(A) Intent. The intent of this section is to encourage signage which is compatible with and complements the architecture and scale of buildings and eliminates potential hazards to motorists and pedestrians.
(B) General requirements.
(1) Sign permit.
(a) Permit. Except where noted in this ordinance, the erection, construction, enlargement, movement or conversion of all permanent and temporary signs, banners, exterior graphic displays and sign structures shall require a sign permit to be obtained from the Planning and Building Department in accordance with the provisions of this section.
(b) Application. An application for a sign permit shall be filed with the Planning and Zoning Administrator and shall be accompanied by any information the Administrator determines is necessary to assure compliance with this ordinance, including, but not limited to:
(1) Clear and legible drawings with descriptions showing the location of the sign which is the subject of the permit;
(2) An indication of all existing and anticipated signs on the property;
(3) A dimensioned drawing showing the size of the sign area and the height of the sign;
(4) Description of sign materials and colors;
(5) Type of illumination; and
(6) Mounting details.
(c) Effect of sign permit issuance. A sign permit issued under the provisions of this section shall not be deemed to constitute permission or authorization to maintain an unlawful sign nor shall it be deemed as a defense in an action to remove an unlawful sign.
(d) Expiration. A sign permit shall become null and void if work has not been started within 30 days of the date the permit is issued or completed within 180 days of the date the permit is issued.
(2) Determining sign area. The area of a sign shall be determined by multiplying the maximum vertical dimension of the copy by the maximum horizontal dimension of the copy including the extreme limits of characters, lettering or figures to the smallest circle, triangle or rectangle that can be used to enclose the extreme limits of characters, lettering or figures. Supporting members that bear no messages shall not be included when determining the sign’s area.
(3) Determining the height of a sign. The sign height shall be measured from the elevation of the centerline of the nearest thoroughfare to the highest point of the sign, and include any poles or other supports unless otherwise specified in this article. In no case shall sign height be measured from the top of any berm or other artificial grade.
(4) Double-faced signs. For all signs permitted by this chapter, a double-faced sign may be erected. Only the sign area of one of the two sides shall be considered the sign area. However, the two sides shall be identical and shall be placed back-to-back, and the maximum distance between the two sides shall not exceed two feet at any point.
(5) Aggregate sign area. The maximum aggregate sign area shall be determined by adding together the sign area of each sign.
(6) Inspection. Signs for which a permit is required may be inspected periodically by the Administrator for compliance with this chapter.
(7) Removal of sign. The Administrator may order the removal of any sign erected or maintained in violation of this chapter, at the cost of the property owner, consistent with the provisions of Chapter 10.
(8) Maintenance. All signs and their components shall be kept in good repair and in safe, neat, clean, attractive and structurally sound condition. Owners shall patch and paint damaged areas when signs are removed within 30 days.
(9) Abandoned sign structures. A sign shall be removed by the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is located when the business which it advertises is no longer conducted on the premises. If the owner or lessee fails to remove it the Administrator shall give the owner ten days written notice to remove it. Upon failure to comply with this notice, the Administrator or his or her duly authorized representative may remove the sign at the cost of the owner. The Administrator has the authority to attach a lien to the property to recover costs incurred by the city.
(10) Illumination. Signs may be internally or externally illuminated unless prohibited elsewhere in this ordinance or through other commitments. All illuminated signs must meet the exterior lighting standards of this section.
(11) Sign material. Ground/monument signs shall be constructed of wood, ornamental metal, stone, masonry or other permanent material.
(12) Enforcement. The enforcement of violations of the provisions of this chapter shall be as provided by Chapter 10.
(13) Landscaping. A minimum of two square feet of landscaping per one-square foot of sign area shall be placed around the base of the sign. The landscape area shall consisting of shrubs, groundcover and perennial plant material. Turf shall not be used to satisfy this requirement.
(14) Signs and public safety.
(a) No sign or sign structure shall be placed on private or public property without the written consent of the owner or agent thereof, except for exempt signs.
(b) (1) No sign or sign structure, other than official (INDOT, county or city) highway signs, shall be placed upon, over or in any street or highway right-of-way or any sidewalk, except where specifically allowed within this section.
(2) Awning, suspended and projecting signs permitted in the CB District shall require a permit and shall provide proof of insurance and attachment details prepared by an licensed engineer. These signs shall be no lower than nine feet above the finished grade.
