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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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16-15-21: CONSTRUCTION, GENERALLY:
   A.   General: The supports for all signs or sign structures shall be placed in or upon private property and shall be securely built, constructed and erected in conformance with the requirements of this chapter.
   B.   Materials: Materials of construction for signs and sign structures shall be of the quality and grade as specified for buildings in the building code. In all signs and sign structures the materials and details of construction shall, in the absence of specified requirements, conform with the following:
      1.   Steel shall be of such quality as to conform with IBC standard "Material Specification For Structural Steel". Secondary members, when formed integrally with the display surface, shall be not less than 0.024 inch in thickness. When not formed integrally with the display surface, the minimum thickness of the secondary members shall be 0.10 inch. The minimum thickness of hot rolled steel members furnishing structural support for signs shall be one-fourth inch (1/4"), except that, if galvanized, such members shall be not less than one-eighth inch (1/8") thick. Steel pipes shall be of such quality as to conform to UBC standard 27-1. Steel members may be connected with one galvanized bolt, provided the connection is adequate to transfer the stresses in the members.
      2.   Anchors and supports when of wood and embedded in the soil or within six inches (6") of the soil, shall be of all heartwood of a durable species or shall be pressure treated with an approved preservative. Such members shall be marked or branded by an approved agency.
   C.   Restrictions On Combustible Materials:
      1.   Ground Signs: Ground signs may be constructed of any material meeting the requirements of this chapter.
      2.   Combination Signs, Roof Signs: Combination signs, roof signs, wall signs, projecting signs and signs on marquees shall be constructed of noncombustible materials, except as provided in subsection C3 of this section. No combustible materials other than approved plastics shall be used in the construction of electric signs.
      3.   Exceptions:
         a.   Roof signs may be constructed of unprotected combustible materials on roofs of combustible construction.
         b.   Roof signs with a maximum surface area of fifty (50) square feet and a maximum height of five feet (5') may be constructed of combustible materials on roofs of any type of construction.
         c.   Nonelectric wall signs may be constructed of unprotected combustible materials on walls permitted to be of unprotected combustible construction.
         d.   Nonstructural trim and portable display surfaces may be of wood, metal, approved plastics or any combination thereof.
   D.   Anchorage:
      1.   Members supporting unbraced signs shall be so proportioned that the bearing loads imposed on the soil in either direction, horizontal or vertical, shall not exceed the safe values. Braced ground signs shall be anchored to resist the specified wind or seismic load acting in any direction. Anchors and supports shall be designed for safe bearing loads on the soil and for an effective resistance to pullout amounting to a force twenty five percent (25%) greater than the required resistance to overturning. Anchors and supports shall penetrate to a depth belowground greater than that of the frost line.
      2.   Signs attached to masonry, concrete or steel shall be safely and securely fastened thereto by means of metal anchors, bolts or approved expansion screws of sufficient size and anchorage to support safely the loads applied.
      3.   No wooden blocks or plugs or anchors with wood used in connection with screws or nails shall be considered proper anchorage, except in the case of signs attached to wood framing.
      4.   No anchor or support of any sign shall be connected to, or supported by, an unbraced parapet wall, unless such wall is designed in accordance with the requirements for parapet walls specified for seismic zones in the building code.
   E.   Sign Faces:
      1.   Sign faces in all types of signs may be made of metal, glass, wood, fabric, or other approved materials.
      2.   Glass thickness and area limitations shall be as set forth in section 16-15-23 of this chapter.
      3.   Sections of approved plastics on wall signs shall not exceed two hundred twenty five (225) square feet in area, provided that sections of approved plastics on signs other than wall signs may be of unlimited area if approved by the building official.
      4.   Sections of approved plastics on wall signs shall be separated three feet (3') laterally and six feet (6') vertically by the required exterior wall construction, provided that sections of approved plastics on signs other than wall signs may not be required to be separated if approved by the building official.
   F.   Approved Plastics: The building official shall require that sufficient technical data be submitted to substantiate the proposed use of any plastic material and, if it is determined that the evidence submitted is satisfactory for the use intended, the building official may approve its use. (Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)
16-15-22: PROJECTION AND CLEARANCE, GENERALLY:
   A.   General: Signs shall conform to the clearance and projection requirement of this chapter and this section.
   B.   Clearance From High Voltage Power Lines: Signs shall be located not less than six feet (6') horizontally or twelve feet (12') vertically from overhead electrical conductors which are energized in excess of seven hundred fifty (750) volts. The term "overhead conductors" as used in this section means any electrical conductor, either bare or insulated, installed above the ground, except such conductors as are enclosed in iron pipe or other material covering of equal strength.
   C.   Clearance From Fire Escapes, Exits Or Standpipes: No sign or sign structure shall be erected in such a manner that any portion of its surface or supports will interfere in any way with the free use of any fire escape, exit or standpipe.
   D.   Obstruction Of Openings:
      1.   No sign shall obstruct any openings to such an extent that light or ventilation is reduced to a point below that required by this title.
      2.   Signs erected within five feet (5') of an exterior wall in which there are openings within the area of the sign shall be constructed of noncombustible material or approved plastics.
   E.   Projection Over Alleys: No sign or sign structure shall project into any public alley.
   F.   Clearance From Streets: The horizontal clearance between a sign and the curb line shall be not less than two feet (2').
   G.   Projection And Clearance:
      1.   A sign projecting more than two-thirds (2/3) of the distance from the property line to the curb line shall be not less than twelve feet (12') above the grade level directly below.
      2.   A sign projecting less than two-thirds (2/3) of the distance from the property line to the curb line shall be not less than ten feet (10') above the grade level directly below.
   H.   Maximum Size Of Exposed Glass Panel:
 
