Unified Development Ordinance

Article 7.3. Signs

Article 7.3. Signs aaron.sheppard… Mon, 05/08/2023 - 10:26

Sec. 7.3.1. Applicability

Sec. 7.3.1. Applicability aaron.sheppard… Tue, 05/23/2023 - 11:26

No sign may be altered, replaced, converted, changed or otherwise modified except
in accordance with the requirements of this UDO or an adopted Streetscape Plan or Custom Signage Plan. In the event there is an adopted Streetscape Plan or Custom Signage Plan that applies to the subject property and that regulates signage, conformance to the adopted plan is required. The standards of the Streetscape Plan or Custom Signage Plan shall apply in lieu of the standards of Article 7.3 as applicable.

Sec. 7.3.2. Signs Allowed by District

Sec. 7.3.2. Signs Allowed by District aaron.sheppard… Tue, 05/23/2023 - 11:26
  RESIDENTIAL MIXED USE (NO FRONTAGE) SPECIAL FRONTAGE Definition/Standards
R-1 R-2 R-4 R-6 R-10 RX- OP- OX- NX- CX- DX- IX- CM AP IH R-MP CMP MH -PW -DE -PL -GR -UL -UG -SH
Building Signs
Wall Sign -- -- -- -- -- P P P P P P P -- -- P -- P -- P P P P P P P Sec. 7.3.4.
Projecting Sign -- -- -- -- -- P P P P P P P -- -- -- -- P -- P P P P P P P Sec. 7.3.5.
Awning, Gallery, Marquee Sign -- -- -- -- -- P P P P P P P -- -- -- -- P -- P P P P P P P Sec. 7.3.6.
Window Sign -- -- -- -- -- P P P P P P P -- -- P -- P -- P P P P P P P Sec. 7.3.7.
Ground Signs
Low Profile -- -- -- -- -- -- P P P P -- P -- -- P -- P -- P P P P -- -- -- Sec. 7.3.8.
Medium Profile -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- P P -- P -- -- P -- P -- P -- -- -- -- -- -- Sec. 7.3.9.
High Profile -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- P P -- P -- -- P -- P -- P -- -- -- -- -- -- Sec. 7.3.10.
Tract Identification Sign P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P -- P -- -- -- -- Sec. 7.3.11.
A-Frame Sign -- -- -- -- -- P P P P P P P -- -- -- -- P -- -- P P P P P P Sec. 7.3.12.
Advertising Signs
Off-Premise Sign -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- P -- -- P -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Sec. 7.3.14.
Vehicular Sign -- -- -- -- -- -- P P P P P P P -- P -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --  
Key: P = Sign Permitted -- = Sign Not Permitted

Sec. 7.3.3. Additional Sign Types

Sec. 7.3.3. Additional Sign Types aaron.sheppard… Tue, 05/23/2023 - 11:27

Additional sign types may be allowed, requirements for additional sign types are located in Sec. 7.3.13.

Sec. 7.3.4. Wall Signs

Sec. 7.3.4. Wall Signs aaron.sheppard… Tue, 05/23/2023 - 11:30
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A. Description
An on-premise sign attached flat to or mounted away from but parallel to the building wall, typically extending no more than 12 inches from the building wall. A sign permit is required for a wall sign. 
B. Sign Area Allocation
Two square feet per lineal foot of each building wall facing a public street or a private drive if lot has no frontage on a public street. 
C. Height
1. No portion of a wall sign may extend above the roof line of a building without a parapet wall. 
2. No portion of a wall sign may extend 2 feet above the roof line of a building with a parapet wall, provided no portion of the sign extends above the parapet. 
3. No wall sign may extend above the lower eave line of a building with a pitched roof. 
D. Retaining Wall Signage in DX-
A sign may be mounted to a functional retaining wall in the DX- District, typically extending no more than 12 inches from the face of the retaining wall. Wall signage may not extend above the top of the retaining wall. Allowable wall signage allocated to the retaining wall in lieu of the building wall shall be in accordance with Sec. 7.3.4.B. 

Sec. 7.3.5. Projecting Signs

Sec. 7.3.5. Projecting Signs aaron.sheppard… Tue, 05/23/2023 - 11:31
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A. Description
An on-premise sign attached directly to a supporting building wall and intersecting the building wall at a right angle. A projecting sign typically extends more than 12 inches from the building wall and may be 2 or 3-dimensional. A sign permit is required for a projecting sign. 
B. Size
A projecting sign may not exceed 40 square feet in area. A projecting sign which is not internally illuminated and is suspended to allow the sign to swing due to wind action is not allowed to exceed 16 square feet in area. 
C. Location
C1 Signs per business (max per street frontage) 1          
C2 Clear height (min) 9'          
C3 Projection from wall (max) 6'          
C4 Distance from curb (min) 18"          
C5 ROW Encroachment Allowed with Council approval        
  -DE -PL -GR -UL -UG -SH
D. Frontage Standards            
D1 Ground story: Sign area per sign face (max) 25 sf 40 sf 40 sf 40 sf 40 sf 40 sf
D2 Ground story: Height (max) 5' 8' 8' 8' 8' 8'
D1 Upper story: Sign area per sign face (max) 25 sf 72 sf 72 sf 72 sf 72 sf 72 sf
D2 Upper story: Height (max) 5' 12' 12' 12' 12' 12'
E. Miscellaneous
1. Projecting signs erected at the intersection of building corners when the building corner adjoins the intersection of 2 streets may intersect at a 45 degree angle to the corner of the building, in which case only 1 projecting sign is allowed.
2. No projecting sign is allowed to extend above the roof line or the parapet wall.
3. Buildings with 2 or more stories may not have a projecting sign located higher than the second story or 24 feet, whichever is less.

