[Code 1992, § 32-755; 8-13-2001 by Ord. No. 1188]
(a)
The purpose of this article is to regulate outdoor signs of all types
in all zoning districts. The regulation of outdoor signs is further
intended to enhance the physical appearance of the City, to preserve
scenic and natural beauty, to make the City a more enjoyable and pleasing
community and to create an attractive economic and business climate.
It is intended by this article to reduce sign or advertising distractions,
thereby reducing traffic accidents, to reduce hazards that may be
caused by signs overhanging or projecting over the public rights-of-way
and to avoid the canceling out effect of conflicting adjacent signs.
The primary purpose of this article is to permit the identification
of uses permitted by this article.
(b)
This article covers the construction, erection and maintenance requirements
for signs and outdoor display structures, with respect to safety,
size and attachment or anchorage with respect to appearance and geographical
location.
[Code 1992, § 32-756; 8-13-2001 by Ord. No. 1188; 10-10-2005 by Ord. No. 1253; 10-24-2016 by Ord. No. 16-005]
(a)
Required. A building permit shall be required for the erection, construction,
or alteration of any sign, except as provided in this article, and
all such signs shall be approved by the Building Inspector as to compliance
with the requirements of the zoning district wherein such sign is
to be located with the requirements of this article and with all applicable
City sign regulations as set forth in the local building code as adopted
by the City. All illuminated signs are subject in addition to the
provisions of the local electrical code as adopted by the City and
any permit fees required thereunder.
(b)
Application contents, requisites. A building permit can be obtained
at the City Inspection Department and shall be completed by the applicant
with the following information:
(1)
Name and address of the applicant.
(2)
Location of the building, structure, or lot to which or upon
which the sign is to be attached or erected.
(3)
Position of the sign in relation to nearby buildings or structures
and to property lines.
(4)
One blueprint or ink drawing of the plans and specifications
for methods of construction or attachment to the building or on the
ground.
(5)
A copy of stress sheets and calculations showing the structure
is designed for dead load and wind pressure in any direction in any
amount required by this article and all the laws and ordinances of
the City as required by the Building Inspector.
(6)
Names of persons erecting the structures.
(7)
Written consent of the owner of the building or structure to
which or on which the sign is to be erected.
(8)
Any electrical permit required and issued for the sign.
(9)
Such other information as the Building Inspector or Zoning Administrator
may require in order to show full compliance with this chapter.
(c)
Issuance. If, upon examination of the submitted plans and other data,
it appears that the proposed sign is in compliance with all the requirements
of this chapter, the Building Inspector shall issue a building permit.
If the work authorized under a building permit has not been completed
within six months after the date of issuance, the permit will be null
and void.
(d)
Revocation. All rights and privileges acquired under this article
are mere licenses revocable at any time, and all such permits shall
contain this provision.
(e)
Unsafe, unlawful signs; Inspection Division authority. If the Building
Inspector finds that any sign is unsafe or is a menace to the public
or has been constructed or erected or is being maintained in violation
of this article, she/he shall give written notice to the owner of
said sign. If the owner fails to remove or alter the structure so
as to comply with this article within 10 days after such notice, the
sign shall be removed or altered by the Inspection Division at the
expense of the owner. The Inspection Division may cause any sign,
which is an immediate peril to persons or property, to be removed
immediately and without notice.
[Code 1992, § 32-757; 8-13-2001 by Ord. No. 1188]
(a)
No sign shall be erected, constructed and maintained until a permit
for the sign has been issued by the Building Inspector, unless noted
otherwise in this article; provided, however, no permit will be required
for the following:
(1)
A projecting sign not exceeding 2 1/2 square feet of display
surface.
(2)
Real estate signs allowed in any district, provided such sign
conforms to the requirements therein.
(3)
Political signs shall be permitted in all districts. Such sign
shall not exceed 16 square feet in area in an R and R-1 District or
32 square feet in area in any A-1, A-2, or nonresidential district.
The signs shall not be placed in or overhang into any public right-of-way.
Political signs shall be removed no later than seven days after the
election day to which they pertain. This shall include any political
sign attached to benches, trash receptacles, or other freestanding
objects.
Suggested guidelines, not otherwise controlled by the sections
of this chapter governing the placement and display of political signs,
may be provided by administrative regulation of the City. The City
Clerk shall notify all local political party chairpersons and all
known candidates on the filing deadline for the respective local,
state, or national offices or as soon thereafter as practicable of
the contents of the suggested guidelines governing the placement and
display of political signs and of the other sections of this chapter
applicable to political signs.
(4)
Special event signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts.
Such sign shall not exceed 16 square feet in area in an R and R-1
District or 32 square feet in area in any A-1, A-1, or nonresidential
district. The signs shall only be placed on private property and shall
not be placed in or overhang into any public right-of-way. Special
event signs shall be removed no later than seven days after the special
event to which they pertain. Garage, yard, and porch sale sign postings
are limited to the duration of the sale.
(5)
Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and date of construction
when cut in a masonry surface of the building or constructed of bronze
of other incombustible materials.
(6)
Traffic or other municipal signs, legal notices, railroad crossing
signs, danger signs and such temporary, emergency or nonadvertising
signs as may be approved by the City Council.
(7)
Bulletin boards not over 12 square feet in area for public,
charitable or religious institutions when the bulletin boards are
located on the premises of the institution.
(8)
Direction signs. Directional signs within the zoning lot area
and behind the minimum front yard setback shall be permitted when
such sign is placed so as to have its highest point below four feet.
