§ 153.101 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS.

   All signs constructed, erected, modified, or altered must comply with the provisions of this section and the requirements of this code.

   (A)   Construction standards. All signs shall be designed, constructed, and maintained in accordance with the following standards.

      (1)   Signs shall be consistent and harmonious with the architectural style of the subject and surrounding properties.

      (2)   The size and style of graphics, its scale, proportion, design, material, and texture as well as the size and style of the letters shall relate to the building to which it refers and/or is attached and with the property and the district that surrounds it.

      (3)   The architecture of the building should allow for specific locations for signs , and signage should be limited to those areas.

      (4)   Signs should be an integral part of the design of storefront alterations and new constructions. Signs should not obscure architectural elements of structures.

      (5)   The design and alignment of signs on multiple use buildings shall be coordinated so as to achieve a unified appearance.

      (6)   All signs shall comply with applicable provisions of any applicable Building Code and Electrical Code. Freestanding signs are considered structures and shall meet requirements of the Building Code, including inspection by the Building Inspector.

      (7)   Unless otherwise noted all signs shall be constructed of permanent materials and shall be permanently attached. Signs constructed with high-quality, natural materials, such as stone, glass, wood, brick, and similar materials are preferred.

      (8)   Painting, repainting, cleaning, and normal maintenance and repair of a sign or sign structure is required to protect the sign and prevent its deterioration and maintain its neat appearance. Such maintenance is allowed without permit unless a structural change is made.

      (9)   Supports and braces must be designed as an integral part of the overall sign design and hidden from public view to the extent technically feasible.

      (10)   All signs attached to a building must be installed and maintained so that wall penetrations are watertight and the structure does not exceed allowable stresses of supporting materials.

      (11)   Glass forming any part of a sign must be safety glass.

      (12)   All letters, figures, characters, or representations in cut-out or irregular form, maintained in conjunction with, attached to, or superimposed upon any sign must be safely and securely built into or attached to the sign structure .

      (13)   Glare. In all zoning districts, any lighting shall be arranged so as not to shine directly on any adjoining property . A person shall not conduct a use that has a source of illumination that produces glare clearly visible beyond a property line or creates a sensation of brightness within a visual field so as to cause annoyance, discomfort, or impairment of vision. The use of lenses, deflectors, shields, louvers, or prismatic control devices shall be used to eliminate nuisance and hazardous lighting to facilitate compliance with this requirement.

   (B)   Sign dimension measurement methodology.

      (1)   Description of zoning districts.

Abbreviation	District name
R1	Single Family Residential District
R2	One and Two Family Residential District
R-3A	Multiple Family Residential - Townhomes District
R-3B	Multiple Family Residential - Apartments District
R-M	Manufactured Home Park District
CBD	Central Business District
GB	General Business District
LI	Light Industrial District
I	Industrial District
SL	Shoreland District
PUD	Planned Unit Development
A	Agriculture District
P	Park District
OS	Open Space District

 

      (2)   Signs allowed by district.

 

District	Sign description	Maximum size	Conditions
Residential Districts - R1, R2, R-3A, R-3B, R-M, and PUD	Changeable message sign . A sign with the capability of content change by means of manual or remote input, including signs that are manually or electrically activated without altering the face or the surface of the sign . Often known as reader board signs , dynamic display signs , or electronic message boards.	32 square feet	Only non-residential uses
	Monument sign . Any freestanding sign with its sign face mounted on the ground or mounted on a base at least as wide as the sign and which has a maximum height of 10 feet. The base of a monument shall not be calculated as part of the total sign area if designed and constructed of materials complementary and consistent with the building architecture.	36 square feet
	Temporary sign . Any sign with words or symbols which is erected or displayed for a limited period of time, including signs affixed or attached to vehicles, including trailers, and capable of being readily removed such as fliers, banners, inflatable signs , A-frame signs , or flying signs .	48 square feet
	Window sign . A sign affixed to or inside of a window in view of the general public. This does not include merchandise on display or business hours.	35% of one window	Only one window sign per property

