City of St. Charles, MO Sign Regulations For Superimposed Districts

[R.O. 2011 § 400.1830; R.O. 2009 § 156.765; Ord. No. 02-172, 7-10-2002; Ord. No. 02-276, 11-22-2002; Ord. No. 10-142 § 22, 7-8-2010; Ord. No. 10-244 § 1, 11-18-2010; Ord. No. 11-100 § 1, 5-20-2011]

"SMPD" South Main Preservation District. The purpose of this Section is to allow adequate signage for pedestrian-oriented historic commercial areas, yet at the same time exclude signage which would be detrimental to property values and the character of the district.

General Regulations.

No sign or graphic may be displayed without first obtaining a certificate of appropriateness from the HLPARB.

No sign or graphic shall be permitted in the district unless the sign relates to or advertises a business within the district.

Signs shall not obscure architectural details or features.

Any projecting sign displayed over a public walkway must be at least eight (8) feet above the walkway.

Wall, Projecting, Window And Awning Signs.

Each building within the district shall be allowed one (1) wall sign per business located within the building. Additionally, buildings with rear entryways shall be allowed one (1) additional wall sign on the rear wall of the building. The size of any wall sign shall be no more than three-fourths (0.75) square feet per lineal foot of the occupant's portion of building frontage, provided that the aggregate size of all wall signs combined shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet.

Wall signs shall not be located above second story windows.

Each building within the district shall be allowed one (1) projecting sign for each frontage of a building; provided, that projecting signs shall not be allowed on any building wall facing Main Street which already has a wall sign.

Projecting signs shall be allowed a maximum size of thirty-hundredths (0.30) square feet per lineal foot of building frontage, provided that the maximum size of the face of any projecting sign shall not exceed five and one-half (5.5) square feet.

Window signs are prohibited.

Awning, canopy and umbrella signs are prohibited.

Multiple-Occupant Buildings And Directory Signs. Whenever there is more than one (1) occupant in any building, it shall be the responsibility of the building owner to allocate the permitted signage. Directory signs are permitted where there is more than one (1) occupant per building. Directory signs shall be excluded in the calculation of the total amount of building signage permitted. Maximum one hundred (100) square inches per tenant or four hundred (400) square inches, whichever is less.

Freestanding Signs. Freestanding signs other than pole signs are prohibited. Pole signs shall be permitted under only one (1) of the following circumstances:

Lots with a building having a front yard setback of at least fifteen (15) feet from the right-of-way may erect one (1) pole sign in a front yard.

Building walls with business entrances not facing Main Street may be allowed to erect a pole sign along South Main Street, however, if a pole sign exists on the property, the business shall only be permitted to install a sign face on the existing pole.

Pole signs shall be allowed a maximum size of one-fourth (0.25) square feet per lineal foot of building frontage, provided that the maximum size of the face of any pole sign panel shall not exceed five and one-half (5.5) square feet total for the entire face.

Temporary Signs. The following regulations shall control temporary signs:

Banners. One (1) banner or grand opening sign per occupant is permitted of no more than thirty-two (32) square feet. Permits for banners and grand opening signs shall be valid for a maximum of thirty (30) days. Each occupant shall be issued no more than one (1) banner permit per calendar year. Banners and grand opening signs require prior approval by the HLPARB.

Handbills. One (1) handbill advertising special events may be placed in one (1) window in a building. Handbills meeting this requirement do not require approval by the HLPARB.

"Open" And "Closed" Signs. Open and closed signs shall not exceed one (1) square foot in size and must be constructed of natural material such as wood or of a material which simulates a natural material. Fluorescent cardboard and brightly colored "open" and "closed" signs shall be prohibited. Open and closed signs meeting this requirement do not require prior approval by the HLPARB.

Menus. Restaurants shall be allowed to display a house menu which shall be permanently affixed and shall not exceed eighteen (18) inches by twelve (12) inches in size.