Such directional sign shall not be used for advertising purposes,
but shall direct vehicular or pedestrian traffic to parking areas,
to loading areas or to portions of a building. Directional signs shall
not exceed six square feet in area. Directional signs at an entrance
point shall be permitted to penetrate a required yard to within 10
feet of the public right-of-way line.
(9)
A wall sign not more than 10 square feet in area in commercial
or industrial districts.
[Code 1992, § 32-758; 8-13-2001 by Ord. No. 1188; 10-10-2005 by Ord. No. 1253; 10-22-2007 by Ord. No. 1280]
(a)
SIGN
General definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when
used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in
this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different
meaning:
Any advertising display, including its supporting structure,
consisting of any letter, figure, character, mark, point, plane, marquee
sign, poster, pictorial picture, stroke, stripe, line, trademark,
reading matter of illuminating device, constructed, attached, erected,
fastened, painted, or manufactured in any manner whatsoever so that
the sign is or may be used for the attraction of the public to any
place, subject, person, firm, corporation, public performance, article,
machine or merchandise whatsoever and displayed in any manner whatsoever
out-of-doors for recognized advertising purposes.
(b)
ACCESSORY SIGN and ON-PREMISES SIGN
AWNING
FESTOON SIGN
FLASHING SIGN, ANIMATED SIGN and MOVING SIGN
GROUND SIGN
ILLUMINATED SIGN
ILLUMINATED TRIM
LED SIGN or DIGITAL SIGN
MARQUEE SIGN
NAMEPLATE
NONACCESSORY SIGN, OFF-PREMISES SIGN and BILLBOARD
OUTDOOR ADVERTISING SIGN
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
POLITICAL SIGN
PORTABLE SIGN
(1)
(2)
PROJECTING SIGN
REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT SIGN
REAL ESTATE SIGN
ROOF SIGN
SPECIAL EVENT SIGN
SUBDIVISION SIGN
SWINGING SIGN
TEMPORARY SIGN
WALL SIGN
Types of signs. The following words, terms and phrases regarding
types of signs, when used in this article, shall have the meanings
ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly
indicates a different meaning:
A sign which advertises goods, services, facilities, events
or attractions pertaining to the principal use of the premises where
located. Accessory signs include wall signs, awnings, illuminated
signs, projecting signs, roof signs, marquee signs, ground signs and
directional signs.
A roof-like structure, often made of canvas or plastic, that
serves as a shelter, decoration, or advertisement, as over a storefront,
window, door, or deck, which projects beyond the face of the building.
An awning by itself is not a sign. An awning with lettering, a logo,
or some form of advertising display is considered to be a sign.
A sign where incandescent lightbulbs, banners or pennants
or other such features are hung or strung overhead and are not an
integral physical part of the building or structure they are intended
to serve. Any electrical device shall be installed pursuant to the
City electrical code. Festoon signs shall be considered a temporary
sign.
A sign that intermittently reflects lights from either an
artificial source or from the sun or a sign which has movement of
any illumination such as intermittent, flashing, oscillating or varying
intensity or a sign that has any visible portion in motion, either
constantly or at intervals, which motion may be caused by either artificial
or natural sources.
A sign not attached to any building and supported by uprights
or braces or some object on the ground. A pole sign is a ground sign.
A billboard is not considered a ground sign under this article.
Any sign which has characters, letters, figures, designs,
or outlines illuminated by an electric light or luminous tubes as
a part of the sign proper. An LED or digital sign is a type of illuminated
sign.
Luminous tubes outlining windows, doors, or portions of buildings
not part of a sign.
A sign illuminated by light-emitting diodes.
A sign on a marquee which is a rooflike structure, often
meant to bear a signboard, projecting over an entrance, such as to
a theater.
An accessory sign stating the name or street number of a
person, firm, building or institution of a certain permitted use.
A sign which advertises goods, services, facilities, events
or attractions not on the premises where located and does not pertain
to the principal use of the premises.
Any card, cloth, paper, metal, glass, wood, plaster, stone
or sign of other material or any kind, placed for outdoor advertising
purposes on the ground or on any tree, wall, bush, rock, post, fence,
building, structure, or thing whatsoever. The term "placed" as used
in this definition shall include erecting, construction, posting,
painting, printing, tacking, nailing, gluing, sticking, carving, or
other fastening, affixing or making visible in any manner whatsoever.
The following shall be excluded from this definition:
Signs not exceeding one square foot in area and bearing only
property numbers, postbox numbers, names of occupants or premises,
or other identification of premises not having commercial connotations.
Flags and insignia of any government except when displayed in
connection with commercial promotion.
Legal notices, identification, informational or directional
signs erected or required by governmental bodies.
Integral decorative or architectural features of buildings,
except letters, trademarks, moving parts, or moving lights.
Signs directing or guiding traffic and parking on private property,
but bearing no advertising matter.
A sign relating to the election of a person to public office
or relating to a political party or relating to a matter to be voted
upon at an election called by a public body.
Any sign which is not permanently affixed to a building,
structure or the ground or which is attached to a mobile vehicle.
The following are also considered as portable signs:
FREESTANDING SIGNA sign other than a ground sign which is not attached to a building and is capable of being moved from one location to another on the site on which it is located. Sandwich boards are considered freestanding signs.
INFLATABLE SIGNA sign that is either expanded to its full dimension or supported by gases contained within the sign or sign parts at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure.
Any sign which is attached to a building and extends beyond
the line of the building or beyond the surface of that portion of
the building to which it is attached more than 24 inches.
