A. Canopy Signs.
1. A canopy sign may be attached above or below a structural canopy, subject to the following:
a. When above or below the canopy, it shall not exceed 16 inches in height, 12 inches in thickness, nor two-thirds the length of the canopy face parallel to the sign.
b. When above the canopy, it shall have no distinct background area.
c. When below the canopy, it shall have a minimum 8-foot vertical clearance to finished grade below.
B. Changeable Copy Signs. A changeable copy sign shall only be allowed for the following uses, and shall be subject to the limits for the physical type of sign it is (e.g., wall sign):
1. Vehicle fueling station price signs.
2. Government buildings.
3. Places of worship.
4. Real estate offices.
5. Restaurant menu signs along drive-through lanes or at outdoor walk-up service areas only.
6. Schools.
7. Theater marquee signs.
C. Corporate Flag Signs.
1. When displayed in a group with one or more institutional flags:
a. All rules of etiquette prescribed by law or convention for the institutional flag display, including but not limited to the "over and under" and "left and right" relative positions of the flags, shall apply to the corporate flag sign display.
b. In no event shall the size or height of the corporate flag sign exceed the size or height of any institutional flag displayed in the group.
D. Decorative Banners and Flags. Decorative banners and flags shall only be allowed if approved by a master sign program under Subsection 17.330.050.C.2.
E. Directional Signs.
1. A directional sign shall contain no brand, trade or business identification or advertising information.
2. An application for deviation from the size, location, height or number restrictions contained in Table 3-5 (Sign Standards for Non-Residential Zoning Districts) may be submitted to the Director, and said deviation request shall be granted when the applicant establishes the presence of unusual needs, circumstances, or conditions relative to restricted visibility, the size of the property, or the number of access points that make the deviation necessary.
F. Electronic Message Signs.
1. An electronic message sign shall be displayed only if the information displayed is public information.
2. An electronic message sign shall be subject to the limitations for the physical type of sign it is (e.g., wall sign).
G. Freestanding Signs
1. Landscaping. A freestanding sign shall be placed within a landscaped area of not less than 20 square feet. The Director can approve a reduction of the size of, or eliminating the planter, if necessary, to avoid creating or increasing a parking nonconformity or safety hazard.
2. Canister. A single-sided or two-sided freestanding sign shall not exceed 24 inches in thickness. The side, bottom and top panel edges of the sign shall be enclosed with opaque materials that match, or are compatible in appearance with, the sign.
3. Multiple sign canisters. Multiple sign canisters on a single freestanding sign shall be compatibly configured as approved by the Director.
4. Sign mounting. Freestanding signs shall be mounted on one or more supports, or have a solid monument-type base. Posts shall not have a diameter greater than 12 inches. Supports shall be well designed, compatible and in scale with the design of the sign. All support elements shall have continuous finished appearance.
5. Multiple business sign copy. The sign copy on a freestanding sign serving a multiple business building or a shopping center:
a. May include the names of individual businesses located within the building or center, as well as the building or center name and street address.
b. Shall have sign copy character styles, and sign copy and background colors that are compatible with one another.
c. Shall contain no more than four vertically stacked rows of individual business signs. Each row can have multiple lines of copy.
6. Sign projection. A freestanding sign may project over a paved public sidewalk up to 4 feet or one-half the width of the sidewalk, whichever is less, provided that:
a. The bottom of the projecting portion of the sign has a minimum of 12 feet of vertical clearance over the sidewalk.
b. The sign has only finished sign copy faces and finished panel edges projecting over the sidewalk.
c. The minimum required area of the landscaped planter beneath, or in close proximity to, the sign is placed fully behind the property line; unless a public right-of-way landscaping encroachment permit is granted.
d. No part of the sign is closer than 18 inches to the street curb face.
H. Gasoline Station Signs. In addition to other signs allowed by this Chapter, gasoline stations or businesses that sell motor vehicle fuel to the public shall be allowed the following signs.
1. Fuel price signs.
a. One double-sided fuel price sign, not exceeding 20 square feet per face, shall be allowed per site.
b. The fuel price sign shall be incorporated into the permanent freestanding sign for the business, if one is provided; however, the area of the fuel price sign shall not be counted towards the maximum allowable sign area for the freestanding sign.
c. No information other than as required or allowed by local, State or Federal law shall be displayed on a fuel price sign.
d. An application for additional or larger gasoline station price signs may be submitted to the Director, and shall be granted if the applicant establishes that such is necessary to meet the minimum requirements established by County, State or Federal law.
2. Service island signs. May be displayed directly on the vertical face of a service island canopy and under the canopy (e.g., on support columns), provided that the total of all such temporary and permanent signs displayed shall not exceed 30 square feet for each row of pumps.
I. Public Information Signs.
1. A public information sign shall contain no brand, trade, identification, promotional, advertising or operational information directly related to a business.
2. A public information sign required by any governmental agency shall be exempt from these restrictions.
J. Street Address Signs. Any street address sign with letters or number up to 6 inches in height, or larger, if required by the Fire Chief, shall not subject to the limits for the physical type of sign it is (e.g., wall sign).
