[R.O. 2013 §515.010; Ord. No. 887 §1, 8-19-1987]
This Chapter shall be known and numbered as "The Sign Code".
[R.O. 2013 §515.020; CC 1984 §4-61; Ord. No. 887 §2.01, 8-19-1987]
A.
It
is the intent of this Chapter to regulate and control the location,
erection, number, and maintenance of signs and matters relating thereto
within the City of Valley Park, Missouri, in order to promote public
safety, health, and general welfare of the community. These regulations
are specifically designed to:
[R.O. 2013 §515.030; CC 1984 §4-62; Ord. No. 887 §2.02, 8-19-1987]
A.
The
provisions of this Chapter shall govern the erection, alteration,
and maintenance of all signs and outdoor display structures, together
with their appurtenant and auxiliary devices, with respect to location,
size, content, construction, structure, and fire safety.
B.
The
provisions of this Chapter shall not apply to:
1.
Flags of any nation, State, County, City or other governmental unit
and any not-for-profit organization;
2.
Temporary decorations or displays celebrating the occasion of traditionally
accepted patriotic, religious or local holidays or events;
3.
The erection, construction, and maintenance of official traffic,
fire and police signs, signals and devices and markings of the State,
County or City;
4.
Non-illuminated directional or informational signs of a public nature;
5.
Political signs or signs announcing political candidates or issues,
but which such signs must be removed within seven (7) days after the
election, except in the case of a general election following a primary
election. For successful candidates such signs may remain until two
(2) weeks after the general election;
6.
Residential garage or patio sale signs not to exceed six (6) square
feet and located upon the premises where the sale is taking place;
7.
Property real estate signs not exceeding six (6) square feet in area,
which advertise the sale, rental, or lease of the premises upon which
said signs are located only;
8.
Bulletin boards not over thirty-two (32) square feet in area for
public, charitable, or religious institutions which are located on
the premises of said institutions;
9.
Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and date of erection
when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or
other incombustible materials;
10.
Professional nameplates, or occupational signs, and home occupation
signs not exceeding one-half (.5) square feet in area, wall-mounted
adjacent to the main entrance of the building; or
11.
Signs erected inside a building not visible through windows.
[R.O. 2013 §515.040; CC 1984 §4-63; Ord. No. 887 §2.03, 8-19-1987]
A.
Rules Of Construction. For the purpose of this Chapter,
certain rules of construction shall apply to the text as follows:
1.
Words used in the present tense include the future tense; and the
singular includes the plural, unless the context clearly indicates
the contrary.
2.
The terms "shall" and "must" are
always mandatory and not discretionary; the words "may" or "should" are permissive.
3.
Words or terms not interpreted or defined by this Section shall be
used with a meaning of common or standard utilization.
4.
The word "person" includes a firm, corporation,
association, partnership, trust, company, or corporation, as well
as an individual.
5.
The words "use" or "occupy" shall
include the words "intended", "designed", "arranged" to be "used" or "occupied".
B.
ABANDONED SIGN
ANIMATED SIGNS
BANNER
BUILDING FACE OR WALL
CANOPY
CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN (MANUAL)
CHANGING SIGN (AUTOMATIC)
CHURCH BULLETIN BOARD
CITY
CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
COPY
DISTRICT
ERECT
FACADE
FACE OF SIGN
FLASHING SIGN
FRONTAGE
GASOLINE AND OIL SERVICE STATIONS
GROUND LEVEL
HEIGHT OF SIGN
ILLEGAL SIGNS
INTERIOR PROPERTY LINE
LOGO
LOT
OWNER
PERSON
PREMISES
READER BOARD
RIGHT-OF-WAY (ROW)
ROOFLINE
SEASONAL OR SPECIAL OCCASION TEMPORARY SIGNS
SETBACK
SHOPPING CENTER
SHOW WINDOW SIGN
SIGN
SIGN AREA
SIGN, ATTACHED
SIGN, COMMERCIAL DIRECTORY
SIGN, CONSTRUCTION
SIGN, DIRECTIONAL
SIGN, FLUTTERING
SIGN, GROUND
SIGN, HANGING
SIGN, ILLUMINATED
SIGN, MEMORIAL OR TABLETS
SIGN, NON-CONFORMING
SIGN, OCCUPATIONAL AND/OR IDENTIFICATION
SIGN, POLE
SIGN, POLITICAL
SIGN, PROJECT IDENTIFICATION
SIGN, PROJECTING
SIGN, PROPERTY REAL ESTATE
SIGN, RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION PROJECT
SIGN, ROOF
SIGN STRUCTURE
SIGN, SUBDIVISION IDENTIFICATION
SIGN SUPPORTS
SIGN, TEMPORARY
SIGN, WINDOW, TEMPORARY
SPECIAL DISPLAYS
STANDARD OUTDOOR ADVERTISING STRUCTURE AND/OR BILLBOARD
STREET
TEMPORARY SIGN
USE
ZONING CODE
Definitions. The following definitions shall apply in interpretation
and enforcement of this Chapter unless otherwise specifically stated:
A sign which no longer correctly directs or exhorts any person,
advertises a bona fide business, lessor, owner, project or activity
conducted or product available on the premises where such sign is
displayed.
Any sign which includes action or motion. For purposes of
this Chapter, this term does not refer to flashing or changing, all
of which are separately defined.
A sign made of fabric, plastic, paper or other light pliable
material, not enclosed in a rigid frame and characteristically suspended
along or across a public street.
All window and wall area of a building in one (1) plane or
elevation.
Any structure attached to a building at the inner end and
supported on the other end, or a freestanding structure, with one
(1) or more supports, meant to provide shelter from weather elements
onto which signs may be affixed or incorporated.
A sign on which copy is changed manually in the field, i.e.,
reader boards with changeable letters or changeable pictorial panels.
A sign such as an electronically or electrically controlled
public service time, temperature and date sign, message center or
reader board, where different copy changes are shown.
A sign attached to the exterior of a church or located elsewhere
on church premises and used to indicate the services and/or other
activities of the church, and including the church name, if desired.