 

District	Sign description	Maximum size	Conditions
Commercial Districts - CBD and GB Industrial Districts - LI and I	A-frame sign. A moveable freestanding sign hinged at the top, or attached in a way that forms a shape similar to the letter “A” when viewed from the side.	6 square feet each side	Not on sidewalk Displayed during daylight business hours only
	Adult use signage	See § 153.105	See § 153.105
	Awning sign . A sign displayed on or attached flat against the surface or surfaces of an awning. Awning signs must meet the same sign area standards as wall and canopy signs .	80% of total size of the awning
	Building sign . Any sign attached or supported by any building, not parallel to the building wall in which its attached.	1 foot wide by 3 feet long	The bottom of the sign is at least 7 feet from the walking surface
	Canopy sign . Any sign that is part of or attached to a canopy, made of fabric, plastic, or structural protective cover over a door or entrance. A canopy sign is not a marquee and is different from service area canopy signs .	80% of total size of the canopy
	Changeable message sign . A sign with the capability of content change by means of manual or remote input, including signs that are manually or electrically activated without altering the face or the surface of the sign . Often known as reader board signs , dynamic display signs , or electronic message boards.	32 square feet
	Drive-thru sign . A sign located in close proximity to a drive-thru lane located on the subject site .	72 square feet	One per drive-thru lane
	Freestanding sign . Any sign which has supporting framework that is placed on, or anchored in the ground and which is independent from any building or any other structure.	CBD and GB - the maximum height may not exceed the height of adjacent street lighting
	Monument sign . Any freestanding sign with its sign face mounted on the ground or mounted on a base at least as wide as the sign and which has a maximum height of 10 feet. The base of a monument shall not be calculated as part of the total sign area if designed and constructed of materials complementary and consistent with the building architecture.	80 square feet
	Temporary sign . Any sign with words or symbols which is erected or displayed for a limited period of time, including signs affixed or attached to vehicles, including trailers, and capable of being readily removed such as filers, banners , inflatable signs , A-frame signs , or flying signs .	48 square feet
	Wall sign . Any building sign attached parallel to, but within 2 feet of a wall , painted on the wall surface of, or erected and confined within the limits of an outside wall of any building or structure, which is supported by such wall or building, and which displays only 1 sign surface.	40% of the face of the building
	Window sign . A sign affixed to or inside of a window in view of the general public. This does not include merchandise on display or business hours.	50% of the size of the window .

 

 

District	Sign description	Maximum size	Conditions
Parks and Open Space - P and OS	Ballfield. Signs placed on ballfield fencing.	80% of the fence section on which the sign is affixed
	Freestanding sign . Any sign which has supporting framework that is placed on, or anchored in the ground and which is independent from any building or any other structure.	The maximum height may not exceed the height of adjacent street lighting
	Monument sign . Any freestanding sign with its sign face mounted on the ground or mounted on a base at least as wide as the sign and which has a maximum height of 10 feet. The base of a monument shall not be calculated as part of the total sign area if designed and constructed of materials complementary and consistent with the building architecture.	36 square feet
	Temporary sign . Any sign with words or symbols which is erected or displayed for a limited period of time, including signs affixed or attached to vehicles, including trailers, and capable of being readily removed such as filers, banners , inflatable signs , A-frame signs , or flying signs .	48 square feet
	Wall sign . Any building sign attached parallel to, but within 2 feet of a wall , painted on the wall surface of, or erected and confined within the limits of an outside wall of any building or structure, which is supported by such wall or building, and which displays only 1 sign surface.	40% of the face of the building
	Window sign . A sign affixed to or inside of a window in view of the general public. This does not include merchandise on display or business hours.	50% of the size of the window

 

 

