HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-10-27 CC Adopting Resolution 2015-401-02 CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
WASHINGTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA
ORDINANCE NO. 2015- 4 01 - 0 2
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 401, ZONING ORDINANCE TO
CLARIFY AND AMEND LANGUAGE AS TO SIGN STANDARDS
IN SECTION 401.02.B DEFINITIONS AND 401.15.G SIGNS
THE CITY COUNCIL OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. Section 401.02.6 Definitions, is amended to read as follows:
401.02.6 DEFINITIONS.
Sign Related:
1. Alteration: Any change to a sign excluding routine maintenance,
repair, painting or change of copy of any existing sign.
2. Animated Sign: Any sign that uses movement or change of lighting
to depict action or create a specific effect or scene, including
devices with or without a commercial message, such as spinners
and windsocks, but not including barber poles and time and
temperature signs.
3. Artificial Light: Illumination resulting from internal or external
artificial light sources, including glare and reflected light byproducts
of artificial light sources.
4. Beacon: Any light with one (1) or more beams directed into the
atmosphere or directed at one (1) or more points not on the same
lot as the light source; also, any light with one (1) or more beams
that rotate or move.
5. Bench Signs: A sign which is affixed to a bench such as at a bus
stop.
6. Building Facade: That portion of any exterior elevation of a building
extending from grade to the top of the parapet wall or eaves and
the entire width of the building elevation.
7. Cabinet Sign: A sign that has framing around the entire sign
message with a removable face.
8. Canopy Sign: The area of copy, graphic, or identification which is
affixed to a projection or extension of a building or structure,
including a marquee, erected in such a manner as to provide a
shelter or cover over the approach to any entrance of a store,
building, or place of assembly.
9. Changeable Copy Sign, Electronic and Manual: A sign or portion
thereof that displays electronic, non-pictorial text information in
which each alphanumeric character, graphic or symbol is defined
by a small number of matrix elements using different combinations
of light emitting diodes (LEDs), fiber optics, light bulbs or other
illumination devices within the display area.
Electronic changeable copy signs include computer programmable,
microprocessor controlled electronic displays. Electronic
changeable copy signs include projected images or messages with
these characteristics onto buildings or objects. Electronic
changeable copy signs do not include official signs.
Manual signs include those with characters, letters or illustrations
that can be changed or rearranged manually without altering the
face or the surface of the sign.
10. Commercial Speech: Speech advertising a business, profession,
commodity, service or entertainment.
11. Copy: The wording on a sign surface either permanent or
removable letter form.
12. Dynamic Display: Any characteristics of a sign that appear to
have movement or that appear to change, caused by any method
other than physically removing and replacing the sign or its
components, whether the apparent movement or change is in the
display, the sign structure or any other component of the sign. This
includes displays that incorporate technology or methods allowing
the sign face to change the image without having to physically or
mechanically replace the sign face or its components as well as
any rotating, revolving, moving, flashing, blinking or animated
display and any display that incorporates rotating panels, LED
lights manipulated through digital input, digital ink or any other
method or technology that allows the sign face to present a series
of images or displays.
13. Electronic Graphic Display Sign: A sign or portion thereof that
displays electronic, static images, static graphics or static pictures,
with or without text information, defined by a small number of matrix
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elements using different combinations of light emitting diodes
(LEDs), fiber optics, light bulbs or other illumination devices within
the display area where the message change sequence is
accomplished immediately or by means of fade, re-pixelization or
dissolve modes.
Electronic graphic display signs include computer programmable,
microprocessor controlled electronic or digital displays. Electronic
graphic display signs include projected images or messages with
these characteristics onto building or other objects.
14. Flashing Sign: An illuminated sign upon which the artificial light is
not kept constant in terms of intensity or color when the sign is
illuminated.
15. Freestanding Sign: A self-supported sign not affixed to another
structure.
16. Ground/Low Profile Sign: A sign that is intended to be
incorporated into some form of landscaping design scheme or
planter box, is not elevated from the ground by means of a pole or
free-standing support structure, but is placed directly on the ground
or on an interior planter base which is incorporated into such a
design arrangement.
17. Illuminated Sign: A sign illuminated by an artificial light source
either directed upon it or illuminated from an interior source.
18. Integral Sign: A sign carved into stone, concrete or similar material
or made of bronze, aluminum, or other permanent type of
construction and made an integral part of the structure.
19. Marquee: See canopy.
20. Maximum Height of Sign: The vertical distance from the base of
the sign, or the grade of the road centerline, whichever is higher, to
the top of the sign.
21. Monument Sign: A freestanding sign that is intended to be
incorporated into some form of landscaping design scheme or
planter box, is attached to the ground by means of a freestanding
support structure, is solid from grade to the top of the structure, has
materials that are constructed of the same primary building
materials of the principal structure, is placed directly on the ground
or on an interior planter base which is incorporated into a design
arrangement. A monument sign shall be considered as one sign
though it may have two (2) faces.
22. Motion Sign: Any sign which revolves, rotates, has moving parts,
or gives illusion of motion.
23. Multi-Faced Sign: Any sign with a sign face oriented to more than
two (2) directions.
24. Multivision Sign: Any sign composed in whole or part of a series
of vertical or horizontal slats or cylinders that are capable of being
rotated at intervals so that partial rotation of the group of slats or
cylinders produces a different image and when properly functioning
allows on a single sign structure the display at any given time one
of two (2) or more images.
25. Neon Sign: Any sign that utilizes a brightly colored gas discharge
lamp without filaments that is bent into letters or designs.
