CHAPTER 20.50
SIGN CODE
Sections:
20.50.040 Classification of signs.
20.50.050 Construction and design standards.
20.50.060 Nonconforming signs – Provisions for amortization.
Prior legislation: Ords 597, 638, 659, 706, 763, 789 and 819.
(Ed. Note: the section and subsection designations of this chapter were changed from those adopted in Ord 06-186, to conform with the designation conventions within the Quincy Municipal Code.)
20.50.010 Short title.
This Chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Quincy Sign Code", or the "Sign Code", and shall be applied as part of the Land Use Code, as set out in Title 17. (Ord 06-186 (Ex A); Ord 06-176 (Ex A))
20.50.020 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to promote the use of signs which are both functional and attractive in appearance, through a system of regulation and permits, which will permit signs that will, by their size, location, design, construction, or manner of display, not endanger the public safety of individuals, obstruct vision necessary for traffic safety, or otherwise endanger the public health, safety, or general welfare. (Ord 06-186 (Ex A); Ord 06-176 (Ex A))
20.50.030 Interpretation.
If any sections of the Sign Code conflict, the most restrictive shall govern. If there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific requirement shall govern. (Ord 06-186 (Ex A); Ord 06-176 (Ex A))
20.50.040 Classification of signs.
A. Permitted Signs. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, all signs shall be permitted; provided they meet all conditions and requirements established in this chapter.
B. Exempt Signs. The following types of signs and devices shall be exempt from the permit requirements of this chapter; provided, that all applicable standards or conditions specified are met:
1. Accessory commercial signs;
2. Banner signs, decorative flags, pennants, or streamers; provided they are only displayed for one (1) thirty-day period within a calendar year and must have the date of initial posting clearly written on the face of the banner, streamer or pennant;
3. Barber poles;
4. Billboard signs located on the outfield fence of baseball fields located at a City park, or owned and maintained by the School District;
5. Commemorative plaques and integral signs;
6. Community activity signs or banner signs; provided they are installed no sooner than thirty (30) days prior to the event or activity and removed within seven (7) days of the completion of the activity or event;
7. Construction signs; provided, that there shall be only one such sign per street frontage of a building; and provided, that the area of each sign shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet in a residential zone and thirty-two (32) square feet in other zones and that all such signs shall be removed within thirty (30) days of completion of the building;
8. Exterior holiday or festive decoration lights; provided they are removed within one (1) weeks following the holiday;
9. Flags and/or insignia of any government;
10. Historically significant signs;
11. Historical site or structure signs; provided they are approved by the City Council. Such signs shall be a maximum of twelve (12) square feet and nonilluminated unless allowed elsewhere in the Sign Code. Only the name of the site or structure, hours of visitation and admission charges if any shall be indicated on the sign;
12. Integral decorative or architectural features of buildings including but not limited to building names, except when such features include commercial wording, moving parts, or moving lights;
13. Menu signs for drive-in restaurants;
14. Menu signs for other than drive-in restaurants; provided, that the menu displayed is the same as that given to customers and such sign shall have a maximum size of four (4) square feet;
15. Movie theater display cases; provided there are not more than two cases not to exceed twenty four square feet each;
16. Murals, except any portion of a mural that meets the definition of a "sign" in Section 17.58.040U; and provided it is approved by the City Council or its designee subject to those standards set forth in Section 17.58.070;
17. Noncommercial signs bearing only property numbers, postal box numbers or names of occupants of premises;
18. Political signs; provided all such signs shall be removed no later than one week after the election to which the signs pertain;
19. Real estate signs; provided there shall be only one such sign per lot. Such signs shall not be placed where a vehicle driver’s visibility including but not limited to intersections, alleys, or driveways might be obstructed. The maximum area of the sign in residential zones shall not exceed four (4) square feet and the height shall not exceed forty-two (42) inches. In nonresidential zones, the area of the sign shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet and the height shall not exceed six (6) feet. The sign must be removed within fifteen (15) days from the date of closing of the sale of the subject property;
20. Real estate sale signs for condominium projects and subdivisions; provided it includes the initial date of posting and the maximum area of the sign shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet, and the height shall not exceed eight (8) feet. Such signs shall be removed within five (5) years of initial posting or sale of seventy-five percent (75%) of the total number of lots or condominium units, whichever occurs first;
21. Signs of a public entity, including, without limitation, community service informational signs, kiosk signs, public utility information signs, traffic control signs and all signs erected by a public officer in the performance of a public duty; provided, however, that such signs shall meet the location, size and structural requirements of this chapter;
22. Signs directing and guiding traffic and parking on private property, but bearing no advertising matter; provided, that such signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet in area per sign;
23. Temporary signs; provided, that such signs must be securely affixed to the surface of a building wall or window, or between existing structures, poles and/or other supports, must have the date of initial posting clearly written on the face of the sign and must be removed not later than thirty (30) days after initial posting;
24. Time and temperature signs; provided, that the sign conforms to the height restrictions for a freestanding sign for the zone in which it is located;
25. Wall graphic, except that portion which contains letters, symbols, trademarks, logos, written copy, moving parts or moving lights;
