ARTICLE 070.060

Signs

070.060.010    Purpose
070.060.020    Administration
070.060.030    General Provisions
070.060.040    Special Provisions
070.060.050    Sign and District Regulations
070.060.060    Design Guidelines
070.060.070    Non-conforming Signs
070.060.080    Definitions

070.060.010  Purpose.

(a)  Purpose.

(1)  The purpose of this Article is to promote the public health, safety and welfare through a comprehensive system of reasonable, effective, consistent, content-neutral and nondiscriminatory sign requirements and standards.  This Article is intended to be informative, creative and aesthetically acceptable; contributing to the common welfare and needs of local residents, businesses and visitors alike in a concise and fair manner which encourages compliance.

(2)  The City Council recognizes that signs are necessary means of visual communication for the public convenience and that businesses, services and other activities have the right to identify themselves by using signs that are accessory and incidental to the use on the premises where the signs are located.

(3)  These sign regulations are intended to:

a.  Preserve the unique character of the City;

b.  Recognize six (6) distinct geographic districts within the City which possess different and unique characteristics of physical location, building design, land use patterns and pedestrian and vehicle circulation;

c.  Provide for business signs within reasonable limitations, consistent with the goals and objectives of the community, to retain the special character and economic advantages that rest largely on the quality of the community's appearance;

d.  Protect the public from hazardous conditions by prohibiting signs that are structurally unsafe or obscure, distract the vision of motorists, or compete or conflict with necessary traffic signs and warning signals;

e.  Eliminate hazards caused by the size and placement of signs and reduce the possibility of injuries to those coming near or under signs; and

f.  Promote the health, safety and public welfare of the City, its residents and its visitors.

(b)  Citation.  This Article shall be known and may be cited and referred to as the "Sign Code of the City of Glenwood Springs, Colorado" or the "Sign Code."

(c)  Applicability.  This Article shall apply to all signs of whatever nature and wherever located within the City.  No sign shall be allowed except as permitted by this Article.

(d)  Effective date.  The effective date of this Article shall be March 3, 1997.  Any sign for which a permit is issued subsequent to the effective date shall comply fully with the provisions of this Article.

(R & Re 7-97 §1)

070.060.020  Administration.

(a)  Incorporation of Uniform Sign Code.

(1)  Adoption.  The Uniform Sign Code, 1991 Edition, of the International Conference of Building Officials, 5360 S. Workman Mill Road, Whittier, California, 90601, including all appendices, is hereby adopted by the City to provide minimum standards to safeguard life, health, property and public welfare, by regulating and controlling the design, quality of materials, construction, location, size, electrification and maintenance of all sign structures not located in a building.

(2)  Deletions.  Section 303.3 of the Uniform Sign Code, as adopted in this Section, concerning permit requirements for signs of less than six (6) feet in height, is hereby deleted.

(3)  Violations and penalties.  It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip or use any sign or structure in the City, or cause or permit the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of the Uniform Sign Code, as adopted in this Section.  Any person violating any of the provisions of this Article shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and may be subject to such penalties or other remedies as set forth in Section 010.020.080.

(4)  Copies.  Copies of the Uniform Sign Code, as adopted in this Section, shall be available at the office of the City Clerk at 806 Cooper Avenue, Glenwood Springs, Colorado 81601.

(5)  Conflicts.  If any of the provisions of the Uniform Sign Code, as adopted in this Section, are in conflict with any other provision of this Article, the provisions of this Article shall be controlling.

(b)  Procedures for standard sign approval.

(1)  Type of permit.  A standard sign permit shall be required to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip or use any sign or sign structure in compliance with this Article, and not requiring one (1) of the permits set forth in Section 070.060.040(a) of this Article.

(2)  Approving authority.  The Community Development Director shall issue standard sign permits.

(c)  Application requirements.  Application for any type of sign permit shall be made in writing upon forms furnished by the Director.  The following must be submitted with the completed application form prior to the issuance of any sign permit by the Director:

(1)  Name and address of property owner;

(2)  A letter of consent from the owner of the building if the applicant is not the owner;

(3)  Name, address and contractor license number of sign installer;

(4)  Physical address and/or legal description of property where sign will be located;

(5)  Business name;

(6)  Elevation of the building or a site plan showing location of the sign on the building or parcel;

(7)  A blueprint or ink drawing of the plans, specifications and method of construction of the sign and its supports, showing proposed dimensions, materials and colors and the type, intensity and design of the sign's illumination.

(8)  The dimensions, measurements and calculations of the building frontages and line frontages on streets and alleys; the dimensions of any other sign located on the property; and any other information needed to calculate permitted sign area, height, type, placement or other requirements of these regulations;

(9)  Type and specifications of proposed lighting;

(10)  Signature of applicant;

(11)  Fee, as calculated in Subsection (g); and

(12)  Dates of display, if not a permanent sign.

(d)  Public hearing process.  Any application to consider a sign variance permit, off-premises sign permit, special use permit for a directional sign or an appeal of a Director's decision shall be heard by the appropriate body according to the schedule below at a public hearing in accordance with the provisions of Section 070.010.030.  A completed application form with the appropriate filing fees shall be filed with the Planning Department thirty (30) days prior to the scheduled Planning and Zoning Commission meeting.

(e)  Conditions of approval.  In granting any type of sign permit, the permitting authority shall impose such restrictions and conditions as it finds necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare and to ensure compliance with this Municipal Code, goals and policies.

(f)  Appeals.  An appeal from any decision made may be made in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 070.010.050.

(g)  Fees.  A permit fee shall be paid in accordance with the fee schedule set by City Council.  (A 5-06, §2)

To account for additional costs of enforcement and administration of this Code, the foregoing fees shall be doubled as applied to permit applications for signs which have been erected without approval of a sign permit.

(R & Re 7-97; A 13-06, §2)

070.060.030  General Provisions.

(a)  Permits required.  A permit shall be required, except for signs or sign activities described in Subsection (b) below, to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip or use any sign or sign structure in the City.

(b)  Permits not required.  The following signs or sign activities shall be exempt from obtaining a sign permit:

(1)  Sign activities:

a.  Preventative maintenance.  The ordinary preventative maintenance of a lawfully existing sign which does not involve a change of placement, size, lighting or height.

b.  Repainting.  The repainting of a lawfully existing sign.

c.  Changes of copy.  The changing of copy on theater marquees, reader boards and similar signs on permitted or existing legal nonconforming signs.

(2)  Types of signs:

a.  Art.  Works of art which in no way advertise for commercial purposes a specific person, product, service or business.

b.  Balloons and wind signs.  The use of balloons and other similar wind signs during daylight hours only.

c.  Construction signs, for a site under construction, subject to the following:

1.  Number.  One (1) sign along each lot line frontage on a street, not to exceed a total of two (2) signs per site.

2.  Location.  Construction signs may be placed no nearer than ten (10) feet from any lot line.

3.  Attributes.  Construction signs may not exceed sixteen (16) square feet in area per sign, may not be illuminated and may only identify individuals or companies involved in designing, constructing, financing or developing a site under construction.  A graphic design painted on a construction barricade shall be permitted in addition to such signs, provided that it does not identify or advertise a person, product, service or business.

4.  Duration.  Construction signs may be erected and maintained for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days prior to commencement of construction and shall be removed within fourteen (14) days of termination of construction.

d.  Directional signs, not including real estate open house directional signs, subject to the following:

1.  Number.  Four (4) signs per property, plus one (1) sign per entryway from a public right-of-way.

2.  Location.  A directional sign may be placed anywhere on a lot.

3.  Attributes.  Directional signs may not exceed four (4) square feet of sign area per face, may not exceed forty-two (42) inches in height above average ground level and may not carry any commercial message.  A logo and business name less than fifty percent (50%) of sign area may be displayed.

(A. 28-09, §2)

e.  External use signs.  Signs that are necessary for the exterior use of land for gas pumps or display of commercial goods.

1.  Signs on gas pump islands up to sixteen (16) square feet of sign face.  Such sign area in excess of this amount shall be debited against allowed sign area for detached or attached signs.

2.  Signs associated with external display of commercial goods up to one (1) square foot per one hundred (100) square feet of display area.  Sign area in excess of this amount shall be debited against allowed sign area for detached or attached sips.

f.    Flags.  Flags, emblems and insignia of national, state, county or municipal governments, provided that such flags, emblems and insignia are displayed for noncommercial purposes.  The height of all flagpoles shall not exceed the greater of:  (1) the allowed building height of the zone district; or (2) twenty (20) feet above the highest roof line of any building on the property.

1.       Flag area does not count as signage until it exceeds one (1) square foot per two hundred (200) square feet of lot area, subject to the maximum size limit in 070.060.030(f)(2).  Any additional flag area shall be counted as signage against the property and be administered pursuant to 070.060.020 of the Municipal Code.  (Ad 30-03 §1)

2.         The maximum allowed flag size is forty (40) square feet with no dimension exceeding eight (8) feet.  The display of national flags shall be governed by the standard rules of international protocol, including displaying flags with equal prominence.  The United States flag is exempt from all of the above restrictions, except for flagpole regulations.  (Ad 30-03 §1)

 g. Government signs.  Signs placed or erected by governmental agencies for a public purpose in the public interest, for control of traffic and other regulatory purposes, street signs, warning signs, railroad crossing signs, signs of public service companies indicating danger and aids to service and safety which are erected by or for the order of government.

h.  Historic designation.  Signs placed on an historic building identifying the structure as a local, state or federal historic landmark.  Such signs shall be a wall sign not to exceed six (6) square feet in area nor exceed six (6) feet in height and shall not be directly or indirectly illuminated.

i.   Historic signs.  Any sign designated as an historic landmark by the City Council shall be exempt from the provisions of this Article.

j.   Holiday decorations.  Noncommercial signs or other materials temporarily displayed on traditionally accepted civic, patriotic and/or religious holidays, provided that such decorations are maintained in safe condition and do not constitute a fire hazard.

k.  Ideological signs, subject to the following:

1.  Sign area.  A maximum of six (6) square feet of sign area per lot or series of contiguous lots under common ownership shall be allowed for ideological signs.

