5.11.9. Sign Standards by Sign Type

Table 5.11.9: Sign Standards by Sign Type, sets out the standards applicable to each sign type regulated by this Ordinance.

TABLE 5.11.9: SIGN STANDARDS BY SIGN TYPE
A. Awning Sign
1. Definition	A sign that is part of or attached to an awning, canopy, or other protective canvas, plastic, or metal cover affixed to a building and located over a door, entrance, window, or other outdoor area. Colors, stripes, or patterns on an awning's surface shall not be considered as signage.
2. Where Permitted	Residential	OI	NC	GC & HC	DTC & DTP	LI, CI, HI
	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
3. Dimensional Standards
Maximum Number of Awning Signs per Lot	1 per every ten linear feet of building facade facing a street [1]
Maximum Height	Under the roof or top of a parapet wall [2]
Maximum Sign Face Area per Individual Awning Sign	25 percent of the awning area upon which it is located, including the drip flap, if provided
Maximum Sign Face Area of all Awning Signs per Lot	5 percent of each facade facing a street [1]
Notes: [1] Signage on umbrellas or shade structures associated with an outdoor dining area are not counted as awning signs and are exempted from the awning sign number and face area standards. [2] Awning signs shall maintain a minimum height of at least eight feet above grade.
4. Additional Standards
a. Signage may be located on the drip flap, subject to the maximum sign face area standards.
b. No awnings above the 3rd building story may be internally illuminated.
c. Awning signs, when allowed within a street right-of-way, shall not project more than five feet into a right-of-way, nor closer than two feet from the curbline.
d. Signage may be subject to additional standards identified in Section 3.8.3, Gateway Corridor Overlay (GCO) District.

 

TABLE 5.11.9: SIGN STANDARDS BY SIGN TYPE
B. Banner Sign
1. Definition	A sign made of a flexible fabric or plastic material that is affixed to a building or other vertical projection, except utility poles, but is not an awning sign or a flag. Feather flags and bow signs are not banners and are prohibited by this Ordinance.
2. Where Permitted	Residential	OI	NC	GC & HC	DTC & DTP	LI, CI, HI
	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	No
3. Dimensional Standards
Maximum Number of Banners per Lot	1 per use or non-residential tenant in a multi-tenant building [1]
Maximum Mounting Height	Below the roof or parapet [2] [3]
Maximum Sign Face Area per Individual Banner	20 square feet
Maximum Banner Length	Lesser of: 30% of the facade length or 20 linear feet
Maximum Banner Width	4 linear feet
Notes: [1] Maximum of 3 banners per multi-tenant site at any one time. [2] When located over a street right-of-way, at least 18 feet above the street pavement and at least 9 feet above a sidewalk. [3] When located on a fence, wall, or as a freestanding banner, a maximum height of 12 feet to the highest point. When located on a building wall, the banner shall not be mounted above the first floor.
4. Additional Standards
a. Banners shall be adequately secured through the use of grommets, d-rings, brackets, or similar fastening devices.
b. Banners over 9 square feet in size shall incorporate wind slits.
c. Banners shall not be placed within required sight distance triangles or in locations that obstruct the safe movement of vehicles and pedestrians.
d. Signage may be subject to additional standards identified in Section 3.8.3, Gateway Corridor Overlay (GCO) District.

 