26. Window signs.
C. Prohibited Signs. It is unlawful to erect or maintain:
1. Abandoned signs;
2. Portable signs;
3. Signs in a dilapidated or hazardous condition;
4. Signs on doors, windows or fire escapes that restrict free ingress or egress;
5. Flashing signs;
6. Moving signs;
7. Signs which purport to be, are an imitation of or resemble an official traffic sign or signal or which could cause confusion with any official sign, or which obstruct the visibility of any traffic/street sign, signal, or obstruct a vehicle driver’s visibility at, including, but not limited to, intersections, alleys, and driveways;
8. Signs attached to utility, street light and traffic control standard poles; and
9. Signs on any vehicle or trailer parked as a stationary display for advertising purposes on public or private property which are visible from public rights-of-way. This provision shall not prohibit signs which are painted on or magnetically attached to any vehicle operating in the normal course of business. (Ord 15-447 §1; Ord 09-262 §7 (Ex A); Ord 06-186 (Ex A); Ord 06-176 (Ex A))
20.50.050 Construction and design standards.
A. General Requirements. All permitted signs must conform with the following sign location, size and design requirements, unless otherwise provided for in this chapter:
1. Building Coverage. Except as provided herein, signs attached to a building face including, but not limited to, wall and projecting signs shall not be located on more than two sides of any building. Exception: If the building contains an individual business or businesses with separate entrances on more than two (2) sides of the building, signs may be located on three (3) sides of the building. Businesses with the main entrance fronting on an alley may use the exception stated above.
2. Clearance. Clearance under the lowest point of any sign which projects out over a public walkway shall not be less than eight (8) feet, except suspended signs which shall not be less than seven (7) feet.
3. Lighting.
i. A sign illuminated by spotlights or indirect lighting shall be lighted in such a manner that glare from the light source is not visible to pedestrian or vehicle traffic and shall not cause glare into any residential zoning district.
ii. Wiring for indirectly illuminated signs shall be installed in accordance with the electrical code in force at the time of the installation of the sign.
4. Multiple Tenant Buildings. In buildings with multiple tenants, it shall be the building owner’s responsibility to assign the allowed sign size and location between tenants to comply with the Sign Code.
5. Signs with Opposing Faces. Signs with opposing faces one hundred thirty-five (135) degrees or less shall be considered a two-sided sign and only one side of the sign shall be used in calculating sign size. If the opposing faces of a sign are more than one hundred thirty-five (135) degrees, both opposing faces shall be used in calculating sign size.
6. International Building Code. All signs shall be constructed and erected in conformance with the current edition of the International Sign Code, which is Exhibit H of the International Building Code, as the same now exists or as may be hereafter amended, which is hereby adopted and incorporated herein by this reference as if fully set forth.
B. Design Requirements. Except as provided in subsection C of this section, the signs specified below shall comply with the requirements set forth herein.
1. Directory Signs. In addition to all other signs allowed in this chapter, each business shall be permitted one (1) wall directory sign not to exceed four (4) square feet per business or use attached flush with the wall. Individual signs within an approved directory sign may be added, moved or substituted with signs for new businesses or uses without going through the design review process; provided, that the design is consistent and the provisions of the original permit are met.
