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Dubuque Overview
Dubuque, IA Code of Ordinances
CITY CODE of DUBUQUE, IOWA
ORDINANCES PENDING REVIEW FOR CODIFICATION
TITLE 1 ADMINISTRATION
TITLE 2 BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
TITLE 3 REVENUE AND TAXATION
TITLE 4 BUSINESS AND LICENSE REGULATIONS
TITLE 5 TRANSIT SYSTEM
TITLE 6 HEALTH, HOUSING, SANITATION AND ENVIRONMENT
TITLE 7 POLICE, FIRE AND PUBLIC SAFETY
TITLE 8 EQUITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS
TITLE 9 MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
TITLE 10 PUBLIC WAYS AND PROPERTY
TITLE 11 RIGHTS-OF-WAY
TITLE 12 AIRPORT
TITLE 13 PUBLIC UTILITIES
TITLE 14 BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT
TITLE 15 PLANNING AND ZONING
TITLE 16 UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE
CHAPTER 1 TITLE, PURPOSE AND GENERAL PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS
CHAPTER 3 LAND USE GENERAL PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 4 NONCONFORMITIES
CHAPTER 5 ZONING DISTRICTS
CHAPTER 6 OVERLAY DISTRICTS
CHAPTER 7 SUPPLEMENTAL USE REGULATIONS
CHAPTER 8 ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT APPLICATIONS AND PROCEDURES
CHAPTER 9 ZONING ADVISORY COMMISSION APPLICATIONS AND PROCEDURES
CHAPTER 10 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION APPLICATIONS AND PROCEDURES
CHAPTER 11 LAND SUBDIVISION
CHAPTER 12 SITE PLANS
CHAPTER 13 SITE DESIGN STANDARDS
CHAPTER 14 PARKING
CHAPTER 15 SIGNS
16-15-1: PURPOSE:
16-15-2: APPLICABILITY:
16-15-3: ENFORCEMENT:
16-15-4: SIGN INSTALLER'S LICENSE:
16-15-4-1: LICENSE REQUIRED:
16-15-4-2: EXCEPTION:
16-15-4-3: LICENSE FEE:
16-15-4-4: INSURANCE REQUIRED:
16-15-5: DEFINITIONS:
16-15-6: PERMIT REQUIRED:
16-15-6-1: PERMIT APPLICATION:
16-15-6-2: ISSUANCE:
16-15-6-3: PERMIT VALIDITY:
16-15-6-4: PERMIT EXPIRATION:
16-15-6-5: SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION:
16-15-6-6: INSPECTIONS:
16-15-7: SIGN CALCULATIONS:
16-15-8: PROHIBITED SIGNS:
16-15-9: EXEMPT SIGNS:
16-15-10: TEMPORARY SIGNS:
16-15-11: PERMITTED ON PREMISES SIGNS:
16-15-11-1: AG AGRICULTURE AND R-1, R-2, R-2A, R-3, AND R-4 RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS:
16-15-11-2: OR OFFICE RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT:
16-15-11-3: OS OFFICE SERVICE DISTRICT:
16-15-11-4: OC OFFICE COMMERCIAL DISTRICT:
16-15-11-5: C-1 NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL DISTRICT:
16-15-11-6: C-2 NEIGHBORHOOD SHOPPING CENTER DISTRICT:
16-15-11-7: C-2A MIXED USE NEIGHBORHOOD DISTRICT:
16-15-11-8: C-3 GENERAL COMMERCIAL DISTRICT:
16-15-11-9: C-4 DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL DISTRICT:
16-15-11-10: C-5 CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT:
16-15-11-11: CS COMMERCIAL SERVICE AND WHOLESALE DISTRICT:
16-15-11-12: CR COMMERCIAL RECREATION DISTRICT:
16-15-11-13: ID INSTITUTIONAL DISTRICT:
16-15-11-14: LI, HI, AND MHI INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS:
16-15-12: OFF PREMISES SIGNS:
16-15-13:SIGNS IN HISTORIC DISTRICTS:
16-15-14: NONCONFORMING SIGNS:
16-15-15: MAINTENANCE:
16-15-16: DISCONTINUED OR ABANDONED SIGNS:
16-15-17: MESSAGE SUBSTITUTION:
16-15-18: PROJECTING SIGNS:
16-15-19: FEE SCHEDULE:
16-15-20: DESIGN, GENERALLY:
16-15-21: CONSTRUCTION, GENERALLY:
16-15-22: PROJECTION AND CLEARANCE, GENERALLY:
16-15-23: STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO SPECIFIC SIGN TYPES:
16-15-23-1: POLE SIGNS:
16-15-23-2: GROUND MONUMENT SIGNS:
16-15-23-3: WALL SIGNS:
16-15-23-4: PROJECTING SIGNS:
16-15-23-5: COMBINATION SIGNS:
16-15-23-6: MARQUEE SIGNS:
16-15-23-7: ELECTRIC SIGNS:
16-15-23-8: ELECTRONIC MESSAGE SIGNS:
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16-15-9: EXEMPT SIGNS:
The following types of signs are exempt from the requirements of this chapter:
   A.   Holiday or special events decorations.
   B.   Nameplates of two (2) square feet or less, provided that in residential districts or on residential structures only name and address may comprise the nameplate.
   C.   Political signs no larger than thirty two (32) square feet, provided they are not placed in any public right of way or in a visibility triangle as required in section 16-3-5 of this title.
   D.   Government signs.
   E.   Real estate signs on residential property provided they are not over twelve (12) square feet in area and not over six feet (6') in height. Real estate signs advertising commercial, agricultural or industrial property or subdivisions of multiple lots shall not be over thirty two (32) square feet in area and twelve feet (12') in height. Such signs shall not be placed in any public right of way or in a visibility triangle as required in section 16-3-5 of this title.
   F.   Nonilluminated window signs.
   G.   Illuminated window signs not exceeding twenty (20) square feet.
   H.   Commemorative signs.
   I.   Construction signs not exceeding thirty two (32) square feet.
   J.   Official flags of nations, states or political subdivisions thereof.
   K.   Painted ghost wall signs. (Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)
16-15-10: TEMPORARY SIGNS:
Temporary signs, where allowed, shall be erected and maintained in accordance with the following provisions:
   A.   Permit And Fee Required: No persons shall erect, alter or relocate any temporary sign except for real estate and political signs without first making application, submitting the required permit fee, and obtaining a temporary sign permit from the building official.
   B.   Limit On Number Of Permits: No more than four (4) temporary sign permits shall be issued for the same zoning lot in one calendar year.
   C.   Materials And Methods: The building official shall impose as a condition of a temporary sign permit, such requirements as to material and manner of construction as are necessary to assure the safety and convenience of the public.
   D.   Sign Types: Temporary signs shall be nonprojecting building signs or freestanding signs. Pennants, banners and inflatable signs are permitted temporary signs.
   E.   Number, Area, Height And Location: The maximum sign area of nonprojecting building signs or freestanding signs or other temporary signs shall be thirty two (32) square feet in all zoning districts. Signs shall not be greater than five feet (5') in height. Such signs shall not be placed in any public right of way or in a visibility triangle as required in section 16-3-5 of this title. No temporary business sign shall be placed within fifty feet (50') of another temporary sign.
   F.   Quasi-Public Signs: Quasi-public signs, giving notice of special events and activities sponsored by civic, patriotic, religious or charitable organizations for noncommercial purposes, subject to the following:
      1.   Location: Quasi-public signs may be located on or off the premises where the event is taking place provided permission is given by the owner of the property. Such signs shall not project beyond any lot line.
      2.   Timing: Quasi-public signs shall not be erected or maintained more than thirty (30) days prior to the date on which the event advertised is to occur and shall be removed immediately after the termination of the event.
   G.   Temporary Business Signs: Temporary business signs, calling attention to a special, unique or limited activity, service or product or sale of limited duration, as follows:
      1.   Location: Temporary business signs shall be located only on the lot upon which the special activity is to occur. Such signs shall not project over any lot line.
