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Article 8
Signage
The purpose of this
Section is to establish standards for the placement and use of signs and other
advertising consistent with State of Florida and Federal law. These standards
are designed to protect the health and safety of PBC and to assist in the
promotion of tourism, business, and industry. More specifically, this Section
is intended to:
Promote and aid in the identification, location, and
advertisement of goods and services, and the use of signs for free speech;
Preserve the beauty and the unique character of PBC, protect PBC
from visual blight, and provide a pleasing environmental setting and community
appearance which is deemed vital to the continued economic development of PBC;
Protect property values by assuring compatibility with
surrounding land uses;
Promote general safety and protect the general public from
damage or injury caused by, or partially attributed to, the distractions,
hazards, and obstructions that result from improperly designed or located
signs; and,
Make signs compatible with the overall design objectives of the
Plan and the Managed Growth Tier System (MGTS); ensure signs are compatible
with the character of adjacent architecture and neighborhoods; and, to provide
the essential identity of, and direction to, facilities in the community.
The following
principles are general design guidelines that should be considered in the
design of all signs. Signs which enhance a project are encouraged, and signs
should make a positive contribution to the aesthetic appearance of the street
or commercial area where they are located.
A sign shall be conspicuous and readily distinguished from its
surroundings.
The size and proportion of the elements of the sign's message,
including logos, letters, icons, and other graphic images, shall be selected
based on the average distance and average travel speed of the viewer. Sign
messages oriented towards pedestrians may be smaller than those oriented
towards automobile drivers. Colors chosen for the sign text and/or graphics
shall have sufficient contrast with the sign background in order to be easily
read during both day and night hours.
A sign message should be easily recognized and designed in a
clear, unambiguous, and concise manner, so that a viewer can understand or make
sense of what appears on the sign. Excessive use of large areas of several
colors can create competition for the eye and significantly reduce readability.
A sign (including its supporting structure, if any) shall be
designed as an integral design element of a building’s architecture, and shall
be architecturally compatible, including color and scale, with any building to
which the sign is to be attached and with surrounding structures. A sign which
covers a window, or which spills over “natural” boundaries or architectural
features and obliterates parts of upper floor of buildings is detrimental to
visual order and may not be permitted.
A sign should be consistent with distinct area or district
characteristics and incorporate common design elements such as sign materials
or themes. In Traditional Development Districts (TDDs) projecting signs are
encouraged and should be located and sized to be viewed by people on foot.
Where signs are located in close proximity with a residential area, the signs
should be designed and located so they have little or no impact on adjacent
residential neighborhoods.
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Figure
8.A.1.B – Visibility and Legibility
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The provisions of this Article
shall apply to all signs in unincorporated PBC, unless exempt by Art. 8.B, Exemptions.
Previously permitted signs that do not meet the current
standards of this Code are non-conforming structures, subject to Art. 1.F.3, Non-Conforming Structure. A non-conforming sign
may not be enlarged, structurally altered, or moved unless the entire sign is
brought into compliance with this Section. A sign face on a non-conforming sign
may be replaced but not enlarged.
There shall continue to be a prohibition on billboards and
similar off-site signs, however, this prohibition does not restrict the repair,
maintenance, relocation, or replacement of billboards constructed consistent
with applicable codes and permit procedures prior to November 15, 1988, and
included within the billboard stipulated settlement agreement and billboard
survey (approved February 6, 1996). The stipulated settlement agreement
referred to herein shall be the primary source of information for implementing
the intent and purpose of the regulations governing billboards and similar
off-site signs.
Where there is a conflict between the text and a graphic in this
Section, the more restrictive provision shall prevail. Where other sign or
outdoor advertising regulations are in effect and are more restrictive than the provisions of this Section, the more
restrictive provisions shall prevail.
4. Unless exempt,
signs and supporting structures shall be installed in accordance with the
Florida Building Code; [Ord. 2022-029]
5. All signs and
supporting structures shall be maintained in the condition originally
permitted; and, [Ord. 2022-029]
6. If a sign is
removed from its supporting structure for longer than 90 days, the supporting
structure shall be removed pursuant to the procedures in Art. 8.I.4, Removal of Signs in Violation of
this Article. [Ord. 2022-029]
A. In addition to
the applicable definitions set forth under Art. 1.H, Definitions and
Acronyms, the following definitions shall apply to this Article: [Ord. 2022-029]
1. Advertising Structure – a sign
representing or directing attention to a business, commodity, service, or
entertainment, conducted, sold, or offered.
2. Alter Structurally – in the case of a
sign means to make a change in the supporting members of a structure, such as
bearing walls, columns, beams, sign poles or posts, or girders, that will
prolong the life of the structure.
3. Civic and Assembly – for the purposes of this Article shall
only consist of the following uses: Assembly Institutional Nonprofit, Assembly
Membership Nonprofit, College or University, Government Services, Place of
Worship, School – Elementary or Secondary, and government-owned Public Parks. [Ord. 2022-029]
4. Conceptual Master – a conceptual plan
indicating the total number, location, and sign area of all proposed signs on a
Site Plan or typical building elevation.
5. 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.
6. Illumination – a source of any
artificial or reflected light, either directly from a source of light
incorporated in, or directly from an artificial source. [Ord. 2022-029]
a. External – artificial light, located
away from the sign, which lights the sign, the source of which may or may not
be visible to persons viewing the sign from any street, sidewalk, or adjacent
property. [Ord. 2022-029]
b. Internal – a light source that is
concealed or contained within the sign and becomes visible in darkness through
a translucent surface. Message Center signs, Digital Display signs, and signs
incorporating neon lighting shall not be considered internal illumination. [Ord. 2022-029]
c. Halo – a sign using a three-dimensional
message, logo, etc., which is lit in such a way as to produce a halo effect
(a.k.a. backlit illumination). [Ord. 2022-029]
7. Marquee – a permanent structure, other
than a roof or canopy, attached to, supported by, and projecting from a
building and providing protection from the elements. [Ord. 2022-029]
8. Master Sign Plan (MSP) – a coordinated
program of all signs, including exempt and temporary signs for a business, or businesses
if applicable, located on a development site. The sign program shall include,
but not be limited to, indications of the locations, dimensions, colors, letter
styles, and sign types of all signs to be installed on a site.
