[R.O. 2012 §403.010; Ord. No. 90-4-2 §1, 4-2-1990; Ord. No. 22-07-01, 7-18-2022]
All signs as hereinafter defined, shall be regulated as to location,
type, size, and number in all Zoning Districts in the City of Excelsior
Springs. In addition to the standards and regulations contained herein,
signs shall also be subject to building and other codes of the City
of Excelsior Springs.
[R.O. 2012 §403.020; Ord. No. 90-4-2 §1, 4-2-1990; Ord.
No. 2011-11-06-05 §3, 6-20-2011; Ord. No. 22-07-01, 7-18-2022]
Words and terms used in this Chapter are defined as follows
for purposes of applying the regulations of this Chapter:
For purposes of this regulation, a mansard having a pitch
not exceeding one (1) foot horizontal and three (3) feet vertical
shall be deemed a wall. A mansard having a less vertical slope shall
be deemed as a roof.
Any words, numerals, figures, devices, designs, or trademarks
by which information is made known to the public outside a building
and including, but not limited to, the following:
Attached Signs.
Marquee Sign. Any sign attached flat against the marquee or
permanent sidewalk canopy of a building. No such sign shall project
above, below, or beyond the awning, canopy, or marquee.
Projecting Sign. Any sign extending more than one (1) foot from
the face of the building to which it is attached or any sign mounted
under a canopy or on a wall and having its face approximately at right
angles to the face of the building. A time and temperature instrument
mounted on the face of a building shall be included in this definition.
Roof Sign. Any sign erected, constructed, and maintained wholly
upon or over the roof of a building and having the roof as a principal
means of support.
Wall Sign. Any sign attached to and erected parallel to and
within one (1) foot of the face or wall of a building, including signs
painted on the walls of buildings.
Window Sign. Any sign placed inside or upon a window facing
the outside and which is intended to be seen from the exterior.
Detached Signs. Any sign located on the ground or on a structure
located on the ground and not attached to a building.
Bench Sign. A sign located on any part of the surface of a bench
or seat placed on or adjacent to a public right-of-way.
Changeable Copy Sign. A manually, mechanically, or electronically
activated sign on which copy is designed to be changed. This includes
reader boards, gas price signs, and theater marquees, but is not limited
to them. Poster panels, painted boards, and billboards are not changeable
copy signs.
Development Sign. A monument sign identifying the name of a
subdivision or other residential development approved as a single
development.
Directory (Nameplate) Sign. A sign on which the names and locations
of occupants or the use of a building is given. This shall include
office buildings and church directories.
Electronic Message Center. Any electronically activated sign
that displays text or images that change periodically. Included are
signs that display an electronic image or video, which may or may
not include text. This definition includes television screens, plasma
screens, digital screens, flat screens, LED screens, video boards,
and/or the use of changing lights to form a message and holographic
display.
Ground And/Or Pole Signs. Any sign which is supported by structures
or supports in or upon the ground and independent of support from
any building.
Monument Sign. A permanent detached sign of generally horizontal
shape, constructed of stone, masonry materials, concrete, metal, sandblasted
or routed wood planks or beams or plastic, and which is mounted on
a base or columns of similar material.
Illuminated Signs. A sign designed to give forth artificial
light or designed to reflect light derived from any source.
Indirectly Illuminated Sign. Any sign which is partially or
completely illuminated at any time by a constant, non-moving, light
source which is so shielded as not to be visible at eye level.
Semi-Illuminated Sign. Any sign located on a building which
building face is uniformly illuminated over its entire area, including
the area of the sign, by use of electricity or other artificial light.
Attention Attracting Device. Any flasher, blinker, animation,
banner, animal or human replica, or other object designated or intended
to attract the attention of the public to an establishment or to a
sign. Any illuminated sign on which the artificial light is not constant
in intensity and color at all times. For the purpose of this regulation,
any revolving, rotating, moving, animated sign with moving lights
or signs which create the illusion of movement shall be considered
flashing signs. Electronic message centers are not considered attention
attracting devices for the purposes of this Section.
Off-Premises Advertising Signs. An outdoor advertising sign,
advertising products, service, etc., not offered on the premises.
Billboard. Sign exceeding six hundred fifty (650) square feet
in area.
Junior Poster Panel. Sign of approximate dimension six (6) foot
by twelve (12) foot.
Painted Bulletin. Sign of approximate dimension fourteen (14)
foot by forty-eight (48) foot.
Standard Poster Panel. Sign of approximate dimensions twelve
(12) foot three (3) inches by twenty-four (24) foot six (6) inches.
Temporary Signs. Any sign of a material such as cardboard, paper,
pressed wood, plastic or metal which is attached to a fence, tree,
utility pole, wheel carriage or temporary structure, or any sign which
is not securely fastened to a building.
Banner Sign. Any sign intended to be hung either with or without
frames, possessing characters, letters, illustrations, or ornamentations
applied to paper, plastic, or fabric of any kind. National flags,
flags of political subdivisions, and symbolic flags of any institution
or business shall not be considered banners for the purpose of this
Section.
Street Banner Sign. Any banner sign which is stretched across
and hung over a public right-of-way. The minimum ground clearance
shall be at least fifteen (15) feet.
Changeable Copy Sign. Any sign that is designed so that characters,
letters, or illustration can be changed or rearranged without altering
the face of the surface of the sign. This shall also include the changing
of copy on billboards.
