§ 44-99. Regulation and control of all outdoor signs.

(a)

Purpose. These regulations are intended to permit signs and other displays that are needed for the purposes of identification or advertising subject to the following objectives:

(1)

By reason of their size, location, spacing, construction or manner of display, signs shall not endanger life or limb, confuse or mislead traffic, obstruct vision necessary for traffic safety, or otherwise endanger the public health or safety.

(2)

Signs should enhance the aesthetic appeal of the city. Thus, these regulations are intended to regulate oversized signs that are out of scale with surrounding buildings and structures, and prevent an excessive accumulation of signs which cause visual clutter.

(3)

The placement and design of signs should further the land use planning objectives of the city. Signs should protect neighborhood character and the value of surrounding properties.

(4)

Signs located within the boundaries of the city downtown development authority (DDA) district, as now existing or hereafter amended in the DDA's tax increment financing and development plan, shall also be subject to the rules established in section 44-893, downtown development authority (DDA) district development standards. Where conflict exists between the rules established in this section and the rules established in section 44-893, the rules established in section 44-893 shall govern.

(b)

Scope of requirements. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to erect, construct, or alter any sign in the city except in conformance with the provisions of this chapter, subject to issuance of a permit, except as otherwise provided herein.

(c)

Enforcement.

(1)

Plans, specifications, and permits.

a.

Permits. It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, alter, relocate, or structurally change a sign or other advertising structure, unless specifically exempted by this chapter, without first obtaining a permit in accordance with the provisions set forth herein. A permit shall require payment of a fee, as noted on a fee schedule as may be established, adopted, and amended from time to time by the city council.

b.

Applications. Application for a sign permit shall be made upon forms provided by the building official. The following information shall be required:

1.

Name, address, and telephone number of the applicant.

2.

Location of the building, structure, or lot on which the sign is to be attached or erected.

3.

Position of the sign in relation to nearby buildings, structures, and property lines. The building department may require information to be provided for on a certified survey or drawing sealed by a registered engineer.

4.

Plans showing the dimensions, materials, method of construction, and attachment to the building or in the ground.

5.

Copies of stress sheets and calculations, if deemed necessary, showing the structure as designed for dead load and wind pressure.

6.

Name and address of the person, firm, or corporation owning, erecting, and maintaining the sign.

7.

Information concerning required electrical connections.

8.

Insurance policy or bond, as required in this chapter.

9.

Written consent of the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is to be erected.

10.

Other information as required by the building official to make the determination that the sign is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

c.

Review of application.

1.

Planning commission review. Sign permit applications submitted in conjunction with the proposed construction of a new building or addition to an existing building shall be reviewed by the planning commission as a part of the required site plan review. Proposed sign locations, dimensions, designs, and content must be shown on the site plan. Planning commission review shall be required for any new or modified sign, regardless of whether or not any related site plan review is also required.

2.

Issuance of a permit. Following review and approval of a sign application by the planning commission or building official, as appropriate, the building official shall have the authority to issue a sign permit.

d.

Exceptions. A sign shall not be enlarged or relocated except in conformity with the provisions set forth herein for new signs, nor until a proper permit has been secured. However, a new permit shall not be required for ordinary servicing or repainting of an existing sign message, cleaning of a sign, or changing of the message on a changeable copy sign. Furthermore, a permit shall not be required for certain exempt signs listed in subsection (d)(1) of this section.

(2)

Inspection and maintenance.

a.

Inspection of new signs. All signs for which a permit has been issued shall be inspected by the building official when erected. Approval shall be granted only if the sign has been constructed in compliance with the approved plans and applicable zoning chapter and building code standards. In cases where fastenings or anchorages are to be eventually bricked in or otherwise enclosed, the sign erector shall advise the building official when such fastenings are to be installed so that inspection may be completed before enclosure.

b.

Inspection of existing signs. The building official shall have the authority to routinely enter onto property to inspect existing signs. In conducting such inspections, the building official shall determine whether the sign is adequately supported, painted to prevent corrosion, and so secured to the building or other support to safely bear the weight of the sign and pressure created by the wind.

c.

