(A) Maximum number of signs permitted. No individual special use shall be permitted more than four identification signs (i.e., any combination of freestanding, building, suspended or window signs).
(B) Freestanding identification signs for single use sites.
(1) Type of signs. Freestanding identification signs shall be ground signs.
(2) Number of signs.
(a) One freestanding identification sign shall be permitted for each street frontage of a lot.
(b) When a lot has more than one street frontage and qualifies for an additional freestanding identification sign, the minimum separation between freestanding identification signs on the lot, regardless of the orientation of the freestanding identification signs, shall be 100 feet.
(c) Exception: when a lot has frontage in excess of 500 feet on the same street, one additional freestanding identification sign shall be permitted on that street for each additional 500 feet of frontage; provided that:
1. The minimum separation between freestanding identification signs along the same street shall be 300 feet;
2. The additional freestanding identification sign is oriented to the street with frontage in excess of 500 feet; and
3. The total sign surface area of all freestanding identification signs does not exceed the maximum sign surface area permitted below.
(3) Maximum sign surface area of freestanding signs.
(a) Maximum sign surface area shall apply individually to each street frontage. The maximum sign surface area shall not exceed:
Street Frontage | Maximum Sign Surface Area |
Less than 300 feet | 24 square feet for each additional linear foot of street frontage |
0.25 square foot of additional sign frontage surface area |
(b) Provided, however, that, no freestanding sign shall exceed 72 square feet.
(4) Minimum front, side and rear setback for freestanding identification signs.
(a) 1. Front yard setback: the minimum front yard setback for any freestanding identification sign shall be:
a. Required front yard: ten feet from the proposed right-of-way; and
b. Required front bufferyard: 20 feet from the proposed right-of-way.
2. In the case where a proposed right-of-way line does not exist, as determined by the transportation plan, or where the existing right-of-way is greater, the existing right-of-way line shall be used for the setback measurement.
(b) Side and rear yard setback or side and rear bufferyard setback: the minimum side or rear yard setback for a freestanding identification sign shall be the greater of five feet or that required for any building or structure in the applicable zoning district.
(5) Maximum height of freestanding identification signs. Ground sign: the maximum height of a freestanding ground identification sign shall not exceed six feet in height above grade.
(6) Landscaping. Freestanding identification signs shall be surrounded by a landscaped area at least equal to the sign area of the sign erected. Landscaping shall consist of living vegetation (annuals, perennials, ornamental grasses, hedge plants or trees) and natural ground cover materials. Loose stone, rock or gravel may be used as a landscaping accent, but shall not exceed 20% of the landscaped area. Plant materials used to satisfy this provision shall not be used to satisfy the calculations of landscaping required by any other provisions of this chapter.
(7) Illumination. Freestanding identification signs shall not be internally illuminated.
(C) Building identification signs.
(1) Type of signs. Building identification signs shall be limited to wall signs and suspended signs.
(2) Number of building identification signs. One wall building identification sign per tenant space per facade. In addition, each tenant space shall be permitted one suspended sign, per division (C)(4) below.
(3) Maximum sign surface area of building identification signs. The total sign surface area of all building identification signs. Including wall and suspended signs, oriented to an individual facade shall not exceed:
(a) Front facade: 3% of the total area of the front facade of the structure or tenant space. For any building which has more than one street frontage, the maximum sign surface area of 3% shall apply to all building facades with street frontages. A building facade shall be determining to have street frontage when it is parallel to the street or is at no greater than a 45-degree angle to the street.
(b) Side and rear facades: 2.5% of the side or rear facade of the structure or tenant space; and
(c) The linear measurement of a business identification wall sign shall not exceed 80% of the linear width of the facade of the structure or tenant space on which the sign is located.
(4) Additional provisions for lower level suspended signs.
(a) Maximum sign surface area for suspended signs. The maximum sign surface area for a suspended sign shall not exceed five square feet.
(b) Maximum number of lower level suspended signs. One suspended sign shall be permitted per each building facade.
(c) Minimum height above grade for lower level suspended signs. All portions of any suspended sign or sign structure shall be not less than eight feet above the sidewalk or finished grade.
(D) Incidental signs.
(1) Type of signs. Incidental signs shall be ground or wall signs.
(2) Number of signs.
(a) If a lot or integrated center has one driveway, zero incidental directional signs shall be permitted at the driveway entrance or exit.
(b) If a lot or integrated center has more than one driveway, one incidental directional sign shall be permitted for each driveway.
(c) One incidental directional sign or one incidental parking and loading sign shall be permitted at each critical turning point along an interior access drive when required to safely direct vehicular traffic (e.g., to direct vehicular traffic to: a customer or employee parking area; or a delivery or loading area).
(3) Maximum sign surface area of incidental signs. Incidental signs shall not exceed six square feet in sign surface area per sign.
(4) Minimum front, side and rear yard setback for freestanding incidental signs.
(a) Front yard setback or front bufferyard setback: three feet from proposed right-of-way. In the case where a proposed right-of-way line does not exist, as determined by the transportation plan, or where the existing right-of-way is greater, the existing right-of-way line shall be used for the setback measurement.
(b) Side and rear yard setback or side and rear bufferyard setback: the same as required for any building or structure in the applicable zoning district.
(5) Maximum height of incidental signs. The maximum height of a freestanding incidental ground sign shall not exceed:
(a) Incidental directional signs shall not exceed two and one-half feet in height above grade; and
(b) Incidental parking and loading signs shall not exceed four feet in height above grade.
(E) Window signs.
(1) The sign copy shall not exceed 5% of the total grade level window surface area of the building facade on which it is placed or through which it is viewed.
(2) The sign surface area of window signs shall be calculated separately from the calculation of other building identification signs and shall not be included in the total area of other building identification signs permitted.
(3) Window signs shall not be internally illuminated.
(F) Development plan approval required.
(2) Development plan approval petitions for signs in the special use districts shall be submitted as a part of the application for an improvement location permit for signs.
(3) The Plan Commission shall grant development plan approval upon written finding that the proposed freestanding or building identification sign:
(a) Is consistent with and harmonious to the buildings and sites which they occupy;
(b) Represents a use of design features which will enhance the use or value of area properties;
(c) Utilizes materials and is of a style which is compatible with the Zionsville theme; and
(d) Is consistent with the intent and purpose of this chapter.
(Ord. 2000-16, passed 8-28-2000, § 6.8)