Construction Sign. A temporary sign indicating the names of
the architects, engineers, landscape architects, contractors, and
similar artisans involved in the design and construction of a structure,
complex, or project only during the construction period and only on
the premises on which the construction is taking place.
Real Estate Sign. Any sign which is used to offer for sale,
lease, or rent the property upon which the sign is placed.
The area of a sign set out in these regulations shall mean
the area of each surface or face of the sign. Such signs as projecting,
detached, and outdoor advertising panels, billboards and bulletins
may have more than one (1) face, in which case the maximum area allowed
herein shall apply to each face or surface unless specified otherwise.
The area of the sign for purposes of these regulations shall be computed
from the dimensions of the entire surface upon which the letters,
logo, etc., are placed, except that when individual letters, logo,
etc., are mounted individually and directly upon a building wall surface
without change in the color or appearance of the wall, the area of
the sign shall be deemed to the rectangle or other geometric form
that encompasses the letters, logo, etc. When some questions exist
as to the area of the sign, the method of computing the same shall
be finally determined by the Building Official.
[R.O. 2012 §403.030; Ord. No. 90-4-2 §1, 4-2-1990; Ord.
No. 2000-1-3, 1-24-2000; Ord. No. 22-07-01, 7-18-2022]
A.
Signs may be permitted in Districts "A," "R-1" (Single-family District)
as follows:
1.
Wall Sign. One (1) non-illuminated wall sign per building, not
more than one (1) square foot in area, mounted on the building, indicating
a permitted home occupation.
2.
Real Estate Sign. One (1) non-illuminated detached real estate
sign per lot, not more than six (6) square feet in area. One (1) or
more non-illuminated signs displaying information pertinent to an
undeveloped subdivision shall be permitted within that ownership,
provided that no such sign shall be closer than one hundred (100)
feet to an occupied dwelling. Such signs shall be permitted on undeveloped
tracts of at least two (2) acres in area and the total area of such
signs shall not exceed three hundred (300) square feet for two (2)
acres plus one hundred fifty (150) square feet for each additional
ten (10) acres in the development site.
3.
Directory/Wall Sign. Not more than two (2) illuminated or non-illuminated
wall signs per church or similar institutional use, not more than
one hundred (100) square feet in area each, and not more than two
(2) illuminated or non-illuminated detached directory signs per church
or similar institutional use, not more then fifty (50) square feet
in area per face nor more than one hundred (100) square feet in total
area each, on the premises of the use, indicating activities and services
therein provided.
4.
Construction Sign. One (1) non-illuminated detached construction
sign not more than thirty-two (32) square feet in area.
5.
Development Sign. One (1) development sign not to exceed a total
of sixty-four (64) square feet, or two (2) development signs not to
exceed a total of thirty-two (32) square feet each shall be allowed
at each exclusive entrance into a development in excess of twenty
(20) acres in size in accordance with the following criteria:
b.
A maximum height of six (6) feet.
c.
Such signs may be indirectly illuminated provided the light
source is shielded to prevent it from shining directly on adjacent
residences or streets.
d.
Evidence of the ability to provide for the maintenance of such
signs and required landscaping shall be demonstrated through the existence
of a homeowner's association, management group or other permanently
established organization with authority and funding adequate to provide
for such maintenance.
e.
A landscaping plan shall be submitted which shall utilize adequate
landscaping and appropriate plant materials and providing, at a minimum,
one (1) low level shrub per ten (10) square feet of sign area.
6.
Garage Sale Sign. Signs as otherwise permitted by ordinance.
No posting of garage sale signs shall be permitted on buildings, fences,
poles, or other property without the consent of the owner.
7.
No metal ground sign shall be located within eight (8) feet
vertically and four (4) feet horizontally of electric wires or conduit
in free air carrying more than forty-eight (48) volts whether or not
such wire inductors are insulated or otherwise protected. All other
detached and projecting signs shall be designed and installed to withstand
twenty (20) pounds per square foot of wind pressure.
[R.O. 2012 §403.040; Ord. No. 90-4-2 §1, 4-2-1990; Ord. No. 22-07-01, 7-18-2022]
A.
Signs shall be permitted in District "R-2" Two-Family District as
follows:
2.
Construction Sign. One (1) or more indirectly or illuminated
signs displaying information pertinent to an undeveloped apartment
project shall be permitted within that ownership, provided that no
such sign shall be closer than one hundred (100) feet to an occupied
dwelling. Such signs shall be permitted on undeveloped tracts of at
least two (2) acres in area and the total area of such signs shall
not exceed three hundred (300) square feet for two (2) acres, plus
one hundred fifty (150) square feet for each additional ten (10) acres
in the development site.
[R.O. 2012 §403.050; Ord. No. 90-4-2 §1, 4-2-1990; Ord. No. 22-07-01, 7-18-2022]
A.
Signs shall be permitted in District "R-3" through "R-5" Residential
District as follows:
1.
Signs shall be permitted as provided under District "R-2."
2.
Detached Sign. For any one (1) ownership containing a multi-family
use there shall be permitted only one (1) non-illuminated or indirectly
illuminated detached sign for each twenty thousand (20,000) square
feet of land area, identifying the building or project, not more than
twenty (20) feet in area and not more than six (6) feet high overall,
and such sign shall be located not more than one (1) foot in front
of a front or side building setback line. Such signs shall bear no
product advertising.
[R.O. 2012 §403.060; Ord. No. 90-4-2 §1, 4-2-1990; Ord. No. 22-07-01, 7-18-2022]
A.