TABLE 5.11.9: SIGN STANDARDS BY SIGN TYPE
C. Construction Sign/Development Advertising Signs
1. Definition	A temporary sign located on a lot for the duration of its construction/development.
2. Where Permitted	Residential	OI	NC	GC & HC	DTC & DTP	LI, CI, HI
	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
3. Dimensional Standards
Maximum Number of Construction/Development Advertising Signs Per Lot		One sign per frontage with public right-of-way access which must maintain at least a 200 ft. separation from a construction sign on the same site.
Maximum Sign Height [1]		8 feet
Maximum Sign Face Area		32 square feet per side (max. 2 sides)
Minimum Setback from any Lot Line		10 feet from any lot line
NOTES: [1] Sign support structures shall be included in maximum sign height and face area.
3. Durational Standards
Maximum Duration of the Sign		All Residential Districts			2 years
		Non Residential and Mixed Use Districts			1 year
Removal		All Construction/Development Advertising signs must be removed once the development is determined to be complete
NOTES: [1] Renewal of the existing sign permit may be obtained once the duration of the previous sign permit is complete.
4. Additional Standards
a. Supports and braces should be hidden from public view to the fullest extent possible.
b. Construction/Development Advertising signs shall not be located within a street right-of-way.
c. Construction/Development Advertising signs shall not be placed within required sight distance triangles or in locations that obstruct the safe movement of vehicles and pedestrians.
d. Construction/Development Advertising signs shall not include permanent modifications to a site or building.
e. Construction/Development Advertising signs may not be illuminated.
f. Construction/Development Advertising signs shall not block windows or doors.
g. Construction/Development Advertising signs must be maintained in good condition.

 

TABLE 5.11.9: SIGN STANDARDS BY SIGN TYPE
D. Electronic Message Board
1. Definition	A wall or ground sign, or portion thereof that displays electronic, non-pictorial, or text information that may or may not change. Sign content is displayed by light emitting diodes (LED's), fiber optics, light bulbs, or other illumination devices arranged in a matrix within the display area. Electronic message boards ("EMBs") do not display animation or imagery that appears to move.
2. Where Permitted	Residential	OI	NC	GC & HC	DTC & DTP	LI, CI, HI
	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	No
3. Dimensional Standards
Maximum Number of EMBs per Lot			One per lot or development
Minimum Separation of EMB from Residentially-Zoned Land			150 linear feet
Minimum Separation from Another EMB			35 linear feet
Maximum Height			In accordance with wall or ground sign standards, as appropriate [1]
Maximum EMB Face Area			In accordance with wall or ground sign standards, as appropriate [2]
Maximum Percentage of Total Sign Face Area Devoted to an EMB			Lesser of: 32 square feet or 50% of the total allowable sign face area for the type of sign proposed (i.e., wall, ground)
Minimum Static Hold Time Between Message Changes			1 minute [3]
Maximum Brightness			465 lumens per square foot during daytime hours; 70 lumen per square foot during dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours
Notes: [1] In no instance shall an EMB extend higher than 30 feet above grade. [2] The face area shall include all mounting hardware, framework, and sign supports. [3] Transition between images shall take place within one second or less.
4. Additional Standards
a. EMBs may only be configured as a wall or ground sign, or portion thereof.
b. EMBs may only be allowed as part of a permanent sign, not a temporary sign.
c. Use of the terms "stop", "caution", or "danger" is prohibited on an EMB for reasons of public safety.
d. Appearance of animation or message movement is prohibited.
e. Signage may be subject to additional standards identified in Section 3.8.3, Gateway Corridor Overlay (GCO) District.
f. The owner or operator of an EMB shall attest to the installation of a power supply system that will power the EMB off after a power outage or other condition that causes the sign to blink, flash, or have the appearance of movement.

 

TABLE 5.11.9: SIGN STANDARDS BY SIGN TYPE
E. Flags
1. Definition	A piece of cloth or similar material, typically rectangular or square in shape, that is attached to a pole or rope along the shorter side of the material. Flags flown by a governmental agency, located on land owned or operated by a governmental agency, or on a building owned or operated by a governmental agency are exempted from these standards. Flags affixed to two or more poles at the same time are subject to the standards for banners. Feather flags and bow signs are prohibited.
2. Where Permitted	Residential	OI	NC	GC & HC	DTC & DTP	LI, CI, HI
	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
3. Dimensional Standards
Maximum Number of Flags per Lot			3
Maximum Mounting Height			25 feet above grade or 25 feet above the highest point of a building if building-mounted [1]
Maximum Number of Flags per Flag Pole			2
Maximum Size per Flag			24 square feet
Minimum Setback from any Lot Line for a Flagpole or other Mounting Device			The height of the flagpole or mounting device
Notes: [1] In cases where a flag projects out into a street right-of-way, the flag shall maintain a minimum vertical clearance of 18 feet above the street pavement and 9 feet above a sidewalk.
4. Additional Standards
i. Flags and flagpoles shall not be placed within required sight distance triangles or in locations that obstruct the safe movement of vehicles and pedestrians.
ii. Except on lots in residential districts, flags on poles shall be located no more than 10 feet from the front building line.
iii. Signage may be subject to additional standards identified in Section 3.8.3, Gateway Corridor Overlay (GCO) District.