26. Non-Commercial Speech: Dissemination of messages not
classified as Commercial Speech which include, but are not limited
to, messages concerning political, religious, social, ideological,
public service and informational topics.
27. Off-Premises Sign: A commercial speech sign which directs the
attention of the public to a business, activity conducted, or product
sold or offered at a location not on the same lot where such sign is
located. For purposes of this sign ordinance, easements and other
appurtenances shall be considered to be outside such lot and any
sign located or proposed to be located in an easement or other
appurtenance shall be considered an off-premises sign.
28. Official Sign: Signs of a public noncommercial nature including
public notification signs, safety signs, traffic signs, direction to
public facilities when erected by or on behalf of a public official or
employee in the performance of official duty.
29. On-Premises Messages: Identify or advertise an establishment,
person, activity, goods, products or services located on the
premises where the sign was installed.
30. Portable Sign: Any sign which is manifestly designed to be
transported, including by trailer on its own wheels, even though the
wheels of such sign may be removed and the remaining chassis or
support is converted to another sign or attached temporarily or
permanently to the ground since this characteristic is based on the
design of such a sign.
31. Principal Building: A building or buildings in which is conducted the
principal use of the lot, not including storage buildings, garages,
and buildings for other clearly accessory uses.
32. Principal Frontage: The wall of the principal building on a lot which
fronts toward the principal public streets.
33. Projecting Sign: A sign, other than a wall sign, which is affixed to a
building and which extends perpendicular from the building wall.
34. Public Entrance: Any passage or opening which affords entry and
access to the general public or customer.
35. Public Entrance, Common: A public entrance providing access for
the utilization and benefit of two (2) or more tenants or building
occupants.
36. Pylon Sign: A freestanding sign erected on one (1) or more
freestanding shafts, posts, or piers which are solidly affixed to the
ground and not attached to a building. A pylon sign shall be
considered as one (1) sign though it may have two (2) faces.
37. Roof Line: The top of the cornice or, when the building has a
pitched roof, the intersection of the outside wall with the roof.
38. Roof Sign: Any sign which is erected, constructed or attached
wholly or in part upon any roof or over the highest roof line of a
building.
39. Rotating Sign: A sign which revolves or rotates on its axis by
mechanical means.
40. Service Entrance: Secondary passage or opening to a structure
which is intended for delivery and removal of merchandise or
goods, and which is not intended as a public entrance.
41. Sign: Any letter, word or symbol, poster, picture, statuary, reading
matter or representation in nature of advertisement, announcement,
message or visual communication, whether painted, posted printed,
affixed or constructed, including all associated brackets, braces,
supports, wires and structures, which is displayed for informational
or communicative purposes.
42. Sign Area: The surface of the sign upon, against or through which
the message of the sign is exhibited.
43. Sign Setback: The distance from the property line and curb to the
nearest part of the sign, measured perpendicularly to the property
line or curb.
44. Sign Structure: The supports, uprights, bracing and framework for
a sign.
45. Special Events: A temporary indoor or outdoor promotional or
sales event.
46. Street Frontage: The side of a lot abutting one (1) or more streets.
An interior lot has one (1) street frontage and a corner lot has two
(2) or more frontages.
47. Temporary Indoor Promotional or Sales Event: A temporary
promotional or sales event directed towards the general public
including only grand openings, storewide sales, craft shows,
registration for day care, an educational, recreational, civic or
religious activity, and community celebrations.
48. Temporary Outdoor Promotional or Sales Event: A temporary
promotional or special event sale directed towards the general
public, including only grand opening sales, storewide sales of
materials and products that are typically sold or serviced on the
premises, registration for day care, an educational, recreational,
civic or religious activity, community celebrations, warehouse sales,
tent sales, sidewalk sales, craft shows, flea markets, inventory
reduction and liquidation sales, and mechanical or animal rides.
49. Total Allowable Sign Area: The maximum allowable gross surface
area in square feet of a sign or signs. The maximum number of
signs cannot be arranged and integrated so as to create a surface
area in excess of this requirement.
50. Traffic Sign: A sign which is erected by a governmental unit for the
purpose of directing or guiding traffic.
51. UL Approved: A device which has been approved by the
"Underwriters' Laboratories".
52. Video Display Sign: A sign that changes its message or
background in a manner or method of display characterized by
motion or pictorial imagery, which may or may not include text and
depicts action or a special effect to imitate movement, the
presentation of pictorials or graphics displayed in a progression of
frames that gives the illusion of motion, including, but not limited to,
the illusion of moving objects, moving patterns or bands or light, or
expanding or contracting shapes, not including electronic
changeable copy signs. Video display signs include projected
images or messages with these characteristics onto buildings or
other objects.
53. Wall Sign: A sign affixed to the exterior wall of a building and which
is parallel to the building wall. A wall sign does not project more
than twelve (12) inches from the surface to which it is attached, nor
extend beyond the top of the parapet wall. Banners do not qualify
as a wall sign.
54. Wall Graphics: A sign painted directly on an exterior wall.
55. Window Sign: A temporary sign affixed to the outside or inside of a
window, within three (3) feet of a window in view of the general
public.
SECTION 2. Section 401.15.G Signs, is amended to read as follows:
401.15.G.1. FINDINGS, PURPOSE AND EFFECT:
a. Findings: The City finds:
1) Oak Park Heights is located on the Minnesota and
Wisconsin border with the St Croix River separating the two
states. Upon completion of the St Croix Crossing in the fall
of 2016, Highway 36 will provide an increasingly important
connection between the Twin Cities metropolitan area and
western Wisconsin. The result will be growth in the Oak
Park Heights business community and a continuing need for
signage and advertising devises.
