Chapter 12.116 SIGNS

In order to preserve the natural beauty of the city, to maintain the orderliness of the community’s appearance, to conserve its residential character, and to protect the public safety, the location, size, illumination, and design of signs are regulated. (Ord. 2024-143, 5-20-2024)

12.116.020 DEFINITIONS:

In addition to the definitions set forth in chapter 12.08, all of which are applicable herein, for the purposes of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this section, unless the context or the provision clearly requires otherwise:

BILLBOARD:

An on-site or off-site freestanding sign that exceeds the size limitations of a freestanding or wall sign.

COMPREHENSIVE SIGN PROGRAM:

A general plan for signage, as approved by the city, pertaining to all or any portion of a site and the buildings thereon, which may include, but is not limited to, the area, dimension, color, material, design, size, and illumination of all signs to be erected or installed pursuant to the sign program.

DIGITAL DISPLAY:

An electronic message display with either fixed or changeable display which may be changed by electronic processes or remote control, which may include words and/or pictures and composed of a series of lights, light emitting diodes (LEDs) or liquid crystal displays (LCDs) or functionally similar signs.

DIRECTIONAL SIGN, OFF-SITE:

A sign, located on one parcel, advertising and/or directing traffic to a business located on a different parcel within the city.

DIRECTIONAL SIGN, ON-SITE:

A sign, the sole purpose of which is to direct the flow of traffic, indicate entrances or exits, transmit parking information or convey similar information.

HEIGHT:

The vertical distance measured from the lowest ground level directly beneath the sign to the highest point at the top of the sign. The ground level shall be either the natural grade or finished grade, whichever is lowest.

SIGN:

Any lettering, symbol or other thing of visual appearance primarily used for, or having the effect of attracting attention from the street, sidewalk or other outside public arena for advertising or identification purposes. A "sign" shall not mean displays of merchandise or products for sale on the premises, or ornamentation, designs, pictures, paintings or other such art forms unless the attraction, because of location, size, use or nature thereof, has the substantial effect of attracting attention for advertising or identification purposes when viewed from an outside area.

SIGN AREA:

The area of the smallest rectangle drawn to include all letters, designs, frame, and structural components which are part of the sign, but excluding any supports, uprights, posts or structures by which any sign is supported unless such supports, uprights, posts or structures are designed in such a manner as to form an integral background of the sign. In computing the area of a double-faced sign, only one face of the sign shall be included; provided, that the two (2) faces shall be approximately the same size and approximately parallel to each other and not more than two feet (2’) apart at any point.

SIGN, FREESTANDING:

A sign supported by one or more upright poles, columns, or braces placed in or on the ground and not attached to any building or structure.

SIGN, IDENTIFICATION:

A sign, the sole purpose of which is to identify the site or the building, use or persons occupying the site on which the sign is located.

SIGN, ILLUMINATED:	A sign having its own immediate source of internal or external lighting.
Externally Illuminated Sign:	A sign with an immediate source of illumination that is not completely enclosed by any portion of the sign.
Internally Illuminated Sign:	A sign with an immediate source of illumination that is completely enclosed by the surface of the sign structure or the characters of the sign.

SIGN, OPEN HOUSE:

An off-site portable sign directing prospective purchasers to the location of a single-family dwelling being offered for sale and open for visitation by the public at the time the sign is displayed.

SIGN, POLE:

A sign that is mounted on a freestanding pole or other support so that the bottom edge of the sign face is six feet (6’) or more above grade.

SIGN, POLITICAL:

A temporary sign that directly relates to a candidate for public office or to a ballot issue, in an election conducted by a governmental entity.

SIGN, PORTABLE:

Any sign which is intended to be moved or capable of being moved, whether or not on wheels or other special supports, including, but not limited to, "A-frame" type signs, placards and banners.

SIGN, REAL ESTATE:

A temporary sign advertising the sale, lease or rental of the real property, or any portion thereof, upon which the sign is located and the identification of the person handling such sale, lease or rental.

SIGN, SPECIAL EVENT:

A temporary sign pertaining to events of civic, community, philanthropic, educational or religious organizations, which are not conducted in connection with the operation of a commercial enterprise.

SIGN, SUBDIVISION:

A temporary sign advertising a subdivision and providing travel directions to single-family dwellings therein offered for sale or lease for the first time. The term "subdivision sign" also includes a model home sign on the site of a single-family dwelling within the subdivision.