A sign placed on the premises of a subdivision or other real
estate development to indicate a proposed start or to inform relative
to availability.
A sign placed upon a property advertising that particular
property for sale, rent or lease.
A sign erected, constructed and maintained above the roof
of any building.
A sign made of wood, plastic, cardboard or paper, which is used to advertise a special event such as Feast of the St. Clair, Pow-Wow, art fairs, garage sales, etc. See § 52-813 for restrictions on special event signs.
A sign which displays the name of the subdivision or multihousing
development. A permanent subdivision sign is a decorative ground sign
which is affixed on the premises as a landmark to indicate the name
of the subdivision or housing complex. A temporary subdivision sign
is a ground sign located on the premises during the construction,
development, or leasing stages, displayed as a short-term sign for
advertisement purposes.
A sign installed on an arm, mast, spar or building overhang
that is not rigidly attached to such arm, mast, spar or building overhang.
A sign with or without letters and numerals, such as window
signs in business and industrial districts, of lightweight cardboard,
cloth, plastic or paper materials and intended to be displayed for
special events, sales and notices. Temporary signs shall not be permanently
fastened to any structure, including posts with permanent footings,
and shall not be intended to have a useful life of more than 30 days.
A permit is required for the erection of a temporary sign if the sign
is in excess of 24 square feet in area and/or located outside of the
building.
A sign which is affixed to an exterior wall of any building,
when such sign shall project not more than 24 inches from the building
wall or parts thereof. A picture or mural painted on the side of a
building, with or without lettering, advertising a business or denoting
the nature of the business on said premises, is also considered a
wall sign for the purpose of this article.
(c)
DISPLAY SURFACE
FACING
LETTERS AND DECORATIONS
LOCATION
SIGNS, NUMBER AND SURFACE AREA
STRUCTURAL TRIM
STRUCTURE
Sign terms. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in
this article to describe signs, shall have the meanings ascribed to
them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates
a different meaning:
The surface made available by the structure, either for the
direct mounting of letters and decoration or for the mounting of facing
material intended to carry the entire advertising message.
The surface of the sign upon, against or through which the
message of the sign is exhibited.
The letters, illustrations, symbols, figures, insignia and
other devices employed to express and illustrate the message of the
sign.
A lot, premises, building, wall or any place whatsoever upon
which a sign is erected, constructed and maintained.
For the purpose of determining number of signs, a sign shall
be considered to be a single display surface or display device containing
elements organized, related and composed to form a unit. The surface
area of a sign shall be computed as including the entire area within
a regular geometric form or combinations of regular geometric forms
comprising all of the display area of the sign and including all of
the elements of the matter displayed. Frames and structural members
not bearing advertising matter shall not be included in the computation
of surface area.
For a pole sign or an off-premises sign (billboard), the
entire surface area of the face of the sign shall be included in the
computation of the size of the sign, regardless of the area of the
advertising display.
Where a sign has two or more faces, the areas of all faces
shall be included in determining the area of the sign, except that
where two such faces are placed back to back and are three feet or
less from one another, the area of the sign shall be taken at the
area of one face if the two faces are of equal area or at the area
of the larger face if the two faces are of unequal area. For a circle
or sphere, the total area of the circle or sphere is divided by two
for the purposes of determining the maximum permitted sign area.
The molding, battens, cappings, nailing strips, latticing
and platforms which are attached to the sign structure.
The supports, uprights, bracings and framework of the sign
or outdoor display.
[Code 1992, § 32-759; 8-13-2001 by Ord. No. 1188; 10-10-2005 by Ord. No. 1253]
The following shall apply to all signs erected or located in
any use district:
(1)
Unless otherwise specifically provided in this chapter, no sign,
except those placed and maintained by the City, county or state, shall
be erected or placed in the public right-of-way nor be allowed to
project into the public right-of-way. Signs erected on a building
may not project more than two feet into the right-of-way.
(2)
No sign, unless otherwise permitted, shall exceed the maximum height
limitations of the zoning district in which it is located. Lighting
reflectors may project beyond the top or face of the sign.
(3)
No sign or other advertising structure, as regulated by this chapter,
shall be erected at the intersection of any streets in such a manner
as to obstruct free and clear vision or at any location where, by
reason of the position, shape or color, it may interfere with, obstruct
the view of or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal
or device or which makes use of the word "stop," "look," "danger"
or any other word, phrase, symbol or character in such manner as to
interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic.
(4)
No sign shall be erected, constructed or maintained so as to obstruct
any fire escape or any window, door or opening used as a means of
egress or for firefighting purposes or so as to prevent free passage
from one part of a roof to any other part thereof. No sign shall be
attached in any form, shape or manner to a fire escape or be so placed
as to interfere with any opening required for legal ventilation.
(5)
Advertising signs indicating the direction of service clubs, churches,
fraternal organizations and similar organizations are permitted in
all zones, subject to the approval of the Planning Commission, provided
such signs conform to the conditions established by such Commission
to secure harmony with this article. Such sign must conform to size,
location, etc., of the zone in which it is located.
[Code 1992, § 32-760; 8-13-2001 by Ord. No. 1188]
(a)
Allowable stresses, materials and details of design. In all signs,
the allowable stresses, materials and details of design shall, in
the absence of specific requirements, conform to the following latest
approved specifications:
(1)
For steel, in accordance with the local building code as adopted
by the City. The working stress of chains, wire ropes and steel guy
rods and their fastenings shall not exceed one-quarter of their ultimate
strength.
(2)
For wood, in accordance with the local building code as adopted
by the City.
