HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 07/05/2017 - FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 088, 2017, AMENDINGAgenda Item 13
Item # 13 Page 1
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY July 5, 2017
City Council
STAFF
Noah Beals, Senior City Planner/Zoning
Tom Leeson, Director, Comm Dev & Neighborhood Svrs
Cameron Gloss, Planning Manager
SUBJECT
First Reading of Ordinance No. 088, 2017, Amending the Land Use Code Sign Regulations.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this item is to update the Land Use Code (LUC) sign regulations with content neutral
standards. This Ordinance will address the following:
Eliminate standards that focus on the message of the sign
Create two Code sections, a permanent and temporary sign section
Introduce new standards based on the material classification for temporary signs
Provide additional clarification to standards for permanent signs
Add new terms with definitions related to temporary signs.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends adoption of the Ordinance on First Reading.
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
Within the last few years, many jurisdictions across the nation have updated their sign codes in response to
the United States Supreme Court case, Reed v. Town of Gilbert. These updates have clarified their regulations
to ensure they are content neutral. Content neutral sign regulations do not vary standards such as size,
location, and duration based on the message of the sign.
In a review of the City of Fort Collins current sign standards, it was found some of the standards referenced the
type or message of the regulated sign. City staff has worked with a consultant to identify these types of
standards and offer an alternative solution in regulating signs.
Proposed Ordinance Highlights
The creation of two sign sections is proposed - a permanent and temporary sign section.
A large portion of the Ordinance deals with temporary signs. These changes include classifying temporary
signs based on the material of the sign ranging from laminated paper to metal.
Temporary signs also are classified based on the design of the sign. These classifications include yard sign,
site sign, swing sign, feather flag and banner.
Agenda Item 13
Item # 13 Page 2
Regulations concerning the size, location and duration of temporary signs are further regulated based on new
temporary sign districts. The following table identifies which new sign district relates to the City of Fort Collins
existing zone districts.
Table D TEMPORARY SIGN DISTRICTS
Sign District Corresponding Zoning Districts
Downtown D; R-D-R
Commercial/Industrial T; C-C; C-C-N; C-C-R; C-G; C-S; C-L; H-C; E; I
Multifamily/Mixed-Use L-M-N; M-M-N; N-C-M; N-C-B; H-M-N; N-C
Single-Family R-U-L; U-E; R-F; R-L; N-C-L; P-O-L; R-C
Permanent sign code section changes include allowing flags and eliminating standards that were based on the
message of the sign.
New definitions have been created to define the new sign types. Some older definitions have been updated to
prevent overlap with the new definitions. Additionally, the current definition of a Sign included message-based
standards that are proposed to be eliminated.
CITY FINANCIAL IMPACTS
The City of Fort Collins Zoning staff currently reviews applications and inspects the installation of
signs/banners. It is anticipated that staff time dedicated to signs/banners will increase for the first year after
the adoption of the proposed changes.
BOARD / COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
The Planning and Zoning Board will review the proposed changes during its regularly scheduled meeting on
July 20. If this Ordinance is adopted on First Reading, the Planning and Zoning Board’s recommendation will
be available at the time of Second Reading, currently scheduled for August 15.
PUBLIC OUTREACH
Staff in Zoning and the City Attorney’s Office, along with the consultants, engaged citizens, business owners
and sign contractors in discussions of sign code updates at two public outreach sessions held December 19,
2016 and January 13, 2017.
The general feedback received from these sessions included:
Content neutral is a good idea
Other sections of the sign code should be explored.
Further outreach has been scheduled with the Chamber of Commerce. This outreach is scheduled for June 30.
Feedback from the June 30 meeting will be included in the Council read-before packet on July 5.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Public Outreach Meeting Notes, December 19, 2016 (PDF)
2. Public Outreach Meeting Notes, January 13, 2017 (PDF)
3. Work Session Summary, May 23, 2017 (PDF)
4. Ordinance No. 088, 2017 (PDF)
Early Input Session #1
Monday, December 19, 2016
Group Meeting, 11am
Sign Contractor and Business Representative
Sign Contractor – business growing, multi-state, even international. Relies on legal review by client if
vary from code (w/ a “variance fee.” Very experienced team. Believes in “prudent signage.”
Business Representative- Visitor Center in new Mountain Builds: touch screen. Up for 5 months, notified
by City of violation. Developed proposal, case studies from other cities. C3 Real Estate wants a similar
sign - were denied. ZBA denied application. Under window sign category? Or EMC? Shared case studies
– wants us to use them to support a code change.
Business Representative – wants new space in code: storefront Interactive Marketing Technology (very
flexible = hours, lumens, how are these different than the Front Range directory EMC?). Inside of glass,
not touch screen – button technology. Can be programmed (timing, frequency, lumins etc.)
Case Study – “Cons”? Sign Contractor– owner wanted something not allowed in code.
EMCS – Most cities in NOCo 50% EMC, differ in terms of size, timing. Only 2 color regulations right now
are allowed. Wants full color with limitations. Larimer CO is more flexible, consider mirroring. How to
monitor illumination? Light gun. Timnath entry signs: color blast, projection, 6500 calvins. Big Al’s; the
Rio in Frisco (seen from Interstate); RARE (Mtn + College). Windsor – used to be 24 hr. change, FC is 1
min. EMCs are going down in price. The Group could use the EMC to advertise community events +
advertise other businesses. 50 % rule is prudent (per sign face). Limitations should only be in special
districts (i.e. residential sign district).
Process – Can obtain sign permit in 1 hour if code is met. Overland is 7 business days. Windsor is 5-7
business days. Not as much wiggle room on how code is interpreted by current team. Predictable.
Larimer much more flexible on EMC. Fort Collins has a smoother process compared to other NOCo cities
– can get on variance calendar quickly.
HOA Code – supersedes City Code
Planned Sign Code Program – Sign Contractor has not prepared one here. He seems to discourage it.
How do we get to a LED Sign that does not look like an EMC?
Efficiency Works – LED can open up rebates (subsidiary of PRPA). Can be 30-40 % rebates of total cost.
Matt Cotié.
Other Issue:
ATTACHMENT 1
x Grades – sometime too steep to fit monument sign within setback due to landscape berms or
retaining wall. Wants a little more flexible on grade, if meet height and size requirements.
Wants’ “prerailing grade” of site rather than grade @ the sign.
x Doing a great job, Zoning Staff. That is the difference with Fort Collins – they work with sign
contractors. Loves “sign surveys” that FC offers – tracks history by business. Do no follow
Boulder’s model – it is very very difficult.
x Innovative ideas are not always horizontal signs.
Fort Collins Sign Code Early Input Session #2
January 13, 2017
Why update: maintain regionally exceptional aesthetics and character of the community; complaints re:
brightness of EMCs.
Individual Meeting, 10am
Citizen:
Aesthetics matter
Watchdog of certain issues; sign code is one of the top 3. Other top 2 are electrical undergrounding and
open space. Does not want to weaken the code.
Churchill: we shape the community (buildings) and the community shapes us.
What do we really have to do? Vs What do some want to do?
A city has to be egregious in order to be sued. Most businesses do not want to sue their city.
Mention death spiral of signage – origins of sign code in 1960s.
Complains against political campaigns that violate code – specifically signs in ROWs.
Advocates for fairness, aesthetics and timing (length of time). Not worried about content, more worried
about aesthetics – size, duration etc.
My goal: what is the common good size? Not going to the least or the most. What is rationale? What
makes sense?
Not a vested economic interest. Not own assets that require signs beyond political.
Avoid “government by and for business.” Stakeholders usually are the economically vested businesses.
Governments exist for and by the people, to protect the public good. Businesses have resources to
pursue and defend their own interests. Businesses get 95% of the attention. Capture theory:
government regulators get captured by the very interests they have an interest in regulating. Asks that
we avoid overly loosening to benefit private interests.
Start with the interest that we are hearing primarily from private vested interests.
Public meeting: less and less citizen involvement as the city gets bigger. Involvement comes down to
NIMBY, or highly divisive social issues.
Safety aspect: distracted driving an increasing risk. Base case on public safety in the ROW.
Hopefully the consolidation of signs wouldn’t result in a billboard-sized EMC.
ATTACHMENT 2
Should a sign be placed in a landscaped area? Yes.
Use this opportunity to address ways to improve other aspects of signs: landscaping, distance between
signs?
Temporary signs: Currently banners allow 20 additional days if opening new business.
Downtown signs should have a different aesthetic than other areas. Most signage downtown is nice.
Laws are written for the 10% of egregious abusers, to level the playing field of those with a competitive
advantage. Should this be addressed in either the downtown plan or the sign code update?
Consultant: This is looking at sign code in terms of districts.
Group Meeting, 11am
Sign Contractor:
EMCs: careful of ill-matched comparisons (like RV World, Las Vegas). While FC requires smaller signs,
they are closer to the ROW/viewers and can be bright. Need to come up with a rationale unit of
measure for
Suggests that code is one of the most restrictive re: EMCs. Wants to allow businesses to share in a cost
efficient way: images, brightness, size, # of colors. Comfortable where we are at, though we do not want
to go backwards.
EMC enforcement: shipped with settings that meet city requirements. Customer can manipulate the nit
levels. Some cheaper units does not indicate nit units/lumens.
Brightness levels: measurement spelled out in code. Use light (nit) reader for enforcement. Shut the sign
off to take baseline reading (because of ambient light readings). Longmont requires a letter from sign
company or owner that sign was installed to meet code, in part to underline the issue. Eye test tells you
what is right, though that cannot be codified. Brightness level automatically reduces based on sunlight.
Resolution: as a community we agreed not to have high resolution signs. Effort not long ago to eliminate
EMCs from the community. In order to retain them, the city agreed to limit to low resolution signs. Used
to be 16 millimeters – that is most common, moving towards 12. Can be as low as 8. Cities require no
less resolution than 16 mm.
Size: frame not included in 50% size. Some businesses want 100% EMC. Ventilation not an issue – many
are front vented. Electric access, most are front access. Standardized sizes of manufactured EMCs should
not drive code.
Color: strong interest in more than 2 colors.
Design: some clients want EMC on top. Others on bottom. Is there a preference? Don’t want it to be
addressed in code. Integration of EMC with cabinet (not separated)? Don’t want it to be addressed in
code. What is the community preference on disintegration? Full cover on sides and top (Foothills) .
Foothills Mall – revised over 5 years, appealing results.
Balance the communicative interest of the property owner the community.
Zip track (interchangeable letter) signs – allowed in Code.
Schools not subject to Code; going LED.
Temporary signs: banners, A-frames, windows. Should banners be framed? Have not been successful in
selling because city does not consider banners as permanent signs. If temporary sign is regulated only
on timing? When should city regular timing…. Amount of time based on durability. Regulate timing
based on election cycle / seasons?
Content: EMCs innovation is that are connected to the cloud rather than a data line.
What has been irritating?
- Nothing
- Pole covers. Added expense. Owners want the lowest cost cover, not as concerned with materials and
look.
