1993-24 Sign Code1
ORDINANCE NO. 24-93
AN ORDINANCE OF' THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
AMENDING THF. VILLAGE CODE, CHAPTER 6, ARTICLE V, SIGNS AND
OUTDOOR DISPLAYS; PROVIDING FOR CAPTIONS; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILIi'Y; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES OR
PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR
INCLUSION IN THE VILLAGE CODE; AND, PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
NOW, THEREFORE, BF. IT ORDAINED BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THF.
VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA;
SECTION 1. That Sections 6-111 through 6-138 of the Village
of North Palm Beach Code, Chapter 6, Article V are hereby
repealed.
SECTION 2. That Sections 6-111 through 6-117 of the Village
of North Palm Beach Code, Chapter 6, Article V, SIGNS AND
Oi1TllOOft DISPLAYS, are hereby amended to read as follows:
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signcode.ord
' PTTEARTICLE V
SIGNS AND OUTDOOR DISPLAYS
SECTION 6-111 GENERAL PROVISIONS
A. Criteria For Appearance
1. Wall signs shall be part of the architectural concept
of the building. Size, color, lettering, location and
arrangement shall be harmonious with the building
design.
2. Ground signs shall be designed to be compatible with
the architecture of the building. The same criteria
applicable to wall signs shall apply to ground signs.
' 3. identification signs of a prototype design shall
conform to the criteria for building and ground signs.
4. Materials used in signs shall have good architectural
character and be harmonious with the building design and
surrounding landscape.
5. Every sign shall be designed so as to have visual
relationship to buildings and surroundings.
6. Colors shall be used harmoniously and with restraint.
Excessive brightness and brilliant colors shall be
avoided. Lighting shall be harmonious with the design. if
external spot or flood lighting is used, the light
fixtures and light source shall be arranged so that the
' light source is shielded from view.
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7. All permanent signs shall comply with the requirements
' and procedures of the Village Appearance Code.
B. Relationship to Building and Electrical Codes
These sign regulations are intended to complement the
requirements of the building and electrical codes adopted by
the Village. Wherever there is inconsistency between these
regulations and the Building or Electrical code, the more
stringent requirements shall apply.
C. Non-conforming Signs
All building wall sign structures, awning signs, pole sign
structures and ground sign structures erected within the
Village that do not conform to the terms of this code shall
conform by October 14, 2003, or be removed from the premises.
' A face change on a building wall sign,awning sign, pole sign
or ground sign will not require the sign to conform. All other
signs and outdoor displays shall conform within thirty days
of the effective date of this ordinance.
A non conforming sign may not be enlarged or altered to
increase its non-conformity.
Should any non-conforming sign be damaged by any means to an
extent of more than fifty (50$) of its replacement cost at the
time of damage, it shall not be reconstructed or repaired
except in conformity with the provisions of this ordinance.
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D. Appeals and Review
The applicant may file an appeal to the Village Council on any
ruling by the Planning Commission as to this Sign Code in
accordance with Section 6-35 of the Village Code.
E. Variance
1. Permanent Sign. Dimensional restrictions outlined in this
code or viewing obstacles shall be considered the only
grounds of a hardship for appeal from the regulations
described herein. Any increase in the height or size of
a sign or setback thereof in the granted variance shall
not exceed thirty percent (30$) of the requirements of
this code.
2. The Board of Adjustment shall hear and rule on all
applications for variance to this code. All the
provisions of Article III, Chapter 21 of the Village
Code, shall apply to applications for variance to this
code.
3. All applications for variances to regulations established
by this ordinance shall be filed with the Building
Official upon a form supplied by the Village. The
application shall be accompanied by a filing fee of One
Hundred and Fifty Dollars ($150.00).
F. Enforcement
The Building Official may initiate action before the Code
Enforcement Board of the Village to obtain compliance with
this code.