Signs shall be permitted in District "C-O" Non-Retail Business District
as follows:
1.
Signs shall be permitted for uses permitted in District "R-1"
through "R-5," which are located in this District, as provided under
District "R-3" through "R-5" above.
2.
Wall Sign. Not more than two (2) non-illuminated or semi-illuminated
wall signs shall be permitted on each office building, provided such
signs shall indicate only the name of the building or establishments
housed therein. No such sign shall have an overall area exceeding
five percent (5%) of the area of the wall upon which it is mounted.
3.
Projecting Sign. One (1) projecting sign per establishment,
not exceeding three (3) square feet in area, depicting only the name
of the establishment or firm may be placed on the facade or under
a marquee or canopy adjacent to the premises occupied. Signs should
also maintain a clearance of nine (9) feet to grade.
4.
Development Sign. In the case of an office park containing three
(3) or more buildings, one (1) monument sign identifying the park
shall be permitted.
Such monument sign shall not have more than four (4) faces,
have an overall height above average grade of not more than eight
(8) feet and an overall length of not more than twelve (12) feet.
Such sign may be indirectly illuminated and shall not be closer than
ten (10) feet to the property line. Each building or cluster of buildings
within the center of park, separated by more than twenty (20) feet
from the main cluster or each other, shall be permitted one (1) monument
sign per building or cluster. Such sign shall not have more than two
(2) faces, shall have an overall height above grade of not more than
eight (8) feet and an overall length of not more than twelve (12)
feet. Such sign may be indirectly illuminated and shall not be closer
than ten (10) feet to the property line.
5.
Construction Sign. One (1) or more non-illuminated signs displaying
information pertinent to an undeveloped office building complex or
shopping center shall be permitted within that ownership, provided
that no such sign shall be closer than one hundred (100) feet to an
occupied dwelling. Such signs shall be permitted on undeveloped tracts
of at least two (2) acres in area and the total area of such signs
shall not exceed three hundred (300) square feet for two (2) acres
plus one hundred fifty (150) square feet for each additional ten (10)
acres in the development site.
6.
No metal ground sign shall be located within eight (8) feet
vertically and four (4) feet horizontally of electric wires or conduit
in free air carrying more than forty-eight (48) volts whether or not
such wire inductors are insulated or otherwise protected. All other
detached and projecting signs shall be designed and installed to withstand
twenty (20) pounds per square foot of wind pressure.
[R.O. 2012 §403.070; Ord. No. 90-4-2 §1, 4-2-1990; Ord. No. 22-07-01, 7-18-2022]
A.
Signs shall be permitted in District "C-1" Local Business District
as follows:
1.
Signs shall be permitted for uses permitted in District "R-1"
through "R-5," which are located in these districts, provided under
Districts "R-3" through "R-5" above.
2.
Wall/Projecting Signs. Each business or commercial establishment
shall be permitted not more than three (3) non-illuminated, semi-illuminated
or indirectly illuminated wall signs, provided the total area of signs
on a facade shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the total area of
that facade. In lieu of one (1) of the above wall signs, one (1) projecting
sign of the same type of illumination and same area shall be permitted,
provided no projecting sign shall extend more than three (3) feet
from the face of the building and the sign shall also maintain a clearance
of nine (9) feet to grade. Such signs shall not extend above the height
of the wall upon which they are mounted, and any signs painted directly
upon wall surfaces shall not be larger than ten (10) square feet in
area.
3.
Detached Signs. In lieu of one (1) of the above attached signs,
one (1) detached sign shall be permitted for each commercial building.
It shall be located not less than five (5) feet from a property line
and shall not exceed twenty-five (25) feet in height and shall not
exceed one hundred (100) square feet in area. No metal ground sign
shall be located within eight (8) feet vertically and four (4) feet
horizontally of electric wires or conduit in free air carrying more
than forty-eight (48) volts whether or not such wire inductors are
insulated or otherwise protected. All other detached and projecting
signs shall be designed and installed to withstand twenty (20) pounds
per square foot of wind pressure.
4.
Development Sign. In the case of a shopping center or office
park, one (1) detached identification sign may be permitted provided
such sign shall not exceed twenty-five (25) feet in height and shall
not exceed one hundred (100) square feet in area. In lieu of this
pole sign, monument signs as specified below may be used. One (1)
monument sign identifying the center or park shall be permitted. Such
monument sign shall not have more than four (4) faces, have an overall
height above average grade of not more than eight (8) feet, and an
overall length of not more than twelve (12) feet. Such sign may be
indirectly illuminated and shall not be closer than ten (10) feet
to a property line. Each building or cluster of buildings within the
center or park, separated by more than twenty (20) feet from the main
cluster or each other, shall be permitted one (1) monument sign per
building or cluster.
Such sign shall not have more than two (2) faces, shall have
an overall height above the average grade of not more than eight (8)
feet and an overall length of not more than twelve (12) feet. Such
sign may be indirectly illuminated and shall not be closer than ten
(10) feet to a property line.
5.
Interior Signs. Non-illuminated signs inside buildings and signs
in enclosed malls shall not be subject to these regulations.
6.
Construction Sign. One (1) or more non-illuminated signs displaying
information pertinent to an undeveloped office building complex or
shopping center shall be permitted within that ownership, provided
that no such sign shall be closer than one hundred (100) feet to an
occupied dwelling. Such signs shall be permitted on undeveloped tracts
of at least two (2) acres in area and the total area of such signs
shall not exceed three hundred (300) square feet for two (2) acres
plus one hundred fifty (150) square feet for each additional ten (10)
acres in the development site.
