[Ord. No. 97-1, 10-14-1997; Ord. No. 99-8, 12-14-1999]
This Article shall govern the placement, construction, materials,
appearance, illumination, and maintenance of signs by individuals
and businesses on private property in the Village of Indian Point,
Missouri.
[Ord. No. 97-1, 10-14-1997; Ord. No. 99-8, 12-14-1999]
A.
The purpose of this Article is to create the legal framework for
a comprehensive and balanced system of commercial signing in the Village
that facilitates the easy and pleasant communication between people
and their environment and to avoid the visual clutter that is potentially
harmful to vehicular traffic and pedestrian safety, property values,
business opportunities, and community appearance as defined below:
1.
Promote public safety and welfare:
a.
Preserve and protecting adequate lines of sight for motorists
along roadways;
b.
Prevent encroachment of signs into public and private road rights-of-way;
c.
Require durable and safe sign construction;
d.
Prevent sign illumination from interfering with safe vehicle
operation;
e.
Provide for clear direction for emergency and service vehicles;
f.
Provide for safe flow of vehicular traffic; and
g.
Provide for clear direction for visitors to businesses and residences.
2.
Preserve the natural landscape and aesthetic qualities:
a.
Prevent large, elevated and/or brightly lit billboards;
b.
Limit the use of temporary signs or portable signs to actual
temporary use;
c.
Prevent nuisances from one (1) property that negatively affect
another property;
d.
Promote quality signage with regards to materials, completeness,
design, construction, maintenance, and general condition; and
e.
Prevent an over-proliferation of signs in general.
[Ord. No. 97-1, 10-14-1997; Ord. No. 99-8, 12-14-1999]
A.
Aesthetic Character. It is the intent of this Article
to authorize the use of signage (signs) that are:
1.
Compatible with their surroundings;
2.
Appropriate to the activity that displays them;
3.
Expressive of the identity of individual activities;
4.
Legible in circumstances in which they are seen; and
5.
Reflective of standards set forth in the Master Plan for the
Village of Indian Point, Missouri, and those established by the Village
of Indian Point Sign Committee.
B.
Allowable Zoning Districts. The placement or erection
of signs shall be permitted in the commercial zoning districts of
the Village only, except where specifically provided for herein or
except when part of a Uniform Directional Signage Program installed
by the governing body or duly authorized public entity.
C.
Grandfathering. Signs that do not conform with this
Article that are in existence prior to the adoption of this Article
shall be allowed to remain as long as they conform to the following
criteria:
1.
The business they advertise, promote or represent remains in
existence. A business that operates on a seasonal basis shall be considered
to remain in existence for the purposes of this Article if the business
continues to operate in consecutive years.
2.
Nonconforming signs for businesses that are no longer in existence
may remain for a period of twelve (12) months to allow for reasonable
marketing of the property, business or sign for another user. After
such time, any sign that does not conform to the criteria of this
Article must be removed, except that a sign that is on a sign structure
that includes other signs for businesses that remain in existence
may be covered or painted over rather than be removed.
3.
The sign(s) are maintained in good condition.
[Ord. No. 97-1, 10-14-1997; Ord. No. 99-8, 12-14-1999]
As used in this Article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
The percentage of a building or structure facade or roof
that may be used for roof and wall signs.
A sign that is self-supporting and attached to the ground
by independent means.
A light source for a sign not seen directly.
A light source for a sign that is concealed or contained
within the sign and becomes visible in darkness through a translucent
surface.
A freestanding sign made of stone, concrete, metal, routed
wood, beams or similar materials, including plastic which is consistent
with the architectural character of the establishment it serves and
is constructed of material consistent with the building. The monument
sign copy area must be attached in a continuous fashion and the width
of the base must be at least one-half (1/2) the width of the widest
part of the sign.
A sign that is not located on the property of the business
that it represents.
A sign that is located on the property of the business that
it represents.
A freestanding sign whose means of support for the sign copy
area comprise more than one-quarter (1/4) of the total height of the
sign and such supports are less than one-half (1/2) the width of the
sign copy area.
A sign that is premanufactured into one independent freestanding
main component that is not designed to be permanently attached to
the ground or a building and typically has temporary or changeable
copy.
A sign that is displayed above the eaves of a building's
roof.
The total area of the sign face which is used to display
a sign, including the supporting structure of a monument sign. If
a sign has two (2) faces that are parallel and supported by the same
structures, the area of the sign is one-half (1/2) the area of the
two (2) faces. If a sign has two (2) or more faces that are supported
by the same structures that are not parallel, the area of the sign
is the largest area of all faces visible at one time.