(c) No sign or sign structure shall be erected at any location where it may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device.
(d) No sign or sign structure shall be located in a manner as to materially impede the view of any street or highway intersection or the intersection of a street or highway with a railroad grade crossing. See also § 7.2.
(15) Removal.
(a) Any legally established nonconforming sign shall be permitted without alteration in size or location, unless movable or unattached, in accordance with § 3.3 of this ordinance. If the sign is damaged or dilapidated to an extent of more than 50% of its replacement cost at time of damage or repair, it shall not be rebuilt, provided, however, that nothing herein shall prevent maintenance, repainting or normal repair of legally established nonconforming signs.
(b) Whenever any movable or unattached sign is erected or maintained in violation of this ordinance, the sign may be removed at the cost of the owner of the sign by action of the Planning and Zoning Administrator after due notice is given to the person in interest.
(c) Signs illegally located in the right-of-way may be removed immediately by action of the Planning and Zoning Administrator without notice and may be stored in a location for a period of seven days for retrieval by the owner.
(C) Exempt signs. The following signs shall not require a sign permit, shall be subject to the conditions specified, and shall not be subject to any other sign standards. These signs may not be illuminated, flashing or animated:
(1) Signs not exceeding one square foot in area and bearing only property numbers, address numbers, names of occupants of premises or other identification of premises not denoting commercial activity;
(2) Legal notices, identification, informational, warning, trespassing or directional signs erected or required by governmental units;
(3) Memorial plaques, historical markers, integral decorative or architectural features of buildings, except trademarks, moving parts or moving lights;
(4) Sponsorship signs, such as those located inside little league ball diamonds and at other athletic and community facilities, provided the signs are, in the opinion of the Administrator, oriented to those visiting and using the facility;
(5) Window signs that do not exceed 20% of the window area. Window signs that exceed this size shall be subject to the additional requirements herein and counted as part of aggregate sign area;
(6) Residential temporary signs, or yard cards, that do not exceed 12 square feet in area and are erected for less than three days;
(7) Sports spirit pennants that are less than two and one-half square feet mounted on the facade of a dwelling indicating support of a middle, high school or college student participating in organized school activities; and
(8) Flags, including flags of the United States, the state, the city and any other flag adopted or sanctioned by an elected legislative body of competent jurisdiction, provided that the flag shall not exceed 24 square feet in area and shall not be flown from a pole the top of which is more than 30 feet in height.
(9) Political signs that do not exceed the maximum allowed sign area for any sign in the zoning district(s) in which the political sign is located. Political signs are subject to §§ 7.7(B)(14)(b), (B)(14)(c) and (B)(14)(d), prohibiting their placement in public rights-of-way or in locations where they may impede the view of traffic signs, traffic signals, other traffic devices or intersections. In addition, political signs may not be placed on any public or private property without consent of the property owner.
(D) Incidental signs. The following incidental signs shall be permitted subject to the requirements of this section. These signs may be internally illuminated but not flashing or animated. These signs shall conform to all the requirements of the district in which they are located, with the exception of subsections (D)(1) and (D)(2) below which may encroach into the required setback distance, but not be located closer than 15 feet from any adjoining property line. A sign permit is required.
(1) Wayfinding signs. Signs directing and guiding traffic, pedestrian or other control to specific noncommercial locations such as downtown or historic districts, parks, large public arenas or similar destinations within the city or county. They shall meet the State Department of Transportation standards if located on a state-controlled road. Wayfinding signage shall not incorporate corporate branding.
Wayfinding Sign
(2) Directional sign. Signs designating entrances or exits to or from a parking or loading area on private property, limited to one sign for each entrance or exit. These signs shall not exceed four square feet in sign area each and shall be no higher than three feet above the grade of the adjacent right-of-way.
Directional Sign
(E) Temporary signs.
(1) Construction signs.
(a) Conforming nonresidential uses and multifamily complexes with at least 15 dwelling units are permitted to display temporary signage as follows.
(1) The sign shall not be located in the right-of-way.
(2) One sign per street frontage of lot under construction, demolition, remodeling or rebuilding, which sign announces the character of the building enterprise, including names of architects, engineers or contractors or financiers, for a maximum of two signs per lot.
(3) The maximum sign area shall not exceed 32 square feet.
(b) All construction signs shall be removed when a certificate of occupancy is obtained.
