5257-92
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ORDINANCE NO. 5257-92
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA,
RELATING TO THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE; AMENDING CHAPTER
134, CODE OF ORDINANCES, RELATING TO SIGNS AND SIGN
REGULATIONS; AMENDING SECTION 137.005, CODE OF
ORDINANCES, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS; PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
CLEARWATER, FLORIDA:
Section 1. Section 134.006, Code of Ordinances, is amended to read:
Sec. 134.006.
Definitions Key definitions.
Advertisinq: Anv form of public announcement intended to aid. directly or
indirectly, in the sale, use, or promotion of a product, commodity, service.
activity. or entertainment.
Animated siqn: Any siqn which includes action, motion. ttleoo,tical
illusion of action or motion or color chanqes of all or any part of 'the siqn
facinq, requirinq electrical enerqy or set in motion by movement oLthe
atmosphere or a siqn made UP of a series of sections that turn and stop to show
two or more pictures or messaqes in the copy area, except time and temperature
sians. Animated siqns shall include electronic reader boards in which the
messaqe chanqes more often than once every 24 hours.
Architectural detail: Anv projection. relief, chanqe of material. window
or door open i nq, exter i or 1 i qht i nq, in 1 a y or other exter i or bu i 1 di riq features not
specifically classified herein as a siqn. The term includes, but is not limited
to, relief or inlay features or patterns that distinquish window or door
QPeninqs, exterior liqhtinq that frames buildinq features. and challqes in facade
.m~ter'ials to create an architectural effect.
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~ Area or surface S~rface area of a sion: The area. in sou are feet. enclosed
by a rectanole. parallelooram., trianole, circle, semi-circle. cross, other
oeometric fioures. or other architectural desion. the sides of which make contact
with the extreme points or edoes of the sion. excludino the supportino structure
which does not form part of the sion proper or of the display. The area of a
sion composed of characters of words attached directly to a laroe. uniform
buildino wall surface shall be the smallest rectanole. trianole. circle.
parallelooram. other oeometric fioure. or other architectural desion. or
combination of not more than two of such fioures or desions. which encloses the
whole oroup of words or characters. Unless otherwise indicated. "areal! means
area per sion face. The smallest rectaR~ylar, trapezoidal, triaR~ylar, circylar
or semicirc~lar area of a sign which fylly eRcompasses all extremities of the
sign, excl~sive of sY~~orts, y~ri~hts, Braces aRd frame. Fer the pyrpose of
determiRing the s~rface area of a si~R comprised of lettering placed OR a wall
or in a window, the s~rface area shall be the smallest rectaR~ylar, trapezoidal,
triang~lar, circylar or semicircylar area ~hich fylly encompasses the message or
messages.
Art work: Drawinos. pictures. symbols. paintinos or sculpture which in no
way identify a product or business and which are not displayed in conjunction
with a commercial. for profit or a non-profit enterprise.
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Attached sion: Anv sion attached to. on, or supported bv any part of a
bu il d i no (e. o. wa 11 s. mansard roof/wa 11. awn i no. wi ndows, or canopy) wh i ch
encloses or covers usable space.
Auxiliary freestandinq siqn: An additional freestandino sion allowed due
to exceptional property frontaoe characteristics.
Banner: A sion havino characters. letters. numbers. illustrations. symbols
or ornamentation backed by fabric. paper or similar material and attached to a
pole, halyard. rope. wire. strino. cord or similar device or to a buildino at one
or more edoes or bv one or more corners. The term does not include flaos as
defined in this section.
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Beacon: A stationary or revolvino lioht which flashes or pro.iects
illumination. sinole color or multi-colored. in any manner which is intended to
attract or divert attention: except. however. this term is not intended to
include any kind of liohtino device which is reouired or necessary under the
safety reoulations described by the Federal Aviation Aoency or similar aoencies.
Bench sions/bus shelter sions: A bench or bus shelter upon which a sion
is drawn. painted, printed. or otherwise affixed thereto.
Buildino setback line: A line beyond which no buildino may extend. as
established by ordinance. A buildino setback line. in some instances, may
coincide with the property line.
Bulletin board: Sion of permanent character. but with removable letters,
words. numerals or symbols. indicatino the names or persons associated with, or
events conducted upon. or products or services offered upon. the premises upon
which such a sion is maintained.
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Business establishment: Any individual person. non-profit orqanization.
partnership. corporation. other orqanization or leqal entity holdinq a valid
occupational license and occupyinq distinct and separate physical space.
Canopy (awninq) siqn: Anv siqn that is a part of or attached to an awninq.
canopy. or other fabric. plastic or structural protective cover over a door.
entrance. window. or outdoor service area. A marquee is not a canopy.
Chanqeable messaae: A portion of a sian which messaae COpy is chanaed
manually or automatically in the field throuah the utilization of attachable
letters. numbers. symbols. and other similar characteristics.
Construction sian: Anv sian aivina the name of principal contractors.
architects. and/or lendina institutions responsible for construction on the site
where the sian is placed. toqether with other information included thereon.
Directional sian: Any siqn which exclusively contains information
providina direction or location of any object. place. or area includina but not
limited to. those sians indicatina avenues of inaress/earess.
Directory/information sian: Any sian providina information primarily
intended to direct persons to a tenant or service located or provided in a multi-
tenant buildina or property.
Double-faced sian: A sian which has two display surfaces backed aaainst
the same backaround. one face of which is desianed to be seen from one direction
and the other from the opposite direction. every point on each face beina either
in contact with the other face or in contact with the same backaround.
Erect: To build, construct. attach. hana. place. suspend or affix. The
term includes, but is not limited to. the paintinq of a siqn.
Exempt siqn: Any siqn for which a permit is not required. An exempt siqn
shall comply with all other terms and conditions of these reaulations.
Flaa: A banner containina distinct colors. patterns or symbols. used as
a symbol of a aovernment. political subdivision. corporation, business, or other
ent itv.
Freestandinq sian: Anv siqn supported bv structures or supports that are
placed on or anchored in the around and that are independent of any buildina or
other structure.
Frontaae. buildina: The sinale facade constitutina lenath of buildina or
that portion of a buildina occupied bv a sinale office. business. or enterprise
abuttina a street. parkinq area. or other means of customer access such as an
arcade, mall. or walkway.
Frontaae, property: The lenqth of the property line for a parcel which
runs parallel to, and alona, a road riqht-of-wav or street exclusive of allev-
ways.
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. Gasol ine price display sian: Anv sian which displays the prices of
aasolines for sale.
Government or public purpose sian: A sian servina a public purpose and
installed or approved by a public aaencv. The term includes but is not limited
to traffic/directional sians. community identity and entrance sians. sians or
banners for special community events as determined bv the city commission or city
manaaer. sians for parks and stadiums (includina sians promotina events scheduled
to be held in the parks and stadiums). sians located on private property which
promote special events for the benefit of charitable. non-profit oraanizations.
and public sians that provide direction to places of interest. The term does not
include sians containina advertisina except to the extent allowed by this
chapter.
Ground level: The lower of finish arade of a parcel of land exclusive of
any fillina. bermina. moundina or excavatina solely for the purpose of locatina
a sian. Ground level on marina docks or floatina structures shall be the finish
arade of the landward portion of the adjoinina parcel.
Heiaht: The vertical distance measured from around level nearest the base
of the sian to the hiahest point of the sian.
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Identification sign: Any sian which indicates no more than the name.
address. company loao and occupation or function of an establishment or premise.
f\ sigR l:lsl:lally displayeel for tRe pl:frJ3ose of primary J3rof>crty or bl:lsiRess
ideRtificatioR pl:lrf>oses aRe I:fsl:fally limited te fOl:fr (q) words or less to cRable
ease of ideRtificatioR, readaeility aRe legibility, bl:lt WRiCR sigR may be l:lsed
for aRY comml:lRicatioR f>l:frpose aRe! may c0RtaiR aRY Rumber of wares.
Incidental attached sian: Any sian. such as credit card or business hours
sians. which provides information incidental to the identification of the
business to which the sian is attached.
Intearal roof sian: Any sian constructed as an intearal part of a normal
roof structure so lona as that portion of the roof structure where the sian is
attached does not slope more than 45 dearees past the vertical. and where no part
of the sian extends above the roof or is separated from the rest of the roof by
a space of more than six inches.
Intearal sian: Anv sian which specifies the name of a buildina. date of
erection. monumental citations and the like when carved into stone. concrete or
similar material or made of bronze. aluminum or other permanent construction and
made an intearal part of the buildina.
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Maintenance: The replacina. repairina or repaintina of a portion of a sian
structure. periodically chanaina chanaeable copy or renewina copy which has been
made unusable by ordinary wear or weather or accident.
Menu sian (for drive-throuah establishments): Anv sian placed so as to be
viewed from a drive-throuah lane and containina only a listina of products. with
prices. offered for sale by the business. A menu sian may include a mechanism
for orderinq products while viewinq the siqn.
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Multi-tenant buildina: A buildina where more than one business is serviced
by a common entrance. and where such businesses may be located above the first
story or otherwise be without frontaae on a public riaht-of-wav.
Nonconformina sian: Anv sian that does not conform to the reauirements of
these reaulations.