Sec. 7.3.6. Awning, Gallery, Marquee Signs

Sec. 7.3.6. Awning, Gallery, Marquee Signs aaron.sheppard… Tue, 05/23/2023 - 11:31
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A. Description
An on-premise sign attached flat to (or extending vertically upward or downward) from an awning, gallery or marquee. A sign permit is not required.
B. Location
B1 Clear height (min) 8'
B2 ROW Encroachment Allowed with Council approval
C. Size
C1 Area (max) 2 square feet per linear foot of each building wall facing a public street or facing a private access way if the subject property has no frontage on a public street.  
C2 No portion of the sign shall exceed a height of 36 inches above the height of the awning, gallery, marquee/canopy.  
C3 Height of letters (max) 18"
D. Miscellaneous
Signs shall not extend outside the overall length or width of an awning, gallery or marquee or extend above the height of the building wall that the awning, gallery or marquee is attached.

Sec. 7.3.7. Window Signs

Sec. 7.3.7. Window Signs aaron.sheppard… Tue, 05/23/2023 - 11:32
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A. Description
A window sign is an on-premise sign attached flat but parallel to the inside of a window or is within 12 inches of the inside of the window. A sign permit is not required.
B. Size
B1 Area per business (max combination of all windows covered by window signs): 50% per side of the building facing along any street per floor and not less than 32 square feet per side of the building facing along any street per floor.

Sec. 7.3.8. Low Profile Ground Signs

Sec. 7.3.8. Low Profile Ground Signs aaron.sheppard… Tue, 05/23/2023 - 11:32
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A. Description
A freestanding sign no more than 3½ feet in height on a supporting structure, post, mast or pole and not attached, supported or suspended to or from any building or structure. A sign permit is required for a ground sign. 
B. Size
B1 Area (max) 70 sf
B2 Height (max) 3.5'
B3 Size of copy (min) 4"
B4 Lines of copy (max) 5
B5 Length in an OP or OX- district (max) 20'
C. Location
C1 Signs per site (max per street frontage) 1
C2 Additional signs for double frontage lots Allowed by Special Use Permit
C3 Street frontage required (min) n/a
C4 ROW Encroachment Allowed with Council approval
D. Miscellaneous
All ground sign braces or uprights shall be self-supporting structures permanently attached to concrete foundations in or upon the ground.

Sec. 7.3.9. Medium Profile Ground Signs

Sec. 7.3.9. Medium Profile Ground Signs aaron.sheppard… Tue, 05/23/2023 - 11:33
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A. Description
A freestanding sign no more than 70 square feet in area erected on a supporting structure, mast, post or pole no more than 15 feet in height; or a freestanding sign no more than 100 square feet in area erected on a supporting structure, mast, post or pole no more than 10 feet in height. A ground sign is not attached, supported or suspended to or from any building or structure. A sign permit is required for a medium profile ground sign.
B. Size
B1 Option 1: Area (max) 70 sf
B2 Option 1: Height (max) 15'
B3 Option 2: Area (max) 100 sf
B4 Option 2: Height (max) 10'
B5 Size of copy (min) 4"
B6 Lines of copy (max) 5
C. Location
C1 Number of signs per site (max) 1
C2 Additional signs for double frontage lots Allowed by Special Use Permit
C3 Street frontage required (min) 100'
C4 ROW Encroachment Allowed with Council approval
D. Miscellaneous
All ground sign braces or uprights shall be self-supporting structures permanently attached to concrete foundations in or upon the ground.

Sec. 7.3.10. High Profile Ground Signs

Sec. 7.3.10. High Profile Ground Signs aaron.sheppard… Tue, 05/23/2023 - 11:33
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A. Description
A freestanding sign no more than 100 square feet in area erected on a supporting structure, mast, post or pole no more than 15 feet in height not attached, supported or suspended to or from any building or structure. A sign permit is required for a high profile ground sign.
B. Size
B1 Area (max) 100 sf
B2 Height (max) 15'
B3 Size of copy (min) 4"
B4 Lines of copy (max) 5
C. Location
C1 Number of signs per site (max) 1
C2 Additional signs for double frontage lots Allowed by Special Use Permit
C3 Street frontage required (min) 200'
C4 ROW Encroachment Allowed with Council approval
D. Miscellaneous
All ground sign braces or uprights shall be self-supporting structures permanently attached to concrete foundations in or upon the ground.