- little interest in pole signs except along freeways and agricultural corridors.
- length of time temporary signs can be up. Every business gets one temporary sign?
Sign must look associated with the building: base related to the architecture of the building.
Ground signs: get rewarded in City because gives larger area.
World Class: more LEDs. Character by district.
Wall-signs – see Miriam notes. Measuring frontage is better than measuring signable area.
Shape: up to 8 contiguous straight signs.
Restrictions on length of banners, a-frames. Example, A-frames legal downtown. Banner frames worth
evaluating.
# of lines: draft for 85% success – try not to overcomplicate. Requires more staff time.
Marijuana – because prohibited by Federal law how should local regulations address? City has the right
to say no to certain MJ terms.
LED: if rewrite, add marque sign on Lincoln Center. Show community what a model LED sign should look
like.
Machines that shake signs – not allowed, period. Human beings have constitutional rights and robots
don’t – do not count as off-premise signs. Use code to educate the why.
Public Involvement: Chamber of Commerce Legislative Affairs Committee meets every Friday. Available
January 20 and throughout Jan and Feb except Feb 10.
Process: friendly staff; fast – in 30 minutes; astonishingly sweet; obtain permit at the counter (which is
almost unheard of across the country); monitor signs on the building – saves time because do not have
to provide photos of business. Do not change the process. For variances: first meeting 4 weeks out,
sometimes can obtain decision in the meeting. Variance is a costly due to process. Important to hear
both sides and find common ground rather than emphasizing appeals. Some staff lost job over the cost
of defending onerous color requirements.
Wes: I’m going to need some time to get my head into this.
Sign Contractor:
We work in over 60 cities, and by far the City of Fort Collins is one of the best places to work. Not
because of the sign code but because of the process: the City offers straightforward procedures and
quick turnaround. That is extremely important to us. Other locations we work with require months to
get a permit. A recent job in Longmont took 13 months. It can become so cumbersome that it is easier
and cheaper to put up an illegal sign.
Projected signs: relax to allow a little more creativity. See Butterfly Café sign proposal. Parking garage
only allowed to be 12” tall on a very large building. Armstrong Hotel sign now a landmark. Make it
proportional to the size of the building.
Innovation: Buell Theatre has a special theatre district that allows any type of sign – only a few blocks.
Theatre type signs. Art and sculpture mixed together.
EMCs: more than two colors. Most clients want full color.
EMCs on top: not look good, such as Mulberry Max / Safeway, The Ranch Events Complex sign
Window Plasma Screens: as price comes down it will become more popular.
Informational Displays / Kiosks: inside (malls) and outside.
Expressed interest in serving on ad hoc committee.
Signs above the Roofline: current prohibited. However, many cities have designated their roofline signs
as landmarks. These can be quite distinctive and fit the architecture.
Setback lines: use the flow line rather than the property line. The property line can be significantly back
from the ROW. Or measure from curb.
Zone Districts: we can work with these district standards, are sensitive to residential areas.
Opaque background: sometimes a trademark logo or color does not read well against opaque.
Sign Contractor
Fort Morgan much simpler than previous code
Off-premise: because in 10th circuit, can regulate on- and off-premise signs differently. Can be context-
sensitive, such as adjacency to intersection; sight lines.
The irresponsible offenders offend a responsible industry.
EMC Brightness: 85% capacity @ day; 15% @ night. If foggy, reduced further.
EMC Resolution: high resolution can look as statis as a printed sign. Need brightness and resolution
standards. The higher the resolution, the higher quality it looks. High quality is a core value for the City…
so why require low resolution signs?
EMC Color: not interested in 2-color billboards, would rather do static print – not cost effective. Full
color highly sought after by customers. 2-color is worse than full color. Should be vetted in a public
forum.
EMC Monitoring: Lamar will send their standards for nit readings and measurement protocols. They
want other companies to follow their company’s higher standards. Suggest that their standards exceed
the City’s current code. Code should speak to how EMCs are maintained/monitored: light readings,
broken lights, off colors.
EMC dwell times: CDOT regulations are 4 sec. Weld Co 10 sec. Lamar uses 6 sec. Instantaneous
transitions. Animation not appropriate for roadways, limit to pedestrian areas.
There are limited opportunities for mass advertising: declining newspapers, etc. EMC signs become a
valuable asset, and can feature multiple companies within a single structure. Reduce sign pollution.
Dark sky – Lamar has collect research and can share.
Signs that are not legible (internal signs) from the property line are not regulated as a sign.
Lamar holds long-term land leases, owns some land with signs, and subleases signs on others’
structures. Lamar manages FC bus stop, Transfort sign leases, not just billboards
Offered to bring EMC with DaVinci to public meeting
Grandfathered non-conforming billboards cannot be improved; only replacements in-kind.
Mature landscaping screens some signs.
Outreach: contact Board of Realtors, Business Associations.
ATTACHMENT 3
Page 1
ORDINANCE NO. 088, 2017
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
AMENDING THE LAND USE CODE SIGN REGULATIONS
WHEREAS, on December 2, 1997, by its adoption of Ordinance No. 190, 1997, the City
Council enacted the Fort Collins Land Use Code; and
WHEREAS, the Land Use Code contains regulations regarding signs within the City; and
WHEREAS, the 2015 United States Supreme Court case Reed v. Town of Gilbert and
subsequent lower court decisions applying Reed v. Town of Gilbert prompted a review of the
City’s sign regulations with regards to the issues of content and viewpoint neutrality; and
WHEREAS, the changes to the City’s sign code contained in this Ordinance are for the
purpose of ensuring compliance with Reed v. Town of Gilbert and related cases; and
WHEREAS, the City has legitimate, important, substantial, or compelling interests in:
1. Preventing the proliferation of signs that tends to result from property owners
competing for the attention of passing motorists and pedestrians (also known as
“sign clutter”), because sign clutter:
a. Creates visual distraction and obstructs views, potentially creating safety
hazards for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians;
b. May involve physical obstruction of streets, sidewalks, or trails, creating
public safety hazards;
c. Degrades the aesthetic quality of the City, making the City a less attractive
place for residents, business owners, visitors, and private investment; and
d. Dilutes or obscures messages on individual signs due to the increasing
intensity of competition for attention.
2. Protecting the health of its tree canopy, an important community asset that
contributes to the character, environmental quality, and economic health of the
City and the region; and
3. Maintaining a high quality aesthetic environment to protect and enhance property
values and the public investment in streets, sidewalks, trails, plazas, parks, and
landscaping, and to enhance community pride; and
WHEREAS, the Council finds that:
1. The regulations set out in this Ordinance are unrelated to the suppression of
constitutionally-protected free expression, do not relate to the content of protected
messages that may be displayed on signs, and do not relate to the viewpoint of
individual speakers;
Page 2
2. Any incidental restriction on the freedom of speech that may result from the
regulation of signs pursuant to this Ordinance is no greater than is essential to the
furtherance of the important, substantial, and compelling interests that are
advanced herein;
3. Regulation of the location, number, materials, height, sign area, form, and
duration of display of signs is essential to preventing sign clutter; and
4. Signs may be degraded, damaged, moved, or destroyed by causes including wind,
rain, snow, ice, and sun, and after such degradation, damage, movement, or
destruction, such signs harm the safety and aesthetics of the City if they are not
removed; and
WHEREAS, the purpose and intent of this Ordinance is to establish reasonable
regulations for the design, location, installation, maintenance, and removal of signs in a manner
that advances the City’s legitimate, important, substantial, and compelling interests, while
simultaneously safeguarding constitutionally protected free speech; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that the Land Use Code sign regulations
contained in this Ordinance will promote the objectives and public purposes described above and
are in the best interests of the City and its citizens.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FORT COLLINS as follows:
Section 1. That the City Council hereby makes and adopts the determinations and
findings contained in the recitals set forth above.
Section 2. That Section 3.8.7 of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as
follows:
3.8.7 Signs.
3.8.7.1 Permanent Signs
(A) General.
(1) Signs Permitted. SignsPermanent signs shall be permitted in the various
zone districts as accessory uses in accordance with the regulations
contained in this Section. The regulations contained in this Section 3.8.7.1
apply to permanent signs while temporary signs are regulated under
Section 3.8.7.2 unless specifically provided herein.
(2) Prohibited Permanent Signs. Rooftop signs and all other signs which
project above the fascia wall, portable signs, revolving and rotating signs,
strings of light bulbs not permanently mounted on a rigid background used
in connection with commercial premises for commercial purposes other
Page 3
than traditional holiday decorations, posters inflatable signs, and wind-
driven signs (except flags in compliance with this Section 3.8.7.1, banners
and pennants) shall be prohibited in all zone districts.
(3) Nonconforming Signs.
(a) Existing signs which were erected without a permit and which,
although legally permissible at the time they were erected, have become
nonconforming because of subsequent amendments to this Code must be
brought into conformance with the provisions of this Section, as amended,
within ninety (90) days of the effective date of the amendment which
caused the nonconformity.
(b) Existing on-premise signs for which a sign permit was issued
pursuant to the previous provisions of this Code, and which have
become nonconforming because of an amendment to this Code,
shall be brought into conformance with the provisions of this
Section 3.8.7.1 within the period of time specified in the ordinance
containing the amendment which causes the nonconformity. In
determining such period of time, the City Council shall consider
the length of time since the last Code change affecting that same
category of signs as well as the cost of bringing the signs into
compliance. During the period of time that the signs may remain
nonconforming, such signs shall be maintained in good condition
and no such sign shall be:
1. structurally changed to another nonconforming sign,
although its content may be changed;
2. structurally altered in order to prolong the life of the sign,
except to meet safety requirements;
3. altered so as to increase the degree of nonconformity of the
sign;
4. enlarged;
5. continued in use if a change of use occurs as defined in the
zoning ordinance, or if the premises promoted by the sign
comes under new ownership or tenancy and such sign is
proposed to be remodeled, repainted or otherwise changed
for the purpose of displaying the new name or other new
identification of the premises; or
6. re-established after damage or destruction if the estimated
cost of reconstruction exceeds fifty (50) percent of the
appraised replacement cost.
Page 4
(c) Except as provided in subsection (d) below, all existing
nonconforming signs located on property annexed to the City shall
be removed or made to conform to the provisions of this Article no
later than seven (7) years after the effective date of such
annexation; provided, however, that during said seven-year period,
such signs shall be maintained in good condition and shall be
subject to the same limitations contained in subparagraphs (b)(1)
through (b)(6) above. This subsection shall not apply to off-
premises signs which are within the ambit of the just compensation
provisions of the Federal Highway Beautification Act and the
Colorado Outdoor Advertising Act.
(d) All existing signs with flashing, moving, blinking, chasing or other
animation effects not in conformance with the provisions of this
Article and located on property annexed to the City after
November 28, 1971, shall be made so that such flashing, moving,
blinking, chasing or other animation effects shall cease within sixty
(60) days after such annexation, and all existing portable signs,
vehicle-mounted signs, banners and pennants located on property
annexed to the City after November 28, 1971, shall be removed or
made to conform within sixty (60) days after such annexation.
