(A) Purpose And Intent:
1. Purpose: Signs have an impact on the character and quality of the environment as a prominent part of the scenery. They attract or repel the viewing public and affect the safety of vehicular traffic. Their suitability or appropriateness helps to set the tone of the neighborhood. The purpose of this section is to protect and promote the general welfare, health, safety and aesthetics within the City through the establishment of comprehensive standards, regulations and procedures governing the placement, erection, maintenance, use and/or display of devices, signs or symbols.
2. Intent: The provisions of this section are intended to encourage creativity, a reasonable degree of freedom of choice, an opportunity for effective communication and a sense of concern for visual amenities on the part of those designing, displaying or otherwise utilizing needed communicative media of the types regulated by this section. At the same time, the provisions of this section are intended to ensure that the public is not endangered, annoyed or distracted by unsafe, disorderly, indiscriminate or unnecessary use of such communicative facilities. (Ord. 003-485, 2-18-2003)
(B) Signs Permitted: Upon the adoption of this section, it shall be unlawful and a violation of this section for any person to erect, construct, paint, alter, relocate, reconstruct, display, or maintain or cause to be erected, constructed, displayed or maintained within the City of Farmington any sign without first having obtained a permit from the Zoning Officer. (Ord. 010-619, 3-1-2010)
1. Signs Permitted In All Zoning Districts:
(a) On Premises Directional Signs: Where one-way access and egress drives are incorporated in a site plan, a sign indicating traffic direction no more than two (2) square feet may be placed at a driveway within five feet (5') of the street right-of-way. A directional sign indicating the entrance to a two-way driveway may be required where the Zoning Officer deems it is necessary to safely direct the traveling public. (Ord. 003-485, 2-18-2003)
(b) Off Premises Directional Signs: For the purpose of providing off premises direction to a residential project described in this subsection, or to a new venture less than twelve (12) months following the issuance of an occupancy permit, or to a public, religious or nonprofit institution, or to a use which, in the determination of the Planning Commission, incurs substantial hardship from lack of reasonable identification as a result of its location, an interim use permit shall be required. Such sign shall not exceed twenty five (25) square feet per face and such sign shall conform to the yard requirements of the zoning district in which it is located. If said sign is lighted, it shall be illuminated only during those hours when business is in operation or when the model homes or other developments are open for conducting business. (Ord. 010-619, 3-1-2010)
(c) Real Estate Signs: Temporary signage for the purpose of selling, renting or leasing individual lots, parcels, homes or buildings may be erected provided:
(1) One sign may be placed per street frontage and located within fifteen feet (15') of the right-of-way line on the property to be sold or leased.
(2) The size of such sign shall be a maximum of six (6) square feet for residentially zoned property and a maximum of thirty two (32) square feet for all other properties.
(3) The sign shall be removed upon sale, rental, or lease of the property.
(d) Development Project Sign: Temporary signage for the purpose of selling or promoting a development project or used as construction signs shall comply with the following conditions:
(1) For development projects of thirty (30) acres or less, one sign each at a maximum of thirty two (32) square feet of sign area and not exceeding ten feet (10') in height may be erected on the project site.
(2) For development projects over thirty (30) acres, two (2) signs each at a maximum of thirty two (32) square feet of sign area and not exceeding ten feet (10') in height may be erected.
(3) Signs shall be permitted only after a sign permit has been approved.
(4) Signs shall be located at least ten feet (10') from the nearest property line on the property to be sold or leased and in no case shall be permitted within the thirty foot (30') triangle of visibility at public or private street intersections or driveway intersections.
(5) Signs shall be located at least fifty feet (50') from any existing or occupied dwelling unit.
(6) Signs shall be removed when the residential development is sold out or the multiple dwelling project is sold or rented.
(e) Banners: Banners shall comply with the following conditions:
(1) Sign Permit Required: A sign permit is required for the banner and shall be valid for thirty (30) consecutive days. No more than three (3) banners may be allowed on a property.