The City of Valley Park, Missouri.
The officially designated representative of the City of Valley
Park responsible for the enforcement of the sign ordinance and other
ordinances.
The wording or graphics on a sign surface.
As defined under the zoning ordinance and Zoning District
Map.
To build, construct, reconstruct, attach, hang, rehang, alter,
place, affix, enlarge, move or relocate and includes the painting
and repainting of existing sign structures.
The front or main part of a building facing a street; for
purposes of this Chapter the "facade" is defined
as measured from the ground elevation to the head beam.
The entire area of a sign on which copy could be placed.
The area of a sign which is visible from one (1) direction as projected
on a plane.
Any sign which contains an intermittent or flashing light
source, or which includes the illusion of intermittent or flashing
light by means of animation, or an externally mounted intermittent
light source. Automatic changing signs such as public service time,
temperature and date signs or electronically controlled message centers
are not classed as "flashing signs".
The length of the lot along the street side. The front of
a lot bordering more than one (1) street is considered separate for
each street.
Any business which dispenses or is designed to dispense gasoline
and/or oil for use in motor vehicles or boats.
Immediate surrounding grade.
The vertical distance measured from the surrounding grade
to the highest point of sign.
A sign which contravenes this Chapter, or a non-conforming
sign for which a permit required under a previous ordinance was not
obtained.
Property lines other than those forming a dedicated public
right-of-way.
A letter, character, or symbol used to represent a person,
corporation or business enterprise.
A parcel, tract, plot or area of land accessible by means
of a street or other permanently reserved principal means of access.
It may be a single parcel separately described in a deed or plat which
is recorded in the office of the County Recorder of Deeds, or it may
include parts of or a combination of such parcels when adjacent to
one another and used as one (1) as determined by the Code Enforcement
Officer.
A person recorded as such on official records and including
duly authorized agent or notary, a purchaser, lessee, devisee, judiciary;
any person having a vested or contingent interest in the property
or business in question.
Any natural person, firm, partnership, association, corporation,
company or organization of any kind.
An area of land with its appurtenances and buildings which,
because of its unity of use, may be regarded as the smallest conveyable
unit of real estate.
Any sign that has changeable or removable lettering.
The proposed right-of-way as indicated on the City of Valley
Park, Missouri, Comprehensive Plan and/or as set forth in the City
of Valley Park subdivision ordinance.
The highest point of the coping on a flat roof, false mansard,
or parapet wall; the decline of a true mansard roof; the ridge line
between the upper and lower slopes of a gambrel roof; or the mean
height level between the eaves and ridge for a gable or hip roof.
A sign which is not permanent and is limited to a specific
activity or in the celebration of holidays or other special events.
The minimum horizontal distance between either the face of
curb, the edge of pavement, or the right-of-way line and the sign
structure as specified in a particular Section of this Chapter.
A building containing four (4) or more shops, stores, and
other places of business, and providing off-street parking facilities
in common for all of the businesses and their customers.
Any temporary sign advertising sales or specials attached
to or within three (3) feet of the glass surface of any fixed window
(glazing) visible from a public right-of-way.
Any identification, description, illustration or device illuminated
or non-illuminated which is visible from any public place or is located
on private property and exposed to the public and which directs attention
to a product, service, place, activity, person, institution, business
or solicitation, including any permanently installed or situated merchandise,
or any emblem, painting, banner, pennant or placard designed to advertise,
identify or convey information, with the exception of window displays
and national flags. For the purpose of removal, signs shall also include
all sign structures. Not included are decorative devices or emblems
as may be displayed on a residential mailbox. For the purposes of
this Chapter, this definition shall include those signs painted directly
upon a building or other structure.
The area of the sign face. The "sign area" of a multi-faced sign is the sum of the sign areas of each face,
including structural trim, which can be seen from a single location
on an adjacent street. If a sign is attached to a building or suspended
in any manner whereby there is no apparent trim or confining border,
the sign area shall be computed by drawing an imaginary straight line
around a generally rectangular margin and measuring the area so encompassed
upon a building or other structure.
A sign erected or placed upon the wall of any building with
the plane of the face parallel to the plane of the wall below the
roofline.
A permanent pole sign designating the name of a commercial
center and listing the various tenants of the center.
A temporary sign used during construction of new buildings
or reconstruction of or additions to existing buildings, such as those
identifying the project and denoting the owner, architect, engineer,
contractor, and/or financing institutions of the project.
A sign which indicates a direction for vehicular or pedestrian
traffic or other movements.
A sign which flutters and includes banners, flags, pennants,
or other flexible material which moves with the wind or by some artificial
means.
Any detached sign on the same lot or parcel as the use it
advertises which has its bottom portion erected upon or supported
by the ground, a ground planter box, or other supports.
Any sign hanging entirely beneath a canopy, portico, or marquee.
Any sign which is illuminated by light sources mounted on
or in the sign or at some other location.
The permanent part of a building which denotes the name of
the building, date of erection, historical significance, dedication,
or other similar information.
A sign legally erected under the previously existing ordinances
of the City, but which does not conform to the provisions of this
Chapter.
An attached wall sign not larger than one-half (.5) square
feet in area identifying the name of a person occupying a building.
Any detached sign located on the same lot or parcel as the
use it advertises which is supported by one (1) or more stationary
poles no taller than thirty (30) feet above the mean grade line of
the ground at its base provided that this shall not include a permitted
ground sign as set forth.
A temporary sign advocating or opposing any political proposition
or candidate for public office.
A permanent ground sign identifying an apartment complex,
condominium project, and/or street names within the project.
Any sign which projects more than twelve (12) inches beyond
the plane of the wall on which the sign is erected or attached.
A sign pertaining only to the prospective rental, lease,
or sale of the property upon which it is located. Real estate signs
shall be excluded from the definition of pole signs.
Any temporary sign that provides direction to any residential
development under construction, or promotes the residential development
on the project site.
Any sign erected on a roof but excluding marquee and canopy
signs and wall signs. The generally vertical plane of a mansard-type
roof shall be interpreted as the same as a wall of a building.