(3)
For plastic, in accordance with the local building code as adopted
by the City. Applications for permits to erect signs in which plastic
materials will be employed shall set forth either the manufacturer's
trade name for or the common name of the plastic material to be used
and shall certify either that the plastic material is noncombustible
or that the plastic material has been tested by a recognized testing
laboratory and rated as an approved combustible plastic.
(b)
Wind pressure resistance. All signs shall be designed to resist wind
pressures as provided in the local building code as adopted by the
City.
[Code 1992, § 32-761; 8-13-2001 by Ord. No. 1188]
(a)
Nonconforming sign utilization. Existing nonconforming signs may
not be utilized if their utilization would involve any of the following
conditions:
(1)
Changes in the overall dimensions. Nonconforming signs may be
relettered, provided the overall dimensions do not change.
(2)
Repair of damages caused by accident, vandalism or acts of God
in excess of 50% of the sign's replacement value, as determined by
the Building Inspector.
(3)
Conditions of deterioration or defectiveness hazardous to the
health, safety or general welfare of the public, as determined by
the Building Inspector.
(b)
Nonconforming sign removal procedure. Any nonconforming sign in any
district ordered by the Building Inspector to be removed, neutralized
or painted over shall be removed, neutralized, or painted over by
the owner, agent, or person having the beneficial use of the building
or structure upon which such sign is located within 90 days after
written notification from the Department of Planning. Upon failure
to comply with such notice within the time specified in such order,
the Inspection Department is hereby directed and authorized to cause
the removal of such sign, and any expense incident thereto shall be
paid by the owner of the building or structure to which such sign
is attached as billed by the City. If the owner of such property shall
fail to pay such bill within 30 days after the bill has been rendered,
the Planning Director shall report the failure to pay the bill to
the City Council for collection as a single lot assessment against
such property in accordance with the Charter.
[Code 1992, § 32-762; 8-13-2001 by Ord. No. 1188]
(a)
Required. All signs, together with all their supports, braces, guys
and anchors, shall be kept in repair and in a proper state of preservation.
The Building Inspector may order the removal of any sign that is not
maintained in accordance with this section.
(b)
Removal of obsolete signs. Any sign which no longer advertises a
bona fide business conducted or a product sold on the premises shall
be taken down and removed by the owner, agent or person having the
beneficial use of the building or structure upon which such sign may
be found within 90 days after written notification from the Inspection
Department. Upon failure to comply with such notice within the time
specified, the Inspection Department is hereby directed and authorized
to cause the removal of such sign, and any expense incident thereto
shall be paid by the owner of the property to which the sign is attached,
as billed by the City. If the owner of such property shall fail to
pay the bill within 30 days after the bill has been rendered, the
Planning Director shall report the failure to pay the bill to the
City Council for collection as a single lot assessment against the
property.
(c)
Inspection required. Every sign is subject to a periodic inspection
by the Building Inspector to ascertain whether the sign is secure
and whether it is in need of repair.
(d)
Painting required. The owner of any sign shall have the sign and
all supports properly painted regularly and kept in good condition,
unless they are galvanized or otherwise treated to prevent rust.
(e)
Property maintenance. Any person occupying any vacant lot or premises
by means of a ground sign or billboard sign shall be subject to the
same duties and responsibilities as the owner of the lot and premises
with respect to keeping the lot and premises clean, sanitary, inoffensive
and free and clear of all obnoxious substances and unsightly conditions
on the ground in the vicinity of such ground sign or the premises
for which he or she may be responsible.
[Code 1992, § 32-763; 8-13-2001 by Ord. No. 1188; 10-10-2005 by Ord. No. 1253]
(a)
Portable signs shall be allowed only in nonresidential districts,
except on church or school properties.
(b)
The property owner and/or occupant and the sign lessor must obtain
a building permit before the date of sign placement for approval.
This must state the date of placement and removal and shall be accompanied
by a plot plan showing the property and placement of the sign in relation
to streets, drives, walks, buildings, etc. Setbacks shall be the same
as that for ground signs pursuant to district requirements.
(c)
The portable sign may be used for a period not exceeding 30 consecutive
days.
(d)
Placement of a portable sign must be on private property, shall not
be in the right-of-way, and shall not interfere with any vision clearance,
traffic flow, sidewalk, and such. Signs shall not obstruct parking
spaces of automobile or pedestrian travel lanes in parking lots.
(e)
No flashing lights, oscillating lights, flashing arrows or other
intermittent operation will be allowed within 100 feet of an intersection.
Lighting shall not be confused with traffic control devices and shall
not cause distraction to vehicle drivers at any location.
(g)
The portable sign must be removed on the date stated and cannot be
stored on the property unless covered in the rear yard or in a building.
(h)
The electrical hookup must be in conformity with the current electrical
code as adopted by the City and approved by the Electrical Inspector.
(i)
All portable signs shall be anchored or weighted to prevent overturning.
(j)
The portable sign shall not exceed 60 square feet or six feet in
height.
(k)
Permits for a portable sign will be issued only three times per year
per property (as defined by Assessor's office records of ownership),
including shopping malls and multi-tenant establishments. For a building
with multiple tenants there shall only be one portable sign per property
at any given time.
(l)
Inflatable signs are considered portable signs. They must be securely
fastened down to prevent them from blowing away. Permits are not required
for inflatable signs during the week of the Port Huron to Mackinac
Sailboat Race. These signs need not meet height or size requirements
and may extend over a roofline by more than three feet. Such signs
may be located solely on or overhang onto the private property for
which the sign serves.