SIGN, WALL:

A sign fastened to or painted on the wall of a building or structure in such a manner that the wall becomes the supporting structure for, or forms the background surface of, the sign and which does not project more than twelve inches (12") from such a building or structure.

SIGN, WINDOW:

A sign that is applied or attached to the exterior or interior of a window or located in such a manner within a building that it can be seen from the exterior of the structure through a window.

(Ord. 2024-143, 5-20-2024)

12.116.030 PROHIBITED SIGNS:

The following signs are prohibited:

A. Reflective, flashing or moving signs, except for signs subject to section 12.116.125 or public service time and temperature signs which shall not be flashing, animated or revolving in nature.

B. Portable signs, except for open house signs, political signs, and special event signs that comply with the regulations of this section.

C. Streamers, banners, balloons, flares, flags, pennants, twirlers and similar attention-getting devices, with the exception of the following:

1. National, state and local governmental flags properly displayed upon flagpoles.

2. One corporate flag displayed upon a single flagpole.

3. Grand opening and special event displays which comply with the regulations of this section.

4. One decorative flag per residence.

D. Any sign affixed or attached to any vehicle or trailer, unless the vehicle or trailer is intended to be used in its normal business capacity and not for the primary purpose of advertising a use or event or attracting persons to a place of business.

E. Signs or sign structures which by color, wording or location resemble or conflict with traffic control signs or devices.

F. Signs that create a safety hazard by obstructing the clear view or safe movement of vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

G. Signs that obstruct any door, window, fire escape or other emergency exit of any building.

H. Posters, placards, announcements, advertising and similar signs that are erected on any fence, pole, tree, pavement, wall, bus stop, bench, or any other object in or upon a public highway, public street or public right-of-way, excepting notices posted by a public officer in the performance of a public duty, or by any person for the purpose of giving legal notice, and warning or informational signs required or authorized by governmental regulations.

I. Billboards, excepting those that may be approved subject to sections 12.116.120 and 12.116.125.

J. Window signs, except as provided in section 12.116.050B11, or approved as part of a sign permit pursuant to section 12.116.060. (Ord. 2024-143, 5-20-2024)

12.116.040 GENERAL REGULATIONS REGARDING SIGNS:

A. Compliance With Section: No sign shall be erected, installed, altered, or maintained in any zoning district in the city, including public and private streets therein, except in conformity with provisions of this section.

B. Compliance With District Regulations: All signs shall comply with the particular regulations of the district in which they are located. Additional sign height may be allowed subject to review and approval of a conditional use permit.

C. Compatibility With Surroundings: The design, color, and location of each sign shall be compatible with the architecture of the buildings on the premises, and in harmony with the structures and other improvements on the property or in the vicinity or neighborhood where sign compatibility is a policy decision.

D. Site Restriction: All signs shall be located on the same site as the use they identify or advertise, except off-site directional signs as described in section 12.116.130, temporary subdivision signs as described in section 12.116.140, public interest signs as described in section 12.116.160, open house signs as described in section 12.116.170, temporary political signs as described in section 12.116.180, and off-site advertising billboard signs in section 12.116.125.

E. Sign Projection: No sign shall extend above the ridgeline of a building, nor project more than thirty inches (30") from the outside wall of a building, nor more than twelve inches (12") over any street or alley. The projection is measured on a line perpendicular to the wall. All projecting signs that project over a walkway or public right-of-way shall have a clearance of nine feet (9’) above grade. Off-site advertising billboard signs as described in section 12.116.125, not attached to a building, shall be exempt to this provision.

F. Illumination Generally: Light produced by an off-site advertising sign should not exceed 0.3 footcandles over ambient light levels. Measurement should be taken utilizing a footcandle meter from two hundred fifty feet (250’) perpendicular to the face of the digital sign.

G. Illumination Near Residential Districts: Illuminated signs with a brightness more than thirty (30) foot-lamberts shall not be erected nearer than fifty feet (50’) from any point in a residential district unless the face of the sign is not visible from the residential district.

H. Size Of Letters: Unless otherwise prescribed in this chapter, no sign shall have letters greater in size than eighteen inches (18") in any dimension, except that in the I district, letters of sixty inches (60") may be permitted. Off-site advertising billboard signs are exempt from this provision.