The vertical distance measured from grade at the edge of
the adjacent roadway to the highest point of the sign.
A window sign displayed for a limited period of time.
A sign painted on or attached to a wall of a building and
in the same plane as the wall.
A sign applied, painted or affixed to or in the window of
a building. A window sign may be temporary or permanent.
[Ord. No. 97-1, 10-14-1997; Ord. No. 99-8, 12-14-1999]
A.
Following is a listing of signs and specific criteria that will be
considered consistent with the stated purpose and intent of this Article
and for which sign permits may be requested:
1.
Off-Premises Signs. It is recognized that due
to the unique nature of the nightly visitor tourist economy of the
Village and its terrain, vegetation and circulation system, that businesses
may need to have the opportunity to install and maintain promotional,
directional and identification signs to help patrons find their business.
It is also recognized that there may also be the need to install a
limited amount of commercial signage or billboards on property that
is not currently developed to allow for some commercial return prior
to development of that property for a business use. The specific criteria
and standards outline below shall apply to such signs:
a.
Location. Off-premises signs shall be placed
only on land zoned C-1 or C-2, except where specifically provided
for herein or except when part of a Uniform Directional Signage Program
installed by the governing body or duly authorized public entity.
b.
Construction. Off-premises signs shall be pole
or monument signs as defined in this Article. Monument signs shall
be constructed so as to have depth and thickness. If such a sign is
constructed of a flat material and/or mounted over poles, any unfinished
sides shall not be visible from the public right-of-way.
c.
Maximum Height. No off-premises sign shall
exceed twelve (12) feet in height as measured according the definition
of "sign height" presented in this Article and as further restricted
as follows:
(1)
Maximum allowable height shall be determined according
to the horizontal distance from the location of the base of the sign
to the adjacent roadway.
(2)
When the property on which the sign is placed in
contiguous with a property not zoned for commercial purposes, the
maximum height for any given sign location up to twelve (12) feet
from the property line shall not intrude the diagonal plane that represents
one (1) foot of height for each foot of distance from the property
line.
(3)
When the property on which the sign is placed is
contiguous with a property that is zoned for commercial purposes,
the maximum height for any given sign location up to six (6) feet
from the property line shall not intrude the diagonal plane that represents
one (1) foot of height for each one-half (1/2) foot of distance from
the property line.
d.
Maximum Area. The maximum sign area permitted
for an off-premises sign is determined by the type of road on which
the sign is located, as follows:
(1)
Off-premises signs located adjacent to the primary
arterial Indian Point Road shall not exceed one hundred twenty-eight
(128) square feet in sign area, as defined in this Article.
(2)
Off-premises signs located adjacent to or for viewing
from all other public roads shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet
in sign area per business or a maximum of thirty-two (32) square feet
in total sign area for a sign that represents multiple businesses.
e.
Maximum Quantity. For the purposes of this
Article, a sign that has two (2) or more faces that area supported
by the same structure shall be considered one (1) sign. The maximum
quantity of off-premises signs permitted on any given road is determined
by the total length of that road as follows:
(1)
The maximum quantity of off-premises signs located
adjacent to a primary arterial such as Indian Point Road shall be
determined by multiplying the total number of miles along the road
within the Village in one direction by seven (7) and rounding to the
nearest whole number. [For example, if the length of Indian Point
Road from the northern Village limit to its southernmost point is
two and three-tenths (2.3) miles, multiplied by seven (7), equals
sixteen and one-tenths (16.1) for a maximum quantity of sixteen (16)
off-premises signs located adjacent to this primary arterial.]
(2)
The maximum quantity of off-premises signs located
adjacent to any other type of road shall be determined by multiplying
the total number of miles along the road within the Village in one
direction by four (4) and rounding to the nearest whole number.
f.
Minimum Distances. The minimum distance between
an off-premises sign and another type of sign on the same side of
a road is determined by the type of road on which the signs are located,
as follows:
(1)
Off-premises signs located on a primary arterial
such as Indian Point Road shall not be less than two hundred fifty
(250) feet from another off-premises sign located on the same side
of the road and not less than one hundred fifty (150) feet from an
on-premises sign located on the same side of the road.
(2)
Off-premises signs located on any other type of
road shall not be less than one-hundred (100) feet from another off-premises
sign located on the same side of the road and not less than fifty
(50) feet from an on-premises sign located on the same side of the
road.
2.
