1387.05. Construction of signs.

   Within CR and CD Commercial Districts and IL and IG Industrial Districts, signs are permitted as follows:

   (a)   Future Development Signs. One may be erected not more than one year prior to anticipated beginning of construction. Permit issued shall be valid for a period of one year; one six-month extension may be granted upon satisfactory evidence that construction will begin within the extension period. Sign must be set back from the curb, or the edge of pavement on uncurbed streets, no less than twenty-three feet and not less than five feet behind the property line, with a total area of no more than fifty square feet per sign face.

   An exception to setback from the property line may be granted by the Commissioner where existing structures or lot configuration make such configuration unduly restrictive.

   (b)   Area Identification Signs. One may be erected to identify an industrial park or commercial complex. The sign shall be located at the intersection of principal streets of the development with major streets of the community. It shall contain only the name of the development in letters no larger than twenty-four inches in height with a 100 square foot maximum area per sign face.

   (c)   On-Premise Free-Standing Signs.

      (1)   One free-standing sign is permitted for each premises having frontage on a public right of way. For exception see Note 1 under Table 1 on permitted heights and area.

      (2)   Where a premises has more than 300 feet of frontage, one additional free-standing sign may be erected for each additional whole increment of 300 feet of street frontage in excess of the first 300 feet of street frontage of the parcel. (See Figure 1).

      (3)   The occupant may elect to combine the allowable area of two or more free-standing signs, where permitted, into one free-standing sign with a maximum allowable area not to exceed one square foot for every one linear foot of frontage along the same right of way, up to twice the maximum established in Table 1 of this chapter. If a sign has more than one face, the total permitted area may not exceed twice the area permitted for one face.

      (4)   Where a premises fronts on more than one public right of way or street, excluding alleys and serviceways, the provisions of paragraph (2) hereof and Table 1 shall apply to each frontage. (See Figure 2).

      (5)   No free-standing sign may exceed in height the distance measured from any portion of the sign to the center of the adjoining public right of way provided, however, that the maximum height of any portion of any free-standing sign or sign structure shall be in accordance with Table 1.

      (6)   Area. The maximum permitted area of a free-standing sign, except when the area of two or more free-standing signs is combined into one sign, shall not exceed the figures shown in Table 1 for each face of a double-faced sign or for the sole face of a single-faced free-standing sign.

      (7)   Residential proximity. Where premises zoned for commercial or industrial use are within 100 feet of the nearest boundary of any premises zoned for single family or multiple- family residential use on the same public right of way, free-standing signs and roof signs erected and maintained on the commercial or industrial premises may not exceed twenty-five feet in height (Table 1 if less height is applicable) above the street grade. A free-standing sign or roof sign must be set back from the public right of way from which it is intended to be viewed the same distance as any residentially zoned property facing the same public right of way within fifty feet from the sign. This provision affects only signs on commercial and industrial premises on the same block and on the same right of way as residential premises.

      (8)   Rotating signs. Rotating free-standing signs are only permissible when a rotating sign replaces or substitutes for two other free-standing signs. Rotating signs may not rotate at a rate of more than six revolutions per minute. The maximum permitted area of a rotating free-standing sign shall be equal to the area of one of the two stationary free-standing signs which it replaces or substitutes for two other signs. (See Figure 3)

      (9)   Minimum clearance. Where a free-standing sign projects over a vehicular traffic area, such as a driveway or parking lot aisle, the minimum clearance between the bottom of the sign and the ground shall be fourteen feet. A proposal to locate a sign with less than fourteen feet of clearance may be submitted for consideration on the basis that the proposal creates no possible conflict with vehicles. Permitted vehicle barriers may include mounded landscaping, planters, concrete pads, bumper posts or tire stops provided they are permanently installed and adequate so as to satisfy the requirements of this section and are consistent with any applicable review and approval required for the parking area.

      (10)   Projection over public rights of way. Free-standing signs shall not be allowed to project over public rights of way.