Off-premise sian: Any sian identifvina or advertisina a product. business.
person. activity. condition, or service not located or available on the same lot
where the sian is installed and maintained.
On-premise sian: Any sian which identifies a use, business or advertises
a product for sale or service to be rendered on the lot where the sian is
located.
Political sian: Anv sian which constitutes a political advertisement which
the primary purpose is related to the candidacy of any person for public office
or any public issue in an upcomina election.
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Portable sian: Any sian not permanently attached to the around or other
permanent structure. or a sian desianed to be transported. includina. but not
limited to: sians desianed to be transported bv means of wheels: balloons and
other inflatables: and umbrellas used for advertisina.
Primary attached sian: An attached sian intended to serve as the primary
identification of the specific business or buildina to which the sian is
attached.
Projectina sian: Any sian affixed perpendicularly to a buildina or wall
in such a manner that its leadina edae extends more than one foot beyond the
surface of such buildina or wall.
Public/semi-public sian: Anv sian erected on site for a non-profit or
auas i-pub 1 i c use such as a 1 i brary. school. church, hospita 1. or aovernment owned
buildina.
Real estate sian: Anv sian advertisina the sale, rental or lease of
premises, or part of the premises, on which the sian is displayed.
Roof sian: Anv sian erected and constructed wholly on or above the roof
of a buildina, supported by the roof structure. except intearal roof sians.
Sandwich board sian: A self-supportina sian, temporarily restina upon and
not permanently affixed to the around, typically used for exhibitina information
for the convenience of pedestrians.
Sign: Any writing, picture, symbol, banner or other graphic communication
or device which is primarily used to convey information, attract attention, or
advertise and is prominently visible from an outdoor location. The term includes
the sian structure.
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Sian face: The part of the sian that is or can be used to identify,
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display. advertise. communicate information. or for visual representation which
attracts or intends to attract the attention of the public for any purpose.
Sign structure: Anv structure which is desianed specifically for the
purpose of supportina a sian. has supported. or is capable of supportina a sian.
This definition shall include any decorative covers. braces. wires. supports. or
components attached to or placed around the sian structure. TAe sl-Jpports,
l-JprigAts, braces aR8 frame af a si~R.
Snipe sian: A off-premise sian which is tacked. nailed. posted. pasted.
alued. or otherwise attached to trees. poles. stakes. fences. or to other
ob.iects.
Strina of pennants: Any series of pieces of cloth. plastic. paper. or
other material attached in a row at only one or more edaes. or bv one or more
corners. the remainder hanaina loosely. to any wire. cord. strina. rope. or
similar device. The term includes but is not limited to pennants. streamers.
spinners. ribbons. and tinsel.
Subdivision sian: A sian which is primarily intended to display the name
of a platted subdivision or other residential development. includina a mobile
home park. but may contain supplemental information. so lona as such supplemental
information is clearly incidental to the display of the name of the platted
subdivision or other residential development. includina a mobile home park.
Sl-Jrface arcal TAe smallest rectaR~l-llar, trapezoidal, triangl-Jlar, circl-Jlar
or sGmicircl-Jlar area of a si~n wRicA fl-llly encompasses all extrcmities of tRc
sign, excll-lsive af sl-Jp~orts, l-lpri~Rts, braces an8 frame. For tAe pl-Jrpose of
determining thc sl-Jrface area of a Si~R cam~rised of lettering placed OR a wall
or in a ~indow, the sl-lrface area shall ee tRG smallest rectangl-llar, trapezoidal,
triaR~l-llar, circl-Jlar or scmicircl-llar area wRicR fl-llly eRcompasses tRD message or
messages.
Temporarv sian: A sian which is displayed for a limited period of time.
usually less than one year but not to exceed the time authorized by this
development code for a particular temporary sian use.
Time and temperature sian: A sian containina illuminated numerals and
displayina the time and temperature only.
Vehicle sian: A sian attached to or placed on a vehicle (includina
automobiles. trucks. boats. campers. and trailers) that is parked on or otherwise
utilizina a public riaht-of-wav. public property or on private property so as to
be intended to be viewed from a vehicular riaht-of-wav for the basic purposes of
providina advertisement of products or services or directina people to a business
or activity. This definition is not to be construed to include those sians that
identify a firm or its principal products on a vehicle (unless such vehicle is
parked in such a manner that it is intended to provide advertisement of products
or services or to direct people to a business or activity) or such advertisina
devices as may be attached to and within the normal unaltered lines of the
vehicle of a licensed transit carrier when and durina that period of time said
vehicle is reaularlv and customarily used to traverse the public hiqhways durinq
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. the normal course of business.
Wall siqn: A siqn parallel to and placed either directly on or attached
to the exterior wall of a buildinq or structure.
Warninq siqn: Siqns located on a property postinq said property for
warninq or prohibitions on parkinq. trespassinq. huntinq. fishinq. swimminq. or
other activity. provided such siqns do not carry any commercial messaqe or
identification.
Window siqn: A siqn located on a window or within a buildinq or other
enclosed structure. which is visible from the exterior throuqh a window or other
openinq. Window siqns may be permanent or temporary. with different requirements
for each type of window siqn.
Section 2. Article II of Chapter 134, Code of Ordinances, consisting of
Sections 134.007 through 134.012, is amended to read:
ARTICLE II. SIGN STANDARDS
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[Note: Substantial revision. See current
code for existinq text.]
Sec. 134.007. Permitted sign types.
The following sign types shall be permitted in the various zoning
districts:
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(1) Freestanding signs (including auxiliary freestanding signs).
(2) Attached signs:
- Wall signs
Canopy or awning signs
Permanent window signs
Temporary window signs
- Projecting signs
Incidental attached signs
- Integral signs
- Integral roof signs
- Machinery signs
- Attached menu signs
(3) Freestanding or attached signs:
- Bulletin board signs.
- Construction signs.
- Directional signs.
Directory/Information signs.
- Garage and yard sale signs.
- Gasoline price display signs.
- Menu signs for drive-through establishments.
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Political signs.
- Real estate signs.
- Sandwich board signs.
Theater/movie announcement signs.
- Time and temperature signs
Sec. 134.008. Visual clearance, sight triangle, and clear distance.
(1) The visual clearance and sight triangle, to assure adequate sight
distance at the intersection of two public roadways and at the intersection of
a public roadway and an accessway or driveway, shall follow the criteria of the
Florida Department of Transportation's Manual of Uniform Minimum Standards for
Design, Construction, and Maintenance for Streets and Highways, or criteria
otherwise specified by the city manager or designee.
(2) For any sign which projects over a sidewalk or other pedestrian access
area, a minimum clear distance of nine feet shall be maintained as measured from
ground level to the bottom portion of the sign structure which projects over the
sidewalk or other pedestrian access area, unless a lesser clear distance is
specifically allowed by the standard building code based upon the design of the
sign structure. For any sign which projects over a right-of-way or other
vehicular access area, a minimum clear distance of 14 feet shall be maintained
as measured from ground level to the bottom portion of the sign structure which
projects over the right-of-way or other vehicular access area. Signs that
project over public sidewalks and rights-of-way shall require the approval of the
director of public works.
Sec. 134.009. Exempt Signs.
The following types of signs are exempt from the permitting requirements
of this chapter, provided that number, area, and other limitations set forth in
this section are satisfied. The area of exempt signs shall not be included in
determining compliance with maximum allowable sign area requirements. Exempt
signs are allowed in addition to signs for which permits are required. An
otherwise exempt sign which exceeds the limitations of this section shall require
a permi t.
(1) Address signs for residential properties, limited to one address sign
per residential property or per each platted residential subdivision or property
entrance. The address numbers shall be at least three inches in height, in
arabic numbers, and of contrasting color to the background. Address signs shall
be displayed on the front of the property. Address signs for nonresidential
propert ies are not exempt. The area of address signs shall be 1 imited as
follows:
Zoninq district
Maximum siqn area
Single family residential
Multiple family residential
(2) Art work.
(3) Architectural detail.
2 square feet
6 square feet
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(4) Changeable message on permitted signs. This exemption does not
include changes to the sign structure.
(5) Commemorative signs for religious holidays, limited to displays during
a period of time beginning 30 days before and ending 15 days after the holiday.
This exemption includes lighting, figures, and other similar displays that may
be regarded as a sign, but does not include commemorative signs of types which
are expressly prohibited by this chapter.
(6) Construction signs, limited to one sign per lot frontage.
Construction signs may be displayed only during the time a valid building permit
is in force. The area of construction signs shall be limited as follows:
Zonina district
Single family residential
Multiple family residential
Nonresidential
Maximum sian area
16 square feet
32 square feet
32 square feet
(7) Flags, limited to one flag on any single-family residentially zoned
property; not more than one flag per dwelling unit, displayed at the dwelling
unit, on any duplex or multi-family residentially zoned property; not more than
two flags on any nonresidentially zoned property; and not more than three flags
on public property. On duplex or multi-family residentially zoned properties,
"displayed at the unit" means one flag may be displayed on or at each dwelling
unit, and may not be combined with flags from other dwelling units in a multiple-
flag display. Flags shall be positioned so that no part of a flag is able to
encroach over a public right-of-way.