I. Backs And Supports: The backs and supports of all signs shall be subdued.

J. Construction Standards: All signs shall be constructed in such a manner as to protect the public safety. Construction standards shall be as set forth in the latest edition of the Uniform Building Code as adopted by the city.

K. Freestanding Signs: Except as otherwise expressly provided in this section, all signs shall be affixed to the building or structure, the use of which is being advertised or identified, and shall not be freestanding. Where freestanding signs are allowed, freestanding signs shall not exceed ten feet (10’) in height except for off-site advertising billboards and as otherwise provided in this chapter.

L. Roof Signs: Roof signs must:

1. Be erected only on a roof whose pitch is at least one vertical to four (4) horizontal.

2. Have a face no more than two feet (2’) measured vertically.

3. Be located so the face is parallel to the eaves in front of the sign.

4. Be set no more than eight inches (8") above the roof.

5. Be designed and erected so that no part of its face is higher than either the peak or an elevation five feet (5’) above the eaves in front of the sign.

6. Have architecture and site approval by the planning director.

M. Signs Suspended From Marquee: All signs suspended from a single marquee shall be uniform in size, shape, placement, and background color. Such signs shall have a clearance of at least eight feet (8’) above grade.

N. Multiple Uses On Same Site: Where more than one use is lawfully being conducted upon the same site, the total signage for each separate use shall not exceed the sign area for such use as prescribed in this chapter. No sign area may be increased by reason of there being no signage or reduced signage for another use upon the same site.

O. Reduction Of Sign Area: The regulations concerning sign area, as set forth in this chapter, represent the maximum size that may be permitted but do not confer upon any person the right to erect, install, or maintain a sign or signs having such maximum area. As a condition for the granting of any sign permit hereunder, the approving authority may require that the size of the sign be reduced below the maximum sign area set forth herein, based upon a finding that such reduction is necessary to satisfy the criteria set forth in section 12.116.070. (Ord. 2024-143, 5-20-2024)

12.116.050 REQUIREMENT FOR PERMIT; EXEMPTIONS:

A. Permit Required: No person shall place, erect, install, or maintain any sign in the city without first obtaining a sign permit pursuant to this chapter, unless such sign is exempted under the provisions listed in subsection B of this section.

B. Exemptions: Except in the case of illuminated signs or any signs that are subject to approval by the city under the terms of any sign program or as a condition of any building site approval, use permit, variance or other approval granted by the city, the following signs shall be exempted from the requirement of a permit:

1. One identification sign, not exceeding ten (10) square feet in area, which is not freestanding.

2. Not more than two (2) on-site directional signs upon a single site, each sign not exceeding three (3) square feet in area and five feet (5’) in height. Such signs may be freestanding.

3. One national, state and local governmental flag properly displayed upon a single flagpole.

4. Holiday decorations, in season.

5. Open house signs that comply with the requirements of section 12.116.170.

6. Political signs that comply with the requirements of section 12.116.180.

7. One real estate sign, not exceeding six (6) square feet in area if located in an R-1 or R-2 district, and not exceeding twelve (12) square feet in area if located in an HC, NC, MU or I district. The sign may be freestanding, but in such an event it shall not exceed four feet (4’) in height.

8. One bulletin board, not exceeding twenty (20) square feet in area and not more than ten feet (10’) in height, on the site of a school or religious institution.

9. Official traffic, fire, and police related signs, temporary traffic control signs used during construction, utility location and identification signs and markers required to protect such facilities, and any signs required by the city or any other public authority to be erected, installed or maintained.

10. Notices required to be posted by law.

11. Window signs of a temporary character presenting promotional materials such as price specials, specific merchandise or food items for sale, brand names and logos and other product information, that do not exceed twenty five percent (25%) of the visible area of a window and which conform to the following standards:

a. Window signs shall be grouped in a portion of the window so as to maintain a rectangular area of the window equal to seventy five percent (75%) of the total window area free of any such signs.

b. Window signs shall be maintained in a clean, attractive manner. Faded, outdated, or obsolete advertising material, and unnecessary tape or adhesives should be promptly removed.

c. Window signs shall not obstruct visibility into the store or office from the public street or sidewalk and shall be arranged so as to provide for reasonable public safety.