(2) Real estate signs. Real estate signs do not require a sign permit and shall be subject to the following standards.
(a) Commercial. Signs advertising the sale or lease of a commercial property or the sale of a multifamily residence. In the Downtown Overlay District, one real estate sign shall be allowed for each lot frontage, not to exceed six square feet in area and four feet in height, indicating the sale, rental or lease of the premises on which it is displayed. In all areas outside the Downtown Overlay District, commercial signs advertising the sale or lease of commercial property or the sale of multifamily properties are allowed one real estate sign for each lot frontage not to exceed 15 square feet in area and six feet in height indicating the sale, rental or lease of the premises on which it is displayed. A sold sign may be attached to the real estate sign. Both signs shall be removed within seven days from the time the premises were sold, rented or leased.
(b) Individual homes. One real estate sign shall be allowed for each lot frontage, not to exceed six square feet in area and four and one-half feet in height, indicating the sale, rental or lease of the premises on which it is displayed. A sold sign may be attached to the real estate sign. Both signs shall be removed within seven days from the time the premises were sold, rented or leased.
(c) Subdivision advertising signs. One temporary sign per entrance with more than 200 feet of frontage is permitted to advertise the sale, rental or lease of real property. The sign shall not exceed 32 square feet of surface area, shall not be erected until the subdivision has been approved and recorded, and shall be removed when 50% of the planned subdivision has been occupied.
Real Estate Signs
(d) Open house signage.
(1) Individual open house signs shall not exceed five square feet.
(2) Signage must be placed with the owner’s permission.
(3) Signs shall be placed outside of the right-of-way and only at corner locations.
(4) All open house signage shall be removed the same day that the event ends.
(3) Temporary advertising/special events.
(a) Banners.
(1) The banner shall not be displayed without first obtaining a temporary sign permit.
(2) The banner shall not exceed 24 square feet in area.
(3) The banner shall be affixed by all four corners to the building (excluding the roof) where the use associated with the banner is located.
(4) The banners shall not be permitted in the right-of-way.
(5) Signs shall not be placed on a property unless permission is granted by the property owner.
(6) One banner shall be permitted per business per year. The banner shall be permitted for a 30-day period and may be renewed one time for an additional 30-day period within 365 consecutive days. In no case, shall banners be erected for more than 60 days per year.
Temporary Banner
(b) Pennants and balloons. Retail businesses are permitted additional signage, in the form of flag pennants and balloons, for special events. The additional signage shall require a temporary sign permit per § 9.6. The signage shall be displayed for no more than ten consecutive days and for no more than two special events during a one-year period.
(4) Garage sale/yard sale signs. Garage sale/yard sale signs shall be no more than six square feet in surface area and are no higher than three feet above adjacent grade. Signs may be erected no more than three days prior to the event and are to be removed within one day after the event. They do not require a sign permit.
(F) Prohibited signs. It shall be unlawful to erect and maintain in any zoning district:
(1) Any sign which is not included under the types of signs permitted in this ordinance or which does not conform to the provisions of this ordinance;
(2) Any portable or movable sign or any sign which was designed to be portable or movable, including any sign with attached or attachable wheels;
Portable/Movable Sign
(3) Any sign or sign structure affixed to a roof top or known as a roof top sign, which superstructure extends above the highest point of the roof;
(4) Inflatable signs or inflatable characters;
(5) Beacons;
(6) Banners that are not allowed under subsection (E) above of this ordinance;
(7) Animated signs that utilize any motion picture, laser or visual projection of images or copy in conjunction with any business or advertisement;
(8) A sign may not have exposed neon tube, bare bulb or flashing illumination;
(9) Signs that emit audible sound, odor or visible matter;
(10) Signs that imitate emergency vehicles, including signs that may be construed as a light of an emergency or road equipment vehicle;
(11) Signs that obstruct any door, fire escape, stairway or any opening intended to provide entrance or exit for any structure;
(12) Signs placed on vehicles or trailers parked on public or private property primarily for the purpose of displaying the sign. Prohibited signs do not include those displayed on vehicles parked for the purpose of lawfully making deliveries or random sales or service. Prohibited signs do not include vehicles which are customarily used for transporting persons or properties, and vehicles parked at a driver’s place of residence during non-business hours or for incidental purposes;
(13) Posters, placards and other similar signs attached to light poles, gas station canopy supports, gas station pumps, trees and elsewhere outdoors that are not included as permitted temporary or permanent signs as described by this article;
Poster Sign
(14) No rotating beam, beacon rotating inanimate objects including automotive vehicles (whether operative or inoperative) or flashing illumination resembling any emergency lights shall be used in connection with any sign display, nor shall any sign make use of the words “Stop,” “Slow,” “Caution,” “Warning,” “Look,” “Danger” or any other word, phrase, symbol or character in a manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic;
(15) No amplification of radio music or other audio-advertising shall be permitted on the premises; and
(16) Corrugated cardboard yard cards of any size, on the property of any use other than residential. Residential yard cards are exempt in accordance with the conditions of subsection (C) above.