[R.O. 2012 §403.080; Ord. No. 90-4-2 §1, 4-2-1990; Ord.
No. 99-5-15, 5-24-1999; Ord. No. 22-07-01, 7-18-2022]
A.
Signs shall be permitted in District "C-2" General Business District
as follows:
1.
Signs shall be permitted for uses permitted in Districts "R-1"
through "R-5," which are located in this district, as provided under
Districts "R-3" through "R-5" above.
2.
Wall/Projecting/Marquee. Each business or commercial establishment
shall be permitted not more than three (3) indirectly illuminated,
semi-illuminated, or non-illuminated wall, projecting or marquee signs.
The total area of wall signs on each facade shall not exceed fifteen
percent (15%) of the total area of the facade upon which it is placed.
Such signs shall not extend above the average roof level of two (2)
or more story buildings. No projecting sign may extend over a public
right-of-way more than five (5) feet, nor closer to a street edge
or curb face than one (1) foot, nor have an area greater than twenty
(20) square feet per face. No signs shall be painted directly upon
the wall surfaces.
For purposes of this Section, the term "marquee" shall mean
and include a comparable permanent canopy or awning attached to a
building, in the same manner as projecting signs. No such marquee,
canopy or awning, with or without signs, shall extend over a public
right-of-way more than five (5) feet, nor closer to a street edge
or curb face than one (1) foot. Such marquees, canopies, awnings and
sign frames shall maintain a vertical clearance of nine (9) feet to
grade; provided however, a marquee, canopy or awning having no electrical
components may have a vertical clearance of not less than eight (8)
feet to grade.
3.
Detached Signs. In lieu of one (1) of the above attached signs,
one (1) detached sign shall be permitted for each commercial building.
In the case of a detached sign it shall be located not less than five
(5) feet from a property line and shall not exceed thirty-five (35)
feet in height and shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet
in area. No metal ground sign shall be located within eight (8) feet
vertically and four (4) feet horizontally of electric wires or conduit
in free air carrying more than forty-eight (48) volts whether or not
such wire inductors are insulated or otherwise protected. All other
detached and projecting signs shall be designed and installed to withstand
twenty (20) pounds per square foot of wind pressure.
4.
Development Sign. In the case of a shopping center or office
park, one (1) detached identification sign may be permitted. Such
sign shall not exceed thirty-five (35) feet in height and shall not
exceed one hundred (100) square feet in area. In lieu of this pole
sign, monument signs as specified below may be used. One (1) monument
sign identifying the center or park shall be permitted. Such monument
sign shall not have more than four (4) faces, have an overall height
above grade of not more than eight (8) feet, and an overall length
of not more than twelve (12) feet. Such sign may be indirectly illuminated
and shall not be closer than ten (10) feet to a property line. Each
building or cluster of buildings within the center or park, separated
by more than twenty (20) feet from the main cluster or each other,
shall be permitted one (1) monument sign per building or cluster.
Such sign shall not have more than two (2) faces, shall have an overall
height above average grade of not more than eight (8) feet and an
overall length of not more than twelve (12) feet. Such sign may be
indirectly illuminated and shall not be closer than ten (10) feet
to the property line.
5.
Interior Signs. Non-illuminated signs inside buildings and signs
in an enclosed mall shall not be subject to these regulations.
6.
Construction Sign. One (1) or more non-illuminated signs displaying
information pertinent to an undeveloped office building complex or
shopping center shall be permitted within that ownership, provided
that no such sign shall be closer than one hundred (100) feet to an
occupied dwelling. Such signs shall be permitted on undeveloped tracts
of at least two (2) acres in area and the total area of such signs
shall not exceed three hundred (300) square feet for two (2) acres
plus one hundred fifty (150) square feet for each additional ten (10)
acres in the development site.
[R.O. 2012 §403.090; Ord. No. 90-4-2 §1, 4-2-1990; Ord. No. 22-07-01, 7-18-2022]
A.
Signs shall be permitted in District "C-2A" Special Business District
as follows:
1.
Signs shall be permitted for uses permitted in District "R-1"
through "R-5," which are located in these districts, provided under
Districts "R-3" through "R-5" above.
2.
Wall/Projecting Signs. Each business or commercial establishment
shall be permitted not more than two (2) non-illuminated wall signs
provided the total area of signs on a facade shall not exceed ten
(10) square feet.
In lieu of one (1) of the above wall signs, one (1) projecting
sign of the same type of illumination and same area shall be permitted,
provided no projecting sign shall extend more than three (3) feet
from the face of the building and the sign shall also maintain a clearance
of nine (9) feet to grade. Such signs shall not extend above the height
of the wall upon which they are mounted, and any sign painted directly
upon wall surfaces shall not be larger than ten (10) square feet in
area.
3.
Detached Signs. In lieu of one (1) of the above attached signs,
one (1) detached sign shall be permitted for each commercial building.
It shall be located not less than five (5) feet from a property line
and shall not exceed five (5) feet in height and shall not exceed
five (5) feet in height and shall not exceed ten (10) square feet
in area. No metal ground sign shall be located within eight (8) feet
vertically and four (4) feet horizontally of electric wires or conduit
in free air carrying more than forty-eight (48) volts whether or not
such wire inductors are insulated or otherwise protected.