 

TABLE 5.11.9: SIGN STANDARDS BY SIGN TYPE
F. Ground Signs
1. Definition	Any sign, other than a pole sign, that is attached directly to the ground by means of a supporting system comprised of a solid pedestal, or other bracing system where there is no open space between the bottom of the sign face area and the ground. Ground signs are configured so that the base of the sign support structure is at least as wide as the sign face area. Ground signs may also be referred to as "pedestal" signs or "monument" signs. Any sign with an opening between the bottom of the sign's face area and ground or where the sign face area is wider than the sign support structure shall be considered as a pole or "freestanding" sign, which are prohibited. Ground signs are not mounted to a building wall, and are not located within a street right-of-way.
2. Where Permitted	Residential	OI	NC	GC & HC	DTC & DTP	LI, CI, HI
	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
3. Dimensional Standards
Maximum Number of Ground Signs Per Lot		1 [1]
Maximum Height [2] [3] [4]	Residential	OI	NC	GC & HC	DTC & DTP	LI, CI, HI
	3 feet	4 feet	4 feet	6 feet	3 feet	15 feet
Maximum Sign Face Area [5]			36 square feet
Minimum Setback from any Lot Line			5 feet [6]
Minimum Separation between Ground Signs on Adjacent Lots			50 feet [7]
Notes: [1] Developments on lots of 2 acres in size or greater and corner lots may have a ground sign for each roadway fronting the perimeter of the development. [2] Sign height shall be determined based on the higher of: the adjacent grade level or the grade level of the adjacent street. [3] In nonresidential districts, the maximum height of a ground sign may be increased by 1 foot for every 10 feet of setback beyond the minimum applicable setback to a maximum ground sign height of 25 feet. [4] The support structure shall be included within the measurement of the sign's maximum height. [5] The maximum sign face area may be increased by 4 square feet for every 10 feet of setback beyond the minimum applicable setback to a maximum ground sign face area of 175 square feet. [6] Except within the DTC and DTP districts, all portions of a ground sign shall be at least 5 feet from a street right-of-way. [7] In cases where a ground sign is proposed and it is impossible to meet the minimum separation distance requirements from an existing ground sign, the proposed sign shall maintain the minimum street setback necessary to ensure an unimpeded view of the existing ground sign on an adjacent lot.
4. Additional Standards
a. Ground signs shall not be placed within required sight distance triangles or in locations that obstruct the safe movement of vehicles and pedestrians.
b. Ground signs with support structures of three feet in height or more above grade shall include evergreen plantings around the base of the sign support structure in sufficient number to screen its view from off-site areas.
c. Signage may be subject to additional standards identified in Section 3.8.3, Gateway Corridor Overlay (GCO) District.

 