9. Non-Conforming Sign – a sign or
advertising structure or parts therein existing within the unincorporated area
on the effective date of this Code which, by its height, square foot area,
location, use, operating characteristics, or structural support does not
conform to the requirements of this Article.
10. Regional Facility – a site or facility that because of
its character, magnitude, events, programming, and location is a destination or
attraction to users who reside in an extended geographic region. Regional
facility uses shall only consist of the following: Arenas, Stadiums,
Amphitheaters, Regional Public Parks, State-chartered fairgrounds, and live
performance venues with a capacity of 2,000 or more.
11. Sign – any character, letter, figure,
symbol, design, or device or combination of these used to attract attention or
convey a message and which is visible to any area outside of a building. The
term includes banners, pennants, streamers, moving mechanisms, and lights.
a. Sign Types
1) A-Frame or Sandwich – a portable sign
which is ordinarily in the shape of an “A” or some variation thereof that
usually has no wheels nor permanent foundation.
2) Abandoned – a sign on which is
advertised a business that is no longer licensed, no longer has a CO, or is no
longer doing business at that location.
3) Advertising – a sign representing or
directing attention to a business, commodity, service, or entertainment,
conducted, sold, or offered.
4) Advertising Structure – any structure
erected for advertising purposes, with or without any advertisement displayed
thereon, situated upon or attached to land, upon which any poster, bill,
printing, painting, device, or other advertisement may be placed, posted,
painted, tacked, nailed, or otherwise fastened, affixed, or displayed.
“Advertising structure” does not include buildings.
5) Area – the background area upon which
the advertising surface area is placed. Where the advertising surface area is
attached directly to the wall of a building that wall shall not be construed to
be the background sign area unless it is an integral part of the sign. For
painted wall signs, see surface area.
6) Awning or Canopy – a type of wall sign
which is placed on or integrated into fabric or other material that is an
integral part of an awning or canopy.
7) Building-Mounted – any sign mounted or
erected on or against any building or façade and includes all wall signs,
awning and canopy signs, and projecting signs.
8) Bulletin Board – a sign of permanent
character, but with removable letters, words, or numerals, indicating the names
or persons associated with, or events conducted upon, or products or services
offered upon, the premises upon which such a sign is maintained.
9) Changeable Copy – a sign or portion
thereof on which the copy or symbols change either automatically through
electrical or electronic means, or manually through placement of letters or
symbols on a panel mounted in or on a track system. The three types of
Changeable Copy include: Manual Changeable Copy, Message Center, and Digital
Display. [Ord. 2022-029]
10) Channel Letter – a sign consisting of
fabricated or formed three-dimensional letters, individually applied to a wall,
which may accommodate a light source. [Ord.
2022-029]
11) Construction – erected on the parcel on
which construction is taking place, or will take place within one year,
indicating the names of the architects, engineers, landscape architects,
contractors, or similar artisans, and the owners, financial supports, sponsors,
and similar individuals or firms having a role or interest with respect to the
structure or project.
12) Digital Display – the portion of a sign
message made up of internally illuminated components capable of changing the
message periodically. Digital Display signs may include but are not limited to
LCD, LED, or plasma displays. [Ord. 2022-029]
13) Directional – any sign giving
directions, instructions, or facility information and which may contain the
name or logo of an establishment but no advertising copy. Directional signs
intended for residential planned developments may be on or off premise such as
model home complex signs.
14) Directory – a sign intended to show the
relative locations of or direction to the several commercial or industrial
activities within an outdoor shopping center or multiple use industrial or
business park, or multiple building residential complex.
15) Double-Faced – a sign with two faces
which are usually parallel and back to back.
16) Entrance Wall – an identification
structure located along the main access to a PBC-approved subdivision or a
development. The only advertising on the structure shall be the subdivision or
development name and logo.
17) Equipment – signs incorporated into
displays, machinery, or equipment by a manufacturer, distributor, or vendor
that identifies or advertises only the product or service dispensed by the
machine or equipment, such as signs customarily fixed to automated teller
machines (ATMs), gasoline pumps, vending machines, menu boards, and umbrellas. [Ord. 2006-036] [Ord. 2008-003]
18) Face – the surface(s) used for the
display of a sign message as seen from any one direction.
19) Fixed Projecting – any sign which is
attached to a building and extends beyond the wall of the building to which it
is attached.
20) Flashing – any illuminated sign, which
exhibits changes in light or color. Illuminated signs which indicate the time,
temperature, weather, or other similar information shall not be considered
flashing signs.
21) Freedom of Speech – a sign
communicating a message or ideas for non-commercial purposes, including
political free speech and which does not constitute, among others, any of the
following: construction sign, directional sign, billboard, grand opening sign,
holiday sign, on-premises real estate sign, or political campaign sign.
22) Freestanding – a detached sign which
shall include any sign supported by uprights or braces placed upon or in or
supported by the ground and not attached to any building.
23) Fuel Price – a Message Center sign that
only displays words for cash or credit, fuel grades, and numerals for fuel
prices. [Ord. 2013-025] [Ord. 2015-031]
[Ord. 2022-029]
24) Grand Opening – a temporary sign for
introduction, promotion, or announcement of a new business, store, shopping
center, or office, or the announcement, introduction, or promotion of an
established business or the changing of ownership. A business may have a grand
opening sign when it has been closed to the public and is reopened.