Correction of defects. If the building official finds that any sign is unsafe, insecure, improperly constructed, or poorly maintained, or otherwise in violation of this chapter, the sign erector, owner of the sign, or owner of the land shall make the sign safe, secure, and in conformance with this chapter by completing any necessary reconstruction or repairs, or entirely remove the sign in accordance with the timetable established by the building official.

(3)

Removal of obsolete signs. Any sign that no longer identifies a business that is in operation, or that identifies an activity or event that has already occurred, shall be considered abandoned and shall be removed by the owner, agent, or person having use of the building or structure. Upon vacating a commercial or industrial establishment, the proprietor shall be responsible for removal of all signs used in conjunction with the business. However, where a conforming sign structure and frame are typically reused by a current occupant in a leased or rented building, the building owner shall not be required to remove the sign structure and frame in the interim periods when the building is not occupied, provided that the sign structure and frame are maintained in good condition.

(4)

Nonconforming signs. No nonconforming sign shall be altered or reconstructed, unless the alteration or reconstruction is in compliance with this chapter, except that nonconforming signs shall comply with the following regulations:

a.

Repairs and maintenance. Normal maintenance shall be permitted, provided that any nonconforming sign that is destroyed by any means to an extent greater than 50 percent of the sign's pre-catastrophe fair market value, exclusive of the foundation, shall not be reconstructed. Normal maintenance shall include painting of chipped or faded signs; replacement of faded or damaged surface panels; or, repair or replacement of electrical wiring or electrical devices.

b.

Nonconforming changeable copy signs. The message on a nonconforming changeable copy sign may be changed provided that the change does not create any greater nonconformity.

c.

Substitution. No nonconforming sign shall be replaced with another nonconforming sign.

d.

Modifications to the principal building. Whenever the principal building on a site on which a nonconforming sign is located is modified to the extent that site plan review and approval is required, the nonconforming sign shall be removed.

(5)

Appeal to the zoning board of appeals. Any party who has been refused a sign permit for a proposed sign may file an appeal with the zoning board of appeals, in accordance with article XXVIII of this chapter. In determining whether a variance is appropriate, the zoning board of appeals shall, addition to other review criteria specified in said article XXVIII of this chapter, study the sign proposal, giving consideration to any extraordinary circumstances, such as those listed, that would cause practical difficulty in complying with the sign standards. The presence of any of the circumstances listed may be sufficient to justify granting a variance; however, the zoning board of appeals may decline to grant a variance even if certain of the following circumstances are present:

a.

Permitted signage could not be easily seen by passing motorists due to the configuration of existing buildings, trees, or other obstructions.

b.

Permitted signage could not be seen by passing motorists in sufficient time to permit safe deceleration and exit. In determining whether such circumstances exist, the zoning board of appeals shall consider the width of the road, the number of moving lanes, the volume of traffic, and speed limits.

c.

Existing signs on nearby parcels would substantially reduce the visibility or advertising impact of a conforming sign on the subject parcel.

d.

Construction of a conforming sign would require removal or severe alteration to natural features on the parcel, such as but not limited to: removal of trees, alteration of the natural topography, filling of wetlands, or obstruction of a natural drainage course.

e.

Construction of a conforming sign would obstruct the vision of motorists or otherwise endanger the health or safety of passersby.

f.

Variances from certain sign regulations would be offset by increased building setback, increased landscaping, or other such enhancements, so that the net effect is an improvement in appearance of the parcel, compared to the result that would be otherwise achieved with construction of a conforming sign.

g.

A sign which exceeds the permitted height or area standards of this chapter would be more appropriate in scale because of the large size or frontage of the parcel or building.

(d)

Exempt; prohibited; temporary signs.

(1)

Permitted exempt signs. A sign permit shall not be required for the following signs, which shall be permitted subject to applicable provisions herein:

a.

Address numbers with a numeral height no greater than six inches for residences and 18 inches for businesses.

b.

Nameplates identifying the occupants of the building, not to exceed two square feet.

c.

Memorial signs or tablets.

d.

Signs on a bus, truck, trailer, or other vehicle while operated and used for transport in the normal course of a business, provided that the primary uses of the vehicle displaying the sign shall not be for the purpose of advertising a business on the premises where the vehicle is parked.

e.