(G) Residential sign standards (SF, SF1, SF2, SF3, TR, MF, MH, CB and NB).
(1) Provisions. The following provisions shall apply to residential uses located within the SF, SF1, SF2, SF3, TR, MF and MH Districts and residential uses within the CB and NB Districts. Signs in residential districts shall be allowed only if:
(a) The sum of the area of all signs on the lot conforms with the maximum permitted sign area as determined in this subsection;
(b) The size, location and number of signs on the lot conform with the requirements of this subsection;
(c) Provisions for maintenance shall be made for permanent residential subdivision identification signs; and
(d) Exempt signs in residential districts that do not require a permit include political signs, real estate signs, yard cards and sports team participants plaques.
(2) Subdivision entry. Subdivision entry signs shall identify the subdivision and enhance the character of the entrance.
(a) One double-sided or two single-sided sign structures identifying a residential subdivision or multifamily development shall be permitted per entrance.
(b) The maximum size sign area shall not exceed 32 square feet in sign area.
(c) The sign structure shall not exceed a maximum height of six feet measured from the adjacent ground level. In no case may mounding or other alterations of the natural ground level be used as a point of reference for measuring sign height.
(d) Internal illumination shall not be permitted for signs in residential districts.
(e) The sign structure shall be set back a minimum of five feet from the right-of-way and shall be located outside of the sight visibility triangle per § 7.2. Entry signs placed in the right-of-way of a public street, such as in the median of a boulevard, shall be prohibited unless approved by the City Street Department and the Planning and Zoning Administrator.
(f) Signs for multifamily developments shall indicate only the name and address of the building, development or use and the name and address of the management thereof. These signs shall not include promotional information.
Subdivision Entry Sign
(3) Home occupation. Displays, signs and/or advertisements associated with a home occupation shall be permitted. Sign area shall not exceed one-square foot, and only one sign shall be allowed per residence. Signs shall not be illuminated. Signs shall require a sign permit.
(4) Model home/temporary sales facility signs. Wall, awning or ground signs shall be permitted on the lot of the sales facility and limited to an aggregate square footage not exceeding 32 square feet of sign area. See also § 7.11. In addition, individual model homes may have one sign not to exceed four square feet. These signs shall be placed a minimum of ten feet from the right-of-way and ten feet from adjacent property lines, and in a manner consistent with the sight visibility standards of this ordinance.
(H) Nonresidential sign standards (CB, NB, PBC, PBO, PBI, ID and IN).
(1) General provisions. The following provisions shall apply to all signs located within the CB, NB, PBC, PBO, PBI, ID and IN Districts of the city.
(a) Multiple frontages. If a commercial use is located on a lot with multiple frontages the primary frontage shall be determined by the highest classification of the adjacent roadway. If adjacent roadways are equal in designation, the primary frontage shall be the longest frontage.
(b) Size. No individual sign may exceed the size limits for its sign type as set forth in subsection (H)(2) below and Table 7.6: Permitted Signs.
(c) Aggregate maximum area. The sign area maximum represents an aggregate amount of all signs listed below.
(d) Illumination. Signs may be internally or externally illuminated. Externally lit signs, lights or reflectors shall not extend more than two feet from the face of the sign. Where a sign is illuminated by light reflected upon it, direct rays of light shall not beam upon any part of adjoining property.
(e) Setback. The minimum setback for all nonresidential signs shall be five feet from the right-of-way. This includes the leading edge of any sign structure.
(2) Sign types. The sign area, number and overall size of nonresidential signs for uses permitted in nonresidential districts shall be as follows:
(a) Monument/ground signs.