(B) Administration.
(1) Permit Required; Exceptions.
(a) The erection, remodeling, reface, or removal of any permanent
sign shall require a permit from the Zoning AdministratorDirector,
except that no permit shall be required for the erection, remodeling
or removal of any sign regulated by subsections 3.8.7(C)(1)(a), (c),
(g) or (j); subsections 3.8.7(D)(2), (3) or (4); or subsection
3.8.7(L). of the following signs:
1. Signs that are required by law at the minimum size
required, including but not limited to address signs that are
required by the applicable Fire Code;
2. One attached sign of any type per building elevation or
entrance (whichever provides for more signs on an
elevation), provided that the sign does not exceed two
square feet in sign area;
3. Three or fewer flags per property, or group of properties
that were planned or developed with shared pedestrian or
vehicle access, hung separately or together from a rigid,
straight, building or ground-mounted flagpole, or flagpoles,
and where no flag exceeds 32 square feet in area;
Page 5
4. Signs that are less than one square foot in sign area that are
attached to machines, equipment, fences, gates, walls,
gasoline pumps, public telephones, utility cabinets, and
other such structures, provided that no more than two of
such signs are spaced less than 10 feet apart, or such signs
are not visible from public rights-of-way; and
5. Window signs that are less than 6 square feet.
(b) All sign permit applications shall be accompanied by detailed
drawings indicating the dimensions, location and engineering of
the particular sign, and plat plans when applicable, and the
applicable processing fee.
(2) Permit Processing. The Director shall review the sign permit application
within two business days to determine if it is complete. If it is complete,
the Director shall approve or deny the application within three business
days after such determination. If it is incomplete, the Director shall cause
the application to be returned to the applicant within one business day of
the determination, along with written reasons for the determination of
incompleteness.
(C) Standards and Limitations.
(1) Limitations for Residential Districts and Uses. Signs in the N-C-L, N-C-
M, U-E, R-F, R-L, L-M-N, M-M-N, H-M-N, N-C-B, R-C and P-O-L
Districts may include and shall be limited to the following:
(a) one (1) identification sign per single-family or two-family
dwelling, provided such sign does not exceed two (2) square feet in
area per face;
(b) one (1) identification sign per multi-family dwelling, provided
such sign does not exceed twenty (20) square feet in area per face
and has only indirect illumination;
(c) one (1) for sale or for rent sign per lot, provided such sign does not
exceed six (6) square feet in area per face and is unlighted;
(d) identification signs during the construction of a development,
provided that the placement and use of all such signs shall be
subject to the following limitations:
1. The maximum size for identification signs shall be sixty-
four (64) square feet in area per face.
2. All such signs shall be located within the development and
must be located along arterial streets abutting the
Page 6
development and shall be subject to the following
limitations:
a. No more than two (2) such signs shall be permitted
on any single arterial boundary of the development.
b. Such signs must be at least one thousand (1,000) feet apart
if they are not located at the same intersection.
3. When a development has no frontage on an arterial street,
identification signs may be located along collector streets
abutting the development, except that no more than one (1)
such sign shall be permitted along any collector street
abutting the development.
4. Identification signs must be removed when the
development sales office closes.
(a)(e) one (1) identification one (1) sign per public or semipublic
usevehicular entry to a multi-family development or residential
subdivision, provided such sign does not exceed thirty-five (35)
square feet in area per face, or eight (8six (6) feet in height, and
has only indirect illumination;
(f) one (1) identification sign per entrance to the property identifying a
subdivision or housing project, provided that such sign does not
exceed thirty-five (35) square feet in area per face, six (6) feet in
height and has only direct illumination. When such signs are
placed on subdivision entry wall structures, only the sign face shall
be used to calculate the size of the sign;
(b)(g) any number of election signsone (1) detached or attached sign per
nonresidential use, provided each such sign does not exceed eight
(8thirty-five (35) square feet in area per face or eight (8) feet in
height (for detached signs), and is unlightedhas only indirect
illumination;
(h) one (1) identification sign per child care center, provided such sign
does not exceed ten (10) square feet in area per face and is
unlighted;
(i) one (1) identification sign per subdivision sales office, provided
that such sign does not exceed ten (10) square feet in area per face
and is unlighted;
(j) any number of ideological signs, provided such signs do not
exceed ten (10) square feet in area per face with a maximum
aggregate of twenty (20) square feet in face area per lot and are
Page 7
unlighted. In addition, where an identification sign is allowed
under this Section, all or any portion of said sign may be used as
an ideological sign;
(c)(k) one identification sign per licensed home occupationone (1)
detached or attached sign per single-family or duplex building with
lot frontage on an arterial street, provided that such sign does not
exceed four (4) square feet in area per face. or five (5) feet in
height, and has no illumination.
(D) General Limitations for Nonresidential Districts and Uses. Signs in the D, R-D-
R, C-C, C-C-N, C-C-R, C-G, C-S, N-C, C-L, H-C, E and I districts, or for any
institutional/civic/public, business, commercial or industrial use in a mixed-use
district shall be limited to the following:
(1) such signs as are permitted in the R-L District.;
(2) one (1) flag larger than thirty-two (32) square feet in area and within the
permitted sign area allowance for the property, provided no other flags are
displayed;
(2) any number of election signs, provided each such sign does not exceed
thirty-two (32) square feet in area per face.
(3) one (1) for sale or for rent sign per lot, provided such sign does not exceed
sixteen (16) square feet in area per face.
(4) any number of ideological signs, provided such signs comply with all
other requirements for signs in nonresidential districts.
(53) flush wall signs, projecting wall signs, window signs, freestanding signs
and ground signs, provided that the placement and use of all such signs
shall be governed by and shall be within the following limitations:
(a) For the first two hundred (200) feet in building frontage length, the
maximum sign area permitted shall be equal to two (2) square feet
of sign area for each linear foot of building frontage length.
(b) For that portion of a building frontage which exceeds two hundred
(200) feet in length, the maximum sign area permitted shall be
equal to one (1) square foot of sign area for each linear foot of
building frontage length over such two hundred (200) feet. The
sign area permitted hereunder shall be in addition to the sign area
permitted under (53)(a). above.
(c) In no event shall the total sign allowance for any property be less
than one (1) square foot of sign allowance for each linear foot of
lot frontage.
Page 8
(d) In no event shall more than three (3) street or building frontages be
used as the basis for calculating the total sign allowance as
permitted in subsections (53)(a) and (53)(c) above, inclusive.
(e) For flush wall signs consisting of framed banners, all banners shall
be sized to fit the banner frame so that there are no visible gaps
between the edges of the banner and the banner frame.
(64) For the purpose of this Section, the sign allowance shall be calculated on
the basis of the length of the one (1) building frontage which is most
nearly parallel to the street it faces. If a building does not have frontage on
a dedicated public street, the owner of the building may designate the one
(1) building frontage which shall be used for the purpose of calculating the
sign allowance. If the only building frontage which fronts on a dedicated
street is a wall containing no signs, the property owner may designate
another building frontage on the building on the basis of which the total
sign allowance shall be calculated, provided that no more than twenty-five
(25) percent of the total sign allowance permitted under this Article may
be placed on frontage other than the building fascia which was the basis
for the sign allowance calculation. In all other cases, the sign allowance
for a property may be distributed in any manner among its building and/or
street frontages except that no one (1) building or street frontage may
contain more sign area than one hundred (100) percent of the sign area
provided for by (53)(a) through (53)(c) above, inclusive.
(75) In addition to the sign allowance calculation described in paragraph (64)
above, a building located in the Downtown (D) Zone District that abuts an
alley which has been improved pursuant to the Downtown Development
Authority's Alley Enhancement Project may be allowed one (1) flush wall
sign not to exceed six (6) square feet, or one (1) projecting wall sign not to
exceed six (6) square feet per side, on the rear wall of such building,
provided that a public entrance to the business(es) advertised on the
signbuilding exists in said wall.
(E) Limitations for Nonresidential Districts and Nonresidential Uses in the
Residential Neighborhood Sign District. There is hereby established a
"Residential Neighborhood Sign District" for the purpose of regulating signs for
nonresidential uses in certain geographical areas of the City which may be
particularly affected by such signs because of their predominantly residential use
and character. The boundaries of the "Residential Neighborhood Sign District"
shall be shown on a map which shall be maintained in the office of the City Clerk.
Any amendments to this map shall be made in the same manner as amendments to
the Zoning Map of the City, as provided in Article 2. The following provisions
shall only apply to project development plans proposed in the Neighborhood
Commercial Districts and neighborhood service centers, convenience shopping
centers, business service uses and auto-related and roadside commercial uses in
the "Residential Neighborhood Sign District" which are developed on or after
Page 9
January 15, 1993. In addition, all such provisions, except paragraphs (14) and (15)
below, shall apply to signs in neighborhood service centers, neighborhood
commercial districts, convenience shopping centers, business service uses and
auto-related and roadside commercial uses in the "Residential Neighborhood Sign
District" which were developed prior to the effective date of this Code, whenever
such signs are erected or remodeled pursuant to a permit after January 15, 1993.
(1) Signs regulated under this Section shall generally conform to the other
requirements of this Section, except that when any of the following
limitations are applicable to a particular sign, the more restrictive
limitation shall apply.
(2) Signs regulated under this Section shall also conform to any locational
requirements imposed by the decision maker as a condition of the
approval of the development plan.
(3) No sign shall project more than twelve (12) inches beyond the building
fascia. Under-canopy signs which are perpendicular to the face of the
building shall be exempted from this requirement, except that they shall be
limited to four (4) square feet in area per face.
(4) Freestanding or ground signs shall comply with the following
requirements with respect to size, number and height:
Use
Maximum area per
sign face (sf. =
square feet)
Maximum number
of signs permitted
per street frontage Maximum height
Auto-related and roadside
commercial and business
service uses All
Institutional, Business and
Commercial Uses Not
Otherwise Specified in this
Table
Primary - 32 s.f. Primary - 1 Primary - 5 ft.
Convenience sShopping
cCenter
Primary - 40 s.f. Primary - 1 Primary - 8 ft.
Neighborhood sService
cCenter,
Neighborhood Commercial
District
Primary - 55 s.f.
Secondary - 32 s.f.
Primary - 1
Secondary - 1
Primary - 10 ft.
Secondary - 6 ft.
(5) Freestanding signs shall be permitted only if constructed with a supporting
sign structure, the width of which exceeds seventy (70) percent of the
width of the sign face. Freestanding or ground signs shall contain no more
than two (2) faces. No freestanding or ground sign shall be located less
than seventy-five (75) feet from any directly abutting property which
Page 10
contains an existing or approved residential use or is zoned for residential
use. For the purposes of this subsection, the term approved shall mean
having current project development plan or final plan approval.
