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Medina Overview
Codified Ordinances of Medina, OH
CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF MEDINA, OHIO
CERTIFICATION
DIRECTORY OF OFFICIALS
ADOPTING ORDINANCE NO. 19-77
EDITOR'S NOTE
COMPARATIVE SECTION TABLE
TABLES OF SPECIAL ORDINANCES
CHARTER
PART ONE - ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
PART THREE - TRAFFIC CODE
PART FIVE - GENERAL OFFENSES CODE
PART SEVEN - BUSINESS REGULATION CODE
PART NINE - STREETS, UTILITIES AND PUBLIC SERVICES CODE
PART ELEVEN - PLANNING AND ZONING CODE
TITLE ONE - Zoning Code
CHAPTER 1103 General Provisions and Penalty
CHAPTER 1105 Definitions
CHAPTER 1107 Administration and Enforcement
CHAPTER 1108 Fees
CHAPTER 1109 Site Plan Review
CHAPTER 1113 Zoning Districts; General Regulations
CHAPTER 1114 SPD - Special Planning District
CHAPTER 1115 O-C Open Space Conservation District
CHAPTER 1116 Overlay Districts
CHAPTER 1121 R-1 Low Density Urban Residential District
CHAPTER 1123 R-2 Medium Density Urban Residential District
CHAPTER 1125 R-3 High Density Urban Residential District
CHAPTER 1127 R-4 Multi-Family Urban Residential District
CHAPTER 1129 M-U Multi-Use District
CHAPTER 1130 P-F Public Facilities District
CHAPTER 1131 C-S Commercial Service District
CHAPTER 1133 C-1 Local Commercial District
CHAPTER 1135 C-2 Central Business District
CHAPTER 1137 C-3 General Commercial District
CHAPTER 1141 I-1 Industrial District
CHAPTER 1145 Off-Street Parking and Circulation
CHAPTER 1146 Wireless Telecommunications Regulations
CHAPTER 1147 Signs
CHAPTER 1149 Screening and Landscaping
CHAPTER 1151 Nonconforming Uses, Buildings, Structures and Lots
CHAPTER 1153 Conditional Zoning Certificates
CHAPTER 1155 Supplemental Regulations
Appendix Transition Corridor Overlay District (TC-OV)
TITLE THREE - Subdivision Regulations
PART THIRTEEN - BUILDING CODE
PART FIFTEEN - FIRE PREVENTION CODE
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1147.13 SIGNS IN THE M-U DISTRICT.
   The following signs shall be permitted in the Multi-Use Districts:
(Ord. 110-17. Passed 7-10-17.)
(a)   One permanent sign plate for each public entrance to each building unit.
(b)   One permanent ground sign, not exceeding twelve (12) square feet in area per side and six (6) feet in height, for each nonresidential building.
(c)   In lieu of one permanent ground sign referenced in subsection (b), above, one permanent wall sign on the primary building frontage side of the building unit, not exceeding one square foot in area for each one linear foot of primary building frontage or twelve (12) square feet, whichever is less, for each nonresidential building unit; and one permanent wall sign on the secondary building frontage side of the building unit, not exceeding one square foot in area for each four (4) linear feet of secondary building frontage, if any exists, or three (3) square feet, whichever is less, for each nonresidential building unit.
(d)   In lieu of the permanent ground sign or permanent wall sign(s) referenced in subsections (b) and (c), above, one permanent window sign on the primary building frontage side of the building unit, not exceeding six (6) square feet in area, for each nonresidential building unit.
(e)   One temporary ground sign for each single-family dwelling unit, one temporary ground sign for each two (2) family dwelling unit, and one temporary ground or wall sign for each nonresidential building. Such sign shall not exceed six (6) square feet in area. For a residential use, such sign may be erected for an unspecified time. For a nonresidential use, such sign shall be permitted for a maximum of fifteen (15) consecutive days, and not more than sixty (60) days during each year.
