HomeMy WebLinkAbout2.a. Current Sign OrdinanceCITY OF ROSEMOUNT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY FOR ACTION
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE: JULY 15th, 2003
AGENDA: REVIEW CURRENT SIGN ORDINANCES AGENDA SECTION:
DISCUSSION
PREPARED BY: CHARLIE O'BRIEN (W
CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL
ATTACHMENTS: CURRENT ORDINANCES, APPROVED BY:
SUPPLEMENTAL INFO.
Council has requested a review of the sign ordinances at the Committee of the Whole /Council Work
Session meeting on July 15 The current sign ordinances are attached.
NOTES:
10: SIGNS:
10.1: PURPOSE, DEFINITIONS, GENERAL PROVISIONS:
A. Purpose: The purpose of this provision shall be to achieve the following
objectives:
1. To establish standards which permit businesses a reasonable and equitable
opportunity to advertise.
2. To allow for effective identification, advertising and communication through
the use of orderly, discrete and necessary communicative facilities.
3. To restrict the locations of advertising signs with messages which are not
exclusively related to the premises in which they are located, to areas where
visual intrusions have the least impact on the resident population yet allow
maximum exposure to vehicular movement.
4. To create standards regulating the type, size, number and location of signs to
promote uniformity and protect the investment of the most discriminating sign
makers and users.
5. To prevent the use of signs from downgrading the appearance of residential
and commercial neighborhoods. or depreciating property values from the
overcrowding or the oversizing of signs.
6. To prevent the location, size, display or lighting of signs from affecting the
safety of vehicular movement.
7. To encourage a concern for the visual environment which makes the City a
more desirable place to visit, work and live in.
B. Definitions:
BANNERS: Attention getting devices which resemble flags and
are of a paper, cloth or plastic like consistency.
FLAG: A rectangular piece of fabric of distinctive design
which is mounted on a pole that is used as a
symbol (as a nation), signaling device (nautical),
or attention getting.device (advertising -
commercial or noncommercial).
FREE- STANDING SIGN: Any sign that is attached directly to the ground or
is supported vertically by any structure having a
source of support independent of any building
existing on the premises on which the sign is
located.
HEIGHT:
The height of a sign shall be measured from the
center line of the street or highway toward which
the sign is principally displayed to the top of the
sign.
IDENTIFICATION SIGN:
A sign which displays only the name, address and
title of an occupant or the name and address of a
building or development. -
LEGAL NON - CONFORMING SIGN: Any sign lawfully in existence on
the effective date of this Ordinance or any sign
lawfully in existence on the date of any amendment
to this Ordinance which does not conform to the
regulations affecting signs for the district in which
the sign is situated.
NONCONFORMING
Any sign which does not conform to the
regulations of this Ordinance.
OFF- PREMISES
Any sign that directs attention to a
ADVERTISING .
business, product, service, activity
SIGN:
or entertainment not conducted upon
the premises on which such sign is located or to
noncommercial speech.
ON- PREMISES SIGN:
Any sign that directs attention to the name of the
building, premises, or to the name of the
building management firm, or to the business,
principal product, service, entertainment, or
activity conducted, sold or offered upon the
premises on which such sign is located or to
noncommercial speech.
PENNANT:
A flag or banner which tapers to a point.
PORTABLE SIGN:
A sign so designed as to be movable from one
location to another, and which is not permanently,
attached to the ground, sales display device or
structure.
PROJECTING SIGN: Any sign which is affixed to the outside of the
exterior wall or soffit of any building and is not
parallel to the plane of the wall or soffit.
SIDEWALK SIGNS:
A portable sign for temporary placement on a
sidewalk in the public right -of -way, intended for a
building or business located adjacent to the right-
of-way with no front yard or a front yard that will
not accommodate a permanent free - standing sign
as permitted by this ordinance.
SIGN:
Any letter, work, symbol, model, printed,
projected or affixed device, poster, picture,
reading matter, or other representation in the
nature of an advertisement, announcement,
direction or informative device including structural
and component parts that is located outdoors and is
larger than one square foot in area.