(6) All supporting sign structures of a freestanding or ground sign shall match
the primary finish and colors of the associated building(s).
(7) All signs which are greater than four (4) square feet in area, except ground
signs and those signs which replicate a business logo, must be comprised
only of individual letters signs or cabinets signs wherein only the letters
are illuminated.
(8) The maximum size of individual letters and logos on flush wall signs and
flush wall cabinets or individual letters shall be as follows:
Use
Maximum
letter
height
Maximum logo
heightCabinet or
Individual Letter
Height
Maximum
cabinet
height
Auto-related and roadside commercial and
business service uses All Institutional, Business
and Commercial Uses Not Otherwise Specified
in this Table
12"
18"
18"
Convenience sShopping cCenter 18" 24" 24"
Neighborhood sService cCenter,
Neighborhood Commercial District
24"
*
30"
*
30"
*
* Any individual tenant space exceeding forty-five thousand (45,000) square feet in floor area
shall be permitted one (1) flush wall sign with individual letters not to exceed forty-eight (48)
inches in height and/or logos not to exceed fifty-four (54) inches in height. The maximum
cabinet height shall be fifty-four (54) inches in height.
(9) If signs are illuminated, only internal illumination shall be permitted. This
requirement shall not apply to freestanding or ground signs.
(10) The length of any flush wall sign for an individual tenant space shall be
limited to seventy-five (75) percent of the width of the tenant storefront,
but no sign shall exceed forty (40) feet in length; provided, however, that
any individual tenant space exceeding forty-five thousand (45,000) square
feet in floor area shall be permitted one (1) flush wall sign not exceeding
fifty-five (55) feet in length. Each tenant space shall be allowed one (1)
such flush wall sign on each exterior building wall directly abutting the
tenant space. In the event that a tenant space does not have a directly
abutting exterior wall, one (1) sign not exceeding thirty (30) square feet
may be erected on an exterior wall of the building for the purpose of
identifying that tenant space.
Page 11
(11) The location of any flush wall sign shall be positioned to harmonize with
the architectural character of the building(s) to which they are attached,
including, but not limited to, any projection, relief, cornice, column,
change of building material, window or door opening. Flush wall signs
shall align with other such signs on the same building.
(12) No illuminated sign visible from or within three hundred (300) feet of any
property which contains an existing or approved residential use or is zoned
for residential use, may be illuminated between the hours of 11:00 p.m. (or
one-half [½] hour after the use to which it is pertains is closed, whichever
is later) and 6:00 a.m.; provided, however, that this time limitation shall
not apply to any lighting which is used primarily for the protection of the
premises or for safety purposes or any signage which is separated from a
residential use by an arterial street. For the purposes of this subsection, the
term "approved" shall mean having current project development plan or
final plan approval.
(13) One (1) flush wall sign or under-canopy sign per street frontage, not to
exceed twelve (12) square feet in area, shall be permitted on or under the
fascia of a canopy covering the retail dispensing or sales of vehicular
fuels. an area used by motor vehicles (including but not limited to service
station canopies, canopies over drive-in or drive-through facilities, etc.)
(14) For the first two hundred (200) feet in building frontage length in a
neighborhood service center, the maximum sign area permitted shall be
equal to one and one-quarter (1¼) square feet for each linear foot of
building frontage length. For that portion of a building frontage which
exceeds two hundred (200) feet in length, the maximum sign area
permitted shall be equal to two-thirds (2/3) foot for each linear foot of
building frontage length over such two hundred (200) feet.
(15) For the first two hundred (200) feet in building frontage length in a
neighborhood convenience shopping center, or any other business service
use or auto-related and roadsideor commercial use that is not a
neighborhood service center or neighborhood commercial district, the
maximum sign area permitted shall be equal to one (1) square foot for
each linear foot of building frontage length. For that portion of a building
frontage which exceeds two hundred (200) feet in length, the maximum
sign area permitted shall be equal to one-half (½) foot for each linear foot
of building frontage over such two hundred (200) feet.
(16) In addition to the basic size allowance permitted under subsection
3.8.7(E)(4), the sign area and height of a freestanding or ground sign may
be increased by an additional twenty (20) percent if only identification of
the name and/or logo of the retail center or business park is used on the
primary or secondary freestanding or ground sign. This bonus shall only
be applied to the freestanding or ground sign on which the limitation
occurs.
Page 12
(167) Window signs, excluding ideological signs, may shall cover no more than
twenty-five (25) percent of the surface area of the window or door in
which such signs are placed. Temporary window signs shall not be
allowed above the first story of a building. A window sign shall be
considered to be a temporary window sign if it is displayed in the same
window or door, or same approximate location outside of a window or
door, for no more than thirty (30) calendar days within a calendar year.
Changes in the message displayed on such sign shall not affect the
computation of the thirty-day period of time provided for herein.
. . .
(G) Freestanding and Ground Sign Requirement.
(1) Ground signs which exceed forty-two (42) inches in height, and
freestanding signs which do not maintain free air space between a height
of forty-two (42) inches and seventy-two (72) inches above the abutting
street elevation, shall be set back from the right-of-way line a distance as
established in the sight distance triangle table contained in this subsection.
A freestanding sign shall not be construed to have free air space if such
sign has a base, the width of which exceeds fifty (50) percent of the width
of its face or three (3) feet, whichever is smaller. In addition, freestanding
and ground signs shall not be located closer to the right-of-way line than
allowed in the tables below that apply to such signs.
Sight Distance Triangle Setbacks (See Figure 16)
Type of street Y distances (feet) X distances (feet) Safe sight distance (feet)
Arterial
Right 135
15 500
Left 270
Collector
Right 120
15 400
Left 220
Local
Right 100
15 300
Left 150
Figure 16
SafeSight Distance Triangle Setbacks
Note: All "X" distances shall be fifteen (15) feet measured perpendicular from the project
flowline of the intersecting street. For explanation of distances, see the diagram following
diagram. These distances are typical sight distance triangles to be used under normal conditions
and may be modified by the Director of Engineering in order to protect the public safety and
welfare in the event that exceptional site conditions necessitate such modification.
Page 13
Requirements for Freestanding Signs
(See Accompanying Text Below)
Distance from street
right-of-way line (feet)
Maximum height
above grade (feet)
Maximum size allowed
per side (square feet)
0 10 20
5 10 30
10 12 40
15 12 50
20 14 60
25 16 70
30 18 80
36 and more 18 90
Requirements for Ground Signs
(See Accompanying Text Below)
Distance from street
right-of-way line (feet)
Maximum height
above grade (feet)
Maximum size allowed
per side (square feet)
0 7 45
5 8.5 60
10 10 75
Page 14
15 and more 12 90
(2) The maximum size for ground and freestanding signs shall be ninety (90)
square feet per side. The maximum height for freestanding signs shall be
eighteen (18) feet above grade. The maximum height for ground signs
shall be twelve (12) feet above grade. No freestanding or ground sign shall
be built within fifteen (15) feet of any interior side lot line. The minimum
horizontal distance between freestanding or ground signs located on the
same lot shall be seventy-five (75) feet.
(3) The maximum combined sign area of all faces of a freestanding or ground
sign shall be two (2) times the maximum sign area allowed per side, based
on setback. Any limitation imposed under this Article on the size of the
face of a sign shall also apply to the entire side of the sign.
(4) The required setback of any freestanding or ground sign shall be measured
from the street right-of-way line of the street frontage which is the basis
for the allotment of such sign. Any such setback shall be measured
perpendicularly from the street right-of-way line to the nearest portion of
the sign face or structure.
(5) When a freestanding or ground sign is placed on a lot with two (2) or more
street frontages, such sign shall be said to abut a particular street frontage
when it is located closer to that street frontage than any other street
frontage.
(6) No more than one (1) permanent freestanding or ground sign per street
frontage shall be permitted for any property or group of properties that
were planned or developed with shared pedestrian or vehicle access.;
excepting, however, election signs authorized in Section 3.8.7(C)(1)(g)
and 3.8.7(D)(2), and for sale and for rent signs authorized in Section
3.8.7(C)(1)(c) and 3.8.7(D)(3). No permanent freestanding or ground sign
shall contain more than three (3) cabinets or modules.
(7) If a lot has more than one (1) street frontage, the freestanding or ground
sign permitted for each frontage must abut the street frontage which is the
basis for the allotment of such sign.
(8) The sign face of a single face sign must be most nearly parallel to the
abutting street frontage. The sign faces of a multi-face sign must be most
nearly perpendicular to the abutting street frontage.
(9) A drive-in restaurantthrough use, when located on a lot with frontage on
only one (1) street, shall be permitted one (1) additional freestanding or
ground sign for the sole purpose of a menu board for that is physically
oriented to the drive-thru customers.through lane. Such sign shall not
exceed five (5) feet in height, and thirty-five (35) square feet in area and
Page 15
shall be limited to one (1) face. Fifty (50) percent of the square footage of
such sign shall be exempted from the total allowed for the property.
(10) A drive-in use shall be permitted up to eight (8) square feet of signage at
each drive-in station (including but not limited to menu boards, signs
affixed to gasoline pumps, etc.), provided that the sign is physically
oriented to the drive-in station. The square footage of such sign shall be
exempted from the total allowed for the property.
(1011) All supporting structures of ground signs shall be of the same or similar
materials or colors of the associated building(s) which house the
businesses or activities advertised on the sign.
(1112) When electrical service is provided to freestanding signs or ground signs,
all such electrical service shall be underground.
(1213) Freestanding signs (pole signs) shall contain no more than thirty (30)
percent (forty [40] percent if located within the site distance triangle as
described in paragraph 3.8.7.1(G)(1) above) free air space between the top
of the sign and the ground, vertically and between the extreme horizontal
limits of the sign extended perpendicular to the ground. A base or pole
cover provided to satisfy this requirement shall be integrally designed as
part of the sign by use of such things as color, material and texture.
Freestanding signs that existed prior to December 30, 2011, and that do
not comply with this regulation shall be removed or brought into
compliance by December 31, 2019, provided that such signs otherwise
comply with subparagraph (A)(3)(b) of this Section.
(H) Projecting Signs.
(1) Signs projecting over private property shall not project more than six (6)
feet from the face of the building or beyond the minimum required
building setback for the zone district in which located. Such signs shall not
exceed fifteen (15) square feet per face.
(2) No sign may project over a public right-of-way in any zone district, except
that signs eight (8) feet or more above grade may project up to forty-eight
(48) inches from the face of the building if the total area for such signs is
the lesser of one (1) square foot of sign for each linear foot of building or
twelve (12) square feet per face.
(3) No projecting sign shall exceed 7 feet in height.
(I) Flush Wall Signs and Individual Letter Signs. No flush wall or individual letter
sign shall exceed seven (7) feet in height. Flush wall and individual letter signs
may not project more than twelve (12) inches horizontally from the face of the
building on which they are erected. Flush wall and individual letter signs that are
mounted on mansards or similar architectural features may not project more than
Page 16
twelve (12) inches horizontally, measured at the bottom of the sign, from the
surface to which they are mounted. If the individual sections of an individual
letter sign are connected by a common structure, commonly known as a
"raceway," which provides for the electrical and/or mechanical operation of said
sign, the "raceway" must be painted to match the color of the wall to which the
sign is mounted and must be limited to a height of no more than one-half (½) of
the height of the tallest letter.
