(A) Signs allowed without permit in all districts or zones. The following signs may be placed in all districts or zones of the city without a permit, subject to the restrictions and limitations contained in this subchapter and as contained in § 153.097.
(1) Community activity signs.
(a) Community activity signs are allowed in business and industrial districts or zones. Such signs are allowed in residential zones only if located on the site of the activity and a permit is issued. Additionally, off-premises signs of a temporary nature that are displayed out of doors require that a permit be issued by the city, except where conforming existing signs of another type allow a community activity signs to temporarily replace their sign message.
(b) Community activity signs are generally associated with religious, charitable, cultural, civic, or educational organizations:
1. Size. Shall not exceed 12 square feet of the sign area;
2. Location. Not less than five feet inside the property line in residential zones, and not less than one foot inside the property line in business and industrial zones; and
3. Other restrictions. Shall be temporary signs permitted for a period of 14 days prior to the date of the activity and five days following the activity. Shall be non-illuminated signs and shall identify the organization and shall be at a level consistent with adequate identification and readability without causing excessive complaints from neighboring property owners.
(2) Governmental or other signs required by law.
(a) Size. As required by law;
(b) Height. As required by law and not to exceed the height of free-standing sign allowance;
(c) Location. As required by law; and
(d) Other restrictions. Shall be non-illuminated unless required by law.
(3) Political signs. Shall be permitted on each lot for a period of 60 days prior to a primary or general election (including special elections), and ten days following a general or special election. Political signs shall not exceed 16 square feet in aggregate area. Political signs are prohibited on public property or public right-of-way;
(4) Real estate signs for property of less than one acre. Signs offering developed or undeveloped property of less than one acre for sale, lease, or rent.
(a) Size. Shall not exceed 12 square feet in sign area. In the event that the sign refers to a single-family home, then the size of the sign shall not exceed six square feet in area;
(b) Height. Shall not exceed six feet in height if free-standing;
(c) Location. Not less than five feet inside the property lines in residential zones, and not less than one foot inside the property lines in business and industrial zones (if existing conditions permit); and
(d) Other restrictions. Shall not be illuminated. Only one such sign may be displayed on each street frontage of the property to which it refers. A solid sign may be attached to such real estate sign; both signs shall be removed within seven days from the time the premises were sold, rented, or leased.
(5) Owner-occupied sign. One residential sign not exceeding one square foot in area for each sign face and bearing only property numbers, address numbers, names of occupants of premises, or other identification of premises not denoting commercial activity. The maximum aggregate sign area shall be two square feet;
(6) Manager or office of manager signs.
(a) Generally. Signs which identify the location of the manager or the location of the manager of the property; and
(b) Location. In all zones; but not less than five feet inside the property line in residence zones, and not less than one foot inside the property lines in business and industrial zones. Four square feet in area, each side, allowed.
(7) Window signs. Window signs with less than 50% coverage, signs placed or displayed on a window or window frame, covering less than 50% of the window area announcing special sales, change of management, or similar information, and designed to be viewed from adjacent streets, sidewalks, public rights-of-way, or parking lots.
(a) Height. Not applicable;
(b) Location. Not applicable; and
(c) Other restrictions. Shall be temporary signs. Where not temporary, then permanent window signs shall be counted as part of the total allowable sign area and total allowable number of signs.
(8) Changeable copy signs (moveable).
(a) Signs of this nature are typically 22 inches by 28 inches in size with replaceable copy poster. Such signs may be displayed within four feet of the primary access door of a business.
(b) Such signs shall be pedestal mounted and shall not interfere with pedestrian traffic or cause a nuisance or hazard:
1. Size. Signs shall be 22 inches by 28 inches, plus the sign frame;
2. Height. Sign holders or frames must be between four feet, six inches and five feet in height. The base or the sign shall be of the pedestal style customarily used in retail trade;
3. Location. Limited to business zones; and
4. Other restrictions. Shall be free-standing and taken inside at the close of the business day. Signs may not be made of iridescent or phosphorescent colors or be illuminated. The frame shall be black, brown, gold, or silver in color. One sign may be allowed per business, which sign shall not count as part of the total signage per § 153.097(G).