The sign and all parts associated with its construction.
A permanent ground sign identifying a subdivision entry,
subdivision name, and/or street names within the subdivision.
All structures by which a sign is held up, including, for
example, poles, braces, guys, and anchors.
Any sign intended for a limited or intermittent period of
display.
A temporary sign affixed to the inside of an exterior window
or glass door.
Signs not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet used for
holidays, public demonstrations, or promotion of civil welfare or
charitable purposes.
Any sign intended to attract general public interest concerning
a commercial enterprise, product, service, industry, or other activity
not conducted, sold or offered on the premises upon which the sign
is erected. This includes billboards, detached pole signs on separate
parcels, wall signs and signs otherwise attached to buildings and/or
supported by uprights or braces on the ground. Real estate signs and
political signs are excluded from this definition.
A public thoroughfare which affords the principal means of
access to abutting property.
A sign which is not permanent and is allowed for a specific
time period.
The purpose for which a building, lot, sign or other structure
is arranged, intended, designed, occupied or maintained.
The Zoning Code of the City of Valley Park and the current
Zoning District Map related thereto.
[R.O. 2013 §515.050; CC 1984 §4-64; Ord. No. 887 §2.04, 8-19-1987]
A.
Administration.
1.
Except where herein otherwise stated, the provisions of this Chapter
shall be administered by the Code Enforcement Officer or by deputies
of his/her department as the Board may designate to enforce provisions
of this Chapter.
2.
The Code Enforcement Officer (or his/her authorized representative)
is hereby empowered in performance of its functions to enter upon
any land in the City for the purpose of making inspections, examinations,
and surveys, or to place and maintain thereon markers, notices, or
signs required to effect provisions of this Chapter. The above authorized
person shall be required to present proper credentials upon demand
when entering upon any land or structure for the purpose of this Chapter.
B.
Duties Of The Code Enforcement Officer.
1.
The Code Enforcement Officer shall have the power to grant sign permits,
and to make inspections of buildings or premises necessary to carry
out his/her duties in the enforcement of this Chapter.
2.
It shall be improper for the Code Enforcement Officer to approve
plans or issue any permits or certificates for any sign until he/she
has inspected such plans in detail and found them to conform with
this Chapter, nor shall the Code Enforcement Officer vary or change
any terms of this Chapter.
3.
If the Code Enforcement Officer shall find that any of the provisions
of this Chapter are being violated, he/she shall notify in writing
the person responsible for such violations, indicating the nature
of the violation and stating the action necessary to correct it. He/she
shall order discontinuance of illegal use of land, buildings, or structures;
removal of illegal signage; discontinuance of any illegal work being
done; or shall take any other action authorized by this Chapter to
insure compliance with or to prevent violation of its provisions.
C.
Permit Required.
1.
It shall be unlawful to commence or to proceed with the erection,
construction, reconstruction, conversion, alteration, enlargement,
extension, or moving of any sign or sign structure or any portion
thereof without first having applied in writing to the Code Enforcement
Officer for a sign permit to do so and a sign permit has been granted
therefore. Primary responsibility for securing the necessary permits
shall be the property owner's. However, if the property owner should
contract part or all of the proposed work, it shall become the responsibility
of the person or firm hired to ensure that all required permits and
approvals have been secured prior to any work being initiated.
2.
Blank forms shall be provided by the Code Enforcement Officer for
the use of those applying for permits as provided in this Chapter.
Any permits issued by the Code Enforcement Officer shall be on standard
forms for such purpose and furnished by the Board of Aldermen. There
shall be a separate permit for each sign to be constructed, altered,
or erected.
3.
Any sign permit under which no construction work has been commenced
within six (6) months after the date of issuance of said permit or
under which proposed construction has not been completed within one
(1) year of the time of issuance shall expire by limitation.
D.
Voiding Of Sign Permit. A permit may be revoked by the Code
Enforcement Officer at any time prior to the completion of the sign
for which the same was issued, when it shall appear to him/her that
there is departure from the plans, specifications, or conditions as
required under terms of the permit, that the same was procured by
false representation, or that any provisions of this Chapter are being
violated. Written notice of such revocation shall be served upon the
owner, his/her agent, or contractor, or upon any person employed on
the building or structure for which such permit was issued, via a
stop work order which shall be posted in a prominent location, and
thereafter no such construction shall proceed.
E.
Compliance With Sign Permits. Sign permits issued on the
basis of approved plans and applications authorize only the use, arrangement,
and construction set forth in the approved plans and applications,
and no other use, arrangement, or construction. Any use, arrangement,
or construction at variance with that authorized shall be deemed a
violation of this Chapter as provided herein.
F.
Violations. If it is found that a sign is in violation of
this Chapter, the Code Enforcement Officer, or his/her designee, shall
give notice to the owner of the sign or, if the owner cannot be located,
to the owner or property management agent of the premises on which
the sign is located or, if the sign erection is not complete, to the
sign erector either personally, by United States mail, or by posting
such a notice on the premises, such notice stating:
1.
The violations found;
2.
The violations must be brought into compliance within the requirements
of this and all other City ordinances within ten (10) days from the
date of such notice;
3.
The requirements which must be met; and
4.
Any person found to be in violation of any provision of this Chapter
shall be subject to a fine of one hundred dollars ($100.00) or up
to ninety (90) days imprisonment, or to both such fine and imprisonment,
with each day of such violation constituting a separate offense without
further notice being required.
[R.O. 2013 §515.060; CC 1984 §4-65; Ord. No. 887 §2.05, 8-19-1987; Ord. No. 1065 §1, 4-22-1992; Ord. No. 1150 §1, 1-3-1994; Ord.
No. 2058, 7-20-2020]
A.
The
following signs and advertising devices are hereby declared to be
unlawful:
1.
Animated signs;
2.
Any sign erected in a location prohibited by this Chapter;
3.
Any sign erected in a public easement or right-of-way;
4.
Any sign erected so as to prevent free ingress to or egress from
any door or window, or any other exit way required by the Building
or Fire Codes of the City;
5.