2) The City Code has included the regulation of signs in an
effort to provide adequate means of expression and to
promote the economic viability of the business community,
while protecting the City and its citizens from a proliferation
of signs of a type, size, location and character that would
adversely impact the aesthetics of the community and
threaten the health, safety and welfare of the community.
The regulation of physical characteristics of signs within the
City has had a positive impact on traffic safety and the
overall appearance of the community.
b. Purpose and intent: It is not the purpose or intent of this sign
ordinance to regulate the message displayed on any sign; nor is it
the purpose or intent of this ordinance to regulate any building
design or any display not defined as a sign, or any sign which
cannot be viewed from outside a building. The purpose and intent
of this ordinance is to:
1) Regulate the number, location, size, type, illumination and
other physical characteristics of signs within the City in order
to promote the public health, safety and welfare.
2) Maintain, enhance and improve the aesthetic environment of
the City by preventing visual clutter that is harmful to the
appearance of the community.
3) Improve the visual appearance of the City while providing for
effective means of communication, consistent with
constitutional guarantees and the City's goals of public
safety and aesthetics.
4) Provide for fair and consistent enforcement of the sign
regulations set for herein under the zoning authority of the
City.
401.15.G.2. SUBSTITUTION CLAUSE: The owner of any sign which is
otherwise allowed by this sign ordinance may substitute non-commercial
copy in lieu of any other commercial or non-commercial copy. This
substitution of copy may be made without any additional approval or
permitting. The purpose of this provision is to prevent any inadvertent
favoring of commercial speech over non-commercial speech, or favoring
of any particular non-commercial message over any other non-commercial
message. This provision prevails over any more specific provision to the
contrary.
401.15.G.3 CONFLICT WITH ZONING ORDINANCE. If there is a conflict that
occurs between this Section and other provisions of this Ordinance, as
amended, the conditions as set forth in this Section, as amended, shall
prevail.
401.15.G.4. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
a. Traffic Signs. No sign permitted by this Ordinance shall, by
reason of its location, color or intensity, create a hazard to the safe,
efficient movement of vehicular or pedestrian traffic. No private
sign shall contain words which might be construed as traffic
controls, such as "stop", "caution", "warning", etc., unless such sign
is needed to direct traffic on the premises.
b. Signs on Fences, Poles, and Natural Features. No signs, guys,
stays or attachments shall be erected, placed or maintained on
rocks, fences, or trees, nor interfere with any electric light, power,
telephone or telegraph wires or the supports thereof, with the
exception of signs necessary for security, or to preserve public
safety, as determined by the City Council.
c. Wall/Roof Attachments. No sign shall be attached to hang from
any building until all necessary wall and/or roof attachments have
been approved by the Building Official.
d. Right-of-Way, Public Lands and Easements. No signs other
than governmental signs shall be erected or temporarily placed
within any street rights-of-way or upon any public lands or
easements or rights-of-way.
e. Ingress/Egress. No sign or sign structure shall be erected or
maintained if it prevents free ingress or egress from any door,
window, or fire escape. No sign or sign structure shall be attached
to a stand pipe or fire escape.
f. Property Number. A minimum of one (1) sign, as assigned by the
City, shall be required on each principal building in all districts.
Such sign shall be of sufficient size to be legible from the nearest
street yet shall not exceed nine (9) square feet in area. The
numbers shall be metal, glass, plastic or durable material and the
numbers shall not be less than three and one-half (3.5) inches in
height, in a contrasting color to the base or made of some reflective
material and so placed to be easily seen from the street.
g. Sign Maintenance. Signs and sign structures shall be properly
maintained and kept in a safe condition. Sign or sign structures
which are rotted, unsafe, deteriorated or defaced, as determined by
the City Building Official shall be removed, repainted, repaired, or
replaced by the permit holder, owner or agent of the property upon
which the sign stands.
h. Electrical Building Code. All signs shall be constructed in
accordance with the Minnesota State Building Code and the
National Electrical Code All electrical service wiring shall be buried.
i. Hours of Operation. Signs in the R-B, B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4, B-W,
and I Districts may only be illuminated during business hours, or
until eleven o'clock (11:00) PM, whichever is later.
j. External Lighting. Signs with external lighting shall have no
exposed light sources or fixtures unless decorative fixtures are
utilized and the light source is fully concealed and diffused. The
maximum brightness of the signs in combination with the building
and site lighting shall not exceed the standards found in Section
401.15.8.7 of this Ordinance.
k. Internal Lighting. Signs with internal lighting shall include
illumination of only the text and/or logo portion of the message.
Back lighting on fabric awnings is prohibited.
I. Neon. Neon signs shall be limited to channel letter signs, logos,
and permanent window signage in the R-B, B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4, B-W
and I Districts.
m. Setbacks. No part of a sign or sign structure shall be placed closer
to the property line than five (5) feet. No sign shall be positioned so
that it impacts or is exposed to residential uses or districts along
adjoining side and rear yard property lines.
n. Flags. No more than three (3) flags may be displayed outside of a
building. This number may, however, be increased provided an
interim use permit is issued in compliance with Section 401.05 of
this Ordinance. Where appropriate, the U.S. Flag Code, Minnesota
Statutes or Executive Order shall apply to Federal and/or State flag
displays.
o. Angle Signs. The maximum angle permitted between faces of a
double face freestanding sign is sixty (60) degrees, anything less is
one (1) sign, anything more is two (2) signs.