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G. Maintenance
' 1. All signs, including their supports, braces, guys and
anchors, electrical parts and lighting fixtures, and all
painted and display areas, shall be maintained in
accordance with the Building and Electrical codes adopted
by the Village, and shall present a neat and clean
appearance. The vegetation around the base of ground
signs shall be neatly trimmed and free of unsightly
weeds, and no rubbish or debris that would constitute a
fire or health hazard shall be permitted under or near
the sign.
2. Any sign now or hereafter existing which no longer
advertises a bona fide business conducted or a product
' sold shall be taken down and removed by the owner, agent
or person having the beneficial use of the building or
structure upon which sign may be found within ten (10)
days after written notification from the Building
Official. Upon failure to comply with such notice within
the specified time in such order, the Building Official
is hereby authorized to cause removal of such sign and
any expenses incident thereto shall be paid by the owner
of the building or structure to which said sign is
attached.
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H. Definitions
' Accessory Sign
A permanent ground or building wall sign that is permitted
under this Code as incidental to an existing or proposed use
of land.
Advertising
Sign copy intended to directly or indirectly promote the sale
or use of a product, service, commodity, entertainment, or
real or personal property.
Awning
An architectural projection that provides weather protection,
identity and/or decoration and is wholly supported by the
building to which it is attached. An awning is comprised of a
' lightweight, rigid or retractable skeleton over which an
approved cover is attached.
Awning Sign
A sign painted on, printed on or attached flat against the
surface of the awning.
Back Lit Awning
An internally illuminated awning with translucent covering.
Building wall Sign
A sign displayed upon or attached to any part of the exterior
of a building, including walls, windows, doors, parapets,
awnings and roof slopes of forty-five (45) degrees or steeper.
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Changeable Copy Sign
' A sign which is visible from outside a building and which is
characterized by changeable copy, regardless of method of
attachment of the copy.
Commercially Developed Parcel
A parcel of property on which there is at least one walled and
roofed structure used, or designed to be used, for other than
residential or agricultural purposes.
Copy
The linguistic or graphic content of a sign.
Directional Sign
An on premises sign designed to guide or direct pedestrians or
vehicular traffic.
' Electric Sign
Any sign containing electric wiring.
Erect a Sign
To construct, reconstruct, build, relocate, raise, assemble
place, affix, attach, create, paint, draw, or in any other way
bring into being or establish a sign but it shall not include
any of the foregoing activities when performed as an incident
to routine maintenance.
Frontage
The length of the property line of any one parcel along the
main street on which it borders.
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Ground Sign
' A sign that is supported by a three (3) foot high maximum
base. The sign and base shall be monolithic, shall generally
have a columnar line and shall essentially have the same
contour from grade to top. A sign which is independent of any
building for support.
Harmful to Minors
With regard to sign content, any description or
representation, in whatever form, of nudity, sexual conduct,
or sexual excitement, when 1t:
1. predominately appeals to the prurient, shameful, or
morbid interest of minors in sex, and
2. is patently offensive to contemporary standards in the
' adult community as a whole with respect to what is
suitable sexual material for minors, and
3. taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic,
political, or scientific value.
The term "harmful to minors" shall also include any non-erotic
word or picture when it:
1. is patently offensive to contemporary standards in the
adult community as a whole with respect to what is
suitable for viewing by minors, and
2, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic,
political, or scientific value.
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Height of a Sign
' The height of a sign shall be measured as the vertical
distance from the finished grade, excluding berms, at the base
of the supporting structure to the top of the sign, or its
frame or supporting structure, whichever is higher.
Illuminated Sign
A sign which contains a source of light or which is designed
or arranged to reflect light from an artificial source
including indirect lighting, neon, incandescent lights,
back-lighting, and shall also include signs with reflectors
that depend upon automobile headlights for an image.
Marquee
' A structure projecting from and completely supported by a
building and which extends beyond the building line or
property line and fully or partially covers a sidewalk, public
entrance or other pedestrian way.