[Code 1992, § 32-764; 8-13-2001 by Ord. No. 1188; 10-10-2005 by Ord. No. 1253; 1-23-2006 by Ord. No. 1257; 5-24-2010 by Ord. No. 1311]
(a)
Signs such as any paper, cardboard, or plastic signs used for window display such as sale signs; help wanted signs; festoon signs such as banners, flags, etc., shall all be considered temporary signs. See the definition of temporary signs in § 52-814.
(b)
Sandwich board-style signs less than 18 inches wide and 36 inches in height may be used on private property during daylight hours but must be removed at the end of the business day and stored within the building. No more than one sign per property address is allowed. Sandwich board-style signs must be freestanding and not worn by humans or attached to vehicles, ferries, appurtenances, or animals. Permits shall not be necessary for any temporary signs of less than 24 square feet and displayed in the window from inside the building. Any temporary sign located outside the building shall be limited to less than 24 square feet and shall be limited to one per street frontage. Any temporary sign over 24 square feet and located outside of the building shall be considered a portable sign and shall require a permit and be limited to the rules of § 52-819.
(c)
Temporary signs shall be securely but not permanently attached to
the building of which it serves.
(d)
Temporary signs shall only be allowed in nonresidential districts.
(e)
No temporary sign shall be erected so as to extend over or into any
public right-of-way, street, alley, sidewalk, or other public thoroughfare.
No temporary sign shall be erected so as to project over any wall
opening or so as to prevent free ingress or egress from any door,
window or fire escape. Such sign shall not endanger persons or property
or obstruct the view of traffic or traffic signals.
(f)
Temporary signs shall not be erected for a period of more than 30
consecutive days.
(g)
Any temporary sign that is illuminated or electric shall be installed
pursuant to the current local electrical code as adopted by the City,
and the necessary electrical permits shall be obtained.
(h)
Temporary business signs shall only advertise goods, services, facilities,
events or attractions pertaining to the principal use of the premises
where located.
(i)
Temporary signs shall only be allowed on the building or in the window
and may not be attached to any accessory building, pole, fence, stanchion,
or freestanding frame placed on the premises.
[Code 1992, § 32-765; 8-13-2001 by Ord. No. 1188]
(a)
Not more than one ground sign may be erected accessory to any single
building, structure, or shopping center regardless of the number of
separate parties, tenants or uses contained therein. However, when
any single building, structure, or shopping center is located on a
parcel of land that abuts on two or more streets, it may have two
or more ground signs, one sign per street frontage, subject further
to the use restrictions in this section.
(b)
No ground sign for which a permit is required shall be erected of
combustible materials, unless the face is constructed of sheet metal
or other approved facing materials.
(c)
Ground signs shall be required to be set back from the property line
in accordance with the building setback requirements for a particular
district unless noted otherwise within this article. No ground sign
shall be located with the public right-of-way.
(d)
Ground signs shall be adequately supported to resist dead load and
the wind load acting in any direction on the sign as specified in
the current local building code as adopted by the City.
(e)
No ground sign shall exceed 200 square feet in area. A billboard
is not considered a ground sign under this article.
(f)
If a ground sign projects over an area of vehicular traffic, it shall
have a ten-foot clearance above grade; over pedestrian traffic an
8 1/2-foot clearance.
[Code 1992, § 32-766; 8-13-2001 by Ord. No. 1188; 10-22-2007 by Ord. No. 1280]
(a)
Wall signs attached to exterior walls shall be safely and securely
attached pursuant to local building code regulations. No wall sign
shall be entirely supported by an unbraced parapet wall. Wall signs
shall not exceed 200 square feet in surface area per building face
unless otherwise stated.
(b)
For signs on shopping or office centers, or cluster commercial buildings,
one business wall sign not exceeding 100 square feet per storefront
shall be permitted. The anchor store(s) may have one sign per storefront
that shall not exceed 200 square feet in area.
[Code 1992, § 32-767; 8-13-2001 by Ord. No. 1188; 10-10-2005 by Ord. No. 1253; 5-24-2010 by Ord. No. 1311]
The following shall apply to all awnings:
(1)
Awnings which display advertisement shall be allowed in any nonresidential
district. They shall be considered a type of accessory sign when there
is an advertising display on the awning. Such display may consist
of lettering, a logo, picture, etc.
(2)
Sign permits are required for any awning with an advertising display.
(3)
The awning must be securely attached to the face of a building, and
it must be entirely supported by the building.
(4)
Collapsible awnings erected on the face of a building, which are
located near or on the street right-of-way line, may project not more
than four feet into the public right-of-way and must be a minimum
of 7 1/2 feet above grade level at the lowest point. Noncollapsible
awnings must not project more than two feet into the right-of-way.
(5)
When an awning is used for signage or advertising purposes, only
the rectangular area containing the logo and lettering shall be considered
a sign and shall be in conformance to all signage regulations regarding
size, etc.
(6)
No awning shall overhang onto adjacent private property.
(7)
Any awning which is illuminated shall require an electrical permit
and shall be installed pursuant to the City electrical code.
[Code 1992, § 32-768; 8-13-2001 by Ord. No. 1188; 10-24-2016 by Ord. No. 16-005]
(a)
All electrical equipment used in connection with signs shall, in
addition to specific requirements of this article, be installed in
accordance with the City electrical code.
(b)
All illuminated signs or any illuminated building trim shall be arranged
to prevent glare into adjacent residential districts and shall not
be of such brightness as to cause glare that is hazardous to pedestrians
or auto drivers.