25) Ground-Mounted – any sign which is
permanently erected or standing on the ground and supported from the ground by
one or more poles, columns, uprights, braces, or anchors and includes all freestanding
signs, monument signs, and electronic message signs. [Ord. 2014-025]
26) Holiday – a temporary sign, for
non-commercial purposes, communicating only a holiday’s name and event.
27) Identification – a sign, other than a
bulletin board sign, or nameplate sign, indicating the name of the primary use,
the name or address of a building, or the name of the management thereof.
28) Illegal – any sign erected in violation
of this Code.
29) Illuminated – a sign with electrical
equipment installed for illumination, either internally illuminated through its
sign face by a light source contained inside the sign or externally illuminated
by a light source aimed at its surface. [Ord.
2022-029]
30) Instructional – any sign conveying
instructions with respect to the premises on which it is maintained, such as
the entrance or exit of a parking area, a no trespassing sign, a danger sign,
and similar signs.
31) Interactive – an electronic or animated
sign that reacts to the behavior of electronic signals of motor vehicle
drivers. [Ord. 2022-029]
32) Marquee – a sign attached to a marquee
for the purpose of identifying a use or product. If attached to a theater,
performing arts center or cinema, it may also advertise films or productions. [Ord. 2008-003] [Ord. 2022-029]
33) Message Center – a type of illuminated,
Changeable Copy sign that consists of electronically changing alphanumeric
text, typically for fuel price display, time and temperature, Planned Unit
Development or Residential Subdivision Informational signs, and athletic
scoreboards. [Ord. 2022-029]
34) Mobile Vendor – signs fixed to mobile
vending carts that identify or advertise the name, product, or service provided
by the vendor. [Ord. 2006-036]
35) Monument – a freestanding sign not
erected on one or more poles or similar structures but erected to rest on the
ground or to rest on a monument base designed as an architectural unit.
36) Moving – the signs that are moved by
mechanical or natural means such as wind. These signs including moving,
revolving, rotating, and twirling signs. [Ord.
2008-003]
37) Nameplate – a sign indicating the name,
address, profession, or occupation of an occupant or a group of occupants.
38) Neon – a sign with tubing that is
internally illuminated by neon or other electrically charged gas.
39) Off-Premises – any framework for signs
announcing or advertising merchandise, services, or entertainment available,
sold, produced, manufactured, or furnished at a place other than the lot on which
the sign is erected.
40) Off-Site Directional – a sign offering
directional information to a business, location, or place located in an area
different from where the sign is located.
41) On-Site – a permanent sign, identifying
a business, commodity, service, or product conducted, sold, or offered on the
same premises as those upon which the sign is located.
42) Painted Wall – any sign painted on any
surface or roof of any building, visible from any public R-O-W.
43) Parking and Directional – on-site parking
and directional signs, that do not include any advertising messages or symbols
may be wall or ground mounted. [Ord.
2006-036]
44) Permanent – any sign which is intended
to be, and is so constructed as to be a lasting and enduring condition
remaining unchanged in character, condition beyond normal wear and tear, and in
a permanent manner affixed to the ground, wall, or building; provided the sign
is permitted by this Code.
45) Planned Unit Development or Residential
Subdivision Informational – a ground-mounted Changeable Copy sign that is
owned and maintained by a Property Owners’ Association (POA) to provide notice
to residents of upcoming events. [Ord.
2015-031] [Ord. 2022-029]
46) Plastic – any sign, embellishment, or
sign area made of flat sheet, corrugated panels, formed or molded plastic on
one or more faces.
47) Point of Purchase – any structure with
characters, letters, or illustrations placed thereto, thereon, or thereunder by
any method or whatsoever where the matter displayed is used for advertising on
the premises, a product actually or actively offered for sale or rent thereon
or therein or services rendered.
48) Political Campaign – a temporary sign,
which indicates an individual, party, or issue that will be placed on the
Federal, State, or Local election ballot in the subject calendar year.
49) Portable – any sign not permanently
attached to the ground or other structure.
50) Project Identification – a sign placed
on the perimeter of a recorded subdivision, planned development, shopping
center, business office park, industrial park, or mixed-use complex at a major
street or driveway entrance to identify the name of the project. Project
identification signs include entrance signs.
51) Projecting – any sign viewed from
directly overhead is affixed at an angle or perpendicularly to the wall of any
building in such a manner to read perpendicularly or at an angle to the wall on
which it is mounted and located under a canopy or cover, and usually has two
message surfaces.
52) Public Service Information – any sign
intending to promote items of general interest to the community, such as time,
temperature, date, weather, news, or traffic information.
53) Real Estate – any sign erected by the
owner, or an agent, advertising the land upon which the sign is located for
rent or for sale.
54) Recreational Vehicle Park – any sign
erected by the owner, or an agent, advertising the land upon which the sign is
located for rent or for sale a land area under Unified Control designed and
intended to accommodate short-term, overnight parking of recreational vehicles
and not for permanent residential use.
55) Roof – any sign erected, constructed,
and maintained wholly upon or over the roof of any building.
56) Sale, Lease, and Rent – temporary
signs, which indicate that a parcel or building is currently for sale, lease,
or rent.
57) Single-Faced – only one side of a
double-faced sign.
58) Snipe – any sign made of any material,
including paper, cardboard, wood, and metal, when such sign is tacked, nailed,
posted, pasted, glued, or otherwise attached to trees, poles, fences, or other
objects, and the advertising matter appearing thereon is not applicable to the
premises upon which the sign is located.
59) Temporary Balloon-Type – temporary
display using a balloon to display a sign message for the introduction,
promotion, or announcement of a new product or new business.
60) Vehicular – a sign affixed to or
painted onto a transportation vehicle or trailer, for the purposes of business
advertising; however, a vehicular sign shall not include signs affixed to
vehicles or trailers for identification purposes or signs required by licensing
Ordinances. [Ord. 2008-003]
61) Wall – any sign affixed to the building
which shall not extend beyond the peak of the roof at the location of the sign.