. . .
(K) Awning Signs.
(1) No awning sign shall project above the top of the awning on which it is
mounted. No awning sign shall project from the face of an awning.
Awnings on which awning signs are mounted may extend over a public
right-of-way no more than seven (7) feet from the face of a supporting
building. Awnings on which awning signs are mounted shall be at least
eight (8) feet above any public right-of-way, except that any valance
attached to an awning may be no less than seven (7) feet above a public
right-of-way.
(2) Awning signs shall not be back-lit, except for individualthat letters and
business logosgraphics may be back-lit if the background is completely
opaque. The amount of signage on an awning shall be limited to the lesser
of thirty-five (35) square feet per individual tenant space or twenty-five
(25) percent of the total area of the awning. Awning signs shall not be
allowed above the first story of a building.
(L) Election Signs. Repealed as of [date of second reading of ordinance]
(1) Election signs authorized by subparagraph 3.8.7(C)(1)(g) or paragraph
3.8.7(D)(2) shall be allowed on a lot at any time prior to the election day
to which the sign relates and shall be removed within five (5) days after
the election day.
(2) To the extent that an election message constitutes all or any portion of an
ideological sign, the durational limitation contained in this Section shall
not apply.
(M) Electrical Signs and Electronic Message Center Signs.
(1) Flashing, moving, blinking, chasing or other animation effects shall be
prohibited on all signs.
(2) Illuminated signs shall avoid the concentration of illumination. The
intensity of the light source shall not produce glare, the effect of which
constitutes a traffic hazard or is otherwise detrimental to the public health,
safety or welfare.
Page 17
(3) Every electric sign shall have affixed thereon an approved Underwriters'
Laboratories label, and all wiring connected to such sign shall comply
with all provisions of the National Electrical Code, as adopted by the City.
(4) Signs that contain an electronic message center shall be subject to the
following limitations.
(a) The electronic message center must be programmed so that the
displayed message does not change more frequently than once per
minute and so that the message change from one (1) static display
to another occurs instantaneously without the use of scrolling,
flashing, fading or other similar effects. The message or image
displayed must be complete in itself without continuation in
content to the next message. Messages published by federal, state,
or local government to communicate information to the public
regarding an immediate threat to public health safety may be
displayed notwithstanding the limitations set forth in this
subsection (4)(a). Electronic message centers that display ONLY
time and temperature do not need to comply with the above-
described time limitations, but shall not change more frequently
than once per three (3) seconds.
(b) The electronic message center must be provided with automatic
dimming software or solar sensors to control brightness for
nighttime viewing and variations in ambient light. Lighting from
the message center shall not exceed three-tenths (0.3) foot-candles
over the ambient light as measured using a foot-candle meter at the
following distances from the face of the message center: thirty-two
(32) feet for a sign face greater than zero (0) square feet and not
more than ten (10) square feet per side; thirty-nine (39) feet for a
sign face greater than ten (10) square feet and not more than fifteen
(15) square feet per side; forty-five (45) feet for a sign face greater
than fifteen (15) square feet and not more than twenty (20) square
feet per side; fifty (50) feet for a sign face greater than twenty (20)
square feet and not more than twenty-five (25) square feet per side;
fifty-five (55) feet for a sign face greater than twenty-five (25)
square feet and not more than thirty (30) square feet per side; fifty-
nine (59) feet for a sign face greater than thirty (30) square feet and
not more than thirty-five (35) square feet per side; sixty-three (63)
feet for a sign face greater than thirty-five (35) square feet and not
more than forty (40) square feet per side; and sixty-three (63) feet
for a sign face greater than forty (40) square feet and not more than
forty-five (45) square feet per side. Lighting measurements shall be
taken with the meter aimed directly at the message center face,
with the message center turned off, and again with the message
center turned on to a full white image for a message center capable
of displaying a white color, or a full amber or red image for a
Page 18
message center capable of displaying only an amber or red color.
The difference between the off and the white, amber or red
message measurements shall not exceed three-tenths (0.3) foot-
candles. All such signs shall contain a default mechanism that will
cause the message center to revert immediately to a black screen if
the sign malfunctions.
Prior to the issuance of a permit for a sign containing an electronic
message center, the permit applicant shall provide written
certification from the sign manufacturer that the light intensity has
been factory pre-set not to exceed the levels specified above. Prior
to acceptance of the installation by the City, the permit holder shall
schedule and inspection with the City Zoning Department to verify
compliance. The permit holder and the business owner, business
manager or property manager shall be in attendance during the
inspection.
(c) A displayed message must be presented in a single color, value and
hue and the background must also be a single color, value and hue.
(d) The maximum allowed size of an electronic message center shall
be fifty percent (50%) of the total area of the sign face.
(e) Electronic message centers shall be integrated harmoniously into
the design of the larger sign face and structure, shall not be the
predominant element of the sign, shall not be allowed on a
freestanding pole sign, and if located at the top of the sign, must
include a substantial cap feature above the electronic message
center which consists of the same material, form, color or texture
as is found on the sign face or structure.
(f) With respect to sign permits issued after December 30, 2011, the
pixel spacing of an electronic message center shall not exceed
sixteen (16) mm, except that the maximum pixel spacing for a
message center that is manufactured as a monochrome-only sign
shall not exceed twenty (20) mm.
(g) In the Downtown (D) District, wall signs with electronic message
centers are not permitted on properties located within the
boundaries of the Portable Sign Placement Area Map.
(h) With respect to sign permits issued after December 30, 2011, no
more than one (1) electronic message center sign shall be allowed
to face each street abutting or within any property and/or site
specific development plan. The minimum horizontal distance
between electronic message center signs located on the same side
of a street shall be one hundred (100) feet measured in a straight
line.
Page 19
(i) An electronic message center located inside a building but visible
from a public sidewalk or public street is subject to all of the
regulations contained in this subsection.
(j) Signs that contain an electronic message center which do not
comply with the provisions of this Section shall be removed or
made to conform by the dates specified in subparagraphs 1., 2. and
3. below and provided that such signs otherwise comply with
subparagraph 3.8.7.1(A)(3)(b).
1. Electronic message centers that contain dimming software
or solar sensors capable of meeting the brightness levels
described in subparagraph 3.8.7.1(M)(4)(b) shall be
required to comply with such levels by January 31, 2012,
and all electronic message centers located inside a building
but not visible from a public sidewalk or public street shall
be required to comply with paragraph 3.8.7.1(M)(1) and
subparagraphs 3.8.7.1(M)(4)(a) and (c) by January 31,
2012.
2. Except as otherwise required in subparagraph (j)1. above,
all signs that do not comply with the requirements of
subparagraphs 3.8.7.1(M)(4)(a), (b) and/or (c) shall be
made to comply with those requirements by December 31,
2015.
3. Structural changes or sign removal that may be required in
order to comply with the requirements of subparagraphs
3.8.7.1(M)(4)(d), (e) and/or (g) shall be completed by
December 31, 2019.
(N) Banners and Pennants. Repealed as of [date of second reading of ordinance]
(1) Banners and pennants are allowed in any zone district, provided a permit
is obtained from the Director. Permittees shall be entitled to use banners or
pennants for not more than twenty (20) days per calendar year except as
provided in paragraph (2) below and except that an additional twenty (20)
days per calendar year shall be allowed for nonprofit organizations, and
for new businesses during the first year of operation. The Director shall
issue a permit for the use of banners and pennants only in locations where
such banners and pennants will not cause unreasonable annoyance or
inconvenience to adjoining property owners or other persons in the area
and on such conditions as deemed necessary to protect adjoining premises
and the public. The maximum size allowed for any one (1) banner is forty
(40) square feet. No more than one (1) banner may be displayed at any one
(1) time on each street that fronts the parcel of land on which the
establishment requesting the permit is located; provided, however, that
Page 20
multiple banners may be displayed on a single street if the aggregate
square footage of such banners does not exceed forty (40) square feet. All
banners and pennants shall be removed on or before the expiration date of
the permit. If any person, business or organization erects any banners or
pennants without receiving a permit, as herein provided, the person,
business or organization shall be ineligible to receive a permit for a banner
or pennant for the remainder of the calendar year.
(2) Notwithstanding the size and time limitations contained in paragraph (1)
above, noncommercial banners or pennants may be larger in size and
displayed for such additional periods of time as may be established by the
City Manager during community events that, in the judgment of the City
Manager, advance a goal or policy of the City Council and contribute to
the health, safety or welfare of the City.
(O) Structural Requirements; Exceptions.
(1) All signs shall be maintained in good structural condition at all times. All
signs, including sign structures and sign faces, shall be kept neatly painted,
including all metal parts and supports that are not galvanized or of rust-
resistant metals, and in a general state of good repair. For the purposes of
this Section, good repair shall mean that there are no loose, broken or
severely weathered portions of the sign structure or sign face. The Director
may inspect any sign governed by this Division and shall have authority to
order the painting, repair, alteration or removal of a sign which constitutes
a hazard to safety, health or public welfare by reason of inadequate
maintenance, dilapidation or obsolescence.
(2) SignsPermanent signs shall be engineered to withstand a wind load of
thirty (30) pounds per square foot, excepting, however, election signs and
for sale and for rent signs.
(P) Off-Premise Signs. No off-premise sign (except an ideological or election sign)
shall be constructed in any zone district after February 25, 1994. No illumination
shall be added to any off-premise sign already in existence.
(Q) Vehicle-Mounted Signs.
. . .
(5) Banners displayed on vehicles shall be subject to the regulations contained
in subsSection 3.8.7.2(N).
. . .
(R) Discontinued Establishments; Removal of Abandoned Sign(s). Whenever a
business, industry, service or other use is discontinued, the Abandoned sign(s)
pertaining to the use shall be removed or obscured by the person or entity owning
Page 21
or having possession of the property within ninety (90) days after the
discontinuance of such use.
. . .
Section 3. That Article 3 of the Land Use Code is hereby amended by the addition of
a new Section 3.8.7.2 which reads in its entirety as follows:
3.8.7.2 – Temporary Signs
(A) Applicability. The regulations contained in this Section 3.8.7.2 apply to
temporary signs while permanent signs are regulated under Land Use Code
Section 3.8.7.1 unless specifically provided herein.
(B) Measurements.
(1) Sign Area.
(a) Generally. In general, sign area is the area within a continuous
polygon with up to eight straight sides that completely encloses the
limits of text and graphics of a sign, together with any frame or
other material or color forming an integral part of the display or
used to differentiate the sign’s contents from the background
against which they are placed.
