§ 126-3. Permitting requirements.

Except as otherwise provided in this Code, it shall be unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, move or convert any sign in the city, or cause the same to be done, without first obtaining a sign permit for each such sign as required by this chapter. No permit shall be issued until the site plan review committee or the development services department determines that such work is in accordance with the requirements contained in this chapter and a copy of any required state licenses or permits or documentation from the state indicating no such license or permits are required have been submitted to the city.

(1)

Application: Prior to the erection of any sign, the owner of the premises where the sign is to be located, or his authorized agent (with authorizing documentation), shall submit a sign permit application on a city application form. The changing of advertising copy or message on changeable copy signs, which are specifically designed for the use of replaceable copy shall not require a sign or building permit.

Every sign permit application shall include a site drawing (including vertical depiction) of the proposed sign showing the location, height, size, stress/wind load, and distance from property lines and from other signs where applicable, property zoning designation(s) and all other information required to determine compliance with this chapter and the standard building code, as adopted by the city.

Animated motion/videos signs. Application for animated motion or video signs must be approved by the city commission (animated or motion signs with time, date, and temperature only may be approved by the site plan review committee). Such applications must detail the type of flashing and/or video (frequency, intensity, and content).

(2)

Sign plan: Each application shall be accompanied by design plans showing: the area of the sign, size, type, details for fastening or attaching (mounted signs), and illumination details such as type, intensity, and direction (if applicable). All sign applications shall include a vertical (to scale) drawing depicting the proposed sign including the sign structure for free standing signs. Additionally, all sign applications shall also include a site drawing (to scale) showing the location of the sign, location/placement, sizes (including area calculations), types (pole, monument, wall, etc.) and styles (channel letters, cabinet, etc.), materials and form of illumination for all signs to be installed within the development, including any out-parcels to be developed in conjunction with the main site or at a later date.

(3)

Fees:

a.

All signs: Permit applications are subject to permitting and processing fees, which are established by resolution of the city commission.

b.

Billboards: In addition to permit and processing fees, all billboards are subject to an annual fee (established by resolution) to be paid by January 1st of each calendar year. This fee is intended to cover administrative costs associated with ensuring that all billboards are properly maintained and utilized in accordance with their approval and the overall intent and purpose of this chapter.

(4)

Signs exempt from permitting requirements: The following types of signs may be erected without a sign permit, provided such signs and operations conform to the provisions contained in this chapter and with all other building, structural and electrical standards of the city:

a.

Public information and city event signs: Signs owned/maintained by a governmental agency used for public safety/information for city sponsored services or events. It is not the intent of this section to exempt typical freestanding, wall-mounted, or other such signs for specific city facilities such as "city hall" from obtaining necessary sign permits.

b.

Agricultural signs: Signs related to bona fide agricultural activities being performed on the property are permitted, provided that each sign does not exceed 16 square feet. The following signs are allowed:

1.

One sign per street frontage.

2.

One delivery entrance sign if an entrance is dedicated for deliveries only.

3.

One sign for seasonal goods or services.

c.

Required governmental signs: Signs required by federal, state, or local law or regulations such as traffic control devices, evacuation information and routes, or other necessitated emergency related event signs.

d.

Real estate signs: Real estate signs, as provided in section 126-5 of this chapter.

e.

Membership signs: One membership signs of two square feet or less per business (or unit for multi-tenant buildings).

f.

Address signs: Signs/letter for property addresses. Lettering must be between four and 12 inches to ensure visibility from the accessing roadway. Upon written request to the site plan review committee modification of these requirements may be allowed to ensure adequate visibility from the adjacent roadway to the sign location.

g.

Other signs: Garage sale signs (no more than three consecutive days), animal warning or no trespassing signs, signs announcing league registration for the Belleview Sports Complex (maximum six square feet, must have property owner permission, and not located within public right-of-way), signs attached or painted on outside equipment or machines such as gas pumps or vending machines provided such signs are part of the equipment and do not extend or enlarge the size of the equipment for the sole purpose of providing additional area for advertising.

(Ord. No. 2008-21, § 1, 10-21-2008)