(8) Garage and yard sale signs, not to exceed four square feet in area,
and not to exceed one sign per lot frontage. Directional off-site garage or yard
sale signs may be permitted for a particular lot only on those days when there
is a garage or yard sale in progress. No sign shall be placed within a street
right-of-way.
(9) Government and public purpose signs. When located in a public park
or other public property, stadium signs and signs erected for special community
events may include commercial messages for vendors and event sponsors. Signs
located on private property which promote special events for the benefit of
charitable, non-profit organizations shall not be erectea for longer than four
days for each event, nor shall such signs be erected more frequently than two
times per calendar year; such signs may include commercial messages for vendors
and sponsors.
(10) I nc i denta 1 attached signs, prov i ded that the tota 1 area of all
incidental attached signs shall not exceed two square feet per building frontage.
(11) Integral signs. Integral signs shall be allowed so long as the total
area of such signs does not exceed two square feet per building facade.
(12) Machinery signs. Examples are signs on newspaper machines, vending
machines, gasoline pumps, and public telephone booths.
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(13) Marina vessel slip signs. Each individual vessel slip at a marina
may be identified with a sign not exceeding four square feet in area placed in
the vicinity of the slip.
(14) Menu signs (attached) placed in the vicinity of entrances or service
windows of restaurants and not exceeding a total of four square feet per entrance
or service area.
(15) On-site directional signs. No individual sign shall exceed four
square feet in area unless otherwise specified. Business logos or other symbols
may be placed on on-site directional signs so long as they do not exceed 25
percent of the area of the sign and are clearly incidental or complementary to
the directional message of the signs.
(16) Political signs. One sign shall be allowed for each candidate or
issue per each road frontage. Signs in residential districts shall not exceed
six square feet in area. Signs in nonresidential districts shall not exceed 32
square feet in area. Political signs shall be erected no sooner than 60 days
prior to the election for which they are intended, and shall be removed within
seven days after the election for which they are intended.
(17) Real estate signs. Signs in residential districts shall not exceed
six square feet in area. Signs in non-residential districts shall not exceed 32
square feet in area. Freestanding real estate signs shall be placed a minimum
of five feet from all property lines. One real estate sign per saleable or
leasable unit shall be permitted. However, only one freestanding real estate
sign per property frontage shall be permitted; any additional allowable signs
shall be attached signs. Directional off-site real estate signs shall be
permitted for a particular lot only on those days when there is an open house.
Waterfront parcels shall be permitted one real estate sign oriented toward the
water in addition to the real estate sign(s) permitted for non-waterfront
property; such signs may be freestanding or attached in single family zoning
districts, but shall only be attached signs in other zoning districts. Saleable
or leasable units fronting on two or more streets shall be allowed the permitted
real estate signs for each frontage, but these signs cannot be accumulated and
used on one street in excess of that allowed for the saleable or leasable units
based on that one street frontage. For parcels with over 500 feet of street
frontage on one right-of-way, one additional freestanding real estate sign may
be permitted.
(18) Stadium signs that face inward toward a stadium and are not intended
for viewing from adjacent properties or rights-of-way.
(19) Temporary window signs. Signs shall be allowed in nonresidential
zoning districts for a period not longer than 30 days. The maximum area of said
signs shall be 20 percent of window area or 100 square feet, whichever is less.
The area to be used for such signs shall be clearly delineated with paint, tape
or other markings to aid in the enforcement of the area requirements of this
section.
(20) Warning signs, not to exceed two square feet in area.
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Sec. 134.010. Proh;b;ted,s;gns.
The following types of signs are prohibited:
Abandoned signs. Abandoned signs and/or sign structures which are
determined to be nonconforming with the provisions of this section shall be
required to be removed by the property owner within 30 days after receipt of
notification (or refusal to accept delivery of notification by certified mail)
that such removal is required. Alternately, the sign panel(s) within the
abandoned sign structure may be removed and replaced with sign panel (s) of
neutral color and containing no message.
Banners, flags, balloons, cold air inflatables, streamers, and strings of
pennants, except where allowed as governmental and public purpose signs for
special events of limited time and frequency, as approved by the city manager or
the city commission, and except banners and flags where allowed as an exemption
from the permitting requirements of this chapter or where permitted as free-
standing or attached signs.
Bus shelter signs and bench signs. This prohibition shall not be construed
to include the identification of the transit company or its route schedule.
Changeable message signs, except menu and time and temperature signs, in
which the message changes more rapidly than once every 24 hours.
Menu signs in which the message changes more rapidly than once every three
hours.
Pavement markings, except official traffic control markings and street
addresses.
Portable signs.
Roof and above-roof signs.
Sandwich board signs, except in the Core and Eastern Corridor subdistricts
of the Urban Center District.
Signs attached to or painted on piers or seawalls, other than official
regulatory or warning signs.
Signs in or upon any river, bay, lake, or other body of water.
Signs located on publicly-owned land or easements or inside street rights-
of-way, except signs required or erected by permission of the city manager or
city commission, and sandwich board signs to the extent permitted in the Core and
Eastern Corridor subdistricts of the Urban Center district. Prohibited signs
shall include, but shall not be limited to, handbills, posters, advertisements,
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d. Neither the direct nor the reflected 1 ight from primary 1 ight sources
shall create a traffic hazard to operators of motor vehicles on public
thoroughfares.
(5) Banners and flags. A banner or flag may be used as a permitted free-
standing or attached sign and, if so used, the area of the banner or flag shall
be included in, and limited by, the computation of allowable area for free-
standing or attached signs on the property.
(6) Garage or yard sale signs shall be subject to the following:
a. Maximum area: Four square feet per sign.
b. Duration: Signs shall be erected for a period of not longer than
three days per event and not more frequently than two times (events) per calendar
year.
c. Off-premise directional signs for garage or yard sales shall be
permitted only on each day during which an active garage or yard sale is taking
place. Such signs shall be placed on private property only.
(7) Gasoline price display signs shall be allowed in all nonresidential
districts except where specifically prohibited. Gasoline price display signs
shall be placed in the vicinity of the pump islands and shall not extend above
any pump island canopy, or they shall be attached to the primary freestanding
sign for the property. If attached to the freestanding sign, the area of the
gasoline price display sign shall be counted toward the allowable area for the
freestanding sign.
(8) Theater/movie announcement signs may be either freestanding or
attached, but not both, unless required by zoning district regulations to be
freestanding or attached signs. Freestanding theater/movie announcement signs
shall be allowed in addition to other freestanding signs allowed for properties
developed as shopping centers, office complexes, retail complexes, or multi-
tenant buildings. Freestanding theater/movie announcement signs shall be allowed
as substitutes for the allowable freestanding signage for other properties.
Attached theater/movie announcement signs shall be in addition to the allowable
attached signage.
(9) Time and temperature signs shall be allowed in all nonresidential
districts except where specifically prohibited. The maximum area for the time
and temperature portion Dnly shall be 20 square feet. The area of a time and
temperature sign, whether attached or freestanding, shall be included in
determining the cumulative area of signs on a property.
(d) Requirements in specific zoning districts.
(1) Residential zoning districts.
The following types of signs are permitted in residential zoning districts,
including Mobile Home Park and Residential Planned Development districts:
15
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or notices that are attached in any way upon lamp posts, telephone poles, utility
poles, bridges, and sidewalks.
Signs that emit sound, vapor, smoke, odor, particles, or gaseous matter.
Signs that have unshielded illuminating devices or which reflect lighting
onto public rights-of-way thereby creating a potential traffic or pedestrian
hazard.
.
Signs that move, revolve, twirl, rotate, flash, including animated signs,
multi-prism signs, floodlights and beacon lights except when required by the
Federal Aviation Agency or other governmental agency.
Signs that obstruct, conceal, hide, or otherwise obscure from view any
official traffic or government sign, signal, or device.
Signs that present a potential traffic or pedestrian hazard. This includes
signs which obstruct visibility.
Signs attached to or placed on any tree or other vegetation.
Signs carried, waved or otherwise displayed by persons either on public
rights-of-way or in a manner visible from public rights-of-way. This provision
is directed toward such displays intended to draw attention for a commercial
purpose, and is not intended to limit the display of placards, banners, flags or
other signage by persons participating in demonstrations, political rallies and
similar events.
Snipe signs.
Temporary window signs in residential districts.
Three-dimensional objects that are used as signs.
Time and temperature signs in which the message changes more rapidly than
once every 15 seconds.
Vehicle signs, and portable trailer signs.
Any sign that is not specifically described or enumerated as permitted
within the specific zoning district classifications herein.
.
Sec. 134.011. Permitted signs; sign standards.
(a) Purpose. It is the intent of this section to regulate signs by sign
type. Permits are required for these signs. The requirements of this section
are in addition to all other applicable requirements of this chapter. In the
event of a conflict between the requirements of this section and other applicable
requirements, the more stringent requirements shall govern.
(b) Sign standards, general rules.
12
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.
.
.
(1) Area computation. The area of a sign shall be computed on the basis
of the smallest square, circle, rectangle, cross, other geometric figure, that
will encompass the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem,
lighting, or other display, together with any material, color, or border trim
forming an integral part of the background of the display or used to
differentiate the sign from the backdrop or structure against which is placed.