Public signs, including the authorized signs of a government body or public utility, including traffic signs, legal notices, railroad crossing signs, warnings of a hazard, and similar signs.

f.

Flags bearing the official design of a nation, state, municipality, educational institution, or noncommercial organization.

g.

Incidental signs, provided that total of all such signs shall not exceed two square feet.

h.

Private traffic control signs which conform to the requirements of the Michigan Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

i.

One private parking lot and driveway identification sign, not to exceed three square feet per sign and six feet in height.

j.

Permanent signs on vending machines, gas pumps, or ice containers indicating only the contents of such devices, provided that the sign area of each device shall not exceed six square feet.

k.

Portable real estate "open house" signs with an area no greater than four square feet.

l.

"Help wanted" signs soliciting employees for the place of business where posted, provided that the maximum area for all such signs shall be six square feet.

m.

Any sign which is located completely within an enclosed building, and which is not visible from outside the building.

n.

Plaques or signs designating a building as a historic structure.

o.

"No Trespassing", "No Hunting", and "No Dumping" signs.

p.

Signs used to direct vehicular or pedestrian traffic to parking areas, loading areas, or to certain buildings or locations on the site, subject to the following conditions:

1.

Directional signs shall not contain logos or other forms of advertising.

2.

Directional signs shall not exceed four square feet in area, or four feet in height.

3.

Directional signs may be located in the front setback area, provided they are setback at least 15 feet from the existing or planned right-of-way line.

(2)

Prohibited signs. The following signs are prohibited in all districts:

a.

Any sign not expressly permitted.

b.

Signs which incorporate flashing or moving lights; including time and temperature or stock market signs.

c.

Banners, pennants, festoons, spinners, and streamers, unless specifically permitted elsewhere in this chapter.

d.

String lights used for commercial purposes, other than holiday decorations.

e.

Moving signs, including any sign which has any visible moving parts, visible revolving parts, visible mechanical movement, or other visible movement achieved by electrical, electronic, or mechanical means, including intermittent electric pulsations or movement caused by normal wind current.

f.

Any sign or sign structure which:

1.

Is structurally unsafe;

2.

Constitutes a hazard to safety or health by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, or abandonment;

3.

Is capable of causing electric shock to person who comes in contact with it; or

4.

Is not kept in good repair, such that it has broken parts, missing letters, or non-operational lights.

g.

Any sign erected on a tree or utility pole, except signs of a government or utility.

h.

Obsolete signs, as specified in this subsection (c)(3) of this section.

i.

Portable signs, except where expressly permitted in this chapter.

j.

Signs affixed to a parked vehicle or truck trailer which is being used principally for advertising purposes, rather than for transportation purposes.

k.

Any sign which obstructs free access to or egress from a required door, window, fire escape, or other required exit.

l.

Any signs which makes use of the words "Stop", "Look", or "Danger", or any other words, phrases, symbols, or characters, in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic.

m.

Any sign containing obscene, indecent, or immoral matter.

n.

Any sign unlawfully installed, erected, or maintained.

o.

Roof signs.

p.

Projecting signs.

q.

Sandwich signs.

r.

Signs on street furniture, such as benches and trash receptacles.

s.

Real estate signs no longer valid due to the sale, rental, or lease of the property.

(3)

Temporary signs. Temporary signs shall be permitted subject to the following requirements:

a.

Construction signs. Construction signs shall be permitted in all districts, shall be ground or wall mounted, shall not exceed 64 square feet in area, shall not exceed 15 feet in height, shall be permitted at a rate not exceeding one sign per corresponding building permit, shall require a sign permit, shall comply with the setback requirements for the district in which they are located, and shall be permitted from the time of building permit issuance until the time of certificate of occupancy issuance.

b.

Residential real estate signs. Residential real estate signs shall be permitted in residential districts, shall be ground mounted, shall not exceed six square feet in area, shall not exceed six feet in height, shall be permitted at a rate not exceeding one sign per parcel (with two signs permitted on a corner parcel), shall not require a sign permit, shall comply with the setback requirements for the district in which they are located, and shall be permitted during the time of sale or lease and not later than 30 days thereafter.

c.