(c)
All spotlights shall be diffused or shielded to not shine on other
properties.
(d)
There shall be no flashing, oscillating or intermittent type of illuminated
sign or display in any residential district or within 100 feet of
any residential district, except that such signs shall be permitted
adjacent to a residential district when mounted along the face of
a building which does not face such residential district.
[Code 1992, § 32-769; 8-13-2001 by Ord. No. 1188]
(a)
All projecting signs for which a permit is required shall be constructed
of noncombustible materials approved by the Building Inspector for
this purpose. Such signs shall be securely attached to the building
to which it is hung, pursuant to local building code requirements.
No staples or nails shall be used to secure any projecting sign to
any building.
(b)
Chains and wire ropes and their attachments shall be galvanized or
of corrosive-resistant material. Metal supports and braces shall be
painted.
(c)
A projecting sign shall overhang entirely on the property which it
services. It shall not overhang into public rights-of-way by more
than two feet or adjacent private property at all.
(d)
The maximum distance a sign can project out from the building to
which it is attached is four feet over private property. If a sign
projects over an area of pedestrian traffic, it shall have an eight-and-one-half-foot
clearance, and over vehicular traffic the sign shall be a minimum
of 8 1/2 feet from the ground below. A clearance level shall
be posted on the sign when hanging over vehicular traffic areas.
(e)
Swinging signs shall be permitted as accessory signs when attached
to the wall of a building in any nonresidential district, subject
to the following conditions:
[Code 1992, § 32-770; 8-13-2001 by Ord. No. 1188]
(a)
Marquee signs constructed of noncombustible material may be attached
to the face of the sides and front of a marquee, and such signs may
extend the entire length and width of the marquee, provided such signs
shall be at least 8 1/2 feet at their lowest level above the
sidewalk level. Marquee signs may also be attached to or hung from
a marquee and, when hung from the bottom of a marquee, shall be at
least 8 1/2 feet at their lowest level above the sidewalk level.
No such sign shall extend outside the line of the marquee.
(b)
The total distance the marquee and marquee sign together can hang
into the right-of-way is two feet.
[Code 1992, § 32-771; 8-13-2001 by Ord. No. 1188]
(a)
Materials. Every roof sign shall be constructed of noncombustible
materials, including the uprights, supports and braces, except that
the ornamental molding, battens, cappings and nailing strips, platforms
and the decorative trimmings may be constructed of combustible materials.
Outside the first or inner fire zone, roof signs constructed of combustible
materials will be permitted, provided the maximum height above grade
shall not exceed the limits of height set forth in the building code
for noncombustible buildings in the particular zone in which the sign
is located.
(b)
Projection. No roof sign shall project beyond the exterior wall,
but if illuminated lighting reflectors may project beyond the face
of the sign.
(c)
Space between roof and sign. When necessary for fire protection,
roof signs shall be so constructed as to leave a clear space, except
for the structure supporting the sign, not less than one foot between
the roof and the lowest part of such sign.
(d)
Supports and anchorage. Supports and anchorage shall be provided
as follows:
(1)
Roof signs shall be thoroughly secured and anchored to the building
over which they are constructed and erected. The dead and wind loads
from the signs shall be distributed to the structural elements of
the building in such a manner that no element shall be overstressed.
(2)
Uplift due to overturning of roof signs shall be adequately
resisted by proper anchorage to the building walls or structure, proper
anchorage to the building as may be needed to integrate and adequately
interconnect sufficient dead load to equal not less than 10% in excess
of the computed uplift applied to the building sign.
(e)
Projection. No roof sign in any district shall project more than
three feet above the building's roofline.
[Code 1992, § 32-772; 8-13-2001 by Ord. No. 1188; 10-10-2005 by Ord. No. 1253; 4-24-2006 by Ord. No. 1265; 10-22-2007 by Ord. No. 1280]
Types of off-premises signs (billboards) allowed and standards
for such signs shall be as follows:
(1)
A billboard structure may be single or double faced, but any double-faced
billboard structure shall have advertising surfaces of equal size
and shape. For the purpose of this article, the following types of
billboards shall be considered double-faced billboards:
a.
A billboard structure where the signs are placed back to back as
long as the backs of the signs are not separated by more than 36 inches.
b.
A billboard structure when constructed in the form of a "V" when
viewed from above, provided the internal angle of the apex is not
greater than 45° and the billboard's structure is not separated
by more than 36 inches at the apex of the "V."
(2)
Each face of a single- or double-faced off-premises (billboard) sign
structure shall be allowed an advertising display area of not more
than 300 square feet.
(3)
No off-premises sign shall be constructed unless it is 500 feet from
the nearest existing off-premises sign on the same side of the road.
(4)
No off-premises sign shall be constructed unless it is more than
150 feet from residentially zoned property.
(5)
All off-premises signs shall be erected on structural steel frames
anchored to the ground by concrete piers. The framework shall be designed
to resist wind pressure over the panel area of 80 pounds per square
foot. Panels should be metal. Trim or border around the panels may
be constructed of wood.
(6)
No sign shall exceed the maximum height limitations of the district
in which it is located. Where it can be shown that topography of the
adjacent building would hamper visibility of a sign, the Zoning Board
of Appeals can rule on a height variation.
(7)
If illuminated, conventional paper or vinyl printed off-premises
signs shall be bottom-lit, and such lighting shall be designed to
illuminate the sign face only. Hours of illumination shall be limited
to dusk to dawn. LED, light-emitting diode, or digital billboards
are allowed per the following regulations:
a.