Multiple Occupancy Complex
A commercial use, i.e. any use other than residential
consisting of a parcel of property, or parcel of contiguous
properties, existing as a unified or coordinated project, with
a building or buildings .housing more than one occupant.
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Neon Tube Sign
' A sign electrically lighted by exposed tubes containing inert
gas and visible from outside of a building.
Occupant (Occupancy)
The use of a building or structure, or any portion thereof for
commercial transactions.
Non Conforming Sign
A sign existing at the effective date of the adopting of this
ordinance which could not be built under the terms of this
ordinance.
Off Site/Premise Sign
A sign advertising an establishment, merchandise, service or
entertainment, which is not sold, produced, manufactured or
' furnished at the property on which said sign is located.
Outline Neon Lighting
An arrangement of electric discharge tubing to outline or call
attention to certain features such as the shape of a building
or the decoration of a window.
Painted Wall Sign
A sign painted on a wall or on any other surface or part of a
building or structure.
Parcel
A unit of land within legally established property lines. If,
however, the property lines are such as to defeat the purposes
of this Code or lead to absurd results, a "parcel" may be as
' designated for a particular site by the Building Official.
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Permanent
' Designed, constructed and intended for more than short term
use.
Pole Sign
A sign supported permanently upon the ground by poles or
braces and not attached to any building.
Portable Sign
Any sign which is manifestly designed to be transported by
trailer or on its own wheels, including such signs even though
the wheels may be removed and the remaining chassis or support
structure converted to an A or T frame sign and attached
temporarily or permanently to the ground.
Roof Line
A horizontal line intersecting the highest point or points of
a roof.
Roof Sign
A sign placed above the roof line of a building or on or
against a roof slope of less than forty-five (45) degrees.
Sign
Any writing, pictorial presentation, number, illustration, or
decoration, flag, banner or pennant, balloon, search light, or
other device which is used to announce, direct attention to,
identify, advertise or otherwise make anything known. The
term sign shall not be deemed to include the terms "building"
or "landscaping," or any architectural embellishment of a
' building not intended to communicate information.
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Sign Face
' The part of a sign that is or may be used for copy.
Sign Face Area
The area of any regular geometric shape which contains the
entire surface area of a sign upon which copy may be placed.
Sign Structure
Any construction used or designed to support a sign.
Street
A public or private right of way for vehicular traffic,
including highways, thoroughfares, lanes, roads, ways, and
boulevards.
Temporary Sign
A sign which is intended to advertise community events, civic
projects, political candidacy, political issues, real estate
for sale or lease or other special events on a short term
basis.
Unit
That part of a multiple occupancy complex housing one
occupant.
Vehicle Sign
A sign of any nature attached to, affixed in any manner or
painted on a motor vehicle or trailer.
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i. Permits
1. A sign shall not hereafter be erected, constructed,
altered or maintained except as provided in this Code,
until after a permit for the same has been issued in
accordance with the permitting procedures of the Building
Code.
2. Fees. Fees shall be based on the construction valuation
as set forth in the Building Code.
3. Exemption. Temporary signs are exempt from the
requirement of obtaining a permit or paying a fee, but
they shall be subject to the other provisions of this
chapter:
SECTION 112 EXEMPT SIGNS
' The following signs are exempt from the operation of these sign
regulations, and from the requirement in this Code that a permit be
obtained for the erection of permanent signs, provided they are not
placed or constructed so as to create a hazard of any kind:
A. Signs that are not designed or located so as to be visible
from any street or adjoining property.
B. Parking area directional signs may be erected at each point of
ingress and egress to a parking lot or parking area. Such
signs shall not exceed two (2) square feet in background area
nor extend to a height greater than three (3) feet above
ground. Only one (1) such sign shall be allowed at each point
of ingress and egress, provided such signs do not create a
traffic or pedestrian hazard. (See Section 116 D) No names or
logos permitted.