A real estate sign shall be exempt from the time limits referenced above and shall be removed within seven (7) days after the close of sale, rent or lease of the property to which the sign pertains. A sign that announces a specific event, action or activity shall be removed within seven (7) days after the close of the event, action or activity to which the sign pertains. A sign permitted under this subsection is temporary in nature and is not meant to replace any sign regulated in any other section of this Chapter.
(f)   Temporary window signs displayed in or attached to the inside of display or show windows, provided the total sign area does not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the total window area for each nonresidential building. Real estate signage shall be exempt from the time limits referenced above and shall be removed within seven (7) days after the close of sale, rent or lease of the property to which the signage pertains. Signage that announces a specific event, action or activity shall be removed within seven (7) days after the close of the event, action or activity to which the signage pertains.
      (Ord. 109-14. Passed 6-23-14.)
1147.14 SIGNS IN COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS.
   The following signs shall be permitted for nonresidential uses in the C-S, C-1, C-2, C-3, and I-1 Districts.
(a)   One permanent sign plate for each public entrance to each building unit.
(b)    One permanent ground sign, not exceeding forty (40) square feet in area and six (6) feet in height, for each nonresidential building.
(Ord. 109-14. Passed 6-23-14.)
(c)   In the C-3 District only, one permanent pole sign, with two (2) or more supports, for the primary entrance to a shopping center that exceeds 50,000 square feet in floor area. Such sign shall not incorporate a changeable copy sign or an electronic message center sign. Such sign shall further be conditionally permitted and subject to the guidelines set forth in Section 1147.16.
(Ord. 63-16. Passed 5-9-16.)
The maximum size of such sign shall be related to the floor area of the building or grouping of buildings and based on the following table:
 
Shopping Center Floor Area
Max. Sign Size (Sq. Ft.)
Max. Height (Ft.)
Min. ROW Setback (Ft.)
Other Property Line Setback (Ft.)
50,001 to 100,000
70
15
15
50
100,001 to 150,000
100
25
20
50
150,001 to 200,000
200
27
30
50
200,001 to 250,000
300
29
40
50
250,001 to 300,000
400
30
50
50
300,001 and greater
500
30
50
50
   
For the purposes of this Section, a shopping center shall be defined as a planned and integrated grouping of nonresidential buildings meeting all of the following requirements:
(1)   It shall be comprised of a minimum of four (4) building units;
(2)   All building units shall share access to a common parking area; and
(3)   It shall have not less than 100 feet of frontage on the street on which the primary entrance is located.
(d)   One permanent building sign (wall, awning, or canopy) on the primary building frontage side of the building unit, not exceeding one square foot in area for each one linear foot of primary building frontage or 300 square feet, whichever is less, for each nonresidential building unit; and one permanent building sign on the secondary building frontage side of the building unit, not exceeding one square foot in area for each four (4) linear feet of secondary building frontage, if any exists, or seventy-five (75) square feet, whichever is less, for each nonresidential building unit.
(e)   Permanent window signage on the primary building frontage side of the building unit not exceeding one square foot in area for each one linear foot of primary building frontage, for each nonresidential building unit; and permanent window signage on the secondary building frontage side of the building unit, not exceeding one square foot in area for each four (4) linear feet of secondary building frontage, if any exists, for each nonresidential building unit. Permanent window signage shall cover not more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the total window area.
      (Ord. 109-14. Passed 6-23-14.)
(f)   In the C-1 and C-2 District only, one temporary ground or wall sign not exceeding six (6) square feet in area for each nonresidential building. In the C-S and C-3 Districts only, one temporary ground or wall sign not exceeding twelve (12) square feet in area for each nonresidential building. In the I-1 District only, one temporary ground or wall sign not exceeding twenty-four (24) square feet in area for each nonresidential building. Such sign shall be permitted for a maximum of fifteen (15) consecutive days, and not more than sixty (60) days during each year. A real estate sign shall be exempt from the time limits referenced above and shall be removed within seven (7) days after the close of sale, rent or lease of the property to which the sign pertains. A sign that announces a specific event, action or activity shall be removed within seven (7) days after the close of the event, action or activity to which the sign pertains.
