Interstate high-rise sign is a specific type of free-standing sign that shall be oriented toward an interstate or freeway.
(A) General. Interstate high-rise signs are allowed within the C-T and zone.
(B) Qualifications.
(1) Properties eligible for an interstate high-rise sign must be located within 1,000 feet of the interstate right-of-way line.
(2) The interstate high-rise sign shall be placed on a parcel that is at least seven acres in size.
(3) An interstate high-rise sign may be used collectively by several smaller, contiguous parcels, provided that the total square footage of all parcels totals ten acres and meets the requirements of the state’s Department of Transportation. Sign area requirements would remain the same.
(C) Number.
(1) One high-rise sign is allowed per eligible site.
(2) Total number of signs per subdivision, existing or undeveloped and under one ownership at the time of adoption of this regulation shall be determined by the following formula:
Total number of high rise signs per subdivision = Total Acres
10
10
(D) Sign program.
(1) A sign program shall be created for each existing, undeveloped subdivision under one ownership at the time of adoption of this regulation and for each future subdivision within 1,000 feet of the interstate right of way. The purpose of the sign program is to promote thoughtful planning to private signage needs. A copy of the sign program shall be provided at the time any individual lot applies for a sign permit.
(2) The sign program shall consist of proposed locations of all interstate high-rise signs to ensure even distribution of interstate high-rise signage throughout the subdivision.
(E) Bulk requirements. Bulk requirements for interstate high rise signs are included in § 158.162 of this chapter.
(F) Sign area bonus. Additional sign area per sign face for interstate high-rise signage may be allowed up to 1,500 square feet, as administratively approved, if the developer of the site provides and properly maintains one or more of the following amenities:
Outdoor public seating area | 100 square feet of additional area will be allowed if an outdoor seating area for use by the general public is provided on site |
Pedestrian/bike trail connection | 400 square feet of additional area if a connection to an existing bike or pedestrian trail through the site is provided to city standard. Maintenance shall be handled privately |
Playground | 150 square feet of additional sign area will be allowed if play equipment for children is provided on site. Proper treatment surrounding the play area is required |
Prairie restoration | 150 square feet of additional sign area will be allowed if a continuous area equal to 5% of the site area is restored to natural Jasper County Prairie |
Public art | 400 square feet of additional area will be allowed if a piece of public art that contributes to and reflects the surrounding neighborhood is provided on site. Approval of such piece will be handled administratively and required private investment should be, at minimum, $3,500-10,000 |
Significant landscaped water feature | 300 square feet of additional area if a water feature such as a fountain, pond with a fountain, waterfall or other similar item is provided on site |
Visitor kiosk | 300 square feet of additional area will be allowed if an outdoor, solid, covered visitor kiosk containing local and regional information is provided. Such kiosk shall be privately maintained and shall appear orderly and uncluttered. The kiosk shall be constructed of materials that complement and coordinate with the primary building on the site |
(G) Location. The applicant shall provide an area map indicating location of existing signage on surrounding properties. No high-rise sign may be located within 250 feet of another high-rise or free-standing sign.
(H) Maintenance. Maintenance and utilization of a high-rise sign for multiple smaller properties shall be addressed by either restrictive covenants, a property owners association, or other appropriate legal mechanism. Copies of chosen mechanism shall be provided to the Community Development Office for review prior to implementation.
(I) Additional requirements. The following additional requirements shall be met before a sign permit for an interstate high rise sign may be issued.
(1) An interstate high-rise sign shall not incorporate flashing lights, sound, action or movement. Changing or moving text is allowed.
(2) No portion of an interstate high-rise sign may extend over a public right-of-way.
(3) An interstate high-rise sign shall meet all of the requirements of the state’s Department of Transportation.
(2011 Code, § 34.0307.17)