      2.   Timing: Temporary business signs shall be erected and maintained for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days, at the expiration of which the permit holder shall immediately remove such temporary sign. (Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)
16-15-11: PERMITTED ON PREMISES SIGNS:
On premises signs shall be allowed in each zoning district as shown below and according to the following:
   A.   Signs located within a PUD shall be approved as part of the ordinance establishing the PUD.
   B.   Signs located within a historic district may be allowed as provided in section 16-15-13 of this chapter, and shall be approved by the historic preservation commission prior to the issuance of a building permit.
   C.   Signs for conditional uses shall be as shown in this section 16-15-11 unless further restricted by the board of adjustment. (Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)
16-15-11-1: AG AGRICULTURE AND R-1, R-2, R-2A, R-3, AND R-4 RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS:
On Premises Signs
Permitted Sign Structures
Maximum
Permitted Lighting Type
Permitted Mechanical Motion
Area
(Square Feet)
Number
Projection Over Right Of Way
Height
On Premises Signs
Permitted Sign Structures
Maximum
Permitted Lighting Type
Permitted Mechanical Motion
Area
(Square Feet)
Number
Projection Over Right Of Way
Height
AG agriculture and R-1, R-2, R-2A, R-3 and R-4 residential:
   Identification signs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Educational or religious institutions
Freestanding
32 per sign
2
0
10 feet
Indirect, no flashing
None
Wall
Below eaves or parapet
      Real estate development or subdivision identification sign
Freestanding
32 per sign
2
0
10 feet
Indirect, no flashing
None
Wall
Below eaves or parapet
   Directional signs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Educational or religious institutions, parking lots
Freestanding
6 per sign
Not specified
0
Below eaves or parapet
Internal, no flashing
None
Projecting
60 inches
Wall
0
 
(Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)
16-15-11-2: OR OFFICE RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT:
On Premises Signs
Permitted Sign Structures
Maximum
Permitted Lighting Type
Permitted Mechanical Motion
Area
(Square Feet)
Number
Projection Over Right Of Way
Height
On Premises Signs
Permitted Sign Structures
Maximum
Permitted Lighting Type
Permitted Mechanical Motion
Area
(Square Feet)
Number
Projection Over Right Of Way
Height
OR office residential:
   Identification signs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Business or office
Freestanding
40 per sign
1 per premises or complex
0
10 feet
No flashing
None
Wall
16 per sign
1 per business or office
Below eaves or parapet
      Educational or religious institutions
Freestanding
32 per sign
2
0
10 feet
No flashing
None
Wall
Below eaves or parapet
      Real estate development or subdivision identification sign
Freestanding
32 per sign
2
0
10 feet
No flashing
None
Wall
Below eaves or parapet
      All applications
Wall nameplate
6 per sign
1 per business per street frontage
0
Below eaves or parapet
No flashing
None
   Directional signs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      All applications
Freestanding
6 per sign
Not specified
0
6 feet
Internal, no flashing
None
Projecting
60 inches
Below eaves or parapet
Wall
0
 
(Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)
16-15-11-3: OS OFFICE SERVICE DISTRICT:
On Premises Signs
Permitted Sign Structures
Maximum
Permitted Lighting Type
Permitted Mechanical Motion
Area
(Square Feet)
Number
Projection Over Right Of Way
Height
On Premises Signs
Permitted Sign Structures
Maximum
Permitted Lighting Type
Permitted Mechanical Motion
Area
(Square Feet)
Number
Projection Over Right Of Way
Height
OS office service:
   Identification signs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Building complex with 2 or more buildings per lot or sharing access
Freestanding
40 per sign
1 per street frontage
0
25 feet
No flashing
None
Wall
16 per sign
1 per business or office
Below eaves or parapet
      Business or office
Freestanding
32 per sign
1 per premises
0
10 feet
No flashing
None
Wall
16 per sign
1 per business
Below eaves or parapet
      Directory
Freestanding
10 per sign
1 per building entrance
0
5 feet
No flashing
None
Wall
Below eaves or parapet