401.15.G.5. PERMITTED SIGNS IN ANY ZONING DISTRICT. The following
signs are allowed without a permit unless otherwise specified. These
signs, if placed in accordance with the following standards, will not apply
toward the maximum allowable sign area, but shall comply with all other
applicable provisions of this Ordinance.
a. Campaign Non-Commercial Speech Signs. All campaign non-
commercial signs no more that sixteen (16) square feet in size and
totaling no more than four (4) per property may be posted
beginning forty six (46) days before the state primary in a state
general election year until ten (10) days following the state general
election, in accordance with Minnesota State Statutes, as
amended.
b. Signage on bus benches, as regulated in the Oak Park Heights
Code of Ordinances. For the purposes of this Ordinance, such
signage shall not be considered to be off premises advertising
signage.
c. Permanent Window Signage. Shall not exceed twenty-five (25)
percent of the total area of the window in which they are displayed.
Lettering used in permanent window signage exceeding three and
one-half (3.5) inches in height shall be included in the calculations
of allowable sign area permitted on that side of the building. Use of
neon for permanent window sign shall be allowed within the
requirements of this Section.
d. Temporary Window Signs. Temporary window signs shall be
permitted within the R-B, B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4, B-W and I Districts,
provided that they do not exceed ten (10) percent of the front
building facade.
e. Additional Allowed Signs.
1) One (1) nameplate or address sign for each unit in a single
and two family residential dwelling not exceeding two (2)
square feet in area per surface. Lots abutting more than one
(1) right-of-way shall be allowed one (1) sign not to
exceed two (2) square feet in area per frontage.
2) One nameplate or address sign, placed on the wall of the
structure, for each dwelling group of three or more units or
commercial business. The sign may not exceed six (6)
square feet in area. Lots abutting more than one (1) right-
of-way shall be allowed one (1) sign not to exceed six (6)
square feet in area per frontage.
3) One sign shall be allowed per street frontage when the
building or site is under construction or offered for sale or
lease provided that:
a) The sign area shall not exceed thirty two (32) square
feet.
b) Freestanding signs shall be limited to a maximum
height of eight (8) feet.
c) The sign shall not be illuminated.
d) Such sign shall be removed within one year of the
date of issuance of a building permit or when the
project is completed, whichever is sooner.
4) Upon approval of a final plat for a subdivision provided that:
a) One (1) sign shall be allowed per project or
subdivision or one (1) sign for each frontage to a
major collector or arterial street, whichever is greater.
b) The area of the sign shall not exceed thirty two (32)
square feet.
c) Freestanding signs shall be limited to a maximum
height of eight (8)feet.
d) Such sign shall be removed within one year of the
date of issuance of a building permit or when the
project is completed, whichever is sooner.
401.15.G.6. PROHIBITED SIGNS IN ANY ZONING DISTRICT. The following
signs are prohibited in all zoning districts:
a. Any sign that will obstruct or impair the vision of drivers or
pedestrians or detracts from the visibility of any official traffic control
device.
b. Any sign which contains or imitates an official traffic sign or signal.
c. Off-premises signs.
d. Business signs on or attached to equipment, such as semi-truck
trailers, being used in such a manner that advertising is a principal
use of the equipment.
e. Animated signs.
f. Roof signs.
g. Signs displayed on vehicles within open sales lots.
h. Any sign or display which contains or consists of banners,
bannerettes, pennants, ribbons, streamers, strings of light bulbs,
balloons and hot or cold air inflatable devices, spinners or similar
outdoor advertising devices, except as may be approved by a
special event permit in accordance with the provisions as set forth
in Section 401.15.G.8 of this Ordinance.
i. Portable signs.
j. Wall graphics.
k. Beacons.
I. Multi-faced signs.
m. Signs supported by guy wires.
n. Cabinet signs on buildings, except for logo signs.
o. Signs and/or posts which are tacked onto trees, fences, utility poles
or other such permanent supports, except safety signs and signs
found on fences of athletic facilities
p. All signs over four hundred (400) square feet in area.
q. Dynamic display signs.
r. Electronic graphic display signs.
s. Multivision signs
t. Video display signs.
401.15.G.7. SPECIAL EVENTS.
a. Sign Permit Required. No special event shall be held without first
obtaining a sign permit.
b. Number of Days. The business or applicant in all business and
industrial zoning districts, as well as each public and institutional
use in residential districts (except for the areas within the
Destination Retail Highway District as indicated in Section
401.15.G.8.c), shall be a total of fifty (50) special event days in a
calendar year. Once the time period has expired for a special
event, the applicant shall wait the same number of days that the
sign permit was issued to start a new special event.
c. Events in the Destination Retail Highway District. The business
or applicant in the Destination Retail Highway District shall be
allowed a total of one hundred eighty (180) special event days in a
calendar year for any applicant, business, or public and institutional
use. Once the time period has expired for a special event, the
applicant shall wait two (2) days before starting a new sales event.
All other special event requirements, as found in Section 401.15.g.8
of this Ordinance, shall be adhered to within the Destination Retail
Highway District.
d. Permitted Signs and Displays. The signs and displays described
below are permitted for special events in addition to the maximum
allowable sign area, provided they are professionally done and the
following standards are met and complied with:
1) Balloons.
2) Tents.
3) Bannerettes and Pennants.
4) Banners.
5) Search lights.
a) Search lights as regulated in Section 401.15.B.7.g.1)
of this Ordinance.