      (11)   Decorative embellishments. On free-standing on-premise signs the sign structure may extend above the maximum allowable height of the sign for embellishment purpose. Under no circumstances, however, may such extension exceed twenty percent of the maximum allowable height for the sign. Further, such embellishment cupola or roof shall not include thereon any symbol, representation, logogram, insignia, illustration or other form of advertising message.

   (d)   On-Premise Facia Signs and Painted Wall Signs.

      (1)   Area limits. In all cases, all sign areas refer to the area of copy rather than the area of the background.

   Note: This has been done to encourage advertisers to install comprehensive painted wall or facia signs which often cover unsightly transom windows, etc., and substantially aid in the renovation of older buildings. Permitted background area, therefore, is the total area between the lintel bar and the parapet on a one-story building, or between the lintel bar and the window sills of the floor above on a multi-storied building. Commercialism is controlled by limiting the advertising or copy area; however, copy area is bonused for advertisers who forego any other signage on the same premises. On the other hand, due consideration shall be given to restoring or maintaining the original design, detail and effect of historic buildings worthy of preservation.

         A.   Category 1.

            Where an advertiser has no ground, roof or projecting sign on the same premises, forty-five percent of the wall sign background area may be used for copy. (See Figure 7).

         B.   Category 2.

            Where an advertiser has a ground sign but no roof or projecting sign on the same premises, thirty percent of the wall sign background area may be used for copy. (See Figure 8).

         C.   Category 3.

            Where an advertiser has a projecting or roof sign but no ground sign on the same premises, fifteen percent of the wall sign background area may be used for copy. (See Figure 9).

      (2)   Where individual mounted letters are used without a sign background, the foregoing percentages shall apply, but shall be computed on the area of the total facade between the lintel bar and the parapet on a one story building, or between the lintel bar and the window sills of the floor above on a multi-storied building.

      (3)   The frontage factor is relative to each side of a tenant's building.

      (4)   Premises fronting on more than one public right of way may not combine permissible signs for one frontage with another frontage for the purpose of placing the combined area of signs on one frontage.

      (5)   Any identification walls with non-illuminated letters up to but not exceeding three inches in height nor four square feet in area are not restricted and may be permitted in addition to regulated signage.

   (e)   On-Premise Roof Signs.

      Roof signs are divided into the following two main categories: (See Figures 10 and 11).

      (1)   Category 1: Roof signs on buildings which do not exceed forty feet in height and which are designed for viewing by traffic passing by the sign installation. (See Figure 10).

   The area per face is limited to 300 square feet for non freeway oriented signs and to 720 square feet for freeway oriented signs where supporting building is in a zone permitting roof signs.

   NOTE: As this Sign Code requires that roof signs appear as an architectural blade with no visible structure, line of sign will reduce effective usable area as building height increases (See Table 2). Area allowances, therefore, include that which would have been seen as structural support in most former sign codes.

      (2)   Category 2: Roof signs on multi-storied buildings designed to be viewed from distant points.

         A.   In zones where roof signs are permitted, Category 2 roof signs must be manufactured in such a way that they appear as an architectural blade or penthouse and are finished in such a manner that the visual appearance from all sides is such that they appear to be a part of the building itself. (See Figures 11 and 13).

         B.   Category 1 roof signs shall be installed or erected in such a manner that there shall be no angle iron support structure visible from a public right of way. (See Figure 12).

         C.   All roof signs, except architectural blades, shall be set back a distance of at least four feet from all the outside walls of the buildings on or over which they are located. It is the intention of this provision to provide a clear passageway around the sign.

         D.   Roof signs may not rotate.

         E.   For residential proximity, regulations set forth in Section 1387.05 (c) (7) shall apply.

         F.   No visible guy wires, braces or secondary supports shall be used. See Figure 13 for permissible method.

   (f)   On-Premise Canopy (or Marquee) Signs.

   Where canopy signs are allowed such signs shall be subject to the following conditions:

      (1)   Area of copy may be three square feet per linear foot of canopy front and sides. Copy area or any part of copy area allowed for one facing cannot be added to that allowed for other facings. Subject to minimum height limit of nine feet from the sidewalk, copy may be installed above, on the face of or below the canopy proper, provided that where such sign is installed above or below, copy area shall be computed on the total of the sign face and the canopy apron proper.