Any sign attached to any public utility pole, tree, fire hydrant,
curb, sidewalk or other surface located on public property;
6.
Any sign erected in any location where, by reason of its location,
it will obstruct the view of any authorized traffic sign, signal,
or other traffic control device. Nor may any sign, by reason of its
shape, position or color, interfere with or be confused with any authorized
traffic signal, sign or device. Further, no sign shall be erected
in a location where it will obstruct vision of the public right-of-way
to a vehicle operator during ingress to, egress from, or while traveling
on the public right-of-way;
7.
Any on -premises sign advertising an article or product not manufactured,
assembled, processed, repaired or sold or a service not rendered upon
the premises upon which the sign is located; in the event an on-premises
sign ceases to be an on-premises sign because a conveyance of the
property on which it is located separates it from the establishment
to which it refers, that sign shall become prohibited as of the effective
date of the conveyance;
8.
Any sign or advertising device such as banners and pennants affixed
on poles, wires, ropes or streamers, wind-operated devices, fluttering
signs, pinwheels, streamers, banners, street banners, and "A" frames
or other portable signs of like nature, and other similar contraptions
or techniques except that these devices may be used for a period of
thirty (30) days in any twelve (12) month period by permit from the
Code Enforcement Officer;
9.
Vehicle signs, except for standard advertising or identification
markings which are painted on or permanently attached to the side
of a business or commercial vehicle. Such business or commercial vehicles
shall not be parked in any required parking space, nor in any excess
parking space adjacent to a street right-of-way;
10.
Off-site or off-premises signs except as provided in this Chapter;
11.
Flashing signs, however, not including signs which carry constant
or moving messages which shall not grow, melt, x-ray, twinkle, snow
or flash;
12.
Portable signs, signs not permanently affixed to the ground; and
13.
Signs which contain characters, cartoons, or contain statements,
words or pictures of an obscene, indecent, prurient, or immoral character.
[R.O. 2013 §515.070; CC 1984 §4-66; Ord. No. 887 §2.06, 8-19-1987]
A.
Any
sign legally existing prior to enactment of this Chapter, but which
shall violate any provision of this Chapter, may continue to be maintained
and used after passage of this Chapter subject to the following provisions:
1.
Enlargement. No non-conforming sign shall be enlarged,
expanded, or extended to occupy a greater square footage or height
than was occupied on the date of adoption or amendment of this Chapter.
2.
Relocation. No non-conforming sign shall be moved
in whole or in part to any other portion of the lot, parcel or building
not so occupied on the date of adoption of this Chapter, except that
any such sign which is hereafter required to be moved by a governmental
body for the purpose of construction, relocation, widening, or improvement
of a street, highway, or other public purpose may be relocated once
and allowed to be maintained and used as before.
3.
Discontinuance. If the business or service advertised or identified by a non-conforming sign ceases to be conducted for a period exceeding thirty (30) calendar days, the non-conforming sign shall be classified as an "abandoned sign" and removed. See Section 515.090(E).
4.
Destruction. Should any non-conforming sign be destroyed by any means to an extent of up to fifty percent (50%) of its surface area or structure, it shall not be reconstructed, except in conformance with the requirements of this Chapter. See Section 515.050(C).
5.
Eventual removal. In any instance where a sign is
non-conforming to any of the requirements of this Chapter, such signs,
and supporting structure where necessary, shall be discontinued and
removed not later than five (5) years from the date of passage of
this Chapter.
B.
Violations Not Made Valid. Any sign which is prohibited
by this Chapter, and was erected in violation of the requirements
of the previous City of Valley Park sign ordinance, shall not be considered
to be granted non-conforming status by the passage of this Chapter.
C.
Determination Of Non-Conformance.
1.
Should any existing sign be enlarged, replaced, or reconstructed, it shall be considered a new sign. If an existing sign is repainted or the sign panels be replaced for the purpose of changing the business, occupation, or tenant advertised or identified, it shall be considered a new sign. However, the repainting of a sign for ordinary maintenance or the repair or restoration of an existing sign to a safe condition after being damaged by storm or other accidental act as shown in accordance with the original sign permit shall not constitute such a change as to classify the sign as a new one, subject to the provisions of Section 515.070(A)(4), Destruction.
2.
In any instance, in cases of doubt or on a specific question raised,
whether a non-conforming sign exists, shall be a question of fact,
and shall be determined on appeal to the City Planning and Zoning
Commission.
[R.O. 2013 §515.080; CC 1984 §4-67; Ord. No. 887 §2.07, 8-19-1987]
A.
Any
aggrieved person, firm, corporation, any neighborhood organization
as defined in Section 32.105, RSMo., representing such person, or
any governmental officer, department, board or bureau may appeal a
decision of the Code Enforcement Officer before the Board of Adjustment
as established and in conformance with the requirements of the Valley
Park zoning ordinance, subject to the further requirements of this
Section.
B.
Grounds For Granting A Variance. The Board of Adjustment
may grant variances from this Chapter for any permitted form of signage
where it is found that because of the limitations on character, size,
or dimensions of a sign, or the regulations controlling the erection
or installation of a sign, the applicant would be subject to undue
hardship. Undue hardship is not considered the loss of possible advantage,
economic loss or gain, or mere inconvenience to the applicant.
C.
Appeals
from decisions of the Board of Adjustment shall be to the Circuit
Court in conformance with the requirements of the Valley Park zoning
ordinance.
[R.O. 2013 §515.090; CC 1984 §4-68; Ord. No. 887 §2.08, 8-19-1987]
A.
Permit Number Displayed. Any sign hereafter erected following
passage of this Chapter shall display the sign permit number upon
the face of the sign in the lower right-hand corner in no less than
one (1) inch letters and numerals. In the case of pole-mounted signs,
the number shall be incorporated into the base of the sign structure.
B.
Structural Requirements. All signs shall comply with the
pertinent requirements of the Valley Park Building Code.
C.