The computation of a sign area does not include any framework, bracing, fence or
wall that is reasonably necessary to support the sign.
(2) Area and sign face. The area of a sign shall be computed on a per
sign face basis and all requirements with respect to sign area refer to the area
of a single face of a sign. A double-faced sign shall be permitted to have the
allowed area for a single-faced sign on each of the two faces of the double-faced
sign.
(3) Mi n imum setback. The setback of a sign sha 11 be measured from a
property line to any portion of the sign structure.
a. For attached signs, there shall be no minimum setback.
b. For all other signs, the minimum setback shall be five feet from each
side and rear property line. The minimum setback from a street shall be as set
forth in this chapter.
(4) Lots fronting on two or more streets. Lots fronting on two or more
streets functionally classified as collector or arterial streets are allowed the
permitted signage for each frontage, but such signage cannot be accumulated and
used on one street in excess of that allowed for the lot based on that one street
frontage.
(5) Shopping centers, office complexes, retail complexes, and multi-
tenant buildings. Properties developed as shopping centers, office complexes,
retail complexes, or multi-tenant buildings are allowed the permitted area of
attached s i gnage for each occupancy that has a separate and d i st i nct pub 1 i c
entrance, but such signage cannot be accumulated and used on anyone occupancy
in excess of that generally allowed for the zoning district in which the property
is located.
(6) All unauthorized signs found within any public property including
existing rights-of-way shall be moved by the owner of the sign at no expense to
the city or the governmental agency having jurisdiction over the property.
Nothing shall prohibit a duly authorized local official from removing a sign from
public property and properly discarding it.
(7) All signs shall comply with applicable building and electrical code
requirements.
(8) Nothing in these regulations shall be construed to prevent or limit
the display of legal notices, warnings, informational, directional, traffic, or
other such signs which are legally required or necessary for the essential
functions of governmental agencies.
13
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(c) Sign standards, by type of sign.
(1) Attached signs.
a. Viewable from a street right-of-way: The permitted area for attached
signs viewable from a street right-of-way shall be based upon 1.5 square feet for
each linear foot of building width. Such signs shall be oriented in a manner
generally parallel to the street frontage toward which the sign is to be
oriented. Building width shall be measured along the street frontage toward
which the sign is to be oriented.
b. Associated with a business entrance, not primarily viewable from a
street right-of-way: Attached signs associated with a business entrance and not
primarily viewable from a street right-of-way may be permitted so long as the
area of such signs does not exceed the allowable area for attached signs
established in the preceding paragraph. Such signs shall be located above or in
otherwise close proximity to a business entrance that is not primarily viewable
from a street right-of-way. In calculating the allowable area for such signs,
building width shall be measured along the building wall on which the sign is to
be oriented.
(2) Freestanding signs.
a. Number of sign message panels: No freestanding sign shall have its
allowable surface area divided into more than two separate message panels. In
computing the area of such signs, the area of the space between the message
panels shall be included in the calculation of the area of the sign.
b. Height: The height of a freestanding sign shall be computed as the
distance from the base of the sign at ground level to the top of any portion of
the sign or sign structure, whichever is taller.
c. Auxiliary freestanding signs: Auxiliary freestanding signs, where
permitted, shall be oriented towards the street that permits their use.
(3) Directory/information signs shall be allowed in all nonresidential
districts except where specifically prohibited. Not more than one directory/
information sign shall be permitted per street frontage. The maximum height of
a directory/information sign shall be eight feet.
(4) Illuminated signs.
a. The light from any illuminated sign shall be shaded, shielded, or
directed away from adjoining street rights-of-way and properties.
b. No sign shall have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights or other
illumination device which has a changing light intensity, brightness, color, or
direction.
c. No colored lights shall be used at any location or in any manner so
as to be confused with or construed as traffic-control devices.
14
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a.
Subdivision/entryway signs:
1. Maximum number: Two signs for each platted subdivision or property
entrance. If two signs are used for an entrance, each sign shall be a single-
faced sign, and the signs shall be located on opposite sides of the entrance to
which they are oriented.
2. Maximum area: 24 square feet.
3. Maximum height: Six feet.
4. Minimum street setback: Five feet.
b. Residential identification signs (e.g., nameplates):
1. Maximum number: One sign.
2. Maximum area: Two square feet.
3. Such signs shall be attached signs only.
c. Signs for nonconforming uses in residential districts:
1. Maximum number: One sign.
2.
Maximum area: 24 square feet.
3. Such signs shall be attached signs only.
(2) Public/Semi-Public, Open Space/Recreation and Recreational Planned
Development zoning districts:
The following types of signs are permitted in Public/Semi-Public, Open
Space/Recreation and Recreational Planned Development zoning districts:
a. Freestanding signs:
1. Maximum number: One sign per lot. For parcels with over 500 feet
of street frontage on one right-of-way, one auxiliary freestanding sign may be
permitted; such auxiliary sign shall be spaced at least 300 feet from all other
freestanding signs on the same property.
2. Maximum area: 48 square feet. The total maximum area for an
auxiliary freestanding sign shall be 24 square feet.
3. Maximum height: 12 feet. The maximum height for an auxiliary
freestanding sign shall be eight feet.
4. Minimum street setback: Five feet.
b.
Attached signs shall be permitted per occupancy as follows:
16
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1.
Maximum area: 48 square feet.
2. Type: The following types of attached signs may be permitted,
provided the cumulative area of the attached signs does not exceed the maximum
allowable area for attached signs:
.
Wall sign
Canopy or awning sign
Permanent window sign
Projecting sign
Integral roof sign
3. Maximum number: Five. Not more than three attached signs shall be
of any single type listed above.
c. Directory/information signs shall be permitted on lots developed with
two or more multi-tenant buildings containing a minimum cumulative area of 25,000
square feet of gross floor area, as follows:
1. Maximum area: 20 square feet.
2. Minimum street setback: Equal to the required structural setback for
the zoning district in which the sign is erected.
d. Theater/movie announcement signs:
1.
Maximum number: One sign per lot.
2. Maximum area: 64 square feet for a single theater, plus an
additional eight square feet for each additional theater.
3. Maximum height:
announcement sign.
20 feet, for a freestanding theater/movie
4. Minimum street setback: Five feet.
e. Menu signs for drive-through establishments.
1. Maximum number: One sign per drive-through lane.
2. Maximum area: 24 square feet.
3. Maximum height: Six feet.
4. Minimum street setback: 25 feet.
f. Bulletin boards for government office, recreational area, school and
church uses:
1. Maximum number: One bulletin board per frontage.
.
2.
Maximum area: 24 square feet.
17
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3.
Maximum height: Six feet.
4. Minimum street setback: Five feet.
(3) Limited Office, Neighborhood Commercial, and North Greenwood
Commercial districts.
The following types of signs are permitted in the Limited Office,
Neighborhood Commercial and North Greenwood Commercial zoning districts.
However, signs erected in the North Greenwood Commercial District shall be
designed, located and illuminated in accordance with the design standards adopted
by the city commission by resolution.
a. Freestanding signs shall be permitted as follows. However,
freestanding signs in the North Greenwood Commercial District shall only be
permitted for developed properties fronting on North Greenwood Avenue which
maintain a building setback of at least 15 feet from any right-of-way.
1. Maximum number: One sign per lot. For parcels with over 500 feet
of street frontage on one right-of-way in the Neighborhood Commercial district,
one auxiliary freestanding sign may be permitted; such auxiliary sign shall be
spaced at least 300 feet from all other freestanding signs on the same property.
2. Maximum area:
District
Maximum area (square feet)
Limited Office
Neighborhood Commercial
North Greenwood Commercial
24
50
15
The total maximum area for an auxiliary freestanding sign shall be 25 square feet
in the Neighborhood Commercial district. Auxiliary freestanding signs shall be
prohibited in the Limited Office and North Greenwood Commercial districts.
3. Maximum height:
District
Maximum heiqht (feet)
Limited Offi ce
Neighborhood Commercial
North Greenwood Commercial
8
20
12
The maximum height for an auxiliary freestanding sign shall be ten feet in the
Neighborhood Commercial District.
4. Minimum street setback: Five feet.
5. Time and temperature signs: Time and temperature signs shall be
allowed in the Neighborhood Commercial district. Such signs shall be prohibited
in the Limited Office and North Greenwood Commercial districts.
18
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b.
Attached signs shall be permitted per occupancy as follows:
1. Maximum area: The maximum total area for all attached signs shall
be 24 square feet in the Limited Office district, 48 square feet in the
Neighborhood Commercial district, and 20 square feet in the North Greenwood
Commercial district.
2. Type: The following types of attached signs may be permitted,
provided the cumulative area of the attached signs does not exceed the maximum
area above:
.
Wa 11 sign
Canopy or awning sign
Permanent window sign
Projecting sign
Integral roof sign
3. Maximum number: Five attached signs, with not more than three
attached signs being of any single type listed above.