2. Freestanding Signs. For buildings which are located at least ten (10) feet or more back from any street frontage, a single freestanding sign located in the area that the building is ten (10) feet or more from the frontage and the otherwise allowable wall signage may be substituted for the otherwise allowable signs. Any such freestanding sign shall be entirely within the yard area, shall not obstruct public walkways, and shall not be placed where a vehicle driver’s visibility might be obscured including, but not limited to, intersections, alleys, and driveways. The maximum area of freestanding signs shall not exceed twenty-five (25) square feet; provided, that parcels with more than fifty (50) feet of frontage on any one street may increase the maximum size of the sign located on that street frontage by one (1) square foot for each ten (10) lineal feet of street frontage in excess of fifty (50) feet, to a maximum size of fifty (50) square feet. A freestanding sign may only be allowed on a lot that has at a minimum fifty (50) feet of width at the street frontage. Corner lots and through lots shall only be allowed to calculate frontage on one (1) street. Freestanding signs shall not exceed sixteen (16) feet in height or the highest point of the structure, whichever is less. Flagpoles, crosses, etc. shall not be used in calculating structure height.
3. Projecting Signs. The total area of all projecting signs shall not exceed fifteen (15) square feet or project more than five (5) feet from the building face for an individual business. The structure around or supporting the sign, such as wrought iron work, shall not be included in the total sign area.
4. Sandwich-Board. Sandwich-board signs may be placed in front of the business establishment the sign is advertising during business hours only. It shall be placed adjacent to the curb; provided, that such sign shall not be placed in any location which obstructs visibility or creates blind spots at intersections or obstructs pedestrian or vehicular travel. Sandwich-board signs shall be limited to one (1) per business, shall not exceed forty-two (42) inches in height and thirty (30) inches in width, shall be painted or finished with a sealer, and shall be nonilluminated.
5. Suspended Signs. One suspended sign may be substituted for a projecting sign; provided it does not exceed six (6) square feet, twelve (12) inches in height or six (6) feet in length.
6. Wall Signs. The maximum area for the total of all permitted wall signs for any single wall plane shall not exceed ten percent (10%). This shall include all window and door areas and shall be measured from the sidewalk or ground line to the building eave line or parapet.
7. Electronically changeable message signs may be allowed as a conditional use under the requirements of Chapter 20.52.
i. No more than 30 characters, where a letter, number, space or a symbol is considered a character.
ii, Not more than 500 nits after dusk and before dawn.
C. Exceptions to Design Requirements. The following are exceptions to the design requirements set forth in Section 20.50.050(B):
1. Gas Stations. Gas stations shall be limited to a maximum of two (2) of these signs: canopy, wall, freestanding, or projecting. Gas station canopy signs are allowed a maximum area of fifty (50) square feet per side on any two sides and a business symbol, not to exceed twelve (12) square feet, may be allowed on a third side. For gas stations with highway frontage, freestanding signs shall not exceed twenty-five (25) feet in height or the highest point of the structure, whichever is less. The maximum area shall be fifty (50) square feet for all freestanding and projecting signs. For gas stations without highway frontage, freestanding signs shall not exceed sixteen (16) feet in height or the highest point of the structure, whichever is less. The maximum area shall be twelve (12) square feet. Only one freestanding sign shall be allowed per business property or parcel. The maximum area of projecting signs shall be fifteen (15) square feet. Flagpoles, crosses, etc. shall not be used in calculating structure height.
2. Highway Frontage. Only the following signs may be located within highway frontage and shall conform to the following standards:
i. Projecting and Freestanding Signs. Projecting and freestanding signs shall be allowed with a maximum area of fifty (50) square feet for all projecting and freestanding signs. More than one (1) freestanding sign shall be allowed; provided freestanding signs are spaced a minimum of fifty (50) feet apart. The maximum area for all projecting and freestanding signs shall be fifty (50) square feet. provided, that parcels with more than one hundred (100) feet of frontage on any one street may increase the maximum size of the sign(s) located on that street frontage by one (1) square foot for each ten (10) lineal feet of street frontage in excess of one hundred (100) feet, to a maximum sign(s) size of seventy-five (75) square feet. Freestanding signs shall be spaced a minimum of fifty (50) feet apart. Freestanding signs shall not exceed twenty-five (25) feet in height or the highest point of the structure, whichever is less. Flagpoles, crosses, etc. shall not be used in calculating structure height.
ii. Directory Signs. The same requirements apply as set forth in Section 20.50.050(B)(1);
iii. Sandwich-Board Signs. The same requirements apply as set forth in Section 20.50.050(B)(4); and
iv. Wall Signs. The same requirements apply as set forth in Section 20.50.050(B)(6).
3. Motels. For motels with more than one hundred (100) feet of street frontage, an additional projecting sign, not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet, shall be allowed.