Sec. 7.3.11. Tract Signs

Sec. 7.3.11. Tract Signs aaron.sheppard… Tue, 05/23/2023 - 11:34
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A. Description
A freestanding ground sign identifying entry to a residential, commercial or mixed development or a nonresidential establishment in a residential district. A sign permit is required for a tract identification sign.
B. Size
B1 Copy area (max) 16 sf
B2 Copy height (max) 3.5'
B3 Sign area (max) 160 sf
B4 Sign height (max) 6'
C. Location
C1 Number of signs per street frontage (max)
C2 Site with more than 400 feet in street frontage 1 additional sign per frontage
C3 ROW Encroachment Allowed with Council approval
D. Additional Rules in Mixed Use, IH, CMP District
D1 Size of development (min) 2.5 acres
D2 Lot width (min) 60'
D3 Number of establishments (min) 3
E. Miscellaneous
Identifying signs may be placed on a subdivision wall or fence provided that no part of the wall or fence exceeds 6 feet in height or may be placed on a retaining wall greater than 6 feet in height provided that no part of the sign exceeds a height of 5 feet.

Sec. 7.3.12. A-Frame Signs

Sec. 7.3.12. A-Frame Signs aaron.sheppard… Tue, 05/23/2023 - 11:34
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A. Description
A small unlit freestanding on-site portable ground sign that is displayed during business hours and removed when the business is closed. A sign permit is not required.
B. Size
B1 Area (max) 6 sf
B2 Height (max) 5'
C. Location
C1 Distance from main pedestrian entrance (max) 5'
C2 Clear pedestrian space 5'
C3 ROW Encroachment Allowed with minor encroachment
C4 Number size per establishment (max) 1
D. Miscellaneous
Sidewalk signs must not interfere with pedestrian travel or encroach upon the required accessible path.
Sidewalk signs may only be displayed during business hours and must be removed when the business is closed.