      All applications
Wall nameplate
6 per sign
1 per business per street frontage
0
Below eaves or parapet
No flashing
None
   Directional signs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      All applications
Freestanding
6 per sign
Not specified
0
10 feet
Internal, no flashing
None
Projecting
60 inches
Below eaves or parapet
No flashing
Wall
0
 
(Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)
16-15-11-4: OC OFFICE COMMERCIAL DISTRICT:
On Premises Signs
Permitted Sign Structures
Maximum
Permitted Lighting Type
Permitted Mechanical Motion
Area
(Square Feet)
Number
Projection Over Right Of Way
Height
On Premises Signs
Permitted Sign Structures
Maximum
Permitted Lighting Type
Permitted Mechanical Motion
Area
(Square Feet)
Number
Projection Over Right Of Way
Height
OC office commercial:
   Identification signs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Building complex with 2 or more buildings per lot or sharing access
Freestanding
40 per sign
1 per street frontage
0
25 feet
No flashing
None
Wall
16 per sign
1 per business or office
Below eaves or parapet
      Business or office
Freestanding
32 per sign
1 per premises or complex
0
10 feet
No flashing
None
Wall
16 per sign
1 per business or office
Below eaves or parapet
      Directory
Ground monument
10 per sign
1 per building entrance
0
5 feet
No flashing
None
Wall
Below eaves or parapet
      All applications
Wall nameplate
6 per sign
1 per business per street frontage
0
Below eaves or parapet
No flashing
None
   Directional signs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      All applications
Freestanding
6 per sign
Not specified
0
10 feet
Internal, no flashing
None
Projecting
60 inches
Below eaves or parapet
No flashing
Wall
0
 
(Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)
16-15-11-5: C-1 NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL DISTRICT:
On Premises Signs
Permitted Sign Structures
Maximum
Permitted Lighting Type
Permitted Mechanical Motion
Area
(Square Feet)
Number
Projection Over Right Of Way
Height
On Premises Signs
Permitted Sign Structures
Maximum
Permitted Lighting Type
Permitted Mechanical Motion
Area
(Square Feet)
Number
Projection Over Right Of Way
Height
C-1 neighborhood commercial:
   Identification signs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      All applications
Projecting
25 per sign
1 per business per street frontage
60 inches
Below eaves or parapet
Internal, no flashing
None
Wall
40 per sign
0
No flashing
Wall nameplate
6 per sign
0
   Directional signs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      All applications
Freestanding
6 per sign
Not specified
0
10 feet
Internal, no flashing
None
Projecting
60 inches
Below eaves or parapet
Wall
0
No flashing
 
(Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)
16-15-11-6: C-2 NEIGHBORHOOD SHOPPING CENTER DISTRICT:
On Premises Signs
Permitted Sign Structures
Maximum
Permitted Lighting Type
Permitted Mechanical Motion
Area
(Square Feet)
Number
Projection Over Right Of Way
Height
On Premises Signs
Permitted Sign Structures
Maximum
Permitted Lighting Type
Permitted Mechanical Motion
Area
(Square Feet)
Number
Projection Over Right Of Way
Height
C-2 neighborhood shopping center:
   Identification signs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Business, retail or office
Freestanding
100 per sign
1 per premises or complex; 0 if 2 wall signs
0
20 feet
Internal, no flashing
None
Projecting
25 per sign
2 total; only 1 total in combination with a freestanding sign
60
Below eaves or parapet
Wall
50 per sign
0
      Directory
Wall
10 per sign
1 per building entrance
0
Below eaves or parapet
No flashing
None
      Freestanding canopy
Wall
20 per sign
2 per canopy
0
On canopy fascia
Internal, no flashing
None
      Shopping center or multiple tenant building
Freestanding
200 per sign
1 per premises
0
20 feet
No flashing
None
Wall
50 per sign
1 per business
Below eaves or parapet
      All applications
Wall nameplate
6 per sign
1 per business per street frontage
0
Below eaves or parapet
No flashing
None
   Directional signs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      All applications
Freestanding
6 per sign
Not specified
0
10 feet
Internal, no flashing
None
Wall
Below eaves or parapet
No flashing
 
(Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)
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