All other detached and projecting signs shall be designed and
installed to withstand twenty (20) pounds per square foot of wind
pressure.
4.
Development Sign. One (1) development sign not to exceed a total
of sixty-four (64) square feet, or two (2) development signs not to
exceed a total of thirty-two (32) square feet each shall be allowed
at each exclusive entrance into a development in excess of twenty
(20) acres in size in accordance with the following criteria:
b.
A maximum height of six (6) feet.
c.
Such signs may be indirectly illuminated provided the light
source is shielded to prevent it from shining directly on adjacent
residences or streets.
d.
Evidence of the ability to provide for the maintenance of such
signs and required landscaping shall be demonstrated through the existence
of a homeowner's association, management group or other permanently
established organization with authority and funding adequate to provide
for such maintenance.
e.
A landscaping plan shall be submitted which shall utilize adequate
landscaping and appropriate plant materials and providing, at a minimum,
one (1) low level shrub per ten (10) square feet of sign area.
5.
Construction Sign. One (1) or more non-illuminated signs displaying
information pertinent to an undeveloped apartment project, office
building complex, or shopping center shall be permitted within that
ownership, provided that no such sign shall be closer than one hundred
(100) feet to an occupied dwelling. Such signs shall be permitted
on undeveloped tracts of at least two (2) acres in area and the total
area of such signs shall not exceed three hundred (300) square feet
for two (2) acres plus one hundred fifty (150) square feet for each
additional ten (10) acres in the development site.
[R.O. 2012 §403.100; Ord. No. 90-4-2 §1, 4-2-1990; Ord.
No. 2000-3-2, 3-20-2000; Ord. No. 2011-11-06-05 §3, 6-20-2011; Ord. No. 22-07-01, 7-18-2022]
A.
Signs shall be permitted in District "C-3" Business District as follows:
1.
Signs shall be permitted for uses permitted in District "R-1"
through "R-5," which are located in these districts, provided under
Districts "R-3" through "R-5" above.
2.
On Premise Signs Of All Types Permitted. Each business or commercial
establishment shall be permitted not more than three (3) indirectly
illuminated, semi-illuminated, or non-illuminated wall, projecting
or marquee signs. The total area of wall signs on each facade shall
not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the total area of the facade upon
which it is placed. Such signs shall not extend above the average
roof level of two (2) or more story buildings. No projecting sign
may extend over a public right-of-way more than five (5) feet, nor
closer to a street edge or curb face than one (1) foot, nor have an
area greater than twenty (20) square feet per face. No signs shall
be painted directly upon the wall surfaces.
Alternatively, for multi-tenant commercial sites or buildings
the maximum surface area permitted for wall or projecting signs for
each tenant or use may not exceed ten percent (10%) of the individual
tenant or user's exterior front wall area. This ten percent (10%)
allowance may also be made for one (1) additional side wall, in the
case of tenants or uses that are freestanding or located on an end
of a multi-tenant building.
Roof signs shall not project more than twelve (12) inches beyond
the face of the building. No metal ground sign shall be located within
eight (8) feet vertically and four (4) feet horizontally of electric
wires or conduit in free air carrying more than forty-eight (48) volts
whether or not such wire inductors are insulated or otherwise protected.
All other detached and projecting signs shall be designed and installed
to withstand twenty (20) pounds per square foot of wind pressure.
Electronic message centers or changeable message signs shall
be allowed subject to the following standards:
a.
No more than thirty percent (30%) of the sign area may be used
for electronic message centers (either mechanical or electronic) with
changeable text.
b.
Detached Sign Or Manual Changeable Copy. Sign must be a detached
sign and the electronic message center portion may not exceed more
than fifty percent (50%) of the allowable square footage per face.
c.
Brightness. The sign must not exceed a maximum illumination
of five thousand (5,000) nits (candelas per square meter) during daylight
hours and a maximum of five hundred (500) nits (candelas per square
meter) between dusk and dawn.
d.
Dimmer Control. The sign must have an automatic dimmer control,
to adjust illumination from daylight to nighttime maximums.
e.
Audio Or Pyrotechnics. Audio speakers or any form of pyrotechnics
are prohibited.
f.
The sign shall have an automatic default setting to a blank
screen non-illuminated or standard text/image in case of malfunction.
g.
Any such permit issued is subject to periodical performance
review by City staff to ensure that continued compliance is maintained.
Failure to correct any notice of violation of the intensity requirements
herein shall constitute a forfeiture of the permit and the permit
shall immediately thereafter become void.
3.
Development Sign. In the case of a shopping center or office
park, one (1) detached identification sign may be permitted. Such
sign shall not exceed thirty-five (35) feet in height and shall not
exceed one hundred (100) square feet in area. In lieu of this pole
sign, monument signs as specified below may be used. One (1) monument
sign identifying the center or park shall be permitted.
Such monument sign shall not have more than four (4) faces,
have an overall height above grade of not more than eight (8) feet,
and an overall length of not more than twelve (12) feet. Such sign
may be indirectly illuminated and shall not be closer than ten (10)
feet to a property line. Each building or cluster of buildings within
the center or park, separated by more than twenty (20) feet from the
main cluster or each other, shall be permitted one (1) monument sign
per building or cluster. Such sign shall not have more than two (2)
faces, shall have an overall height above average grade of not more
than eight (8) feet and an overall length of not more than twelve
(12) feet. Such sign may be indirectly illuminated and shall not be
closer than ten (10) feet to the property line.