(Ord. 63-16. Passed 5-9-16.)
      (1)   During the Ohio Department of Transportation’s project 430(16) MED-42- 17.80 PID 92954, which is the widening and reconstruction of US Route 42 (named North Court Street within the City of Medina, OH), properties addressed from 748 North Court Street to 1235 North Court Street are exempt from the temporary sign time limits outlined in Section 1147.14(f) above. This exemption shall expire upon the completion of project 430(16)MED-42-17.80 PID 92954 and this subsection is intended to be removed when no longer applicable.
(Ord. 58-17. Passed 4-24-17.)
(g)   Temporary window signs displayed in or attached to the inside of display or show windows, provided the total sign area does not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the total window area for each nonresidential building. Real estate signage shall be exempt from the time limits referenced above and shall be removed within seven (7) days after the close of sale, rent or lease of the property to which the signage pertains. Signage that announces a specific event, action or activity shall be removed within seven days after the close of the event, action or activity to which the signage pertains.
      (Ord. 109-14. Passed 6-23-14.)
1147.15 SIGNS IN THE HISTORIC DISTRICT.
   All signs in the Historic District, regardless of the underlying zoning of the properties on which they are proposed to be located, shall be conditionally permitted for all uses and subject to the standards set forth in Section 1147.16. Only the following signs shall be conditionally permitted for all uses in the Historic District:
(a)   One permanent sign plate for each public entrance to each building unit.
(b)   One permanent ground sign, not exceeding twelve (12) square feet in area per side and six (6) feet in height, for each nonresidential building.
(c)   In lieu of one permanent ground sign referenced in subsection (b) above, one permanent building (wall, awning, or canopy) sign on the primary building frontage side of the building unit, not exceeding one square foot in area for each one linear foot of primary building frontage or 100 square feet, whichever is less, for each nonresidential building unit; and one permanent building (wall, awning, or canopy) sign on the secondary building frontage side of the building unit, not exceeding one square foot in area for each four (4) linear feet of secondary building frontage, if any exists, or twenty-five (25) square feet, whichever is less, for each nonresidential building unit.
(d)   Permanent window signage on the primary building frontage side of the building unit not exceeding one square foot in area for each one linear foot of primary building frontage for each nonresidential building unit; and permanent window signage on the secondary building frontage side of the building unit, not exceeding one square foot in area for each four (4) linear feet of secondary building frontage, if any exists, for each nonresidential building unit. One internal neon sign is permitted per ground floor business. The sign shall be no larger than two (2) square feet. Neon window signs must also meet the following standards:
(1)   The signs shall not be illuminated when the business is closed.
(2)   The Historic Preservation Board shall review the sign for location, brightness, and proximity to public streets and residential areas.
(3)   The Historic Preservation Board shall review the signs prior to their use to verify compliance with these regulations and Section 1147.16 (Conditional Sign Permit Guidelines) and Section 1147.10 (Prohibited Signs).
Permanent window signage shall cover not more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the window panel to which it is affixed.
(e)   One permanent projecting sign, not exceeding four (4) square feet per side, for each ground floor nonresidential building unit with not less than twelve (12) linear feet of primary building frontage. Said sign shall be located not more than fourteen (14) feet above finished grade as measured from top of sign, and shall maintain a minimum vertical clearance of eight (8) feet from bottom of sign to finished grade. A projecting sign may extend into a public right-of-way, provided that such sign shall maintain a minimum horizontal separation of one foot from outer edge of sign to outside edge of curb.
(f)   One temporary ground sign for each single-family dwelling unit, one temporary ground sign for each two (2) family dwelling unit, one temporary ground sign for each multi-family residential building, and one temporary ground sign for each public entrance to each nonresidential building. Such sign shall not exceed six (6) square feet in area. For a residential use, such sign may be erected for an unspecified time. For a nonresidential use, such sign shall be permitted for a maximum of fifteen (15) consecutive days, and not more than sixty (60) days during each year. A real estate sign shall be exempt from the time limits referenced above and shall be removed within seven (7) days after the close of sale, rent or lease of the property to which the sign pertains. A sign that announces a specific event, action or activity shall be removed within seven (7) days after the close of the event, action or activity to which the sign pertains. A sign permitted under this subsection is temporary in nature and is not meant to replace any sign regulated in any other section of this Chapter.