LED or digital billboards shall only be allowed on Pine Grove Avenue,
10th Avenue, 10th Street, 24th Street, and I-94.
b.
The face of an LED or digital billboard must be 150 feet from a residentially
zoned property and cannot face a residential area.
c.
In order to eliminate the distraction of drivers, an LED or digital
billboard must be placed a minimum of one mile, 5,280 feet, from another
LED or digital billboard.
d.
The intensity of lights shall not interfere with traffic control
devices nor shall they distract motorists or otherwise create a traffic
hazard.
e.
The frequency of message change shall not be more frequent than once
every five seconds.
(8)
The location of any sign to be relocated shall be approved by the
Planning Department prior to construction. If at any time a sign becomes
damaged, including support posts, it may not be replaced. Upon removal
of a sign, the number of remaining signs shall serve as the total
number allowed. At no time can the number of permitted off-premises
sign faces, including LED or digital billboards, in the City exceed
60, which is the number of existing signs as of January 1, 2007, on
file with the Planning Department.
(9)
The face of a billboard may be replaced. When replacing the face
of a permitted off-premises sign with a new sign, the square footage
of the new sign face must be 300 square feet or less, regardless of
the size of the former sign.
(10)
Off-premises signs or billboards are only allowed in the C-1,
M-1, and M-2 Zones.
[Code 1992, § 32-773; 8-13-2001 by Ord. No. 1188; 10-10-2005 by Ord. No. 1253; 10-24-2016 by Ord. No. 16-005]
The following signs are permitted in R, R-1, A-1, A-2 Residential
Districts and residential uses in the I District:
(1)
For each dwelling unit, one nameplate sign displaying the street
name and number and name of the occupant, not exceeding one square
foot in area. No building permit is required for any such signs.
(2)
For permitted principal uses other than dwellings and for permitted
uses after special approval, except state licensed care facilities
in a residential dwelling, one bulletin or announcement board not
exceeding 12 square feet in area. No sign so permitted shall be located
nearer to the front lot line than 1/2 the required front yard setback
nor nearer the side lot line than the required side yard setback.
(3)
In the multiple-family districts, one ground or wall sign indicating the name of the multiple-housing development in addition to individual dwelling nameplates. Such signs indicating the name of the multiple-housing development shall not exceed 48 square feet in area. See permanent subdivision signs in Subsection (6) of this section.
(4)
Signs shall be illuminated only by continuous indirect white light
and shall not contain any visible moving parts.
(5)
Signs advertising real estate for sale, rent or lease when located
on the building or land intended to be sold, rented or leased, provided
they are used only during the construction of a building or the offering
for sale, rent or lease of real estate and provided such signs shall
not exceed six square feet in area. Not more than one such sign per
building or parcel of land shall be permitted on each street upon
which the building or parcel of land fronts. No building permit shall
be required for such signs. Real estate signs shall not be located
in the public right-of-way.
(6)
Permanent subdivision signs which indicate the name of the subdivision or multiple-housing development are allowed on private property, not in the public right-of-way. Signs on private property shall obtain a building permit after receiving a special permit from the Planning Commission. A scaled drawing shall be submitted showing the elevation of the sign indicating the size, layout, color and materials to be used. A site plan shall also be included indicating the location of the sign in relationship to property lines, streets, sidewalks, and utilities. Such signs shall follow the requirements of ground signs and shall be limited to one per entrance to the development. The sign shall not exceed 48 square feet in area or six feet in height. This includes any pillars, posts, or other supporting devices. These signs shall not interfere with visibility in regard to pedestrian or vehicular traffic, and final location shall be at the discretion of the permitting agent if the following rules would cause interference at the particular site: At the intersection with a major thoroughfare, placed at the entry drive of the development, the sign shall be set back a minimum of 30 feet from the curb of the major street and 10 feet from the sidewalk. Subdivision or multifamily housing development signs may be located in the required front yard setback, provided they meet the above criteria. Permanent signs of this nature shall not indicate properties for sale. See temporary subdivision signs in Subsection (7) of this section.
(7)
Temporary subdivision signs not exceeding 100 square feet in area
may be permitted subject to their approval by the Planning Commission
for a twelve-month period, subject to renewal, provided such signs
conform to the conditions established by the Planning Commission to
secure harmony with this chapter and there are buildings or home sales
continuing in the subdivision being advertised. These temporary signs
shall be located only on private property.
[Code 1992, § 32-774; 8-13-2001 by Ord. No. 1188; 10-22-2007 by Ord. No. 1280; 9-28-2015 by Ord. No. 15-008; 10-24-2016 by Ord. No. 16-005]
The following signs are permitted in the C-1, CCD and MD Districts:
(1)
Any sign permitted in residential districts.
(2)
Accessory signs pertaining to the business or service being conducted
on the premises where the sign is located; however, all such signs
must be attached to a building, except ground signs and portable signs.
Signs shall not exceed 200 square feet in area per building face,
unless stated otherwise. For signs on shopping or office centers,
or cluster commercial buildings, one business wall sign not exceeding
100 square feet per storefront shall be permitted. The anchor store(s)
may have one sign per storefront that shall not exceed 200 square
feet in area. Portable and temporary signs have their own size requirements.
The following accessory signs are permitted:
(3)
Signs advertising real estate for sale, rent or lease when located
on the building or land intended to be sold, rented or leased, provided
they are used only during the construction of a building or the offering
for sale, rent, or lease of real estate and provided such signs shall
not exceed 32 square feet in area. Not more than one such sign per
building or parcel of land shall be permitted on each street upon
which the building or parcel of land fronts. No building permit shall
be required for such sign. Real estate signs shall not be located
in the public right-of-way.