[Ord. 2008-003] [Ord. 2013-021]
The following signs or murals shall comply with the following
requirements, but shall be exempt from the review and approval process of this
Code, and may be constructed or attached without a Building Permit, except as
prohibited in Art. 8.C, Prohibitions. An
electrical permit shall still be required for signs using electrical service. [Ord.
2005-002] [Ord. 2006-036] [Ord. 2018-002]
A temporary
attachment or covering of wood, plastic, or canvas over a permanent sign may be
displayed no longer than 30 days following the change of ownership or activity
for which the sign is intended, or up to 90 days following issuance of a Building
Permit. The sign shall be no larger than the previously permitted permanent sign.
[Ord. 2006-036] [Ord. 2018-002]
Small signs shall include but not be limited to the following types of
temporary or permanent signage: equipment; real estate sale or rental; freedom
of speech; campaign, provided they are removed within ten days after the
election date; public warning; official government; and, commemorative plaques.
Sign location shall comply with the provisions indicated in Art. 8.F.1, Minimum Setbacks. The size and
height of the signs shall comply with the following: [Ord. 2008-003] [Ord.
2018-002]
A. Signs located
on residential parcels five acres or less in size shall not exceed eight square
feet of sign face area and eight feet in height. [Ord. 2008-003] [Ord. 2018-002]
B. Signs located
on any non-residential parcel and residential parcels greater than five acres
in size shall not exceed 32 square feet of sign face area and ten feet in
height. [Ord. 2006-036] [Ord. 2008-003] [Ord. 2018-002]
Signs on public
transportation vehicles regulated or licensed by Federal, State, PBC, or
municipal officials or organizations, including public buses and taxicabs; and
all off-premises signs incorporated into PBC-owned, controlled, or operated
bench, bus shelter, or waste receptacle attached to a bench or shelter,
pursuant to the PBC contract dated August 22, 1989, as may be amended.
Window signs not
exceeding 20 percent coverage of each glass window or glass door to which the
sign is attached. Any sign either hung within two feet of a window or attached
to a display located within two feet of a window is considered a window sign.
Message Center or Digital Display are prohibited for window signs. [Ord. 2022-029]
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Figure 8.B.4 –
Window Signs
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In the event of a
natural disaster, which destroys or damages legally permitted ground-mounted
signs, a temporary sign may be erected or an existing sign modified subject to
the following limitations and requirements: [Ord. 2006-036]
A temporary sign
certificate shall be issued by the Building Division in conjunction with a
complete Building Permit application for the replacement of the damaged sign. This
certificate will allow a temporary sign, as stated above, for a period no more
than six months from the date of issuance. A copy of the temporary sign
certificate shall be provided to Code Enforcement. [Ord. 2006-036]
A temporary attachment
or covering of plastic, or canvas may be installed over an existing sign, which
was damaged during a natural disaster. The attachment shall be no larger than
the previous legally permitted permanent sign. [Ord. 2006-036]
A temporary sign may be
installed, in place of a previously permitted sign, not more than 32 square
feet in sign face area and not more than five feet in height. The temporary
sign shall meet the minimum setback requirements, as stated in this Article or
any Conditions of Approval, whichever is more restrictive. [Ord.
2006-036]
Unless otherwise
specified, murals approved in accordance with Art. 5.I, Murals,
shall be exempt from all other standards of this Article. [Ord. 2013-021]
The following
prohibitions apply to all signs and structures, notwithstanding the provisions
in Art. 8.B, Exemptions:
Banners, streamers, pennants, inflatable
signs, and other signs made of lightweight fabric, plastic, or similar material
unless stated otherwise in this Article. [Ord. 2007-001] [Ord. 2007-013]
[Ord. 2008-003] [Ord. 2018-002]
Signs that produce noise
or sounds capable of being heard, excluding voice units at drive-throughs, and
signs that emit visible smoke, vapor, particles, or odor.
Signs with visible
moving, revolving, or rotating parts, caused by forced air, mechanical equipment,
or by any other means. [Ord. 2018-002]
Any sign not
permanently attached to a wall or the ground or any other approved supporting
structure, or a sign designed to be transported, such as signs transported by
wheels, mobile billboards, “A-frame” or sandwich-type, sidewalk or curb signs,
blank copy signs, and unanchored signs, except where otherwise stated in this
Article. [Ord. 2008-003]
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Figure 8.C.4 –
Mobile Signs
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Motion picture and video
mechanisms used in such a manner as to permit or allow images to be visible
from any street.
Signs that depict,
describe, or relate to “specified sexual activities” or “specified anatomical
areas” as defined in Art. 4.B.2.C.1, Adult Entertainment. [Ord.
2018-002]
Signs erected,
constructed, or maintained so as to obstruct any fire-fighting equipment;
unless approved by the Fire Marshall.
Signs in corner
clips and safe sight distance in accordance with PBC Standards that do not meet
the visibility requirements in accordance with PBC Standards. [Ord. 2018-002]
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Figure 8.C.8 –
Corner Clip Visibility
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Signs erected above
the roofline or parapet, and signs on rooftop structures, such as penthouse
walls or mechanical enclosures. Signs on a sloped roof, a mansard roof, or a
parapet located a minimum of six inches below the roof deck or top of the
parapet are allowed, subject to the standards for building-mounted signs in Art. 8.G.1, Building-Mounted Signs.
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Figure 8.C.9 –
Roof Signs
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Signs that may be
confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal, or device; or which make use
of the words “stop,” “look,” “danger,” or any other word, phrase, symbol, or
character that interferes with, misleads, or confuses vehicular drivers.
Any sign placed
upon a bench, bus shelter, or any waste receptacle attached to a bench or
shelter, except as exempted by Art. 8.B.3, Transportation-Related Signs, and authorized by PBC or approved by Palm
Tran. [Ord. 2018-002]
Any non-exempt sign
painted on or attached to a vessel, for the purpose of displaying
advertisements, which is docked or anchored in the coastal waterways of PBC.