6) Ribbons, streamers and air inflatable devices limited to three
(3) special events days per calendar year, each no longer
than ten (10) days per event.
e. Prohibited Signs and Displays for Special Events. The signs or
displays described below are prohibited for special events:
1) Animated signs, dynamic display signs, electronic graphic
display signs, Multivision signs, video display signs, light
bulb strings, portable signs.
2) Displays or special features on any landscaped areas or on
roofs.
3) Aerial rides.
4) Additional lighting that does not meet this Ordinance.
5) Any sign or display in the public right-of-way.
f. Sign Permit Requirements for Special Event Lot Decorations.
Before any special event signs or decorations shall be permitted to
be used for an event, the responsible property owner or
organization shall submit a completed application for a sign permit
with the City. In addition to other requirements, the applicant shall
show that when the event is held, adequate parking area will
continue to exist, even though a portion of required parking spaces
may be used to celebrate the event. Only after the City issues the
sign permit, may a business display the special event signs and
decorations.
g. Violations.
1) It is a violation for any person, company, or organization to
provide, erect or display any beacons, balloons or other
advertising device which is not in conformity with the
provisions of this Section.
2) Special event signs and decorations not removed by the last
day of the special event.
401.15.G.8. DISTRICT REGULATIONS.
a. R-1, R-1A, R-1B, R-1C, Single Family Residential and R-2, Low
to Medium Density Residential Districts. Except as otherwise
provided in this Ordinance, signs in these districts shall be limited
to:
1) Any multiple dwelling structure with three (3) or more units
shall be allowed one (1) monument sign, not to exceed six
(6) feet in height or one (1) wall sign, the aggregate square
footage of sign space shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square
feet.
2) Other non-residential uses permitted or conditionally
permitted in the R-1, R-1A, R-1 B, R-1 C, and R-2 Districts
shall be allowed one monument sign, not to exceed eight (8)
feet in height and one (1) wall sign, the aggregate square
footage of sign space shall not exceed forty (40) square feet.
The signs shall not be illuminated except by conditional use
permit as provided for in Section 401.03 of this Ordinance.
3) One (1) freestanding sign, not to exceed six (6) feet in height
or one (1) wall sign, the aggregate square footage of sign
space shall not exceed four (4) square feet shall be allowed
for home occupations as provided for in Section 401.15.M of
this Ordinance, and day care nursery facilities as provided
for in Section 401.15.N of this Ordinance. The sign shall not
be illuminated except by conditional use permit as provided
for in Section 401.03 of this Ordinance.
4) One (1) freestanding sign, not to exceed six (6) feet in height
or one (1) wall sign, the aggregate square footage of sign
space shall not exceed six (6) square feet shall be allowed
for bed and breakfast facilities as provided for in Section
401.22.E.3 of this Ordinance. The sign shall not be
illuminated except by conditional use permit as provided for
in Section 401.03 of this Ordinance.
5) Exceptions in numbers of height or size of signs may be
allowed for the signs indicated in Section 401.15.0.8 of this
Ordinance by conditional use permit, as provided for in
Section 401.03 of this Ordinance.
b. 0, Open Space Conservation and R-3, Multiple Family
Residential Districts. Except as otherwise provided in this
Ordinance, signs in these districts shall be limited to:
1) Any multiple family structure with three (3) or more units
shall be allowed a total of four (4) signs for any one (1)
project to include the following:
a) One (1) monument sign per entrance to the project
not to exceed twenty-four (24) square feet or eight (8)
feet in height.
b) Wall signs not more than twenty-four (24) square feet
nor higher than the top on the parapet wall or eave.
2) Other non-residential uses permitted or conditionally
permitted in the 0, Open Space Conservation or R-3,
Multiple Family Residential Districts shall be allowed one
monument sign, not to exceed eight (8) feet in height and
one (1) wall sign, the aggregate square footage of sign
space shall not exceed forty (40) square feet.
3) Parks or public facilities shall be allowed one (1) monument
sign per street entrance, not to exceed eight (8) feet in
height and one (1) wall sign. The aggregate square footage
of sign space shall not exceed sixty (60) square feet.
4) Changeable Copy Signs— Manual and Electronic— Non-
Residential Uses in the 0, Open Space Conservation District
as regulated in Section 401.15.0.10 of this Ordinance.
5) Exceptions in numbers of, height or size of signs may be
allowed for the signs indicated in Section 401.15.G.8 of this
Ordinance by conditional use permit, as provided for in
Section 401.03 of this Ordinance.
c. P/I, Public Institutional; R-B, Residential Business; and B-1,
Neighborhood Business Districts. Except as otherwise provided
in this Ordinance, signs in these districts shall be limited to three (3)
signs per principal use upon the subject property, subject to the
following conditions:
1) One (1) freestanding monument sign per entrance not more
than forty (40) square feet or more than eight (8) feet in
height;
2) Wall signs not more than forty (40) square feet nor higher
than the top of the parapet wall or eave.
3) Parks or public facilities shall be allowed one (1) monument
sign per street entrance, not to exceed eight (8) feet in
height, and one (1) wall sign. The aggregate square footage
of sign space shall not exceed sixty (60) square feet.
4) Changeable Copy Signs— Manual and Electronic— P/I,
Public Institutional District as regulated in Section
401.15.0.10 of this Ordinance.
