In addition to the signs authorized without a sign permit pursuant to § 158.163 of this chapter, each of the following types of signs may be placed or erected on non-residential zoning lots with a sign permit, subject to the other applicable restrictions provided herein.
(A) Primary signage.
(1) Freestanding sign. Each non-residential zoning lot shall be permitted to have one freestanding sign, except as otherwise permitted by § 158.166(A) of this chapter (i.e., lots with double frontage, alternative tenant identification signs and development identification signs).
(2) Wall sign. Each establishment shall be allowed to have one wall sign, subject to § 158.166(B) of this chapter, for each wall of such establishment facing an on or off-site parking lot or street frontage, up to a maximum of three wall signs. Buildings located with frontage along Regency Park Drive, Central Park Drive, Central Park Circle, Park Plaza Drive, Highway 50 between Old Collinsville Road and the State Street Spur, or within the developments known as The Four Points Center and The Shops of Richland Creek are allowed signage on four sides, except for properties along the aforementioned streets and developments that adjoin residentially zoned property.
(3) Projecting sign. Any establishment may choose to use a portion of its wall sign allowance, as determined by § 158.166(C) of this chapter, for a projecting sign.
(B) Special signage.
(1) Directional signs. Directional and informational signs erected for the convenience of the public, such as identification of entrances, exits, parking and no parking areas, restrooms, walkways and similar features or facilities of up to one square foot per face shall be allowed without a sign permit, and up to four square feet in per face may be allowed with a sign permit. Freestanding directional signs shall not extend more than three feet above the elevation of the adjacent street or elevation of the average existing finished grade at the base of the sign, whichever is higher. All supports for such signs shall be entirely enclosed with a compatible material.
(2) Temporary signs.
(a) All non-residential zoning lots.
1. Each establishment may display, in lieu of such temporary non-commercial signs as are permitted without a sign permit under § 158.163 of this chapter, one temporary sign made of paper, cardboard or other lightweight materials with comparable support materials designed for temporary display of messages under this division (B)(2)(a)1. by permit. Such temporary signs must be located on the same zoning lot as the establishment and outside of public right-of-way. Such temporary signs may be authorized for a maximum of 45 days cumulatively during one calendar year with not more than three sign permits authorized per year. Temporary signs without a permit as authorized by § 158.163 of this chapter shall not be debited against the maximum number of days. Such temporary sign shall not exceed 24 square feet if affixed to the building wall or six square feet if affixed to the ground.
2. Exception: a temporary sign associated with an approved special event permit may be a maximum of 24 square feet if affixed to the building wall or to the ground.
(b) Temporary “grand opening” signs. Any business enterprise consisting of retail sales and/or rendering of services directly to the public shall be authorized to use temporary banners, signs or inflatables for promotional activities for a period not to exceed 30 days and only immediately following the initial opening of each such business location. Such device(s) shall be exclusive of the temporary sign requirements of non-residential zoning lots per division (B)(2)(a) above. Such device(s) shall not collectively exceed 48 square feet. No banner dimension shall exceed 12 feet. Any inflatable sign or sign affixed to a tethered balloon, where such sign is visible from the property line should be permitted. Such inflatable signs shall not exceed the height of the principal structure or 25 feet, whichever is less. Temporary signs, banners and inflatables/balloons used in accordance with this division (B)(2)(b) shall be confined to property on which the business enterprise is located, and mounted and secured properly to ensure the public health and safety.
(c) Highway corridor non-residential lots; outdoor display. On each non-residential lot of at least one acre in size located within 1,500 feet of an interstate highway and used primarily for outdoor sales or product display (51% of sales), the following additional temporary signage shall be authorized:
1. Temporary banners. Temporary banners up to 50 square feet in area in aggregate per public street frontage of each qualified zoning lot, with a maximum of 100 square feet. Banners may be displayed for a maximum 130 days cumulatively per calendar year. Banners used in accordance with this division (B)(2)(c)1. shall be confined to the lot on which the business enterprise is located and shall be mounted and secured properly to ensure the public health and safety.
2. Temporary inflatable signs/ balloons. One inflatable sign or sign affixed to a tethered balloon per qualified zoning lot. Such signs shall not exceed the height of the principal structure or 25 feet, whichever is less. Temporary inflatable signs/balloons may be displayed for a maximum of 15 days cumulatively per calendar year. Inflatable signs/balloons used in accordance with this division (B)(2)(c)2. shall be confined to the lot on which the business enterprise is located and shall be mounted and secured properly to ensure the public health and safety. The setback of the inflatable signs/balloons shall be equal or more than the height of the temporary sign. This division (B)(2)(c)2. shall not apply to party balloons or similar balloons of less than 17 inches in diameter or to vehicle signage, which shall be deemed an authorized accessory use of such qualified zoning lots subject to this division (B)(2)(c)2.
3. Avenue flags. A maximum of ten flags per establishment having no text, message, or content and positioned a minimum of ten feet apart may be displayed for a maximum of 130 days cumulatively per calendar year. Each avenue flag shall not exceed 45 square feet in area.
4. Light pole banner. A maximum of four flags or banners mounted on existing private lighting structures. Each light pole banner shall not exceed 24 square feet in area and no more than two such light pole banners may be mounted on any one private lighting structure.
5. Sky buster balloons. One floating device tethered to the ground and maintained up to 120 feet in height; provided that, such device is set back from the lot line a distance equal to or greater than the height of such device.
6. Annual permit. In lieu of individual permits for signage authorized in this division (B), an aggregate permit for all proposed supplemental signage authorized in this division (B) may be issued by the city subject to a single sign application fee.
(3) Permit exception, temporary sandwich board signs. A temporary sandwich board sign shall be permitted on each non-residential zoning lot containing one or more lawful retail commercial establishments without a permit subject to the requirements of this division (B)(3). A sandwich board sign shall be comprised of an A-frame sign, which stand with self-supporting elements and are not permanently affixed to the ground. Such signs shall not obstruct pedestrian traffic or be located in parking areas. Temporary sandwich board signs shall be no greater than six square feet in sign area and exceed four feet in height. Such signs shall be displayed during business hours only. Such signs shall be located no more than ten feet from the primary door entrance of the establishment. Only one sandwich board sign shall be allowed per establishment. No sign permit shall be required for a sandwich board sign.
(Ord. 623, passed 9-8-1970; Ord. 3587, passed 9-15-2008; Ord. 3684; passed 9-7-2010; Ord. 3786, passed 12-17-2012; Ord. 4138, passed 2-18-2020; Ord. 4249, passed 12-5-2022)