(A) Signs in residential districts. On-site signs may be permitted in residential districts as follows:
(1) One professional sign or name plate sign for a permitted home occupation in the R-3L and R-3H Districts not more than one square foot in area which shall be non-illuminated. The sign must be mounted flat against the residence.
(2) One non-commercial sign or name plate not more than one square foot in size.
(3) Signs permitted in the residential districts shall not be erected closer to any adjacent street right-of-way line than one-half the setback required for said lot, provided that a non-commercial sign or nameplate may be placed anywhere within the front yard.
(4) Temporary garage sale signs provided that the garage sale is in compliance with the requirements of § 155.183(D) of the City Zoning Ordinance and the sign is removed within one day of the end of the garage sale. Signs shall not be placed within the street right-of-way.
(B) Signs in all districts.
(1) Flags. Flags shall be permitted in any district provided the top of the flagpole shall be no higher than 35 feet above grade and the height of the flagpole shall be at least eight feet higher than the length of the longest side of the flag, measured from the lowest point of the flag (at relaxed position) to grade. There shall be no more than one flag pole per lot.
(2) Legal notices; identification, informational, or directional signs erected or required by governmental bodies.
(3) Political signs advertising political candidates and/or political and election positions provided that the total area of the sign shall not exceed 14 square feet, and further provided that they shall be removed within five days after said election is completed. Political signs shall be non-illuminated and not to be placed or project into a public right-of-way and shall only be placed on private property with prior permission of the property owner. No political signs shall be placed in such a manner as to obstruct the view of vehicle drivers when leaving or entering a street, driveway or parking space. The painting of any political sign on the exterior of any building or structure is prohibited.
(4) Community special event signs are permitted either on or off the lot on which the special event is held. The display of the signs shall be limited to the ten days immediately preceding the special event which is being advertised and shall be removed within 48 hours of the conclusion of the special event which is being advertised. The signs shall have a maximum size of 32 square feet in area and a maximum height above ground level of six feet. Community special event signs shall be non-illuminated and not to be placed or project into a public right-of-way and shall only be placed on private property with prior permission of the property owner. No community special event signs shall be placed in such a manner as to obstruct the view of vehicle drivers when leaving or entering a street, driveway or parking space.
(5) Sponsor signs are permitted with advertisement limited to the name, address and telephone number of the sponsor. No sponsor signs shall be illuminated and the surface area denoting the sponsor information shall not exceed four square feet in total area. All sponsorship signs shall be removed within seven days after the conclusion of the special event, sporting function, community event or similar functions. All sponsor signs not meeting the aforementioned requirements may be approved by the St. Johns Planning Commission upon submittal of sign information prior to placement of the sponsor sign. Sponsor signs shall not to be placed or project into a public right-of-way and shall only be placed on private property with prior permission of the property owner. No sponsor signs shall be placed in such a manner as to obstruct the view of vehicle drivers when leaving or entering a street, driveway or parking space.
(6) One non-illuminated temporary sign pertaining to the lease or sale of the premises upon which it is placed, not exceeding eight square feet in total area, provided that it shall be removed within seven days after the consummation of a lease or sale transaction.
(7) One non-illuminated temporary sign indicating the name of the architect, developer, financing institution and/or construction company responsible for the construction of a development while construction is in progress. The sign shall be no greater than 12 square feet in size in residential districts and 32 square feet in size in commercial or industrial districts. Project signs for a multi lot or multi-unit residential development may be a maximum of 32 square feet in area. Project signs located on a site for greater than three months shall require a permit and shall be shown on the developments proposed site plan.
(8) Illumination. Source of illumination shall not be visible beyond the property line of parcel where sign is located. Canopy signs may not be internally lighted. If sign externally illuminated, the source of the light shall be enclosed and directed to prevent light from shining directly onto traffic or neighboring property.
(C) Sidewalk signs in Central Business District may be permitted in the Central Business District, subject to the following requirements:
(1) Sidewalk signs shall be displayed only during the normal business hours of the business advertised. All sidewalk signs shall be stored indoors at all other times.
(2) Sidewalk signs shall be placed in a location so as not to impede pedestrian traffic or be a hazard to parked vehicles. A continuous path at least five feet in width shall be maintained on the public sidewalk.
(3) Sidewalk signs shall not be placed in a location to impede the visibility of motorists at intersections.
(4) No sign shall exceed a height of 42 inches and a width of 30 inches.
(5) Sidewalk signs shall not be lit artificially or contain any moving parts or displays.
(6) Sidewalk signs shall be removed from the public sidewalk at any time weather conditions render the presence of such signs a hazard because of wind, ice, or snow.
(7) One sidewalk sign is permitted for each storefront. Any sign that advertises a business other than that of the storefront must be granted the permission of the building owner and/or business.
(8) Signs and lettering must be of professional quality. No paper or cardboard signs are permitted. Chalk boards are permitted provided they meet other requirements.
(9) Signs and supports must be maintained and kept painted, sealed or preserved from weather conditions.
(D) Temporary signs shall only be displayed upon receipt of a permit issued by the Zoning Administrator. No temporary sign shall be displayed for more than 15 consecutive days, renewable quarterly. No temporary sign shall exceed 32 square feet and only one temporary sign is permitted per lot. No flashing light or more than one color of light. All temporary signs shall be designed and constructed to withstand a wind pressure of not less than 30 pounds per square feet of area. No temporary sign shall be closer than five feet from any property line fronting on a public street. Sign shall be removed immediately upon expiration of permit.
(E) Directional signs shall not exceed two square feet in area and three feet in height and shall be set back at least five feet from any lot line and edge of any driving lane. A directional sign may contain a commercial logo or trademark, not exceeding one-third of the sign size, but not a business name nor commercial message.
(Ord. 617, passed 1-27-2014; Am. Ord. 675, passed 5-22-2023)