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C. Signs necessary to promote health, safety and welfare, and
' other regulatory, statutory, traffic control or directional
signs erected on public property with permission as
appropriate from the State of Florida, the United States, the
County of Palm Beach, or the Village of North Palm Beach.
D. Legal notices and official instruments.
E. Decorative flags and bunting fora celebration, convention, or
commemoration of significance to the entire community when
authorized by the Village Manager for a period, not to exceed
thirty (30) days.
F. Holiday lights and decorations, erected during the appropriate
holiday season, shall comply with all Building and Electrical
Codes.
' G. Merchandise displays behind storefront windows so long as no
part of the display moves or contains flashing lights.
H. Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and dates of
erection when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed
of bronze or other incombustible materials and attached to the
surface of a building.
I. Signs incorporated into machinery or equipment by a
manufacturer or distributor, which identify or advertise only
the product or service dispensed by the machine or equipment,
such as signs customarily affixed to newspaper racks,
telephone booths, and gasoline pumps.
J. Advertising and identifying signs located on taxicabs, buses,
trailers, trucks, vehicles or vehicle bumpers, subject to the
regulations of Section 113 B 23 of this Code.
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K. Public warning signs to indicate the dangers of trespassing,
' swimming, animals or similar hazards.
L. Works of art that do not constitute advertising.
M. Signs carried by a person.
N. Religious displays.
SECTION 113 PROHIBITED SIGNS
A. Generally
It shall be unlawful to erect or keep any sign not expressly
authorized by, or exempted from, this Code.
B. Specifically
The following signs are expressly prohibited unless exempted
by Section 112 of this Code or expressly authorized by Section
114, or Section 115 of this Code:
' 1. Signs that are in violation of the Building code or
Electrical code adopted by the Village.
2. Any sign that constitutes a safety hazard.
3. Blank temporary signs.
4. Signs with visible moving, revolving, or rotating parts
or visible mechanical movement of any description or
other apparent visible movement achieved by electrical,
electronic, or mechanical means, except for traditional
barber poles.
5. Signs with the optical illusion of movement by means of
a design that presents a pattern capable of giving the
illusion of motion or changing of copy.
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6. Signs with lights or illuminations that flash, move,
rotate, scintillate, blink, flicker, or vary in intensity
or color.
7. Outline neon lighting used on commercially developed
parcels for commercial purposes.
8. Signs, commonly referred to as wind signs, consisting of
one or more banners, flags, pennants, ribbons, spinners,
streamers or captive balloons, or other objects or
material fastened in such a manner as to move upon being
subjected to pressure by wind.
9. Signs that incorporate projected images, emit any sound
that is intended to attract attention, or involve the use
of live animals.
' 10. Signs that emit audible sound, odor, or visible matter
such as smoke or steam.
11. Signs or sign structures that interfere in any way with
free use of any fire escape, emergency exit, standpipe,
or that obstruct any window to such an extent that light
or ventilation is reduced to a point below that required
by any provision of this Code or other ordinance of the
Village.
12. Signs that resemble any official sign or marker erected
by any governmental agency, or that by reason of
position, shape or color, would conflict with the proper
functioning of any traffic sign or signal, or
illumination that may be reasonably confused with or
construed as, or conceal, a traffic-control device.
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13. Signs that obstruct the vision of pedestrians, cyclists,
' or motorists traveling on or entering public streets.
14. Non-governmental signs that use the words stop, look,"
"danger", or any similar word, phrase, or symbol.
15. Signs, within ten (10) feet of public right of way or one
hundred (100) feet of traffic-control lights, that
contain red or green lights that might be confused with
traffic control lights.
16. Signs that are of such intensity or brilliance as to
cause glare or impair the vision of any motorist,
cyclist, or pedestrian using or entering a public way, or
that are a hazard or a nuisance to occupants of any
property because of glare or other characteristics.