TABLE 5.11.9: SIGN STANDARDS BY SIGN TYPE
G. Incidental Sign
1. Definition	Any small or nondescript sign that only provides directional information or safety information for the public. Examples of incidental signs include signs addressing on-site traffic circulation (such as "entrance" or "exit" signs), public safety (such as "high voltage" or "beware of dog" signs), or address signs.
2. Where Permitted	Residential	OI	NC	GC & HC	DTC & DTP	LI, CI, HI
	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
3. Dimensional Standards [1]
Maximum Number of Incidental Signs Per Lot		Lots with an existing single- family detached dwelling, mobile home, or manufactured home			1 per principal structure
		Lots with an duplex, triplex, or quadplex dwelling unit			1 per dwelling unit
		Single-family attached dwelling			1 per dwelling unit
		Multi-family development			1 per building + 5
		Lots in a mixed-use or commercial district			[2]
Maximum Height		6 feet for lots in residential districts; 12 feet for lots in mixed-use and nonresidential districts [3]
Maximum Sign Face Area		1 1/2 square feet per sign [4]
Total Incidental Sign Face Area per Mixed-Use or Nonresidential Lot or Development		20 square feet
Minimum Setback from any Lot Line		5 feet [5]
Notes: [1] Incidental signs that exceed the maximum height or sign face area shall be considered as a wall sign, ground sign, pole sign, or projecting sign, as appropriate. [2] See total incidental sign face area per lot or development. [3] Sign height shall be determined based on the grade immediately adjacent to the sign. [4] Up to two incidental signs on any single lot may be up to three square feet in sign face area size. [5] In no instance shall an incidental sign be located within a right-of-way, a sight distance triangle, or in locations that obstruct the safe movement of vehicles and pedestrians
4. Additional Standards
a. No sign permit shall be required for the establishment of incidental signs, but all incidental signage shall comply with the standards in this section.
b. Signage may be subject to additional standards identified in Section 3.8.3. Gateway Corridor Overlay (GCQ) District.

 

TABLE 5.11.9: SIGN STANDARDS BY SIGN TYPE
H. Political Signs
1. Definition	Any sign that advocates for a particular political candidate, party, position, or political action that is made available for view by the public before and during the portion of a calendar year when elections are underway as described in Section 136-32 of the North Carolina General Statutes. Political signs are also referred to as "campaign" signs or "election" signs. Signs of a political nature that are placed on private property outside the period of time when elections are underway shall be considered as an incidental sign.
2. Where Permitted	Residential	OI	NC	GC & HC	DTC & DTP	LI, CI, HI
	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
3. Dimensional Standards
Maximum Number of Political Signs Per Lot			6[1]
Maximum Height			In a right-of-way		42 inches above the edge of the pavement of the adjacent roadway
			On an individual lot		60 inches above adjacent grade
Maximum Sign Face Area			In a right-of-way		6 square feet per sign
			On an individual lot		32 square feet per sign
Minimum Setback from any Lot Line			None
Minimum Separation between Political Signs			[2]
Notes: [1] There is no limit on the number of political signs that may be placed within the right-of-way in front of a lot during the portion of the year when elections are underway provided the owner of the sign obtains the consent of the lot's owner to place the sign in front of the lot. [2] No political sign may be placed in any manner that obscures another sign from view.
4. Additional Standards
a. Political signs shall not be placed within required sight distance triangles or in locations that obstruct the safe movement of vehicles and pedestrians.
b. Political signs may not be placed on utility poles or traffic control signal poles.
c. Political signs may be placed in the right-of-way only during the period of time when elections are underway as identified in Section 136-32 of the North Carolina General Statutes.
d. Political signs may not be illuminated.
e. Political signs found to be in violation of these standards or the applicable standards in Section 136-32 of the North Carolina General Statutes may be removed by the Planning Director.

 

TABLE 5.11.9: SIGN STANDARDS BY SIGN TYPE
I. Projecting Signs
1. Definition	Any sign that projects outward from a building's exterior wall where the sign face area is not parallel to the building wall upon which is mounted. Projecting signs are also referred to as "marquee" signs. Signs mounted to a building wall with sign face areas that are parallel to the building wall are considered "wall" signs. A sign comprised of fabric or similar material is a "flag" or a "banner" sign.
2. Where Permitted	Residential	OI	NC	GC & HC	DTC & DTP	LI, CI, HI
	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
3. Dimensional Standards
Maximum Number of Projecting Signs Per Lot			One per building facade
Maximum Height			A projecting sign shall not project above the height of the wall it is mounted to [1]
Maximum Sign Face Area			40 square feet [2]
Minimum Setback from any Lot Line			A projecting sign shall not encroach into a required yard by more than 6 feet [3]
Notes: [1] Any projecting sign that projects into a right-of-way or that projects over a sidewalk or vehicular accessway shall maintain a minimum clearance of at least 9 feet above grade. [2] Projecting signs with 3 sides may have up to 80 square feet of sign area. [3] A projecting sign shall not project into a right-of-way by more than 36 inches, and shall maintain a minimum of two feet of horizontal distance from the back of the curb.
4. Additional Standards
a. Projecting signs of 1 1/2 square feet in total sign area or less shall be considered incidental signs.
b. Any electrical wiring shall be located within the sign or the wall it is affixed to.
c. Signage may be subject to additional standards identified in Section 3.8.3, Gateway Corridor Overlay (GCO) District.