2.  Setback.  When erected as a detached sign, an ideological sign may be placed no closer than six (6) feet from a property line.

3.  Height.  When erected as a detached sign, an ideological sign may be no greater than forty-two (42) inches in height.

l.   Incidental signs on vehicles.  Signs placed on or affixed to vehicles or trailers where the sign is incidental to the primary use of the vehicle or trailer.  This is in no way intended to permit signs placed on or affixed to vehicles or trailers which are parked on a public right-of-way, public property or private property so as to be visible from a public right-of-way where the apparent purpose is to advertise a product, service or activity, or direct people to a business or activity located on the same or other property.

m. Information.  Informational signs guiding persons to facilities intended to serve the public or as a courtesy to the public, including signs which identify rest rooms, public telephones, public walkways, public entrances, freight entrances, affiliation with motor clubs, hours of business, acceptance of designated credit cards, "open" or "closed" for business, "vacancy" or "no vacancy" and other similar signs which provide instruction to persons using a facility but not including those signs accessory to parking areas.  Commercial messages of any kind are prohibited on informational signs.

1.  Location.  Informational signs may be attached to the building as projecting or wall signs, suspended from a canopy or included as an integral part of a pole sign.  Signs as an integral part of a pole sign will be debited against total allowable sign area.

2.  Attributes.  Informational signs may not exceed two (2) square feet per face or eight (8) feet in total area per parcel.

n.  Interior signs.  Signs which are fully located within the interior of any building or within an enclosed lobby or court of any building, which are not visible from the public right-of-way, adjacent lots or areas outside the building, and signs not to exceed thirty (30) inches by forty-two (42) inches, located within the inner or outer lobby, court or entrance of any theater which are intended solely for information relating to the interior operation of the building in which they are located.

o.  Mail boxes, including street address.

p.  Memorial signs.  Memorial plaques, tablets, grave markers or statuary declaring names of buildings and dates of erection when cut into any masonry or other permanent surface or when constructed of bronze or other incombustible materials, or other remembrances of persons or events that are noncommercial in nature.  Such signs shall not exceed four (4) square feet in area nor exceed six (6) feet in height and shall not be directly or indirectly illuminated.

q.  Menu signs.  One (1) sign per use, posted within a frame adjacent to the public right-of-way, with an area not to exceed four (4) square feet, with a height not to exceed the eave lines or parapet wall of that portion of the principal building in which the use to which the sign applies is located, and which advertises and/or identifies a restaurant menu, drinks or foods offered or special activities incidental to food and drink service.

r.  Menu boards.  On-site menu boards appurtenant to drive-in and drive-through restaurants or other drive-through personal service establishments, clearly oriented to cars in the drive-through lane and not oriented for the purpose of advertising the business to persons off the site of the business, and not exceeding fifty (50) square feet in sign area per face and six (6) feet in height.

s.  Public/private parking area signs.  Signs located on public or private property posting the property for warnings or prohibitions on parking activity, subject to the following:

1.  Location and number.  One (1) such sign may be placed at the entry to any off-street parking area.  In addition to signs at entries, signs may be placed within a parking area at a rate of one (1) sign per twenty (20) parking spaces.

2.  Sign area.  Such signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet of sign area per face.

t.  Political campaign signs.  Signs announcing candidates seeking public office with pertinent data, and signs relating to ballot issues with pertinent data, subject to the following:

1.  In residential zone districts referred to in Article 070.040 of this Code, political campaign signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet of sign area, shall be placed not less than six (6) feet from the property line and shall not exceed forty-two (42) inches in height.

2.  In nonresidential zone districts referred to in Article 070.040 of this Code, political campaign signs shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet for each sign face and shall be subject to the limitations on height, setback and placement set forth in this Chapter.

3.  Such signs shall be placed only on private property.

4.  All such signs shall be removed within seven (7) days after the election for which they are intended.

u.  Prohibited activity signs.  Signs located on private property, posting the property for warning or prohibitions on trespassing, hunting, fishing, swimming or other prohibited activity.  Such signs shall be no larger than one and one-half (1½) square feet in size, shall be spaced no closer than twenty-five (25) feet apart and shall not carry any commercial message or identification.  Such signs up to four (4) square feet in sign area may be allowed upon approval of the Director.

v.  Public notices.  Official government notices and legal notices.

w. Real estate signs.  The following signs shall be allowed subject to the following:

1.  Real estate sign for the sale or rental of property.  Temporary signs placed on the property for the sale or rental of real estate not to exceed eight (8) square feet in size.  Each parcel shall be allowed a maximum of one (1) sign per street frontage without a permit for a period not to exceed seven (7) days after closing of sale or rental of the property.

2.  Real estate open house signs.  The following requirements shall be applicable to all open house real estate signs, be it an on-site or directional sign:

a.    Maximum size shall be limited to four (4) square feet;

b.    Maximum height is restricted to three and one-half (3.5) feet;

c.    Signs shall only be displayed between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on the day of the open house event;

d.    Signs shall not be illuminated and shall not involve motion, rotation of parts, banners, streamers, balloons, or other similar devices used for advertising;

e.    Signs displayed on private property shall only be permitted with the approval of the property owner;

f.    Signs may not be located at the real estate office or sales office advertising the open house, unless the office is a model home or residential unit where the open house is being held;

g.    Signs must be comprised of a permanent or semi-permanent non-reflective material such as plastic, metal or wood and shall not utilize fluorescent colors;

h.    Signs may only be displayed on property within the city limits to advertise open house events at properties within the city limits;

i.    Signs may not obstruct any street, sidewalk, recreation path or public snow removal operations;

j.    Signs must contain a label on the backside of the sign, no larger than six (6) inches by six (6) inches, which lists the name of the person and firm that erected the sign and a telephone number.

3.    Real estate open house sign, directional as defined in this Article shall be subject to the following restrictions:

a.    All requirements as noted for all open house signs;

b.    No more than two (2) offsite directional real estate signs shall be allowed;

c.    Signs are prohibited on Colorado Department of Highways rights-of-way (Highway 82/Grand avenue and Highway 6) and Interstates (Interstate70);

d.    Shall not be located within fifteen (15) feet of an intersection of two (2) streets;

e.    Shall be limited to a maximum of one per intersection per each open house event;

f.    Shall be set back a minimum of five (5) feet from the edge of pavement if no curb exists adjacent to the street, or two (2) feet from the back of curb when the curb is adjacent to the street;

g.    Are prohibited in medians, traffic circles/roundabouts, cul-de-sacs or concrete islands, utility poles or equipment, public landscape beautification areas excepting planting strips between the sidewalk and curb, trees, fire hydrants or where sight lines of motorists, or the safe movement of pedestrians and vehicles are impeded.

4.    Real estate open house sign, on-site.  As defined in this Article, shall be subject to the following restrictions:

a.    All requirements as noted for all open house signs;

b.    shall be limited to one sign per parcel, or series of contiguous parcels under the same ownership, where the open house is being held in addition to one standard real estate sign; however, for those properties with multiple street frontages, a maximum of two signs overall shall be allowed with a maximum of one sign per frontage;

c.    Shall be located within the confines of the property being advertised, not on any adjacent public right-of-way, sidewalk or landscaped parkway.

5.    Illegal real estate signs.  Real estate signs in violation of these requirements may be removed or confiscated by the City.  Signs will be held for a period of ten (10) days.  The real estate agent or company can recover removed signs at a cost of $20.00 each.  Signs not recovered within ten (10) days from the date of confiscation shall be disposed of at the discretion of the City of Glenwood Springs.

(A. 28-09, §2)

x.  Residential name and address signs.  Signs identifying the occupant, not to exceed one (1) square foot, and/or address, not to exceed one and one-half (1½) square feet, of a detached dwelling unit or duplex unit.  Such signs shall not be illuminated from the interior or back and shall not exceed six (6) feet in height if detached from the dwelling or above the first story if attached to the dwelling.

y.  Transit shelter signs.  Signs on or incorporated within City-approved transit shelters erected and constructed in accordance with City specifications for the comfort and convenience of the users of public transit.

z.  Vending machine signs.  Permanent, non-flashing signs on vending machines, gasoline pumps, ice containers or other similar machines indicating only signs that are required by federal or state laws, the contents of such devices, the pricing of the contents contained within and/or directional or instructional information.

aa. Wind signs and inflatable devices for civic events.  Temporary banners, wind signs and inflatable devices advertising a special campaign, drive, activity or event of a civic, philanthropic, educational or religious organization for noncommercial purposes, subject to the following:

1.  Location.  Any such temporary sign which extends over or onto a public right-of-way shall be erected and maintained in such a manner as to not interfere with or obstruct access, activity or vision along any such public right-of-way, and shall be subject to the written approval of the City Manager.

2.  Attributes.  Temporary signs shall not exceed ninety (90) square feet in area if displayed within a public right-of-way; or sixty (60) square feet if displayed on private property.