Alternatively, for multi-tenant commercial sites, having at
least six (6) commercial tenants or uses on a common lot, one (1)
detached identification sign may be permitted. Such sign shall not
exceed thirty-five (35) feet in height, shall not be located closer
than five (5) feet to a property line, shall not have more than two
(2) faces, and shall not exceed two hundred fifty (250) square feet
in area per face. In the case of a corner lot, having at least two
hundred (200) lineal feet of street frontage on a second street, one
(1) additional detached identification sign, having the same height,
location, face geometry and sign area limitations, may be permitted
on the frontage of the second street.
4.
Off-Premise Signs Excluding Billboard Signs. Outdoor advertising
structures including junior poster panels, painted bulletins and standard
poster panels shall be no closer than eight hundred (800) feet to
each other or a billboard, shall be at least thirty (30) feet from
the front property line, and at least thirty (30) feet from a District
"R-1" to a District "C-1" inclusive and shall not extend higher than
thirty (30) feet above the elevation of the centerline of the adjacent
roadway to which the advertising is directed. All junior poster panels,
painted bulletins and standard poster panels shall be designed and
installed to withstand not less than thirty (30) pounds per square
foot of wind pressure.
5.
Billboard Signs. Billboards shall be allowed adjacent to any
State highway in a District "C-3" subject to the regulations in this
Chapter and those that are consistent with the Missouri Billboards
Act (Section 226.500 et seq., RSMo.). Billboards shall be prohibited
in all other residential and commercial zoning districts or adjacent
to any other roadway within the City. Regulations pertaining to such
structures are as follows:
a.
Lighting.
(1)
No revolving or rotating beam or beacon of light
that simulates any emergency light or device shall be permitted as
part of any billboard. No flashing, intermittent, or moving light
or lights will be permitted. Electronic signs of all types will be
permitted by special use.
(2)
External lighting, such as floodlights, thin line
and gooseneck reflectors, are permitted, provided the light source
is directed upon the face of the billboard and is effectively shielded
so as to prevent beams or rays of light from being directed into any
portion of the main traveled way on a primary highway and the lights
are not of such intensity so as to cause glare, impair the vision
of the driver of a motor vehicle, or otherwise interfere with a driver's
operation of a motor vehicle.
(3)
No billboard shall be so illuminated that it interferes
with the effectiveness of, or obscures, an official traffic sign,
device, or signal.
(4)
No billboard shall be so illuminated that the illumination
is directed toward any residential area.
(5)
The maximum lighting intensity level for such billboards
shall be twenty (20) footcandles (22 lux) at the light source.
b.
Size, Height, And Area Of Billboards.
(1)
The maximum area for any one (1) billboard shall
be eight hundred (800) square feet with a maximum width of thirty
(30) feet and a maximum length of seventy-two (72) feet, inclusive
of border and trim but excluding the base or apron, supports, and
other structural members.
(2)
The maximum size limitations shall apply to each
side of a billboard, and billboards may be placed back to back, double
faced, or in V-type construction with not more than two (2) displays
to each facing, but sign structure shall be considered as one (1)
billboard.
(3)
An off-premises sign shall maintain a minimum clearance
of ten (10) feet measured from the ground level at the base of the
sign to the bottom of the sign face.
(4)
The maximum height of a billboard or other structure
shall not exceed thirty-five (35) feet above grade level of the roadway
to the bottom of the sign face, as measured from the centerline of
the roadway to which the sign is oriented.
c.
Spacing Of Billboards.
(1)
No billboard shall be erected within one thousand
four hundred (1,400) feet of an existing billboard on the same side
of the highway on any highway in the primary system.
(2)
No billboard shall be located in such a manner
as to obstruct or otherwise physically interfere with the effectiveness
of any official traffic sign, signal, or device or obstruct or physically
interfere with a motor vehicle operator's view of approaching,
merging, or intersecting traffic.
(3)
The measurement in this Section shall be minimum
distances between billboards measured along the nearest edge of the
pavement between points directly opposite the billboard or structure
along each side of the highway and shall apply only to billboards
or structures located on the same side of the highway involved. Directional
and official signs shall not be counted nor shall measurements be
made from such signs for the purpose of determining compliance with
these spacing requirements.
(4)
Billboards or other off-premises outdoor advertising
devices shall be oriented toward traffic on the primary highway system.
d.
Setbacks, Safety Clearances And Height.
(1)
In order to provide a safety zone to prevent injury
or property damage from collapse of a billboard caused by an act of
God or other causes, each billboard shall have minimum setbacks of
the following:
(2)
In order to further provide a safety zone to prevent
injury or property damage from collapse of a billboard caused by an
act of God or other causes, each billboard shall have a maximum height,
measured from the ground to the bottom of the sign face of such structure,
of thirty-five (35) feet. In addition, the applicant for permit shall
present documentation to the reasonable satisfaction of the Chief
Building Official that the applicant has secured the legally enforceable
right to prevent the erection of other structures within the setback
zones. No City building permit shall be issued for construction of
any building within the setback/clearance zone for any billboard.
(3)
No billboard shall be located adjacent to or within
five hundred (500) feet of any bridge approach or intersection at
grade. Said five hundred (500) feet shall be measured from the beginning
or ending of the pavement widening at the exit from or entrance to
the main traveled way and from the beginning of the bridge deck.