(1) Individual. One monument/ground sign shall be permitted per street frontage.
a. The ground sign area shall not exceed 32 square feet.
b. The maximum height shall be eight feet.
c. The sign area of an ground sign shall not count toward the maximum sign area allowed per lot.
d. No ground sign may be located within 100 feet of another ground sign.
(2) Multi-tenant shopping centers. The sign area for a multi-tenant development may exceed the maximum sign area by 50% for a maximum of 48 square feet if three or more tenants are displayed. Occupants/tenants within the shopping center may not display other monument/ground signs. The height may be increased to 12 feet.
Multi-Tenant Monument/Ground Sign
(3) Second entry. Frontages greater than 300 feet and with a second entry shall be permitted a secondary ground sign. The maximum area of a secondary ground sign shall be 24 square feet and a maximum height of six feet. In no case shall the total number of signs exceed two signs per frontage.
(4) Materials. Sign structures shall be constructed of decorative materials such as brick, stone or other masonry, wood or metal.
(5) Landscaping. Landscaping shall be as stated in § 7.8 of this chapter.
(6) Location. Monument/ground signs, including any part of the sign structure, shall be located no closer that five feet from the right-of-way.
(b) Pole signs (freestanding). Pole signs shall be allowed by conditional use in the PBC, PBI and ID Districts under the following conditions:
(1) Pole signs shall only be located within 1,000 feet of an interstate interchange.
(2) Pole-mounted signs shall not exceed 60 feet in height.
(3) The maximum sign area shall not exceed 200 square feet per side.
(c) Electronic message board sign. A changing display/message composed of a series of lights incorporated with freestanding or wall signage that may be changed through electronic means of no less than 20 seconds. Sign area shall not exceed 25% of the aggregate allowable sign area. These signs shall be permitted in association with another allowable sign type for district in question.
(d) Off-premise signs. Off-premise shall be permitted only by conditional use, and only in the ID District. Off-premise signs shall be located within 1,000 feet of an interstate interchange. Off-premise signs shall not exceed 40 feet in height and 300 square feet in sign area.
(e) Wall signs.
(1) One wall sign shall be permitted per tenant per frontage. The sign area shall not exceed two square feet per one linear foot of building with the exception of the CB District.
(2) Wall-mounted sign or sign structures, excluding projecting signs, shall not extend more than 12 inches horizontally from the wall.
(3) The maximum sign area shall not exceed 300 square feet. Refer to subsection (H)(3) below for CB District maximum.
(4) Secondary frontage sign shall not exceed 50 square feet.
(5) Wall signs shall not occupy more than 30% of the wall surface on which it is mounted to be in scale with the facade.
Wall Sign
(f) Marquee and canopy signs. Marquee and signs may project from the structure surface a maximum of four feet and may extend vertically to the roof line or up 18 feet, whichever is lower.
Marquee Sign
(g) Awning signs. Signs located on awnings shall be:
(1) Affixed flat to or painted upon the surface of opaque vinyl or canvas awnings;
(2) Shall not extend vertically or horizontally beyond the limits of the awning;
(3) Shall not cover more than 50% of the principal face of the awning; and
(4) If internally lit, only the sign area (copy) shall be illuminated.
(h) Projecting signs. One projecting sign attached to the face of a structure shall be permitted for each qualifying street frontage. The sign area shall not exceed 16 square feet per face. In no case shall the sign structure extend more than four feet from or beyond its supporting building. No projecting sign shall be at its lowest point less than nine feet above grade level. Proof of insurance may be required.
Projecting Sign
(i) Off-site directional signs. Off-site directional signage for a permitted business use may be permitted by the Plan Commission in any business district, subject to a documentation of need on the part of the business owner. These signs shall not exceed 16 square feet in area and shall display only the name of the use and directional information.
(j) Suspended signs. Suspended signs shall not be greater than four square feet in area and may display only the name and/or property number of the use. Where a suspended sign hangs over a sidewalk or other pedestrian path, there shall remain a vertical clearance of nine feet. Proof of insurance may be required.
(k) Window signs. Window signs displayed on the ground floor shall not exceed 20% of the ground floor window area. Window signs displayed above the first floor shall be limited to one sign per frontage, not to exceed 25% of the floor’s window area.
(l) Flags. Any flag not considered an exempt sign by subsection (C)(8) above shall be subject to regulation as the closest applicable sign type as determined by the Administrator.