4. Mobile Home Parks. Signs and advertising devices shall be prohibited in a mobile home park except as follows:
i. One (1) identifying sign at the entrance of the mobile home park which may be indirectly lighted but shall be nonflashing and which shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area and six feet in height.
ii. Directional or information signs for the convenience of tenants and the public relative to parking, office, traffic movement etc.; provided such signs are not larger than two (2) square feet in area.
iii. A sign within the buffer or the setback area along a public or private road shall be no more than forty-two (42) inches in height.
5. Residential Development, Residential Subdivision and Planned Development Identification Signs. Provided that such signs give only the name and street address of the development or subdivision, residential development, residential subdivisions and planned development signs shall be placed at the entrance to the development or subdivision and shall not obstruct visibility, create blind spots or obstruct pedestrian travel. Signs shall be a maximum of fifty (50) square feet, and shall not exceed four (4) feet in height. Signs shall be limited in number to one (1) per development or subdivision entrance. If lighting is installed, said lighting shall be shielded and directional. The term residential development shall include condominium developments.
6. Conditional Use Permit Requirements. For those zones within this Title wherein the following are specified as conditional uses, the following requirements shall be met:
i. Bed and Breakfast. Signs in residential districts shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet in area. Freestanding signs shall not exceed ten (10) feet in height and shall be located within the property boundaries. Only one (1) sign shall be allowed on any site or structure. Signs in all other districts are subject to the provisions of this chapter.
ii. Churches. Signs in residential districts shall not exceed a total of eighteen (18) square feet in area. Freestanding signs shall not exceed ten feet in height and shall be located within the property boundaries. Signs in all other zones are subject to the provisions of this chapter.
iii. Gas Stations. Gas station signs shall be limited to a maximum of two (2) of these signs: canopy, wall, freestanding, or projecting. Gas station canopy signs are allowed a maximum area of fifty (50) square feet per side on any two (2) sides and a business symbol, not to exceed twelve (12) square feet, may be allowed on a third (3rd) side. Freestanding signs shall not exceed twenty-five (25) feet in height or the highest point of the structure, whichever is less. Flagpoles, crosses, etc. shall not be used in calculating structure height.
iv. Historical Sites or Structures. Historical site or structure signs in residential districts shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet in area. Freestanding signs shall not exceed ten (10) feet in height and shall be located within the property boundaries. The sign shall include only the name of the site or structure, hours of visitation and admission charges, if any. Only one (1) sign shall be allowed on any site or structure. Signs in all other zones are subject to the provisions of this chapter.
v. Home Occupations. Home occupation signs in residential zones shall not exceed four (4) square feet in area. Freestanding signs shall not exceed six (6) feet in height and shall be located within the property boundaries. Only one (1) sign shall be allowed and said sign shall be nonilluminated. Signs in all other zones shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter.
vi. Motels. Motel signs in residential zones shall not exceed a total of twelve (12) square feet in area. Freestanding signs shall not exceed fifteen (15) feet in height and shall be located within the property boundaries. Signs in all other zones are subject to the provisions of this chapter.
vii. Public and Commercial Parking Lots. Public and commercial parking lot signs in residential zones shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet in area. Freestanding signs shall not exceed fifteen (15) feet in height and shall be located within the property boundaries. Only one sign shall be allowed for each off-street parking area and said sign shall be nonilluminated. Signs in all other zones are subject to the provisions of this chapter.
7. Off-Premises Signs. Off-Premises Signs may be allowed as a conditional use, under the requirements of Chapter 20.52.
8. Nonconforming Uses. For those zones in which nonconforming uses have been permitted, there shall be no commercial advertising except one (1) nonilluminated sign not exceeding four (4) square feet in area or six (6) feet in height and such sign shall be located within the property boundaries. (Ord 09-262 (Ex B); Ord 06-186 (Ex A); Ord 06-176 (Ex A)). (Ed. Note: During codification, this section of the Sign Code was revised to refer to the correct chapter regarding conditional uses. The adopted version of the Sign Code referred to an earlier version of the Land Use Code regarding the granting of conditional uses.)