' 17. Signs that contain any lighting or control mechanism that
causes interference with radio, television or other
communication signals.
18. Searchlights used to advertise or promote a business or
to attract customers to a property.
19. Signs that are painted, pasted, or printed on any
curbstone, flagstone, pavement, or any portion of any
sidewalk or street, except house numbers and traffic
control signs.
20. Signs placed upon benches, bus shelters or waste
receptacles.
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21. Signs erected on public property, or on private property
' (such as private utility poles) located on public
property, other than signs erected by public authority
for public purposes.
22. Signs erected over or across any public street except as
may otherwise be expressly authorized by this Code, and
except governmental signs erected by or on the order of
the Village Manager.
23. Vehicle signs with a total sign area on any vehicle in
excess of ten (10) square feet, when the vehicle:
a. is parked for more than sixty consecutive minutes
within one hundred (100) feet of any street right
of way;
b. is visible from the street right of way that the
vehicle is within one hundred (100) feet of; and
c. is not regularly used in the conduct of the
business advertised on the vehicle. A vehicle used
primarily for advertising, or for the purpose of
providing transportation for owners or employees of
the occupancy advertised on the vehicle, shall not
be considered a vehicle used in the conduct of the
business.
24. Signs displaying copy that is harmful to minors as
defined by this Code.
25. Portable signs as defined by this Code.
26. Marquee sign as defined by this code.
27. Roof sign as defined by this code.
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28. Changeable copy sign as defined by this code.
Exceptions:
a. Sign for public, charitable, and religious
institutions.
b. Motor vehicle service station signs; provided,
however, that said signs are:
1. Limited to a maximum of twenty (20) per cent
of the total sign area for said vehicle
service station.
2. Changeable copy is limited to price of fuel
and the words "cash" and "credit".
3. The maximum height of changeable numbers shall
be twelve (12) inches.
29. Painted wall sign as defined by this code.
30. Neon tube sign located inside or outside a building and
as defined by this code.
31. Off site/premise sign as defined in this code.
32. Signs placed on boats or watercraft that are located on
public or private property other than boat or watercraft
name, manufacturers name or required license numbers.
33. Time-Temperature-Date Signs.
SECTION 114 PERMITTED TEMPORARY SIGNS
A. Where Allowed
Temporary signs are allowed throughout the Village, subject to
the restrictions imposed by this section and other relevant
' parts of this Code. Temporary signs do not require a building
permit.
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8. Sign Types Allowed
' A temporary sign may be a pole, ground or building wall sign,
but may not be an electric sign.
C. Removal Of Illegal Temporary Signs
Any temporary sign not complying with the requirements of this
section is illegal and subject to Immediate removal by the
Village forces.
D. Restrictions On Content Of Temporary Signs
A temporary sign may display any message so long as it is not:
1. Harmful to minors as defined by this Code.
2. Advertising as defined by this Code, except that
advertising for the following purposes may be displayed:
a. To indicate that an owner, either personally or
through an agent, is actively attempting to sell,
rent or lease the property on which the sign is
located.
b. To identify construction in progress. Such message
shall not be displayed more than sixty (60) days
prior to the beginning of actual construction of
the project, and shall be removed when construction
is completed. If a message is displayed pursuant
to this section, but construction is not initiated
within sixty (60) days after the message is
displayed, or if construction is discontinued for a
period of more than sixty (60) days, the message
' shall be removed, pending initiation or
continuation of construction activities.
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c. To announce or advertise such temporary uses as
' carnivals, revivals, sporting events, garage sales,
or any public, charitable, educational or religious
event or function. Such message shall be removed
within two (2) working days after the special
event. Approval of the size and locations of the
signs by the Department of Public Services is
required.
d. Political Sign. Nothing shall be construed to
regulate the content or internal design of a
political sign. Such sign shall be removed not
more than seven (7) calendar days following the
event advertised by the sign.