Business or vacant lot real estate signs. Business or vacant lot real estate signs shall be permitted in commercial and industrial districts, shall be ground or wall mounted, shall not exceed 16 square feet in area, shall not exceed ten feet in height, shall be permitted at a rate not exceeding one sign per parcel (with two signs permitted on a corner parcel), shall not require a sign permit, shall comply with the setback requirements for the district in which they are located, and shall be permitted during the time of sale or lease and not later than 30 days thereafter.

d.

Unplatted vacant land real estate signs. Unplatted vacant land real estate signs shall be permitted in all districts, shall be ground mounted, shall not exceed 64 square feet in area, shall not exceed ten feet in height, shall be permitted at a rate not exceeding one sign per parcel, with two signs permitted on a corner parcel, shall require a sign permit, shall comply with the setback requirements for the district in which they are located, and shall be permitted during the time of sale or lease and not later than 30 days thereafter.

e.

Real estate development signs. Real estate development signs shall be permitted in all districts, shall be ground mounted, shall not exceed 64 square feet in area, shall not exceed ten feet in height, shall be permitted at a rate not exceeding one sign per frontage on a major or secondary thoroughfare, shall require a sign permit, shall comply with the setback requirements for the district in which they are located, and shall be permitted during the time of sale or lease of all lots or units and not later than 30 days thereafter.

f.

Grand opening signs. Grand opening signs shall be permitted in commercial districts, shall be ground or wall mounted, shall not exceed 16 square feet in area, shall not exceed ten feet in height, shall be permitted at a rate not exceeding one sign per corresponding business, shall not require a sign permit, shall comply with the setback requirements for the district in which they are located, and shall be permitted for a single period not exceeding 60 days.

g.

Garage sale signs. Garage sale signs shall be permitted in residential districts, shall be ground or wall mounted, shall not exceed two square feet in area, shall not exceed five feet in height, shall be permitted at a rate not exceeding two signs per corresponding garage sale, shall not require a sign permit, may be located within the setback required by the district in which they are located, but may not be located within a public right-of-way, and shall be permitted only during the corresponding garage sale.

h.

Community or special event signs. Community or special event signs may include ground or wall signs, banners, pennants, or similar displays, shall be permitted in all districts, shall be subject to planning commission approval, shall require a no-fee sign permit, shall comply with the setback requirements for the district in which they are located, and shall be permitted only during the corresponding community or special event.

i.

Political signs. Political signs shall be permitted in all districts, shall be ground or wall mounted, shall not exceed 16 square feet in area for ground signs in residentially zoned districts or 32 square feet in area for wall/ground signs in all other districts, shall not exceed ten feet in height, shall be permitted at a rate not exceeding two signs per parcel, may be located within the setback required by the district in which they are located, but may not be located within a public right-of-way, and shall be permitted during the period 30 days prior before and seven days after the date of the corresponding election.

j.

Window signs. Window signs may include paper or fabric displays, shall be permitted in commercial districts, shall be counted along with permanent window signs in terms of total area for window signs and total area for wall signs, shall (along with permanent window signs) not exceed one-third of the corresponding total window area, shall not require a sign permit, and shall be permitted for a single period not exceeding 30 days, with faded, yellowed, ripped, or otherwise damaged signs to be removed immediately.

(4)

Off-premises advertising signs . Freestanding off-premises advertising signs shall be permitted in M-2 districts, subject to the following provisions:

a.

Maximum size. No such sign shall exceed 300 square feet in area per sign face.

b.

Maximum height. The maximum height for such signs shall be 25 feet.

c.

Setbacks.

1.

Off-premises advertising signs shall comply with the setback requirements for the district in which they are located.

2.

No part of any such sign shall be located closer than 300 feet to any park, school, church, hospital, cemetery, convention center, or government building.

d.

Distance from other signs.

1.

There shall be a minimum of 1,500 feet between off-premises advertising signs along an interstate freeway and a minimum of 1,000 feet between off-premises advertising signs along any other public road or highway.

2.

There shall be a minimum of 100 feet between any off-premises advertising sign and any other on-premises sign.

e.

Location. Off-premises advertising signs shall not be located on or over the roofs of buildings.

f.

Number. No additional nonaccessory advertising signs shall be permitted at any time when there are ten or more billboard faces in the city.