      (2)   No portion of a canopy sign may be closer than one foot to a vertical line from the curb face.

      (3)   On places of public entertainment such as theatres, arenas, meeting halls, etc., where one or more changeable copy signs are allowed, the copy area allowance shall be five square feet per linear foot of canopy with a maximum total height limit of no more than five feet at any point.

      (4)   Under canopy signs. Signs attached to the underside of a canopy shall have a copy area no greater than six square feet per side, with a maximum letter height of nine inches, subject to a minimum clearance of eight feet from the sidewalk and shall be mounted as nearly as possible to right angles of the building face. (See Figure 19).

   (g)   On-Premise Projecting and Space-Frame Projecting Form Signs.

      (1)   Any one tenant with frontage on a public right of way is permitted to have one projecting sign along that public street. The projecting sign may exist instead of, but not in addition to, a free-standing sign or roof sign. Where a premises is allowed two free-standing signs, the occupant may elect to substitute a projecting sign for one of the free-standing signs. If a premises has at least 300 feet of frontage along any one right of way, the occupant may have two projecting signs.

      (2)   Subject to absolute limits of six feet six inches from face of buildings and two feet back from the curb line, projection over public domain is limited to three inches for each linear foot of building front measured from the sign location to the nearest side line of premises. Subject to the same maximum limits, signs on corner properties installed at forty-five degree angles to the corner are permitted a twenty percent increase on the formula. (See Figures 14, 15 and 16).

Example:

50' store front with sign installed at center point 25 x 3" = 75" projection. (Figure 14).

50' store front - sign installed 10' from neighbor 3 x 10" = projection. (Figure 15).

Example:

Corner store with 25' shortest frontage.

25 x 3" = 75" + 20% = 90". (Figure 16).

      (3)   No projecting sign may rise more than six feet above the top of a parapet.

      (4)   Minimum clearance. Projecting signs shall have a minimum clearance of ten feet between the bottom of the sign and the ground.

      (5)   Installation. All projecting signs shall be installed or erected in such a manner that there shall be no visible sign support structures above a roof, building face or wall. (See Figure 17).

      (6)   A cantilever support may rise twelve inches above the parapet; however, where there is a space between the edge of the sign and the building face, such cantilever support must be enclosed. (See Figure 18).

   (h)   On-Premise Signs on Awnings.

   Signs consisting of one line of letters not exceeding nine inches in height may be painted, placed or installed upon the hanging border only of any awning erected and maintained in accordance with this Code. An identification emblem, insignia, initial or other similar feature not exceeding an area of eight square feet may be painted, placed or installed elsewhere on any awning provided that any sign, emblem, insignia or other such similar item shall comply with all other provisions of this Code. The overall copy area allowable is per Section 1387.05 (d) (1). Any awning sign copy area must be included when calculating the total allowable copy area as provided in Section 1387.05 (d)(1).

   (i)   On-Premise Sloping Roof Signs.

   A sign may be attached to the facia of or located on the sloping roof of a structure but may not be located so as to extend more than four feet above the upper edge of the facia of such sloping roof but the top of the sign must be a minimum of one foot below the top roof line. (See Figures 20 and 21).

   (j)   On-Premise Space-Frame Signs.

   Regulations and limitations of space-frame signs under subsections (d), (g), and (h) above, are subject to the following conditions:

      (1)   Minimum clearance shall be eight feet in pedestrian areas and fourteen feet in vehicular right-of-way areas. If the space-frame structure has a fringe or valance, it may hang six inches lower than the minimum clearance.

      (2)   For emergency personnel access on one-story buildings, space-frame structures should not occupy a four foot distance along the exterior wall at one corner of the building's street frontage and an additional four foot space along every fifty feet of such frontage. Proposals which violate the spacing guidelines shall not be approved unless reviewed and approved by the Fire Division.