E. Permissible Size, Height And Number Of Temporary Signs
1. One-Family and Two-Family Residences
A parcel on which is located a single one-family or two-
family residence may display not more than one temporary
sign with a sign area of not more than five (5) square
feet. No sign shall exceed five (5) feet in height.
Front set back shall be ten (10) feet and side set back
shall be three (3) feet.
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2. Multi-Family Residences
' A parcel on which is located a multi-family residence may
display not more than one (1) temporary sign with a sign
area of not more than thirty two (32) square feet. No
individual sign shall exceed eight (8) feet in height.
Front set back shall be ten (10) feet and side set back
shall be three (3) feet.
3. On All Other Parcels
All other parcels may display not more than one (1)
temporary sign with an aggregate sign area of not more
than thirty two (32) square feet. No sign shall exceed
eight (8) feet in height.
4. All Areas
' Three (3) temporary political signs, each not exceeding
five (5) square feet in sign area and not more than five
(5) feet in height, may be displayed on a parcel.
SECTION 115 PERMITTED PERMANENT ACCESSORY SZGNS
A. Sign Types Allowed
A permanent accessory sign may be a ground or building wall
sign.
B. Content
A permanent accessory sign may display only the following:
1. Letters depicting the name of the building or the name of
the building occupant.
2. Letters depicting the nature of the business and that are
' a maximum of fifty (50) percent of the height of the
letters in paragraph B-1 of this section.
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3. A logo symbol that has a height and width that does not
' exceed the size of any letter in paragraph B-1 of this
section.
4. Street address number and/or name.
The message may not be harmful to minors as defined in
this code.
C. Permissible Number, Area, Spacing And Height Of Permanent
Accessory Signs
1. Ground Signs
a. Multi-family buildings with more than four (4)
dwelling units.
Number - One (1) maximum
Sign Area - Maximum thirty two (32) square feet
Height - Eight feet maximum
Set back, Minimum - Ten (10) feet front - three (3)
feet side.
b. Commercial Occupancy
Number - one sign per parcel right of way frontage
maximum.
Building Sign Sign Sign Sign Face
Setback Setback Height Face Area
Minimum Minimum Maximum Maximum Maximum
Any 5 ft 8 ft 45 sq ft 75 sq ft
25 ft 5 ft 8 ft 45 sq ft 75 sq ft
50 ft 15 ft 10.5 ft 45 sq ft 75 sq ft
' 70 ft 20 ft 13 ft 60 sq ft 100 sq ft
100 ft 20 ft 13 ft 60 sq ft 100 sq ft
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2. Building Wall Signs
' a. Subject to the design criteria of this Article,
the maximum mounting height of a building wall
sign shall be eighteen (18) feet, except that on a
building of more than two stories, a single
building wall sign is allowed above eighteen (18)
feet.
b. Each multiple occupancy complex may display one (1)
permanent accessory building wall identification
sign on the principal building or buildings in
which the complex is located, not to exceed a sign
area of twenty (20) square feet.
c. Each occupant of a multiple occupancy complex that
' has licensed building frontage which has direct
ground level walk-in access from a public or
private roadway or sidewalk may display one (1)
permanent accessory building wall sign on any
exterior portion of the complex that is part of the
occupant's unit (not including a common or jointly
owned area) , and that has a maximum sign area of
five percent (5$) of the facade area if the front
building setback is twenty five feet (25) minimum,
seven percent (7$) of the facade area if the front
building setback is seventy feet (70 minimum and
ten percent (lOg) of the facade area if the front
building setback is one hundred feet (100)
minimum.
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d. Each occupant of a single occupancy complex may
' display one (1) permanent accessory building wall
sign on the principal building in which the
occupancy is located, not to exceed a sign area of
five percent (5$) of the facade area if the front
building set back is twenty five (25) feet minimum,
Seven percent (7$) of the facade area if the front
building setback is seventy (70) feet minimum and
ten percent (10$) of the facade area if the front
building setback is one hundred (100) feet.