3.  Duration.  Temporary banners may be erected and maintained for a period not to exceed fourteen (14) days prior to the date of which the campaign, drive, activity or event is scheduled to occur and shall be removed within three (3) days of the termination of such campaign, drive, activity or event.  Temporary inflatable devices and wind signs, other than banners, for civic events may be erected and maintained for a period not to exceed seven (7) days.

bb. Window signs.  Placards, banners, pennants, pictures, products or any other devices incorporated in a window display or any words, numerals or pictures temporarily or permanently painted or displayed upon a window.  Such displays shall not contain flashing lights visible from a public street.  Such displays may not advertise a product or use not available on site.

cc. Yard sale signs.  Signs directing the public to yard and garage sales no larger than (4) square feet and displayed for no more than one (1) day prior to the sale and removed no later than one (1) day after the event.  All signs must have the dates of sales posted.

(3)  The signs allowed without a permit in this Subsection (b) are allowed in addition to the signs permitted by Section 070.060.050 and are not counted against the total allowable sign area or total number of signs permitted for the premises.

(c)  Prohibited signs.  The following signs are expressly prohibited within all districts:

(1)  A-frame, sandwich board and sidewalk or curb signs, except in the downtown districts, as described in Section 070.060.050(c)(2).

(2)  Abandoned signs or sign structures.  Any sign or sign structure which pertains to a business, profession, commodity or service which is vacant, unoccupied or discontinued for a period of three (3) months or more, or any sign or sign structure which pertains to an event or purpose which no longer applies, shall be deemed abandoned.  An abandoned sign or sign structure is prohibited and shall be removed by the owner of the sign or the owner or tenant of the premises.  A sign structure meeting current sign code attributes shall not be classified as an abandoned sign.

(3)  Banners, inflatable signs and wind signs, except as allowed in Subsections (b)(2)b and aa above, and Subsections 070.060.040(d) and (e).

(4)  Beacons and search lights, other than for emergency purposes or by permission of the Director.

(5)  Billboards and off-premises signs, unless approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission through a master sign plan.

(6)  Flashing signs.  Signs with lights or illuminations which flash, move, rotate, scintillate, blink, flicker, vary in intensity, vary in color or use intermittent electrical pulsations, with the exception of holiday decorations permitted in Section 070.060.030(b)(2)j.

(7)  Illegal nonconforming signs.

(8)  Moving signs.  Signs with visible moving, revolving or rotating parts; or visible mechanical movement of any description or other apparent visible movement achieved by electrical, electronic or mechanical means, including automatic electronically controlled copy changes, except for time-temperature-date signs and traditional barber poles.

(9)  Obscene signs.  Signs containing statements, words or pictures of an obscene, indecent or immoral character, such as will offend public morals or decency in accordance with constitutional standards.

(10)  Portable and wheeled signs.

(11)  Roof signs, except as permitted in the Downtown – South Sign District.

(12)  Signs causing direct glare.  A sign or illumination that causes any direct glare into or upon any public right-of-way, adjacent lot or building other than the building to which the sign may be accessory.

(13)  Signs creating optical illusion.  Signs with optical illusion of movement by means of a design which presents a pattern capable of reversible perspective, giving the illusion of motion or changing of copy.

(14)  Signs in public right-of-way.  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 or the City Manager, except as allowed in Subsection 070.060.030(b)(2)(w)(3).  (A. 28-09, §2)

(15)  Signs of a miscellaneous character visible from a public right-of-way.  The tacking, posting or otherwise affixing of signs or bills of a miscellaneous character visible from a public way located on the outside walls or roofs of buildings, barns sheds, trees, poles, fences or other structures if not specifically permitted by this Chapter.

(16)  Signs on parked vehicles.  Signs placed on or affixed to vehicles and/or trailers which are parked on a public right-of-way, public property or private property so as to be visible from a public right-of-way where the apparent, primary purpose is to advertise a product, service or activity or direct people to a business or activity located on the same or another property.  However, this is not in any way intended to prohibit signs placed on or affixed to vehicles or trailers, such as lettering on motor vehicles, where the sign is incidental to the primary use of the vehicle or trailer.

(17)  Signs which advertise illegal activities under federal, state laws or rules or regulations, county resolutions or City ordinances or resolutions.

(18)  Signs with auditory messages for the purpose of advertising to persons off the site of the business.

(19)  Signs with photographically projected copy such as motion pictures, film slides, holographs or other similar images for the purpose of advertising to persons off the site of the business.

(20)  Signs with interior illuminated awning/canopy when such illumination exceeds five (5) foot-candles when measured six (6) inches from the canopy.

(21)  Unlawful signs.  Any sign unlawfully erected or maintained.

(22)  Unsafe signs.  Any sign which:

a.  Is structurally unsafe;

b.  Constitutes a hazard to safety or health by reason of inadequate maintenance or dilapidation;

c.  Is not kept in good repair;

d.  Is capable of causing electrical shocks to persons likely to come into contact with it;

e.  In any way obstructs the view of, may be confused with or purports to be an official traffic sign, signal or device or any other official government regulatory or informational sign;

f.  Uses any words, phrases, symbols or characters implying the existence of danger or the need for stopping or maneuvering of a motor vehicle or creates, in any other way, an unsafe distraction for vehicle operators, bicyclists or pedestrians, except as provided in 070.060.030(b)(2)g;

g.  Obstructs the view of vehicle operators, bicyclists or pedestrians entering a public roadway from any parking area, service drive, public driveway, alley or other thoroughfare;

h.  Is located on trees, rocks, light poles or utility poles, except where required by law;

i.   Is located so as to conflict with the clear and open view of devices placed by a public agency for controlling traffic or which obstructs a motorist's or bicyclist's clear view of an intersecting road, alley or major driveway; or

j.   Obstructs any window or door opening used as a means of egress, prevents free passage from one (1) part of a roof to any other part, interferes with an opening required for legal ventilation or is attached to or obstructs any standpipe, stairway, ladder, fire escape or fire hydrant.

(d)  Maintenance.  No person shall fail to maintain a sign on such person's premises, including signs exempt from the permit requirements by Subsection (b) above, in good structural condition at all times.  All signs, including all metal parts and supports thereof that are not galvanized or of rust-resistant metals, shall be kept neatly painted.  The Community Development Director shall inspect and may order the painting, repair, alteration or removal of a sign that constitutes a hazard to safety, health or public welfare because of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation or obsolescence under the procedures prescribed by Subsection (e) below.

(e)  Notice to repair or remove.  If the Director finds that any sign is maintained in violation of the provisions of this Article:

(1)  The Director may require that the owner or possessor of the sign or the owner of the property where the sign is located alter the sign to bring it into conformity with the requirements of this Article or remove the sign.  In cases of immediate danger to the public due to the defective nature of a sign, the Director may have the sign removed and assess the costs of the removal against the property.  Such assessment shall constitute a first and prior lien on the property, equivalent to ad valorem taxes, and shall be collected in the same manner as the real estate taxes on the property.

(2)  In all cases other than the failure to obtain a sign permit, the Director shall notify the sign owner or possessor or property owner of the duty to alter or remove and that such person has thirty (30) days from the date of the notice, or such longer period as the Director finds is reasonably necessary, to complete such alteration or removal.  Notice under this Subsection is sufficient if it is mailed by certified mail with return receipt requested to the address on the application for the sign permit under this Article or, if no permit is required, to the last known owner of the real property on which the sign is located on the records of the County Assessor.

(R & Re 7-97; A 13-06, §2)

070.060.040  Special Provisions.

(a)  Other types of sign permits and procedures for approval.

(1)  Off-premises sign permit.

a.  Type of permit.  An off-premises sign permit shall be required for an off-premise sign.

b.  Approving authority.  The Planning and Zoning Commission shall have the authority to approve or deny any application for an off-premises sign permit.

c.  Required findings for approval of an off-premises sign permit:  Applications filed for an off-premises sign permit shall be approved upon a showing by the applicant that all of the following criteria are met.

1.  Criteria:

a)   The off-premises sign permit requested would not harm the public and would not impair the intent or purposes of this Municipal Code, goals and policies or of the Sign Code;

b)   The business to which the off-premises sign relates must demonstrate a significant economic hardship without the off-premises sign;

c)   The subject business is in an obscure location, removed from major thoroughfares, such that the off-premises sign is necessary to direct the public to the business; and

d)   The off-premises sign is directional in nature.

2.  When located on private property, off-premises signs shall be subject to all of the provisions of Section 070.060.050 regarding size, height, placement and number.  The off-premises sign size shall be counted against the sign size and type allowed on the parcel on which it is displayed.

d.  Application requirements.  Application requirements shall be the same as those of Section 070.060.020(c).

(2)  Special use permit for a sign in the public right-of-way.

a.  Type of permit.  A special use permit, revocable license to encroach and sign permit shall be required prior to the installation of a detached sign in the public right-of-way, except for real estate open house directional signs as addressed in this Article.  (A. 28-09, §2)

b.  Approving authority.  The City Council shall have the authority to approve or deny a license to encroach in a public right-of-way.  The Planning Commission shall have the authority to approve or deny any application for a special use permit for a sign in the public right-of-way.  The Community Development Director shall approve or deny a standard sign permit.

c.  Findings.  Applications for a special use permit to allow a directional sign in the public right-of-way shall be approved by a finding that the proposal is consistent with City goals, policies and plans and will be compatible with existing and allowed uses surrounding or affected by the proposed sign.  The Planning Commission may deny the application or may impose such conditions and limitations concerning the size, location, weight, height, maintenance and design of the sign as is necessary to effectuate the purposes of this Code, to minimize traffic hazards and to provide generally for the public health and safety.

d.  Application requirements.  Application requirements shall be the same as those of Section 070.060.020(c).

(3)  Permit for a sign projecting over the public right-of-way.

a.  Type of permit.  A revocable license to encroach shall be required prior to issuance of a sign permit for any sign projecting over a public right-of-way.  A sign permit shall be required prior to installation of sign.  The fee for a revocable license, in conjunction with a permit for a sign projecting over the public right-of-way, may be waived.

b.  Approving authority.  The revocable license to encroach shall be recommended for approval or denial by the Director, with final action by City Council.  A standard sign permit shall be approved or denied by the Director.

c.  Application requirements.  Application requirements shall be the same as those of Section 070.060.020(c).