This restriction does not apply to vessels passing through PBC on the
Intracoastal Waterway. [Ord. 2006-036]
All off-site signs,
tacked, nailed, posted, pasted, glued, or otherwise attached to trees, poles,
stakes, fences, trailers, or other supporting structures, except where
otherwise stated for in this Article.
Unless there is
only one row of parking between a building and the street, motor vehicles with
business names, business addresses, telephone numbers, contractor certification
numbers, logos, and similar information painted or embossed on vehicle surfaces
shall not park or be stored in the row of parking or any area within 25 feet of
the front property line longer than four hours in a 24-hour period. This
prohibition does not apply to vehicles with advertising, where the vehicles are
making deliveries to that business (e.g., U.S. Postal Service, UPS, Federal
Express, DHL, Airborne, etc.) or vehicles used in conjunction with a special
promotion with a valid permit, vehicles with advertising signs with letters less
than eight inches in height and eight square feet in area, public
transportation vehicles, and vehicles in industrial zones parked in vehicle use
areas.
The following are prohibited elements for
Message Centers or Digital Displays: [Ord.
2022-029]
A. Message
units that change copy, light, intensity, words, or graphics more times per
second than allowed pursuant to Art. 8.F.5.D, Message
Duration. Any change in message shall be completed
instantaneously. There shall be no special effects in between messages; [Ord. 2014-025] [Ord. 2016-020] [Ord. 2017-025] [Ord. 2018-002] [Ord. 2022-029]
B. Reflectorized
lamps; [Ord. 2015-031]
C. Lamps,
light-emitting diodes, or bulbs in excess of the amount and intensity of light
generated by a 30-watt incandescent lamp or 300 lumens, whichever is less; and,
[Ord. 2014-025] [Ord. 2015-031]
D. The
message shall be static. There shall be no animation, flashing, scintillating
lighting, movement, or varying of light intensity during the message. Messages
shall not scroll, undulate, pulse, blink, expand, contract, bounce, rotate,
spin, twist, or otherwise give the appearance of optical illusion or movement
as it comes onto, is displayed on, or leaves the sign board. [Ord. 2014-025] [Ord. 2015-031] [Ord. 2016-020]
Signs that are
intended to be used for a specific purpose for a limited time, may be permitted
as set forth in this Chapter. These signs may be in ground or building mounted,
banner, or balloon form. Temporary signs may be sought for those uses pursuant
to Art. 4.B.11, Temporary Uses. Other temporary signs may be allowed
subject to the requirements in Table 8.D.2, Temporary Sign Standards. [Ord.
2018-002]
Section 1 Approval
Temporary signs
shall be approved through the ZAR process, or in the alternative, may be
approved as part of a Master Sign Plan or an Alternative Sign Plan pursuant to Art. 8.E.3, Master Sign Program Plan or Art. 8.E.4, Alternative Sign Plan (ASP) of this Article as appropriate. [Ord.
2018-002]
Section 2 Signs Sought in Conjunction with
Temporary Uses, and Other Temporary Signs
All temporary signs
shall be permitted subject to the following Table. Additional regulations
specific to residential development signs, non-residential development signs,
and balloons area shall also be applied. [Ord. 2018-002]
A maximum of two temporary residential
development signs shall be permitted per frontage for up to three years or
until 95 percent of the development has received a CO, whichever occurs later. An
additional sign shall be permitted for each 660 feet of frontage in excess of
1,320 feet. [Ord. 2008-037] [Ord. 2018-002]
For projects with DRO approval, no more than one temporary
development sign shall be permitted, per frontage, for up to two years or until
the development has received a CO. [Ord.
2018-002]
Balloon signs are allowed in the CG, PO, CRE, IL, IG, or PDD Zoning
Districts, subject to the standards listed in the Table below. Only cold air
shall be used in the balloon. Balloons shall not be located within any required
vehicular use area. [Ord. 2018-002]
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Table 8.D.2.C
– Balloon Sign Standards
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Max. Width
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30’
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Max. Height
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30’;
60’
for balloons on top of buildings
(allowed
on 1 or 2-story buildings only)
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Min. Separation Between Other Permitted
Balloon-Type Signs
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1
mile
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Min. Setback from Base Building Line
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15’
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[Ord. 2018-002]
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The following
information shall be provided to the Zoning Division with the application when applying
for a temporary sign. No project shall be issued more than two balloon permits
in any calendar year. The maximum duration of any permit shall be for ten days.
There shall be a minimum of 30 days from the day the first balloon is removed
before a second permit for a balloon may be issued. [Ord. 2018-002]
a. Legal description, property control number
(PCN), and address of location;
b. Written permission of Property Owner or
owner's designated Agent;
c. Cold air balloon installation Business Tax Receipt;
[Ord. 2007-013]
d. Evidence of installer's liability and
property damage insurance;
e. Site Plan or survey showing location of
balloon and centerline of adjacent R-O-W demonstrating compliance with these
regulations; and,
f. A photograph of the balloon.
Balloon-type signs are prohibited in the WCRAO. [Ord. 2006-004]
All signs, except
signs exempted by Art. 8.B, Exemptions, shall receive a Building Permit prior to
construction, erection, attachment, or placement from PBC. Non-exempt signs not
erected or repaired pursuant to a valid permit are considered illegal. No sign
shall be structurally altered, enlarged, or relocated except in conformity with
this Article. The repair or changing of movable parts, sign copy, display, or
graphic material is not deemed an alteration.
All development
requiring DRO, ZC, or BCC approvals, shall submit an approved MSP pursuant to
this Chapter. [Ord. 2005-002]
A. Every sign for
which a Building Permit is required shall be plainly marked with the
corresponding permit number issued for the sign. The permit number shall be
marked on permanent material with a contrasting color in numbers at least one
inch in height.