On-Premises Signs. It is recognized that individual
businesses need flexibility in the manner in which they choose to
notify persons of the existence of their establishment. It is also
recognized, however, that there are reasonable limits on the number
of signs needed to inform someone of the existence of the establishment.
The specific criteria and standard outlined below shall apply to on-premises
signs:
a.
Location. On-premises signs shall be placed
only on land zoned C-1 or C-2 and shall be placed on the property
of the business being identified.
b.
Construction. On-premises signs may be either
freestanding, monument, pole, wall, window or roof signs as defined
in this Article. Monument signs shall be constructed so as to have
depth and thickness. If such a sign is constructed of a flat material
and/or mounted over poles, any unfinished sides shall not be visible
from the public right-of-way.
c.
Maximum Height. No roof sign shall extend more
than three (3) feet in height above the ridge line of the roof on
which it is affixed. No freestanding on-premises sign shall exceed
twelve (12) feet in height as measured according the definition of
"sign height" presented in this Article, and as further restricted
as follows:
(1)
Maximum allowable height shall be determined according
to the horizontal distance from the location of the base of the sign
to the adjacent roadway.
(2)
When the property on which the sign is placed is
contiguous with a property not zoned for commercial purposes, the
maximum height for any given sign location up to twelve (12) feet
from the property line shall not intrude the diagonal plane that represents
one (1) foot of height for each foot of distance from the property
line.
(3)
When the property on which the sign is placed is
contiguous with a property that is zoned for commercial purposes,
the maximum height for any given sign location up to six (6) feet
from the property line shall not intrude the diagonal plane that represents
one (1) foot of height for each one-half (1/2) foot of distance from
the property line.
d.
Maximum Area. The maximum sign area permitted for an on-premises sign is established by the type of sign as follows, except as otherwise specified in Subsection A(2)(e):
(1)
No individual freestanding pole or monument sign
shall exceed ninety-six (96) square feet in sign area, as defined
in this Article.
(2)
No individual freestanding sign other than a pole
or monument sign shall exceed forty (40) square feet in sign area,
as defined in this Article.
(3)
No wall sign shall exceed twenty-five percent (25%)
of the surface area of the building facade on which it is attached.
(4)
No window sign shall exceed twenty-five percent
(25%) of the surface area of the window on which it is attached.
(5)
No roof sign shall exceed forty-eight (48) square
feet in sign area, as defined in this Article.
e.
Maximum Quantity For Public Viewing. For the
purposes of this Article, a sign that has two (2) or more faces that
are supported by the same structure shall be considered one sign.
The maximum quantity of on-premises signs permitted within fifteen
(15) feet of a property line or located for viewing from a public
road, public right-of-way or other off-premises property not associated
with the property represented shall be determined as follows:
(1)
A maximum quantity for public viewing of two (2)
on-premises signs for each street of frontage by a contiguous property;
and
(2)
A maximum quantity for public viewing of one (1)
on-premises sign per driveway connecting a contiguous property to
a street, with each said sign not to exceed twelve (12) square feet
in sign area, as defined in this Article.
3.
Temporary And Other Signs Permitted. The following
additional temporary and other signs may be permitted subject to approval
of the Zoning Administrator, except as otherwise specifically provided
herein, regarding reasonableness in size, materials, appearance and
duration:
a.
One sign for each street of frontage by a contiguous property
advertising the sale or lease of the property is permitted without
individual approval. This type of sign shall be permitted in all zoning
districts. Said sign(s) shall not exceed six (6) square feet in sign
area when located in R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4 districts, and shall not
exceed twelve (12) square feet in sign area when located in C-1, C-2,
and A-1 districts.
b.
One sign indicating professional consultants, contractors, project
name and financing institution when displayed during the construction
period on an active construction site.
c.
Flags of resident country, state or local government. These
types of signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts.
d.
Signs for elections by federal, state, county or local government
are permitted without individual approval. Such signs are allowed
only on a temporary basis beginning no earlier than fourteen (14)
days prior to the election and ending no later than three (3) days
after the election at which time they must be removed. These types
of signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts.
e.
Signs, banners, flags, ornaments, decorations and display lighting
for seasonal holidays, festivals or special community events.
[Ord. No. 97-1, 10-14-1997; Ord. No. 99-8, 12-14-1999]
A.
The following signs are prohibited in the Village:
1.
Any sign in the public right-of-way not installed by the governing
body or duly authorized public entity.
2.
Signs which by color, location or design resemble or conflict
with traffic control signs or signals.
3.
Signs attached to public light poles or standards not installed by the governing body or duly authorized public entity or as permitted in Section 415.480(A)(3)(e).