12. Informational signs placed upon an entrance door or window adjacent to an entrance, of not more than two hundred eighty eight (288) square inches of decal application lettering, not to exceed four inches (4") in height, indicating hours of business, emergency telephone and other necessary information. (Ord. 2024-143, 5-20-2024)

12.116.060 APPLICATION FOR PERMIT:

A. Action By City: Application for a sign permit hereunder shall be made to the planning director on such form as he/she may prescribe.

1. Approval Of Sign Permits By Planning Commission: The planning commission shall consider and approve the following sign permits:

a. Freestanding freeway signs per sections 12.116.120 and 12.116.125.

b. Off-site directional and advertising signs per sections 12.116.125 and 12.116.130.

c. Comprehensive signage programs per section 12.116.200.

d. Special permits per section 12.116.210 when referred by the planning director.

e. Any other sign applications determined by the planning director to be appropriate for planning commission consideration.

2. Approval Of Sign Permit By Planning Director: The planning director shall consider and approve the following sign permits:

a. Signs for a single business or several businesses in a single building.

b. Replacement of an existing sign with a new sign or new sign copy in an existing frame or signboard.

c. Signs or sign changes that are consistent with a comprehensive sign program previously approved by the city.

d. Temporary real estate, construction, subdivision, special event or grand opening sign or a directional sign.

e. Other sign approvals not reserved for the planning commission.

B. Information Required: The application shall contain the following information:

1. The location and size of any existing or proposed buildings and structures on the site.

2. The location of off-street parking and loading spaces, including major points of entry and exit for motor vehicles, where on-site directional signs are proposed.

3. The location of the proposed sign and its relationship on the site.

4. A scale drawing showing the size, height, dimensions and content of the proposed sign or sign structure and also indicating the colors and materials thereof.

5. The location and size of all other existing signs on the site.

6. If the sign is to be illuminated, the method, source and intensity of illumination.

7. Such other information as the planning director or the planning commission may require in order to determine whether the proposed sign will comply with the regulations and standards contained in this chapter. (Ord. 2024-143, 5-20-2024)

12.116.070 CRITERIA FOR REVIEW OF APPLICATION:

The following criteria shall be applied in reviewing applications for sign permits hereunder:

A. That the sign complies with the regulations of this chapter and the regulations of the district in which it will be located;

B. That the size, shape, color, illumination, placement and material of the sign is compatible with the building it identifies and with the visual characteristics of the neighborhood and other lawful signs in the area;

C. That the location and design of the sign does not obscure from view or unduly detract from existing adjacent signs; and

D. That the location and design of a sign in close proximity to any residential district will not adversely affect the quality or character of such residential area. (Ord. 2024-143, 5-20-2024)

12.116.080 SIGNS IN AGRICULTURAL AND RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS:

No sign of any character shall be permitted in an A, R-1, or R-2 district except the following:

A. An identification sign, not exceeding twenty four (24) square feet in area, on the site of a public building or grounds, a community facility, an institutional facility or a religious institution. Such signs may be freestanding.

B. A bulletin board, not exceeding twenty (20) square feet in area and ten feet (10’) in height, on the site of a school or religious institution. Such bulletin board may be freestanding.

C. An identification sign, not exceeding sixteen (16) square feet in area, on the site of a multi-family dwelling. Such sign may be freestanding.

D. A nameplate, not exceeding one square foot in area, pertaining to a home occupation.

E. A nonilluminated real estate sign, not exceeding six (6) square feet in area. The sign may be freestanding, but in such event shall not exceed four feet (4’) in height.

F. A permanent sign, not exceeding twenty four (24) square feet in area, identifying a subdivision, located adjoining each entrance to a subdivision.

G. Temporary subdivision signs, subject to the regulations prescribed in section 12.116.140.

H. Temporary construction signs, subject to the regulations prescribed in section 12.116.150.

I. Public interest signs, subject to the regulations prescribed in section 12.116.160.

J. Open house signs, subject to the regulations prescribed in section 12.116.170.

K. Temporary political signs, subject to the regulations prescribed in section 12.116.180. (Ord. 2024-143, 5-20-2024)

12.116.090 SIGNS IN INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS:

No sign of any character shall be permitted in an I district, except the following:

A. Identification Signs Placed Upon Or Attached To Buildings: Identification signs that comply with any one of the following standards:

1. Allowed sign area shall be computed at one square foot of sign area for each linear foot of building frontage on a public street subject to the additional limitations below. Buildings on corner lots may count the building frontage on the street upon which the building faces and the building frontage on one side street.