4. Permanent window signs: In the North Greenwood Commercial district,
in addition to the attached signs otherwise allowed, permanent window signs may
occupy not more than 20 percent of the window area of a building.
c. Time and temperature signs. Time and temperature signs shall be
allowed in the Neighborhood Commercial district. Such signs shall be prohibited
in the Limited Office and North Greenwood Commercial districts.
d. Directory/information signs shall be prohibited in the North
Greenwood Commercial district. Directory/information signs shall be permitted
in the Limited Office and Neighborhood Commercial districts on lots developed
with two or more multi-tenant buildings containing a minimum cumulative area of
25,000 square feet of gross floor area, as follows:
1. Maximum area: 20 square feet.
2. Minimum street setback: Equal to the required structural setback for
the zoning district in which the sign is erected.
e. Gasoline price display signs.
1. Maximum number: One sign per pump island.
2. Maximum area: 24 square feet, cumulative for all signs, regardless
of property frontage.
(4) General Office, Resort Commercial "Twenty-four" and "Twenty-eight,"
"B," and Office Planned Development districts.
.
The following types of signs are permitted in the General Office, Resort
Commercial "Twenty-four" and "Twenty-eight, II liB, II and Office Planned Development
zoning districts:
19
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a.
Freestanding signs:
1. Maximum number: One sign per lot. For parcels with over 500 feet
of street frontage on one right-of-way, one auxiliary freestanding sign may be
permitted; such auxiliary sign shall be spaced at least 300 feet from all other
freestanding signs on the same property.
2. Maximum area: 50 square feet. The total maximum area for any
auxiliary freestanding sign shall be 25 square feet.
3. Maximum height: 20 feet. The maximum height for an auxiliary
freestanding sign shall be ten feet.
4. Minimum street setback: Five feet.
b. Attached signs shall be permitted per occupancy as follows:
1. Maximum area: 56 square feet.
2. Type: The following types of attached signs may be permitted,
provided the cumulative area of the attached signs does not exceed the maximum
area above:
.
Wa 11 sign
Canopy or awning sign
Permanent window sign
Projecting sign
Integral roof sign
3. Maximum number: Five attached signs, with not more than three
attached signs being of any single type listed above.
c. Directory/information signs shall be permitted on lots developed with
two or more multi-tenant buildings containing a minimum cumulative area of 25,000
square feet of gross floor area, as follows:
1. Maximum area: 20 square feet.
2. Minimum street setback: Equal to the required structural setback for
the zoning district in which the sign is erected.
d. Gasoline price display signs.
1. Maximum number: One sign per pump island.
2. Maximum area: 24 square feet, cumulative for all signs, regardless
of property frontage.
e. Theater/movie announcement signs.
.
1.
Maximum number: One sign per lot.
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2. Maximum area: 64 square feet for a single theater, plus an
additional eight square feet for each additional theater.
3. Maximum height:
announcement sign.
20 feet, for a freestanding theater/movie
4. Minimum street setback: Five feet.
f. Menu signs for drive-through establishments.
1. Maximum number: One sign per drive-through lane.
2. Maximum area: 24 square feet.
3. Maximum height: Six feet.
4. Minimum street setback: 25 feet.
(5) General Commercial, Research, Development and Office Park and Limited
Industrial districts.
.
The following types of signs are permitted in the General Commercial,
Research, Development and Office Park and Limited Industrial zoning districts:
a. Freestanding signs shall be permitted as follows:
1. Maximum number: One sign per lot. For parcels with over 500 feet
of street frontage on one right-of-way, one auxiliary freestanding sign may be
permitted; such auxiliary sign shall be spaced at least 300 feet from all other
freestanding signs on the same property.
2. Maximum area: 64 square feet. The total maximum area for an
auxiliary freestanding sign shall be 32 square feet.
3. Maximum height: 20 feet. The maximum height for an auxiliary
freestanding sign shall be ten feet.
4. Minimum street setback: Five feet.
b. Attached signs shall be permitted per occupancy as follows:
1. Maximum area: 64 square feet.
2. Type: The following types of attached signs may be permitted,
provided the cumulative area of the attached signs does not exceed the maximum
area above:
.
Wa 11 sign
Canopy or awning sign
Permanent window sign
Projecting sign
Integral roof sign
21
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3. Maximum number: Five attached signs, with not more than three
attached signs being of any single type listed above.
c. Directory/information signs shall be permitted on lots developed with
two or more multi-tenant buildings containing a minimum cumulative area of 25,000
square feet of gross floor area, as follows:
1. Maximum area: 20 square feet.
2. Mi n imum street setback: Equa 1 to the requ ired structura 1 setback for
the zoning district in which the sign is erected.
d. Gasoline price display signs.
1. Maximum number: One sign per pump island.
2. Maximum area: 24 square feet, cumulative for all signs, regardless
of property frontage.
e. Theater/movie announcement signs:
1. Maximum number: One sign per lot.
2. Maximum area: 64 square feet for a single theater, plus an
additional eight square feet for each additional theater.
.
3. Maximum height:
announcement sign.
20 feet, for a freestanding theater/movie
4. Minimum street setback: Five feet.
f. Menu signs for drive-through establishments.
1. Maximum number: One sign per drive-through lane.
2. Maximum area: 24 square feet.
3. Maximum height: Six feet.
4. Minimum street setback: 25 feet.
(6) Highway Commercial district.
The following types of signs are permitted in the Highway Commercial zoning
district:
.
a. Freestanding signs shall be permitted as follows:
1. Maximum number: One sign per lot. For parcels with over 500 feet
of street frontage on one right-of-way, one auxiliary freestanding sign may be
permitted; such auxiliary sign shall be spaced at least 300 feet from all other
freestanding signs on the same property.
22
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2. Maximum area: 112 square feet. The total maximum area for an
auxiliary freestanding sign shall be 56 square feet.
3. Maximum height: 20 feet. The maximum height for an auxiliary
freestanding sign shall be 12 feet.
4. Minimum street setback: Five feet.
b. Attached signs shall be permitted per occupancy as follows:
1. Maximum area: 150 square feet.
2. Type: The following types of attached signs may be permitted,
provided the cumulative area of the attached signs does not exceed the maximum
area above:
Wa 11 sign
Canopy or awning sign
Permanent window sign
Projecting sign
Integral roof sign
.
3. Maximum number: Five attached signs, with not more than three
attached signs being of any single type listed above.
c. Directory/information signs shall be permitted on lots developed with
two or more multi-tenant buildings containing a minimum cumulative area of 25,000
square feet of gross floor area, as follows:
1. Maximum area: 40 square feet.
2. Minimum street setback: Equal to the required structural setback for
the zoning district in which the sign is erected.
d. Gasoline price display signs.
1. Maximum number: One sign per pump island.
2. Maximum area: 24 square feet, cumulative for all signs, regardless
of property frontage.
e. Theater/movie announcement signs.
1. Maximum number: One sign per lot.
2. Maximum area: 128 square feet for a single theater, plus an
additional 16 square feet for each additional theater.
3. Maximum height:
announcement sign.
20 feet, for a freestanding theater/movie
.
4.
Minimum street setback: Five feet.
23
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f. Menu signs for drive-through establishments.
1. Maximum number: One sign per drive-through lane.
2. Maximum area: 24 square feet.
3. Maximum height: Six feet.
4. Minimum street setback: 25 feet.
(7) Commercial Center district.
The following types of signs are permitted in the Commercial Center zoning
district:
.
a. Freestanding signs shall be permitted as.follows:
1. Maximum number: One sign per lot. For parcels with over 500 feet
of street frontage on one right-of-way, one auxiliary freestanding sign may be
permitted; such auxiliary sign shall be spaced at least 300 feet from all other
freestanding signs on the same property.
2. Maximum area: 150 square feet. The total maximum area for an
auxiliary freestanding sign shall be 75 square feet.
3. Maximum height: 20 feet. The maximum height for an auxiliary
freestanding sign shall be 16 feet.
4. Minimum street setback: Five feet.
b. Attached signs shall be permitted per occupancy as follows:
1. Maximum area: 150 square feet.
2. Type: The following types of attached signs may be permitted,
provided the cumulative area of the attached signs does not exceed the maximum
allowable area:
Wa 11 sign
Canopy or awning sign
Permanent window sign
Projecting sign
Integral roof sign
3. Max imum number: Five attached signs, wi th not more than three
attached signs being of any single type listed above.
c. Directory/information signs shall be permitted on lots developed with
two or more multi-tenant buildings containing a minimum cumulative area of 25,000
square feet of gross floor area, as follows:
.
1.
Maximum area: 40 square feet.
24
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.
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2. Minimum street setback: Equal to the required structural setback for
the zoning district in which the sign is erected.
d. Gasoline price display signs.
1. Maximum number: One sign per pump island.
2. Maximum area: 24 square feet, cumulative for all signs, regardless
of property frontage.
e. Theater/movie announcement signs (may be either freestanding or
attached, but not both).
1. Maximum number: One sign per lot.
2. Maximum area: 128 square feet for a single theater, plus an
additional 16 square feet for each additional theater.
3. Maximum height:
announcement sign.
20 feet, for a freestanding theater/movie
4. Minimum street setback: Fi ve feet.
f. Menu signs for drive-through establishments.