(b)  Sign variances.

(1)  Type of action.  A variance may be requested if a proposed sign differs from the height, area or other design criteria requirements specified in this Article, or if the type of sign being proposed is not specified in this Article.

(2)  Approving authority.  The Planning and Zoning Commission shall have the authority to approve or deny any application for a sign variance.

(3)  Exception for minor deviations from the requirements.  The Community Development Director may approve minor deviations from height, area or other design criteria as specified in this Article, provided that such deviation does not exceed by ten percent (10%) the specific requirement provided for in this Article, upon a finding that the criteria set forth in Subsection 070.060.050(c) have been met.

(4)  Guidelines for sign variance permit.  The Planning and Zoning Commission may grant variances to requirements of this Article consistent with the following guidelines:

a.  It is the responsibility of the Planning and Zoning Commission to approve signs which are informative, creative and aesthetically acceptable and which contribute to the common welfare and needs of local residents, businesses and visitors alike.

b.  Signs should be limited to the fewest number reasonably necessary to accomplish the purpose for which they are intended.

c.  Signs should be sized with consideration of the purpose of the sign, the distance from which it must be viewed, the size of other signs in the vicinity, the amount of total sign area related to the same use and the speed of passing vehicles.  Consideration should also be given to the size of the building upon which the sign is placed and the size of the building site as it relates to the proportion of the sign.

d.  Excessively tall signs should be avoided to prevent visual obstruction of the natural scenery surrounding the City.  Factors to be considered include:  the topography of the site, location of the sign on the site, views of the site from surrounding residential areas and the sign's relationship to pedestrian and vehicular circulation from which the sign is viewed.

e.  The Planning and Zoning Commission should consider unique and geographic characteristics of the property and of the district in which the property lies.

f.  Signs should not substantially obscure any part of another sign relating to another use.

g.  Artificial illumination should be no brighter than necessary to accomplish the purpose for which the sign is intended.  It should be a goal to avoid illumination which penetrates residential areas or may hinder the vision of drivers of motor vehicles passing by.

h.  Variances should not be granted which would allow any business use an unfair advertising advantage over any other business use.

(5)  Conditions may be imposed.  The Planning and Zoning Commission may deny the application or may impose such conditions and limitations concerning the size, location, weight, height, maintenance and design of the sign as is necessary to effectuate the purposes of this Code, and to provide generally for the public health and safety.

(6)  Transferability of variance.  A variance for a sign may be transferred to a new owner only if the old sign remains in use.  The copy may be modified after a new sign permit has been approved; however, size, shape, material, lighting and all other design elements must remain the same.  All legal nonconforming signs proposed to be included in a Master Sign Plan must receive a new variance with the approval of a Master Sign Plan by the Director.

(c)  Community business signs.

(1)  Purpose.  The purpose of a community business sign is to acknowledge the unique constraints of specific businesses located away from the main thoroughfares of the City, including but not limited to Highways 6 and 82, and to respect the characteristics of the neighborhoods and unique surrounding areas or backgrounds.  These signs are to provide direction to vehicular traffic destined to businesses for whom individual pole signs are not desired or effective.

(2)  Responsibility.  It shall be the responsibility of the City to erect, manage and maintain community signs.  A fee for display may be charged to recover the costs of the sign.

(3)  Location.  Community business signs may be placed within or adjacent to the public right-of-way, consistent with the requirements of Subsection (a)(2) above, at or near the following locations:

a.  Twenty-third and South Grand.  A community sign may be placed near the intersection of Twenty-Third Street and South Grand Avenue to display the name of businesses located along South Grand Avenue between Twenty-Third Street and the City limit.

b.  Twenty-Seventh and South Glen.  A community sign may be placed near the intersection of Twenty-Seventh Street and South Grand Avenue to display the name of businesses located along South Grand Avenue between Twenty-Third Street and the City limit.

c.  Devereux Road and Highway Six.  A community business sign may be placed near the intersection of Devereux Road and Highway Six to display the names of businesses located along Centennial Street and Devereux Road.

d.  Devereux Road and the Midland Extension (Wulfshon Road).  A community business sign may be placed near the intersection of Devereux Road and the Midland Extension (Wulfshon Road) to display the names of businesses located along Devereux Road.

e.  Near Exit 114 of Interstate 70.  A community business sign may be placed near Exit 114 of Interstate 70 to display the names of businesses or commercial developments not included in Subsection c above, but located in District 6 of Section 070.060.050(c).

f.  Along Westbound Highway Six west of Devereux Road.  A community business sign may be placed along westbound Highway Six, west of Devereux Road, to display in the following manner the general types of businesses located in West Glenwood Springs along Highway Six:

More services located ahead:

Lodging – Restaurants – Recreation –
Camping – Shopping – Automotive

(4)  Characteristics.  A community business sign shall conform to the following characteristics:

a.  Style.  The style of a community business sign shall include a base, a display area surrounded by a border and a cap or header.  Each sign shall be of the same style and colors.

b.  Height.  The height of a community business sign, including a cap or header, shall not exceed twenty (20) feet above the average elevation of the ground.

c.  Width.  The width of a community business sign shall not exceed ten (10) feet.  The width of the base shall not exceed twelve (12) feet.

d.  Allowable sign area.  Total allowable area per sign face shall not exceed one hundred eighty (180) square feet.  Individual business or commercial project displays may not exceed four (4) square feet.

(d)  Temporary signs for new businesses.

(1)  General.  One (1) temporary detached banner, wall, or sandwich/A-frame sign shall be allowed upon permit approval on the premises of a new business.

(2)  Attributes.  The area per sign face shall be no greater than sixteen (16) square feet, and any detached sign shall be set back no less than ten (10) feet from the property line and shall not exceed six (6) feet in height.

(3)  Duration.  A temporary sign associated with a new business may be erected and maintained for a period not to exceed seven (7) days prior to the opening of the business, and shall be removed no later than sixty (60) days after such opening.

(e)  Temporary banners, inflatable signs and wind signs for business activities.  Temporary banners, inflatable signs and wind signs shall be allowed for the purposes described below.

(1)  Grand openings.  Temporary banners, inflatable signs and wind signs shall be allowed upon permit approval for a new business conducting a grand opening, subject to the following:

a.  Location.  A temporary banner, inflatable sign or set of wind signs may be placed as a wall sign, window sign or detached sign or incorporated within a detached sign on the premises of a new business conducting a grand opening.

b.  Attributes.  The allowable area per sign face of a temporary banner for a grand opening of a new business shall be thirty-six (36) square feet.  The allowable volume of an inflatable sign for a grand opening of a new business shall be no greater than two thousand (2,000) cubic feet, with a height no greater than twenty (20) feet.

c.  Setbacks.  Any detached temporary sign shall be set back no less than ten (10) feet from the back of curb or edge of pavement of the adjacent street, or zero (0) feet from the property line, whichever is the greatest distance from the back of curb or edge of pavement of the adjacent street.

d.  Duration.  A temporary banner, inflatable sign or set of wind signs for a grand opening of a new business may be erected and maintained for a period not to exceed seven (7) days.

(2)  Special sales.  One (1) temporary banner or set of wind signs shall be allowed upon permit approval for a business conducting a special sale, including the sale or lease of property, subject to the following:

a.  Location.  A temporary banner, inflatable sign or set of wind signs may be placed as a wall sign, window sign or detached sign or incorporated within a detached sign on the premises of a business conducting a special sale or promotion.

b.  Attributes.  The allowable area per sign face of a temporary banner for a special sale of a business shall be thirty-six (36) square feet.

c.  Setbacks.  Any detached temporary sign shall be set back no less than ten (10) feet from the back of curb or edge of pavement of the adjacent street, or zero (0) feet from the property line, whichever is the greatest distance from the back of curb or edge of pavement of the adjacent street.

d.  Duration.  A temporary banner or set of wind signs for a special sale or promotion of a business may be erected and maintained for a period not to exceed forty-five (45) consecutive days, and shall be removed on the day following the end of the sale.

e.  Limitations.  A temporary banner or set of wind signs for a special sale or promotion of a business shall be limited to three (3) time periods per year for each business.  However, temporary banners may be interchanged during a permit time period.

(f)  Signs for nonresidential uses in residential zone districts.  For each nonresidential use or business tenancy in a residential zone district, there shall be allowed one (1) detached or wall sign, and one (1) directional sign per vehicle entrance from a public right-of-way.  Home occupation signs are not considered nonresidential uses for purposes of this Subsection.

(1)  Attributes.  Detached and wall signs shall not exceed ten (10) square feet in area per sign face.  Detached signs shall be set back at least six (6) feet from the property line and the height shall not exceed forty-two (42) inches.  Directional signs shall not exceed two (2) square feet of area per sign face, shall not exceed forty-two (42) inches in height and shall be set back six (6) feet from the property line.

(2)  Illumination.  Signs for nonresidential uses in residential zone districts may be indirectly illuminated during hours of normal nonresidential operation.

(g)  Historic signs.

(1)  General.  Any sign designated as an historic landmark by the City Council shall be exempt from the amortization and dimensional provisions of this Article.  This does not prevent an owner from removing an existing sign.

(2)  Historic landmark criteria.  The following criteria shall be met when determining historic landmark designation for local signs:

a.  Age.  To be designated an historic landmark, a sign must have been installed no less than thirty (30) years prior to historic landmark consideration;

b.  Uniqueness.  To be designated an historic landmark, a sign must be unique in the community; such as, because its unique location or character represents a familiar visual feature of the community; and

c.  Extraordinary significance.  To be designated an historic landmark, a sign must have extraordinary significance to the City; such as identification of a place, an event, a person or group of persons which had some influence on the City.