SIGN AREA:
The area of a sign includes the space inside a
continuous line drawn around and enclosing all
letters, designs and background materials exclusive
of border, trim and structural supports. For the
purpose of calculating the area of multiple -faced or
back -to -back signs, the stipulated maximum sign
area shall refer to a single face.
SIGN, READER
Any sign having letters not
BOARD:
permanently affixed to the sign face. The intent of
the changeable copy is to permit the owner of the
sign to place messages corresponding to
promotions or events at his establishment.
TRAFFIC SIGN:
A sign which is erected by a governmental agency
for the purpose of guiding vehicular traffic and
providing information to motorists.
WALL SIGN:
A sign which is affixed to the exterior wall,
mansard roof or soffit
of a building and which is parallel to the building
wall. A wall sign does not project more than
..twelve inches (12 ") from the surface to which it is
attached, nor extend beyond the top of the parapet
wall.
C. General Provisions:
1. No sign shall be erected in or overhang upon a public right of way or
otherwise interfere with safe pedestrian or vehicular movement, except traffic
signs.
2. No sign shall contain colors, shapes, intermittent lighting or words such as
stop, warning, caution, etc., which may be confused with traffic signing or
controls unless such signs intended or approved for such use.
3. Electrical signs shall be installed according to State electrical codes and shall
require underground wiring.
4. All permanent signs exposed to weather conditions shall be constructed of
materials to prevent normal deterioration from weathering. Further, all signs
shall be constructed and maintained in a safe, orderly condition.
5. Any sign or sign structure which is defaced, deteriorated, improperly
maintained or otherwise altered from its original permitted condition shall be
repaired, replaced or removed upon written notice from the City.
6. Sign structures not used for signing or signs and /or sign structures not
properly maintained for six (6) consecutive months shall be removed.
7. No sign or sign structure shall be permitted to interfere with the safe access to
doors, windows or fire escapes.
8. No permanent freestanding or building mounted sign shall be supported by
guy wires.
9. No permanent or temporary (portable) sign shall contain intermittent, flashing
or other type of lighting which changes in intensity or color when artificially
illuminated, except time and temperature signs.
10. Flags displayed in commercial and industrial districts shall not exceed in
surface area maximum permitted for freestanding signs, provided further
that the display of more than three (3) flags shall be debited against the total
freestanding signage area permitted.
11. Address signs shall be required for each principal structure in the City,
clearly legible from the street at which access is- gained, except in nonsewered
areas where addresses shall be affixed to mailboxes or a separate structure
visible from the street.
12. No exterior sign shall pivot, move, rotate or display any moving parts
including electronic reader boards, except time and temperature or other public
information. Interior electronic reader boards visible to pedestrians on the
outside are allowed only by permit in Commercial or Business Park Districts
(See 10.2.E.4)
13.Portable signs or revolving beacons are allowed in all commercial districts,
all industrial districts and the public district in addition to permanent signs only
by temporary permit issued by the Community Development Department. The
length of permits for revolving beacons or similar devices shall not exceed three
(3) days and shall be issued a maximum of six (6) times per year. Permits for
portable signs shall be issued a maximum of six (6) times per year for a
maximum of ten (10) days per permit. Permit applications may be obtained from
the Community Development Department and must be submitted three (3) days
prior to installation of a portable sign or beacon. Information required includes
sign dimensions, height, colors, materials of construction, method of anchoring,
content and location. Only one portable sign per lot may be permitted. Portable
signs may not be situated within any public street right of way or easement and
must conform with the setback of any existing freestanding sign on the property.
14. No sign shall be painted directly on the exterior surface of any building.
15. Projecting signs are prohibited in all districts.
16. Ribbons, banners, pennants, and similar devices are allowed in addition to
permanent signs in all commercial districts, all industrial districts and the public
district. It the intent that these means of advertising be used on a temporary
basis and if they are tom, discolored or in any way damaged to substantially
modify there original appearance they must be removed upon written notice of
the Community Development Department.