4.
Portable signs, as defined in this Article.
5.
Signs for home occupations in residential districts.
6.
Signs in residential zoning districts, except as specifically permitted in Section 415.480(A)(3).
[Ord. No. 97-1, 10-14-1997; Ord. No. 99-8, 12-14-1999]
A.
All signs shall be designed, constructed and maintained in accordance
with the following standards:
1.
Signs with internal illumination shall be constructed with fireproof
and fire-resistant materials in accordance with the National Electrical
Code. No internal or external illumination shall be constructed that
shines light onto vehicular traffic, public roads, public rights-of-way
or other non-associated property so as to be a safety hazard or nuisance.
2.
All signs shall be constructed to withstand a wind load pressure
of at least twenty-five (25) psf of surface and shall also be fastened,
supported and maintained so as to withstand a wind load pressure of
at least twenty-five (25) psf per American Society of Engineering
Standards.
3.
Except for banners, flags, temporary signs, and window signs
conforming in all respects with the requirements of this Chapter,
all signs shall be constructed of permanent materials and shall be
permanently attached to the ground, a building, or another structure
by direct attachment to a rigid wall, frame, or support structure.
4.
All signs shall be maintained in a clean, presentable manner,
free from loose paint, paper or other materials. Any sign in disarray
or broken condition shall be repaired within a reasonable amount of
time after such damage has occurred and within thirty (30) days after
being notified by the Zoning Administrator or said sign shall be removed
in its entirety, including supporting structure and appurtenances.
Failure to repair or remove the sign by the owner shall result in
the Village taking appropriate legal action and seeking reimbursement
from the owner for any expenses incurred.
[Ord. No. 97-1, 10-14-1997; Ord. No. 99-8, 12-14-1999]
A.
The Planning and Zoning Commission or Board of Adjustments may grant
variances from the sign regulations contained within this Article
for the following reasons:
1.
To permit a setback for a sign that is less than the required
setback.
2.
To permit the area or height of a sign to be increased by up
to ten percent (10%) of the maximum height or area allowed if there
are topographic or vegetation considerations that affect visibility
that are to be preserved on the site.
3.
To permit the use of a temporary sign for a period of up to
thirty (30) days until such time as a permanent sign complying with
the provisions of this Article can be erected, such temporary sign
not exceeding the maximum number and allowable height and area provisions
established by this Article.
4.
To permit a temporary "Grand Opening," "Going Out of Business"
or other similar promotional sign or banner not to exceed a period
of thirty (30) days and not to occur more than one time per year per
business.
5.
Such variances may only be authorized if the Planning and Zoning
Commission or Board of Adjustments finds there are special physical
conditions that preclude an applicant for a sign permit from meeting
the provisions as established in this Article that:
a.
Such variance requests are due to exceptional narrowness, shallowness,
shape, or topography of the premises on which an activity is located;
b.
Such variance requests, if not granted, would prevent the activity
from earning a reasonable return as compared with other activities
in the area; or
c.
Such variance requests would result in the opportunity to preserve
significant existing vegetation that would otherwise not be the case.
6.
The Planning and Zoning Commission or Board of Adjustments may
grant a variance from the regulations in this Article if it finds
that:
a.
The sign is substantially consistent with the design criteria
contained in this Article;
b.
The proposed exterior design features of the sign are compatible
with the character of adjacent buildings and with the character of
the adjacent development; and
c.
The variance will not convey a special benefit to a particular
applicant not normally entitled to others in similar circumstances.
[Ord. No. 97-1, 10-14-1997; Ord. No. 99-8, 12-14-1999]
A.
No person shall erect or display a sign in the Village unless the
Zoning Administrator has approved the issuance of a permit pursuant
to the requirements of this Article for the sign or unless this Article
exempts the sign from the permit requirement.
B.
A person proposing to erect or display a sign shall file for approval
with the Zoning Administrator. Such filing shall contain:
1.
Information concerning the location, height, and size of the
sign and the date on which it is to be erected or displayed.
2.
A drawing or photograph of the building facade and a site plan
indicating the location of the proposed sign and all existing signs
displayed by the activity or development.
3.
If the applicant is for a wall-mounted sign, a drawing to scale
showing the location of the proposed sign within the signable area
of the building and the percentage of the signable area covered by
the wall sign.
4.
Specifications for the construction of the sign and for its
illumination is to be provided.
D.
The fee, if any, for processing this approval review and the sign
inspection shall be set forth by the Governing Body.