Safety. Any existing sign which is or becomes an immediate
danger or hazard to persons or property because of being in an unsafe
condition, or which obstructs any fire escape, window, or door is
subject to immediate removal by the Code Enforcement Officer without
notice and at the expense of the property and/or sign owner.
D.
Maintenance. Each sign shall be maintained in a safe, presentable
and good condition. All existing signs shall be painted every two
(2) years except where the sign is of a non-corroding material, galvanized,
or otherwise treated to prevent rust. Broken panels, missing letters,
flaking or peeling paint and other visual damage to a sign shall be
repaired within forty-five (45) days of occurrence or within ten (10)
days' notification by the Code Enforcement Officer.
E.
Abandoned Signs. Any sign or sign structure which advertises
a business no longer conducted, or service no longer rendered, or
a product no longer sold on the premises or lot shall be classified
an abandoned sign and shall be removed by the owner, agent, or person
having beneficial use of the premises or lot upon which the sign is
located within ten (10) days following written notice by the Code
Enforcement Officer concerning its removal.
F.
Illumination. Neither the direct nor reflected light from
primary light sources shall create a traffic hazard to operators of
motor vehicles on public thoroughfares.
G.
State Right-Of-Way Requirements. All signs erected within
the jurisdiction of State right-of-way requirements shall meet both
State and City requirements.
[R.O. 2013 §515.100; CC 1984 §4-69; Ord. No. 887 §2.09, 8-19-1987]
If any Section, Subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion
of this Chapter is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional
by any court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed
a separate, distinct, and independent provision and such holding shall
not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Chapter.
[R.O. 2013 §515.110; CC 1984 §4-70; Ord. No. 887 §2.10, 8-19-1987]
A.
One- And Two-Family Residential Uses.
1.
Allowable signs.
a.
Subdivision identification signs. Two (2) permanent
subdivision identification signs not exceeding thirty-two (32) square
feet in size per face shall be allowed per development. Where the
development has access on two (2) or more streets, or has more than
one (1) entrance on one (1) street, identification shall be allowed
at each entrance.
b.
Church, public or semi-public buildings, or public park identification
sign. Not more than one (1) sign per street frontage not
exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet in size per face.
c.
Construction sign. Not more than one (1) sign per street frontage not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet in size per face. See Subsection (C)(1) this Section.
d.
Residential project construction sign.
(1)
Promotional sign. One (1) sign not exceeding
one hundred twenty (120) square feet per face.
(2)
Directional signs. Any number of signs not
exceeding sixteen (16) square feet per face. Such signs may include
directions to the development and pertinent information concerning
the developer, but shall not include promotional information.
e.
Political signs.
f.
Directional signs. Two (2) signs per entry/exit
not exceeding six (6) square feet in size per face.
g.
Memorial or tablet sign. One (1) sign not exceeding
six (6) square feet in size per face unless such signs are installed
by the Federal, State, County, or City Government or agencies thereof.
h.
Property real estate signs. One (1) sign per lot
frontage not exceeding six (6) square feet in size per face.
i.
Special displays and other temporary signs. See Section 515.140(B).
j.
Signs not exceeding two (2) square feet in size per side nor a height
of four (4) feet from the ground which prohibit trespassing, or indicate
privacy of premises, driveways, or streets.
k.
Non-illuminated home occupation wall sign not exceeding two (2) square
feet wall-mounted on the dwelling.
l.
Official government flags.
2.
Location and height.
a.
No sign placed upon the ground shall be located closer than ten (10)
feet to any property line and shall meet the sight triangle requirements
provided for in this Code.
b.
No sign attached to the wall of a building or other structure shall
extend above the roofline of that building or structure.
c.
For the signs included in Subsection (A)(1) of this Section, items (a) through (c) and item (g), no sign shall exceed eight (8) feet in height from the surrounding grade to the highest point of the sign.
d.
Residential project construction sign.
(1)
Promotion sign. One (1) sign per major entrance
to the subdivision or project site.
(2)
Direction sign. Any number of signs located
off the premises of the subdivision or project site. Such signs shall
not be erected in such a manner as to block the view of any pre-existing
sign from the normal traffic level.
e.
Direction signs. No sign shall exceed three and
one-half (3½) feet above the elevation of the adjacent driveway
at the point which it meets the street right-of-way.
f.
Memorial or tablet signs. No sign shall exceed six
(6) feet in height from the surrounding grade to the highest point
on the sign.
g.
Property real estate signs. No sign shall exceed
six (6) feet in height from the surrounding grade to the highest point
on the sign.
3.
Other requirements.
a.
Construction signs.
(1)
Signs identifying mechanics, painters, architects, engineers,
and similar artisans and workmen which are attached to or on trailers
on the site of construction shall be permitted provided that upon
completion of the project the trailer must be removed within one (1)
week. These trailers shall not be located closer than ten (10) feet
to the street right-of-way if such signs are visible from the street.
(2)
All such signs shall be removed within either two (2) years
from the date of issuance of the sign permit, or when the project
has received an approved final inspection.
b.
Residential construction project sign.
(1)
On-site sign. Such sign shall be removed either
at such time as the permanent subdivision entrance sign is erected,
or when eighty percent (80%) of the lots and/or dwelling units have
been sold, whichever circumstance occurs first.
(2)
Off-site signs. Such signs shall be removed
either within two (2) years from the date of issuance of the sign
permit, or when eighty percent (80%) of the lots and/or dwelling units
have been sold, whichever circumstance occurs first.
c.
Property real estate signs. Shall be removed within
ten (10) days following the date of closing or lease initiation.
d.
Directional signs. May contain the street address
and/or name of the business center or the name of the use of the building,
trademark, logo, or similar matter, provided that not more than fifty
percent (50%) of the sign area is used for this purpose.
B.
Multiple-Family Residential Uses.
1.
Allowable signs.
a.
All signs permitted in Section 515.110(A)(1).
b.
Project identification sign. One (1) sign not exceeding
thirty-two (32) square feet in size per face shall be allowed per
project except where the project fronts on two (2) or more streets,
one (1) sign shall be permitted per frontage provided that the project
has a major traffic entrance on the street where the sign is to be
erected.