(9) Governmental units. Flags and insignia of any governmental unit, or civic, educational, or religious organization, except when displayed in connection with promotion:
(a) Memorial plaques, historical markers, integral decorative, or architectural features of buildings, except trademarks, moving parts, or moving lights; and
(b) Legal notices, identification, information, warning, trespassing, or directional signs erected or required by governmental units.
(1) Construction announcement signs. Signs placed on real property upon which construction is to take place, or is taking place, which contain information regarding the individuals and firms directly connected with the construction project, including the name of the contractor, the contractors, the real estate licensee, and the future tenants:
(a) Size. Shall not exceed six feet on a parcel of land less than one acre. Not to exceed 64 square feet in sign area per facing on a parcel of land of one acre or more;
(b) Height. Shall not exceed six feet on a parcel of land less than one acre and shall not exceed eight feet on a parcel of land of one acre or more;
(c) Location. Not less than five feet inside the property line in residential zones, and not less than one foot inside the property line in business and industrial zones; and
(d) Other restrictions. Shall be non-illuminated signs. Shall be removed within seven days after issuance of certificate of occupancy. Only one such sign may be displayed on each street frontage of the property to which it refers.
(2) Institutional signs. Signs identifying the premises of, or announcing the activities conducted by a church, school, hospital, nursing home, or similar institutional facility:
(a) Size. The aggregate size of all signs pursuant to this subchapter shall not exceed 24 square feet in sign area;
(b) Height. Shall not exceed five feet, if free-standing;
(c) Location. Not less than five feet inside the property line in residential zones; and
(d) Other restrictions. Only one such sign may be displayed for each street frontage.
(3) Real estate signs for property of one acre or more. Signs offering developed or undeveloped property of one acre or more for sale, lease, or rent:
(a) Size. Shall not exceed 32 square feet in sign area. In the event that a sign does not exceed 12 square feet in sign area, a sign permit shall not be required, and the provisions of division (A)(4) above shall be applicable;
(b) Height. Shall not exceed eight feet, if free-standing;
(c) Location. Not less than five feet inside the property line in residential zones, and not less than one foot inside the property line in commercial and industrial areas (if existing conditions permit); and
(d) Other restrictions.
1. Shall not be illuminated signs;
2. Only one such sign may be displayed per street frontage of the property to which it refers; and
3. Shall be removed no later than immediately after sale or development is completed.
(1) Apartment/multi-family identification signs. Identifying an apartment or multi-family building or an apartment or multi-family complex by name and/or address:
(a) Size. Shall not exceed 24 square feet in sign area;
(b) Height. Shall not be more than five feet in height;
(c) Location. Not less than five feet inside the property line; and
(d) Other restrictions. Only one such sign may be displayed on each street frontage, if illuminated, must be subdued.
(2) Subdivision signs. Signs identifying a subdivision or unit development plan:
(a) Size. Shall not exceed 15 square feet in sign area;
(b) Height. Shall not exceed six feet in height; and
(c) Other restrictions. May be displayed at street entrance to subdivision. Not more than two such non-illuminated signs may be displayed at each entrance if they are an integrated part of an entrance or boundary wall; otherwise, only one such sign at each entrance.
(3) Subdivision model home signs. Signs identifying a model home:
(a) Size. Shall not exceed six square feet in sign area;
(b) Height. Shall not exceed six feet in height; and
(c) Other restrictions. May be displayed only on the premises of the model home which it identifies. Only one such sign may be displayed per model home.
(1) Advertising signs or billboards.
(a) It is the intent of this division (D)(1) to establish reasonable and uniform limitations, safeguards, and controls for the operation and use of advertising signs or billboards in highway-oriented business locations. Advertising requirements are deemed necessary in the public interest to protect the list and value of adjoining properties, as well as the best interests of the community. Advertising signs or billboards may be permitted as a special exception subject to the requirements of this division (D)(1) and § 153.014.