D. Directional Signs
One parking area directional sign may be erected at each point
of ingress and egress to a parking lot or parking area. Such
signs shall not exceed two (2) square feet in background area
nor exceed three (3) feet in height. Such signs shall not
create a traffic or pedestrian hazard. (See Section 112 B).
E. Signs At Entrances To Residential Developments
1. Generally
A permanent accessory sign may be displayed at the
entrance to residential developments.
2. Restrictions
a. One (1) sign is permitted at only one (1) entrance
into the development from each abutting street.
The sign may be a single sign with two (2) faces of
equal size or may be two (2) single-faced
' structures of equal size located on each side of
the entrance. No face of the sign shall exceed
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thirty-two (32) square feet in size, and may be
illuminated in a steady light only.
b. When considering the placement of such signs, the
Planning Commission shall consider the location of
public utilities, sidewalks and future street
widening.
c. The Planning Commission shall ensure that such
signs shall be maintained perpetually by the
developer, the owner of the sign, a pertinent
owners' association, or some other person who is
legally accountable under a maintenance arrangement
approved by the Village Council, if no accountable
person accepts legal responsibility to maintain the
signs and no other provision has been made for the
maintenance of them, the signs shall be removed by
the developer or owner.
F. Flags
1. Number
Not more than three flags or insignias of governmental,
religious, charitable, fraternal or other organizations
may be permanently displayed on any one parcel of land.
2. Size
The maximum distance from top to bottom of any flag or
flags shall be twenty (20) percent of the total height of
the flag pole, or in the absence of a flag pole, twenty
(20) percent of the distance from the top of the flag or
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insignia to the ground. The maximum height of a flag
' pole shall be twenty (20) feet.
G. Utility Signs
Public utility signs that identify the location of underground
utility lines and facilities, high voltage lines and
facilities, and other utility facilities and appurtenances are
permitted so long as they do not exceed three ( 3 ) feet in
height, and so long as the sign face does not exceed one half
(1/2) square foot.
H. Street Numbers
1. Generally. Every building in the Village shall have its
street number so affixed to the building or the premises
upon which the building is located that it is both
' visible and legible from the public street.
2. Commercial Buildings. Every commercial building with a
wall facing an alley shall have each. individual tenancy
street number affixed to the building above or next to
the rear door serving each tenancy so that the number is
both visible and legible from the alley. The street
numbers shall be reflective.
3. Height - Color. All street numbers shall be a minimum of
three (3) inches in height on residential buildings and
a minimum of six (6) inches on commercial buildings.
maximum height of all street numbers shall be eight (8)
inches. All street numbers shall be a sharply contrasting
color with the building.
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4. Maintenance. It shall be the duty of the owner of the
' building to maintain the numbers on the building in good
condition.
i. Signs in P - Public Zoning District
1. Type - On premise, wall and ground signs
2. Number - Such number as shall be permitted by the Village
Council, in its discretion, to assist in the
administration and operation of the Village and its
various governmental, recreation and proprietary
operations.
3. Size - Height - Location. Shall be no greater that the
signs allowed in adjacent zoning districts.
4. Additional Signs. The following additional signs are
' permitted: Locational and directional signs at outdoor
public recreation park and sporting events which may
include advertising logo of the entity sponsoring the
activity or event being held on publicly owned property,
including, but not limited to youth athletic
associations, organized team competitions, swimming
meets, tennis tournaments and golf course benches with
direction and ball washing facilities at each tee.
J. Strings of White Light Bulbs
Strings of white light bulbs may be permanently permitted to
outline buildings and decorate trees on commercially developed
property provided that such display does not interfere with
neighboring land uses. A building permit is required.
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SECTION 116 MEASUREMENT DETERMINATIONS
t A. Facade Area
The facade area shall be measured by determining the area
within a two-dimensional geometric figure coinciding with the
edges of the walls, windows, doors, parapets, marquees, and
roof slopes of greater than forty-five (45) degrees that form
a side of a building or unit.