(4)
No billboard shall be located within five hundred
(500) feet of land zoned for residential or utilized for public activity
purposes. No billboard or other off-premises outdoor advertising device
shall be located within five hundred (500) feet from any residential
structure, school, park, or historical site or historical district
designated by the Federal, State, or City Government.
(5)
No billboard shall be located within one hundred
(100) feet from any on-premises freestanding sign.
e.
Landscaping, Lighting, And Fencing. Before a permit is issued,
the applicant shall receive approval for a plan for landscaping, lighting
and fencing around the proposed billboard to ensure that the structure
will be aesthetically compatible with its surroundings and aesthetic
standards of the community and neighboring property, insofar as may
be practicable, as well as safe and secure from trespassers or vandals.
Such plans shall be reviewed and approved by the Chief Building Official
and Director of Community Development. In determining whether the
landscaping plan is reasonably suitable, the Director shall take into
consideration the nature of the location, the impact on the surrounding
properties, the safety and security of the proposed structure, and
the relative cost of the landscaping, lighting and fencing to the
applicant in relationship to the overall impact upon the property
values in the immediate area which would be caused by a lack of such
landscaping, lighting and fencing for the proposed structure.
f.
Nuisances. Any billboard which, because of lack of maintenance,
upkeep, vandalism, accumulations of litter, refuse or debris, or the
deterioration of landscaping, light, or fencing, becomes unsightly
or unsafe is hereby declared to be a nuisance and shall be subject
to abatement by the City in the same manner as all other nuisances
on private property.
g.
Service Drives. Direct access to a billboard from curb cuts
along a State highway, Federal highway, or service road shall be prohibited.
Direct access shall be gained through paved roads and drives which
are private and internal to a lot or parcel. All vehicles, equipment,
and people used to build, service, maintain and repair such signs
must confine their activity so as not to interfere with pedestrian
or vehicular traffic on public roads.
h.
Legal Non-Conforming Billboards. Any billboard which was lawfully
erected or affixed prior to the adoption of the ordinance from which
this Chapter is derived and which complied with all regulations in
force at the time it was erected or affixed, but which fails to conform
to all applicable regulations and restrictions of this Chapter, shall
be considered a legal non-conforming billboard. A legal non-conforming
billboard may be continued and shall be maintained in good condition,
but shall not be:
(1)
Structurally altered so as to prolong the life
of the sign;
(2)
Altered so as to increase the degree of non-conformity
of the sign;
(3)
Expanded; or
(4)
Re-established after damage or destruction if the
estimated cost of reconstruction exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the
appraised replacement costs at the time that such damage occurred.
i.
Abandoned Billboards. Where a billboard structure does not include
advertising information other than for the use of the billboard for
a period of one hundred eighty (180) continuous days, such billboard
structure shall be deemed abandoned and shall be removed.
j.
Permits. The City shall not issue a permit for any new billboard
unless the following conditions have been met:
(1)
Issued a permit from the State Department of Transportation;
(2)
The applicant shall submit the following surveys:
(a)
A certified boundary survey of the site showing
location of the billboard and its setback/clearance zone; and
(b)
A survey to indicate the relative vertical and
horizontal distances between the proposed structure and all other
pole-mounted signs within two thousand (2,000) feet. If, by reason
of height, size, or spacing, the proposed structure creates a significant
disharmony with pole-mounted signs within two thousand (2,000) feet,
or unreasonable detracts from the visibility of other neighboring
signs or properties, the Chief Building Official and Director of Community
Development may require reasonable modification of the dimensions
of the billboard to cure such deficiencies as a condition to granting
a permit; and
(3)
The City shall charge a sign permit fee, in accordance
with the schedule of fees and charges, to ensure compliance with the
City's wind load and electrical requirements when the billboard
is first erected, but shall not charge any subsequent permit or inspection
fee for such structure.
6.
Interior Signs. Non-illuminated signs inside buildings and signs
in enclosed malls shall not be subject to these regulations.
7.
Construction Sign. One (1) or more non-illuminated signs displaying
information pertinent to an undeveloped office building complex or
shopping center shall be permitted within that ownership, provided
that no such sign shall be closer than one hundred (100) feet to an
occupied dwelling. Such signs shall be permitted on undeveloped tracts
of at least two (2) acres in area and the total area of such signs
shall not exceed three hundred (300) square feet for two (2) acres
plus one hundred (100) feet for each additional ten (10) acres in
the development site.
[R.O. 2012 §403.110; Ord. No. 90-4-2 §1, 4-2-1990; Ord.
No. 2000-3-2, 3-20-2000; Ord. No. 2011-11-06-05 §3, 6-20-2011; Ord. No. 22-07-01, 7-18-2022]
[R.O. 2012 §403.120; Ord. No. 90-4-2 §1, 4-2-1990; Ord.
No. 98-2-1, 2-2-1998; Ord. No. 2011-11-06-05 §3, 6-20-2011; Ord. No. 14-07-05 §16, 7-21-2014; Ord.
No. 22-07-01, 7-18-2022]
A.
All signs shall be of sound structural quality, be maintained in
good repair, have a clean and neat appearance, and land adjacent shall
be kept free from debris, weeds, and trash.
B.
All signs as permitted above shall be so constructed and installed
as to be satisfactory to the Chief Building Official.
C.
No sign shall be installed, erected, or set in place until a sign
permit has been issued therefore by the City of Excelsior Springs.
D.
Temporary Signs.
1.