 

TABLE 5.11.9: SIGN STANDARDS BY SIGN TYPE
J. Sidewalk Signs
1. Definition	A pedestrian-oriented movable sign that sits on the grade located proximate to the primary entrance of the nonresidential or mixed use being advertised. Sidewalk signs are also referred to as "A-frame" signs or "Board" signs. The sign shall be self-supporting and only visible during operating hours. Sidewalk signs are configured with a broader base then a top or are equipped with supports to ensure they remain stable in normal wind conditions.
2. Where Permitted	Residential	OI	NC	GC & HC	DTC & DTP	LI, CI, HI
	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
3. Dimensional Standards
Maximum Number of Sidewalk Signs Per Lot			1 per street frontage, regardless of the number of tenants [1] [2]
Minimum Clearance Around Sidewalk Sign			5 feet [3] [4]
Maximum Height			4 feet
Maximum Sign Face Area			8.5 square feet
Maximum Number of Sidewalk Sign Sides			2
Maximum Distance from Primary Entrance of Use Being Advertised			25 linear feet
Notes: [1] Sidewalk signs may only be permitted on a sidewalk or on-site pedestrian walkway. [2] Nothing shall limit the rotating of different sidewalk signs on an individual lot provided the total number of signs does not exceed the maximum. [3] A sidewalk sign may only be placed in a manner that allows for unrestricted pedestrian access around all sides of the sign, and shall not be located within an access ramp, proximate to an accessible parking space, or within a sight distance triangle. [4] A sidewalk sign shall be no closer than 6 inches from the curb.
4. Additional Standards
a. A sidewalk sign shall not be permanently attached to the sidewalk, signs, street trees, landscaping, bicycle rack, or any other fixtures on the sidewalk.
b. Each sidewalk sign shall be removed each day by the close of business.
c. Sidewalks signs may include changeable copy.
d. Sidewalks signs shall not be illuminated.
e. Signage may be subject to additional standards identified in Section 3.8.3, Gateway Corridor Overlay (GCO) District.

 

TABLE 5.11.9: SIGN STANDARDS BY SIGN TYPE
K. Subdivision Signs
1. Definition	A ground sign located at the entrance to a subdivision consisting of two or more lots. Subdivision signs shall be located outside all street rights-of-way, and shall not be located on a lot with a principal building.
2. Where Permitted	Residential	OI	NC	GC & HC	DTC & DTP	LI, CI, HI
	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
3. Dimensional Standards
Maximum Number of Subdivision Signs Per Development				1 per development entrance
Maximum Height				6 feet [1]
Maximum Sign Face Area				32 square feet [2] [3]
Minimum Setback from any Lot Line				None
Minimum Setback from Right-of-Way				5 feet
Notes: [1] Sign height shall be determined based on the higher of: the adjacent grade level or the grade level of the adjacent street. [2] The support structure for a subdivision sign configured as a ground sign shall not be included with the calculation of the maximum allowable sign face area. [3] Developments with 2 or more entries may have up to 64 square feet of subdivision sign provided that no single entry has a subdivision sign with a sign face area exceeding 32 square feet.
4. Additional Standards
a. Subdivision signs may only be configured as a ground sign.
b. Subdivision signs shall not be placed within required sight distance triangles or in locations that obstruct the safe movement of vehicles and pedestrians.
c. Subdivision signs that are illuminated shall comply with the applicable limitations on glare in Section 5.4, Exterior Lighting.
d. Signage may be subject to additional standards identified in Section 3.8.3, Gateway Corridor Overlay (GCO) District.