Maximum sign area of any signs on the principal frontage of the building and/or on a side street frontage shall not exceed one square foot of sign area per each linear foot of building frontage, or two hundred (200) square feet, whichever is less.

2. Any building, regardless of the length of frontage may have a sign of fifty (50) square feet in order to ensure effective identification.

3. Where more than one business occupies a building, the maximum available sign area shall be distributed between the several tenants based upon their proportion of the building frontage, subject to the limitations on overall signage area stated above.

4. No sign placed upon any building frontage may exceed seventy five percent (75%) of the width of the elevation, nor be placed closer than two feet (2’) to the top of a parapet, or lowest portion of a roof structure.

B. On-Site Directional Signs: On-site directional signs, each not exceeding three (3) square feet in area and five feet (5’) in height. Such signs may be freestanding. If more than two (2) directional signs are proposed, the number and location of such signs shall be subject to approval by the planning director.

C. Identification Signs On The Site Of Public Building: An identification sign, not exceeding twenty four (24) square feet in area, on the site of a public building or grounds, a community facility, an institutional facility, or a religious institution. Such sign may be freestanding.

D. Multiple Buildings On A Single Site: Where multiple buildings are located upon a single site which is three (3) acres or greater in size, either or both of the following signs may be allowed in addition to all other signs permitted under this section:

1. A freestanding site identification sign, not exceeding thirty (30) square feet in area and four feet (4’) in height.

2. An identification sign for each building on the site, indicating the location of a building and/or identifying the occupants or use thereof, each sign not exceeding six (6) square feet in area. The signs may be freestanding, but in such event shall not exceed five feet (5’) in height. The planning commission shall have authority to modify the regulations contained in this subsection with respect to the number, size, and height of identification signs, through the granting of a use permit pursuant to chapter 12.28.

E. Unlighted Real Estate Sign: An unlighted real estate sign, not exceeding twenty four (24) square feet in area. The sign may be freestanding, but in such event shall not exceed eight feet (8’) in height, as measured from the top of the curb line, or the pavement surface where no curb exists, of the nearest street adjacent to the sign.

F. Temporary Construction Signs: Temporary construction signs, subject to the regulations prescribed in section 12.116.150.

G. Public Interest Signs: Public interest signs, subject to the regulations prescribed in section 12.116.160.

H. Temporary Political Signs: Temporary political signs, subject to the regulations prescribed in section 12.116.180.

I. Gasoline Price Signs: Gasoline price signs, subject to the regulations prescribed in section 12.116.190.

J. Off-Site Directional Signs: Off-site directional signs, subject to the regulations prescribed above.

K. On-Site Advertising Signs: On-site advertising signs, subject to the regulations in section 12.116.125.

(Ord. 2024-143, 5-20-2024)

12.116.100 SIGNS IN NEIGHBORHOOD AND HIGHWAY COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS:

No sign of any character shall be permitted in an NC or HC district except the following:

A. Identification Signs: Identification signs that comply with any one of the following standards:

1. For corner lots, one-half (1/2) square foot of area for each foot of width of the front elevation of the building and side elevation of the street side of a corner lot; or

2. One-fourth (1/4) square foot of area for each foot of street frontage of the site; or

3. One-half (1/2) square foot of area for each foot of store frontage. The term "store frontage," as used herein, means that side or those sides of the building where the main entrance to each business establishment conducted therein is located. For the purposes of computing sign area hereunder, no single business establishment may have a main entrance on more than one side of the same building. In no event shall the aggregate area of all identification signs upon a site exceed forty (40) square feet for each use upon such site.

C. Freestanding Identification Signs: A freestanding identification sign for a site containing five (5) or more separate uses, not exceeding forty (40) square feet in area. Such sign may be in addition to all other signs permitted under this section.

D. Bulletin Boards: A bulletin board, not exceeding twenty (20) square feet in area and ten feet (10’) in height, on the site of a religious institution. Such bulletin boards may be freestanding.

E. Identification Signs For Multi-Family Dwellings, Motels: An identification sign, not exceeding sixteen (16) square feet in area, under the following circumstances:

1. On the site of a multi-family dwelling, motel, or hotel, such sign may be freestanding. Signage for the uses referred to herein shall be regulated by this subsection and not subsection A of this section.