(b) Exclusions. The sign area does not include the structure upon
which the sign is placed (unless the structure is an integral part of
the display or used to differentiate it), but does include any open
space contained within the outer limits of the display face, or
between any component, panel, strip, or figure of any kind
composing the display face, whether this open space is enclosed by
a frame or border or not.
(c) Multiple Sign Faces. Freestanding temporary signs may have
multiple faces. The area of such signs is measured using the
vertical cross-section that represents the sign’s maximum
projection upon a vertical plane (e.g., for a sign with two opposite
faces on the same plane, only one of the sign faces is measured).
(2) Sign Height. Sign height is measured for detached temporary signs as the
distance between ground level at the base of the sign and the top of the
sign or sign structure, whichever is higher.
(3) Property Frontage. Property frontage is measured as the length of each
property boundary that abuts a public street right-of-way.
(C) Prohibited Signs and Sign Elements.
Page 22
(1) Generally. The prohibitions in this Section apply to temporary signs in all
zone districts of the City.
(2) Prohibited Sign Structures. The following sign structures are not allowed:
(a) portable signs, except as permitted in the Code of the City of Fort
Collins Chapter 24, Article IV;
(b) wind-driven signs except feather flags, banners, and pennants in
compliance with this Section 3.8.7.2;
(c) inflatable signs;
(d) abandoned signs;
(3) Prohibited Design Elements. The following elements shall not be
incorporated as an element of any sign or sign structure:
(a) animated or moving parts, including any moving, swinging,
rotating, or spinning parts or flashing, blinking, scintillating,
fluctuating, or otherwise animated light; except as expressly
allowed in this Section 3.8.7.2;
(b) cardboard, card stock, or paper, except when laminated or used as
a window sign located on the interior side of the window;
(c) motor vehicles, unless:
1. the vehicles are operational, and either:
a. automobile dealer inventory; or
b. regularly used as motor vehicles, with current
registration and tags;
2. the display of signage on the motor vehicle would not
interfere with the immediate operation of the motor vehicle
(e.g., signs that are held in place by an open hood or trunk
are not allowed; signs that cover windows are not allowed;
and signs that would fall off of the vehicle if the vehicle
were in motion are not allowed); and
3. the motor vehicle is legally parked in a vehicle use area
depicted on an approved site plan.
(d) semi trailers, shipping containers, or portable storage units, unless:
1. the trailers, containers, or portable storage units are:
Page 23
a. structurally sound and capable of being transported;
b. used for their primary purpose (e.g., storage, pick-
up, or delivery); and
c. if subject to registration, have current registration
and tags; and
2. the display of signage is incidental to the primary purpose;
and
3. the semi-trailer, shipping container, or portable storage unit
is parked or placed in a designated loading area or on a
construction site in an area that is designated on an
approved construction staging plan.
(e) stacked products (e.g., tires, soft drink cases, bagged soil or mulch)
that are placed in unapproved outdoor storage locations;
(f) materials with a high degree of specular reflectivity, such as
polished metal, installed in a manner that creates substantial glare
from headlights, street lights, or sunlight. This prohibition does
not include retroreflective materials that comply with the standards
set forth in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices;
(g) rooftop signs and all other signs which project above the fascia
wall.
(4) Prohibited Obstructions. In no event shall a temporary sign obstruct the
use of:
(a) building ingress or egress, including doors, egress windows, and
fire escapes;
(b) operable windows (with regard to movement only, not
transparency);
(c) equipment, structures, or architectural elements that are related to
public safety, building operations, or utility service (e.g.,
standpipes, downspouts, fire hydrants, electrical outlets, lighting,
vents, valves, and meters).
(5) Prohibited Mounts. No temporary sign shall be posted, installed, mounted
on, fastened, or affixed to any of the following:
(a) any tree or shrub;
Page 24
(b) any utility pole or light pole, unless:
1. the sign is a banner or flag that is not more than 10 square
feet in area;
2. the owner of the utility pole or light pole consents to its use
for the display of the banner or flag;
3. the banner or flag is mounted on brackets or a pole that
extend not more than 30 inches from the utility pole or light
pole;
4. the banner or flag is either situated above an area that is not
used by pedestrians or vehicles, or the bottom of the banner
or flag is at least eight feet above grade; and
5. any applicable City encroachment and banner permits are
obtained.
(c) utility cabinets or pedestals (except signs that are applied by or
with the consent of the owner of the utility cabinet or pedestal).
(6) Prohibited Locations. In addition to applicable setback requirements and
other restrictions of this Section 3.8.7.2, no sign shall be located in any of
the following locations:
(a) in or over public rights-of-way (which, in addition to streets, may
include other sidewalks, parkways, trails, multi-use pathways, retaining
walls, utility poles, traffic calming devices, medians, and center islands
that are within public rights-of-way), except:
1. signs painted on or affixed to transit shelters and bus
benches as authorized by the provider of the shelter or
bench, but not extending beyond the physical structure of
the shelter or bench;
2. signs that are the subject of a revocable license agreement
with the City, installed and maintained in accordance with
the terms of that agreement;
3. portable signs permitted pursuant to the Code of the City of
Fort Collins, Chapter 24, Article IV; or
4. signs posted by the City or jurisdiction that owns or
maintains the right-of-way.
(b) within any sight distance triangle that is described in Section
3.8.7.1.
Page 25
(D) Temporary Sign Districts.
(1) Generally. In recognition that the City is a place of diverse physical
character, and that different areas of the City have different functional
characteristics, signs shall be regulated based on sign district in which they
are located.
(2) Temporary Sign Districts Created. The following sign districts are
created: Downtown, Commercial/Industrial, Multifamily, and Single-
Family. Sign districts shall correspond to zoning districts as provided in
Table D, Temporary Sign Districts.
Table D
TEMPORARY SIGN DISTRICTS
Sign District Corresponding Zoning Districts
Downtown D; R-D-R
Commercial/Industrial T; C-C; C-C-N; C-C-R; C-G; C-S; C-L; H-C; E; I
Multifamily/Mixed-
Use
L-M-N; M-M-N; N-C-M; N-C-B; H-M-N; N-C
Single-Family R-U-L; U-E; R-F; R-L; N-C-L; P-O-L; R-C
(E) Standards for Attached Temporary Signs.
(1) Generally. The standards of this Section apply to temporary signs that are
attached to buildings. Temporary signs that are not attached to buildings
are subject to the standards of Section 3.8.7.2(F). The standards of this
Section are applied in conjunction with all other applicable standards.
Duration of display is limited by Section 3.8.7.2(G).
(2) Attached Temporary Banners and Pennants. Attached temporary banners
and pennants may only be displayed provided a permit is obtained
pursuant to Section 3.8.7.2(I).
(3) Temporary Sign Covers. Temporary sign covers are permitted in all sign
districts, provided that they are used during a period not to exceed 40 days
in which a new permanent sign or sign component is being fabricated and
such sign or sign component is permitted and installed in accordance with
Section 3.8.7.1.
(4) Temporary Window Signs.
(a) Temporary window signs are allowed in all locations where
permanent window signs are allowed, provided that the
transparency standards of Section 3.8.7.1 are met as to the
combination of temporary and permanent window signs.
Page 26
(b) Temporary window signs shall be affixed to the window such that
the fastener (e.g., tape) is not highly visible, or shall be mounted
vertically inside of the building for viewing through the window.
(F) Standards for Detached Temporary Signs.
(1) Generally. The standards of this Section apply to temporary signs that are
not attached to buildings. Temporary signs that are attached to buildings
are subject to the standards of Section 3.8.7.2(E). The standards of this
Section (F) are applied in conjunction with all other applicable standards
of this Section 3.8.7.2. Duration of display is limited by Section
3.8.7.2(G).
(2) Detached Temporary Signs. Detached temporary signs are allowed
according to the standards in Table F, Detached Temporary Signs.
Detached temporary sign types that are not listed in Table F (including but
not limited to inflatable signs) are not allowed. Detached banners and
pennants may only be displayed provided a permit is obtained pursuant to
Section 3.8.7.2(I). Portable signs may only be displayed provided a
permit is obtained pursuant to the Code of the City of Fort Collins,
Chapter 24, Article IV.
Table F
DETACHED TEMPORARY SIGNS
(sf. = square feet / ft. = linear feet / N/A = not applicable)
Type of Sign
Standards
Sign District
Downtown
Commercial-
Industrial
Multifamily/Mixed
Use Single-Family
Yard Signs
Max. # Single-Family and
Duplex
Residential
Buildings: Not
Limited
Multi-Family
Residential
Buildings: 1 per
20 ft. of property
frontage or
fraction thereof
Nonresidential and
Residential Mixed
Use Buildings: 1
per 80 ft. of
property frontage
or fraction thereof
Single-Family and
Duplex
Residential
Buildings: Not
Limited
All other uses:
2 per vehicular
access point
Single-Family and
Duplex Residential
Buildings: Not
Limited
Page 27
Table F
DETACHED TEMPORARY SIGNS
(sf. = square feet / ft. = linear feet / N/A = not applicable)
Type of Sign
Standards
Sign District
Downtown
Commercial-
Industrial
Multifamily/Mixed
Use Single-Family
Max. Sign Area
(per sign)
6 sf. 8 sf. 8 sf. 6 sf.
Max. Sign Height 4 ft. 4 ft. 4 ft. 4 ft.
Allowed Lighting None None None None
Setbacks and
Spacing
2 ft. from property
lines; 2 ft. from all
other signs
2 ft. from property
lines; 2 ft. from all
other signs
2 ft. from property
lines; 2 ft. from all
other signs
2 ft. from property
lines; 2 ft. from all
other signs
Other Standards Must be installed
in permeable
landscaped area.
Must be installed
in permeable
landscaped area
that is at least 8 sf.
in area and 2 ft. in
any horizontal
dimension, not
more than 10 ft.
from vehicular
access point
Must be installed in
permeable
landscaped area that
is at least 8 sf. in
area and 2 ft. in any
horizontal
dimension
Must be installed
in permeable
landscaped area
that is at least 8 sf.
in area and 2 ft. in
any horizontal
dimension
Site Signs
Max. # Residential
Page 28
Table F
DETACHED TEMPORARY SIGNS
(sf. = square feet / ft. = linear feet / N/A = not applicable)
Type of Sign
Standards
Sign District
Downtown
Commercial-
Industrial
Multifamily/Mixed
Use Single-Family
Other Standards Where allowed,
site signs shall be
installed in
permeable
landscaped areas
or hardscaped
areas other than
vehicular use areas
and sidewalks that
are at least 5 ft. in
every horizontal
dimension and at
least 40 sf. in area
Where allowed,
site signs shall be
installed in
permeable
landscaped areas
that are at least 5
ft. in every
horizontal
dimension and at
least 40 sf. in area
Where allowed, site
signs shall be
installed in
permeable
landscaped areas
that are at least 5 ft.
in every horizontal
dimension and at
least 40 sf. in area
Where allowed,
site signs shall be
installed in
permeable
landscaped areas
that are at least 5
ft. in every
horizontal
dimension and at
least 40 sf. in area
Swing Signs
Max. # Not allowed Not allowed 1 per property
frontage
1 per property
frontage
Max. Sign Area N/A N/A 5 sf., including
Page 29
Table F
DETACHED TEMPORARY SIGNS
(sf. = square feet / ft. = linear feet / N/A = not applicable)
Type of Sign
Standards
Sign District
Downtown
Commercial-
Industrial
Multifamily/Mixed
Use Single-Family
Other Standards Not allowed if
freestanding
banner is present
Must be installed
in a permeable
landscaped area
with a radius that
extends not less
than 3 ft. from the
flag pole
Not allowed if
freestanding
banner is present
Must be installed
in a permeable
landscaped area
with a radius that
extends not less
than 3 ft. from the
flag pole
Must be installed in
a permeable
landscaped area with
a radius that extends
not less than 3 ft.
from the flag pole
N/A
(G) Duration of Display of Temporary Signs.