1. Maximum number: One sign per drive-through lane.
2. Maximum area: 24 square feet.
3. Maximum height: Six feet.
4. Minimum street setback: 25 feet.
(8) Urban Center, Beach Commercial and Beach Commercial Planned
Development districts.
The following types of signs are permitted in the Urban Center, Beach
Commercial and Beach Commercial Planned Development zoning districts:
a. Freestanding signs shall be permitted in the Eastern Corridor
subdistrict of the Urban Center district and in the Beach Commercial and Beach
Commercial Planned Development districts as follows:
1. Maximum number: One sign per lot. For parcels with over 500 feet
of street frontage on one right-of-way, one auxiliary freestanding sign may be
permitted; such auxiliary sign shall be spaced at least 300 feet from all other
freestanding signs on the same property. In the Beach Commercial and Beach
Commercial Planned Development districts, freestanding signs shall be permitted
only on properties having a principal building structural setback of not less
than 15 feet over not less than 100 percent of the total property frontage on
which the sign is located.
25
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2. Maximum area: 64 square feet in the Eastern Corridor subdistrict of
the Urban Center district; 50 square feet in the Beach Commercial and Beach
Commercial Planned Development districts. An auxiliary freestanding sign shall
be a maximum of 24 square feet in area.
3. Maximum height: 20 feet in the Eastern Corridor subdistrict of the
Urban Center district; 20 feet in the Beach Commercial and Beach Commercial
Planned Development districts. The maximum height for an auxiliary freestanding
sign shall be eight feet.
4. Minimum street setback: Five feet.
b. Attached signs shall be permitted per occupancy as follows:
1. Maximum area: 48 square feet in the Bayfront and Core subdistricts
of the Urban Center district and in the Beach Commercial and Beach Commercial
Planned Development districts, and 64 square feet in the Eastern Corridor
subdistrict.
2. Type: The following types of attached signs may be permitted,
provided the cumulative area of the attached signs does not exceed the maximum
area above:
.
Wa 11 sign
Canopy or awning sign
Permanent window sign
Projecting sign
Integral roof sign
However, no individual projecting sign shall exceed 16 square feet in area, nor
shall such signs project more than 42 inches from the facade of the building to
which they are attached.
.
3. Maximum number: Five attached signs, with not more than three
attached signs being of any single type listed above.
4. Permanent window signs: In the Beach Commercial district and the
Urban Center Bayfront and Core subdistricts, in addition to the attached signs
otherwise allowed, permanent window signs may occupy not more than 20 percent of
the window area of a building.
5. Special allowance for lots fronting on two or more streets: In the
Beach Commercial district and the Urban Center Bayfront and Core subdistricts,
notwithstanding other provisions of this code to the contrary, a lot fronting on
two or more streets shall be allowed the permitted attached signage for each
street frontage regardless of street classification. However, such signage
cannot be accumulated and used on one street frontage in excess of that allowed
for the lot based upon that one street frontage.
c. Directory/information signs shall be permitted on lots developed with
a multi-tenant building or buildings containing a minimum cumulative area of
25,000 square feet of gross floor area, as follows:
26
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.
. 1. Maximum area: 20 square feet.
2. Minimum street setback: Five feet.
d. Gasoline price display signs.
1. Maximum number: One sign per pump island.
2. Maximum area: 24 square feet, cumulative for all signs, regardless
of property frontage.
e. Theater/movie announcement signs may be either freestanding or
attached in the Eastern Corridor subdistrict of the Urban Center district, but
not both. Theater/movie announcement signs shall be attached signs in the Beach
Commercial and Beach Commercial Planned Development districts, and the Bayfront
and Core subdistricts of the Urban Center district.
1. Maximum number: One sign per lot.
2. Maximum area: 64 square feet for a single theater, plus an
additional eight square feet for each additional theater.
3. Maximum height: 20 feet for a freestanding theater/movie
announcement sign in the Eastern Corridor subdistrict.
.
4.
f.
Minimum street setback: Five feet.
Sandwich Board Signs.
Sandwich board signs shall be permitted in the Core and Eastern Corridor
subdistricts of the Urban Center district only.
1. Maximum number: One sign per street frontage.
2. Maximum area: Six square feet.
3. Maximum height: Four feet.
4. Placement. Sandwich board signs may be placed on public property
during the hours of operation of the business or activity to which the sign
relates, and in conformance with placement standards developed by the Public
Works Department to insure safe pedestrian travel, vision clearance and other
safety factors.
g. Menu Signs for Drive-Through Establishments.
1. Maximum number: One sign per drive-through lane.
2. Maximum area: 24 square feet.
3.
Maximum height: Six feet.
.
27
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.
.
.
.
4.
Minimum street setback: 25 feet.
(9) Commercial and Industrial Planned Development Districts.
Signs in Commercial and Industrial Planned Development districts shall
generally be permitted depending upon a determination by the city commission as
to which of the requirements are most appropriate to the Commercial or Industrial
Planned Development district given surrounding land uses. In its determination,
the city commission may modify any or all of the requirements for particular
Commercial or Industrial Planned Development districts.
(10) Aquatic Lands-Interior and Aquatic Lands-Coastal Districts.
Signs permitted in the Aquatic Lands-Interior and Aquatic Lands-Coastal
districts shall be associated with a marina, and shall be limited to marina
vessel slip signs allowed as exempt signs and the commercial marina vessel slip
signs allowed as bonus signs.
Sec. 134.012. Sign bonus provisions; temporary signs.
This section is established to recognize unusual circumstances which create
the need to modify, in a consistent and uniform manner, the requirements of this
code for sign area, height, number and type.
(a) Area bonuses. The maximum allowable area for an attached sign may be
increased under the following circumstances. However, allowable sign area
bonuses cannot be combined if a sign is eligible for more than one sign bonus.
In no case shall any sign bonus allow a sign which exceeds 1.5 square feet for
each linear foot of building width.
(1) An attached sign on a building for which the existing setback from an
adjoining street right-of-way, or a proposed street right-of-way as shown on the
Transportation Improvement Program or the adopted transportation element of the
city's comprehensive plan, is 100 feet or greater is eligible for a sign area
bonus according to the following schedule. Only the primary sign attached to the
eligible building facade, and oriented towards the adjoining street right-of-way,
is eligible for an area bonus. The following formula shall be used to determine
the allowable sign area for signs eligible for such bonus:
(Allowable area for attached signs under applicable
zoning district LESS Area of incidental/auxiliary
attached signs) x (1 + Allowable area bonus) = Allowable
sign area
Setback
Allowable additional area bonus
Less than 100 feet
100 to 199.99 feet
200 to 300 feet
Greater than 300 feet
Not available
0.25
0.75
1.25
28
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.
.
(2) Attached signs in the Urban Center District may be eligible for a sign
area bonus of 50 percent if judged to reflect one or more of the following
characteristics and is found to create a positive image for the District as
determined by a downtown sign review committee consisting of five members
appointed by the city manager, including the development code administrator and
four others.
Use of classic or historic design or style
Use of creative images reflecting Clearwater's waterfront heritage
Use of symbols rather than text
Use of hand-painted lettering or graphics
Use of sculpted wood, metal or other materials
(3) Attached signs located 100 feet or more above ground level may be
eligible for a sign area bonus according to the following schedule. Only the
primary sign is eligible for a sign area bonus. The following formula shall be
used to determine the allowable sign area for signs eligible for such bonus:
(Allowable area for attached signs under applicable
zoning district LESS Area of incidental/auxiliary
attached signs) x (1 + Allowable area bonus) = Allowable
sign area
Heiqht of siqn
Allowable additional area bonus
.
Less than 100 feet
100 to 150 feet
151 to 200 feet
Greater than 200 feet
Not available
0.5
1. 75
2.0
.
(b) Height bonuses. The allowable height for freestanding signs on
properties which front on overpasses or elevated roadways may be increased so
that the maximum allowable sign height does not exceed ten feet above the crown
height of the overpass or elevated roadway as measured from a point on the
roadway that is perpendicular to the sign location. A height bonus is available
only for signs which face or are oriented to the overpasses or elevated roadways.
Auxiliary freestanding signs are not eligible for height bonuses.
(c) Number bonus. For commercial marinas having separately licensed slips
for commercial vessels, each licensed slip shall be permitted one sign containing
not more than eight square feet in area placed in the vicinity of the slip to
identify the vessel, rate/embarking schedules, or other information. Such sign
shall be in addition to marina vessel slip signs allowed as exempt signs.
(d) Sign address bonus for nonresidential properties. A freestanding or
attached sign identifying a nonresidential property shall be allowed additional
area according to the following schedule, provided that this allowance is used
exclusively for the street address number, numbers or number range, depicted in
Arabic numerals of at least three inches in height. Such numbers shall be of
contrasting color to the background and displayed on the front of the
establishment. One address sign bonus shall be allowed per occupancy.
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.
Property area
Less than one acre
100 to 150 feet
Additional siqn area
6 square feet
8 square feet
(e) Temporary signs. In the event of a major public works project, such
as but not limited to a road widening project, or in the event of a major storm
event which results in the widespread destruction of existing signs, temporary
signs may be erected upon property affected by such project or event as provided
herein.