Sec. 7.3.13. Special Sign Types

Sec. 7.3.13. Special Sign Types aaron.sheppard… Tue, 05/23/2023 - 11:35
  1. Announcement Signs
    An announcement sign is a small on-premise ground sign permitted as use regulation for specific nonresidential uses in a Residential District as set forth in Chapter 6. Use Regulations
  2. Crown Signs
    An on-premise wall sign located on buildings a least 200 feet in height.
    1. In addition to a permitted wall sign, buildings greater than 200 feet in height may contain a crown sign.
    2. The amount of additional wall signage shall not exceed 4.70 square feet of signage per building side for each foot of building height over 200 feet tall up to a maximum of 750 square feet.
    3. Additional wall signage shall not be transferred from 1 building side to another.
    4. No crown sign shall exceed 750 square feet per sign.
    5. Only 1 crown sign shall be located on any 1 side of a building.
    6. The sign must be located at the top crown of the building and it shall not extend below the top of the upper floor of the building.
    7. The same copy must appear on all additional crown signs.
    8. All sign illumination shall be internal.
    9. Changeable copy is prohibited.
    10. A crown sign shall contain no more than 1 line of copy, excluding symbols.
  3. Changeable Copy Signs
    A sign on which copy is changed manually or automatically and copy is shown on the same sign face such as reader boards with changeable letters or changeable pictorial panels but not limited to the above. Poster panels and painted boards are not changeable copy signs.
    1. For any permitted wall, projecting, ground or tract identification sign up to 50% of the sign area may be changeable copy (automatic or manual).
    2. For tract identification the total area of the changeable copy cannot exceed 8 square feet per sign. Only 1 changeable copy sign may be erected and it must be physically part of that tract identification sign.
    3. No changeable copy sign may contain more than 3 horizontal pieces of information.
    4. Except changeable copy time and temperature signs, no changeable copy sign may change more than 4 times in any 24-hour period.
  4. Directional Signs
    A sign that orients pedestrian and vehicular traffic to different areas within a development of over 100 acres.
    1. Directional signs are only allowed in developments that contain at least 100 acres.
    2. No sign permit shall be issued for a directional sign until a common signage plan has been approved as set forth in Sec. 7.3.16.H.
    3. All directional signs shall be under the maintenance responsibility of a single association or other legal entity.
    4. If any common signage plan amendment is approved, all existing signs that do not comply with the new sign criteria shall be removed within 30 days of approval of such amendment.
    5. There shall be no more than 1 directional sign for every 1,000 feet of frontage along any thoroughfare, commercial or collector street.
    6. No directional sign shall exceed 7 feet in height and 35 square feet of sign area.
    7. The sign may include the name of the overall development and the type of land use subareas that is identified in the approved Master Plan.
    8. Directional signs may be located on the same lot as a ground sign.
  5. Directory Signs
    A on-premise sign that lists the name of activities, businesses, firms or tenants of a unified project or site.
    1. The site shall contain no more than 1 directory sign.
    2. The maximum sign area shall not exceed 3 inches by 15 inches for each identified activity, business, firm or tenant on the site.
    3. The outdoor directory sign may either be a changeable copy sign or fixed professional nameplates; provided that the standards of each are met.
    4. The sign may take the form of any sign permitted in the district provided that the sign complies with the applicable sign requirements. If the directory sign is a ground sign, no other ground sign is allowed unless the directory sign is positioned so that is not visible from any right-of-way and contains no other message, announcement or decoration.
  6. Landmark Signs
    A sign that exhibits unique characteristics that enhance the streetscape or identity of a neighborhood and as such contributes to the historical or cultural character of the area or the community at large.
    1. The sign is an on-premise sign that meets at least 1 of the following criteria:
      1. It was expressly designed for the business, institution or other establishment at that location;
      2. It bears a national emblem, logo or other graphic that is no longer used by the company; or
      3. It is a remnant of an advertising program that is no longer used by the parent company.
    2. The sign complies with Sec. 7.3.16.B. and if any portion is permitted to remain on or over a public right-of-way, a City or State approved encroachment agreement is executed.
    3. The sign complies with the lighting standards of Sec. 7.3.16.G and the prohibited sign requirements of Sec. 7.3.15.
    4. The sign exists or will within 6 months of its designation as a landmark sign be restored and continuously maintained, in its full original condition except for minor changes required for structural enhancements, changes required to comply with paragraphs Sec. 7.3.13.F.1. through Sec. 7.3.13.F.3. above and Federal or State regulations. Where original materials are unavailable, substitute materials, which are as near as possible substitutes for the original material may be used.
    5. The sign was erected prior to January 1, 1973 and has existed continuously in place on the site.
    6. The application requesting landmark designation was completed and submitted within 6 months following an extension of areas in which this UDO is applicable.
    7. The sign is approved by the City Council as a landmark sign.
    8. Other signs that are of the same sign type as a landmark sign are permitted on the site so long as: the maximum area, including the area of landmark signs, of such type of signage, is not exceeded, all other applicable requirements for that type of sign are met and the maximum signage allowed for the site, as determined by Sec. 7.3.16.B., is not exceeded.
  7. Miscellaneous (Omnibus) Signs
    Each site that is not allowed a wall sign or an on-premise sign or off-premises ground sign is allowed to contain a maximum amount of signage of 60 square feet, provided that, no sign is more than 15 square feet in area and 3½ feet in height.
  8. Private Street Signs
    A sign placed on private property that identifies name of a private street.
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    1. Sign Legend
      1. Name and Block
        1. The approved street name and block number must be shown on each sign face.
        2. The street name must be shown in a clear, readable style of print. Cursive letters cannot be used.
        3. Block numbers must be shown in Arabic numerals.
        4. At the point of intersection with public streets, private street signs shall immediately above the name and block contain the word "private."
      2. Abbreviations
        The street name shall not be abbreviated but standard abbreviations may be used for the prefix (north, south, east and west) and for the suffix portion of the legend.
      3. Minimum Letter Size
        Street names shall not be less than 4-inch uppercase, 3-inch lowercase. Block number or building references shall not be less than 2 inches.
    2. Visibility and Reflectivity
      1. Legend and background color selection shall effect clear contrast and visibility for both day and night identification so that the name is easily identifiable for up to 175 feet from the sign.
      2. All legends and backgrounds shall be reflectorized to ensure visibility at night.
    3. Location, Number and Placement
      1. Location
        1. At intersecting private streets, the sign shall be placed as near as possible to the intersection of a line parallel to and 6 feet from each private street.
        2. The private street name marker assembly shall not be placed on the public right-of-way and shall not be closer than 6 feet to the edge of pavement of the private street.
      2. Number
        A sign face for intersecting private street or private street and public streets, shall be required so that the respective street name and block number is displayed to the appropriate direction of travel.
      3. Vertical Position
        The bottom of the sign shall be a minimum of 6 feet above the elevation of the adjacent street.
  9. Product and Information Signs
    1. A product sign is a sign attached to outdoor vending machines, stands, gasoline pumps and display racks that direct attention to dispensed products.
    2. An information sign is an on-premise sign containing no other commercial message, copy, announcement or decoration other than instruction or direction to the public. Such signs include but are not limited to the following: identifying restrooms, public telephones, automated teller machines, for lease, for sale, walkways, entrance and exit drives, freight entrances and traffic direction.
    3. A product sign or information sign may not exceed 6 square feet in area, except in the case of an information sign for a multi-establishment campus.
    4. Individual information signs for a multi-establishment campus may be a maximum of 14 square feet in area with a maximum height of 3½ feet and a maximum width of 4 feet. One primary information sign may be located at each major entrance; provided that, no such sign shall be closer than 100 feet to the public right-of-way, and not exceed a maximum of 35 square feet in area, a maximum height of 7 feet and a maximum width of 5 feet.