2.
Location and height.
a.
All heights and sign locations shall be governed by the requirements of Section 515.110(A)(2), except as otherwise permitted by this Section.
b.
Project identification sign. No sign shall be more
than six (6) feet in height from the surrounding grade to the highest
point on the sign.
c.
Directional signs. No sign shall exceed three and
one-half (3½) feet above the elevation of the adjacent driveway
at the point which it meets the street right-of-way.
d.
Memorial or tablet signs. No sign shall exceed six
(6) feet in height from the surrounding grade to the highest point
on the sign.
e.
Property real estate signs. No sign shall exceed
six (6) feet in height from the surrounding grade to the highest point
on the sign.
C.
Other Requirements.
1.
Construction signs. As permitted by Section 515.110(A)(3)(a).
2.
Residential construction project sign. As permitted by Section 515.110(A)(3)(b).
[R.O. 2013 §515.120; CC 1984 §4-71; Ord. No. 887 §2.11, 8-19-1987; Ord. No. 1686 §1, 1-16-2006; Ord. No. 1690 §1, 2-6-2006]
A.
Allowable Signs.
1.
All signs permitted in Section 515.110(A)(1).
2.
Attached signs. One (1) attached sign not exceeding ten percent (10%) of the total square footage of the building face upon which it is placed. In the instance of corner lots, an additional attached sign will be permitted on each street frontage of the building not exceeding ten percent (10%) of the total square footage of the respective building face upon which it is placed. For buildings with multiple tenants, see Subsection (C) hereof, Other Requirements.
3.
Ground-mounted signs. One (1) ground-mounted sign
per lot not exceeding forty (40) square feet per face may be substituted
for the allowable pole sign.
4.
Pole sign. One (1) pole sign per lot not exceeding
thirty (30) square feet per face.
5.
Occupational/identification sign. One (1) attached,
non-illuminated sign not exceeding two (2) square feet in size displaying
the name, occupation and/or service located upon the premises, and
the address.
6.
Permanent window signs. Shall not cover more than
twenty percent (20%) of the total window area or door to which they
are applied.
7.
Directories. For buildings with multiple occupancies,
a directory sign may be substituted in lieu of the allowable pole
sign subject to review and approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission
as to height and overall square footage.
B.
Location And Height.
1.
All signs permitted by Subsection (A)(1) of this Section shall be governed as to height and location by the requirements of Section 515.110(A)(2).
2.
Attached signs. Shall be face mounted on the building
wall projecting not more than twelve (12) inches from the face of
the building. Such signs shall not project above the parapet wall,
mansard, or other roofline, shall maintain a clearance of ten (10)
feet above the ground or pavement, and shall be recessed where involving
a pitched roof location.
3.
Ground-mounted sign. Such signs shall not exceed
six (6) feet in height from the surrounding grade to the highest point
on the sign and shall be located no closer than ten (10) feet to any
property line. Such signs shall meet the sight triangle requirements
of this code and shall not be located so as to obstruct vision at
a vehicular entry or exit from the property.
4.
Pole Signs. Such signs shall not exceed thirty (30) feet in height and shall conform to the same locational requirements of Subsection (B)(3) of this Section, Ground-mounted sign. The bottom of the sign shall be at least ten (10) feet above the surrounding grade. For commercial signage contiguous to Highway 141 and located in "C-1" and "C-2" zoned areas, the sign shall not exceed forty-five (45) feet in height. For commercial signage contiguous to Interstate 44 and located in "PD-C" and "C-2" zoned areas, the sign shall not exceed one hundred (100) feet in height.
[Ord. No. 1986, 7-17-2017]
5.
Occupational/identification signs. Such signs shall conform to the locational requirements of Subsection (B)(2) of this Section, attached signs.
6.
Window signs. Such signs may be attached to either
the interior or exterior of a window or glass door and shall be maintained
in good repair.
7.
Directories.
a.
For shopping centers with three (3) or more tenants and a total floor
area of less than fifty thousand (50,000) square feet, a directory
sign of two hundred (200) square feet of signage per side shall be
authorized in lieu of the authorize pole sign. The multi-tenant centers
that have entrances on each of two (2) intersecting streets, the center
may have one (1) additional directory sign, provided that each sign
shall be located adjacent to the abutting street.
b.
For shopping centers with three (3) or more tenants and a total floor
space of over fifty thousand (50,000) square feet, a directory sign
of three hundred (300) square feet of signage per side shall be authorized
in lieu of the allowed pole sign. The multi-tenant centers that have
entrances on each of two (2) intersecting streets, the center may
have one (1) additional directory sign, provided that each sign shall
be located adjacent to the abutting street.
c.
Directory signs shall not exceed thirty (30) feet in height and shall
conform to the same locational requirements as all other signs.
d.
The above are performance standards for multi-tenant shopping centers.
Signage may be as approved by preliminary and final development plan,
as part of a signage plan therein, approved by ordinance for centers
approved by the planned development process.
C.
Other Requirements.
1.
Construction and residential construction project sign as permitted by Section 515.110(C)(1).
2.
Each building or property shall be allowed a maximum of two (2) signs, which may be either an attached sign, a ground-mounted sign, or a pole sign, but the total number shall not include more than one (1) sign of each of these types of signs listed in Section 515.110(A)(1), as well as window signs and occupational/directional signs as regulated by this Section are excluded from this maximum of three (3) signs.
3.
Buildings with multiple occupancy. For buildings
and/or property containing more than one (1) business or tenant, each
business or tenant may have an attached sign conforming to the requirements
of this Section. For the purposes of determining the total square
footage of the attached sign, only the face of each respective lease
unit to which the respective sign will be attached shall be counted.
Each sign must be attached to the lease unit containing the business
or tenant identified.
4.
Each building or property may have one (1) additional attached sign
conforming to the requirements of this Section on walls containing
a main entrance which face customer parking areas and are not visible
from either a public or private street. For this exception to apply,
the signs must be attached to the same wall as their respective entrances
and both the signs and the entrances must be upon the same plane of
the building.