 

TABLE 5.11.9: SIGN STANDARDS BY SIGN TYPE
L. Suspended Signs
1. Definition	A sign that is suspended from the underside of a principal building's overhang or canopy that is intended for view by pedestrians or patrons already on a site. The sign may be parallel or perpendicular to the building wall. A sign that is not suspended from a canopy or overhang of a building is not a suspended sign. A sign mounted on a building wall parallel to the wall is a "wall" sign. A sign mounted on a building wall perpendicular to the building wall is a "projecting" sign. Signs visible through a window are "window" signs.
2. Where Permitted	Residential	OI	NC	GC & HC	DTC & DTP	LI, CI, HI
	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
3. Dimensional Standards
Maximum Number of Projection Signs Per Development			1 per lot or 1 per tenant in a multi-tenant building
Maximum Mounting Height			Below the roof or parapet [1]
Maximum Sign Face Area			3 square feet; 6 square feet in the CBD district
Minimum Setback from any Lot Line			[2]
Notes: [1] Any suspended sign that projects into a right-of-way or that projects over a sidewalk, walkway, or vehicular accessway shall maintain a minimum clearance of at least 9 feet above the grade or the walkway. [2] A suspended sign shall maintain a minimum of two feet of horizontal distance from the back of the curb.
4. Additional Standards
a. Suspended signs shall not project beyond the canopy or overhang they are mounted to.
b. Suspended signs shall be flush mounted or drop mounted with metal pipe, chain, wire, or other comparable material and permanently affixed to the overhang or canopy where mounted.
c. Suspended signs shall not be mounted to an accessory structure.
d. Signage may be subject to additional standards identified in Section 3.8.3, Gateway Corridor Overlay (GCO) District.

 

TABLE 5.11.9: SIGN STANDARDS BY SIGN TYPE
M. Supplemental Signs
1. Definition	Any sign that is not permanently affixed to the ground or a building which can be removed without special handling and that may be located on a lot or site in addition to other forms of signage. Banners and incidental signs are not supplemental signs. Ideological signs are considered supplemental signs.
2. Where Permitted	Residential	OI	NC	GC & HC	DTC & DTP	LI, CI, HI
	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
3. Dimensional Standards
Maximum Number of Supplemental Signs Per Lot			1 per lot; 1 per nonresidential tenant in a multi-tenant development
Maximum Sign Height [1]			Residential Districts		6 feet
			All Other Districts		12 feet
Maximum Sign Face Area [2]			Residential Districts		6 square feet
			All Other Districts		20 square feet
Minimum Setback from any Lot Line			10 feet from any lot line
Notes: [1] Sign support structures shall be included in maximum sign height and face area. [2] Signs visible through a window are also subject to the standards for window signs.
4. Additional Standards
a. Supplemental signs shall not require issuance of a sign permit and are not subject to a maximum duration.
b. Supplemental signs shall not be located within a street right-of-way.
c. Supplemental signs shall not be placed within required sight distance triangles or in locations that obstruct the safe movement of vehicles and pedestrians.
d. Supplemental signs shall not include permanent modifications to a site or building.
e. Supplemental signs may not be illuminated.
f. Supplemental signs shall not block windows or doors.
g. Signage may be subject to additional standards identified in Section 3.8.3. Gateway Corridor Overlay (GCO) District.