(g)   Temporary window signs displayed in or attached to the inside of display or show windows, provided the total sign area does not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the window area for each nonresidential building. Real estate signage shall be exempt from the time limits referenced above and shall be removed within seven (7) days after the close of sale, rent or lease of the property to which the signage pertains. Signage that announces a specific event, action or activity shall be removed within seven (7) days after the close of the event, action or activity to which the signage pertains.
(h)   One temporary freestanding sidewalk sign is permitted per ground floor building unit with not less than twelve (12) feet of primary building frontage. The sign panel shall be no larger than five (5) square feet in size per side and no greater than four (4) feet in height. Said sign shall be set back a minimum of one foot from the curb line and shall not obstruct a continuous through pedestrian zone of at least four (4) feet in width. Temporary sidewalk signs must also meet the following standards:
(1)   Chalk boards and replaceable panels within a protective cabinet are permitted.
(2)   The signs shall be kept inside the business premises when the business operation is closed.
(3)   Any individual or business placing sidewalk signs shall indemnify the City for any and all liability involving placement and or use of the sign.
(4)   Buildings with multiple first floor tenant frontages may place a multi-tenant sidewalk sign of six (6) square feet maximum size provided a twelve (12) foot building frontage is maintained.
(5)   Chalk board and replaceable panel signs containing a rectangular shape with a finished wood or dark metal framing require a temporary sign registration. All other sign designs shall be subject to Historic Preservation Board review to verify compliance with these regulations and Section 1147.16 (Conditional Sign Permit Design Guidelines).
         (Ord. 109-14. Passed 6-23-14.)
1147.16 CONDITIONAL SIGN PERMIT DESIGN GUIDELINES.
   In reviewing a proposal for a conditional sign permit, the Historic Preservation Board and Planning Commission shall consider whether the proposal meets the following design guidelines, which are in addition to the design criteria for all signs listed in Section 1147.07(d):
(Ord. 110-17. Passed 7-10-17.)
(a)   Lettering should be large enough to be easily read but not overly large or out of scale with the building or site.
(b)   The ratio between a message and its background should permit easy recognition of the message.
(c)   The size, style, and location of a proposed sign should be appropriate to the site and use with which the sign is associated.
(d)   A sign should complement the building with which it is associated, as well as adjacent buildings, by being designed and placed to enhance the architecture of the building.
(e)   The color of a sign should be compatible with the color of the building facade with which it is associated. A sign should be designed with a minimum number, and harmonious use, of colors.
(f)   A permanent window sign should be comprised of individual letters, logos or design elements that are not encompassed by a solid opaque background, so as not to obscure the view through the window with which the sign is associated.
(g)   The size of the lettering and graphics on a projecting sign should be appropriate for viewing by pedestrians.
(h)   A ground sign that provides a directory of occupants for a multi-occupant building should have simplicity of design, to compensate for the additional amount of information provided (i.e. utilize common elements such as the same background color, or other common elements, etc.).
(i)   The area of a wall sign should not exceed eighty percent (80%) of the area of the frame of architectural space specifically intended for signage.
(j)   A projecting sign that is comprised of multiple elements hanging from the same supports should be designed such that all such elements are compatible in size, shape, and color.
(k)   Multiple signs associated with a single use should contain similar materials, colors, and design elements, regardless of sign type(s).
(l)   An awning or canopy sign should be located on the valance of the awning or canopy.
(m)   Temporary sidewalk signs shall be constructed of materials compatible with the permanent building signs. Plastic framing, white background dry erase boards and changeable letter tracks are discouraged.
      (Ord. 109-14. Passed 6-23-14.)