[R.O. 2013 §515.130; CC 1984 §4-72; Ord. No. 887 §2.12, 8-19-1987]
A.
Allowable Signs. All signs permitted by Section 515.120(A)(1).
B.
Location And Height.
1.
As regulated by Section 515.120(B).
2.
Exception. Industrial uses having one (1) or more
permanent building(s) may provide any number of illuminated wall or
pole signs in any location on the premises or building, provided that
such signs do not exceed the height, area, or setback requirements
as set forth in this Chapter. (This exception shall not apply to commercial
uses permitted within industrial zoning districts.)
C.
Other Requirements. As regulated by Section 515.120(C).
[R.O. 2013 §515.140; CC 1984 §4-73; Ord. No. 887 §2.13, 8-19-1987]
A.
Automobile And Truck Service Stations — Convenience Stores
With Gasoline Pumps.
1.
Allowable Signs.
[Ord. No. 1987, 7-17-2017; Ord. No. 2007, 4-2-2018]
a.
Brand Identification Signs.
(1)
One (1) pole-mounted sign not exceeding thirty (30) square feet
per face unless the pole-mounted sign is located contiguous to Highway
141 or Interstate 44 and located in "C-1," "C-2," "PD-C" or "I-1"
(up to two hundred (200) feet from the northmost lane of Interstate
44) zoned areas in which areas the sign shall not exceed one hundred
forty-four (144) square feet per face.
(2)
One (1) ground-mounted sign, in lieu of a pole-mounted sign,
not exceeding forty (40) square feet in size per face unless the ground-mounted
sign is located contiguous to Highway 141 and located in "C-1" or
"C-2" zoned areas in which area the sign shall not exceed eighty (80)
square feet per face or is located contiguous to Interstate 44 and
located in "C-2," "PD-C" or "I-1" (up to two hundred (200) feet from
the northmost lane of Interstate 44) zoned areas in which areas the
sign shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet per face.
(3)
One (1) attached sign not exceeding ten percent (10%) of the
total square footage of the building face upon which it is placed.
In the instance of corner lots, an additional attached sign will be
permitted on each street frontage of building not exceeding ten percent
(10%) of the total square footage of the respective building face
upon which it is placed.
(4)
One (1) attached company logo not exceeding thirty-two (32)
square feet per street frontage.
b.
Price signs.
(1)
One (1) price sign per pump island not exceeding ten (10) square
feet per face per sign.
(2)
One (1) price sign as a component of the permitted pole sign
not exceeding ten (10) square feet per face in lieu of the price signs
per pump island.
(3)
In those instances where digital price signs are utilized, such
signs shall be constant in nature, and shall not travel, flush, inverse,
write-on, up or down scroll, roll, grow, melt, x-ray, twinkle, snow,
or otherwise change its nature.
c.
Self-service and/or full-service signs. Two (2)
self-service or full-service signs per pump island not exceeding ten
(10) square feet per face per sign.
d.
Federal and State stamps, octane ratings, pump use directions, no
smoking signs, as required by Federal, State and local authorities.
2.
Location and height.
a.
Brand identification signs.
(1)
Pole signs. As regulated by Section 515.120(B).
(2)
Ground-mounted signs. As regulated by Section 515.120(B).
(3)
Attached signs. As regulated by Section 515.120(B).
b.
Company logos. As regulated by Section 515.120(B)(2), attached signs.
c.
Price signs and self-service and/or full-service signs. Shall be located at the ends of pump islands and may be affixed
to the canopy, canopy supports, poles, or end pumps.
d.
Federal and State stamps, etc. Shall be placed upon
the body of the gasoline pump, or as required by the respective governmental
authority.
3.
Other requirements.
a.
Canopy use. An attached or detached canopy may be
used in lieu of the permitted pole sign for the location of brand
identification signs, or as an alternative location for price signs,
or company logos.
b.
Portable signs. The use of portable signs for the
advertisement of cigarettes, food, or other sundry items is specifically
prohibited.
B.
Special Displays And Other Temporary Signs.
1.
The following temporary signs may be approved by the Code Enforcement
Officer for up to a thirty (30) day time period. Such signs may be
extended beyond the thirty (30) day time period, but only upon review
and approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
a.
Banners and pennants.
b.
Signs announcing openings.
c.
Seasonal or special occasion signs such as special events and special
business hours.
d.
Yard signs, such as "Siding by.".
e.
Subdivision directional signs not exceeding three (3) square feet
in size per face.
f.
All other temporary signs not specifically referenced in this Chapter.
g.
Portable signs, signs not permanently affixed to the ground.
[R.O. 2013 §515.150; CC 1984 §4-74; Ord. No. 887 §2.14, 8-19-1987]
Permits issued herein shall carry a fee of five dollars ($5.00)
and shall also be subject to inspection fees.
[R.O. 2013 §515.160; Ord. No. 1368 §1(I), 11-3-1997]
As used herein, "off-premise billboards" shall
mean all signs regulated within the boundaries of the City which are
subject to the regulations set forth in Section 226.540, RSMo., 1994,
as amended.
[R.O. 2013 §515.170; Ord. No. 1368 §1(II), 11-3-1997]
The definitions of words and phrases contained in Section 226.510,
RSMo., 1994, as amended, are hereby adopted and incorporated by reference
and shall apply whenever such word or phrase is used herein.
[R.O. 2013 §515.180; Ord. No. 1368 §1(III), 11-3-1997]
A.
The
following rules and regulations shall specifically apply to off-premises
billboards:
1.
Lighting.
a.
No revolving or rotating beam or beacon of light that simulates any
emergency light or device shall be permitted as part of any sign.
No flashing, intermittent, or moving light or lights will be permitted
except scoreboards and other illuminated signs designating public
service information, such as time, date, or temperature, or similar
information, will be allowed. Tri-vision, projection, and other changeable
message signs shall be allowed subject to Missouri Highways and Transportation
Commission regulations.
b.