5) Exceptions in numbers of, height or size of signs may be
allowed for the signs indicated in Section 401.15.0.8 of this
Ordinance by conditional use permit, as provided for in
Section 401.03 of this Ordinance.
d. B-2, General Business; B-3, Highway Business and
Warehousing; B-4, Limited Business District; B-W Business
Warehousing; and I, Industrial Districts. Except as otherwise
provided in this Ordinance, single occupancy business signs in
these districts shall be limited to:
1) Freestanding Signs.
a) Size of sign permitted is determined by the gross
square footage of the principal structure located in the
development.
b) A maximum of one (1) freestanding sign is allowed
upon any single lot. The freestanding sign base shall
be surrounded with a landscaped planter at least
three (3) feet In height and constructed of materials to
match the principal building. The lanter shall area
containing decorative shrubbery and/or flower
ma a al`s.
c) Two (2) additional freestanding signs may be allowed
provided they are in compliance with the following
standards:
(1) The signs are constructed as a monument.
(2) Decorative shrubbery and/or flowers must be
incorporated as a part of the monument design
and are maintained on a regular basis.
d) The following table lists the maximum size and
heights for permitted signs in the B-2 District, B-3
District, B-4 District, B-W District and I District:
Pylon Monument
Principal Structure Height Sign Size Height Copy and
(Gross Square Feet) (feet) (squareee{ (feet) Graphic
f (square
feet)
Multiple Occupancy 20 100 20 100
Business Buildings
Destination Retail 40 200 20 100
Highway District
Greater than 200,0000 30 150 20 100
100,000—200,000 25 120 20 100
10,000 — 100,000 20 100 20 100
5,000 — 10,000 18 80 15 80
Less than 5,000 15 60 8 60
2) Wall Signs.
a) Size of sign permitted is determined by the gross
square footage of the principal structure located in the
development.
b) The maximum number of wall signs on any principal
building shall be three (3), and in all cases, each sign
shall be placed on a separate building facade, with or
without street frontage except as allowed for multiple
occupancy buildings in Section 401.15.G.10.d of this
Ordinance.
c) The maximum number of wall signs allowed may be
increased over three (3) by conditional use permit for
single occupancy buildings provided the following
minimum standards are met:
(1) There shall be no freestanding sign exceeding
twenty (20)feet in height upon the lot.
(2) The wall signs shall be identical in style, color
and size.
d) The following table lists the maximum size and
heights for permitted signs in the B-2 District, B-3
District, B-4 District, B-W District and I District:
Principal Structure Individual Wall Sign Total Wall Signage for
(Gross Square Feet) Calculation Property
Multiple Occupancy 200 square feet of 10 500 square feet.
Business Buildings percent of the wall face,
whichever is less
Destination Retail 250 square feet or 10 500 Square feet
Highway District percent of wall face,
whichever is less
Greater than 200,000 200 square feet or 10 500 square feet
percent of wall face,
whichever is less
100,000—200,000 150 square feet or 10 400 square feet
percent of wall face,
whichever is less
10,000— 100,000 120 square feet or 10 300 square feet
percent of wall face,
whichever is less
5,000 — 10,000 100 square feet or 15 200 square feet
percent of wall face,
whichever is less
Less than 5,000 80 square feet or 15 150 square feet
percent of wall face,
whichever is less
3) Changeable Copy Signs— Manual and Electronic as
regulated in Section 401.15.G.10 of this Ordinance.
4) Exceptions in numbers of, height or size of signs may be
allowed for the signs indicated in Section 401.15.G.8 of this
Ordinance by conditional use permit, as provided for in
Section 401.03 of this Ordinance.
401.15.G.9. SPECIAL DISTRICT PROVISIONS.
a. Motor Fuel Station.
1) Signs for motor fuel stations shall be regulated by the single
occupancy business structure sign provisions for the zoning
district in which the station is located.
2) Pump island signs shall not exceed two (2) square feet per
pump.
3) Portable signs shall not be allowed.
4) The area of all displays and/or signs shall be counted
against the total sign area allowed for the site, which
includes both freestanding and wall sign allowances.
b. Destination Retail Highway Sign District. Signs and sign
allowances, in addition to the sign allowances for single and
multiple occupancy signs of this Ordinance, shall be allowed within
the Destination Retail Highway Sign District as identified on maps
on file at City Hall.
c. Multiple Occupancy Business Buildings, Industrial Buildings,
and Lots.
1) When a single principal building is devoted to two (2) or
more businesses or industrial uses, or a lot will contain more
than one (1) single occupancy building as part of an
approved planned unit development, a comprehensive sign
plan shall be required subject to review as to whether the
plan is consistent with the sign regulations. The plan and
sign allowances shall be subject to the following:
a) A comprehensive sign plan is submitted which
includes all of the following information:
(1) A site plan to scale showing the location of lot
lines, building structures, parking areas,
existing and proposed signs, and any other
physical features of the area included within
the comprehensive sign plan.
(2) Elevations to scale of building or buildings
included within the comprehensive sign plan
including the location of existing or proposed
wall signs.
(3) To scale plans for all existing and proposed
signs of an type included within the
comprehensive sign plan indicating area,
dimensions, height, materials, colors, and
means of illumination (if any).
2) The maximum individual sign sizes for multiple occupancy
buildings and individual businesses that may display a sign
shall not exceed the maximum provisions for single
occupancy structures of the applicable zoning district.
3) Except as provided for in Section 401.15.G.10 of this
Ordinance, individual tenants of a multiple occupancy
building shall not display separate wall signs unless the
tenants business has an exclusive exterior entrance. The
number of individual wall signs shall be limited to one (1) per
entrance, and each sign shall be limited to the maximum wall
sign allowances permitted in the district. Tenants on building
ends may have a maximum of two (2) signs each to be
located at the front and side elevations of the tenant space.
