(a) In order to complement, preserve and enhance the unique architectural features of the Uptown Commercial District, it is the intent of this section to apply different sign size, height, placement and illumination regulations to the area bounded by the Anthony Wayne Trail, Gibbs Street, Allen Street and the south corporate limits in order to encourage artistry and creativity in signage in the Uptown Commercial District. Due to the density of the commercial buildings, the lack of front and side yard setbacks, the configuration of the commercial area, the emphasis on pedestrian traffic and its distinction from other commercial areas in the City, the quality and quantity of on-premises advertising contributes to the vitality, stability and overall character of the Uptown Commercial District.
(b) The following regulations shall apply to signs in the Uptown Commercial District:
(1) Approval of signs. Within the Uptown Commercial District, all new signs and sign structures, or alterations of existing signs and sign structures shall be approved by the Design Review Board prior to issuance of a permit. Signs not conforming to these regulations must obtain a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals prior to approval of the Design Review Board.
(2) Conformance with regulations. All signs in the Uptown Commercial District not in conformance with the provisions of this section shall comply with Section 1143.21
(Nonconforming Signs) except that those signs and their supporting structures which relate to a discontinued business, activity or usage shall be removed within thirty (30) calendar days after such business, activity or usage ceases operation.
(Ord. 057-2012. Passed 3-19-12.)
(3) Schedule of regulations for On-premises Signs in the Uptown Commercial District. The following on-premises signs may, upon approval by the Design Review Board, be permitted in the Uptown Commercial District when in accordance with the following schedule of regulations:
Type of Structure | Surface Area | Max. Height | Placement | Illumination |
Wall or flat sign | 40 sq. ft. per side of structure or per side of each business within a structure. | As approved by Uptown Design Review Board. | As approved by Uptown Design Review Board. | Limited to external illuminate and white lights. |
Projecting Sign | Maximum area 20 sq. ft. per sign face. | 15 ft. to the top of the sign | Maximum one per entrance. Shall not exceed 6 ft. extension from the face of the structure wall nor be closer than 3 ft. to curb line and must have a minimum unobstructed distance of 10 ft. from sidewalk or grade | Same as wall sign. |
Marquee | 35 sq. ft. per premises. | Height shall not exceed top of face or valance of the marquee, awning or canopy on which the sign is located. | Maximum one per lot. Shall be attached to and contained within the perimeter of the face or valance of a marquee, awning or canopy. Shall not exceed an 8 ft. extension from the face of the structure wall nor be closer than 3 ft. to the curb line and must have minimum unobstructed distance of 10 ft. from sidewalk grade to bottom of sign | Marquees shall only be lighted internally. |
Ground sign | Maximum area per sign face 3 ft. high by 5 ft. long; 15 sq. ft. maximum. | Maximum height from grade to top of sign not to exceed 5 ft. | Ground signs shall be only within a front yard and closer to the front property line than ½ the required or established setback. | Same as wall sign. |
* The limitations established by the above table represent the maximums that may be approved by the Design Review Board. The maximum size, height or projection of a sign may be reduced by the Board if it is determined that a smaller sign would be more appropriate for a proposed building or location. (Ord. 218-2014. Passed 12-15-14.)