District	Sign description	Maximum size	Conditions
Agricultural - A	Monument sign . Any freestanding sign with its sign face mounted on the ground or mounted on a base at least as wide as the sign and which has a maximum height of 10 feet. The base of a monument shall not be calculated as part of the total sign area if designed and constructed of materials complementary and consistent with the building architecture.	36 square feet
	Temporary sign . Any sign with words or symbols which is erected or displayed for a limited period of time, including signs affixed or attached to vehicles, including trailers, and capable of being readily removed such as filers, banners, inflatable signs , A-frame signs , or flying signs .	48 square feet
	Wall sign . Any building sign attached parallel to, but within 2 feet of a wall , painted on the wall surface of, or erected and confined within the limits of an outside wall of any building or structure, which is supported by such wall or building, and which displays only 1 sign surface.	40% of the face of the building

 

   (C)   Total site signage . The total permanent signage allowed per property is 7% of the total building footprint in square feet or 500 square feet total whichever is less.

   (D)   General measurement of sign area . Sign area is measured as follows.

      (1)    For signs on a background, the entire area of the framework or background of the sign is calculated as sign area , including any material or color forming the sign face or background used to differentiate the sign from the structure against which it is placed. Sign area does not include any supports or bracing, unless such framework or bracing is part of the message or sign face .

      (2)    For signs consisting of freestanding letters or logos, the sign area is calculated as the total area of each square, circle, rectangle, or triangle, or combination thereof, that encompasses each individual letter or logo. Sign area does not include any supporting framework or bracing, unless such framework or bracing is part of the message or sign face .

      (3)    For awning and canopy signs , the sign area is the printed area of the awning or canopy , calculated as the total area of each square, circle, rectangle, or triangle, or combination thereof, that encompasses each individual letter or logo.

      (4)    Window signs printed on a transparent film and affixed to the interior or exterior of a windowpane are calculated as individual letters or logos, provided that the portion of the transparent film around the perimeter of the individual letters or logos maintains 100% transparency of the window . Transparency is defined as both the ability to view into the interior of the establishment from the outside and to view the outside from the interior of the establishment through the same area.

      (5)   The sign area of a three-dimensional, free-form, or sculptural (non-planar) sign is calculated as 50% of the sum of the area of the 4 vertical sides of the smallest cube that will encompass the sign .

      (6)    If a sign has 2 or more faces, the area of all faces is included in determining the area of the sign , unless the 2 sign faces are placed back-to-back and are no more than 2 feet apart. In such case, the sign area is calculated as the area of 1 face. If the 2 faces are unequal in area, the area of the larger face is used to calculate sign area .

      (7)    Necessary supports or uprights on which the sign is erected are not included in the sign area computation.

      (8)   Computation of sign face area. The area of a sign face enclosed in a frame or cabinet shall be determined on the basis of the outer dimensions of the frame or cabinet surrounding the sign face . Where the frame or cabinet is not in the shape of a rectangle, square, triangle, or circle, the sign face area shall be determined by calculating the area of an imaginary rectangle drawn around the frame or cabinet.

      (9)   Back-to-back signs . When the faces of a back-to-back sign are parallel or within 35 degrees of parallel, the sign face area shall be determined on the basis of only 1 side of such sign . If the sign faces are not within 35 degrees of parallel, the sign face area shall be determined on the basis of the sum of the areas of each sign face .

      (10)   Multiple-framed signs . For freestanding and projecting signs that contain multiple frames on a single structure and oriented in the same direction, the sign face area shall be determined on the basis of the sum of the areas of each cabinet.

      (11)   Individual elements. When signs are constructed of individual elements (for example, letters and logos) attached to a building or wall , the sign face area shall be determined by calculating the area of an imaginary rectangle drawn around the sign elements.

   (E)   General measurement of sign  height .

      (1)   Pole sign  height is measured from the grade to the uppermost point of the sign. Grade is established by the elevation of the back of curb or, if no curb exists, from the edge of pavement at the center of the abutting street frontage where the sign will be erected. The pole sign  height may also be measured from the natural slope of the lot where the sign will be erected.