(b) For purposes of this division (D)(1), an advertising sign shall be construed in accordance with the definition and subject to the provisions of this subchapter and as a special exception as set forth in § 153.014.
(c) One advertising sign shall be permitted on any lot of at least 300 feet of frontage on a street designated as a primary arterial in the PB, GB, and I-2 Districts, and one additional advertising sign shall be permitted for each 300 feet of additional frontage.
(d) Minimum setback lines shall be provided in accordance with the requirements of the applicable district, or 50 feet, whichever is greater.
(e) No advertising sign shall be permitted within 100 feet of a residential zone district unless the sign is provided with landscape screening.
(f) The number of traffic access points shall not exceed one for each such sign frontage.
(g) The face of an advertising sign shall not be greater than 18 feet in vertical dimension nor greater than 55 feet in horizontal dimension, except as provided in division (D)(1)(i) below and shall not contain more than two advertising signs per facing.
(h) The full face of the sign shall be viewed along the line of travel to which it is exposed for a distance of at least 250 feet along the centerline of the frontage street measured from a point opposite the center of the sign and perpendicular to the street’s centerline; however:
1. In the case of a sign parallel (or within 20 degrees of parallel) to a one-way street, the required viewing distance shall be at least 400 feet;
2. In the case of a sign which is from three to 20 degrees of parallel to a two-way street, the required viewing distance shall be at least 400 feet;
3. In the case of a sign parallel (or within three degrees of parallel) to a two-way street, the required viewing distance shall be at least 250 feet in each direction; and
4. In the case of a sign so placed that it can be viewed from more than one street, the above viewing distance requirements shall be applicable to only one street.
(i) The vertical dimension of the sign face may be increased to 22 feet provided the required viewing distance in division (D)(1)(h) above is increased to 500 feet and the facing contains only one sign, and the sign is perpendicular or within 15 degrees of being perpendicular to the frontage street.
(j) The maximum height of advertising signs erected on the ground shall not exceed 40 feet above the street elevation to which the sign is oriented.
(2) Barber poles. Rotating or stationary cylindrical poles of the traditional red, white, and blue spiral striped design, identifying the premises as a barber shop:
(a) Size. Shall not exceed two and one-half feet in length;
(b) Height. Not applicable;
(c) Location. In all business zones; and
(d) Other restrictions. Shall be attached by brackets to the barber shop being identified. Top of sign shall not extend above the roofline of the barber shop being identified. Such signs may move or rotate, notwithstanding the general prohibition of moving or rotating signs in § 153.099(C). Also, such signs if illuminated, must be subdued.
(3) Changeable copy signs (permanent).
(a) Exterior signs or sections, that are fixed in place, and designated to be used with removable graphics to allow changing of copy. Such signs shall be allowed for facilities used primarily for the presentation of theatrical, cultural, or sports events and shall be computed as part of the total sign area allowed.
(b) Size, height, location, and other restrictions. Applicable under the appropriate division, depending upon the type of sign utilized.
(4) Commercial banners; commercial flags, pennants. Banners, flags, and pennants generally made of flexible material, displayed for business promotion purposes:
(a) Size. Banners are not to exceed 30 square feet;
(b) Height. Not to extend above the roof of the building;
(c) Location. In all business and/or industrial zones; and
(d) Other restrictions. Shall be temporary signs. Shall be non-illuminated signs. Not more than four permits for signs pursuant to this division (D)(4) shall be issued to any one business entity in any one calendar year. Length of time to be specified in the permit application. See § 153.022(A)(6) and § 153.067(C)(16) for additional restrictions and procedure for pennants and other similar attracting or advertising devices.
