet of Signage.

   (b)   Permitted Types, Number, Area and Height (Industrial). Signs by use and structural type are permitted only in accordance with the regulations presented in the Schedule of Permitted Types, Number, Area and Height (Industrial). Sign types not listed are prohibited except for billboards and political signs which are permitted as regulated in Sections 350.10 and 350.11 respectively. (All signs are permanent unless listed as temporary).

   Schedule of Permitted Types, Number, Area, & Height

   (Industrial)

Signs by Use Type	Signs by Structural Type
	Free-Standing	Wall	Window	Canopy	Roof 2
Identification or Business 2, 3	#: 1 per lot 4	SF: As regulated by formula		#: 1 per building unit	#: 1 per building unit
	SF: 50 1			SF: 6 if hanging from soffit
	Ht: 25 ft.				Ht: permitted building height
Directional & Information 5	#: Minimum necessary as approved by Building Commissioner				Not Permitted
	SF: 4	SF: 4	SF: 4	SF: 4
	Ht: 3 ft.
Real Estate (Temporary)	#: 1 per street frontage	#: 1 per building side	#: 1 per building unit	Not Permitted	Not Permitted
	SF: 48	SF: 48	SF: 12
	Ht: 10 ft.
Development 6 (Temporary)	#: 2 per lot (total)			Not Permitted	Not Permitted
	SF: 96	SF: 96	SF: 12
	Ht: 12 ft.
Temporary (Excluding Real Estate and Development)	As permitted in Section 350.12		SF: 25% of window area	As permitted in Section 350.12
#: Maximum number of signs SF: Maximum sign area (in square ft.) per side of each sign Ht: Maximum height for free-standing signs and roof signs Sign Area Formula: (W × 1.5) + 25 = square feet
1   Free-standing identification or business sign may exceed 50 square feet in area by an amount equal to 5 square feet for each 1-foot reduction in height below 25 feet. However, no such sign shall exceed 125 square feet in area.    2   Roof signs are permitted only in General and Unrestricted Industrial Districts. The height and placement of roof signs is further regulated in chapter 3113 of the Building Code.    3   Identification and business signs using animation or electronically-changeable copy are permitted as free-standing, wall or window signs in all industrial districts.    4   See division (b) of Section 350.20.    5   For hospitals, colleges and other public facilities and institutions, directional and information signs may be permitted to a maximum area of 12 sq. ft. and a maximum height of 6 ft. as necessary in the determination of the Building Commissioner.    6   In Local Retail Districts, wall and free-standing development signs shall be limited to 48 sq. ft. and 10 ft. in height (for free-standing signs).

 

   (c)   Location (Industrial). Free-standing signs as permitted for Industrial Districts shall conform to the location regulations presented in the Schedule of Location Regulations (Industrial) in addition to the regulations of Section 350.08.

   Schedule of Location Regulations (Industrial)

   Free-standing Sign Types

 

Minimum Distance From	Identification/ Business	Real Estate & Development	Information & Political	Directional
Residential District Line	25 ft.	25 ft.	5 ft.	5 ft.
Street R.O.W. Line(s)	3 ft.	3 ft.	3 ft.	1 ft.
Side & Rear Lot Lines	5 ft.	5 ft.	5 ft.	5 ft.

 

   (d)   Industrial Parks. In addition to signs otherwise permitted, a free-standing industrial park identification sign shall be permitted for a unified development of three (3) or more industrial firms and buildings served by a common local access road. Such sign shall conform to the following regulations:

      (1)   Permitted Information: Name and address of the industrial park and names of firms located in the park;

      (2)   Maximum Number: One (1) for each street frontage containing a vehicular entrance to the industrial park;

      (3)   Maximum Sign Face Area: Sixty (60) square feet plus an additional twenty (20) square feet for each additional tenant above three (3), to a maximum of one hundred twenty (120) square feet;

      (4)   Maximum Height: Twelve (12) feet;

      (5)   Location. Such sign shall be located at a vehicular entrance to the industrial park and shall conform to the location regulations for other identification or business signs stated in division (c) above. If, however, an industrial park identification sign is displayed, no other free-standing identification or business sign in the development shall be located within fifty (50) feet of the industrial park identification sign.

   (e)   Supplemental Regulations. Signs in Industrial Districts shall also conform to regulations of Section 350.20.

(Ord. No. 934-10. Passed 5-16-11, eff. 5-20-11)

§ 350.16 Signs in Design Review Districts

   For permit applications within Landmark Districts, Public Land Protective Districts or Business Revitalization Districts, the Landmarks Commission or City Planning Commission, as applicable, may authorize the Commissioner of Building and Housing to issue a permit which requires adherence to standards which are either less strict or more strict than the standards otherwise required by this chapter, if such action by the applicable Commission is in accordance with the following standards:

   (a)   Design Compatibility. Regulations of this chapter may be varied only if such variation will result in signage which is better suited to the design of the subject property or nearby properties of architectural or historic significance.

   (b)   Design Guidelines. Any variation from the regulations of this chapter shall be approved only in accordance with applicable design guidelines adopted by City Council or adopted by the applicable Commission pursuant to an ordinance of City Council.

   (c)   Minimum Variation. Any variation from the regulations of this chapter shall be the minimum necessary to ensure design compatibility.

   (d)   Written Record. In the record of its proceedings, the applicable Commission shall specifically identify any regulation of this chapter which is not met by an approved application and shall explain the necessity for granting such variation from the regulations.

   (e)   Final Action. An application which fails to meet any regulation of this chapter shall be approved only by direct action of the applicable Commission. The administrative approval provision of division (f) of Section 303.07 shall not be applicable in such cases.

(Ord. No. 3076-A-89. Passed 12-10-90, eff. 12-20-90)