    5. The total sign area for all product and information signs located on any site cannot exceed 32 square feet; provided that the total allowable sign area for information signs which are part of a multi-establishment campus may be increased in accordance with the following:
      1. 32 square feet per major entrance drive for any multi-establishment campus with three or more major entrances from a commercial street or a thoroughfare; and
      2. 10 square feet for each acre in excess of 10 acres of the multiestablishment campus.
    6. No commercial message, copy, announcement or decoration can be located on the information sign other than instruction or direction to the public.
    7. A product sign must be attached directly to either the dispensary structure or the product and cannot be located in any Residential District.
  10. Temporary Signs
    After the issuance of a temporary sign permit the following temporary signs may be erected:
    1. Unlit on-premise portable signs, 3-dimensional banners, moored blimps, gas balloons and windblown signs such as pennants, spinners, flags and streamers for special events for a total period not to exceed 30 days.
    2. Construction signs are permitted on a construction site that meet all of the following standards:
      1. The sign area shall not exceed 15 square feet in sign area in CM, AP or a Residential District and shall not exceed 32 square feet in area in all other districts.
      2. No construction sign shall be erected prior to issuance of a grading or building permit and the sign shall be removed within 15 days after issuance of a certificate of compliance.
    3.  Except for government owned signage, temporary signs shall not be permitted within the right of way.
  11. Unit Numbering Identification Sign
    1. All unit numbers shall be uniformly located on the side of the building facing the street within 18 inches of the building entrance or if not possible for architectural or building arrangement reasons prominently displayed on the building wall, easily visible from a public street.
    2. However, unit number signs for detached and attached houses and manufactured homes only may, in lieu of being located on the building wall, be located on the mail box or similar sized surfaces attached to mail boxes.
    3. Units that do not abut and gain access on a public street must locate identification signs containing the name of the court, street or way and the unit numbers on each main entrance to the building.
    4. All unit number signs shall be a minimum of 3 inches in size.
    5. Any unit number identification over 10 inches in height shall comply with all applicable sign regulations of this UDO.
  12. Vehicle Sign
    1. Vehicle signs shall not be located within 40 feet of the right-of-way of any street. Vehicle signs on trailer or box truck type vehicles shall not be located within 100 feet of the right-of-way of any street.
    2. Vehicle signs permitted as part of an approved temporary event or vehicles used in direct connection with the business other than as signage, are not subject to these provisions during the course of their normal business usage.
  13. Windblown Signs
    A banner, flag, pennant, spinner or streamer.
    1. No site shall contain more than 3 windblown signs. Each windblown device erected to a tether, pole, mast, building or any structure shall be deemed to be a separate distinct windblown sign.
    2. The total sign area of all windblown signs on a site located in a mixed or special district shall not exceed 40% of the maximum allowable signage as set forth in Sec. 7.3.16.B.
    3. The total sign area of all windblown signs on a site located in a residential district shall not exceed 35 square feet.
    4. The maximum height of a windblown sign shall not exceed 20 feet or the tallest principal building located on the site, whichever is greater.
    5. The windblown sign limitations do not apply to temporary windblown signs erected pursuant to Sec. 7.3.13.J.
  14. DX Digital Signs
    Notwithstanding the provision of Sec. 7.3.2., signs that use technologies such as LCD, LED and Projection to display content such as digital images, video, streaming media, and information. Digital signs are prohibited except for the following:
    1. Attached, as a wall sign, not exceeding 750 square feet in area, per sign, to a civic building in the DX- zoning district where the civic building contains one or more places of public assembly having a single-room seating capacity of no less than 10,000. No more than one digital sign shall be permitted on a building façade facing the same public street.
    2. As a ground sign, not exceeding 100 square feet in area erected on a supporting structure, mast, post or pole no more than 20 feet in height, on a lot containing (i) a civic building in the DX- zoning district where the civic building contains one or more places of public assembly in the DX- zoning district having a single-room seating capacity of no less than 2,100; or (ii) an outdoor sports or entertainment facility in the DX- zoning district, having a seating capacity of no less than 5,000. No more than one digital ground sign shall be permitted on a lot for each public street abutting the lot. Subject to the prior limitation, multiple signs may face the same public street. A ground sign is not attached, supported or suspended to or from any building or structure.
    3. The digital signage permitted herein is in addition to and shall not be credited against all other signage permitted in Art. 7.3.
    4. DX digital signs are not changeable copy signs and are not subject to Sec. 7.3.13.C. or any minimum copy size described in Art. 7.3.
    5. DX digital signs shall not display any strobe lighting effects. For the purposes of this section, strobe lighting effects are intense flashes of light at a frequency of greater than 1Hz (or 1 flash of bright light per second).
  15. Freestanding Channel Letter Ground Signs
    A freestanding channel letter ground sign that identifies the name of the development or an establishment within the development. The sign may be erected on a supporting structure, but not on a post, mast or pole, and neither the base or channel letters shall be attached, supported or suspended to or from any building. A sign permit is required for a freestanding channel letter ground sign. For purposes of this section, a channel letter sign shall mean a sign comprised of individual letters, numbers, logos, or other graphics that are independently mounted to a surface. Lighting for such signage may include neon tubes, fiberoptics, LED’s, and front and back lit letters.
    1. Freestanding channel letter ground signs are only allowed pursuant to an adopted Custom Signage Plan.
    2. The supporting structure, if one is utilized, shall not exceed 5 feet in height.
    3. Individual channel letters affixed to the supporting structure or to the ground shall not exceed 5 feet in height.
    4. The sign shall not exceed more than 10 feet in height.
    5. The sign shall not exceed more than 100 feet in length.
    6. There shall be no more than 1 line of copy per sign, and the sign shall not exceed 500 square feet in sign area.
    7. All ground sign braces shall be self-supporting structures permanently attached to concrete foundations in or upon the ground.
    8. There shall be no more than 2 freestanding channel letter signs allowed within the designated Custom Signage Plan area
    9. If a freestanding channel letter ground sign faces a public street, the sign shall be set back a minimum of 50 feet from the street, and shall be separated from the street by parking spaces, public or private open space or recreation space, or a 10 foot pedestrian walkway.
    10. Changeable copy is prohibited.
  16. Attached Channel Letter Signs
    An attached channel letter sign that identifies the name of the development or an establishment within the development, where such sign is mounted atop or hanging from an awning, canopy, porte cochere, or building architectural element, including but not limited to, decorative support beams. A sign permit is required for a freestanding channel letter building sign. For purposes of this section, a channel letter sign shall mean a sign comprised of individual letters, numbers, logos, or other graphics that are independently mounted to a surface. Lighting for such signage may include neon tubes, fiberoptics, LED’s, and front and back lit letters.
    1. Attached channel letter signs are only permitted pursuant to an adopted Custom Signage Plan.
    2. No portion of the sign may extend above the building’s main roof line without a parapet wall, or no portion of the sign may extend 2 feet above the building’s main roof line with a parapet wall, provided no portion of the sign extends above the parapet.
    3. The sign shall not exceed 150 square feet in sign area for any building up to five stories in height, and 300 square feet in sign area for any building 6 stories and above.
    4. Individual channel letters shall not exceed 10 feet in height.
    5. There shall be no more than 2 lines of copy per sign.
    6. The sign shall not exceed 20 feet in height.
    7. There shall be no more than 2 attached channel letter signs allowed within the designated Custom Signage Plan area.
    8. Only 1 channel letter building sign shall be located on any 1 side of a building.
    9. Changeable copy is prohibited.