Real Estate And Builders Signs. One (1) real estate, builder or "for sale" sign will be permitted in the front and rear of each building with a maximum size of sixteen (16) square feet per sign. Signs may only be displayed for as long as the property is for lease, sale or under construction. Real estate, builder and "for sale" signs meeting these requirements do not require approval from the HLPARB.

Signs On Vehicles. Signs attached to, painted on or placed on a vehicle (including a trailer) that is parked in the South Main Preservation District shall be prohibited. This provision is not to be construed as prohibiting the identification of a firm or its principal products on vehicles operating during the normal course of business or as prohibiting the parking of vehicles.

Lighting Of Signs. Lighting of signs shall be from an indirect source and lights shall be hidden from direct view. Fluorescent lights are prohibited.

Neon Signs. Neon lights in any form, including neon signs are prohibited.

"HDD" Historic Downtown District.

General Regulations.

No sign or graphic may be displayed without first obtaining a certificate of appropriateness from the HLPARB.

No sign or graphic shall be permitted in the district unless the sign relates to or advertises a business within the district.

Signs shall be compatible with the architecture of the building and the Historic Downtown District.

Wall, Projecting, Window And Awning Signs.

Each building is permitted a maximum sum total of all wall, projecting and window signage of one (1) square foot of signage per each lineal foot of frontage of the building. Where there are two (2) or more frontages, the average of frontages shall be computed to determine the signage allotment under this formula. One (1) additional sign is permitted on the rear of each building with a maximum size of fifty percent (50%) of that allowed on the front, provided that the area of the rear elevation signage shall count towards the total sign area for the building.

Each building within the district is allowed one (1) projecting sign per tenant. Projecting signs shall be included in the calculation of the total amount of building signage permitted. Projecting signs must clear a sidewalk or walkway at least eight (8) feet.

Each occupant within the district is allowed permanent window signs with a maximum size of thirty-three percent (33%) of the panes of glass of space which the tenant occupies. Allowable window signage will include signs or graphics which are painted, attached to, in proximity or within three (3) feet of window area or part of a signage which is part of a window area. The area of window signage shall be measured as the area of the smallest possible rectangle encompassing all sign elements, including letters and graphics. Window signs shall be included in the calculation of the total amount of building signage permitted.

In addition to other wall, projecting and window signage, each occupant serving food and beverages is entitled to display one (1) menu of a maximum size of four hundred (400) square inches which shall not be included in the calculation for total allowable building signage. A minimum seventy-five percent (75%) of menu sign shall be used for displaying menu items. To be eligible for a menu sign, tenants must derive at least fifty percent (50%) of its gross revenue from the sale of food.

Awning and canopy signs are permitted, the size of which shall be calculated by its actual area and shall be included in the calculation for total allowable building signage.

Freestanding And Outdoor Signs.

Freestanding Signs. Freestanding signs are permitted within the "HDD" only on properties which front on Second Street or Third Street. One (1) freestanding sign not to exceed three-fourths (0.75) square feet per lineal foot of frontage of the building for the first fifty (50) lineal feet and one-half (0.50) square feet per lineal foot of frontage of the building for footage in excess of fifty (50) lineal feet is permitted for each shopping center, office center or combinations thereof. Where there are two (2) or more frontages, the average of frontages shall be computed to determine the signage allotment under this formula.

A-Frame Or Sandwich Board Signs. Each occupant is entitled to one (1) A-frame or sandwich board sign with a maximum size of thirty (30) inches wide and forty-eight (48) inches in height per side. A-frame or sandwich board signs shall be located no less than twenty-five (25) feet apart from each other and may be displayed only during hours of operation. A-frame or sandwich board signs shall be excluded from the total allowable building signage based on frontage.

Temporary Signs.

Miscellaneous Attention-Getting Devices. Banners and balloons may be used by permit only. A maximum of one (1) banner of no more than thirty-two (32) square feet shall be permitted per property. Permits for banners shall be valid for a maximum of thirty (30) days. Permits for balloons shall be valid for a maximum of seven (7) days. Each occupant shall be issued no more than three (3) balloon permits per calendar year and four (4) banner permits per calendar year per occupant. Balloons shall be flown no more than thirty-five (35) feet in height.