(1) Generally. The purpose of temporary signs is to display messages for a
temporary duration. Temporary signs shall not be used as a subterfuge to
circumvent the regulations that apply to permanent signs or to add
permanent signage to a property in addition to that which is allowed by
Section 3.8.7.1.
(2) Classification of Temporary Sign Materials. Temporary signs are
constructed from a variety of materials with varying degrees of durability.
Common materials are classified in Table G1, Classification of Temporary
Sign Materials.
Table G1
Classification of Temporary Sign Materials
Material
Material Class
1 2 3 4 5
Paper, card stock, foam core board, or cardboard
Laminated paper or cardstock, polyethylene bags
Cloth, canvas, nylon, polyester, burlap, flexible vinyl, or other
flexible material of comparable durability
Inflexible vinyl, hard plastic, composite, or corrugated plastic
Page 30
1. it becomes an abandoned sign; or
2. it falls into disrepair (see Section 3.8.7.2(H)); or
3. the number of days set out in Table G2, Duration of
Temporary Sign Display by Material Class, expires.
Table G2
Duration of Temporary Sign Display by Material Class
Sign Type
Max. Duration for Individual Sign by Material Class Max.
Posting
Days /
Year
1 2 3 4 5
Yard Sign
Not
Allowed
45 days
Not
Allowed
60 days 180 days
180 days
Site Sign
Not
Allowed
Not
Allowed
Not
Allowed
60 days 180 days
180 days
1
Swing Sign
Not
Allowed
Not
Allowed
Not
Allowed
60 days 180 days
180 days
1
Window
Sign
30 days per
sign
30 days per
sign
30 days per
sign
30 days
per sign
30 days per
sign
30 days
per sign
TABLE NOTES:
1
alternatively, the sign type may be displayed for 360 days every two calendar years
(b) Temporary signs that are required due to governmental regulation
(e.g., public notices) shall be removed as required by the
Page 31
(2) Mineral Deposits and Stains. Mineral deposits and stains shall be
promptly removed.
(3) Damage. Temporary signs that are obviously damaged shall be removed
within 24 hours.
(4) Upright, Level Position. Signs that are designed to be upright and level
shall be installed and maintained in an upright and level position. Feather
flag poles shall be installed in a vertical position. Signs that are not
upright and level shall be removed or restored to an upright, level position.
(I) Banners and Pennants.
(1) Attached unframed banners, detached banners, and attached and detached
pennants are allowed in any zone district pursuant to the restrictions in
below Table I provided a permit is obtained from the Director. The
Director shall issue a permit for the display of banners and pennants only
in locations where such banners and pennants will not cause unreasonable
annoyance or inconvenience to adjoining property owners or other persons
in the area and on such additional conditions as deemed necessary to
protect adjoining premises and the public. All banners and pennants shall
be removed on or before the expiration date of the permit. If any person,
business or organization erects any banners or pennants without receiving
a permit, as herein provided, the person, business or organization shall be
ineligible to receive a permit for a banner or pennant for the remainder of
the calendar year.
(2) Each business or non-profit entity or other organization, and each
individual not affiliated with an entity or organization, shall be eligible to
display banners and pennants pursuant to a valid permit for a maximum of
40 days per calendar year.
(3) The Director shall review a banner or pennant permit application within
two business days to determine completeness. If it is complete, the
Director shall approve or deny the application within three business days
after such determination. If it is incomplete, the Director shall cause the
application to be returned to the applicant within one business day of the
determination, along with written reasons for the determination of
incompleteness.
(4) Notwithstanding the size and time limitations contained in Table I,
noncommercial banners or pennants may be larger in size and displayed
for such additional periods of time as may be established by the City
Manager during community events that, in the judgment of the City
Manager, advance a goal or policy of the City Council and contribute to
the health, safety or welfare of the City.
Page 32
Table I
ATTACHED UNFRAMED BANNERS AND PENNANTS
(sf. = square feet / ft. = linear feet / N/A = not applicable)
Standard
Sign District
Downtown
Commercial-
Industrial
Multifamily/Mixed
Use Single-Family
Max. # on each
building
elevation
1 1 per 300 ft. of
building
elevation or
fraction thereof,
but not more
than 3 banners
per building
1 Residential
Buildings: Not
Allowed
Nonresidential
Buildings: 1
Max. Sign Area 40 sf. 40 sf. 40 sf. Residential
Buildings: N/A
Nonresidential
Buildings: 40 sf.
Allowed
Lighting
None External None None
Max. Sign
Height
7 ft. 7 ft. 4 ft. 4 ft.
Other Standards None
If more than one
banner is
allowed on a
building
elevation,
banners may be
clustered
None None
DETACHED BANNERS AND PENNANTS
Max. # Either framed or
unframed: 1 per
property
frontage; or 1 per
100 ft. of
property frontage
if secured to
temporary
construction
fencing related to
permitted
construction
(may be
clustered)
Page 33
Max. Sign Area
(per banner)
40 sf. 40 sf. 40 sf. 40 sf.
Allowed
Lighting
None None None None
Max. Sign
Height (applies
to freestanding
banner frames)
6 ft. 6 ft. 6 ft. 6 ft.
(5) For banners and pennants in all sign districts, the following shall apply:
(a) mounting hardware shall be concealed from view;
(b) banners shall be stretched tightly to avoid movement in windy
conditions;
(c) all banners that are installed in banner frames shall be sized to fit
the banner frame so that there are no visible gaps between the
edges of the banner and the banner frame;
(d) banners are not allowed if any of the following are present on the
property: feather flag, yard sign, site sign, or swing sign;
(e) any common line of pennants must be stretched tightly to avoid
movement in windy conditions.
Section 4. That Section 5.1.2 of the Land Use Code is hereby amended by the
addition, amendment or deletion of the following definitions only:
Banner shall mean a type of temporary or permanent sign that is painted or printed on
cloth, vinyl, or other flexible material, that is designed to be stretched between poles,
fence posts or wire, mounted in a free-standing frame, or hung on walls with ties, clips,
rails, brackets, hooks, or banner frames. The definition of “banner” does not include
“flag” or “feather flag.”
Banner, framed shall mean (depending upon the context): (i) a type of temporary sign if
displayed for 40 days or less and a flush wall sign when displayed for more than 40 days
composed of a frame that is secured to a building wall and used to stretch banners such
that they are tightly stretched and their mounting hardware is hidden from view; or (ii) a
structure that is anchored to the ground, that provides a frame for stretching banners such
that they are tightly stretched and their mounting hardware is hidden from view. Frames
upon which banners are mounted must be designed to visually blend into the surface
upon which they are mounted.
Page 34
Building elevation, for purposes of Sections 3.8.7.1 and 3.8.7.2 only, shall mean the
external face of a building, projected onto a two-dimensional plane. For purposes of
calculating the allowed number of signs or sign area, the building elevation is the two-
dimensional representation of the side of the building upon which the sign is proposed.
Electronic message center, or EMC, shall mean the portion of an on-premise ground or
wall sign that is capable of displaying words or images that can be electronically
changed by remote or automatic means.
Flag shall mean a flexible piece of fabric that is attached along one edge to a straight,
rigid flagpole directly or with rope and which is designed to move when the wind blows.
Flags are typically, but not necessarily, rectangular in shape, and often include printed or
embroidered insignia that symbolizes a nation, state, or organization, or that display a
graphic or message. Flags are considered to be a type of sign.
Feather Flag, feather shall mean a flexible piece of fabric that is attached to a flexible
pole along a long edge such that the pole stretches the fabric taut regardless of wind
conditions. Feather flags are also commonly referred to as “teardrop banners,” “teardrop
flags,” and “flutter flags.” Feather flags are considered to be a type of sign.
Illustrative Feather Flags
Logo shall mean a graphic symbol or emblem which conveys a recognizable meaning,
which symbol or emblem may include script (words) provided that such script is
contained entirely within the boundaries of the symbol or emblem; and script alone, or
outside of the boundaries of the symbol or emblem, whether registered as a trademark or
not, is not included within the meaning of the term logo.
Pennant shall mean a narrowing or tapering flag or similar shape that is two (2) square
feet in size or less, that is repeated along a common line and is not attached to a flag
pole.
Principal building entrance, for purposes of Sections 3.8.7.1 and 3.8.7.2 only, shall mean
a street-level primary point of public pedestrian access into a building. The phrase
“principal building entrance” does not include doors used principally as emergency exits,
or doors that provide restricted access (e.g., for employees or deliveries).
Page 35
Property, for purposes of Sections 3.8.7.1 and 3.8.7.2 only, shall mean the real property,
or group of real properties that were planned or developed with shared pedestrian or
vehicle access, upon which a sign or signs are displayed.
Property frontage, for purposes of Sections 3.8.7.1 and 3.8.7.2 only, shall mean the
length of a front, side, or rear property line that abuts a public street right-of-way.
Rider shall mean a subordinate sign panel that is attached to a swing sign, either above
the horizontal member or below the principal sign face. To illustrate, but without
limiting the range of messages that a rider may convey, if the swing sign is used to
advertise a property as “for sale,” a rider is often used to convey a related message such
as “contract pending.”