Sec. 7.3.14. Off-Premise Signs

Sec. 7.3.14. Off-Premise Signs aaron.sheppard… Tue, 05/23/2023 - 11:35
  1. Purpose
    1. For the purpose of regulating excess signage, encouraging the positive economic development of the City, promoting the safety of the traveling public, protecting existing property values in both residential and nonresidential areas, preventing the overcrowding of land, promoting a positive community appearance as part of a concerted City-wide effort to protect and enhance the aesthetics of the Capital City for the enjoyment of all citizens of North Carolina, outdoor advertising signs is controlled and regulated.
    2. The regulations are designed to prevent their overconcentration, improper placement and excessive height, bulk, number and area. It is recognized that, unlike on-premise identification signs which are actually a part of a business, outdoor advertising is a separate and distinct use of the public thoroughfare. With a view to this distinction, outdoor advertising signs are regulated differently from on-premise signs. It is intended that outdoor advertising signs be located away from residential areas and that such signs be regulated to protect the character of the area wherein outdoor advertising signs are located, and to conserve property values in these areas.
  2. General Regulations
    1. All outdoor advertising signs shall be consistent with all definitions and shall comply with all standards and regulations of this UDO.
    2. Except for ordinary maintenance and repair, poster panel replacements, copy, changes or repair not involving structural, material or electrical changes, no outdoor advertising signs or part of an outdoor advertising signs, shall be erected, altered, constructed, changed, converted, re-erected, additionally illuminated, reduced in size, enlarged or moved unless the entire outdoor advertising sign and structure are brought into conformity with this UDO.
    3. This Section does not apply to Intra-Development Signs as set forth in 10.2.21. Custom Signage Plan.
  3. Area of Outdoor Advertising Signs
    1. No outdoor advertising sign facing streets with 4 or more traffic lanes may exceed 150 square feet.
    2. Outdoor advertising signs facing streets with fewer than 4 traffic lanes may not exceed 75 square feet.
    3. The sign area is measured by finding the area of the minimum imaginary rectangle or square of vertical and horizontal lines which fully encloses all extremities of the sign, excluding supports, the base or apron unless the copy message, announcement or decoration appears on the base or apron. The allowable sign area of signs with equal size and shape for both doublefaced (back-to-back) and V-type signs is measured by computing the area of only one side of the sign. Both sides of a double-faced or V-type sign shall be of equal size.
    4. The sign area of signs with 3 or more sides (multiple sided signs) containing a copy, message, decoration or announcement visible from a street, highway or expressway is measured as the sum of the area of any 2 adjacent sides.
  4. Height
    No outdoor advertising sign, including base or apron, supports, supporting structures and trim, may exceed 30 feet in height.
  5. Setback Requirements
    District setback requirements are not applicable to outdoor advertising signs.
  6. Construction Standards
    1. Compliance with Building Codes
      All signs shall comply with the appropriate detailed provisions of the North Carolina and City Building Codes, the National Electric Code and other provisions of the Code of the City of Raleigh.
    2. Clearance from High-Voltage Power Lines
      Outdoor advertising signs shall be located in such a way that they maintain horizontal and vertical clearance of all overhead electrical conductors in accordance with the National Electric Code; provided that, no outdoor advertising sign shall be erected closer than 10 feet in any direction from any conductor or public utility guy wire.
  7. Location and Spacing
    1. Corner Lots
      No part of an outdoor advertising sign may be located within a triangular area formed by the street right-of-way lines and a line connecting them at points 50 feet from the right-of-way intersection.
    2. Spacing of Signs
      1. No part of any outdoor advertising sign shall be located less than 1,000 feet from any part of another outdoor advertising sign when located within either of two 200-foot corridors along each side of a roadway. The 2 corridors shall be delineated by connecting perpendicular measurements from all points along the road rights-of-way. No part of any permitted outdoor advertising sign which is located outside of the 200-foot corridor areas may be located within a 1,000-foot radius of any other outdoor advertising sign.
      2. No part of any outdoor advertising sign is permitted within 400 feet of a district that allows dwellings.
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        7-3-14-g-2-b

Sec. 7.3.15. Prohibited Signs

Sec. 7.3.15. Prohibited Signs aaron.sheppard… Tue, 05/23/2023 - 11:36

The following signs are prohibited within all districts.