      (2)   Monument sign  height is measured from the existing lowest point of the ground where the monument sign is to be installed to the uppermost point of a sign .

   (F)   Required landscaping. All freestanding signs must be landscaped at the base of the sign in accordance with the following.

      (1)   Freestanding signs must be landscaped with small shrubs and perennials a minimum of 18 inches in height at planting, spaced appropriately based on mature height , and spread to provide continuous screening of the sign base once the shrubs have reached maturity. The remainder of the landscape area must be planted with perennials, turf, or other live ground-cover.

      (2)   Landscape must extend a minimum of 2 feet from the sign base on all sides. All landscaping must be maintained in good condition, and free and clear of rubbish and weeds. Landscape around the base of a sign is included in the total amount of landscape required on a site , if applicable.

      (3)    Landscaping scaled to size of sign . Landscape may be trimmed and maintained along the sign base to maintain visibility of the sign face .

   (G)     Illumination standards. Except where otherwise stated in this subchapter, signs may be illuminated by artificial light sources.

      (1)    Only business signs on the premises may be lighted. Signs shall not be erected or maintained which are not effectively shielded so as to prevent:

         (a)   Beams or rays of light from being directed at any portion of the traveled way of any street or highway;

         (b)   Beams of such intensity or brilliance as to cause glare, impair the vision of the operator of any motor vehicle, or be confused with vehicle lights; and

         (c)   Beams or rays of light that cause negative impacts on adjacent properties.

      (2)   The sign face of internally illuminated signs must function as a filter to diffuse illumination. The sign face must cover all internal illumination components so that no exposed bulbs are visible .

      (3)   The use of neon lighting as a sign material or sign accent is permitted for signs within the CB, GB, LI, and I zoning districts, with the exception of the AG, RR, R1, R2, R-3A, R-M, SL and WMA districts where it is prohibited. Neon lighting is subject to the following conditions.

         (a)   When lit, neon lighting must be continuously illuminated. Flashing neon is prohibited.

         (b)   Neon lighting cannot be combined with any reflective materials (for example, mirrors, polished metal, highly-glazed tiles, or other similar materials) that would cause glare and increase the spread of light.

         (c)   Neon lighting to outline doors and/or windows is prohibited.

      (4)   The use of LED lighting as a sign accent is permitted, subject to the following.

         (a)   LED lighting as an accent is only permitted for non-residential uses in the CB, GB, LI, and I districts. LED accent lighting is prohibited in any residential district .

         (b)   LED lighting as an accent must comply with all illumination requirements of a changeable message center sign .

         (c)   When lit, LED lighting must be continuously illuminated. Flashing LED is prohibited.

         (d)   LED lighting cannot be combined with any reflective materials (for example, mirrors, polished metal, highly-glazed tiles, or other similar materials) that would cause glare and increase the spread of light.

         (e)   LED lighting to billboards , freestanding monument signs , outline doors, windows, any part of a structure and automobile and filing station gas canopies is prohibited.

         (f)   LED lighting to outline free standing pole signs is allowed but lighting must conform to the same brightness standards as changeable message centers as identified in § 153.104(D)(8).

      (5)   The proposed lighting will not unreasonably harm or restrict public health, safety, and welfare, or create a nuisance, and shall be limited by the following measurements.

         (a)   The amount of illumination attributable to exterior lighting from a property shall not exceed 1 foot-candle when measured at any boundary line with an adjoining property .

         (b)   Any light intensity measurement taken at the property line shall be measured at the greatest point of illumination of said property line. Any measurements to determine the maximum lighting levels of a site will be measured at eye level and aimed at the light source.

   (H)   Sign setbacks. In all districts signs shall be set back 10 feet from the lot lines. Signs shall not be allowed in any utility easement in any district.

(Ord. 2018-10-3, passed 10-9-2018)