(3)  Ghost signs.  Historic signs may include ghost signs.  Historic signs will be debited against the total allowable signage for the building or use unless it is a ghost sign which does not pertain to the business or building upon which it exists.

(4)  Attributes.  An historic sign may be restored to its original condition and location with the exception of animation and flashing components.

(R & Re 7-97; A 13-06, §2)

070.060.050  Sign and District Regulations.

(a)  Commercial district descriptions.  This Subsection recognizes six (6) geographic/use districts within the City which possess different and unique characteristics of physical location, building design and planning, pedestrian and vehicle circulation, and visitor and resident uses.  The intent of this Subsection and district identification is to demonstrate the need for design and review of signs which will positively respond to the characteristics of each district.

(1)  Downtown – South.  This district generally includes property located between the Colorado River (on the north) and Fourteenth Street (on the south) along Grand Avenue and, to a lesser degree, between the Roaring Fork River (on the west) and Blake Street (on the east) within the Original Town Site.  The predominant building type in this district consists of single- and multi-tenant occupancy, historic storefront-type buildings abutting directly on the sidewalks of Grand, Colorado and Cooper Avenues and Seventh, Eighth and Ninth Streets.  Buildings, often multi-tenant, on single lots of twenty-five-foot width are typical.  Building heights vary from one (1) to three (3) stories, with many multistory buildings.  Street level use is dominated by hospitality retail and eating and drinking establishments, with an equally strong use of professional services often occupying upper levels.  Some upper level residential uses occur.  Government administration is located here.  Primary user orientation is to the pedestrian with a strong secondary orientation to passing vehicles on Grand Avenue.  User orientation includes pedestrian-oriented tourists and local and regional service clients.  Vehicle speeds throughout this district should be less than twenty-five (25) miles per hour.  Public, off-street parking is limited and generally removed from Grand Avenue.  There is a conflict between local, pedestrian-oriented uses and large volumes of through traffic on Grand Avenue.

(2)  Downtown – North.  This district generally includes property located along and accessible from Sixth Street between Laurel Street, except for properties adjacent to the intersection of Sixth and Laurel Streets, to its eastern terminus.  The district is accessible from I-70 interchange 116; however, visibility from I-70 is limited.  This district is the community's first point of contact for most visitors.  The historic Hotel Colorado and Hot Springs Pool dominate this district.  A mix of single- and multistory, single-tenant buildings, and some multistory buildings with multi-tenant occupancy.  Building heights vary from one (1) to six (6) floors, with many multistory buildings.  Primary street level uses are tourist, automobile-oriented.  Primary user orientation is vehicular traffic, with a strong element of pedestrian and transit users.  Vehicle speeds throughout this district should be less than twenty-five (25) miles per hour.  There are serious conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians.  To the north is an historic, residential neighborhood.

(3)  Midtown.  This district generally includes property located along and accessible from Grand Avenue between Fourteenth Street and Twenty-Third Street.  Single-tenant, local retail buildings predominant, with secondary, multi-tenant, strip or two-story office buildings.  Valley View Hospital, a multi-story, multi-building complex, is two (2) blocks off Grand Avenue.  This district contains a mix of single- and two-story buildings.  This district contains a mix of hospitality and local retail uses.  The district is also the center for health care providers in the community.  Primary user orientation is to vehicular and transit traffic with limited pedestrian attention.  Vehicle speeds throughout this district should be twenty-five to thirty-five (35) miles per hour.  Valley View Hospital and many associated health care providers are removed from Grand Avenue.  A proliferation of curb cuts and lack of clear definition to the area contribute to traffic congestion.

(4)  West Sixth Street.  This district generally includes property located along and accessible from Sixth Street between Laurel Street, plus properties adjacent to the intersection of Sixth and Laurel Streets, to Devereux Road.  This district is immediately accessible from Interstate-70 interchange number 116; however, visibility from westbound I-70 is limited.  This district is often the community's first point of contact for visitors.  It includes a mix of single- and multistory buildings with single- and multi-tenant occupancy.  Building heights are from one (1) to three (3) stories.  Primary street uses are tourist, auto-oriented.  This area has a strong hospitality influence with lodging, restaurants, automobile dealers and service stations.  Primary user orientation is vehicular traffic, with secondary pedestrian and transit users.  Vehicle speeds throughout the district should be less than twenty-five (25) miles per hour.  The Sixth and Laurel intersection has serious conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians.  To the northwest is an historic, residential neighborhood.

(5)  Highway 82 – South.  This district generally includes property located south of Twenty-Third Street along the Highway 82 corridor.  The character of development is predominantly single-story, single-tenant buildings, with some strip development.  It is dominated by the Roaring Fork Market Place, a multi-tenant, single-story retail development.  Buildings are generally single-story.  This district contains a mix of local and regional retail uses, with limited hospitality uses.  Primary user orientation is to vehicular and transit traffic, with virtually no pedestrian attention.  Vehicle speeds throughout this district should be thirty-five (35) to forty-five (45) miles per hour.  A proliferation of curb cuts and lack of clear definition to the area (except at the Roaring Fork Market Place) contribute to traffic congestion.

(6)  Highway 6 – West.  This district generally includes commercially zoned property located north of the railroad right-of-way, west of Devereux Road.  The district is immediately accessible from I-70 interchange 114; visibility from I-70 is very high.  The character of development in this district is primarily single-story, single-tenant uses, with some multi-tenant buildings and multistory motels.  Primary uses are regional retail and hospitality.  Orientation is to vehicular and transit traffic, with limited pedestrian attention.  Vehicle speeds throughout this district should be less than forty (40) miles per hour on Highway 6 and less than sixty-five (65) miles per hour on Interstate 70.  Commercial uses are very visible from residential neighborhoods to the north.  Length of strip development contributes to lack of definition within district.

(7)  Red Mountain.  This district generally includes property located south of the railroad right-of-way, generally west of the Devereux Road bridge.  The district is undeveloped, but development potential is very high.  The district is accessible from I-70 interchange 114 and the City's "alternate route"; visibility from I-70 is very high.  Orientation is to vehicle traffic only, except for the River Trail system.  The scenic quality of this district makes it unique in the State.  Red Mountain and its associated alluvial fan are worthy of viewshed preservation.  The district is highly visible from all of the City north of the Colorado River.  Vehicle speeds throughout this district vary from twenty-five (25) to forty-five (45) miles per hour on the "alternate route" to sixty-five (65) miles per hour on Interstate 70.

(b)  Residential sign regulations.  The following signs and regulations shall be permitted related to all residential use, regardless of zone district:

(1)  Identification signs.  An identification sign shall be permitted for multi-lot residential developments, subject to the following:

a.  Number:  One (1).

b.  Type:  Monument.

c.  Sign area:

1.  Single-family:  Sixteen (16) square feet.

2.  Multi-family:  Thirty-two (32) square feet.

d.  Height:  Six (6) feet.

e.  Setbacks:

1.  Front:  Zero (0) feet from property line, or ten (10) feet from back of curb or edge of pavement, whichever is most restrictive.

2.  For each additional three (3) feet set back from the allowed setback, the height may be increased by one (1) foot, up to a maximum of nine (9) feet.

3.  Others:  Consistent with the required setbacks of the zone district.

f.  Horizontal Separation:  Twenty (20) feet.

(2)  Home occupation signs.  Home occupation signs shall be restricted to one (1) sign per premises and a maximum sign area of two (2) square feet.

(c)  Commercial sign regulations.  The following signs with associated regulations shall be permitted in commercial developments or on commercial structures:

(1)  Master sign plan.  A master sign plan (MSP), conforming to all and only those provisions of this Article, shall be required for all multi-use buildings and commercial developments containing more than one (1) building.  The MSP must be approved prior to the issuance of a building permit for all new buildings, additions or renovations.  All existing multi-use building and commercial buildings must submit a MSP to the Community Development Director for approval upon application for a sign permit on the premises after the effective date of this Article.  All signs must be brought into compliance with the MSP in accordance with the amortization schedule set forth in Section 070.060.070.  The MSP shall run with the multi-use building or commercial center and not with the individual tenants.  The MSP shall include all the information required in Subsection 070.060.020(c), in addition to total sign area calculations for the project.  If the MSP meets all the conditions of this Article, it may be approved by the Director.  Any variance from the provisions herein shall require approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission.

(2)  Detached signs.  Detached signs, including pole, statuary, monument and sandwich board/A-frame signs shall meet the following conditions:

a.  Number.  No more than one (1) detached sign, other than a directory sign under certain conditions, is allowed on each lot.

b.  Location.  Detached signs shall be allowed in sign districts according to the following schedules:

1.  Pole and statuary signs shall be allowed only in the Midtown, West Sixth Street, West Highway 6 and South Highway 82 sign districts.