  1. Any sign which the Transportation Director determines obstructs the view of bicyclists or motorists using any street, private driveway, approach to any street intersection or which interferes with the effectiveness of or obscures any traffic sign, device or signal.
  2. Illuminated, highly reflective signs or spotlights which the Transportation Director determines hampers the vision of motorists or bicyclists.
  3. Signs, lights, rotating disks, words and other devices which resemble traffic signals, traffic signs or emergency vehicle lights.
  4. Signs, lights, rotating disks, words and other devices not erected by public authority which may be erroneously construed as governmental signs or emergency warning signs.
  5. Any sign which interferes with free passage from or obstructs any fire escape, downspout, window, door, stairways, ladder or opening intended as a means of ingress or egress or providing light or air.
  6. Any sign placed on any curb, sidewalk, post pole, hydrant, bridge, tree or other surface located on, over or across any public street, right-of-way, property or thoroughfare, unless authorized by the City Council.
  7. Flashing signs, travelling lights or signs animated by lights or changing degrees of intensity, except signs in public rights-of-way, and DX digital signs as specifically provided in Sec. 7.3.13.N.
  8. Signs that mechanically move, except signs on public rights-of-way.
  9. Roof signs.
  10. The tacking, posting or otherwise affixing of signs of a miscellaneous character visible from a public right-of-way located on the outside walls of buildings, barns, sheds, trees, poles, fences or other structures provided unit numbers, mailbox and paper tube identification signs that do not exceed 1 square foot in area and signs which warn the public against danger shall be allowed.
  11. Any message, copy or announcement, which uses a series of 2 or more signs placed in a line parallel to a street, highway or expressway carrying a single message or copy.
  12. Any sign which pertains to a business, profession, commodity or service which is vacant, unoccupied or discontinued for a period of 1 year or more; any part of a sign which is unused for a period of 1 year or more; or any sign which pertains to an event or purpose which no longer applies shall be deemed abandoned. An abandoned sign is prohibited and shall be removed by the owner of the sign or the owner or tenant of the premise.
  13. Signs attached to, painted on, or otherwise positioned (whether exterior or interior) in or on an inoperable or unlicensed vehicle (motorized or nonmotorized) located in view of the right-of-way.
  14. Signs attached to, painted on, or otherwise positioned in or on a licensed vehicle that is located in view of the street right-of-way when in a location or for a period of time that indicates that the use of the vehicle is for displaying the sign to passing motorists or pedestrians, except that such signs are allowed on a temporary basis in association with a temporary event permit.
  15. Any sign unlawfully erected or maintained.