      (3)   Letter copy area for space-frame signs is to be applied with manufacturer-approved processes. Copy on a space-frame awning form or projecting form sign shall not cover more than forty five percent (45%) of the individual space-frame sign face area. Copy area shall be within the total copy for the facia permitted under subsection (d) hereof

      (4)   When a space-frame sign covers multiple storefronts, each store or tenant shall be allowed copy space no more than eighty percent (80%) of the store width, in order to maintain adequate separation between tenant spaces.

      (5)   Principal graphics, copy and logos, which exceed the copy type or size in subsection (j) (6) below, shall be limited to the face or street side of the structure to which the sign is attached.

      (6)   The ends of an illuminated awning space-frame projecting form sign may contain the street number or the name of the establishment or logo, in copy not more than nine inches high.

      (7)   A space-frame sign may be permitted as a combination awning form - wall form, or awning form - projecting form sign, if it meets the requirements of the classification to which each portion is subject.

      (8)   A nonilluminated space-frame projecting form structure which shelters a building opening by projecting out not less than eighteen inches over a window, three feet over a door or four feet over a walkway, may be reviewed as an awning under subsection (h) hereof, provided it extends no higher than forty-two inches above the opening.

      (9)   A space-frame facia-wall form structure may be extended along a wall adjoining the face or street side wall of the structure, in order to extend a design theme into a parking lot or yard area, provided it faces into a customer parking lot or C-3 or M District, but not into a residential area or district within 130 feet of the facia wall.

      (10)   Where a wall has an adjacent walkway, but no windows or entrance door or opening, an opening or lintel height of eight feet shall be assumed for purposes of installing a permitted space-frame awning. The facia for purposes of installing the permitted space-frame awning shall be assumed to be an area not more than eight feet high measured below the parapet and not lower than eight feet above grade adjacent to the building.

      (11)   A space-frame projecting sign shall be subject to subsections (g) (1) and (2) hereof.

      (12)   A space-frame awning form sign may overlap the sides of the opening on each side by not more than twenty percent (20%) of the opening width or one foot, whichever is greater or may run continuously across the space between two openings which are approximately the same height, where the width of the space is not more than the average width of the two openings. Where the awning is over a walkway leading to the principal customer entrance, it may run continuously over the walkway without regard to the space between windows and doors.

   (k)   Off-Premise (Outdoor Advertising) Free-Standing, Wall and Roof Signs.
   Regulations and limitations of off-premise signs subject to the following conditions:

      (1)   Two or more off-premise signs visible to the same flow of traffic on either side of the main traveled way shall not be closer to one another than 750 feet apart. (See Figure 4 for illustration of concept).

      (2)   The minimum distance between two off-premise signs located at the intersection of two streets and facing different flows of traffic at right angles to each other, shall be 250 feet. Back-to-back signs are permitted. (See Figure 6 for illustration of concept).

      (3)   Measurements for purpose of paragraphs (1) and (2) of this sub-section (k) shall be linear measurements along the street, from a point on the street projected with a perpendicular line from the sign to the nearest point on the street projected with a similar perpendicular line from the other sign (see Figure 4a for illustration of concept).

      (4)   Off-premise signs shall be separated from property in a residentially zoned district of which the primary purpose is residential uses (not including mixed-use districts) by the following distances:

SIGN SIZE AND REQUIRED SEPARATION
(required separation distances given in feet)

   Required
   Separation

Property fronting on street to which sign is
directed or on street nearest to sign   300

Distance from rear or side yard of property not
fronting on street to which sign is directed   65

      (5)   Measurements for purposes of paragraph (4) of this sub-section (k) shall be the shortest distance from a point on the ground directly below the sign to the nearest point on the nearest property line of a property zoned residential (see Figure 6a for illustration of concept).

      (6)   Off-premise signs and sign structures in commercial and industrial districts (C-3, C-5, M-1 and M-2) shall conform to the required front, side and rear yard setbacks, shown in the table accompanying this paragraph, when adjoining a residential district. Where the required setback is less than the separation required under paragraph (4) of this sub-section (k), the greater separation distance shall apply.