(5) Directory signs. A sign, or set of similarly designed individual signs, placed or displayed in sequence, to list all or part of the businesses within a building or business complex. Directory signs may be a part of a free-standing sign or may be placed separately on a building. For conditions regarding free-standing signs see division (D)(6) below:
(a) Size. When placed on a building, signs shall not exceed six square feet in sign area for any one business so identified. This division (D)(5) refers only to those signs that are to be placed upon an exterior wall or facade of the building. The total area of occupancy signs shall be limited to 10% of the facade of the building and shall not exceed 40 square feet in area;
(b) Height. When mounted on a building, shall not extend above the roofline of the building on which the sign display is placed;
(c) Location. In all business and industrial zones; and
(d) Other restrict ions. Directory or occupancy signs may be combined with a free-standing sign. When combined with a free-standing sign, the combination shall be counted as part of the allowable sign area. For double-faced signs that are free-standing, the double-faced sign may not exceed 24 inches in thickness. As with free-standing signs, they shall be required to be placed in a landscaped area no less than 70 square feet in size. They should be monument base style signs. When it is not possible or feasible to use a monument base style sign, then pole signs may be used as long as they do not exceed eight feet in height. The design, materials, and color of the structure supporting a free-standing sign or business directory or combination thereof, shall be required to have a design, similar materials, and colors of the structure or structures being identified. Materials allowed are wood, masonry, stucco over wood, or steel frame, and pre-cast concrete,
(6) Free-standing business center identification signs.
(a) Free-standing signs which identify a business center. These may be a combination of business center identification sign as well as occupancy signs. These may be double-faced signs. They shall be maintained in a landscaped area surrounding the base of the sign not less than 70 square feet in area. In the event it is not possible or feasible to provide the minimum landscaped area, then a pole sign may be used without a structural base. When a structural base is provided it shall be limited to wood, masonry, stucco over wood, or steel frame, and pre-cast concrete.
(b) The design, color, and materials shall be similar to the structure or structures being identified.
1. Size and height. Height shall be limited to eight feet. The total sign area may not exceed 120 square feet (including both sides of a sign). Free-standing signs may be combined with directory signs;
2. Location. Not less than one foot inside the property line, except in all business and industrial/ones; except for the PB District, not less than 20 feet inside the property line; and
3. Other restrictions. See “directory signs - other restrictions”. Only one such sign may be displayed in each business center, or at each business existing on an individual legal parcel of land. In the event that a business center being identified by one sign consists of three or fewer individual businesses, then each business may be identified on the free-standing sign. Such signs shall be encouraged as a means of reducing the need for additional signage on the face of the buildings.
(7) Free-standing individual business signs. Free-standing signs which identify a building, business, profession, or industry not associated with a business center:
(a) Size and height. See “free-standing signs” above;
(b) Location. In all business and industrial zones, not less than one foot inside the property line; and
(c) Other restrictions. No more than one such sign may be displayed on a legal parcel or lot; however, in the event that such parcel on which the individual business is located has two or more street frontages, each of which has 200 feet or more, an additional sign shall be allowed for each such frontage. See also, “directory signs - other restrictions”.
(8) Gasoline price signs. On-premises signs identifying the brand and/or type and price of gasoline sold:
(a) Size. Governed by state law; however, the town recommends that these not exceed 12 square feet in sign area unless dictated by law;
(b) Height. Eight feet;
(c) Location. In all business and industrial zones; and
(d) Other restrictions. Such signs shall be mounted as specified by law and shall be mounted in such a fashion that they are in a unified sign display.
(9) Off-premises signs. Signs identifying a business activity, property, or product at some location other than where the sign is displayed:
(a) Size. Shall not exceed 12 square feet in sign area for a sign mounted flat on a building, or 25 square feet for a free-standing sign;
(b) Height. Shall not exceed eight feet if free-standing;
(c) Location. In all business and industrial zones; and
(d) Other restrictions. Such signs may only identify a building, business, profession, or industry not fronting on any road or street, but only having a vehicle access to a road or street by means of an easement. Only one such sign should be displayed for each building, business, profession, or industry. See also “directory signs - other restrictions”.
(10) On-building identification signs.
(a) Permanent signs mounted flat on a building which identify a building and/or which identify one or more businesses, professions, or industries conducted on the premises.
(b) Such signs shall be allowed as long as no more than three signs for identification purposes are provided for any business, profession, or industry. For further definition, see § 153.096.