B. Tags shall be
displayed on signs or at the base of the structure in a visible location. Tags
for freestanding signs must be located on the structure between one and three
feet above grade. [Ord. 2005-041]
C. The absence of
the required tag shall be evidence that the sign is in violation of this Article.
The purpose and intent
of a MSP is to provide a unified record of signs and to promote coordinated
signage for all development subject to DRO, ZC, BCC approval, or architectural
review. A MSP also may be required as a Condition of Approval. The MSP shall
demonstrate how the intent of this Section is met in whole or in part, in
regard to the following objectives:
1. Improves the safety and welfare of the
general public by minimizing distractions, hazards, and obstructions from sign
design or placement;
2. Provides for sign design or placement
appropriate with the MGTS tier in which the signs are located;
3. Incorporates sign design and placement
related to architectural and landscape features on site; and,
4. Incorporates sign design, scale, and
placement oriented to pedestrian traffic.
A PMSP shall be submitted to the Zoning Division at the time of
initial application, and shall be subject to the same review and approval
process as the development itself. The initial PMSP shall include the total
number of all proposed signs or sign types, the location of sign types on a
plan, and general building elevations, drawings, sketches of generic sign
types, a computation of the total allowable sign area for each sign and sign
type (the sign budget), the height of each sign, and the proposed location of
each sign on a plan or general building elevations. A PMSP shall also describe
proposed public artwork that would be exempt from sign area calculations. Subsequent
Development Orders for Zoning approval or Building Permits, submitted following
the initial approval of a development without a Final Master Sign Plan, shall
only be required to submit signage information related to the affected area. [Ord. 2009-040]
A FMSP shall be reviewed and approved, approved with conditions,
or denied at Final DRO. The specific requirements for the FMSP shall be
prepared pursuant to the requirements in the Technical Manual. In addition, the
DRO shall make the following determinations: [Ord. 2009-040]
a. The proposed signs are compatible in style
and character with any building to which the sign is to be attached, any
surrounding structures, and any adjoining signage on the site; [Ord. 2009-040]
b. Future tenants will be provided adequate
opportunities to construct, erect, or maintain a sign for identification; and, [Ord. 2009-040]
c. Directional signage and building addressing
is adequate for pedestrian and vehicular circulation and emergency vehicle
access. [Ord. 2009-040]
The DRO, ZC, or BCC,
may impose conditions necessary to carry out the intent of the MSP while still
permitting each sign user opportunities for effective identification and
communication. These conditions may include reductions in the allowable number
of signs, total sign face area, location of signs, and types of signs allowed.
An Applicant may
demonstrate the intent of this Section provision can be exceeded, in whole or
in part, through an ASP. The ASP shall be prepared in accordance with the
design principles set forth below and shall clearly detail the modifications
being requested from the provisions of this Section and how they enhance the
design principles.
To qualify for
consideration, an ASP shall demonstrate compliance with the following
principles:
1. Innovative use of materials and design
techniques in response to unique characteristics of the specific MGTS tier and
site;
2. Placement of sign preserves or incorporates
existing native vegetation;
3. Integrates architectural features and
pedestrian facilities in a manner compatible with the tier in which the
development is located. In the U/S Tier and in TDDs, this may include
pedestrian-oriented signage;
4. Consistency with approved neighborhood plans,
studies, area plans, or special planning or design studies; and,
5. Preservation of historic signs based on the
following criteria:
a. signs 40 years or older;
b. signs which are particularly unique in character,
design, or history; or,
c. signs that are part of the historic character
of a building, business, or district.
An ASP may be submitted
for any of the following:
1. PDDs;
2. TDDs; or,
3. Conditional Uses. [Ord. 2017-007]
Subject to approval, an
ASP may provide for the following modifications to the standards of this
Section:
1. Transfer up to 20 percent of the total sign
area allowed for building-mounted signs to another sign type;
2. Decrease the minimum separation required for
signs within properties under common ownership;
3. Transfer freestanding sign area to building-mounted
signs;
4. Adjust the standards of this Section to allow
for the preservation of historic signs; and,
5. Vary the geometry and rules used in the
measurement of sign area to allow for creative and unique sign shapes.
In addition to the
requirements of a MSP, an ASP shall be submitted in conjunction with a Zoning
application, subject to the following requirements:
The ASP shall be submitted with a supplemental application and
justification form to include project information, specific Code references,
and proposed alternatives. The ASP shall require approval of the requested
deviations from the requirements of this Section by the ZC or BCC and may be
subject to Conditions of Approval.
This Section
establishes the physical standards and requirements applicable to all signs and
the districts in which they are located. More detailed standards applicable to
specific types of signs follow this Section.
Unless otherwise
specified in this Section, signs shall be set back as follows:
Five feet from the
property line.
Five feet from the base
building line. If the PBC Engineer waives the requirement that the setback be
measured from the base building line, the setback shall be measured from the
property line.
Properties fronting on
Okeechobee Boulevard, Military Trail, Congress Avenue, and Belvedere Road are
excluded from the five-foot minimum setback, for properties that have been
altered by eminent domain takings for R-O-W expansions. [Ord.
2006-004]
The methodology for
computing the sign area for all sign types shall be as follows:
Single-faced signs
shall measure the sign area to include the entire area within a single
continuous perimeter composed of squares or rectangles that enclose the extreme
limits of all sign elements including, but not limited to, sign structures or
borders, written copy, logos, symbols, illustrations, and contrasting colored
background and materials, unless stated otherwise herein. Supporting structures
such as poles, sign bases, decorative elements, details, or columns are not
included in the sign area calculation provided no lettering or graphics except
for addresses or required tags. [Ord. 2006-036]
20 percent may be added to the calculation of the maximum area
of a sign comprised solely of channel letters or neon channel letters or other
individual freestanding letters, for developments that require a MSP. [Ord.