Sign shall mean any writing (including letter, word or number), pictorial representation
(including illustration or declaration), product, form (including shapes resembling any
human, animal or product form), emblem (including any device, symbol, trademark,
object or design which conveys a recognizable meaning, identity or distinction) or any
other figure of similar character whichthat is a structure or any part thereof or is written,
painted, projected upon, printed, designed into, constructed or otherwise placed on or
near a building, board, plate or upon any material object or device whatsoever, whichthat
by reason of its form, location, manner of display, color, working, stereotyped design or
otherwise attracts or is designed to attract attention to the subject or to the premises upon
which it is situated, or is used as a means of identification, advertisement or
announcement. The term sign shall not include the following:
(1) flags, pennants or insignia of nations or an organization of nations, states
or cities except when such flags are used in connection with a commercial
promotion or as an advertising device;
(2) window displays incorporating placards, pennants, of merchandise,
pictures or models ofproducts or services;
(32) works of art whichthat in no way identify the name of a business and
which in the judgment of a reasonably prudent person are not displayed in
conjunction with a commercial enterprise for the purpose, or with the effect, of
advertising a product or service offered by a business located on the property
where such work of art is displayed;
(4) one (1) nameplate per public entrance per business of not more than two
(2) square feet per face which is suspended under a canopy;
(5) temporary decorations or displays clearly incidental and customary and
commonly associated with national, local or religious holiday
celebrations;
(63) signs not visible beyond the boundaries of the lot or parcel upon which
they are located or from any public thoroughfare or right-of-way;
Page 36
(74) traffic and other official signs of any public or governmental agency;
(8) on-site traffic directional signs which do not exceed four (4) square feet
per face or ten (10) feet in height, which are not displayed as an A-frame
portable sign, and which do not carry a commercial message other than
identification. The minimum horizontal distance between such signs shall
be fifteen (15) feet, except for signs designating the purpose for which
parking stalls may be used, such as for handicap parking, compact cars,
etc.;
(9) temporary interior paper window signs;
(10) signs over gas pumps which indicate gas prices only, provided that such
signs shall be limited to one (1) per pump island and shall be no larger
than four (4) square feet per face.
(11) one (1) flush-wall nameplate per business, not to exceed two (2) square
feet in area, to be located at or near the rear entrance of such business;
(125) products, merchandise or other materials which are offered for sale or used
in conducting a business, when such products, merchandise or materials
are kept or stored in a location which is designed and commonly used for
the storage of such products, merchandise or materials; and
(136) a sign whichthat has been found by the Landmark Preservation
Commission to have been an integral part of a building designated as a
historic landmark, and is a contributing feature of the historic character of
such building.
Sign, abandoned shall mean a sign that does not contain a message, or contains a
commercial or event-based message that is obviously obsolete (e.g., the name of a
business that is no longer operational, or an advertisement for an event that has already
occurred), for a continuous period of sixty (60) days or more.
Sign, attached shall mean a flush wall sign, a window sign, or a projecting sign.
Sign, detached shall mean a sign that is not attached to or located inside of a building.
Sign, election shall mean a sign relating to a candidate, issue, proposition, ordinance or
other matter to be voted upon by the electors of the city.
Sign face shall mean the surface area of a sign that is designed for placement of text,
symbols, or images. The sign face does not include the supporting structure, if any, unless
the supporting structure is used for the display of text, symbols, or images. For wall
signs, the sign face is equal to the sign area of the wall sign, or the area within any frame
or color used to define, differentiate, or mount the wall sign, whichever is larger.
Page 37
Sign face shall mean the surface of the sign upon, against or through which the message
is displayed or illustrated.
Sign, for sale or rent shall mean a sign indicating the availability for sale, rent or lease of
the specific lot, building or portion of a building upon which the sign is erected or
displayed.
Sign, flush wall shall mean any sign attached to, painted on or erected against the wall of
a building in such a manner that the sign face is parallel to the plane of the wall and is
wholly supported by the wall. Framed Bbanners attached directly to the building fascia,
canvas or other similar flexible material may be used for this are considered to be a type
of flush wall sign only if the material is securely attached to a rigid structure in a manner
which prevents the material from moving, sagging or wrinkling; and the rigid structure is
attached directly to the building fascia. Any sign made of banner, canvas or other similar
flexible material that is not attached to a rigid structure in this manner is Unframed
banners attached directly to the building fascia are not a considered to be flush wall signs
and shall be subject to the banner regulations contained in Section 3.8.7.2(N) of this Land
Use Code.
Sign, ideological shall mean a sign conveying a philosophical, religious, political,
charitable or other similar noncommercial message.
Sign, individual letter shall mean a type of flush wall sign consisting of individual letters,
incised letters, script or symbols with no background material other than the wall of the
building to which the letters, script or symbols are affixed. If the individual sections of an
individual letter sign are connected by a common structure, commonly known as a
"raceway," which provides for the electrical and/or mechanical operation of said sign, the
"raceway" must be painted to match the color of the wall to which the sign is mounted
and must be limited to a height of no more than one-half (½) of the height of the tallest
letter.
Sign, inflatable shall mean a sign that is constructed from an envelope of flexible material
that is given shape and / or movement by inflation.
Sign, portable shall mean (depending upon the context): (1) a sign which is not
permanently affixed or attached to the ground or to any structure a temporary sign that
is designed to be easily moved from one location to another, and when placed, is neither
fastened to a permanent structure or building, nor staked or otherwise installed into the
ground. Portable signs include signs that are mounted on trailers, wheeled carriers, or
frames that are designed to be placed onto a surface without being secured to it, or (2)
any outdoor display of a product, merchandise or material which, by reason of its
location or manner of display, is intended primarily to attract attention to the product,
merchandise or material, or the premises upon which it is situated.
Sign, sidewalk shall mean a type of portable sign that is designed to be placed upon a
hard surface in order to attract the attention of pedestrians.
Page 38
Illustrative Sidewalk Sign
Sign, site shall mean a type of temporary sign that is constructed of vinyl, plastic,
wood, metal, or other comparable rigid material, that is displayed on a structure
that includes at least two posts.
Illustrative Site Sign
Sign, swing shall mean a type of temporary sign that is suspended from a horizontal
swing post that is attached to a post that is staked into the ground. Swing signs may
include riders that are mounted to the swing post or suspended under the sign panel.
Sign, temporary shall mean a sign that is designed or intended to be displayed for a short
period of time.
Sign, vehicle-mounted shall mean any sign (other than an ideological or election sign)
whichthat is painted on, affixed to or otherwise mounted on any vehicle or on any object
whichthat is placed on, in or attached to a vehicle. For the purposes of this definition, the
term vehicle shall include trucks, buses, vans, railroad cars, automobiles, tractors, trailers,
motor homes, semi-tractors or any other motorized or nonmotorized transportational
device, whether or not such vehicle is in operating condition.
Sign, wind-driven shall mean any sign consisting of one (1) or a series of two (2) or more
banners, flags, pennants, ribbons, spinners, streamers, captive balloons, inflatable signs,
or other objects or material fastened in such a manner as to move, upon being subjected
to pressure by wind or breeze.
Page 39
Sign, yard shall mean a type of temporary sign that is constructed of paper, vinyl, plastic,
wood, metal or other comparable material, which is mounted on a stake or a frame
structure (often made from wire) that includes one or more stakes.
Illustrative Yard Signs
Temporary sign cover shall mean a type of temporary sign that is constructed of flexible
material, designed to fit over a permanent sign face or mount.
Window transparency, for purposes of Sections 3.8.7.1 and 3.8.7.2 only, shall mean the
surface area of a window that is not covered or obstructed by a sign, such that the
visibility through the window in both directions is not blocked by a sign.
Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 5th day of
July, A.D. 2017, and to be presented for final passage on the 15th day of August, A.D. 2017.
__________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
City Clerk
Passed and adopted on final reading on this 15th day of August, A.D. 2017.
__________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
City Clerk
Either framed or
unframed:
1 per property
frontage; or 1 per
100 ft. of
property frontage
if secured to
temporary
construction
fencing related to
permitted
construction
(may be
clustered)
Either framed or
unframed:
1 per property
frontage; or 1 per
100 ft. of
property frontage
if secured to
temporary
construction
fencing related to
permitted
construction
(may be
clustered)
Not allowed
applicable regulation.
(4) Administrative Interpretations. Materials for signage that are not listed in
this Section 3.8.7.2(G) may be introduced into the market. When a
material is proposed that is not listed in this Section 3.8.7.2(G), the
Director shall determine the class of materials with which the new
material is most closely comparable, based on the new material’s
appearance, durability, and colorfastness. No temporary sign shall be
displayed for a longer period than a site sign constructed of class 5
material, regardless of the durability material (although such a sign may be
permissible under Land Use Code Section 3.8.7.1).
(H) Temporary Sign Maintenance. Temporary signs and temporary sign structures
of all types shall be maintained as follows:
(1) Paint and Finishes. Paint and other finishes shall be maintained in good
condition. Peeling finishes shall be repaired. Signs with running colors
shall be repainted, repaired, or removed if the running colors were not a
part of the original design.
(“coroplast”)
Wood or metal
(3) Duration of Display.
(a) In general, a temporary sign shall be removed as of the earlier of
the date that:
riders
5 sf., including
riders
Max. Sign Height N/A N/A 5 ft. 5 ft.
Allowed Lighting N/A N/A None None
Setbacks and
Spacing
N/A N/A 2 ft. from all
property lines
2 ft. from all
property lines
Other Standards N/A N/A Swing signs shall be
installed in
permeable
landscaped areas
that are at least 4 ft.
in every
horizontal
dimension and at
least 20 sf. in area
Swing signs shall
be installed in
permeable
landscaped areas
that are at least 4
ft. in every
horizontal
dimension and at
least 20 sf. in area
Feather Flags
Max. # 1 per 100 ft. of
property frontage
or fraction thereof;
may be clustered
1 per 100 ft. of
property frontage
or fraction
thereof; may be
clustered
1 per 100 ft. of
property frontage or
fraction thereof; may
be clustered
Not allowed
Max. sign area 40 sf. 40 sf. 40 sf. N/A
Max. sign height 15 ft. 15 ft. 15 ft. N/A
Buildings:
Not Limited
Nonresidential and
Residential Mixed
Use Buildings:
1 per property
1 per 600 ft. of
property frontage
or fraction thereof
1 per 600 ft. of
property frontage or
fraction thereof,
provided that the
area of the property
is at least 2 acres;
properties that are
less than 2 acres
shall not display site
signs
1 per 600 ft. of
property frontage
or fraction thereof,
provided that the
area of the
property is at least
2 acres; properties
that are less than 2
acres shall not
display site signs
Max. Sign Area 16 sf. 32 sf. 32 sf. 32 sf.
Max. Sign Height 6 ft. 6 ft. 6 ft. 6 ft.
Allowed Lighting External, down
directional and
concealed light
source
External, down
directional and
concealed light
source
External, down
directional and
concealed light
source
External, down
directional and
concealed light
source
Setbacks and
Spacing
2 ft. from front
property lines
10 ft. from all
other property
lines
10 ft. from all
other signs
12 ft. from
building walls
2 ft. from front
property lines
10 ft. from all
other property
lines
10 ft. from all
other signs
12 ft. from
building walls
2 ft. from front
property lines
10 ft. from all other
property lines
10 ft. from all other
signs
12 ft. from building
walls
2 ft. from front
property lines
10 ft. from all
other property
lines
10 ft. from all
other signs
12 ft. from
building walls
Multi-Family
Residential
Buildings: 1 per 20
ft. of property
frontage or fraction
thereof
Nonresidential and
Residential Mixed
Use Buildings: 1 per
80 ft. of property
frontage or fraction
thereof
Residential
Buildings: Not
limited
Nonresidential and
Residential Mixed
Use Buildings: 1
per 80 ft. of
property frontage
or fraction thereof