Sec. 7.3.16. General Sign Regulations

Sec. 7.3.16. General Sign Regulations aaron.sheppard… Tue, 05/23/2023 - 11:37
  1. Area Computation of Copy and Signs
    1. Individual Letters
      1. The area of copy or the area of a sign which consists of individual letters that are erected directly onto a surface exclusive of any sign face, is measured by finding the area of the minimum imaginary rectangles or squares of vertical and horizontal lines, which fully encloses all sign words, copy or message.
      2. All or a portion of at least 1 side of each rectangle and square must be coterminous with the side of another rectangle or square. At least 75% of the sign area must be enclosed by 1 rectangle or square.
      3. Rectangles and squares cannot be configured to indent within a letter.
    2. Multi-Sided Signs
      The sign area of a sign with three or more sides (multi-sided signs) containing a copy, message, decoration or announcement visible from a street, highway or expressway is equal to the sum of the areas of any 2 adjacent sides.
    3. All Other Signs
      1. The sign area is measured by finding the area of the minimum imaginary rectangles or squares of vertical and horizontal lines which fully enclose all extremities of the sign, exclusive of its supports.
      2. All or a portion of at least 1 side of each rectangle or square must be coterminous with the side of another rectangle or square.
      3. At least 75% of the sign area must be enclosed by 1 rectangle or square.
      4. Rectangles and squares cannot be configured to indent within a letter.
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        7-3-16-a-3
  2. Maximum Signage
    1. The total maximum signage allowed for any single establishment located in a Mixed Use, IH or CMP district, not including an area with an adopted Streetscape Plan or properties with frontage on Fayetteville Street, is 2 square feet per linear foot of side of the building facing along any street up to a maximum of 300 square feet.
    2. If a ground sign or tract identification sign is located on the site, the maximum sign area per establishment is limited 200 square feet.
    3. No premise, including those in a Residential District, is prevented from having at least 32 square feet of on-premise signage, except for properties with frontage on Fayetteville Street as described below. Allowable signage may be allocated among the permitted signs in the district.
    4. The maximum allowable signage limitation does not apply to Landmark signs, product and information signs, unit numbering identification signs under 10 inches, temporary signs and window signs permitted pursuant to Sec. 7.3.7.
    5. No sign or combination of signs shall exceed a total of 3 square feet per linear foot of building frontage for properties with frontage on Fayetteville Street, applies south of Morgan Street and north of South Street.
  3. Adopted Streetscape and Custom Signage Plans
    In the event there is an adopted Streetscape Plan or Custom Signage Plan that applies to the subject property and that regulates signage, conformance to the adopted plan is required. The standards of the Streetscape Plan or Custom Signage Plan shall apply in lieu of the standards of Article 7.3 as applicable.
  4. Noncommercial Copy Permitted
    Any sign authorized in this UDO is allowed to contain noncommercial message in lieu of any commercial message.
  5. Construction Standards
    1. Compliance with Building Code
      All signs shall comply with the appropriate provisions of the North Carolina State and City Building Codes, the National Electric Code and other provisions of the City Code.
    2. Clearance from High Voltage Power Lines
      Signs shall be located in such a way that they maintain horizontal and vertical clearance of all overhead electrical conductors in accordance with National Electric Code specifications, provided that no sign, except government traffic signs, shall be installed closer than 10 feet in any direction from any conductor or public utility guy wire.
  6. Sight Triangle
    1. Signs shall not obstruct the views of motorists using any street, driveway, parking aisles or the approach to any street intersection.
    2. All signs must comply with the sight triangle requirements of the Raleigh Street Design Manual.
  7. Illumination of Signs
    Any conforming sign, unless otherwise specifically regulated, may be illuminated provided the following standards are met:
    1. Any light source from any illuminated sign or flood light used to illuminate a sign must not be oriented so as to direct glare or excessive illumination onto streets or sidewalks in a manner that may distract or interfere with the vision of drivers, cyclists or pedestrians, as determined by the Development Services Director.
    2. No illuminated sign shall cast light to exceed 0.5 footcandles measured at the property line of any Residential District and 2.0 footcandles measured at the right-of-way line of a street.
    3. Internal illumination cannot exceed 10 footcandles measured at a distance of 10 feet from the sign.
    4. All electrically illuminated signs shall have a disconnecting switch located in accordance with the provisions of the National Electric Code.
    5. Applications for both a sign permit and an electrical permit shall be submitted and approved by the City prior to the installation.
    6. In any -AOD, all illuminated signs shall be shielded in such a manner that no direct glare can be seen from above.
  8. Common Signage Plan
    1. To achieve congruity, unity of development and to avoid conflicts within any site with more than 1 principal building, no sign permit shall be issued to any development containing more than 1 establishment until a common signage plan has been approved in accordance with Sec. 10.2.12., unless the development is subject to a Custom Signage Plan.
    2. No permit will be issued in violation of the common signage plan. Such criteria shall be as follows:
      1. Specified allowed type script that shall be observed.
      2. Maximum and minimum letter height that shall be observed.
      3. Specified allowed sign types, all other signs shall be prohibited.
      4. Sign placement by specifying sign panel location or elevations.
      5. Specified maximum of 7 colors to be applied to the sign and its background that shall be observed. Colors shall be in addition to black and white.
      6. In addition to the 7 color limit, the colors of black and white or a color that matches the building material color of the wall on which it is attached or the dominant exterior building material such as, but not limited to, brick or marble shall be allowed.
      7. Federal and State registered trademarks or service marks may employ additional colors; provided, they do not exceed the following:
        1. 12¼ square feet for all establishments less than 10,000 square feet;
        2. 18 square feet for establishments greater then 10,000 to 30,000 square feet;
        3. 25 square feet for establishments greater than 30,000 to 100,000 square feet; and
        4. 36 square feet for establishments greater than 100,000 square feet.
      8. The sign includes its casings, supports and backings. Only those signs which are erected or altered after the common sign plan is established shall be affected by the common sign plan

Sec. 7.3.17. Nonconforming Signs

Sec. 7.3.17. Nonconforming Signs aaron.sheppard… Tue, 05/23/2023 - 11:37
  1. Within 90 days after the effective date of this provision or within 90 days following an extension of areas in which this section is applicable any portable ground sign, temporary sign, vehicle sign or windblown sign not authorized by Sec. 7.3.13.L. shall be removed. Except for signs approved as part of an adopted Streetscape Plan or Custom Signage Plan, all other signs which are made nonconforming by an amendment to this UDO or an amendment to the Official Zoning Map or extension of areas in which this UDO is applicable shall be discontinued and removed or made conforming within 5½ years after the date of the amendment or extension, unless explicitly prohibited by state statute.
  2. Nothing in this UDO shall prohibit the ordinary maintenance repair of a nonconforming sign or replacement of a broken part of a nonconforming sign. Whenever any nonconforming sign or part of a nonconforming sign is altered, replaced, converted or changed, the entire sign must immediately comply with the provisions of this UDO and/or an adopted Streetscape Plan or Custom Signage Plan.
  3. Nonconforming signs that are destroyed or damaged by 50% or more of their value shall not be rebuilt or repaired except in conformance with this UDO and/or an adopted Streetscape Plan or Custom Signage Plan.
  4. Nothing in this UDO shall prevent a City Council-designated landmark sign from indefinitely remaining on-premise so long as the landmark sign complies with all the standards of Sec. 7.3.15.
  5. Within 90 days after the effective date of this provision or within 90 days following an extension of areas in which this section is applicable:
    1. Any paper, poster board or similar sign or display shall be removed or otherwise made conforming.