Size Of Exposed Glass Panel
Minimum Thickness
Types Of Glass
Maximum
Dimension
Maximum Area
(Square Feet)
   30"
   500
1/8"
Plain, plate or wired
   45"
   700
3/16"
Plain, plate or wired
   144"
   3,600
1/4"
Plain, plate or wired
   144+"
   3,600+
1/4"
Wired
 
   I.   Minimum Sign Thickness:
 
Sign Projection
Maximum Thickness
5 feet
   2 feet
4 feet
   2.5 feet
3 feet
   3 feet
2 feet
   3.5 feet
1 foot
   4 feet
 
(Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)
16-15-23: STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO SPECIFIC SIGN TYPES:
16-15-23-1: POLE SIGNS:
   A.   Pole signs shall be constructed of noncombustible material, except as provided in section 16-15-21 of this chapter.
   B.   All supports of pole signs shall be placed upon private property and shall be securely built, constructed and erected to conform with requirements specified in section 16-15-21 of this chapter.
   C.   Projection of pole signs shall conform to the requirements of section 16-15-22 of this chapter. (Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)
16-15-23-2: GROUND MONUMENT SIGNS:
   A.   Ground monument signs shall be constructed of any material meeting the requirements of this chapter, except as provided in section 16-15-21 of this chapter.
   B.   Ground monument signs shall be designed in accordance with the requirements specified in section 16-15-21 of this chapter.
   C.   Ground monument signs shall not project over public property. (Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)
16-15-23-3: WALL SIGNS:
   A.   Wall signs shall be constructed of noncombustible material, except as provided in section 16-15-21 of this chapter.
   B.   Wall signs shall be designed in conformance with the requirements specified in section 16-15-21 of this chapter.
   C.   No wall sign shall have a projection over public property or beyond a legal setback line greater than the distances specified in section 16-15-22 of this chapter.
   D.   No wall sign shall extend above any adjacent parapet or roof of the existing building.
   E.   The thickness of that portion of a wall sign which projects over public property or a legal setback line shall not exceed the maximum as set forth in section 16-15-22 of this chapter. (Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)
16-15-23-4: PROJECTING SIGNS:
   A.   Projecting signs shall be constructed of noncombustible materials, except as specified in section 16-15-21 of this chapter.
   B.   Projecting signs shall be designed in accordance with the requirements specified in section 16-15-21 of this chapter.
   C.   Signs may project over public property or a legal setback line a distance determined by the clearance of the bottoms thereof above the level of the sidewalk or grade immediately below, as set forth in section 16-15-22 of this chapter.
   D.   The thickness of a projecting sign exclusive of letters and trim shall not exceed that set forth in section 16-15-22 of this chapter. (Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)
16-15-23-5: COMBINATION SIGNS:
   A.   Combination signs shall be constructed of noncombustible materials, except as specified in section 16-15-21 of this chapter.
   B.   The individual requirements of roof, projecting and pole signs shall be applied for combination signs incorporating any or all of the requirements specified in this chapter.
   C.   All supports of combination signs shall be placed in or upon private property and shall be securely built, constructed and erected to conform with the requirements specified in section 16-15-21 of this chapter.
   D.   Combination signs may project over public property or beyond a "legal setback line" as specified in section 16-15-22 of this chapter.
   E.   The thickness of that portion of a combination sign which projects over public property shall not exceed the maximum set forth in section 16-15-22 of this chapter. (Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)
16-15-23-6: MARQUEE SIGNS:
Signs may be placed on, attached to, or constructed in a marquee. Such signs shall, for the purpose of determining projection, clearance, height and material, be considered a part of and shall meet the requirements for a marquee as specified in the building code and this title. (Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)
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