(5)

Church signs. Church signs shall be permitted subject to the same standards as other signs in the district in which the church is located. However, churches in residential districts may erect signs for the purposes of; identification of the church or church affiliated school, parsonage, or other facility; advertising the time or subject of church services; or, presenting other related information. Such signs shall be subject to the following standards:

a.

Number. There shall be no more than one sign per parcel, except on a corner parcel, two signs, one facing each street shall be permitted. One additional sign shall be permitted for each school, parsonage, or other related facility.

b.

Size. The maximum size of each such sign shall be 20 square feet.

c.

Location. Signs shall comply with the setback requirements for the district in which they are located.

d.

Height. The maximum height of church signs shall be eight feet.

(e)

Design standards.

(1)

Construction standards.

a.

General requirements. All signs shall be designed and constructed in a safe and stable manner in accordance with the city's adopted building code and electrical code. All electrical wiring associated with a freestanding sign shall be installed underground.

b.

Building code. All signs shall be designed to comply with minimum wind pressure and other requirements set forth in the adopted building code.

c.

Framework. All signs shall be designed so that the supporting framework, other than the supporting poles on a freestanding sign, is contained within or behind the face of the sign or within the building to which it is attached so as to be totally screened from view.

d.

Nautical theme. Signs which are subject to review by the planning commission as outlined in this chapter shall be designed using a nautical theme, as defined in this chapter.

(2)

Illumination.

a.

General requirements. Signs shall be illuminated only by steady, stationary, shielded light sources directed solely at the sign, or internal to it.

b.

Non-glare, shielded lighting. Use of glaring, unshielded or unfiltered lights or bulbs shall be prohibited. Lights shall be shielded so as not to project onto adjoining properties or thoroughfares.

c.

Traffic hazards. Sign illumination that could distract motorists or otherwise create a traffic hazard shall be prohibited.

d.

Bare bulb illumination. Illumination by bare bulbs or flames is prohibited.

e.

Exceptions. Signs constructed of translucent material and lit wholly from within do not require shielding, dark backgrounds with light lettering are preferred.

(3)

Location.

a.

Within a public right-of-way. No sign shall be located within, project into, or overhang a public right-of-way, except as otherwise permitted herein.

b.

Compliance with setback requirements. All signs shall comply with the setback requirements for the district in which they are located, except as otherwise permitted herein.

c.

Motorist and pedestrian visibility. Signs shall be located so as not to interfere with or otherwise obstruct motorist or pedestrian visibility.

(4)

Measurement.

a.

Sign area. Sign area shall be computed as follows:

1.

General requirements. Where a sign consists of a generally flat surface or sign face on which lettering and other information is affixed, the sign area shall be computed by measuring the entire face of the sign.

2.

Individual letters . Where a sign consists of individual letters and logos affixed directly to a building, the area of the sign shall be computed by measuring the area of the envelope required to enclose the lettering and logo.

3.

Freestanding sign. The area of a double-faced freestanding sign shall be computed using only one face of the sign provided that the outline and dimensions of both faces are identical, and the faces are back-to-back so that only one face is visible at any given time.

4.

Ground sign. The area of a ground sign shall be computed by measuring the entire vertical surface of a face upon which the letters and logo are attached. In the case of a multi-faced ground sign, the area of the sign shall be computed using only one face of the sign.

5.

Cylindrical sign. The area of a cylindrical ground sign shall be computed by multiplying the diameter of the cylinder by its height.

b.

Setback and distance measurements. The following guidelines shall be used to determine compliance with setback and distance measurements:

1.

Distance between signs. The distance between two signs shall be measured along a straight horizontal line that represents the shortest distance between the two signs.

2.

Distance between sign, parking lot and building. The distance between a sign and a parking lot or building shall be measured along a straight horizontal line that represents the shortest distance between the outer edge of the parking lot or building.

3.

Distance between sign, building and property line. The distance between a sign and a building or property line shall be measured along a straight horizontal line that represents the shortest distance between the sign and the building.