(2) Minimum Setbacks: Banners shall be set back at least ten feet (10') from all property lines and in no case shall be permitted within the thirty foot (30') triangle of visibility at public or private street intersections or driveway intersections.
(3) Banners; Public Safety: Banners shall not be erected or maintained in such a manner as may endanger the public safety, interfere with or obstruct pedestrian or vehicular travel, or create a traffic safety problem.
(4) Banners On Streetlights: The city may place banners on streetlights to display distinctive colors, patterns, or symbols, used as a symbol of the city.
(f) Election Signs: Election signs shall be permitted on private property in any zoning district with the expressed consent of the owner or occupant of such property. The following conditions apply:
(1) Such signs may not be posted more than sixty (60) days prior to the election and must be removed by those responsible for the erection of the sign or the property owner within seven (7) days following the election.
(2) Such signs must be no larger than thirty two (32) square feet of sign area and shall not exceed six feet (6') in height above grade.
(3) Such signs shall not be more than three feet (3') in height within the thirty foot (30') triangle of visibility at public or private street intersections or driveway intersections.
(4) Any sign found by the city to be in violation of this section may be, without notice, summarily dismantled, removed or otherwise rendered in compliance with this section by the city.
(5) Signs shall not be placed upon public right of way or property, except for parks and other public areas approved by the city council.
(6) Installation shall comply with the fair campaign practices act. (Ord. 003-485, 2-18-2003)
(g) Window: Permanent signs printed or otherwise displayed from the surface of an individual window shall not exceed two (2) square feet or forty percent (40%) of the total window area, whichever is greater. (Ord. 012-655, 12-17-2012)
(h) Public Information Signs: Public information signs shall be allowed by conditional use permit in all districts. Sign area shall be limited to one hundred fifty (150) square feet, and shall comply with setback requirements in each district, and may be illuminated subject to timing and information controls stipulated as a condition to the conditional use permit.
(i) On Premises Signs: For the purpose of identifying or advertising a business, person, activity, goods, products or services located on the premises where the sign is installed and maintained, signs shall be regulated as set forth in this subsection (B)1.
(j) No Trespassing: No trespassing signs and no dumping signs shall not exceed two (2) square feet in area per side and not to exceed four (4) in number per lot in R districts. In the A district such signs shall not be located less than three hundred feet (300') apart.
(k) Awning Signs: Signs consisting of one line of letters not exceeding nine inches (9") in height may be painted or placed upon the hanging border only of an awning. An identification emblem, insignia, initial or other similar design, not exceeding eight (8) square feet in area may be painted or placed elsewhere on an awning.
(l) Painted Wall Signs: Painted wall signs shall be permitted only on structurally sound and homogeneous surfaces. A conditional use permit shall be required.
(m) Municipal Entrance Sign: A sign may be placed at the city boundary along a roadway identifying the city name. Such sign shall not exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet and ten feet (10') in height.
(n) Open House Signs: Open house signs shall not exceed four (4) square feet, six feet (6') in height and the display of signs is limited to the same day of the open house. Said signs may be placed in the city right of way but not exceed three feet (3') in height within the thirty foot (30') triangle of visibility at public or private street intersections or driveway intersections.
(o) Temporary Holiday Signs: Temporary holiday signs and displays relating to noncommercial messages associated with national, state or local holidays or festivals. (Ord. 003-485, 2-18-2003)
(p) Garage Sale Signs: Garage/rummage sale signs on private property not to exceed four (4) square feet in size and to be removed on the same day the sale ends. (Ord. 005-539, 7-5-2005)
(q) Integral Signs: Integral signs displaying only the name, address of the building or date of construction not to exceed two (2) square feet.
(r) Flags: Flags or insignia of any government.