   FRONT YARD REQUIREMENTS FOR OFF-PREMISE SIGNS:

District   Front

CR   20
CD   None Required
IL   25
IG   25

   See subsection 4 above for side and rear yard spacing requirements.

      (7)   No part of any off-premise sign structure shall be located in any required front yard.

      (8)   Seat benches, trash cans, telephone booths, bus shelters, vending machines and other similar devices containing off-premise advertising shall not be used in interpreting spacing requirements prescribed in paragraphs (1) and (2) hereof.

      (9)   Off-premise signs shall be no larger than 400 square feet of total area. Temporary embellishments, extensions and cut out letters not exceeding twenty-five percent of the total area shall be permitted in addition to the basic square footage allowable. Two off-premise signs may be permitted at a single location facing the same direction provided that they are constructed on the same supporting members and that their total combined area does not exceed 600 square feet. All existing signs consisting of more than 400 square feet shall be permitted temporary embellishments, extensions and cut out letters not exceeding twenty-five percent of the total area in addition to the existing square footage of such signs.

      (10)   Support structures for off-premise free-standing signs shall be of vertical, all-metal construction not to exceed two beams or poles. Where the back is visible it shall be suitably painted or otherwise covered to present a neat and clean appearance.

      (11)   The area around off-premise sign structures shall be kept clean and all scrub brush, tall grass, etc., shall be cleared away to a distance of at least five feet to the rear and sides of structures as well as to the front property line, and if on a corner site, to both property lines.

      (12)   Site directional signs shall conform to all the requirements for off-site third party signs.

      (13)   No free-standing or wall sign that is within 660 feet of the edge of the roadway shall be more than twenty-five feet above the grade of the nearest point of the centerline of the roadway to which the sign is oriented or fifty feet above the natural grade at the site of the sign. The measurement that is higher shall prevail as the height limit.

      (14)   No freestanding off-premise advertising sign shall exceed the heights showing in the following table:

SIGN HEIGHT IN RELATION TO SIGN SIZE AND PROXIMITY TO REAR OR SIDE YARD IN RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS
   (distance given in feet)

   Sign
   Height

Within 65-100 feet of residential district   30

100-200 feet from residential district   40

More than 200 feet from residential district   50

Oriented toward and within 660    Height allowed by other cells
feet of raised expressway but at    on table or 25 feet above centerline
least 500 feet from residential    of expressway, whichever is taller
district

      (15)   Lighting of off-premise signs shall be permitted, subject to the following condition:

   All lighting shall be up-lighting in compliance with the Outdoor Advertising Association of America, Inc.'s "Plan Operation Guidelines."

      (16)   An off-premise sign located in or within 500 feet of any part of a designated historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places shall be subject to the following conditions:

         a.    The sign shall be allowed only with a Certificate of Appropriateness;

         b.    For historic districts subject to the jurisdiction of a specific district commission, the determination of whether a Certificate of Appropriateness should issue will be by that commission. Signs within the district shall be subject to the review criteria applicable to that district. Signs not within the district but within 500 feet of the district shall be subject to reasonable conditions that will ensure that the installation of an off-premise sign will not interfere with the purpose or detract from the historic character of the district.

         c.    For historic districts not subject to the jurisdiction of a specific, district commission, the determination of whether a Certificate of Appropriateness should issue will be by the City Historic Districts Commission. Signs within the district shall be subject to the review criteria applicable to that district or subject to the U.S. Secretary of Interior's "Standards for Rehabilitation." (See following http://www2.cr.nps.gov/tps/tax/rhb/index.htm.) Signs not within the district but within 500 feet of the district shall be subject to reasonable conditions that will ensure that the installation of an off-premise sign will not interfere with the purpose or detract from the historic character of the district. Such conditions may include reductions in the height or size of the sign to limit or prevent visibility of the sign from the historic district; design restrictions to make it compatible with the character of the historic district; lighting limitations to protect the historic district; or any combination thereof. The conditions shall be supported by brief findings explaining the relationship between each condition and the historic character of the district.