2.  Monument signs shall be allowed in all sign districts.

3.  Sandwich board/A-frame signs shall be allowed under certain conditions in the Downtown South and Downtown North sign districts.

c.  Setbacks.  Minimum front setback of a detached sign, except for sandwich board/A-frame signs, shall be ten (10) feet from back of curb or edge of pavement of the nearest adjacent street, or zero (0) feet from the property line, whichever is the greatest distance from the back of curb or edge of pavement of the adjacent street.  Other setbacks shall be consistent with those of the zone district.  However, detached signs shall be allowed greater height and sign area according to the schedules in Subsections d and e below.

d.  Height.  The height of detached signs, except sandwich board/A-frame signs, shall be allowed according to the following schedules:

1.  A monument sign shall not exceed six (6) feet in height above average elevation of the ground, except that monument height may be increased one (1) foot for each five (5) feet of additional setback more than the minimum allowed, to a maximum of ten (10) feet:

2.  The height for pole and statuary signs in the Midtown and West Sixth Street districts (base height) shall be according to the following schedule:

3.  The base height for pole and statuary signs within other sign districts shall be multiplied according to the following schedule:

e.  Sign area.  Sign area shall be measured according to Subsection 070.060.060(a).  Sign area for detached signs, except sandwich board/A-frame signs, shall be no more than two (2) square feet per lineal foot of public street frontage on which the sign is posted, or the following maximum, whichever is less:

1.  The maximum base sign area for detached signs, except sandwich board/A-frame signs, shall be according to the following schedule:

2.  The maximum base sign area for sign districts shall be determined according to the following schedule:

f.  Horizontal separation.  A horizontal separation of twenty-five (25) feet shall be maintained between detached signs, except sandwich board/A-frame signs.

g.  Sight triangle.  Within a triangle area formed within fifty-five (55) feet of the intersection of the pavement or curb lines, extended, of two (2) streets or railroad right-of-way line, the following conditions shall apply for:

1.  Pole and statuary signs.  The sign area of any pole or statuary sign shall be a minimum of ten (10) feet above the average elevation of ground.

2.  Monument signs.  The maximum height of any monument sign shall be forty-two (42) inches.

h.  Lighting.  Only the sign area of detached signs may be lighted internally.  Any detached sign with sign faces substantially parallel to Highways 6 and 82 shall not illuminate the face of the sign which is away from Highways 6 and 82.

i.   Design.  For signs placed in service after the effective date of this ordinance, the following design considerations shall apply:

1.  Pole and statuary signs.  A pole sign shall incorporate only a single pole as support.  The bottom of the sign area shall be no less than eight (8) feet above the average elevation of the ground, except within the sight triangle described in Subsection g above.  Sign copy must be contained within a single border; except that one (1) accessory reader board within a border may be separate so long as the reader board contains less than fifty percent (50%) of the allowable area per sign face.

2.  Monument signs.  A monument sign shall be constructed within dimensions according to the following:

a)   Length of sign base equal to longest dimension of sign area plus eight (8) feet.

b)   Height of sign no greater than that allowed in Subsection d above.

c)   Height of sign base equal to no more than fifty percent (50%) of total sign height.

d)   Depth of sign base equal to no more than fifty percent (50%) of total sign height.

A monument sign shall be constructed of materials compatible with the façade of the building in which the identified use is located, or compatible with the landscaping of the parcel on which the sign is located.

j.   Sandwich board/A-frame signs.  Sandwich board/A-frame signs are allowed in the Downtown – South and Downtown – North sign districts, subject to the following:

1.  Dimensions.  A sandwich board/A-frame sign may not exceed a height of four (4) feet, a width of thirty (30) inches and the total sign surface shall not exceed six (6) square feet.

2.  Location.  A sandwich board/A-frame sign may advertise a use on the lot on which the sign is located.  Five (5) feet of clearance on sidewalks must be maintained.  Horizontal separation between sandwich board/A-frame signs of twenty-five (25) feet must be maintained.

3.  Duration.  A sandwich board/A-frame sign may only be displayed during the hours of operation of the business.

k.  Bonus detached directory signs.  A bonus detached directory sign may be erected on property with a multi-tenant building in addition to any other allowed detached sign, subject to the following conditions:

1.  Number.  There shall be no more than one (1) additional detached directory sign per multi-tenant building.

2.  Area.  Overall sign area of the directory shall not exceed two (2) square feet per business in the multi-tenant building.  Sign area devoted to individual businesses shall not exceed one and one-half (1½) square feet.

3.  Orientation.  The sign face of a bonus detached directory sign shall be parallel to the street frontage to which it is most closely oriented.

4.  Location.  A bonus detached directory sign shall be located within ten (10) feet of any multi-tenant building façade.

5.  Letter size and design.  A bonus detached directory sign shall be limited to the building name, address and general phone number of the multi-tenant building, plus the name of any individual businesses.  Letter size for the building name shall not exceed four (4) inches.  All other lettering shall not exceed three (3) inches.

(3)  Attached signs.  Attached signs, including wall, canopy/awning/marquee, suspended, projecting, banners, directories or roof signs, shall meet the following conditions:

a.  Allowed sign area.  Total allowable sign area for signs attached to buildings shall be calculated as follows:  The greater of twenty-five (25) square feet or:

1.  On lots with a single-tenant building.  one (1) square foot per linear foot of total building frontage.

2.  On lots with a multi-tenant building.  two (2) square feet per linear foot of total building frontage.  Sign area for any individual wall sign shall not exceed one (1) foot per linear foot of the largest building frontage of any individual tenant.

3.  Building frontage in an alley.  Businesses which front and have sole access on an alley or public walkway/path shall be allowed total sign area equal to allowed sign area for a building frontage as calculated in Subparagraphs a through c.  Businesses which have a secondary public entrance on an alley or public walkway/path shall be allowed two-tenths (0.2) of a square foot of sign area per linear foot of building frontage in the alley.

4.  Distribution to other walls.  Businesses in single- or multi-tenant buildings may distribute total allowable sign area for attached signs allocated to a specific frontage to another side of the building which does not constitute a frontage only with the approval of the Planning and Zoning Commission.

5.  Identification sign area.  One (1) identification sign is allowed per building.  Sign area in excess of twenty (20) square feet shall be debited against allowed attached sign area.

b.  Wall signs.  Wall signs shall comply with the following conditions:

1.  Area on multi-tenant buildings.  The sign area of any wall sign on a multi-tenant building shall not exceed one (1) square foot per linear foot of the largest building frontage of any individual tenant.

2.  Location.  In addition to the walls and parapets of a structure, a wall sign may be erected upon or against the side of a roof having an angle of forty-five (45) degrees or less from the vertical if it does not project more than a total of twelve (12) inches horizontally, measured at the bottom of the sign, from the side of the roof upon which it is displayed.  No part of a wall sign may project above a roof line of a building upon which the sign is erected.

c.  Canopy/awning/marquee signs.  Signs displayed on canopies, awnings and marquees that extend more than twelve (12) inches beyond the face of the building shall comply with the following conditions:

1.  Area.  The total area of such signs shall not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the width of the projection multiplied by the vertical height of the projection.

2.  Location.  The face of any such sign shall be in a plane parallel or perpendicular to the face of the building wall to which the sign is oriented, and any such sign shall not project above or below the face of the canopy, awning or marquee, except for suspended signs, but such signs may project horizontally beyond the face of a canopy or marquee the distance necessary to accommodate letter thickness and required electrical equipment, but not more than a total of twelve (12) inches measured from the bottom of the sign.

3.  General.  Signs displayed on awnings shall not project beyond the surface of the awning.  Signs displayed on marquees that extend twelve (12) inches or less from the face of the building may be considered to be wall signs, subject to the requirements of Subsection (3)(b) of this Section.

d.  Suspended signs.  Suspended signs are subject to the safety standards of this Article.

1.  Area.  Suspended signs shall not exceed four (4) square feet per sign face.

2.  Location.  Suspended signs shall not project beyond the outside limits of the arcade, marquee or canopy to which they are attached.  Suspended signs shall have a minimum clearance above the sidewalk of seven (7) feet, and above an alley of fourteen (14) feet.

3.  General.  The minimum horizontal distance between suspended signs shall be twelve (12) feet.

e.  Projecting signs.  Projecting signs shall comply with the following conditions:

1.  Dimensions.  Signs projecting over public property shall not project more than four (4) feet from the face of the building, and the minimum total area of any such sign face shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet.  Signs projecting over private property shall not project more than six (6) feet from the face of the building, and any such sign face shall not exceed eighteen (18) square feet in total area.  Any end panel on a projecting sign shall not exceed twelve (12) inches in width.

2.  Location.  Projecting signs shall have a minimum clearance above a sidewalk or pedestrian way of eight (8) feet and above an alley of fourteen (14) feet; and shall not extend above an elevation of fifteen (15) feet above ground level on a multistory building nor above the roof line on a one-story building.

3.  Number.  No more than one (1) projecting sign shall be maintained on the façade of a building per use or tenant.

f.  Temporary banners.  A temporary banner may be placed as an attached sign subject to the requirements of Subsections 070.060.040(d) and (e).

g.  Roof signs.  Roof signs shall be allowed only in the Downtown – South Sign District, subject to the following conditions:

1.  Number.  One (1) roof sign is allowed per lot or series of contiguous lots under common ownership.  Where there is a series of contiguous lots under common ownership, one (1) additional roof sign shall be allowed for each separate lot upon which there is located a separate building containing an unrelated business or businesses.

2.  Setback.  No part of any roof sign shall project into a required yard, as set forth in Article 070.040 of this Code.

3.  Sign area.  The total roof sign area shall be no more than two (2) square feet per lineal foot of building frontage, or one hundred (100) square feet, whichever is less.  The total roof sign area shall reduce allowed detached sign area as set forth in Subsection 070.060.050(c)(2) above.

4.  Height.  The height of any roof sign may not exceed the allowed building height in the zone district, or twenty-five (25) feet above the highest point of the roof line of the roof to which it is attached, whichever is lower.  The entire length of the bottom of the roof sign shall be within five (5) feet above the highest point of the roof line upon which it is attached.

h.  Attached directory signs.  An attached directory sign may include a building or development name, address and individual business names and logos, and may be a wall sign or projecting sign, subject to the following:

1.  Number.  There shall be not more than one (1) attached directory sign per entrance of a multi-tenant building.

2.  Area.  The maximum allowed area of an attached directory sign shall not be debited against total allowable sign area for attached signs and shall be subject to the following:

(R & Re 7-97; A 13-06, §2)

070.060.060  Design Guidelines.

(a)  Sign area calculation.

