(A) Existing signs. Each establishment shall be entitled to sign area within the limitations as set forth herein. However, the area of all existing signs to remain on the premises occupied by the establishment shall be reported by the applicant and shall be added to the proposed new sign(s) for comparison with these limitations, which shall govern total sign area, existing and proposed.
(B) Setback limitation. At ground level, no part of any sign shall be located any closer than 10 feet from the back of the curb, nor shall any part of any sign overhang the property line into the public right-of-way or into the adjacent property.
(C) Street visibility triangle. No sign or other advertising structure shall be erected in the 25- foot by 25-foot visibility triangle at the intersection of 2 streets. The street visibility triangle is formed by the property lines and a diagonal line connecting them at points 25 feet from the intersection of the property lines in compliance with the provisions of § 154.045. Any sign projecting into the visibility triangle shall have a clearance of at least 11 feet above the centerline grades of the intersecting streets.
(D) Driveway visibility triangle. No sign or other advertising structure shall be erected in the 7-foot by 60-foot visibility triangle at the intersection of driveway with a street. The driveway visibility triangle is formed by the property line, the edge of the driveway and a diagonal line connecting a point 7 feet along the edge of driveway from the right-of-way and a point 60 feet along the right-of-way line from the edge of driveway. This driveway visibility triangle shall be in compliance with the provisions of § 154.045. Any sign projecting into the visibility triangle shall have a clearance of at least 10 feet above the centerline grades of the intersecting streets.
(E) Traffic hazard. No sign shall be erected at any location where, by reason of the position, shape or color it may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign or signal device; or which makes use of the words “stop,” “go,” “caution,” “look,” “danger,” or any other word, phrase, symbol or character in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic.
(F) Pedestrian hazard. All signs or other advertising structures, which are erected at any point where pedestrians might be endangered, shall have a smooth surface and no nails, tacks or wires shall be permitted to protrude therefrom. Pole signs must have a minimum vertical clearance from the ground of at least 11 feet.
(G) Lighting restrictions. Illuminated signs shall be erected in such a manner as not to interfere with traffic or pose other health or safety hazards.
(H) Wind pressure and dead load requirements. All signs shall be designed and constructed to withstand wind pressure of not less than 70 m.p.h. wind load factor and shall be constructed to receive loads as required by the building code.
(I) Site plan. Whenever a site plan is required to be filed, the site plan shall show the proposed location of any signs to be erected on the property and shall define the size and height of the signs with dimensions and elevation views. All existing signs shall be included on the site plan.
(J) Sign buffer area at edge of a building. The edge of a wall sign shall be a minimum distance of 2 times the sign height from the edge of the building wall.
(K) Wall sign setback bonus. Wall signs that are setback from the public street right-of-way over 150 feet can increase the maximum primary wall signage size by 25%, and increase it an additional 25% for every additional 100 feet of setback; up to a maximum of 200% of the allowed sign area (i.e., 20% of the primary wall area) at 450 feet.
(1) Over 150-foot setback, 125% of allowed sign area, or 12.5% of primary wall area.
(2) Over 250-foot setback, 150% of allowed sign area, or 15% of primary wall area.
(3) Over 350-foot setback, 175% of allowed sign area, or 17.5% of primary wall area.
(4) Over 450-foot setback, 200% of allowed sign area, or 20% of primary wall area. Under no circumstances shall the primary wall signage exceed 400 square feet regardless of wall size or increased setbacks.
(L) Compliance. Any sign in existence in the city on December 3, 2012 and not in conformity herewith, is hereby declared to be a nonconforming use, and such use shall be abated by the owner of such sign according to the following schedule:
(1) Permanent signs. All such nonconforming permanent signs in any zoning district shall be in compliance with the terms of this subchapter not later than 10 years from the effective date of this subchapter.
(2) Temporary signs on-premises. All such nonconforming signs in any zoning district shall be in compliance with the terms of this subchapter not later than 1 year from the effective date of this subchapter.
(3) Temporary signs off-premises. All such nonconforming signs in any zoning district shall be in compliance with the terms of this subchapter not later than 90 days from the effective date of this subchapter.
(Ord. O-12-743, passed 12-3-2012)