(s) Traffic/Street Signs: Traffic/street signs approved by the director of public works. (Ord. 003-485, 2-18-2003)
(t) A-Frame Signs:
(1) Sign Size And Placement: An established local business (including a church) shall be allowed to display on the sidewalk adjacent to its business or on other private property with the owner's permission within the B, SSC, mixed use, and business/commercial flex zoning districts, a portable two (2) sided sign, up to two feet (2') wide and three feet (3') high, during its regular business hours. Churches shall be allowed to display such signs on the day before and day during which services are conducted. Such signs shall not restrict pedestrian traffic flow.
(2) Permit Required: It shall be unlawful for any business to display a portable sign without first having obtained a permit from the city. Application for a permit shall be made in writing to the zoning officer, and applicants shall state the location of the proposed portable sign and such other facts as may be required and applicable to the granting of such permit. The permit shall be valid for a period of up to one year and is not transferable to another business without authorization of the zoning officer. The city may approve the permit with additional terms and conditions, including, but not limited to, conditions regarding location, duration, and design.
(3) Fees And Insurance: The fees required for this permit shall be paid at the office of the city clerk before the granting of the permit. The amount of the fee shall be as provided from time to time by resolution of the council. The city clerk or authorized city staff shall issue a receipt for the fee and issue the permit to the applicant. No fee shall be prorated for a portion of a year, and no fee paid shall be refunded unless the permit is denied. The applicant is required to take out and maintain public liability and property damage insurance covering personal injury, including death, and claims for property damage which may arise directly or indirectly out of the use and/or placement of the portable sign. Limits for bodily injury and death shall not be less than five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000.00) for one person and one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) for each occurrence; limits for property damage shall not be less than two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000.00) for each occurrence; or a combination single policy of one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) or more. The city shall be named as an additional insured on the policy, and the applicant shall file with the city a certificate evidencing coverage prior to the city issuing a permit.
(4) Revocation Of Permit: Any permit issued by the city may be suspended or revoked by the zoning officer for any of the following causes:
A. Conducting such permitted activity in such a manner as to constitute a breach of the peace or menace to the health, safety or welfare of the public, or a disturbance of the peace or comfort of residents of the city, or upon the recommendation of the appropriate city official.
B. Expiration or cancellation of the required insurance coverage.
C. Actions unauthorized or beyond the scope of the permit granted.
D. Violation of any regulation or provision of this code applicable to the activity for which the permit has been granted, or any regulation or law of the state so applicable.
E. Failure to continuously comply with all conditions required as precedent to the approval of the permit.
(5) Hearing: Any person aggrieved by the action of any city official in denying, suspending or revoking a permit shall have the right to a hearing before the planning commission on any such action, provided a written request therefor is filed with the clerk within ten (10) days after receipt of the notice of such denial, suspension or revocation. The planning commission may grant such permit or confirm any suspension or revocation or reinstate any such permit. The action taken by the planning commission after a hearing shall be final. (Ord. 005-540, 7-5-2005)
(u) Special Event Sign: Special event banners shall comply with subsection (B)1(e) of this section. Other special event signs require a permit of the type referred to in subsection (B)1(e)(1) of this section, shall not exceed four (4) square feet in area, shall be permitted in all zoning districts within thirty (30) days prior to the event, and shall not be located within the thirty foot (30') triangle of visibility at public or private street intersections or driveway intersections. (Ord. 005-538, 7-5-2005)
(v) LED Message Sign: One LED message sign in the form of a pylon, monument or wall sign may be installed on any property which is continually utilized for a civic, educational, nonprofit, charitable, religious, commercial, or industrial purpose, and shall be subject to the sign area and height requirements for the underlying zoning districts as specified within subsections (B)2 through (B)6 of this section. The installation of an LED message sign shall be subject to the state's electrical code. The electrical service to such sign shall be underground. LED signs permitted under this section shall comply with subsection (C)1 of this section. (Ord. 005-542, 9-6-2005)