(4)
Standard nonaccessory or off-premises signs (billboards) are permitted
only in the C-1 Zones, subject to the following requirements:
[Code 1992, § 32-775; 8-13-2001 by Ord. No. 1188; 10-22-2007 by Ord. No. 1280]
Signs in the B and CBD District shall be permitted or prohibited
as follows:
(1)
Only signs accessory to a building and pertaining to the business
located therein which are supported by a wall of a building and project
less than two feet from the building's wall or less than three feet
above the roofline are permitted. Such accessory signs shall not exceed
200 square feet in surface area.
(2)
Signs advertising real estate for sale, rent or lease when located
on the building or land intended to be sold, rented or leased, provided
they are used only during the construction of a building or the offering
for sale, rent or lease of real estate and provided such signs shall
not exceed 32 square feet in area. Not more than one such sign per
building or parcel of land shall be permitted on each street upon
which the building or parcel of land fronts. No building permit shall
be required for such signs. Signs shall not be located in the right-of-way.
(3)
Ground signs are not permitted.
(4)
New off-premise signs, accessory signs, or billboards are not allowed
in the CBD. If any existing billboards in the CBD are damaged or removed,
they cannot be replaced or repaired.
[Code 1992, § 32-776; 8-13-2001 by Ord. No. 1188; 5-24-2010 by Ord. No. 1311]
Signs in the Military Street Historic District shall be permitted,
restricted or prohibited as follows:
(1)
Only signs attached to the walls of the building are allowed. Each
face of the building shall not have more than two signs each: one
primary and one secondary. Signs must be of similar style. Off-premises
signs or billboards are not permitted.
(2)
A flush-mounted signboard may extend the width of the storefront
but shall not be more than 2 1/2 feet high. The sign shall be
mounted somewhere above the storefront display windows and below the
second story windowsills. Lettering shall be eight to 18 inches high
and shall occupy no more than 65% of the sign, including space between
letters.
(3)
A hanging sign shall be mounted at least 8 1/2 feet above the
sidewalk and shall project no more than two feet from the face of
the building. The size and location of a hanging sign shall be carefully
considered so that it does not interfere with neighboring signs or
pedestrian traffic. Projecting signs may not hang into the right-of-way
by more than two feet.
(4)
Ground signs are not permitted. Signs on the roof or any signs that
project above the roofline are not allowed. A projecting sign may
not hang into the public right-of-way by more than two feet.
(5)
Any lettering or symbols on the sign should be simple and should
relate to the period of the building. Lettering can be mounted directly
on a signboard, storefront or wall. Signage colors should be chosen
to coordinate with the building colors.
(6)
Awnings can also serve as signs. Contrasting letters painted or sewn
onto the valance are effective. Usually six-inch to eight-inch letters
are sufficient. Canvas awnings are acceptable. Aluminum awnings and
balloon awnings that cover storefronts that are lighted from underneath
are not allowed.
(7)
Wood, glass and metal are the preferred sign materials; however,
plastic, canvas, neon, stone, and Plexiglas may be acceptable, if
the treatment is compatible with the historic guidelines as published
by the former Main Street Port Huron. Except for barber poles or clocks,
internally lit plastic signs, signs that flash or revolve or have
movable parts are not acceptable unless they are authentic historic
reproductions. Signage can be lighted in conformance with historic
guidelines as published by the former Main Street Port Huron.
(8)
Window signs shall not cover more than 25% of any window.
(9)
Corporate and franchise logos are required to conform to the historic
guidelines as published by the former Main Street Port Huron.
(10)
Procedures for obtaining a sign permit are as follows:
a.
Application for a sign permit is made through the City Building Inspection
Division, Municipal Office Center, 100 McMorran Boulevard. Scale drawings
of the sign must be included with the application for the certificate.
The detail should be specific enough to show dimension of size, style
of lettering and wording, the paint colors, and materials used in
the sign.
b.
A picture or drawing of the building front showing where the sign
will be attached to the building and its method of attachment must
be included with the application.
c.
The Building Inspector will review the application for compliance
with the historic guidelines of the former Main Street Port Huron.
If the certificate of appropriateness is issued, the permit to install
the signage can be obtained from the Building Inspection Department.
[Code 1992, § 32-777; 8-13-2001 by Ord. No. 1188]
The following signs are permitted in the M-1 and M-2 Industrial
Districts:
(1)
Accessory signs and ground, wall or roof signs pertaining to the
industrial establishment on the premises where the sign is located
and not exceeding 100 square feet in area.
(2)
No ground sign so permitted in Subsection (1) of this section shall be located nearer to the front lot line than 1/2 the required front setback nor nearer the side lot line than the required side yard setback.
(3)
Signs advertising real estate for sale, rent or lease when located
on the building or land intended to be sold, rented or leased, provided
they are used only during the construction of a building or the offering
for sale, rent or lease of real estate and provided such signs shall
not exceed 32 square feet for such signs.
(4)
Standard off-premises signs (billboards) are permitted in industrial
zones subject to the following requirements:
[Code 1992, § 32-778; 8-13-2001 by Ord. No. 1188; 10-10-2005 by Ord. No. 1253; 4-24-2006 by Ord. No. 1265; 10-22-2007 by Ord. No. 1280; 10-24-2016 by Ord. No. 16-005]
The Schedule of Sign Regulations by Zoning District shall be
as follows.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The Schedule of Sign Regulations by Zoning Districts is included as an attachment to this chapter.