The individual signs shall be located only on exterior walls
which they are directly related to the use being identified.
4) In any multiple occupancy building qualifying as a shopping
center, signs shall be permitted for each common public
entrance. Each sign area shall not exceed a total of fifty (50)
square feet and shall be located within fifty (50) feet of the
common public entrance being served. Attention shall be
given to the possible number of tenants or occupant bays
which may be served by the common public entrance for
which the sign is intended.
5) No permit shall be issued for a new or replacement sign for
an individual use except upon a determination by the Zoning
Administrator that it is consistent with the approved
comprehensive sign plan.
401.15.G.10 CHANGEABLE COPY SIGNS
a. Manual and Electronic Changeable Copy Sign
1) One manual or electronic changeable copy sign shall be
allowed per site provided that the changeable copy area is
integrated into the allowed sign and subject to the following:
a) Changeable copy signs shall only be on freestanding
signs.
b) The sign shall not directly face a residentially zoned
property and shall be set back at least fifty (50) feet
from any side or rear lot line abutting a residential
district.
c) The changeable copy portion of the sign shall not
occupy more than thirty-five (35) percent of the actual
copy and graphic area of the sign.
d) The sign message shall not change less than every
ten (10) seconds. Hour, minute, date or temperature
shall change not less than every three (3) seconds.
b. Electronic Sign Illumination
1) Electronic signs shall be shielded to prevent lights from
being directed at oncoming traffic in such brilliance that it
impairs the vision of the driver and may not interfere with or
obscure traffic signs or signals. Lighting may not illuminate
any adjacent properties, buildings or streets.
2) No sign incorporating LED lighting may be illuminated in
any way so as to exceed a maximum intensity of five
thousand (5,000) nits during daylight hours or five hundred
(500) nits from sunset to sunrise measured at the sign face
at maximum brightness.
3) Signs using fluorescent, neon or incandescent light
sources shall not exceed twelve (12) watts per square foot
of sign surface area.
4) All signs incorporating LED lighting installed shall be
equipped with a mechanism that automatically adjusts the
brightness to ambient lighting conditions to conform to the
requirements of this subsection.
5) The owner of any LED illuminated sign shall provide
certification as to compliance with these subsections and
401.15.0.5 of this Ordinance upon request by the zoning
administrator.
401.15.0.11. NON-CONFORMING SIGNS.
a. General Provisions Governing Non-Conforming Signs.
1) Continuation of Use. A non-conforming sign lawfully
existing upon the effective date of this Ordinance may be
continued at the size and in the manner existing upon such
date.
2) If any property use or business changes ownership, all signs
on that property, including any sign identifying a business no
longer in existence, shall be brought into conformance with
Section 401.15.0.15.c)within thirty (30) days.
3) Prohibitions. A non-conforming sign may not be:
a) Structurally altered except to bring it into compliance
with the provisions of this Ordinance.
b) Enlarged.
c) Re-established after its removal or discontinuance.
d) Repaired or otherwise restored, unless the damage is
less than fifty (50) percent of sign structure.
e) Replaced.
4) Non-Conforming Sign Maintenance and Repair. Nothing in
this Ordinance shall be construed as relieving the owner of
use of a legal non-conforming sign or owner of the property
on which the legal non-conforming sign is located from the
provisions of this Ordinance regarding safety, maintenance,
and repair of signs, provided, however, that any repainting,
cleaning, and other normal maintenance or repair of the sign
or sign structure shall not modify the sign structure or copy in
any way which makes it more non-conforming or the sign
shall lose its legal non-conforming status.
b. Non-Conforming Uses. When the principal use of land is legally
non-conforming under the Zoning Ordinance, all existing or
proposed signs in conjunction with that land shall be considered
conforming if they are in compliance with the sign provisions for the
most restrictive zoning district in which the principal use is allowed.
401.15.G.12. MAINTENANCE. All signs, together with all of their supports,
braces, guys and anchors, shall be kept in repair and in proper state of
preservation. The display surfaces of all signs shall be kept neatly painted
or posted at all times. Every sign and the immediate surrounding
premises shall be maintained by the owner or person in charge thereof in
a clean, sanitary, and inoffensive condition and free and clear of all
obnoxious substances, rubbish and weeds. Notice shall be given to the
Zoning Administrator of any change in sign user, sign owner, or owner of
the property on which the sign is located.
401.15.G.13. INSPECTION. All signs for which a sign permit is required shall be
subject to inspection by the City Building Official. The Building Official
may order the removal of any sign that is not maintained in accordance
with the maintenance provisions of this Ordinance.
401.15.G.14. SIGN PERMIT AND APPLICATION.
a. Sign Permit Required. Except as provided in this Section, no sign
or structure shall be erected, constructed, altered, rebuilt, or
relocated until a sign permit has first been issued by the City. The
fees which shall be charged for sign permits under this Section
shall be in accordance with the fee schedule as determined by
resolution of the City Council.
b. Sign Application. The following information for a sign permit shall
be supplied by an applicant as requested by the Zoning
Administrator or designee:
1) Name, address, and telephone number of person making the
application.
2) Name, address, and telephone number of person owning the
sign.
3) A site plan to scale showing the location of lot lines, building
structures, parking areas, existing and proposed signs and
any other physical features.