2. Residential Zoning Districts:
(a) Home Occupations: For home occupations, one nonilluminated wall or freestanding sign not exceeding two (2) square feet in size. (Ord. 007-575, 8-20-2007)
(b) Single-Family Subdivisions And Multi-Family Complexes: For single-family subdivisions and multi-family complexes, one monument sign per street frontage, not to exceed fifty (50) square feet in sign area and five feet (5') in height. Signs shall be located at least ten feet (10') from property lines and in no case shall be permitted within the thirty foot (30') triangle of visibility at street intersections. (Ord. 003-485, 2-18-2003)
(c) Permitted Nonresidential Uses: For permitted nonresidential uses, one freestanding monument sign is allowed per street frontage if an access drive is present. Each sign shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet in sign area and ten feet (10') in height. Signs shall be located at least ten feet (10') from property lines and in no case shall be permitted within the thirty foot (30') triangle of visibility at street intersections. Wall signs shall not exceed twelve percent (12%) of the building facade or three hundred (300) square feet, whichever is less. (Ord. 005-523, 2-22-2005)
(d) Illuminated Signs: Except for temporary signs, illuminated signs shall be allowed in residential zoning districts for nonresidential uses. Such signs shall be illuminated only by steady, stationary, shielded light sources directed solely at the sign, or internal to it, without causing glare for motorists, pedestrians or neighboring premises as outlined in section 10-6-8 of this chapter regarding exterior lighting.
(e) Athletic Complex Scoreboards: Freestanding signs shall be permitted on public school property as follows: Scoreboards may be located only at the varsity and junior varsity playing fields at the northeast intersection of Akin Road and CSAH 50 and on the parcel at 800 Denmark Avenue. One scoreboard may be erected for each competitive playing field and is restricted to a maximum of six feet six inches (6'6") in height by twenty seven feet (27') in length. The maximum height of the scoreboard at installation is twenty feet (20'). The scoreboards at the varsity and junior varsity baseball fields may display nonilluminated advertisement panels located on the bottom perimeter of the front of the scoreboard and shall not exceed two feet (2') in height or twenty seven feet (27') in width. A second nonilluminated advertisement panel may be located on the back of the scoreboard at the top of the scoreboard perimeter and shall not exceed three feet (3') in height or twenty seven feet (27') in width. One business may be advertised on both sides of the scoreboard and shall display the exact same sign. Team logos, names and field location may be located on the front of the scoreboard at the top of the scoreboard perimeter and shall not exceed two feet (2') in height and twenty seven feet (27') in width. Team logos, names and field location may also be located on the back of the scoreboard and shall not exceed two feet (2') in height and twenty seven feet (27') in width. The scoreboards located at 800 Denmark Avenue may display nonilluminated advertisement panels on the bottom perimeter of the scoreboard and may not exceed two feet (2') in height or twenty seven feet (27') in length. Team logos, names and field location may be shown on a panel located on the top perimeter of the scoreboard and may not exceed two feet (2') in height or twenty seven feet (27') in length. A second nonilluminated advertisement panel may be located on the back of the scoreboard at the top of the scoreboard perimeter and shall not exceed three feet (3') in height or twenty seven feet (27') in width. One business may be advertised on the back of the scoreboard. (Ord. 003-485, 2-18-2003)
3. B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4, And I-1 Zoning Districts:
(a) Wall Signs: One wall sign is permitted per building front as follows for each zoning district:
B-1 | 10 percent of facade (200 square foot maximum) | |
B-2 | 14 percent of facade (300 square foot maximum) | |
B-3 | 16 percent of facade (300 square foot maximum) | |
B-4 | 16 percent of facade (300 square foot maximum) | |
I-1 | 18 percent of facade (400 square foot maximum) |
(b) Monument Identification Signs: Monument identification signs are permitted up to one hundred (100) square feet in sign area with a height maximum of ten feet (10') from the ground (including the base) to the top of the sign. The sign must be set back ten feet (10') or more from the property line and shall not be located within the thirty foot (30') triangle of visibility at street intersections. One monument identification sign per street frontage may be erected on a lot if the lot is adjacent to more than one street. Primary sign shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet in sign area per sign with a maximum height of ten feet (10'); secondary street frontage sign shall not exceed sixty (60) square feet in sign area per sign with a maximum height of six feet (6'). Monument identification signs in the B-4 district may be illuminated between eight o'clock (8:00) A.M. and ten o'clock (10:00) P.M. and shall be in compliance with section 10-6-8 of this chapter.