17. Permanent or temporary (portable) signs which advertise a business,
activity, product or service not located exclusively on the premises are
prohibited except as regulated herein.
18. No signs shall be closer than ten feet (10') from any property line or comer
lots except in the C -2 District and as otherwise regulated herein.
19. No sign may contain more than two (2) sides.
20. Rooftop signs are prohibited in all districts., (Ord. B-5, 7 -3 -90)
21. Sidewalk signs are .allowed without a permit only in the Community
Commercial (C2) District with the following standards:
a. Signs shall be limited to two (2) feet in width and three and one -half
(3.5) feet in height, including support members.
b. No sign shall have more than two (2) faces.
C. Signs shall not limit the normal pedestrian use of the sidewalk, and a
minimum passable contiguous space of three (3) feet shall be maintained
at all times.
d. One (1) sign is permitted for each building adjacent to the public right-
of-way, unless multiple businesses within one building allow separate
business signs to be spaced no closer than thirty (30) feet from another
sidewalk sign.
e. A business or building with two right-of-way frontages may display a
sidewalk sign on either frontage.
f. All signs must be removed from the sidewalk at the end of each business
day.
g. No sidewalk sign shall be lighted by attached external or individual
internal lights.
D. Exceptions:
1. Movie theaters are allowed chasing and running lights on marques subject to
the requirements for wall signs in Commercial and Business Park Districts and
the following standards:
a. Running and chasing lights are only allowed in the C-4 General
Commercial and C -2 Community Commercial Districts;
b. Signs with running and chasing lights are not permitted on walls that
are within two hundred fifty (250) feet of residential districts or uses from which
the sign is visible, and the lights shall not exceed an illumination intensity of 0.5
lumens at the property line.
c. No signs with running and chasing lights are allowed in a front yard
setback;
d. Signs with running and chasing lights shall be`a minimum of twelve
(12) feet above the adjacent grade elevation and street grade elevation;
e. The power of illumination of running and chasing lights shall be
limited to fifteen (15) watts per bulb;
f. Running and chasing lights shall not be located near intersections nor
within the sight triangle adjacent to an intersection;
g. Only permanent wall signs shall be allowed running and chasing
lights; and
h. Hours of illumination shall be limited to between the hours of 11:30
a.m. and 11 :00 p.m.
10.2: PERMITTED SIGNS:
A. All Districts: The following signs are allowed without a permit in all zoning
districts, but shall comply with all other applicable provisions of the ordinance.
1. Traffic Signs.
2. Public Signs: Signs including public information, points of interest,
memorials and other noncommercial information provided such signs are erected
by or on the order of the City or other public agency having jurisdiction.
3. Directional Signs: Signs giving direction for pedestrian and vehicular.
movement on the premises in which the signs are located, not exceeding four (4)
square feet in area nor three feet (3') in height.
4. Commemorative Signs: Signs or plaques stating the name, date of
construction, etc., of the building itself as opposed to the name or nature of a
business, unless they are one in the same.
5. Holiday Signs: Temporary signs or displays relating non - commercial
messages associated with national, State or local holidays or festivals.
6. Campaign Signs: Signs or displays naming candidates or issues to be voted
upon at public elections, provided such signs are posted no sooner than ninety
(90) days before an election and are removed ten (10) days after an election.
7. Real Estate Signs: Signs displaying sale or lease of property and contacts of
owners or agents not exceeding twenty -four (24) square feet in area, provided
only one sign is erected .per street frontage and all signs are removed within ten
(10) days after the sale; or lease of the property; except in commerciaUindustrial
areas where up to two f (2) signs per street frontage shall be permitted not
exceeding seventy (70) square feet,
8. Rummage Sale Signs: Signs announcing rummage or garage sales not
exceeding four (4) square feet in area, provided such signs are located on
private property and are removed immediately after the sale.
9. Address Signs: Signs displaying letters or numbers naming only the owners
and/or address of the property not exceeding one square foot located at the street
frontage property line, except on comer lots where such signs shall be set back
at least fifteen feet (15') from either property line, or on the principal structure.