"Open" And "Closed" Signs. Open and closed signs shall not exceed one (1) square foot in size and shall be displayed at or near the entrance. Open and closed signs meeting this requirement do not require approval by the HLPARB.

Real Estate And Builders Signs. One (1) real estate builder or "for sale" sign will be permitted in the front and rear of each building with a maximum size of sixteen (16) square feet per sign. Signs may only be displayed for as long as the property is for lease, sale or under construction. Real estate, builder and "for sale" signs do not require approval from the HLPARB so long as these requirements are met.

Signs On Vehicles. Signs attached to, painted on or placed on a vehicle or trailer parked in Historic Downtown District shall be prohibited. This provision is not to be construed as prohibiting the identification of a firm or its principal products on vehicles operating during the normal course of business or as prohibiting the parking of vehicles.

Illumination Of Signs. Internal illumination of signs is prohibited. Only a steady concealed source of light shall be permitted for signs within the district.

Neon lights in any form,, including neon signs, shall be prohibited except that any retail, restaurant or beverage business may display one (1) neon sign of not more than four (4) square feet in a first floor window, provided that the sign advertises food, beverages, products or services provided on the premises and does not incorporate the name or logo of the business itself. Neon signs meeting these requirements do not require approval by the HLPARB and shall not be subject to the regulations contained in Section 400.1830(B)(2),(5),(7),(8) or (9).

Sign Design. Signs shall utilize colors from the approved paint color chart adopted by the HLPARB or shall use colors with proven historical relevance that may be approved by the HLPARB.

Sign Materials. Painted wood and metal are appropriate sign materials. Plastic should only be used in limited amounts or when disguised to look otherwise.

Letter size and styles should be compatible with the building.

10.

Hanging Devices. Projecting signs should be attached by use of period appropriate devices. Modern-looking chains, hooks and other visible devices should be avoided. A sign shall be installed in a workmanlike manner and hide from view such fixtures as guy wires, braces, angle irons, cables, nuts and bolts, brackets, mounting plates, conductors, transformers, conduits, raceways and similar fixtures.

"FHD" Frenchtown Historic District.

General Regulations.

No sign or graphic may be displayed without first obtaining a certificate of appropriateness from the HLPARB.

No sign or graphic shall be permitted in the district unless the sign relates to or advertises a business within the district.

Signs shall be compatible with the architecture of the building and the Frenchtown Historic District.

Wall, Projecting, Window And Awning Signs.

Each building is permitted a maximum sum total of all wall, projecting and window signage of one (1) square foot of signage per each lineal foot of frontage of the building. Where there are two (2) or more frontages, the average of frontages shall be computed to determine the signage allotment under this formula. One (1) additional sign is permitted on the rear of each building with a maximum of fifty percent (50%) of that allowed on the front.

Each building within the district is allowed one projecting or monument sign per tenant. Projecting and monument signs shall be included in the calculation of the total amount of building signage permitted. Projecting signs must clear a sidewalk or walkway by at least eight (8) feet.

Multiple-Occupant Buildings And Directory Signs. Wherever there is more than one occupant in any building, it shall be the responsibility of the building owner to allocate the permitted signage. Directory signs are permitted where there is more than one (1) occupant per building. Directory signs shall be excluded in the calculation of the total amount of building signage permitted. Maximum one hundred (100) square inches per tenant.

Each occupant within the district is allowed permanent window signage with a maximum size of fifty percent (50%) of the panes of glass of space which the tenant occupies. Allowable window signage will include signs or graphics which are painted, attached to, in proximity or within three (3) feet of the window area or part of a signage which is part of a window area. The area of window signage shall be measured as the area of the smallest possible rectangle encompassing all sign elements, including letters and graphics. Window signs shall be included in the calculation of the total amount of building signage permitted.

In addition to other wall, projecting and window signage, each occupant serving food and beverages is entitled to display one (1) menu of a maximum size of four hundred (400) square inches which shall not be included in the calculation for total allowable window signage. A minimum seventy-five percent (75%) of menu sign shall be used for displaying menu items. To be eligible for a menu sign, tenants must derive at least fifty percent (50%) of its gross revenue from the sale of food.