(c) Sign Plan: A multiple occupancy building shall submit a sign plan that will coordinate signage for the entire project. The plan shall address height, location, size, number type, decorative theme, design, color and materials to be used on the building. The plan shall be reviewed and approved by the zoning officer prior to the issuance of a sign permit for the building. The owner of the building is responsible for obtaining the sign permit, complying with the approved sign criteria, and ensuring that signs erected are in compliance with the approved sign plan.
(d) Pylon Signs: Pylon signs are permitted as follows:
(1) No pylon sign shall be located in a required yard.
(2) Pylon signs shall not be located closer than five feet (5') from a driveway or parking space.
(3) Area and height of pylon signs are determined by the speed of automobile traffic along the frontage street as follows:
Speed (mph)
| Area (Square Feet)
| Height (Feet)
|
Speed (mph)
| Area (Square Feet)
| Height (Feet)
| ||
30 | 50 | 18 | ||
35 | 75 | 20 | ||
40 | 100 | 22 | ||
45 | 125 | 24 | ||
50 | 150 | 26 | ||
55 | 175 | 28 | ||
(4) Pylon signs shall not be permitted in the B-4 zoning district.
(e) Window Signs: No more than twenty five percent (25%) of the total window or two (2) square feet, whichever is greater.
(f) Marquee Signs: Marquee signs may be placed on the roof of a covered walk or marquee in a building complex on the vertical face of a marquee and may project from the lower edge of the marquee not more than twenty four inches (24"), but the bottom of a sign placed on a marquee shall be no less than eight feet (8') above the ground at any point. No part of the sign shall extend above the top of the roofline for a covered walk or above the top of the vertical face of the marquee.
(g) Illuminated Signs: Except for temporary signs, illuminated signs shall be allowed in B and I districts. Such signs shall be illuminated only by steady, stationary, shielded light sources directed solely at the sign, or internal to it, without causing glare for motorists, pedestrians or neighboring premises as outlined in section 10-6-8 of this chapter dealing with exterior lighting.
(h) Billboards:
(1) Billboards shall be permitted only in the I-1 district.
(2) A conditional use permit is required for all billboards.
(3) The maximum sign size shall be three hundred (300) square feet in sign area. Billboards may incorporate cutouts protruding beyond the framed perimeter of the sign face, providing the total sign area does not exceed three hundred fifty (350) square feet.
(4) The maximum height to the uppermost portion of any advertising device shall be thirty feet (30'). The building setback limitation for the zoning district in which the sign is located shall apply to setbacks for billboards.
(5) The minimum radius distance between billboards shall be one thousand five hundred feet (1,500').
(6) No billboard structure shall be constructed within five hundred feet (500') of any park or residential zoning district.
(7) No billboard shall be located closer to any intersection than five hundred feet (500').
(8) Billboards shall be a single support, metal structure, free of supports or guywires. The metal shall be treated in such a manner as to prevent deterioration.
(9) Billboards may be illuminated provided that there are no flashing, intermittent or moving lights, and that beams or rays of light are not directed toward any portion of public streets.
(10) Billboards are permitted in undeveloped land areas. When a plat is approved and improvements are in place, the billboard must be removed from the site.
