Sign Regulations
Introduction
Signs are regulated by the City's Development Ordinance, Section 208. Permits are required prior to the installation of a sign. The following is an overview of the sign regulations for business signs. This description is meant to guide business owners in the first stage of sign design and is not meant as a substitute for the actual code requirements, which contain more detailed regulations. Signs are meant to announce the presence of a business, rather than provide advertising space. The business or building name and address can be displayed on the sign. Tenant names for multi-tenant buildings shall be displayed in smaller lettering than the building name. Lettering shall be a minimum of four (4) inches high. Logos are permitted. Off-premises advertising is not permitted. Signs shall refer only to those businesses operating on the property.
Free Standing Signs
Below are three types of freestanding signs.
Monument signs are the type preferred within the City. This type has a base over 75 percent of the width of the sign.
Ground signs have a base 40% to 75 percent of the width of the sign.
Pylon signs have a base less than 40 percent of the width of the sign.
Two types of signs include:
Individual letter style signs are opaque and have letters affixed to, cut out of, cut into or resemble such. If lighted from within, only the lettering and graphics are recognized as being lit.
Cabinet style signs consist of a translucent face to which letters are painted on and/or molded into. The edges of the sign face are enclosed by a rigid frame to form a cabinet.
One freestanding sign is permitted for each principal structure, except corner lots at the intersection of two arterial streets are permitted a sign along each street. Freestanding signs must be setback a minimum of five (5) feet from any property line. The permitted area for a freestanding sign is a minimum of thirty (30) square feet. Larger sign are allowed, based on the type and style of the sign and the floor area of the principal building. For example, an individual letter style monument sign associated with a business with less than 20,000 square feet of floor area shall have an area not to exceed 60 square feet.
Wall Signs
One wall sign is permitted for each principal structure, except corner lots at the intersection of two arterial streets are permitted a sign facing each street. Sign area is determined by the smallest rectangle that will encompass the sign copy. The length of a wall sign cannot exceed 20% of the length of the building elevation to which it is affixed. The area of a wall sign shall not exceed 10% of the wall elevation area to which it is affixed, when the building is less than 50,000 square feet of floor area. For larger buildings, the maximum is 5 percent of wall elevation area. Illuminated portions of the facade, canopy, mansard, or wall elevation shall be included in the calculation of sign area.
Temporary Business Signs
Temporary business signs are permitted and a permit is required prior to the display of a temporary sign. These signs are used for grand openings and occassional sales events. A banner, with a maximum area of 32 square feet, may be affixed to the principal structure. Temporary signs must relate to products or services available on the premises.
Temporary business signs are allowed for a period up to two weeks for a grand opening and for a maximum period of seven days for temporary sales. Temporary signs are permitted to be displayed not more than twice annually and a thirty day period is required between the display periods.
Permits
A permit is required prior to the installation of any sign for which a permit is required. The permit fee is $3.00 per square foot, with a $50.00 minimum fee.
Wall Signs
Non-illuminated window signs are allowed without a permit, providing the sign does not exceed 33 percent of the total glass area of the window or door to which it is affixed. Illuminated window signs are a type of wall sign, and subject to the regulations described above.
While a sign permit is not typically required for the following types of sign: window, address, temporary real-estate (for sale or lease), political campaign, civic event, public traffic control, construction, garage sale, traffic directional, or public notices or emergency, any use of these signs types must conform to regulations limiting area and duration.
Comprehensive Sign Plan
A Comprehensive Sign Plan is required in any instance where two or more of the same type of sign that require a permit are proposed for a property. The review considers five elements that govern signs within the development: location, materials, size, color and illumination. The purpose of the review to develop attractive signage compatible with the premises and its surroundings.
Signage for multi-tenant buildings and multi-building developments also require Comprehensive Sign Plan application, review and approval by the City prior to the permitting of any individual signs on the property. Subsequent signs on the subject property must conform to the approved Comprehensive Sign Plan.
Deviations from sign regulations are permitted by Comprehensive Sign Plan review by the Planning Commission and approval of the City Council.
Comprehensive Sign Review Application→
Prohibited Signs
Some types of signs are not permitted within the City. These include, but are not limited to:
Rotating Signs
Tri-Vision Signs
Video Display Signs
Pennants, Whirling Devices and Balloons or Inflatables>
Roof Signs
Projecting Signs
Signs tacked to trees, fences and utility poles
Flashing, blinking or animated signs
Off-premises signs, including billboards
Portable signs
For a complete listing of prohibited signs, see Section 208.050 of the Development Code.
Contact Information
For additional information call 651.490.4681 or e-mail Rob Warwick.