20.50.060 Nonconforming signs – Provisions for amortization.
A. Findings and Purpose. The ultimate purpose of any zoning or land use regulation is to confine certain classes of buildings to certain localities and to restrict other uses. The continued existence of those which are nonconforming are inconsistent with these goals, and therefore nonconforming buildings and uses should be reduced to conformity as completely and quickly as possible without causing substantial injustice. The City Council recognizes that, absent specific regulations, nonconforming uses may tend to flourish, and the intent of this chapter is to not allow nonconforming signs to continue in perpetuity. The City Council finds there are reasonably priced alternatives to the maintenance of nonconforming signs and the periods for amortization listed in this section provide owners of nonconforming signs with a reasonable opportunity to obtain alternative signs and a period to amortize the reasonable economic life and use of any existing nonconforming signs.
B. Deadlines for Nonconforming Signs to be in Compliance. All nonconforming signs shall be terminated no later than December 31, 2015. Any nonconforming portable signs and sandwich-board signs shall be terminated no later than sixty (60) calendar days from the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter. (Ed. Note: The Sign Code was originally adopted by Ord 06-176 on July 18, 2006, and was re-adopted without change in Ord 06-186 on December 19, 2006.)
C. Extension of Deadline. The deadlines established in subsection (B) were established on the basis that they provide a reasonable time period to recover the life expectancy of most signs. However, there may be special and/or unusual circumstances that cause the application of the deadlines to be inappropriate under certain circumstances. The deadline described in subsection (B) may be extended as a variance, pursuant to Chapter 20.56, but no longer than three (3) years, upon application therefore not less than six (6) months prior to the deadline. In determining whether, and to what date, a deadline should be extended, the following should be considered: (Ed. Note: During codification, this section of the Sign Code was revised to refer to the correct chapter regarding variances. The adopted version of the Sign Code referred to an earlier version of the Land Use Code regarding the granting of variances.)
1. Lease obligations, life expectancy of the nonconforming sign, depreciation and the actual amount invested in the nonconforming sign, and alternative means to bring the nonconforming sign into compliance. Replacement costs or fair market value shall not be considered.
2. The benefit to the public that is derived from the termination of the nonconforming sign, including: the concern for safety of vehicular and pedestrian traffic; whether distracting signs may serve to break the concentration of those using the roads with the result of loss of life or property; or the location of the sign so as not to impair the safety of a moving vehicle by obscuring the driver’s vision; the promotion of public safety, aesthetic values and the interest of the general welfare.
3. Preservation and improvement of the City’s physical environment, natural amenities and desirable characteristics of the City, as set forth in the City’s land use regulations; Provided, however, the promotion of the aesthetic values to the City may not be considered as the sole basis on which the deadline may be extended.
4. The interest and hardship to the applicant, and whether the hardship to the applicant reasonably outweighs the benefit the public would derive from the termination of the nonconformance.
D. Loss of Nonconforming Status. On the occurrence of any of the following events, a nonconforming sign shall no longer be designated a nonconforming sign and the administrator shall notify the sign user, sign owner or owner of the property upon which the sign is located of cancellation of the designation and the sign shall immediately be brought into compliance with this chapter and a new sign permit secured therefor, or shall be removed within ten (10) days of notification.
1. The sign is relocated, or altered in any way;
2. The business changes ownership;
3. The sign is replaced; or
4. Any new sign is erected or placed in connection with the enterprise using the nonconforming sign. (Ord 06-186 (Ex A); Ord 06-176 (Ex A))
20.50.070 Administration.
A. Permit Required. No sign governed by the provisions of this chapter shall be erected, altered or relocated from and after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter without a permit issued by the Land Use Administrator, as an Administrative Approval governed by section 17.09.010.
B. Applications Requirements. The application for a sign permit shall be on forms created by the Land Use Administrator which satisfy or contain the following information:
1. The name, address and telephone number of (a) the owner or person entitled to possession of the sign and of (b) the sign contractor or erector;
2. The location by street address of the proposed sign structure;
3. An accurately scaled drawing, reproducible on paper capable of being folded for storage in an eight and one-half by eleven (8 x 11 1/2) inch file, that includes the following:
i. All detail of the sign including all mounting structures and devices, in an accurate drawing, to a scale appropriate for the foregoing,
ii. All building faces to be signed, including the scaled outlines of all existing and proposed signs, in the case of wall and projecting signs,
iii. A site plan, showing the location of building(s), street(s), and sign(s) in the case of freestanding signs.
C. Enforcement Authority. The Sign Code shall be administered and enforced by the Land Use Administrator. (Ord 06-186 (Ex A); Ord 06-176 (Ex A))