(A) Purpose. To provide a mechanism by which the sign regulations established in this section can be modified to ensure that signs for a uniquely planned or designed development or area are most appropriate for that particular development or area, a master sign program may be requested per the guidelines identified below.
(B) Master sign program criteria.
(1) A master sign program may be:
(a) Requested by the developer or owner of a planned area development; or
(b) Requested by the developer, owner or master lessor of a multi-tenant development or parcel that is a minimum of ten gross acres; or
(c) Initiated by the city for a particular area in furtherance of a specific plan, revitalization program, overlay zone, or other area wide planning tool.
(2) A master sign program may include provisions that are more and/or less restrictive than the regulations established in this Section as related to issues of size, location, color, construction materials and design of the sign but without consideration as to the message to be displayed on the sign based on the particular unique features of the development.
(3) Each master sign program applicant shall show why the modifications requested are warranted and how the total sign proposal for the development meets, or balances, the general purpose and intent of this section.
(4) A master sign program application shall be approved, conditionally approved, or disapproved through the conditional use permit process.
(5) A new master sign program approval shall be obtained for substantial revisions to the original approval, as determined by the Zoning Administrator.
(C) Master sign program evaluation criteria. Any master sign program shall be evaluated based upon the following criteria:
(1) Placement.
(a) On-premises. All signs shall be placed where they are sufficiently visible and readable for their function. Factors to be considered shall include the purpose of the sign, its location relative to traffic movement and access points, site features, structures, and sign orientation relative to viewing distances and viewing angles.
(b) Off-premises. Off-premises signs are permitted only on vacant property with the written permission of the property owner.
(2) Quantity.
(a) On-premises. The number of signs that may be approved within any planned area development or multiple tenant complex shall be no greater than that required to provide project identification and entry signs, internal circulation and directional information to destinations and development sub-areas, and business identification. Factors to be considered shall include the size of the development, the number of development sub-areas, and the division or integration of sign function.
(b) Off-premises. A maximum of one off-premises advertising sign is permitted for a planned area development or multiple tenant complex which is equal to or less than 160 acres. A maximum of two off-premises advertising signs are permitted for a planned area development.
(3) Size.
(a) On-premises. All signs shall be no larger than necessary for visibility and readability. Factors to be considered in determining appropriate size shall include topography, volume of traffic, speed of traffic, visibility range, proximity of adjacent uses, amount of sign copy, placement of display (location and height), lettering style, and presence of distractive influences. In no event shall a plan contain a freestanding or wall sign which exceed by more than 50% any maximum height standard.
(b) Off-premises. Signs shall have a maximum area of 160 square feet and a maximum height of 15 feet. Permitted time is not to exceed 90% of home sales.
(4) Materials.
(a) Sign materials shall be compatible with architectural and/or natural features of the project.
(b) This may be accomplished through similarity of materials for sign structures and faces, the use of complementary colors, similarity of architectural style, and/or the use of a consistent lettering style or copy.
(Res. R22-05-08, passed 5-3-2022; Ord. O22-05-02, passed 5-3-2022)