Awning and canopy signs are permitted, the size of which shall be calculated by its actual area and shall be included in the calculation for total allowable building signage.

Freestanding And Outdoor Signs.

Freestanding Signs. One (1) freestanding monument sign not to exceed three-fourths (0.75) square feet per lineal foot of frontage of the building for the first fifty (50) lineal feet and one-half (0.50) square feet per lineal foot of frontage of the building for footage in excess of fifty (50) lineal feet is permitted for each shop, office center or combination thereof. Where there are two (2) or more frontages, the average of frontages shall be computed to determine the signage allotment under this formula. The maximum height of a freestanding sign shall be six (6) feet.

Temporary Signs.

Miscellaneous Attention-Getting Devices — Banners. Banners may be used by permit only. A maximum of one (1) banner of no more than thirty-two (32) square feet shall be permitted per property of less than twenty thousand (20,000) square feet of retail or office space. Those businesses, companies or institutions which occupy more than twenty thousand (20,000) square feet of office or commercial space may have one (1) banner of not more than ninety-six (96) square feet. Permits for banners shall be valid for a maximum of thirty (30) days. Each occupant shall be issued no more than four (4) banner permits per calendar year. At the discretion of the Director of Community Development, banners announcing awards, honors, anniversaries, grand openings or other milestones may be displayed for more than thirty (30) days, but no more than ninety (90) days.

Real Estate And Builder Signs. One (1) real estate, builder or "for sale" sign will be permitted in the front and rear of each building with a maximum size of sixteen (16) square feet per sign. Signs may only be displayed for as long as the property is for lease, sale or under construction. Real estate, builder and "for sale" signs do not require approval from the HLPARB so long as these requirements are met.

Signs On Vehicles. Signs attached to, painted on or placed on a vehicle or trailer parked in the Frenchtown Historic District shall be prohibited. This provision is not intended to be construed as prohibiting identification of a firm or its principal products on vehicles operating during the normal course of business or as prohibiting the parking of vehicles.

Illumination Of Signs. Internal illumination of signs is prohibited. Only a steady, concealed source of light shall be permitted for signs within the district.

Any retail, restaurant or beverage business may display one (1) neon sign of not more than six (6) square feet in a first-floor window, provided the sign advertises food, beverage, products or services provided on premises. Neon signs are further prohibited for use as open signs or to advertise hours of operation.

Sign Design. Signs shall utilize colors from the approved paint color chart adopted by the HLPARB or shall use colors with proven historical relevance that may be approved by the HLPARB.

Sign Materials. Painted wood and metal are appropriate sign materials. Plastic should only be used in limited amounts or when disguised to look otherwise.

Letter Size And Letter Styles. Size and style should be compatible with the building.

10.

"EHP" Extended Historic Preservation District.

General Regulations.

No sign or graphic may be displayed on a building constructed before 1960 without first obtaining a Certificate of Appropriateness from the HLPARB.

No sign or graphic shall be permitted in the district unless the sign relates to or advertises a business within the district.

Signs shall be compatible with the architecture of the building on which the sign will be located.

In reviewing applications for a Certificate of Appropriateness, criteria provided in Divisions 1 through 8 of this Article shall be used.

"LMPD" Landmarks Preservation District.

General Regulations.

No sign or graphic may be displayed without first obtaining a Certificate of Appropriateness from the HLPARB.

No sign or graphic shall be permitted in the district unless the sign relates to or advertises a business within the district.

Signs shall be compatible with the architecture of the building on which the sign will be located.

In reviewing applications for a Certificate of Appropriateness for building frontages located along Boone's Lick Road and building frontages north of the 1100 Block of South Main Street, the criteria provided in Section 400.1830(A) shall be used.

In reviewing applications for a Certificate of Appropriateness for building frontages not located along Boone's Lick Road and building frontages south of the 1000 Block of South Main Street, the criteria provided in Divisions 1 through 6 and 8 of this Article shall be used.