(1)  Signs with a defined border.  For signs having a defined border which encompasses all the copy, sign area is defined as the actual area inside the outer limits of the border.  Sign area includes the area of the smallest plane geometric figures which encompass the face of the sign, including copy, border and nonstructural trim having eight (8) or fewer sides.

(2)  Signs without a defined border.  For signs consisting of copy attached or painted on a building or background surface and containing no differentiating background color or border, sign area shall be derived by adding the sum of the area encompassed by the smallest plane geometric figures having eight (8) or fewer sides.

(3)  Three-dimensional figures.  Three-dimensional figures will be calculated on the largest possible silhouette cross-section encompassed by the smallest plane geometric figure having eight (8) or fewer sides.

(4)  Parallel faces.  If a detached or projecting sign has parallel faces, back to back, the total allowable area shall be permitted on each sign face.

(b)  Master sign plan.  A master sign plan (MSP), conforming to all provisions in this Article, shall be required for all multi-use buildings and commercial developments containing more than one (1) building.

(c)  Uniform Sign Code.  The Uniform Sign Code, 1991 Edition, of the International Conference of Building Officials, 5360 S. Workman Mill Road, Whittier, California, 90601, including all appendices, is hereby adopted by the City, to provide minimum standards to safeguard life, health, property and public welfare, by regulating and controlling the design, quality of materials, construction, location, size, electrification and maintenance of all sign structures not located in a building.

(d)  Health, safety and welfare.

(1)  Overhangs.  Except for suspended signs which may be within seven (7) feet of an area intended for pedestrian use, the lowest point of a sign which extends over an area intended for pedestrian use shall be not less than eight (8) feet above the finished grade below it.  The lowest point of a sign which extends over an area intended for vehicular use shall not be less than fourteen (14) feet above the finished grade below it.

(2)  Corner visibility.  No sign shall be permitted which may obstruct the view in any direction at the intersection of a street or with an alley or driveway.  If the sign is placed at the intersection of two (2) streets, the sign must not interfere with a fifty-five-foot corner visibility triangle.  For signs located near a driveway entrance onto a street, a sight triangle based on the speed of traffic is used.  At a point ten (10) feet back from the street curb, no sign may block the line of vision to a point equal to the speed limit times ten (10).  For example, if the speed limit is thirty-five (35) miles per hour, the exiting driver needs to be able to see all cars up to three hundred fifty (350) feet away.  Relief from these restrictions may only be granted by the Traffic Engineer.

(3)  Illumination.  No illuminated signs shall be allowed except those which conform to the following requirements:

a.  Any light used for the illumination of a sign is shielded so that the beams or rays of light will not shine onto surrounding areas.

b.  Neither the direct nor the reflected light from any light source creates a traffic hazard or distraction to operators of motor vehicles on public streets.

c.  Signs in residential zoning districts are non-illuminated, internally illuminated or indirectly illuminated.  If such signs are illuminated, the illumination shall be turned off between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., unless illumination is required for safety purposes.

d.  All sign lighting shall comply with 070.140.160.  Signs in commercial and industrial zoning districts may be indirectly, directly or internally illuminated.  Any illuminated sign visible from and located within three hundred (300) feet of any residential lot in a residential zone district shall be turned off no later than 11:00 p.m. or one-half (½) hour after the use to which it is appurtenant is closed, whichever is later; but this time limit does not apply to any light primarily used for the protection of the premises or provision of light for safety purposes.  (A 5-06, §3)

e.  Any pole sign with sign faces substantially parallel to Highways 6 and 82 shall not illuminate the sign face away from Highways 6 and 82.

(4)  Sign location.  No sign shall be erected or painted upon utility poles, retaining walls, fences, rocks, trees or natural features.

(5)  Landscape.  Any pole sign shall be placed within a landscaped area equal in size to the area of the sign face or, with the approval of the Director, shall be located within an improved area clearly oriented toward pedestrians such as a seating, dining or landscaped entry area.  For purposes of this Section only, landscaped area shall mean an area designed, constructed and maintained to include natural materials such as wood, stone, earth or live plant materials.  Live plant material shall not exceed thirty (30) inches in height.

(R & Re 7-97)

070.060.070  Nonconforming Signs.

(a)  Continuation of legal nonconforming signs.

(1)  Any existing individual sign that exceeds the maximum area or height limitations of this Chapter by ten percent (10%) or less may be considered to be a conforming sign and need not be removed or altered, but if such sign is replaced or renovated, it shall conform to all requirements of this Chapter.

(2)  Subject to the terms of this Chapter, any nonconforming sign may be continued in operation and maintained; provided, however, that no such sign shall be changed in any manner that increases the noncompliance of such sign with the provisions of this Chapter.  In any enforcement action under this Chapter, should a property owner claim the right to continue the use of a sign not in conformance with the provisions of this Chapter, the burden of establishing that the sign was legally erected, in existence on the effective date of the ordinance from which this section derives, and lawfully maintained after erection shall rest solely upon the property owner claiming the nonconforming status. 

(b)  Termination of nonconforming signs.

(1)  The right to maintain a nonconforming sign terminates immediately upon any of the following:

a.  By abandonment of a sign for a continuous period of ninety (90) days;

b.  By any violation of the development code, Chapter 070 of this Municipal Code;

c.  By destruction or damage, whenever the sign is damaged or destroyed, in any manner, to the extent that the cost of restoration to its condition before the occurrence shall exceed fifty percent (50%) of the total cost of reconstructing the entire sign;

d.  By determination of the Building Official that the sign is an immediate hazard to the public health, safety and welfare because of disrepair, unsafe mounting, imminent dislodging or other safety factors;

e.  By change in use to which the sign pertains.  Change in use shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of the development code.

(2)  Any party wishing to appeal a determination concerning the amortization of a sign or request a variance from the requirements of this Section may appeal the determination to the Director and may appeal the Director's decision to the Planning and Zoning Commission.

(R & Re 7-97; A 13-06, §2; A 12-07 §1)

070.060.080  Definitions.

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this Article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this Section, except when the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Abandoned sign means a sign which depicts or refers to a product, business, service, activity, condition or person which has changed in such a fashion that the sign is no longer a correct identification or description, which no longer exists at the location referred to in the sign or which no longer exists in any way or at any place.  Signs in good repair of licensed seasonal businesses shall not be classified as abandoned signs.

Accessory means subordinate or incidental to, and on the same lot or on a contiguous lot in the same ownership, as the building or use being identified or advertised.

Average elevation of ground is based on the average elevation between two (2) points, twenty (20) feet either side of the centerline of the sign parallel to the sign face.

Awning means a movable shelter or shading device supported entirely from the exterior wall of a building and composed of nonrigid materials except for the supporting framework.

Building frontage means the horizontal, linear dimension of that side of a building that abuts a street, parking area, mall or other circulation area open to the general public and that has either a main window display of the business or a public entrance to the building.

Canopy means a permanently roofed shelter covering a sidewalk, driveway or other similar area, that may be wholly supported by a building or may be wholly or partially supported by columns, poles or braces extended from the ground.

Community Development Director (Director) means the officer or other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of this Article, or the duly authorized representative of the Director.

Copy means any words, letters, figures, designs, symbols, fixtures or colors, or motion, illumination or projected images.

External uses means goods or services normally provided outside of the principal premises.  Examples include individual gas pump islands, exterior displays of commercial goods or other similar uses as determined by the Director.

Face of sign/display surface means the surface of a sign upon, against or through which the copy is displayed or illuminated.

Flag means any national, state, county or municipal flag.

Grade/ground level means the finished level of the ground at a point directly below the sign.

Height of sign means the vertical distance between the average elevation of the ground adjoining the sign and the level of the highest point of the sign.

Holiday decorations means noncommercial signs or other materials temporarily displayed on traditionally accepted civic, patriotic and/or religious holidays.

Illumination, direct means lighting by means of an unshielded light source, including neon tubing, that is effectively visible as part of the sign, where light travels directly from the source to the viewers' eyes.

Illumination, indirect means lighting by the surface of a light source that is directed at the reflecting surface in such a way as to illuminate the sign from the front or a light source that is primarily designed to illuminate the entire building façade upon which a sign is displayed, but does not include lighting that is primarily used for purposes other than sign illumination, including without limitation, parking lot lights or lights inside a building that may silhouette a window sign that are not primarily installed to serve as inside illumination of a sign.

Illumination, internal means lighting by means of a light source that is within a sign having a translucent background and silhouettes opaque letters or designs, or that is within letters or designs that are themselves made of translucent material.

Marquee means a permanently roofed structure attached to and supported by a building and projecting from the building.

Master sign plan means a comprehensive sign program for a multi-use building or multi-building commercial development.

Multi-use (tenant) building means any nonresidential building with more than one (1) tenant or use.  The issuance of multiple sales tax licenses by the City is not necessarily a criteria to determine multiuse building status.

New business means a business which has just opened at the current location, changed ownership or changed business name.

Nonstructural trim means the molding, battens, caps, nailing strips, latticing, cut-outs, letters and other nonessential structures which are attached to the sign structure.

Premises means the land, building or portion of the building occupied by the business or activity being conducted.

Reader board means an accessory sign cabinet contained within a distinct border which allows for changeable copy.

Real estate open house means an event during which a specific for sale or for rent property is open for viewing by potential buyers or renters with the realtor, broker, owner, or other similar agent present on the property where the event is held.  (A. 28-09, §2)

Roof line means the top edge of the roof of a building or the top of the parapet, whichever forms the top line of the building or canopy.