(1) Property location. The property upon which the sign is to be erected
shall be located within an area designated by a resolution of the city commission
as an area adversely affected by a major public works project or by a major
storm.
.
(2) Sign types, number, size, height, and location. The following may
be erected on any property located as described in paragraph (I), in addition to
any other sign which may lawfully be erected on such property:
a. One freestanding directional sign for each driveway on the affected
roadway, each sign not exceed i ng twenty (20) square feet in area and not
exceeding six (6) feet in height, placed no closer than five (5) feet from any
property line; or
b. One banner per property in districts other than the Commercial Center
district, or one banner per freestanding building in the Commercial Center
district, each banner to be attached to the building and not exceeding forty-
eight (48) square feet in area.
c . For the purposes of subparagraph a above, II freestand i ng direct i ona 1
sign" means any sign supported by structures or supports that is placed on or
anchored in the ground and that is independent of any bui lding or other
structure, and which exclusively contains information providing direction to or
location of any object, place, or area including but not limited to, those signs
indicating avenues of ingress/egress.
(3) Duration. Each sign erected pursuant to this subsection shall be
removed not later than seven (7) days following completion of the public works
project or portion thereof affecting the visibility of the property or not later
than forty-five (45) days following the storm event, whichever is applicable.
As used herein, "completion" means that active construction shall have ceased and
construction equipment shall have been removed from the public works project or
portion thereof affecting the visibility of the property, whether the public
agency has accepted the construction work or not.
.
Section 3. Section 134.014, Code of Ordinances, is amended to read:
Sec. 134.014. Inspections.
The development code administrator and the building official E1ircctor
shall, as each may determine necessary, inspect the property to ascertain that
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the sign is in accord with all provisions of this development code and the
building code, res~ectively, and in accord with all terms upon which the sign
permit may have been conditioned.
Section 4. Section 134.015, Code of Ordinances, is amended to read:
Sec. 134.015. Nonconforming signs.
(a) No nonconforming sign may be constructed, reconstructed, altered,
renovated, relocated, replaced or otherwise changed after October 13. 1985. ~
cffcctivc date of this cha~tcr, unless such action brings the sign into
conformance with the provisions of this chapter, except to the extent permitted
by subsection (b) below.
(b) Notwithstanding the terms of subsection (a) above:
(1) Any nonconforming sign c)(istiRg OR Octobcr 13, 1985, that is damaged
to the extent that the cost for complete repair does not exceed 50 per cent of
the replacement cost of the sign may be repaired.
(2) The message on any nonconforming sign e)(istiRg OR October 13, 1985,
may be changed one or more times after that sate, provided that no alteration is
made to the sign structure. However, this paragraph shall not be construed to
allow a nonconforming sign which is painted on a fence or wall or the roof or a
wall of a building to be altered, renovated or otherwise changed unless such
action brings the sign into conformity with the provisions of this chapter.
(3) A nonconforming sign may be relocated upon the same property whenever
a portion of ~ ~ property upon which the siqn is located is acquired through
the exercise of the power of eminent domain, or otherwise acquired for a public
purpose by any agency having the power of eminent domain, if the rclocatioR is
Rccessary to reEh:lce the aCEll:lisitioR costs of the property. However, a sign
relocated pursuant to this paragraph may not be made more nonconforminq cRlarged,
nor may the sign be replaced by a sign constructed of material more durable than
the sign being relocated. A lawful nonconforming sign which is relocated
pursuant to this paragraph (3) shall continue to be deemed a lawful but
nonconforming sign and shall continue to be subject to the requirements of
subsection (c) below unless specifically exempted therefrom. Any such relocation
shall not be deemed aR cxteRsioR of the reffioval datc spccificd iR sl:lbsectioR (c),
rlOr slull aRY sl:ich rclacatioR bc decfficd grounds for a variance from the
requirements of subsection (c).
(4) A siqn that otherwise conforms with these reauirements but is made
nonconformina with reqard to setback requirements bv the acquisition of a portion
of the property upon which the siqn is located throuqh the exercise of the power
of eminent domain. or throuqh acquisition bv other means for a public purpose bv
any aqencv havinq the power of eminent domain. shall not be required to be
brouqht into compliance with the setback requirements unless and until the siqn
is damaqed or destroyed to an extent eaua 1 to 50 percent or more of its
replacement cost. However. should the owner of the property on which the sian
is located desire to relocate the siqn to conform with setback requirements. and
such relocation can be accomplished only throuqh the removal of not more than one
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required parkinq space. no variance shall be required to the parkinq requirements
to allow such relocation.
(c) All signs and sign structures which were erected prior to October 13.
1985. and which were rendered nonconforminq bv the adoption of Ordinance No.
4035-85, and which continue to be nonconforminq to the requirements of this
chapter despite the adoption of Ordinance 5257-92. shall immediately w~ic~ arc
nORcoRformiRg to t~e reqbliremeRts of t~is C~a\3t8r l3~t ',,If:Jich '{,'ere erect~E1 lawfbllly
becJblse of a var i aRce f'lre'fi ObiS ly graRted or l3ecablse of cORformaRce ',\'1 t~ the
previoblsly existin~ sigR re~b11atioRs at t~e time the permit was issbled, s~all,
withiR seVCR (7) years from OctoBer 13, 1986, l3e removeEl BY t~e OWRcr of thc sigR
or thc OWRcr of t~o f'lro~erty or be removed or brought into compliance with the
terms contained herein, the value of such siqns havinq been considered to be
fully amortized over the seven year period between October 13. 1985 and October
13. 1992. except for the following:
(1) Any nonconforming sign located on an interstate or federal aid primary
highway (i.e., U.S. Highway 19 and State Road 580 east of U.S. Highway 19) which
is protected from removal by the Federal Highway Beautification Act or Ch. 479,
F.S., by reason of providing compensation for removal shall be exempted from the
removal terms of this ~section. This shall not, however, preclude the city from
seeking to remove any such sign through an eminent domain proceeding, nor
achieving sign conformance by other lawful means. In the event the Federal
Highway Beautification Act or Ch. 479, F.S., is repealed, amended or adjudicated
to not require compensation, then the removal provisions contained in this
~section shall apply.
(2) Any nonconforming sign located on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard east of
Highland Avenue which, if said boulevard was classified a federal aid primary
highway, would be protected from removal by the Federal Highway Beautification
Act or Ch. 479, F.S., shall be made to comply with the terms contained herein or
shall be removed by January 19. 1996. which date is wit~iR seven f++ years from
the enactment of Ordinance No. 4753-88.
(d) The E1evelo~meRt code aElmiRistrator shall ~re\3are aR iRycRtory of all
nORconformiRg si~Rs. FollowiRg iElcRtificatioR andrecorElatioR, the code
administrator sf:Jall Ratify t~e f'lrs\3crty eWRer or si~R oWRer/lesser iEleRtifyiRg
the actioR(s) Recessary te make t~e si~R(s) cORform to t~esc si~R regbllatioRs,
tAe Elate that sl:lch s i gR (s) s~a 11 138 remevoe! if Rat a Horae! to cORform, tAc
opportblRity to secl( relief t~rebl~~ a variaRce \3rocceEliR~ aRB thc peRaltics for
noncompliance. Said notice s~all l3e ~iYcn at least eig~tecR (18) maRths prior to
the removal E1atc specifieEl in sblbsectioR (c) of t~is scctioRi binder no
circblmstanccs, ~e1f.'C'/er, s~all failblre to ~ive or reccive Rotice cORstitl:lte
groblRds for nORcem\31iaRce sr b1Rtimely com~liaRcc.
JJ1l+et Legal nonconforming signs which exist on property annexed into the
city on or before October 13, 1992, shall be subject to the removal or compliance
provisions contained in sbll3sectioR (c) of this section. After October 13, 1992,
sign compliance shall occur in a time and manner prescribed by the city
commission in conjunction with consideration of the annexation application.
~ff+ Any person aggrieved by the provisions of this section may apply
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to the city commission for a variance in accordance with section 137.012. ARy
req~cst for a variaRcc s~all be files wit~ thc developmeRt code admiRistrator at
least 90 days J:}rior to October 13, 1992. The city commission may grant a
variance only after a public hearing and upon a demonstration by the owner/lessor
of a hardship different in kind and magnitude from that suffered by other sign
owners or lessors similarly situated.
(f) All siqns and siqn structures which were replaced or modified lawfully
after October 13. 1985. and prior to the adoption of Ordinance 5257-92. and were
replaced or modified in order to conform to the requirements of Ordinance 4035-
85. or to conform to the requirements and conditions of a variance which was
qranted with no expiration date or time limit on the variance. but which are
nonconforminq to the requirements of this chapter solely because of the adoption
of Ordinance 5257-92. shall not be required to conform to these requirements
unless such siqns and siqn structures are damaqed or destroyed to an extent equal
to 50 percent or more of their replacement cost.