1. Size. Shall be computed as part of the allowable 120 square feet of signage;
2. Height. Shall not exceed above the roofline of the same building upon which the sign is placed or displayed;
3. Location. In all business or industrial zones; and
4. Other restrictions. Only one on-building identification sign shall be displayed per side of a commercial or industrial building with no more than four such signs per building. In no event shall such signs face onto a residential area. The Executive Director may issue a temporary permit, not to exceed 90 days, for provision of temporary signs until such time as permanent signs can be installed on buildings. Such temporary signs shall be governed by all of the rules and regulations specified in this subchapter.
(11) Parking lot signs.
(a) Signs placed or displayed in parking lots to supply information to people using such lots, including such information in respect to liability, entry, exit, and directional information, as necessary to facilitate the safe movement of vehicles served by the parking area. Handicap parking provision signs are also covered under this division (D)(11).
(b) Such signs are not intended to be advertising signs:
1. Size. Shall not exceed four square feet in area;
2. Height. Shall not exceed eight feet, unless there are extenuating circumstances requiring identification of handicapped stall locations, as a result of changes in topography, or ground level, that do not permit handicapped persons access to visibility of such signs upon entry to parking lot areas;
3. Location. In all business and industrial zones, or on public use sites located in residential zones; and
4. Other restrictions. Not applicable.
(12) Portable signs.
(a) A temporary sign designed to be moved from place to place; not permanently affixed to a building, structure, or the ground.
(b) It may be permitted as a temporary use by the Zoning Appeals in accordance with the procedure and requirements herein and as set forth in § 153.067:
1. Size. Shall not exceed 32 square feet of sign area;
2. Height. Shall not exceed six feet;
3. Location. In LB Local Business Districts and GB General Business Districts, and never closer than three feet to a street right-of-way line, or within vision clearance on corner lots; and
4. Other restrictions. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this subchapter, a permit for a portable sign shall not be issued unless such sign has been approved by the Executive Director, and is in conformance with the Building Code. Under no circumstances shall portable signs have flashing or intermittent lights, be animated, display words such as “stop”, “slow”, “go”, “caution”, or be shaped like a traffic sign. All portable signs shall be anchored with chains, and attached to bolts embedded in the ground. See § 153.067(C)(12) for locating portable signs in business districts and see § 153.067(C)(13) for locating portable signs in a residence district.
(13) Projecting signs. A sign characterized by its attachment at an angle to the face of the building as opposed to being mounted flat on the surface of a building:
(a) Size. The area of such signs shall be in accordance with division (D)(9) above. Such signs shall be counted as part of the total sign allowance on a particular site. Such signs shall be discouraged where it is possible to provide adequate signage flat against a building and below the roofline of a building. In no event, shall such signs extend above the roofline of a building;
(b) Height. Shall not exceed the height of the building as measured to the top of roof or mansard;
(c) Location. In all business and industrial zones; and
(d) Other restrictions. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this subchapter, a permit for a projecting sign shall not be issued unless such sign has been approved by the Building Inspector and in conformance with the Building Code.
(14) Time and temperature signs. Signs displaying the time or the temperature, or both:
(a) Size. Shall not exceed eight feet if free-standing;
(b) Location. In all business and industrial zones; and
(c) Other restrictions. If mounted on a building, the top of such sign shall not extend above the roofline of the building on which it is displayed. The sign area shall be computed as part of the total signage allowance for each business, profession, or industry being identified.
(15) Under canopy signs.
(a) Signs suspended no lower than eight feet above a walkway, under a canopy of a building, which identify a business, profession, or industry conducted on the premises; and
(b) Shall be computed as part of the total allowable sign area.
1. Size. Shall not exceed four square feet in sign area per face;
2. Height. Such sign shall extend no lower than eight feet above the area over which it is suspended;
3. Location. In all business and industrial zones; and
4. Other restrictions. Such signs shall identify only a building, business, profession, or industry. Only one such sign shall be displayed per entrance.
(Ord. passed - -1996)