K. Temporary Signs. Temporary signs (including real estate signs) are allowed only in compliance with the standards in Table 3-6A (Standards for Temporary Signs) and 3-6B (Standards for Temporary Real Estate Signs). For permit requirements, see § 17.330.050 (Sign Permit Requirements).
Sign Type | Maximum Sign Area
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Maximum Sign Height | Maximum Number of Signs | Time Limit | Additional Requirements |
New Business Signs | 1 square feet for each linear foot of business frontage, up to 100 square feet per business frontage. | Below edge of roof. | 1 per business frontage. | 90 days or until a permanent sign is installed, whichever is less. | A new business sign composed of durable, non-rigid material, may be installed over and covering the sign of the prior business it is to replace. |
Future Occupancy Signs | 25 square feet per sign. | Below edge of roof. If freestanding, 6 feet maximum height. | 1 per business frontage. | Shall be removed upon first occupancy of the site. | Shall contain only the name(s) of future occupant(s) of the site. |
Sign Type
|
Maximum Sign Area | Maximum Sign Height | Maximum Number of Signs | Time Limit | Additional Requirements |
Event Signs | Sign area shall be in keeping with the regulations in place for permanent signs allowed by this Chapter, and without consideration of the message to be displayed on the temporary event sign. | Sign height shall be in keeping with the regulations in place for permanent signs allowed by this Chapter, and without consideration of the message to be displayed on the temporary event sign. | Number of signs shall be in keeping with the regulations in place for permanent signs allowed by this Chapter, based on the size and lot configuration, and ensuring no access or site impairment, and without consideration of the message to be displayed on the temporary event sign. | Event signs may be displayed only on the days the event is held, for a reasonable promotional period in advance of the event, and for a reasonable take down period after the event, as determined by the Director. | Event signs may include balloons, pennants, and similar festive decorations, provided that: They are displayed no more than 30 feet above grade; They are not made of metallic or mylar material; Safe and proper clearance from any overhead wire or other nearby potentially hazardous obstruction or feature is maintained. Additional, more stringent regulations may be placed on special event signs through any discretionary land use approval or business tax certificate approval process required for special events by this Code, based on issues of size, location, color, construction materials, and design of the sign, without consideration of the message to be displayed on the special event sign. |
Temporary Banner Signs | 3 feet by 6 feet, 18 square feet in area. | Below edge of roof. | Maximum of 1 near each public entrance of a business. | Maximum of 30 consecutive days, not more than 4 times per calendar year. | Shall be securely fastened against a wall or structural canopy. |
Sign Type | Maximum Sign Area | Maximum Sign Height | Maximum Number of Signs | Time Limit | Additional Requirements |
Construction Signs | 24 square feet. | Below edge of roof. If freestanding,6 feet maximum height. | 1 per street frontage. | Removed within 7 days of issuance by the City of the final Certificate of Occupancy for the building or site. | Shall contain only the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of parties directly involved in the business occupancy, construction, design or financing of the pending or in-progress improvements to the premises. |
Holiday Signs | Sign area shall be in keeping with the regulations in place for permanent signs allowed by this Chapter, and without consideration of the message to be displayed on the temporary holiday sign. | Sign height shall be in keeping with the regulations in place for permanent signs allowed by this Chapter, and without consideration of the message to be displayed on the temporary holiday sign. | Number of signs shall be in keeping with the regulations in place for permanent signs allowed by this Chapter, based on the size and lot configuration, and ensuring no access or site impairment, and without consideration of the message to be displayed on the temporary holiday sign. | Limited to display between 45 days prior to, and 15 days after, the holiday to which they pertain. | Display no business, product, or advertising name, symbol or logo information. |
Sign Type | Maximum Sign Area | Maximum Sign Height | Maximum Number of Signs | Location | Time Limit | Additional Requirements |
Non- Residential Real Estate Signs | 24 square feet.
|
Below edge of roof. If freestanding, 6 feet maximum height.
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1 per business frontage.
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Must be placed only on private property.
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Shall be removed within 7 days following the sale, lease or disposition of the real property.
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The sign shall be constructed of durable, rigid materials suitable to their location and purpose. Only interior window signs may be made of non-rigid material. The sign shall be non-illuminated.
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Residential Temporary for sale, rent or lease signs | 18 inches by 24 inches in size.
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Below edge of roof. If freestanding, no more than 4 feet in height. If a wall or hedge is located on a front property line, the sign may be placed on the wall or hedge and have a maximum height of no more than 3 feet above the wall or hedge.
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1 per lot.
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Within the front yard setback, not less than 5 feet from any street- facing lot line, or less than 10 feet from an interior lot line; or attached to the front of the building. | Shall be removed within 7 days following the sale, lease or disposition of the real property.
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The sign shall be non-illuminated. The sign may have two sign faces. No flag, arrow, pennant, streamer, banner, or any other similar object shall be attached to the real estate sign, or placed anywhere on the lot; provided that two information signs, not exceeding 5 inches by 16 inches each, may be attached to the bottom of the real estate sign.