4) The location, diagrams, and dimensions of the building,
building elevations, structure, and lot to which, or upon
which, the sign is to be attached or erected. Building
elevations shall include an artist's rendition or color
computer graphic simulation if required by the Zoning
Administrator.
5) A site plan showing the positioning and height of the sign(s)
or other advertising structures in relation to all nearby
existing or proposed buildings, structures, and property lines,
lighting details, colors, materials, a table of the proposed
gross sign area for each sign and the total proposed sign
area.
6) Photographs of the building face and the building faces of
any adjacent buildings.
1
7) Plans, location and specifications and method of
construction and attachment to the buildings or placement
method in the ground.
8) Copy of stress sheets and calculations showing that the
structure is designed for dead load and wind pressure in any
direction in the amount required by this and all other laws
and ordinances of the City.
9) Written consent of the owner or lessee of any site on which
the sign is to be erected.
10) Any electrical permit required and issued for the sign.
11) The name of the person, firm, corporation, or association
erecting the structure.
12) Such other information as the Zoning Administrator or
designee requires, showing full compliance with this and all
other laws and ordinances of the City.
13) If the work authorized under a sign permit has not been
completed within twelve (12) months after the date of its
issuance, said permit shall become null and void.
401.15.G.15. REMOVAL OF UNSAFE AND ILLEGAL SIGNS. If the Zoning
Administrator or designee finds that any sign or sign structure is unsafe or
in violation of the provisions of this Ordinance, written notice shall be given
to the owner and/or party responsible for the sign to comply with the
standards required by this Section in a prescribed time frame and manner.
The removal of the signs shall be done in the following manner:
a) Permanent Illegal Signs. The Zoning Administrator, or his/her
designee, shall order the removal of any permanent sign erected or
maintained in violation of this Ordinance, Those signs deemed
unsafe by the Zoning Administrator or designee shall be ordered
removed immediately. Thirty (30) days notice in writing shall be
given to the owner of all other signs or of the building, structure,
or premises on which such sign is located, to either comply with this
Ordinance or remove the sign. The owner of the sign, building,
structure, or premises shall also, upon removal of any sign, be fully
responsible for repairing, replacing, and returning the ground,
building wall, or other mounting surface to its original condition or to
a proper condition consistent with the present appearance of the
area, building wall, or surface.
b) Temporary Illegal Signs. The City may impound signs which
have been illegally installed upon public property or within public
right-of-way or easement. The sign owner may retrieve the signs
according to the following:
1) Fee Payment. For impounded signs, there shall be an
impoundment and storage fee, as may be approved from
time to time by Council resolution.
2) Retrieval of Sign. The sign shall be retrieved from a
designated impound area during routine business hours and
within fifteen (15) days from the date of impounding. After
fifteen (15) days, the City will dispose of the sign.
3) Liability. The City shall not be held liable for any damage to
impounded signs.
c) Out of Business Signs. Signs not used for signing when a
business permanently closes or leaves the tenant space shall be
removed or altered within thirty (30) days from the close of
business. Wall or freestanding signs and sign structures that are in
compliance with the provisions of this Ordinance but are not in use
shall be addressed in the following manner:
1) Wall signs. The sign shall be removed.
2) Wall signs (cabinet). A blank face shall be inserted in the
cabinet that is not illuminated.
3) Freestanding Signs. A blank face shall be inserted in the
cabinet that is not illuminated.
4) Non-Conforming Signs/Sign Structures. All non-conforming
signs and sign structures shall be removed in compliance
with Section 401.15.G.11 of this Ordinance.
d) Administrative Enforcement. Enforcement procedures for
violations of this Chapter shall be conducted as outlined in Section
101.05 of the City Code.
401.15.G.16. VARIANCES. In order to provide additional flexibility in the
enforcement of this Ordinance and to alleviate hardship and injustice, the
City Council may, upon application, grant a variation from the terms of this
Ordinance. Upon application, therefore, from the person seeking a permit
for the erection or installation of a sign, the request for variance shall be
processed in accordance with Section 401.04 of this Ordinance, as may
be amended.
a. Criteria. Additionally, the City Council shall make a finding of fact
that an undue hardship or injustice exists if a variance was not
granted and therefore, may grant such variations based upon
consideration of the following:
1) That particular physical surrounding, shape, or topographical
conditions of the specific parcel of land involved exist.
2) That the condition involved is unique to the particular parcel
of land involved.
3) That the purpose of the variation is not based exclusively
upon a desire to increase the value of income potential of
the business involved.
4) That the alleged difficulty or hardship is caused by this
Ordinance and has not been created by any persons
presently having an interest in the parcel.
5) That the granting of the variation will not be detrimental to
the public welfare or injurious to other land or improvements
in the neighborhood.
6) That the proposed variation will not impair an adequate
supply of light and air to adjacent property, or substantially
increase the congestion of the public streets or interfere with
the function of the Police and Fire Departments of the City.
b. Fees. Fees for the review and processing of sign permit variance
requests shall be changed in accordance with the provisions of
Section 401.08 of this Ordinance.
SECTION 3. The Planning Commission of the City of Oak Park Heights held a
public hearing at their October 8, 2015 meeting, took comments from the public,
and recommended that the City Council approve amendments to the sign
provisions.
SECTION 4. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect upon its passage
and publication.
PASSED this 27th day of October, 2015 by the City Council of the City of
Oak Park Heights.
Cl OF O A • 'ARK HEIGHTS
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,A , / c., ‘://,`--(-7'
a om er, Mayor
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c A . J•hn'o , City Administrator
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