B. Signs Allowed by Permit in All Districts:
1. Construction Signs: Signs naming a project, owners, contractors, etc. not
exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet in area or ten feet (10') in height, provided
such signs contain no other advertising and are removed upon completion of the
project or two (2) years from erection, whichever is sooner.
2. Development Signs: Signs promoting subdivision developments under
construction not exceeding one hundred (100) square feet in area or twenty feet
(20') in height, provided such signs are located on the development site and are
removed after ninety percent (90 %) of the lots have been sold.
3. Institutional Signs: Signs displaying names, addresses or directions for
schools, churches, public buildings, nonprofit organizations, tax exempt
organizations, fraternal organizations, clubs, parks, public events, etc., not
exceeding three (3) square feet in area or six feet (6') in height.
C. Signs Allowed by Permit in Agriculture Districts:
1. One sign per farm identifying the name of said farm not exceeding twenty-
four (24) square feet.
2. One sign per farm advertising agricultural products' raised in part on the
premises not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet.
D. Signs Allowed by Permit in Residential Districts:
1. Permanent identification signs for residential developments not exceeding
thirty-six (36) square feet per sign with a maximum of two (2) signs at each
principal entrance; provided signs are located on private property and do not
jeopardize traffic or pedestrian safety.
2. One identification sign for multiple family. dwellings not exceeding twenty-
four (24) square feet, set back a minimum of ten feet (10') from all property
lines not exceeding three feet (3') in height.
3. One temporary freestanding sign per residential development advertising the
sale or lease of dwelling units on the premises not exceeding one hundred (100)
square feet nor twenty feet (20') in height.
4. One identification sign per each permitted public and institutional principal
building or use not exceeding thirty -six (36) square feet or six feet (6') in
height.
E. Signs Allowed by Permit in Commercial and BP Districts:
1. In commercial districts situated north of C.S.A.H. 42, one freestanding sign
for each principal structure not exceeding eighty (80) square feet nor twenty feet
(20') in height. In commercial districts situated south of C.S.A.H. 42 and in the
Business Park District, one freestanding sign for each principal structure not
exceeding one hundred (100) square feet nor twenty feet (20') in height.
2. For the purposes of creating identity in planned commercial and industrial
park subdivisions, in addition to other freestanding signs allowed by this
Ordinance, one freestanding subdivision identification sign shall be allowed. In
commercial subdivisions situated north of C.S.A.H. 42 subdivision
identification signs shall be limited to eighty (80) square feet and twenty feet
(20') in height. In commercial subdivisions situated south of C.S.A.H. 42 and in
industrial park subdivisions subdivision identification signs shall be limited to
one hundred (100) square feet and twenty feet (20') in height. Commercial and
industrial park subdivision identification signs shall only be permitted on
property within the subdivision being identified which is situated on a Principal
or Minor Arterial as identified in the City of Rosemount Comprehensive Guide
Plan. Furthermore, no commercial or industrial park subdivision identification
sign shall be situated closer than one hundred feet (100') to any other permitted
freestanding sign.
3. Wall signs in commercial districts situated north of C.S.A.H. 42 not
exceeding fifteen percent (15 %) of the total area of the wall on which the signs
are affixed. Wall signs in commercial districts situated south of C.S.A.H. 42
and in the Business Park District not exceeding twenty percent (20 %) of the
total area of the wall on which the signs are affixed. Wall signs to be
constructed on structures with more than one sign be designed according to an
approved sign concept plan in which all signs have complementary designs,
similar shapes and sign areas. Consideration may be made by PUD to permit
variation in size and design of signs for major tenants or anchor businesses in
larger complexes.
4. Changeable letter reader boards provided the sign area is included in the total
sign area permitted. Electronic reader boards may be displayed from the inside
of buildings to be visible through windows by pedestrians. Maximum size for
electronic reader boards displayed in this fashion shall be determined by the
Planning Commission; in general, such displays should be limited to a size
which does not represent a distraction to passing motorists.