4. IP Zoning District:
(a) Single Occupant Building:
(1) Monument Identification Sign: One monument identification sign for each principal structure or legal parcel. Lots adjacent to more than one street may have one sign per street frontage. Signs shall not exceed sixty (60) square feet in sign area per sign with a maximum height of six feet (6'). Said signs shall be located at least ten feet (10') from the nearest property line and in no case shall be permitted within the thirty foot (30') triangle of visibility at public or private street intersections or driveway intersections. (Ord. 007-575, 8-20-2007)
(2) Wall: The total sign area on the building shall not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the building facade or five hundred (500) square feet in area. (Ord. 003-485, 2-18-2003)
(b) Multiple Occupant Building:
(1) Monument Identification Sign: One monument identification sign may be erected on a lot. The sign shall not exceed seventy five (75) square feet in sign area and ten feet (10') in height. Monument identification signs may include the name of the development and up to four (4) tenants of the development. Said signs shall be located at least ten feet (10') from the nearest property line and in no case shall be permitted within the thirty foot (30') triangle of visibility at public or private street intersections or driveway intersections. (Ord. 007-575, 8-20-2007)
(2) Wall: The total sign area on the building shall not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the building facade or five hundred (500) square feet in area.
(3) Sign Plan: Multiple occupancy buildings shall submit a sign plan that will coordinate signage for the entire project. The plan shall address height, location, size, number type, decorative theme, design, color and materials to be used on the building. The plan shall be reviewed and approved by the zoning officer prior to the issuance of a sign permit for the building. The owner of the building is responsible for obtaining the sign permit, complying with the approved sign criteria, and ensuring that signs erected are in compliance with the approved sign plan. (Ord. 003-485, 2-18-2003)
5. Spruce Street Commercial, Mixed Use, And Business/Flex Zoning Districts:
(a) Single Occupant Building:
(1) Monument Identification Sign:
A. Under one hundred thousand (100,000) square feet: One monument identification sign for each principal structure or legal parcel. Lots adjacent to more than one street may have one sign per street frontage. Signs shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet in sign area per sign with a maximum height of ten feet (10'). Said signs shall be located at least ten feet (10') from the nearest property line and in no case shall be permitted within the thirty foot (30') triangle of visibility at public or private street intersections or driveway intersections.
B. Over one hundred thousand (100,000) square feet: One monument identification sign per street frontage for each principal structure or legal parcel. Lots adjacent to more than one street may have one sign per street frontage. Primary sign shall not exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet in sign area per sign with a maximum height of fifteen feet (15'); secondary street frontage sign shall not exceed sixty (60) square feet in area per sign with a maximum height of six feet (6'). Said signs shall be located at least ten feet (10') from the nearest property line and in no case shall be permitted within the thirty foot (30') triangle of visibility at public or private street intersections or driveway intersections. (Ord. 007-575, 8-20-2007)
(2) Wall: The total sign area on the building may not exceed sixteen percent (16%) of the building facade or four hundred (400) square feet per building face. (Ord. 004-508, 3-1-2004)
(b) Multiple Occupant Building:
(1) Monument Identification Sign: One monument identification sign per street frontage may be erected on a lot. Lots adjacent to more than one street may have one sign per street frontage. Primary sign shall not exceed two hundred (200) square feet in sign area per sign with a maximum height of twenty feet (20'); secondary street frontage sign shall not exceed seventy five (75) square feet in sign area per sign with a maximum height of six feet (6'). Monument identification signs may include the name of the development and up to four (4) tenants of the development. Said signs shall be located at least ten feet (10') from the nearest property line and in no case shall be permitted within the thirty foot (30') triangle of visibility at public or private street intersections or driveway intersections. (Ord. 007-575, 8-20-2007)
(2) Wall: The total sign area on the building may not exceed sixteen percent (16%) of the building facade or four hundred (400) square feet.
(3) Sign Plan: Multiple occupancy buildings shall submit a sign plan that will coordinate signage for the entire project. The plan shall address height, location, size, number, type, decorative theme, design, color and materials to be used on the building. The plan shall be reviewed and approved by the zoning officer prior to the issuance of a sign permit for the building. The owner of the building is responsible to obtain the sign permit, comply with the approved sign criteria and ensure that signs erected are in compliance with the approved sign plan.