(5)

Materials. Unless exempt from the provisions of this chapter or otherwise determined by the planning commission, all commercial and business signs shall be constructed of a carved or sandblasted wood finish, or similar construction as determined by the planning commission, and shall further be designed to include a nautical theme. For the purposes of this chapter, a nautical theme shall be interpreted as a style of design that resembles or make reference to boating or yachting related activities, accessories, water-sports, and other concepts typical of waterfront communities and activities.

(f)

Residential district signs. The following signs shall be permitted in all districts zoned for residential use, as well as in any planned development where residential uses do exist or would be permitted:

(1)

Nameplate and street address. A nameplate sign and street address shall be permitted in accordance with the provisions of subsection (d)(1) of this section.

(2)

Real estate signs. Real estate signs shall be permitted in accordance with the provisions of subsection (d)(3) of this section.

(3)

Garage sale signs. Garage sale signs shall be permitted in accordance with the provisions of subsection (d)(3) of this section.

(4)

Church signs. Church signs shall be permitted in accordance with the provisions of subsection (d)(5) of this section.

(5)

Residential entranceway signs. Permanent entranceway signs shall be permitted in accordance with the following requirements:

a.

If located on an entranceway structure, then the sign shall cover no more than 50 percent of the entranceway structure, with the structure not to exceed five feet in height or 60 square feet in area. If the sign is freestanding and not on an entranceway structure then it shall not exceed 36 square feet in area, with the sign not to exceed five feet in height.

b.

There shall be no more than one such sign located at each entrance to a subdivision or development.

c.

Signs shall be located on private property and outside any rights-of-way, but may be located in the median of a boulevard entrance to a subdivision or other residential development (in the road right-of-way), subject to approval by the county department of public services and subject to compliance with city motorist and pedestrian visibility requirements.

(6)

Signs for nonconforming uses. Each nonconforming nonresidential use in a residential district shall be permitted one wall-mounted sign, subject to the following requirements:

a.

The maximum size for such a sign shall be two square feet.

b.

No such sign shall be intentionally lighted.

(g)

Nonresidential district signs. The following signs shall be permitted in all districts (office, commercial, and industrial) zoned for other than residential use, as well as in any planned development where residential uses do not exist or would not be permitted:

(1)

Signs for residential district uses in a nonresidential district. Signs for nonconforming residential district uses in a nonresidential district shall be governed by the sign regulations for residential district uses set forth in subsection (d)(3) of this section.

(2)

Signs for nonconforming nonresidential uses. Signs for nonconforming nonresidential uses in an office, commercial, or industrial district (for example, a nonconforming commercial use in an industrial district) shall be governed by the sign regulations which are appropriate for the type of use, as specified in subsection (g) of this section.

(3)

Wall signs. Wall signs shall be permitted in office, commercial, and industrial districts, subject to the following regulations:

a.

Number. One wall sign shall be permitted per street or highway frontage on each parcel. Tenants who occupy a corner space in a multi-tenant structure shall be permitted to have one sign on each side of the building. Where several tenants use a common entrance in a multi-tenant structure, only one wall sign shall be permitted, but the total sign area should be allocated on an equal basis to all tenants.

b.

Size. The total area of a wall sign shall not exceed five percent of the ground floor building facade area or 24 square feet, whichever is less.

c.

Location. One wall sign may be located on each side of a building that faces a street or highway.

d.

Vertical dimensions. The maximum vertical dimension of any wall sign shall not exceed one-third of the building height.

e.

Horizontal dimensions. The maximum horizontal dimension of any wall-mounted sign shall not exceed three-fourths of the width of the building.

f.

Height. The top of a wall sign shall not be higher than whichever of the following is lowest:

1.

Fifteen feet above the front sidewalk elevation and not extending above the base of the second floor window sill, parapet, eave or building facade.

2.

The maximum height specified for the district in which the sign is located.

3.

The top of the sills at the first level on windows above the first story.

4.

The height of the building facing the street on which the sign is located.

(4)

Freestanding signs. Freestanding signs shall be permitted in office, commercial, and industrial districts subject to the following regulations:

a.

Number. One freestanding sign shall be permitted per street or highway frontage on each parcel. In multi-tenant buildings or shopping centers the sign area may be allocated for use by individual tenants.

b.