(m) Ornamental banners. Banners of cloth, canvas or flexible plastic affixed to light standards shall be permitted along streets within the Downtown or Thoroughfare Overlay Districts. The banners shall not exceed 12 square feet in area. The banners should be considered decorative in design utilizing a variety of images or colors of an ornamental nature that displays no on-premise or off-premise commercial advertising copy.
Ornamental Banner
(n) Post signs. Post signs, as defined by this ordinance, are encouraged in the CB and NB zoning districts for businesses located adjacent to residential property, or within a converted residential building. Signs shall be a maximum of six feet in height and shall have a sign area of no more than 20 square feet.
Post Signs
(o) Signs for gas/service stations. Due to the differing characteristics of filling/gas station sign requirements, the following sign provisions shall apply for filling stations.
(1) The lot shall be permitted the maximum signage for all structures as stated for commercial businesses in nonresidential districts. The total signage for the canopy, convenience store, car wash or other accessory or incidental uses including signs on pumps, canopy supports, pump handles and the like, shall not exceed that permitted for the district and shall be based on the linear feet of the building, not canopy.
(2) Signs such as “self serve,” “full serve” and pump numbers shall be permitted, provided the letters and numbers are no larger than six inches in height.
(3) Filling stations shall be permitted one set of gasoline prices (one price per fuel product) with letters and numbers no greater than 18 inches in height, visible from each direction of traffic from each street frontage.
(3) Central Business District (CB). Due to the unique character of the CB District, the following additional provisions shall apply to signs. Additional sign standards for the CB District may be found in § 6.3 of this ordinance. Where these regulations are in conflict with other sign standards, the provisions of this subsection shall apply.
(a) Each sign shall be so designed as to match and/or complement the building style of the use to which it is accessory. Varied sign types are encouraged.
(b) Only the sign types set forth in this subsection (H)(3) and Table 7.6: Permitted Signs shall be permitted in the CB District. The following development standards shall apply to these signs.
(c) Aggregate sign area maximums (based on building frontage) shall not exceed 150 square feet. Individual sign maximums are as stated below:
Signage/ratio | Maximum Sign Area |
Wall sign only/1 lf.:1.5 sf | 100 sq. ft. |
Projecting sign only | 16 sq. ft. per face |
Awning/1 lf.:1.5 sf | 50 sq. ft. |
Combination of signs/1.5 lf.:1 sf | 50 sq. ft. (bonus) |
Post sign | 20 sq. ft. per face |
(d) Sign area calculations for CB District uses.
(1) Wall signs. Sign area shall be one and one-half square feet per one-linear foot of the structure.
a. Maximum permitted wall sign area shall not exceed 100 square feet.
b. Wall signs on the secondary frontage shall not exceed 50 square feet.
c. Wall signs shall not cover more than 50% of the wall surface on which they are mounted.
(2) Post signs. Post signs are encouraged in the CB and NB Districts and should be appropriately scaled. The maximum sign area shall be 20 square feet per side.
(3) Window signs. Window signs shall not cover more than 20% of any window.
(4) Sandwich /“A” frame. Each building shall be permitted one sandwich board which will not be counted toward aggregate sign area. In a multi-tenant building, all tenants shall share the sign. The sign board, “A” frame or sandwich board shall not exceed three and one-half feet in height, two feet in width, or six square feet in area. The sign may be placed on a public sidewalk, provided it meets the following regulations.
a. The tenant shall be responsible for the placement and maintenance of the signs.
b. The sign shall not impede pedestrian traffic. A minimum sidewalk clearance of 42 inches shall be maintained and shall be approved by the Board of Public Works and Safety.
c. The sign board shall be used only during business hours and must be removed from the public sidewalk and stored indoors when the business is not open for business.
d. Each sign must be located within ten feet of the main entrance of the business for which it is established.
Sandwich/“A” Frame Sign
(5) Awning signs. Awning signs are encouraged and shall be as specified in subsection (H)(2) above.
Awning Signs
(6) Projecting signs. Projecting signs shall be permitted in the CB District and shall be as specified in subsection (H)(2) above.
(7) Marquee. Refer to subsection (H)(2) above.
(8) Secondary entrances. Signs for secondary entrances from rear parking lots shall be permitted. Maximum sign area shall be six square feet.