(c) On Premises/Traffic Directional Signs: Where one-way access and egress drives are incorporated in a site plan, a sign indicating traffic direction no more than two (2) square feet in sign area may be placed at a driveway within five feet (5') of the street right of way. A directional sign indicating the entrance to a two-way driveway may be required where the zoning officer deems it is necessary to safely direct the traveling public. Business directional signs are allowed within a development at no more than two (2) square feet in sign area per sign to direct traffic to business locations.
(d) Marquee Signs: Marquee signs are allowed on theater buildings in the SSC district and may be placed on the vertical face of the building and may project from the lower edge of the marquee not more than twenty four inches (24"), but the bottom of a sign placed on a marquee shall be no less than eight feet (8') above the ground at any point. No part of the sign shall extend above the top of the roofline for a covered walk or above the top of the vertical face of the marquee.
(e) Projecting Signs:
(1) Type Of Signage: No advertising signage is allowed; only business identification signs are permitted.
(2) Projecting: The sign shall be perpendicular to the surface of the building and the sign may be no more than one foot (1') thick.
(3) Size: Projecting signs may project no more than four feet (4') from the front edge of the building and be no more than twelve (12) square feet in area.
(4) Height: The bottom of the projecting sign must be at least eight feet (8') above sidewalk grade.
(5) Materials: Projecting signs must be approved by the planning commission during the sign permit application process.
(6) Illumination: Projecting signs may be lit with external lighting only and shall comply with section 10-6-8 of this chapter.
(7) Public Right Of Way: Projecting signs may not extend over a public right of way or public property (except a sidewalk or trail portion thereof) except by conditional use permit.
(8) Parking Space Or Loading Dock: Projecting signs may not extend over a designated parking space or loading area.
(9) Box Signs: Projecting box signs or cabinet signs are prohibited. (Ord. 004-508, 3-1-2004)
6. A-1 Zoning District:
(a) Permitted Nonresidential Uses: For permitted nonresidential uses, one freestanding monument sign is allowed per street frontage if an access drive is present. Each sign shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet in sign area and ten feet (10') in height. Signs shall be located at least ten feet (10') from property lines and in no case shall be permitted within the thirty foot (30') triangle of visibility at street intersections. Wall signs shall not exceed twelve percent (12%) of the building facade or three hundred (300) square feet, whichever is less. (Ord. 005-531, 5-16-2005)
(C) Signs Prohibited: All signs not expressly permitted under this section or exempt from regulation hereunder in accordance with this section are prohibited. Such signs include, but are not limited to:
1. Rotating, Moving, Animated, Or Flashing Signs: Rotating, moving or flashing signs shall not be permitted in any district.
2. Traffic Interference: No sign shall be erected that, by reason of position, shape or color would interfere in any way with the proper functioning or purpose of a traffic sign or signal.
3. Snipe Signs: There shall be no use of snipe signs anywhere within the city.
4. Roof Signs: Roof signs, roof advertising symbols, roof logos, roof statues or roof sculptures shall not be permitted in any district. No sign shall extend above the roofline. (Ord. 003-485, 2-18-2003)
5. Miscellaneous Signs: Such signs shall not be painted, attached or in any manner affixed to trees, rocks or similar natural surfaces, nor shall such signs be affixed to a fence or utility pole. (Ord. 007-575, 8-20-2007)
6. Public Rights Of Way: No sign shall be upon or overhang any public right of way, with the exception of B-2 districts where an overhang of fifteen inches (15") is possible. (Ord. 003-485, 2-18-2003)
7. Obsolete Signs: Signs which advertise an activity, business, product or service that has not been produced or conducted on the premises for more than thirty (30) days and are considered obsolete. (Ord. 007-575, 8-20-2007)
(D) General Design And Construction Standards: All signs shall be designed, constructed, and maintained in accordance with the following standards:
1. Except for banners, flags, temporary signs, and window signs conforming in all respects with the requirements of this section, all signs shall be constructed of permanent materials and shall be permanently attached to the ground, a building, or another structure by direct attachment to a rigid wall, frame, or structure.