 

TABLE 5.11.9: SIGN STANDARDS BY SIGN TYPE
N. Wall Signs
1. Definition	Any sign, other than a projecting sign, that is mounted to or painted on an exterior building wall. Wall signs have only one sign face and are configured to be parallel to the building wall upon which they are located. Signs mounted perpendicular to a wall are "projecting" signs. Signs mounted from the ceiling of a building's canopy or overhang are "suspended" signs. Signs made of fabric or other material that moves are "banners" or "flags." Signs visible through a window are "window" signs.
2. Where Permitted	Residential	OI	NC	GC & HC	DTC & DTP	LI, CI, HI
	RMF Only	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
3. Dimensional Standards
Maximum Number of Wall Signs Per Development		Lots in residential districts			1
		Lots in all other districts - single tenant building			1 per building facade
		Lots in all other districts - multi-tenant building			1 per tenant
Maximum Mounting Height		No wall sign shall extend above, below or beyond the building wall to which it is attached [1]
Maximum Sign Face Area [2]		Lots in residential districts			16 square feet
		Lots in OI and NC districts			32 square feet
		Lots in DTC and DTP districts			½ square foot of sign face area per lineal foot of building facade upon which the sign is located [3]
		Lots in GC, HC, and industrial districts			½ square foot of sign face area per lineal foot of building facade upon which the sign is located [4]
Minimum Setback from any Lot Line		Same as the building [5]
Notes: [1] Wall signs that project into a right-of-way shall maintain a minimum vertical clearance of at least 9 feet above grade. [2] In the case of multi-tenant nonresidential buildings, the total sign area per tenant shall be determined based on the portion of the building frontage occupied by each storefront. End units may have a wall sign on each building facade, subject to the maximum sign face area standards. [3] No individual wall sign shall exceed 32 square feet of sign face area. [4] No individual wall sign shall exceed 64 square feet of sign face area. [5] Wall signs shall not project into a right-of-way by more than six inches.
4. Additional Standards
i. No wall sign shall be located in a manner that covers or blocks ingress or egress from a door, window, or fire escape.
ii. Any electrical wiring shall be located within the sign or the wall it is affixed to.
iii. Wall signs that are illuminated shall comply with the applicable limitations on glare in Section 5.4, Exterior Lighting.
iv. Signage may be subject to additional standards identified in Section 3.8.3, Gateway Corridor Overlay (GCO) District.

 

TABLE 5.11.9: SIGN STANDARDS BY SIGN TYPE
O. Window Signs
1. Definition	A sign affixed to or visible through the surface of a window or glass door that is intended to be visible to the public from outside the building. Signs painted on glass and etched or frosted glass that includes text or symbols shall be considered as a window sign. Signs not visible from off-site areas are exempted from these standards. Signs mounted to a building's exterior wall are "wall" signs.
2. Where Permitted	Residential	OI	NC	GC & HC	DTC & DTP	LI, CI, HI
	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
3. Dimensional Standards
Maximum Number of Window Signs Per Development			No limit, subject to the maximum sign face area standards
Maximum Mounting Height			Window signs are not permitted above the second story or higher than 25 feet above ground level
Maximum Sign Face Area [1]			DTP & DTC districts		25% of the outer extent of any single window or door [2]
			All other districts		40% of the outer extent of any single window or door [2]
Notes: [1] Groups of multiple windows or doors within six inches of one another on the same building facade shall be considered as one window or door for the purposes of sign face area calculation. [2] Window signs shall not be located or configured in ways that prevent patrons operating doors safely. [3] The Planning Director may allow for the maximum sign area to be up to 25% of the cumulative surface area of all the windows on the face of a wall if there are no other signs located on that wall and if the positioning of the window to which the window signs are attached do not accomplish the transparency intent.
4. Additional Standards
a. Window signs may not be externally illuminated.
b. Material used to block views into a vacant building (such as brown paper) is not considered to be a window sign.
c. Blinds, shades, or curtains bearing symbols or text that is visible from off-site areas shall be considered to be a window sign subject to these standards.
d. Signage may be subject to additional standards identified in Section 3.8.3, Gateway Corridor Overlay (GCO) District.

 

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019; Ord. 2020-48, passed 6-1-2020; Ord. 2021-55, passed 3-1-2021; Ord. 2023-10, passed 11-7-2022; Ord. 2024-11, passed 9-11-2023)