§ 13.5-3. Regulation of on-premises signs in "B-1", "B", "C", "H", "P" planned commercial development, and "W."

(a)

Criteria . Prior to submission of an application for a sign permit, a plan review application must be submitted as well as a signage plan for new sign structures, both freestanding permanent and attached permanent, designating location, size, type, and color of signage which must be reviewed and approved by the planning and zoning commission at their regularly scheduled meeting. Reasonable deviations to the Sign Guide are allowed at the discretion of the planning and zoning commission to allow for variances in building design. On premises signs in the Columbia Street Downtown Development District are subject to further review by the Downtown Development Association and any established rules set forth in their area.

For new structures. Attached sign plans must be submitted along with facade applications to planning and zoning for new structures, subject to review and approval at their regularly scheduled meetings. Permit fees shall apply.

For existing structures. New attached and freestanding sign plans must be submitted to planning and zoning for review and approval at their regularly scheduled meetings.

Permit fees shall apply. If replacing an existing sign with the same size sign (as long as it falls within the perimeters of this sign guide) permitting and approval is not needed. However, electrical permits shall apply if necessary.

(b)

Attached signs. The attached sign or signs is not to exceed twenty (20) percent of the square footage of the facade the sign is on. Signs may also be placed on rear and side facades. The front facade is described as the area above the doorway, if no awning is present, to the top of the building and from edge to edge of the building. If awnings are present the facade shall be calculated from the point where the top portion of the awning contacts the facade.

The rear and side facades are calculated as total square footage of that particular wall.

However, under no circumstances shall an attached occupant sign be allowed on a wall which is unfinished in a manner inferior to the quality of the facade where the main entrance is located or on a wall where the placement of the sign will call attention to building equipment or the unfinished side of a false building facade.

(c)

Regulation of on-premises freestanding signs.

Height:

B-1—Not to exceed fourteen (14) feet in height and no more than forty (40) square foot sign face per side if two-sided.

B Business—Not to exceed twenty-five-foot height and no more than eighty (80) square foot sign face per side if two-sided and per sign if multiple signs are mounted on the same structure.

C Commerce—Not to exceed fifty-foot height and no more than five hundred (500) square foot sign face per side if two-sided and per sign if multiple signs are mounted on the same structure.

H Heavy Industry—Not to exceed fifty (50) feet in height and no more than seven hundred fifty (750) square feet.

(d)

Setback . Freestanding on-premises signs must be setback ten (10) feet from property line as well as ten (10) feet from any public right-of-way.

(e)

Materials.

(1)

Incombustible materials. Corrosion resistant metal or other incombustible materials.

(2)

Fiberboard. Highly compressed fiberboard not less than one quarter (¼) inch in thickness.

(3)

Plastic materials which are deemed fire resistant when tested in accordance with the American Standard.

(4)

Wood structure. The framework or standards upon which the sign rests may be any wood which is commercially available and treated with an approved preservative. Sign supports may be of no more than two (2) in number and shall be of sufficient strength and foundation to preclude the need for visible cross bracing.

(5)

Metal.

(6)

Masonry.

(7)

Neon. Neon will be permitted if it is considered as an integral part of the sign being regulated. Anything within the boundary of the outline will be considered part of the sign face.

(8)

Glass. When glass is used for sign letters or translucent panes, it shall be at least double strength thickness for areas up to three hundred (300) square inches. When glass is used for sign letters or transparent or translucent panels for areas in excess of three hundred (300) square inches at least one quarter (¼) inch wire glass shall be used and maximum span between supports shall be four (4) feet.

Reasonable deviations to the materials may be allowed at the discretion of the planning and zoning commission in conjunction with the office of public works to allow for variances in building design.

On single and multi-occupancy premises one (1) freestanding on-premises identification sign per building is permitted. On corner lots, one (1) additional sign of the same type as the first may be allowed.

Any sign restrictions in place by landlords that are more restrictive than these regulations shall take precedence.

(Ord. No. 2460, 12-15-2015)