      (17)   Any sign allowed herein may contain, in lieu of any other message or copy, any lawful noncommercial message that does not direct attention to a business operated for profit, or to a product, commodity or service for sale or lease, or to any other commercial interest or activity, so long as said sign complies with the size, height, area and other requirements of this Sign Code.

      (18)   The Commissioner of Building Inspection may approve a reduction of the separation distances required for a new off-premise sign by paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection (k) by up to twenty-five percent (25%) of the required distance if, as an express condition of the permit, the applicant agrees to remove two off-premise signs in the City that were lawfully erected but that do not conform to these regulations. The Commissioner of Building Inspection may require reasonable assurance, including proof of ownership or control of the signs and a contract with surety, that the designated signs will be removed. The decision of the Commissioner may be appealed by the applicant or any person aggrieved to the City Council. The decision of the City Council shall be final. Any sign approved under this subsection shall be considered as conforming to this section in all respects.

      (19)   The Commissioner of Building Inspection may approve a reduction of the separation distances required for a new off-premise sign by paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection (k) by up to twenty-five percent (25%) of the required distance if, as an express condition of the permit, the applicant agrees to remove an existing off-premise sign of the same size (or larger) as the proposed sign, if the sign to be removed was lawfully erected but does not conform to these regulations because it is closer than 300 feet to a residential district, in violation of paragraph (4) of this subsection (k). The Commissioner of Building Inspection may require reasonable assurance, including proof of ownership or control of the sign and a contract with surety, that the designated sign will be removed. The decision of the Commissioner may be appealed by the applicant or any person aggrieved to the City Council. The decision of the City Council shall be final. Any sign approved under this subsection shall be considered as conforming to this section in all respects.

      (20)   Off-premise signs are prohibited within the Downtown Overlay District, the Monroe Street Corridor UNO District, Summit Street Corridor Redevelopment (SSCR) UNO District, and the Main Street/Starr Avenue UNO District.

      (21)   Off-premise signs shall not be permitted within 500 feet of the property line of the Toledo Zoo or the Toledo Museum of Art.

(Ord. 170-04. Passed 3-23-04; Ord. 628-04. Passed 9-21-04; Ord. 497-07. Passed 7-24-07; Ord. 38-09. Passed 1-20-09; Ord. 95-10. Passed 3-2-10.)

TABLE 1 MAXIMUM PERMITTED HEIGHT AND AREA OF FREE-STANDING SIGNS
Public Right-of-Way Width	Traffic Speed Allowed	Area Each Face1 (Square Feet)	Maximum Height From Grade of Street or Roadway to Which Sign is Oriented (feet)
60 feet or less	15 - 20	40	20
	25 - 30	75	25
	35 - 45	150	30
	50 -	200	40
More than 60 feet2	15 - 20	50	25
	25 - 30	150	30
	35 - 45	200	40
	50 -	250	45
Free way-oriented free standing signs3		300	50 See Section 1387.05(c)(9)
1 In square feet if more than one face, the total permitted area may not exceed twice the area permitted for one face. In the event the sign is to be located in a required front yard, no more than sixty square feet shall be permitted on each face unless there are multiple tenants in which thirty square feet shall be permitted on each face per tenant up to a maximum of 150 square feet per face. Exception to one fee-standing sign: In the event a tenant does not have space on a sign located in a required front yard and such sign outside the required front yard. Such second sign shall contain an area on its face or faces no more than the difference between the permitted area in a required front yard and the area already used. 2 Or officially designated as a major street or prime artery. 3 Located within 660 feet of the freeway right of way, and on premises within 1,500 feet of a freeway exit providing access to the premises on which the sign is located.

 

TABLE 2 CATEGORY 1 ROOF SIGNS - HEIGHT LIMITATIONS
	Building Height (feet)	Maximum Height to Top of Sign From Top of Parapet (feet)
Non-freeway	0 - 20	15
	21 - 30	20
	31 - 40	25
Freeway-oriented where supporting building is in zone permitting roof signs.	25 feet above grade of freeway or 50 feet above grade at ground level of supporting building. The measurement that is higher shall prevail.