2. All signs shall be maintained in good structural condition, in compliance with all building and electrical codes, and in conformance with this code, at all times.
(E) Nonconforming Signs:
1. Continuation Of Use: A nonconforming sign lawfully existing upon the effective date of this section may be continued at the size and in the manner existing upon such date except as hereinafter specified.
2. Nonconforming Sign: Upon adoption of this section, a nonconforming sign shall not be:
(a) Structurally changed to another nonconforming sign if altered to prolong the life of the sign, except to meet safety requirements.
(b) Structurally altered except to bring it into compliance with the provisions of this section.
(c) Expanded or enlarged so as to increase the degree of nonconformity of the sign.
(d) Continued in use if a change of use occurs as defined in the zoning ordinance, or if such sign is proposed to be remodeled, repainted or otherwise changed for the purpose of displaying the new name or other new identification of the premises.
(e) Repaired or otherwise rehabilitated after damage, destruction or deterioration of more than fifty percent (50%), except to bring into conformance with this section.
3. Nonconforming Sign Maintenance And Repair: Nothing in this section shall be construed as relieving the owner of use of a legal nonconforming sign or owner of the property on which the legal nonconforming sign is located from the provisions of this section regarding safety, maintenance and repair of signs, provided, however, that any repainting, cleaning and other normal maintenance or repair of the sign or sign structure shall not modify the sign structure or copy in any way which makes it more nonconforming or the sign shall lose its legal nonconforming status.
4. Nonconforming Signs Annexed To The City: All existing signs located on property annexed into the city after the effective date of this section that are not in conformance with this section shall be brought into conformance within sixty (60) days after such annexation.
(F) Administration And Enforcement:
1. Enforcement Officer: All administration and enforcement of this section shall be primarily implemented by the zoning officer. Anyone who wishes to report a sign that may be in violation of this section should do so to the zoning officer.
2. Permit Procedure: Except as otherwise provided in this section, all signs shall require a sign permit prior to being constructed, reconstructed, moved, altered, placed, or repaired. Sign permits shall be issued by the zoning officer.
3. Permit Fees: Each application for a sign permit shall be accompanied by the applicable fees, which shall be established by the Farmington city council.
4. Cancellation: A sign permit shall be null and void if the work for which the permit was issued has not been completed within a period of six (6) months after the date of the permit. A permit may be renewed one time and no additional fee shall be collected for renewal.
5. Fines: Any person, organization, corporation or their representatives, found in violation of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine not to exceed the maximum statutory amount. Each day that a violation exists shall constitute a separate and distinct offense, punishable as aforesaid.
6. Appeals: To provide for a reasonable interpretation of the provisions of this section, a permit applicant who wishes to appeal an interpretation by the zoning officer may file a notice of appeal with the planning commission and request a hearing. The commission shall hear appeals or requests in the following cases:
(a) Appeals where it is alleged that there is an error in any order, requirement, decision or determination made by the zoning officer in the enforcement of this section.
(b) Request for variances from the literal provisions of this section in instances where their strict enforcement would cause undue hardship.
7. Severance Clause: If any subsection, clause or provision or portion thereof, of this section shall be found to be invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect any other subsection, clause, provision or portion thereof of this section.
8. Revocation Of Permit: The zoning officer is authorized and empowered to revoke any permit upon failure of the holder of said permit thereof to comply with any provisions of this section.
9. Maintenance: All signs shall be maintained in a safe, presentable and good structural condition at all times. Maintenance shall include painting, repainting, cleaning, replacement or repair of defective parts and other necessary acts.
Any sign which is found in a dangerous or defective condition shall be removed or repaired by the owner of the sign or the owner of the premises on which the sign is located. (Ord. 003-485, 2-18-2003)