Generally. Temporary signs allowed within the City are limited
to those specifically listed in this Section, according to the zoning
district in which they are located, and are subject to classification
by the Chief Building Official based on definitions and descriptions
contained herein. Temporary signs shall identify a special, unique,
or limited activity, service, product, or sale of limited duration.
2.
Number And Timing. A maximum of four (4) temporary sign permits
for thirty (30) days each may be issued for the same business, upon
property owner approval, at the same location per calendar year. Two
(2) temporary sign permits may be issued at the same time to run consecutively.
Major and minor shopping centers shall be allowed up to two (2) temporary
signs at any one time. Each temporary sign application shall be accompanied
by a permit fee as specified in the Schedule of Fees, Title I, Appendix
A. All temporary signs shall be removed at the end of the day's
business on the day such permit expires. Additional temporary sign
permits shall not be issued for the same business at the same location
within fourteen (14) days following the expiration of a previously
issued temporary sign permit. Failure to comply with any specification,
regulation, or control placed on a temporary sign permit set for by
the office of the Building Official will immediately void said permit.
4.
Size, Height, And Area Of Temporary Signs.
a.
Temporary signs shall be located only on the lot upon which
the special, unique, or limited activity, product or sale is to occur.
Signs may be located in any required yard, but shall not extend over
any lot line or within fifteen (15) feet of any point of vehicular
access from a lot to a public street. Temporary signs shall not exceed
thirty-two (32) square feet in gross surface area for each exposed
face.
b.
The height of any inflatable advertising device shall be limited
to twenty (20) feet including the supporting or attached structure,
building or equipment, and shall meet the required setback for that
zoning district.
E.
Public agencies and not-for-profit institutions may apply for City
Council review and approval of identification, event scheduling and
similar signage not covered elsewhere in these regulations. Approval
of such signage, under conditions and limitations deemed to be in
the public interest, is at the sole discretion of the City Council.
F.
Signs, posters, and similar devices used by candidates for public
office shall be regulated by applicable codes and ordinances of the
City of Excelsior Springs and shall not be within jurisdiction of
this Section.
G.
The Building Official may waive the permit fee for those signs which
are for the sole purpose of promoting an event or effort of a philanthropic,
civic, or public service nature.
H.
Removal of signs which were engraved, carved in stone, or where otherwise
a permanent part of a building prior to the adoption of these regulations
will not be required.
[R.O. 2012 §403.130; Ord. No. 90-4-2 §1, 4-2-1990; Ord. No. 22-07-01, 7-18-2022]
A.
The following signs shall be exempt from the requirements of this
Chapter:
1.
Flags or emblems of a governmental or of a political, civic,
philanthropic, educational or religious organization, displayed on
private property.
2.
Signs of a duly constituted governmental body, including traffic
or similar regulatory signs, legal notices, warnings at railroad crossings
and other instructional or regulatory signs having to do with health,
safety, parking, swimming, dumping, etc.
3.
Memorial signs and tables displayed on public or private property.
4.
Small signs, not exceeding three (3) square feet in area, displayed
on private property for the convenience of the public, including signs
to identify entrance and exit drives, parking areas, one-way drives,
restrooms, freight entrances, and other similar signs.
5.
Score boards in athletic stadiums.
B.
Exemptions From Sign Permit. The following signs are exempt from
the sign permit Section of this Chapter, but shall comply with all
of the other regulations imposed by this Chapter:
1.
Name plate signs not exceeding one (1) square foot in gross
area accessory to a single-family or two-family dwelling.
2.
Business signs when located on property used for agricultural
purposes and pertaining to the sale of agricultural products produced
on the premises.
3.
Real estate signs not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet
in area.
4.
Construction signs not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet
in area.
5.
Temporary signs to include garage sale signs, banners, and changeable
copy signs.
[R.O. 2012 §403.140; Ord. No. 90-4-2 §1, 4-2-1990; Ord.
No. 04-7-5, 7-6-2004; Ord. No. 22-07-01, 7-18-2022]
No attention-attracting device, temporary sign, or other sign
which does not conform with this Section shall hereafter be erected
or set in place. No vehicle, van or trailer which is inoperable or
improperly licensed may be used as a sign, sign support or sign structure.
[R.O. 2012 §403.150; Ord. No. 90-4-2 §1, 4-2-1990; Ord. No. 22-07-01, 7-18-2022]
A.
All existing signs which do not conform to these regulations shall
be subject to the following procedures:
1.
All non-conforming temporary signs as defined herein shall be
removed within one (1) year of the effective date of this regulation.
2.
All non-conforming wall signs, roof signs, projecting and marquee
signs may remain in use until the displayed copy requires modification
or replacement due to change in occupant or due to structural failure.
All abandoned signs or signs with either partial or total destruction
shall be removed within ninety (90) days.
3.
Attention attracting devices shall not be replaced when removed
or dismantled for repair or when they become structurally obsolete.
All flashers, beacons, and similar attention attracting light sources
shall be made non-blinking or non-flashing not later than one (1)
year from the date of passage of this Chapter.
4.
All non-conforming junior poster panels, painted bulletins,
or standard poster panels, normally referred to as "outdoor advertising,"
and any non-conforming detached signs, may remain in use until the
structural framework or supporting members, one (1) or more parts
thereof, require modification or replacement at which time the structure
shall be made conforming or be removed from the premises. The changing
of the copy or advertising material on the face of the structure shall
not be deemed modification or replacement.