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Residential On-site open house signs | 4 square feet per face.
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Below edge of roof. If freestanding, no more than 4 feet in height. If a wall or hedge is located on a front property line, the sign may be placed on the wall or hedge, and have a maximum height of no more than 3 feet above the wall or hedge.
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1 per lot
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Within the front yard setback or attached to the front of the building.
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The open house sign and flag shall be displayed only during the period of time the open house is actually in progress.
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One flag allowed to be attached to the sign.
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Sign Type
|
Maximum Sign Area | Maximum Sign Height | Maximum Number of Signs | Location | Time Limit | Additional Requirements |
Residential Public parkway open house signs
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4 square feet per face.
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4 feet above parkway grade. | 2 signs per corner, 4 signs maximum per intersection. | No sign shall obstruct the safe and convenient use by the public of adjoining sidewalk, curbside parking, or roadway areas. No sign shall be attached to any tree, pole, bench, or any other parkway feature.
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Displayed only on Sundays, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
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The sign may have 2 sign faces. The message content shall only relate to an activity actually in progress during the allowable display period. Constructed of solid masonite, metal or similar rigid material that is no more than one-fourth inch thick, and is securely fastened to a metal or wooden stake or other freestanding support. Flags, pennants, and other wind-activated devices are prohibited. |
L. Theater Signs.
1. Above-roof identification signs. Vertical identification signs, consisting of individual characters displayed on sculpted, visually prominent architectural features that rise vertically from and above theater buildings, shall be encouraged by the City through the master sign program process in Subsection 17.330.050.C.2.
2. Marquee signs.
a. Identification signs that consist of script characters displayed on the top of a marquee (structural canopy) shall be allowed by the City.
b. Changeable copy signs that display current or coming programs on the entire vertical surface of a theater marquee shall be allowed.
3. Product display cabinets. When encased within glass-faced cabinets built into first floor street-facing exterior building walls, current or coming program information shall not be considered signs regulated by this Chapter.
M. Wall Signs
1. General.
a. A wall sign shall not exceed 12 inches in thickness, when displayed as a single-face sign parallel with the wall, or as a double-face sign perpendicular to the wall.
b. A wall sign shall not project over a common private property line without the written consent of the adjoining property owner.
2. Temporary wall signs. The aggregate of all temporary signs allowed under Table 3-6A (Standards for Temporary Signs) and 3-6B (Standards for Temporary Real Estate Signs) that are simultaneously displayed as wall signs shall not exceed 50% of the maximum permanent wall sign area allowed on the wall on which the temporary signs are displayed.
3. Multiple business wall signs. In addition to the location regulations in Table 3-5 (Sign Standards for Non-Residential Zoning Districts), the following regulations apply to wall signs on a building with two or more businesses.
a. Placement. A wall sign shall be placed on the portions of exterior building walls that correspond with the interior location of the business to which the sign pertains; provided that, where this provision would not result in a reasonably visible sign from the adjacent public right-of-way, the Director shall approve alternate placement of the sign.
b. Horizontal separation. Wall signs on the same wall segment for horizontally adjacent (side-by-side) businesses shall have a minimum 4-foot horizontal separation.
c. Vertical separation. Wall signs on the same wall segment for vertically adjacent businesses (a business located above another business) within the same building shall have a minimum 2 foot vertical separation.
d. Separation exceptions. The Director may approve deviations from the above separation requirements in cases where unusual building design or configuration conditions would not result in a reasonably visible sign opportunity.
4. Projecting wall signs. The following standards apply to projecting wall signs.
a. The maximum distance between the wall and the outer edge of the sign shall be 4 feet, or if a paved public sidewalk is below, 50% of the width of the sidewalk, whichever is less.
b. The maximum height of the sign shall be 20 feet above grade.
c. The minimum vertical clearance from the bottom of the sign to finished grade below shall be 8 feet.
d. Projecting wall signs shall be included in the maximum sign face area allowed in Table 3-5 (Sign Standards for Non-Residential Zoning Districts).
5. False mansard signs.
a. A wall sign may be displayed on a false mansard only if the vertical distance between the bottom of the false mansard and the top of the window line below is less than 18 inches.
b. Any gap between the sides or bottom of the sign and the mansard shall be architecturally enclosed so that the sign appears to be an integral part of the false mansard structure.
N. Window Signs.
1. In determining window area, perimeter window frames, mullions and building facade divisions shall be used to measure the outside window dimensions, rather than interior, ornamental, nondescript frames and dividers.
2. When a sign of 2 square feet or more in area, and with characters more than 2 inches high, is placed inside of a building within 30 inches of and facing a transparent window, the sign shall be considered a window sign.
3. Glass doors shall be considered as windows, and a glass door sign shall be considered a window sign.
4. No sign on the outside of a window shall extend onto or over the perimeter window frames, mullions or building facade divisions of the window on which it is displayed.
(Ord. No. 2005-007 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 2005-010 §§ 5-15; Ord. No. 2005-011 §§ 4-14)