2. On the site of a building that is set back from the street and whose building frontage is so blocked by surrounding physical features as determined by the planning director that building signs would not be visible in the same manner as other buildings in the two (2) districts. Such sign may be freestanding but shall not be any taller than seven feet (7’) high, and shall be regulated by this subsection as to all other standards.

F. Real Estate Signs: An unlighted real estate sign, not exceeding twenty four (24) square feet in area. The sign may be freestanding, but in such event shall not exceed four feet (4’) in height.

G. Temporary Construction Signs: Temporary construction signs, subject to the regulations prescribed in section 12.116.150.

H. Public Interest Signs: Public interest signs, subject to the regulations prescribed in section 12.116.160.

I. Temporary Political Signs: Temporary political signs, subject to the regulations prescribed in section 12.116.180.

J. Gasoline Price Signs: Gasoline price signs, subject to the regulations prescribed in section 12.116.190.

K. Special Event Signs: Special event signs, not exceeding ten (10) square feet in area, may be permitted, provided such signs are posted for not more than thirty (30) days prior to the event and are removed within two (2) days after such event.

L. Temporary Grand Opening Signs, Banners: Temporary grand opening signs or banners, not exceeding twenty (20) square feet in area, may be permitted to announce the commencement of a new business establishment. Such signs shall not be displayed more than thirty (30) days.

M. Temporary Signs Advertising Special Promotions: Temporary signs or banners advertising special promotions or sales may be permitted, subject to approval by the planning director, as follows:

1. Size: The maximum size of a temporary sign or banner is forty (40) square feet.

2. Location: Temporary signs or banners shall be affixed to a principal building and shall not project above the roofline of the building.

3. Duration: Temporary signs or banners may be displayed for a maximum of forty two (42) days within a six (6) month period.

4. Permit Required: An administrative permit (and accompanying fee) shall be required prior to the installation and/or display of a temporary sign or banner. (Ord. 2024-143, 5-20-2024)

12.116.110 SIGNS IN DOWNTOWN MIXED USE DISTRICT:

No sign of any character shall be permitted in the MU district except the following. In addition, such signs shall conform to standards in the Gonzales downtown revitalization plan.

A. Identification Signs Placed Upon Or Attached To Buildings: Identification signs that comply with any one of the following standards:

1. Allowed sign area shall be computed at one square foot of sign area for each linear foot of building frontage on a public street or alley subject to the additional limitations below. Buildings on corner lots or abutting a public alley may count the building frontage on the street upon which the building faces and the building frontage on one side street or upon the alley.

2. Maximum combined area of all signs on a building shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet, regardless of the length of combined frontages.

Maximum sign area of all signs on the principal frontage of the building shall not exceed one square foot of sign area per each linear foot of building frontage, or fifty (50) square feet whichever is less. Any unused available sign area may be applied to the side street or alley frontage, or rear entry of the building subject to the limitations above.

3. Any building, regardless of the length of frontage may have a sign of twenty (20) square feet in order to ensure effective identification.

4. Where more than one tenant store or office occupies a building, maximum available sign area shall be distributed between the several tenants based upon their proportion of the building frontage, subject to the limitations on overall signage area stated above.

5. No sign placed upon any building frontage may exceed seventy five percent (75%) of the width of the elevation, nor be placed closer than two feet (2’) to the top of a parapet, or lowest portion of a roof structure.

D. Bulletin Boards: A bulletin board, not exceeding twenty (20) square feet in area and ten feet (10’) in height, on the site of a religious institution. Such bulletin boards may be freestanding.

E. Identification Signs For Multi-Family Dwellings, Motels: An identification sign, not exceeding sixteen (16) square feet in area, under the following circumstances:

2. On the site of a building that is set back from the street and whose building frontage is so blocked by surrounding physical features as determined by the planning director that building signs would not be visible in the same manner as other buildings in this district. Such a sign may be freestanding but shall not be any taller than seven feet (7’) high and shall be regulated by this subsection as to all other standards.

F. Real Estate Signs: An unlighted real estate sign, not exceeding twenty four (24) square feet in area. The sign may be freestanding, but in such an event it shall not exceed four feet (4’) in height.