(q) Anv siqn which is in violation of Ordinance 4035 or Ordinance 4753-88
and which is not rendered conforminq by Ordinance 5257-92 shall be considered to
be in continued violation of this chapter as if Ordinance 5257-92 had not been
adopted. In such cases. the adoption of Ordinance 5257-92 shall not interfere
with any pendinq proceedinQs before the municipal code enforcement board or the
county court or require the issuance of a new citation or notice to appear. nor
shall the adoption of Ordinance 5257-92 permit the amortization period for any
such siqn to beqin anew.
(h) Anv siqn which is in violation of Ordinance 4035 or Ordinance 4753-88
but which is rendered conforminq in all respects bv Ordinance 5257-92 shall be
considered to have been brouqht into compliance with this chapter. and any
pendinq citation or notice to appear before the municipal code enforcement board
or the county court shall be dismissed.
Section 5. Subsection (e) is added to Section 134.018, Code of Ordinances,
to read: '
Sec. 134.018. Interpretation and variance.
*
*
*
*
*
ill It is the intent of the city commission that protection of First
Amendment riqhts shall be afforded such that any siqn. display or device allowed
under these requlations may contain. in lieu of any other copy. any otherwise
lawful non-commercial messaqe that does not direct attention to a business
operated for profit, or to a commodity or service for sale. and that complies
with the size. liqhtinq and spacinq requirements of these requlations.
Section 6. Subsection (a) of Section 137.005, Code of Ordinances, is
amended to read:
[Note: Asterisks (* * *) and ellipses (. . .) indicate that portions
of existing text have been omitted. Omitted portions of text are
not affected by this amendment.]
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Sec. 137.005. Definitions.
(a) Words and terms used in this development code shall be given the
meanings identified hereinafter:
*
*
*
*
*
Certificate of occupancy/use: Certificate by the building director that
a building, structure or use conforms to all applicable city ordinances. . ..
C~aRgcaB 1 e cOflY s i ~R Boarel P. s i ~R OR 'I.'A i ch thc mcssa~c is chaRgcd
maR~ally OR tAC prcmises ~~crc thc sigR is locatcd t~ro~~A the ~tilizatioR of
attacAablc lcttcrs, R~mBers, symBols aRd ot~cr similar cAaractcrs or, iR t/:1c casc
of a billBoard, thro~gA tAC ~tilizJtieR of cAJR~eaBle pictorial flaRcls.
Change of use (or changed use): A change of use of a building, structure
or property. . ..
*
*
*
*
*
Development: Any man-made improvement to property,.
Directory iRformatioR Si~RI ~ si~A fllaced wit/:1iR a largc dc~clopmcRt for
thc pb/rl'lose of oricAtiR~ JRd ~b/i~iR.~ flcdcstriJRs ~r metorist~ ;~~O~g~O~~ t:~ ~~~~
(AOt for thc pb/rj:losc of Js\'crtlslR~ or attractlR~ atteRtlO--- -1- --c.- S--n-
shall BC rc~~ircc:l to iRcorj:lsrate aRe promiRcRtly display a map or lik~ ~r;~/:1i~
witAiR thc pcrmittcd sb/rface arca.
District: Any section or sections of the city. . ..
Dock: Any structure constructed on piling over open water or supported by
flotation on the water. .
Do~ble faced sigR. ,^, si~R wit/:1 two (2) faccs of c~~al sb/rfacc arca
dcsigRcc:l to be \'ie~cd from opflosite c:lirectioAs.
Double frontage lot: A lot bounded on opposite or approximately opposite
sides by streets.
*
*
*
*
*
Gross leasable lcascJslc floor area. The floor area designed for tenant
occupancy.
GrOb/Ae SigRI A low si~R j:lermJReAtly imBedece iAto tAc ~roblRe frecstaRsiRg
from aRY b~ileiAg ane wit/:1oblt b1tilizatioR of a j:lolc.
Group care, Level I: A dwelling unit licensed to serve clients of the
Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services.
*
*
*
*
*
34
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Hotel/motel unit. An accommodation within a hotel/motel building. . ..
Identification sign. A sign ~s~ally ~is~layed for t~e ~~rpese of primary
property or b~siness identification p~rpeses and ~s~ally limited to fo~r (1)
words or less to enasle ease of i~entification, rca~ability and le~ibility, b~t
w~ic~ sign may bc ~sed for any la~,fl:Jl ~l:Jrl3ose an~may contain any n~mber of
,^,or~s.
Impermeable lot coverage. Any permanent installation on or improvement to
the natural earth surface. .
*
*
*
*
*
Model home: A residential building.
Multiplc faced sign: A si~n witR tRree (3) or more faces, eaCR face Raying
an identical s~rface area.
Net acre: That upland area within a contiguous parcel(s). . ..
*
*
*
*
*
Personal service: A business offering a service primarily for an
individual's convenience.
.
Place (a sign): Erect, locate, censtr~ct, alter, move or replace a sign.
Plat: A map, plan or layout, drawn to scale, of a tract of land to be
subdivided.
Pole sign. A freestan~in~ sign ~RicR is s~pportce by one or more col~mns,
uprights, or braces anc~orea into the ~rol:Jna.
Political si~n. A temporary sign '(,Rich refers only to t~e iss~es or
candidates invol~cd in a ~olitical electien.
Portable building: A portable building is any building or vehicle
comprised of one or more units. . ..
Portable si~n: A si~n wRicR iSi (a) neither permancntly anchorea to the
grol:Jne nor pcrmancntly affixed te a b~ilding or strl:Jct~re, or (b) mo~ntca on a
trailer d1assis.
Preferred land use: The select use or uses for which a zoning district is
characteristically established.
*
*
*
*
*
Principal structure or use: The main or primary structure or use of land.
Project i ng sign. P. sign 'fih i CR ~rojects more than one foet from thc
4IIt exterior wall of a sl:JilaiR~.
35
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Property: Land which has been or which is proposed to be used, developed,
or built upon as a unit under single ownership.
Property lines: The lines which bound a property.
Real estate sigA. A sigA which a~vertises for sale, lease or reAt tAe laAd
UpOA ~:hich tRe sigR is locates or a BYildiRg or ~Rit locates thereoR.
Rear property line: A property line which runs generally parallel to the
property line from which a property is addressed.
*
*
*
*
*
Side property line: A property line which runs generally perpendicular or
radial to the property line from which a property is addressed.
SigAI AAY writiAg, pict~re, symbol, baRRer or other gra~hic commYRicatioR
device "!Rich is primarily ysed to cOR'/ey iRformatioA, attract attCl~tioA, or
advertise aA~ which is prDmiAeRtly visiBle from aR oYtdoor locatioA off the
premises.
SigA stryctyrel The SY~~Drts, ~prights, Braces aAd frame of a sigA.
Standard lot: Any lot which is not a double frontage lot.
*
*
*
*
*
Subdivision plat:
is to be subdivided.
A document (plat) displaying the manner in which land
Surface areal TAe rectaAgular, trapezoiElal, triaAg~lar, circular or
semicircular area of a si@A which fylly eAcom~asses aAd all extremities of the
sigA, excl~si':e of s~p~orts, u~rigRts, Braces aAd frame. For the pyrpose of
determiAiAg the syrface area of a si@R ~laceG ~irectly OA a wall, DAly that part
of the wall wRich is iAte@ral to the si@A shall Be compyted as syrface area.
Swimming pool: A tank or tub for swimming or wading.
*
*
*
*
*
Temporary retail sales and displays: Any nonpermanent sales or displays.
Tem~orary sigAI A si@A which is ~is~laye8 for a limited ~erieG of time,
us~ally loss thaA eAe year aAG YAGer RO circumstaAce for a time ~eried of lOAger
d~ratioR thaA is specified iA this Gevelo~mcAt cose for the particylar sigA ~se.
Time aRE! temperatYre Si!?lAI ,/), si@A cOAtaiAiR!?l illymiAateG Aumerals flashiAg
to display the time aAd tem~crature DAly.
36
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Townhouse building: A building which contains two (2) or more townhouse
units, each unit located on its own lot with individual title thereto and each
lot possessing direct street access and requisite parking to serve the unit.
*
*
*
*
*
Video/electronic game rooms:
enterta i nment. . ..
A specific type of indoor commercial
Wall si~Ai ~ si~A ~arallel to aAd ~laced citRcr directly OA or attacRcd
to tAC cxterior wall of a ~~ilsiA~ or str~ct~re.
Waterfront property: That upland property, whether in one or more lots,
parcels or ownerships which, combined, abut the waterfront.
*
*
*
*
*
Wholesaling/distributing: The selling and/or distributing of goods in
large quantities to other than the individual retail consumer.
WiASOW SigAl A sigA placcs SA tAe iAsiac or o~tsisc of aAY wiA80w of a
buildiAg (iAcl~siAg tAC door) JAd is ~iewa~lc from o~tsidc S~CA wiA80w.
Section 7. The provisions of this ordinance have been found to be
consistent with the City of Clearwater Comprehensive Plan.
Section 8. This ordinance shall take effect on October 13, 1992.
PASSED ON FIRST READING
PASSED ON SECOND AND FINAL READING
AND ADOPTED AS AMENDED
September 3, 1992
September 17, 1992
Attest:
~[~._, Ie,.
hi a E., Got.tGeau
Clerk': ..-::- _.-.
,,~- --...-
Approved as hf-, form .ancfcor~eCtness:
37