2005-002]
Double-faced signs
shall be counted as a single-faced sign. Where the faces are not equal in size,
the larger sign face shall be used as the basis for calculating sign area.
Signs with three or
more sign faces, or signs with two sign faces with a distance greater than
three feet apart or an interior angle greater than 45 degrees, shall calculate
the sign area as the sum of all the sign faces.
Signs that consist of,
or have attached to them, one or more three-dimensional objects (i.e., balls,
cubes, clusters of objects, sculptures, or statue-like trademarks), shall have
a sign area of the sum of all areas using the four vertical sides of the
smallest cube that will encompass the sign.
|
Figure 8.F.2.D – Measurement of Sign Area
|
|
|
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Figure
8.F.2.D – Measurement of Double-Faced Signs
|
|
|
|
Figure
8.F.2.D – Measurement of Multi-Faced Signs
|
|
|
|
Figure
8.F.2.D – Measurement of Three-Dimensional Signs
|
|
|
For the purpose of this
Section, a building’s wall is considered continuous if projections or recesses
in a building wall do not exceed ten feet in any direction. For the purpose of Art. 5.C.1.I, Large Scale Commercial
Development, a building’s
wall is considered continuous if projections or recesses in a building do not
exceed 25 feet. [Ord. 2009-040] [Ord.
2012-027]
|
Figure 8.F.3
– Building Wall
|
|
|
|
Building wall is considered continuous if
projections or recesses are less than 10 feet.
|
|
|
|
Building wall is considered continuous if
projections or recesses are less than 10 feet.
|
|
[Ord. 2012-027]
|
|
Figure 8.F.3 –
Building Wall for Large Scale Commercial Development
|
|
|
|
Building wall is considered continuous if
projections or recesses do not exceed 25 feet.
|
|
[Ord. 2009-040] [Ord. 2012-027]
|
Paper, cardboard,
or other material subject to rapid deterioration shall be limited to signs
displayed for no more than 30 days.
Signs, other than
temporary signs, may be illuminated subject to the following standards: [Ord. 2018-002]
1. Ground-mounted and building-mounted signs
adjacent to a residential zoning district or residential use shall be
illuminated only during hours when the establishment is open for business; [Ord. 2017-025]
2. External lighting shall be properly shielded
to prevent glare on adjacent streets or properties; [Ord. 2017-025]
3. Illumination shall be constant and shall not
consist of flashing, animated, or changing lights, except for permitted change
of message for Message Centers or Digital Displays; and,
[Ord. 2014-025] [Ord. 2017-025] [Ord. 2018-002] [Ord. 2022-029]
4. Message Centers
or Digital Displays shall be exempt from AGR, Exurban, Rural, or Glades Tier
prohibitions on internally illuminated signage. [Ord. 2017-025] [Ord. 2022-029]
a. Signs may be
illuminated by silhouette, internal, and external lighting, except where
located in or oriented towards the NRM or NG Sub-areas of the WCRAO; and [Ord.
2006-004] [Ord. 2022-029]
b. Neon signs are
allowed in the U/S Tier, except where located in or oriented towards the NRM or
NG Sub-areas of the WCRAO, as part of a wall sign or window sign only. The sign
area for a neon sign shall not exceed eight square feet. [Ord. 2006-004]
a. Signs may be
illuminated by external or silhouette lighting only, with exception to the
following: [Ord. 2017-025]
1) Message Centers
or Digital Displays subject to Art. 8.F.7, Message
Center and Digital Display; and [Ord. 2017-025] [Ord. 2022-029]
2) Signs on
properties with a commercial future land use designation. [Ord. 2017-025]
b. All sign
lighting is restricted to the hours of operation of the entity or establishment
with which the sign is associated.
c. Neon signs are
allowed as a window sign only. The sign area shall not exceed six square feet.
a. Signs may be
illuminated by external lighting only, with the exception of permitted Message
Centers or Digital Displays subject to Art. 8.F.7, Message
Center and Digital Display. [Ord.
2017-025] [Ord. 2022-029]
b. All sign
lighting is restricted to the hours of operation of the entity or establishment
with which the sign is associated.
|
Figure 8.F.5.B
– Illumination
|
|
|
Message Center and Digital Display are subject to the following
brightness limitations: [Ord. 2022-029]
1. Each
sign shall have a light sensing device that automatically adjusts brightness as
ambient light conditions change in order to ensure that the message meets the
standard for maximum brightness; [Ord.
2014-025]
2. The
maximum brightness shall be 0.2 foot-candles above ambient light measured 150
feet perpendicular from the sign face area from a height of six feet. No sign
shall display light of such intensity to cause glare or otherwise impair the
vision of a driver, or interferes with the effectiveness of an official traffic
sign, signal, or device; and, [Ord.
2014-025]
3. The
sign shall be equipped with a default mechanism or setting that will cause the
sign to turn off or show a full black or similar image if a visible malfunction
or failure occurs. [Ord. 2014-025] [Ord. 2015-031] [Ord. 2018-002]
The minimum duration time for each message displayed on a
Message Center or Digital Display is based upon the adjacent roadway speed
limit. The message duration time shall be no less than the following: [Ord. 2022-029]
1. Roadways
with speed limits less than 45 miles per hour – minimum 12 seconds. [Ord. 2022-029]
2. Roadways
with speed limits greater than or equal to 45 miles per hour – minimum eight
seconds. [Ord. 2022-029]
Externally illuminated signs, where permitted, are subject to
the following regulations: [Ord. 2022-029]
a. The
source of the light must be concealed by translucent covers. [Ord. 2022-029]
b. External
illumination shall be by a steady, stationary light source, shielded and
directed solely at the sign. The light source must be static in color. [Ord. 2022-029]
Internally illuminated signs are subject to the following
regulations: [Ord. 2022-029]
a. Internal
illumination, including neon lighting, must be static in intensity and color. [Ord. 2022-029]
b. Message
Centers and Digital Displays are permitted pursuant to Art.