Size. The total area of the freestanding sign shall not exceed one square foot per two lineal feet of lot frontage, but in no case shall the freestanding sign exceed 50 square feet in area.

c.

Setback from the right-of-way. Freestanding signs may be located in the required front yard, provided that no portion of any such sign shall be located closer than 15 feet to the existing or planned right-of-way line. If a parcel is served by a private road or service road, no portion of a freestanding sign shall be closer than five feet to the edge of the road. No portion of a freestanding sign shall be located closer than 25 feet to the right-of-way of an interstate freeway.

d.

Setback from residential districts. Freestanding signs shall be located no closer to any residential district than as follows:

1.

From a C-1, C-2, C-3, M-1, M-2, M-3, or PCD district no closer than 100 feet.

2.

From a POD district, no closer than 50 feet.

e.

Height. The height of a freestanding sign in any nonresidential district shall not exceed ten feet.

(5)

Marquee signs. Marquee signs shall be permitted for theaters located in commercial districts, subject to the following requirements:

a.

Construction. Marquee signs shall consist of hard incombustible materials. The written message shall be affixed flat to the vertical face of the marquee.

b.

Vertical clearance. A minimum vertical clearance of ten feet shall be provided beneath any marquee.

c.

Projection. Limitations imposed by this chapter concerning projection of signs from the face of a wall or building shall not apply to marquee signs, provided that marquee signs shall comply with the setback requirements for the district in which they are located.

d.

Number. One marquee shall be permitted per street frontage.

e.

Size. The total size of a marquee sign shall not exceed 1½ square feet per lineal foot of building frontage.

f.

Compliance with size requirements for wall signs. The area of permanent lettering on a marquee sign shall be counted in determining compliance with the standards for total area of wall signs permitted on the parcel.

(6)

Awnings and canopies. Signs on awnings and canopies in commercial, office, and industrial districts shall be permitted, subject to the following standards:

a.

Coverage. The total area of the lettering and logo shall not exceed 25 percent of the total area of the awning or canopy that is visible from the street.

b.

Compliance with size requirements for wall signs. The area of signs on awnings or canopies shall be counted in determining compliance with the standards for total area of wall signs permitted on the parcel.

c.

Projection. Limitations imposed by this chapter concerning projection of signs from the face of a wall or building shall not apply to awning and canopy signs, provided that such signs shall comply with the setback requirements for the district in which they are located.

(7)

Gasoline price signs. Gasoline price signs shall be permitted subject to the following standards:

a.

Number. One gasoline price sign shall be permitted for each gas station.

b.

Size. Gasoline price signs shall not exceed 20 square feet in area. Gasoline price signs shall be counted in determining compliance with the standards for total area of wall or freestanding signs permitted on the parcel.

c.

Setback. Gasoline price signs shall comply with the setback and height requirements specified for freestanding signs in the district in which the signs are located.

(8)

Temporary signs. Temporary signs shall be permitted in accordance with the provisions of subsection (d)(3) of this section.

(9)

Window signs. Temporary and permanent window signs shall be permitted on the inside in commercial and office districts provided that the total combined area of such signs (including incidental signs) shall not exceed one-fourth of the total window area. The area of permanent window signs shall be counted in determining compliance with standards for total area of wall signs on the parcel. Temporary window signs shall comply with the provisions of subsection (d)(3) of this section.

(10)

Entranceway signs. Permanent entranceway signs shall be permitted in accordance with the following requirements:

a.

If located on an entranceway structure, then the sign shall cover no more than 50 percent of the entranceway structure, with the structure not to exceed five feet in height or 60 square feet in area. If the sign is freestanding and not on an entranceway structure then it shall not exceed 36 square feet in area, with the sign not to exceed five feet in height.

b.

There shall be no more than one such sign located at each entrance to a subdivision or development.

c.

Signs shall be located on private property and outside any rights-of-way, but may be located in the median of a boulevard entrance to a subdivision or other residential development (in the road right-of-way), subject to approval by the county department of public services and subject to compliance with city motorist and pedestrian visibility requirements.

(Code 1969, § 5.46; Code 1977, § 28-74; Ord. No. 171, 6-26-1989; Ord. No. 293, § 2, 12-9-2002; Ord. No. 332, § 2, 8-11-2008)