(9) Lighting and animation. Signs in the CB District may not be animated, flashing or internally lit. Externally lit signs are permitted, provided, however, light reflectors shall not extend more than two feet from the face of the sign, and direct rays of light shall not beam upon any part of adjoining property.
Externally Illuminated Sign Using Gooseneck Lamps
(10) Painted signs. Painted signs may be permitted as part of an artistic concept upon review and approval by the Plan Commission.
(e) Residential uses located within the CB district shall be subject to the regulations for residential uses within subsection (G) above.
All signs require a permit P = Permitted C = Conditional use | Zoning District All signs require a permit | |||||||
Residenti al (SFs, TR, MF, MH) | CB/DT - OL | NB/CO - OL | PBC | PBO | IN | PBI | ID | |
All signs require a permit P = Permitted C = Conditional use | Zoning District All signs require a permit | |||||||
Residenti al (SFs, TR, MF, MH) | CB/DT - OL | NB/CO - OL | PBC | PBO | IN | PBI | ID | |
Building frontage/wall sign size ratio (the total sign area permitted per use) | Subdivi- sion entry | 1.5 ft. per 1 linear foot of building frontage | 1.5 ft. per 1 linear foot of building frontage | 2 ft. per 1 linear foot of building frontage | 2 ft. per 1 linear foot of building frontage | 2 ft. per 1 linear foot of building frontage | 2 ft. per 1 linear foot of building frontage | 2 ft. per 1 linear foot of building frontage |
Aggregate sign area - maximum* | 32 sq. ft. | 150 sq. ft. | 150 sq. ft. | 300 sq. ft. | 300 sq. ft. | 300 sq. ft. | 300 sq. ft. | 300 sq. ft. |
Step 2: Identify Permitted Sign Types | ||||||||
Awning, marquee and canopy sign | P | P | P | |||||
Changeable copy sign | C | C | C | |||||
Ground/monume nt sign | P (1 per entry) | P/20 sq. ft. | P | P | P | P | P | P |
Home occupation | P | P | P | P | ||||
Off-premise sign (billboard) | C | |||||||
Pole sign (within 1,000 ft. of an interstate interchange) | C | C | C | |||||
Projecting or suspended sign (limited to 1 per business use) | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | |
Post | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | |
Sandwich/“A” frame sign | P | P | P | |||||
Multi-tenant ground sign | P | P | P | P | P | P | ||
Temporary sign | C | C | C | C | C | C | C | C |
Electronic message board - LED | C | C | P | P | P | P | ||
Wall sign** | P | C** | P | P | P | P | P | |
Window sign | P | p | P | P | P | P | P | |
Gas/service station - as per 7.7(H)(2)(n) | C | C | P | P | P | P | ||
Step 3: Review the General Sign Standards | ||||||||
Maximum wall sign size | 100 sq. ft. | 100 sq. ft. | 300 sq. ft. | 300 sq. ft. | 300 sq. ft. | 300 sq. ft. | 300 sq. ft. | |
Maximum projecting sign size | 16 sq. ft. | 16 sq. ft. | 16 sq. ft. | 16 sq. ft. | 16 sq. ft. | 16 sq. ft. | 16 sq. ft. | |
Maximum ground/monume nt sign height | 6 ft. | 5 ft. | 8 ft. | 8 ft. | 8 ft. | 8 ft. | 8 ft. | 8 ft. |
Maximum freestanding/pol e sign area | 200 sq. ft. per side | 200 sq. ft. per side | ||||||
Maximum freestanding/pol e sign height | 12 ft. | 60 ft. | 60 ft. | |||||
Maximum multi-tenant sign area and height bonus increase | + 50% | + 50% | + 50% | + 50% | + 50% | |||
Maximum window sign area coverage | 20% | 20% | 20% ground floor 25% upper floor | 20% | 20% | 20% | 20% | |
* Aggregate sign area - the total area from all sign types on the premises | ||||||||
** Wall signs in the Neighborhood Business District adjacent to residential uses are subject to additional review | ||||||||
(Ord. 07-16, passed 12-10-2007; Ord. 2008-13, passed 12-8-2008; Ord. 2008-07, passed 7-28-2008; Ord. 2009-04, passed 4-13-2009; Ord. 2014-06, passed 4-8-2014)
Cross-reference:
Additional sign standards within the Thoroughfare Overlay District, see Title XV, § 6.1(L)(7)
Enforcement and Penalties, see Title XV, Chapter 10