8.F.7, Message Center and Digital Display. [Ord. 2022-029]
Manual Changeable
Copy is permitted only when integrated into a freestanding, Marquee, or
portable sign. Manual Changeable Copy shall cover no more than 50 percent of the total sign area, except for
the following uses which are exempt from this restriction: all public and civic
uses, Theaters and Performance Venues, fuel price signs, and signs that flash
the time and temperature subject to Art. 8.F.7, Message Center and Digital
Display. [Ord. 2014-025] [Ord. 2017-007] [Ord. 2022-029]
Message Center and Digital Display may be
integrated into a ground-mounted freestanding sign, outparcel identification
sign, or a building-mounted Marquee sign. In addition to the illumination
requirements of Art. 8.F.5.
Illumination, the following regulations apply: [Ord. 2022-029]
1. Regional
facilities, as defined in Art. 8.A.2.A.10, Regional Facility, within the CG, CRE, PO, or IL Zoning
District or in a non-residential planned development. [Ord. 2022-029]
2. Civic
and Assembly facilities, as defined in Art. 8.A.2.A.3, Civic and Assembly in
all zoning districts. [Ord. 2022-029]
1. If
a Master Sign Plan (MSP) is required, the details of the Message Center and
Digital Display shall be depicted on the MSP. [Ord. 2022-029]
2. If
a MSP is not required, the Message Center or Digital Display shall be permitted
through the Building Permit process and procedures. [Ord. 2022-029]
3. If
the proposed Message Center or Digital Display of the sign is greater than 50
percent of the sign area, it shall be subject to a Class A Conditional Use,
excluding PO Deviations. [Ord. 2022-029]
Shall be limited to the height of the specific sign type in
which the Message Center or Digital Display is integrated. [Ord. 2022-029]
1. The
Message Center or Digital Display shall not exceed 50 percent of the total sign
area for any one ground-mounted freestanding sign, outparcel identification
sign, or building-mounted Marquee sign, unless approved as a Class A
Conditional Use, excluding PO Deviations. [Ord.
2022-029]
2. Message
Centers or Digital Displays that are integrated into marquees shall comply with
Art.
8.G.1.D, Marquee Signs. [Ord.
2022-029]
1. No
sign may contain text which flashes, pulsates, moves, or scrolls. [Ord. 2022-029]
2. Each
complete message must fit on one screen. [Ord.
2022-029]
3. The
content of the sign must transition by changing instantly (e.g., no fade-out or
fade-in). [Ord. 2022-029]
1. Signs
less than 100 feet from a residential zoning district, undeveloped property
with a residential FLU designation, or residential use shall be limited to a
Manual Changeable Copy sign. [Ord. 2022-029]
2. Signs
shall not be located adjacent to a Local Residential Street or a Residential
Access Street. [Ord. 2022-029]
3. Signs
with a Message Center or Digital Display area greater than 50 percent of the
total sign area shall not be located within 1,000 feet of a signalized
intersection or sign that integrates a Message Center or Digital Display [Ord. 2022-029]
4. Signs
that integrate a Digital Display are prohibited in the WCRAO unless the WCRA
provides written support for the sign. [Ord. 2006-004] [Ord.
2014-025] [Ord. 2015-031] [Ord. 2022-029]
5. Maximum
number of signs per frontage: one. [Ord.
2022-029]
1. The
setback for a sign that integrates a Message Center shall be the setback for
the specific sign type in which the Message Center is integrated. [Ord. 2022-029]
2. Setbacks
for signs that integrate a Digital Display are as follows: [Ord. 2022-029]
a. Front: 15
feet [Ord. 2022-029]
b. Side
and Rear: 30 feet [Ord. 2022-029]
c. Side
Street: 15
feet [Ord. 2022-029]
H. The
addition of any Digital Display to a non-conforming sign is prohibited. [Ord. 2022-029]
Sign faces with
commercial messages shall be removed within 60 days after the activity,
product, business, service, or other use which was being advertised has ceased
or vacated the premises. Any commercial message not removed or replaced with a
site-related message within this time may be removed pursuant to the removal procedures
set forth in Art. 8.I.4, Removal of Signs in Violation of
this Article.
Any sign authorized
by this Article may contain non-commercial copy in lieu of any other copy.
Any sign projecting
over a public street or sidewalk requires approval of the Department of
Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) or other applicable Agency.
One address sign,
between eight and 12 inches in height, is required for each freestanding
building, and at least one address sign if a parcel has freestanding signs,
subject to the following provisions: [Ord. 2005-002]
A. Where a multi-tenant
building has a freestanding sign, the building address shall be posted on that
sign in a contrasting color with letters of sufficient size to be plainly
visible and legible from the roadway;
B. Where a
building has multiple addresses, the address range shall be posted;
C. Numbers posted
on signs shall be in a contrasting color and shall be proportionate to the
total sign area. Address numbers shall not be included in the sign face
measurement; and,
D. Where multiple
address signs are provided in a development, they shall be of uniform size and
color.
Building-mounted
signs consist of wall signs, awning and canopy signs, projecting signs, and Marquee
signs. There is no limit on the maximum number of wall signs and awning and
canopy signs provided that the total size of all such signs does not exceed the
total maximum signage area permitted for wall signs. Projecting signs over a
pedestrian sidewalk and not under a canopy, awning, or arcade, and Marquee
signs are not included in the maximum sign area calculation for building-mounted
signs.
|
Figure 8.G.1 –
Building-Mounted Sign Types
|
|
 span>
|
Wall signs, including
signs mounted on a mansard roof or parapet, are subject to the standards in Table 8.G.1.A, Wall Sign Standards. No wall sign may cover wholly or partially
any required wall opening.