5. Temporary signs as permitted in residential districts, provided not more than
one such sign is permitted on any one parcel nor located any closer than one
hundred fifty feet (150') from any other freestanding sign.
6. Public and institutional identification signs as permitted in residential districts.
F. Signs Allowed by Permit in IG Districts:
1. One freestanding sign for each principal structure not exceeding one hundred
(100) square feet nor twenty feet (20') in height.
2. Wall signs not exceeding twenty percent (20%) of the total area of the wall
on which the signs are affixed.
3. Temporary signs as permitted in residential districts, provided. not more than
one such sign is permitted on any one parcel nor located any closer than one
hundred fifty feet (150') from any other freestanding sign.
4. Public and institutional signs as permitted in residential districts.
5. Off - premises advertising signs,. provided such signs are located adjacent to
principal arterials as defined in the Comprehensive Guide Plan. Such off
premises advertising signs shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet in
area nor twenty feet (20') in height, nor be located at intervals exceeding two
thousand five hundred feet (2500') radius; provided further such signs shall not
be located closer than five hundred feet (500') from any residence, public or
institutional use or municipal corporate limits. Off - premises advertising signs
are considered a separate use of property and not an accessory use, and may
only be located on a parcel which meets zoning requirements for the IG District.
G. Signs Allowed by Permit in PUD Districts:
1. One freestanding sign for each principal structure not exceeding eighty (80)
square feet nor twenty feet (20') in height.
2. Wall signs not exceeding fifteen percent (15 %) of the total area of the wall on
which the signs are affixed.
H. Signs Allowed by Permit in FW Districts:
1. Navigational signs including barge ship identification and directional signs.
2. Park identification and interpretation signs. (Ord. B-5, 7 -3 -90)
10.3: PERMITTING PROCEDURES AND ORDINANCE COMPLIANCE
REQUIREMENTS:
A. Permit Requirements: Except as otherwise provided in this Chapter, no sign or
structure shall be erected, constructed, altered, rebuilt or relocated until a permit
has been issued by the City.
1. Application Requirements: Applicants should contact the Community
Development Department to obtain the necessary application form. Information
required includes sign dimensions, height, colors, materials of construction,
method of anchoring, content and location. A sketch or photograph of the
proposed sign is required as well as a site plan which adequately illustrates the
proposed location of the sign.
2. Application Review Procedure: Upon the filing of an application for a sign
permit, Community Development Department staff shall examine the plans and
specifications and the premises upon which it is proposed to erect the sign. If the
proposed sign is in compliance with this Ordinance, the Building Code of the
City and all other laws and ordinances of the City the sign permit will be
approved.
3. Fee: The required fee as established by resolution of City Council shall be
paid to the City before issuance of a sign permit.
B. Ongoing Ordinance Compliance Requirements for New and Existing Signs:
1. Unsafe Signs, Notice: If the City finds that any sign or other advertising
structure regulated here is unsafe or insecure, a menace to the public, or in
violation of the provisions of this Ordinance, written notice from the
Community Development Department shall be issued to the holder of the
permit. The holder of the permit shall remove or alter the structure so as to
comply with the standards required by this Ordinance and indicated by the
Community, Development Department within ten (10) days after issuance of such
notice.
2. Existing Signs: Any sign legally existing on the effective date of this
Ordinance which does not conform to the requirements set forth in this
Ordinance shall become a nonconforming use. Nonconforming signs shall be
allowed to continue, but shall not be rebuilt, relocated, replaced or altered
without being brought into compliance with all the requirements of this
Ordinance. Maintenance of nonconforming signs shall comply with provisions
of Section 14.3 of this Ordinance.
3. Removal of Signs: The Community Development Department shall order the
removal of any sign erected or maintained in violation of this Ordinance. Thirty
(30) days notice in writing shall be given to the owner of such sign, or of the
building, structure or premises on which such sign is located, to either
comply with ordinance or remove the sign.