Setback means the required minimum distance measured horizontally between a property boundary or edge of pavement/back of curb and any part of a sign or sign structure.

Sign means any object or device or part thereof situated outdoors which is used to advertise, identify, direct or attract attention to an object, person, institution, organization, purpose, product, service, contract, event or location by means of copy.  Examples include:  words, letters, figures, designs, symbols, fixtures, colors, motion, illumination or projected images which are visible from any street, alley or other public right-of-way.

Sign area means the entire area contained within the face of a sign, including all ornamentation or decoration used to attract attention.  In the case of pole signs, that area above the supporting column, provided that such supporting column is not decorated or displayed with advertising.  In the case of skeleton or cutout letters, or signs placed on a wall without any borders, the sign area shall be the sum of the area of all letters, words or symbols which can be contained in lines forming the smallest plane geometric shapes around all such letters, words or symbols having eight (8) or fewer sides.

Sign, class of.  The following terms define the classes, or characteristics, of signs covered by this article:

a.  Attached sign means any sign painted, incorporated in or fixed to the building and any sign consisting of cutout letters or devices affixed to the building with no background design on the building and extending no more than twelve (12) inches.

b.  Awning/canopy sign means a sign displayed on the surface of an awning or canopy.

c.  Banner sign means a sign made of fabric or any nonrigid material with no enclosing framework.

d.  Billboard sign means any off-premises sign on a permanent structure on which the copy may be periodically changed and which is not located on the premises to which such advertising copy pertains.

e.  Detached sign means any sign which is structurally separate from the building housing the use to which the sign pertains.

f.  Electric sign means any sign containing electrical wiring, but not including signs illuminated by an exterior light source, such as floodlights.

g.  Ghost sign means an old sign which may or may not be applicable to the building or use where it is located that appears faded and is not maintained.  Ghost signs must be designated as historical signs.  Ghost signs usually appear on masonry structures and the image appears when wet.

h.  Inflatable sign means any sign of nonrigid material which utilizes air or other gases, either under pressure or heated, to maintain its shape.

i.   Marquee sign means a sign depicted upon, attached to or supported by a marquee.

j.   Monument sign means a detached sign not exceeding eight (8) feet in height from the average elevation of ground to the top of the sign.  Typically, a monument sign may contain design elements such as a base, columns, borders, topper or cap, and a sign cabinet or sign area background.

k.  Nonconforming sign means any sign which was lawfully erected and maintained under prior codes but which does not meet the provisions of this Article.

l.   Permanent sign means any sign which is permanently affixed or attached to the ground or to any structure.

m.  Pole sign means a detached sign erected on a freestanding frame, mast or pole, which is affixed to the ground and not attached to any building.

n.  Portable sign means any sign not permanently attached to the ground or a building, not including signs attached to vehicles, except vehicles parked specifically for the purpose of advertising.

o.  Projecting sign means a sign attached to a building or extending in whole or in part fifteen (15) inches or more horizontally beyond the surface of a building to which the sign is attached, but does not include a marquee sign.

p.  Roof sign means a sign painted on the roof of a building, supported by poles, uprights or braces, extending from the roof of a building, or projecting above the roof of a building, but does not include a sign projecting from or attached to a wall.

q.  Sandwich board/A-frame sign means a portable self-supporting sign with one (1) or more faces.  Generally, this is a temporary sign used to advertise merchandise, service, price specials or events.

r.  Sign on a parked vehicle means a sign placed on or affixed to vehicles and/or trailers which are parked on a public right-of-way, public property or private property so as to be visible from a public right-of-way where the apparent purpose is to advertise a product, service or activity or direct people to a business or activity located on the same or other property.  However, this is not in any way intended to prohibit signs placed on or affixed to vehicles and trailers, such as lettering on motor vehicles, where the sign is accessory to the primary use of the vehicle or trailer.

s.  Statuary sign means a three-dimensional form or likeness constructed of any rigid material which includes copy, or represents copyrighted material or a trademark.

t.  Suspended sign means a sign suspended from the ceiling of an arcade, marquee or canopy.

u.  Wall sign means a sign displayed upon or against the wall of an enclosed building, where the exposed face of the sign is in a plane parallel to the plane of the wall and extends no more than fifteen (15) inches horizontally from the face of the wall, including a sign erected upon or against the side of a roof having an angle of forty-five (45) degrees or less from vertical.

v.  Wind sign means a sign consisting of one (1) or more flags, pennants, ribbons, spinners, streamers, captive balloons or other objects or material fastened in such a manner as to move upon being subjected to pressure by wind.

w. Window sign means a sign that is painted on, applied or attached to, or located within fifteen (15) inches of the interior of a window and that can be seen through the window from the exterior of the structure, but excludes merchandise included in a window display.

Sign, type of.  The following terms define the types, or purposes, of signs covered by this Article:

a.  Bulletin board means a sign used for the purpose of notification to the public of an event or occurrence of public interest, including without limitation, church services, political rallies, civic meetings or other similar events.

b.  Business sign means a sign that identifies or directs attention to the business, profession, commodities, services, entertainment or activities conducted, sold, displayed, offered or stored on the premises where the sign is located.

c.  Commercial sign means a sign whose principal purpose is to identify a business or induce a purchase of a good or service, including without limitation any sign naming a brand of good or service.

d.  Community business sign means a City-owned and -maintained directory sign of businesses removed from the main thoroughfares of the City.  In general, the community business sign will act in lieu of pole signs for those businesses listed on it.

e.  Construction sign means a temporary sign announcing subdivision, development, construction or other improvement of a property by a building contractor or other person furnishing services, materials or labor to the premises, but does not include a real estate sign.

f.  Directional sign means any on-site sign that directs the necessary movement of pedestrians or vehicular traffic without reference to the name of the business, products sold or services offered.  Directional signs also include signs locating public facilities such as telephones and rest rooms, but shall not include real estate open house directional signs.  A logo and business name less than fifty percent (50%) of sign area may be displayed.  (A. 28-09, §2)

g.  Directory sign means any sign which lists the names, locations or uses of the tenants within a multi-tenant or multi-use building or development.

h.  Historical sign means a sign, designated by the City Council, as having historical significance to the City.  Historical signs must have been in existence for a minimum of twenty (20) years.

i.   Identification sign means:

1.  A nameplate that establishes the identity of an occupant by listing the name and business or professional title;

2.  A sign that establishes the identity of a building or a building complex by name or symbol only;

3.  A sign that indicates street address or combines nameplate and street address;

4.  A sign that identifies an area in the City that, by reason of development, natural features, historical occurrences or common reference, has or will become a landmark in the City, or

5.  A commemorative sign, such as cornerstone, memorial or plaque, cut into a masonry surface or constructed of bronze or other incombustible material and made an integral part of the structure.

j.   Ideological sign means any sign which expresses the political, religious or philosophical view of its owner and which in no way identifies a product or business and is not displayed for promotion of commercial, for-profit enterprise.

k.  Joint identification sign means a sign that serves as a common or collective identification for two (2) or more businesses or industrial uses on the same lot and that may contain a directory to the uses as an integral part thereof or may serve as a general identification only for such developments as shopping centers, industrial parks and similar uses.

l.   Non-commercial sign means a sign whose principal purpose is the display of a political or ideological message and that is not a commercial sign.

m.  Off-premises sign means any off-premises sign, including without limitation, a billboard or general outdoor advertising device, that advertises or directs attention to a business, commodity, service or activity conducted, sold or offered elsewhere than on the same lot or within the same building upon which such sign is located but shall not include real estate open house directional signs.  (A. 28-09, §2)

n.  Political sign means a sign used in connection with a local, state or national political issue, election or referendum.

o.  Real estate sign means 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.

p.    Real estate open house sign means a temporary sign used to advertise an open house, as defined in this Article, but is an on-site or real estate directional sign, which displays the words "open house", the property address of the open house and the property owner's name and/or the realtor's corporate name and logo.  (A. 28-09, §2)

q.    Real estate open house sign, on-site means a temporary real estate open house sign as defined in this Article, which is displayed at the site where an open house is being conducted.  (A. 28-09, §2)

r.    Real estate open house sign, directional means a temporary real estate open house sign, as defined in this Article, placed at locations other than the real property where the open house is held, which provides the address of the open house and which may also include graphics to direct the public to the property.  (A. 28-09, §2)

s.  Temporary sign means a sign, banner or similar device or display that is intended for a temporary period of display for the purpose of announcing a special event or advertising or directing persons to a subdivision or other land or building development.  (A. 28-09, §2)

t.  Time-temperature-date sign means a sign that displays the current time, outdoor temperature, date of the month or any combination of that information.  (A. 28-09, §2)

Sign structure means any supports, uprights, braces or framework of a sign.

Single-use building means a building occupied by one (1) tenant or use.

Story means the portion of a building included between the upper surface of any floor and the upper surface of the floor next above, except that the topmost story shall be that portion of a building included between the upper surface of the topmost floor and the roof line.

Street means a thoroughfare or public way for the movement of vehicular traffic, excluding alleys which are used primarily as a service or secondary means of access to abutting property.

Street edge means the back of curb or edge of pavement if there is no curb of any street.

Street frontage means any boundary line of a lot or parcel of land that coincides with a public street.

Structural alteration means any physical change to the structure of a sign.

Subdivision means the division of a lot, tract or parcel of land into two (2) or more lots, plats, sites or other divisions of land for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of sale or building for residential, commercial or industrial use.

Traffic-control sign means any government sign used to direct or control the movement of motor vehicles and/or pedestrians within public streets, alleys or rights-of-way.

(R & Re 5-87; A 25-88 §7; A 23-94 §7; R & Re 5-97 §2; (A. 28-09, §2)