External lighting such as floodlights, thin line and gooseneck reflectors
are permitted, provided the light source is directed upon the face
of the sign and is effectively shielded so as to prevent beams or
rays of light from being directed into any portion of the main traveled
way of the interstate of Federal-aid 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.
c.
No sign shall be so illuminated that it interferes with the effectiveness
of, or obscures, any official traffic sign, device, or signal, nor
shall the illumination be directed toward any residential area.
d.
The maximum average lighting intensity level for such sign shall
be twenty (20) foot- candles.
2.
Size of signs.
a.
The maximum area for any one (1) sign shall be four hundred fifty
(450) square feet with a maximum height of fifteen (15) feet and a
maximum length of sixty (60) feet, inclusive of border and trim but
excluding the base or apron, supports, and other structural members.
The area shall be measured as established in rules promulgated by
the Planning and Zoning Commission.
b.
The maximum size limitations shall apply to each side of a sign structure,
and signs may be placed back to back, or in v-type construction with
not more than one (1) display to each facing, but sign structure shall
be considered as one (1) sign.
3.
Spacing of signs.
a.
Interstate highways and freeways on the Federal-aid primary system:
No off-premises billboard shall be erected within five thousand two
hundred eighty (5,280) feet of an existing sign on the same side of
the highway.
b.
Non-freeway Federal primary highways: No structure shall be erected
within one hundred (100) feet of an existing sign.
c.
The spacing between structure provisions of Subsection (3) of this Section do not apply to signs which are separated by natural surroundings, or other obstructions in such a manner that only one (1) sign facing located within such distance is visible at any one time. Directional or other official signs or those advertising the sale or lease of the property on which they are located, or those which advertise activities on the property on which they are located, including products sold, shall not be counted, or shall measurements be made from them for the purpose of compliance with spacing provisions.
d.
No sign 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 operators' view of approaching, merging or intersecting
traffic.
e.
The measurement in this Section shall be minimum distances between
outdoor advertising sign structures measured along the nearest edge
of the pavement between points directly opposite the sign along each
side of the highway and shall apply only to outdoor advertising sign
structures located on the same side of the highway involved.
4.
Setbacks, safety clearances and heights. In order
to provide a safety zone to prevent injury or property damage from
collapse of billboard caused by acts of God or other causes, each
off-premises billboard shall have minimum setbacks of the following:
a.
At least ninety (90) feet from its nearest edge to the right-of-way
of any interstate or primary highway, and
b.
At least ninety (90) feet from all property lines and from all roofed
structures
|
from all points of the off-premises billboard. In order to further
provide a safety zone to prevent injury or property damage from collapse
of billboards caused by acts of God or other causes, each off-premises
billboard shall have a maximum height, measured from the ground to
the highest point of such off-premises billboard, of thirty-five (35)
feet. In addition, the applicant for permit shall present documentation
to the reasonable satisfaction of the City that the applicant has
secured the legally enforceable right to prevent the erection of structures
within the setback zones. No City building permit shall be issued
for construction of any building within the setback/clearance zone
for any off-premises billboard.
|
5.
Setbacks at highway interchanges. No off-premises
billboard shall be located adjacent to or within one thousand (1,000)
feet of any interchange, existing or approved for construction by
the Missouri Highway and Transportation Department, intersection at
grade, or safety rest area. Said one thousand (1,000) feet shall be
measured from the beginning or ending of the pavement widening at
the exit from or entrance to the main traveled way.
6.
Setbacks from residential and public activity areas. No off-premises billboards shall be located within one thousand
(1,000) feet of land zoned for residential or public activity purposes.
7.
Landscaping, lighting and fencing. Before a permit
is issued, the applicant shall receive approval for a plan for landscaping,
billboard lighting and fencing around the proposed off-premises billboard
to ensure that the structure will be aesthetically compatible with
its surroundings and the aesthetic standard 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 Development Review Board. In determining whether the landscaping
plan is reasonably suitable, the Development Review Board shall take
into consideration the nature of the location, the impact on surrounding
properties, the safety and security of the proposed off-premises billboard,
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 off-premises billboard.
8.
Nuisances. Any off-premises billboard which, because
of lack of maintenance, upkeep, vandalism, accumulation of litter,
refuse or debris, or the deterioration of landscaping, lighting 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.
9.
Service drives.
a.
Direct access to off-premises billboards from curb cuts along a State
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.
b.
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.
10.
Permits.
a.
The City shall not issue a permit for any new off-premises billboard
without a permit having first been issued by the Highway and Transportation
Commission.
b.
The City shall charge a permit fee equal in amount to its building
permit fee for other signs or similar structures to assure compliance
with the City wind load and electrical requirements when the sign
is first erected, but shall not charge any subsequent permit or inspection
fee for such sign.
c.
Before a permit is issued, the applicant shall submit the following
certification for the appropriate license professional regarding the
following: Certification from a licensed engineer that the soil and
subsoil surface is capable of accepting the projected loads; certification
from an electrical engineer as to the electrical portion of the sign;
certification from a structural engineer as to the structural strength
of the sign and certified boundary survey of the site and its setback/clearance
zone.
d.
Before a permit is issued, the applicant shall submit a sign survey
to indicate the relative vertical and horizontal distances between
the proposed sign and all other pole-mounted signs within five thousand
two hundred eighty (5,280) feet. If by reason of height, size or spacing
the proposed sign creates a significant disharmony with pole-mounted
signs within one thousand (1,000) feet or unreasonably detracts from
the visibility of other neighboring signs or properties, the City
may require reasonable modification of the sign's dimensions to cure
such deficiencies as a condition to granting a permit.
11.
Annual inspection. Owners of all signs erected after
this date shall be required to submit an inspection report from a
Missouri licensed engineer as to the sign's structural integrity.
Such certification shall be done on or before June first (1st) of
each year. Failure to submit a report shall result in the immediate
revocation of the sign's permit.
[R.O. 2013 §515.190; Ord. No. 1368 §2, 11-3-1997]
The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to the erection,
alteration, reconstruction, construction, and maintenance of all signs
within the City, however, all existing signs that have previously
been allowed by ordinance or approved by permit shall be permitted.