8. Sign Area
1. Generally
The area of a sign shall be the area within the smallest
square, rectangle, parallelogram, triangle, circle or
semicircle, the sides of which touch the extreme points
or edges of the sign face.
' 2. Special Situations
a. Where a sign is composed of letters attached
directly to a facade, window, door, or marquee, and
the letters are not enclosed by a border or
trimming, the sign area shall be the area within
the smallest rectangle, parallelogram, triangle,
circle or semicircle, the sides of which touch the
extreme points of the letters or pictures.
b. Where two sign faces are placed back to back on a
single sign structure, and the faces are at no
point more than four (4) feet apart, the area of
the sign shall be counted as the area of one (1) of
' the faces.
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c. Where three or more sign faces are arranged in a
' square, rectangle, or diamond, the area of the sign
shall be the area of the two largest faces.
C. Number of Signs
1. Generally
In general, the number of signs shall be the number of
non-contiguous sign faces. Multiple non-contiguous sign
faces may be counted as a single sign if all the sign
faces are included in the geometric figure used for
determining the sign area.
2. Special Situations
a. Where two sign faces are placed back to back and
are at no point more than three (3) feet apart, it
' shall be counted as one sign.
b. If a sign has four faces arranged in a square,
rectangle or diamond, it shall be counted as two
signs.
D. Sign Height
The height of a sign shall be measured as the vertical
distance from the finished grade, excluding berms, at the base
of the supporting structure to the top of the sign, or its
frame or supporting structure, whichever is higher.
SECTION 117 DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, AND LOCATION STANDARDS
A. Generally
All permanent signs must comply with the following design,
' construction and location standard.
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B. Compliance With Building And Electrical Codes Required
' All permanent signs, and the illumination thereof, shall be
designed, constructed and maintained in conformity with
applicable provisions of the building and electrical codes
adopted by the Village.
C. Illumination Standards
1. All illuminated signs shall be internally lighted and
only by electricity.
2. All electric wiring shall be installed in conduit and
concealed. The conduit shall be installed underground in
accordance with the Village electric code.
3. Electrically lighted signs shall be automatically
controlled to be disconnected daily at midnight or at the
' close of business if the advertised closing is later than
midnight.
4. Sign lighting may not be designed or located to cause
confusion with traffic lights.
D. Placement Standards
1. In Right Of Way
Supports for signs or sign structures shall not be placed
in or upon a public right of way or public easement.
2. Over Right Of Way
No ground sign shall project over a public right of way.
3. Blocking Exits, Fire Escapes, Etc.
No sign or sign structure shall be erected that impedes
use of any fire escape, emergency exit, or standpipe.
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4. All ground signs shall be erected within landscaped
' areas. Minimum distance from the edge of the landscaped
area to the sign base shall be three (3) feet. The
landscaping shall consist of shrubbery a minimum of
thirty (30) inches high creating a hedge or individual
shrubs of the same or varying species thirty (30) inches
high spaced not more than eighteen (18) inches apart at
their base.
E. Clearance Standards
1. Over Pedestrian Ways
All signs over pedestrian ways shall provide a minimum of
nine (9) feet of vertical clearance.
2. Over Vehicular Ways
' All signs over vehicular ways shall provide a minimum of
thirteen (13) feet six (6) inches of clearance.
F. Relationship To Building Features
A building wall sign shall not extend beyond any edge of the
surface to which it is attached, nor .disrupt a major
architectural feature of the building.
G. Maximum Projection
A building wall sign may project no more than four (4) feet
perpendicularly from the surface to which it is attached.
H. Maximum Window Coverage
The combined area of permanent and temporary signs placed on
or behind windows shall not exceed ten (10) percent of the
' total window area at the same floor level on the side of the
building or unit upon which the signs are displayed.
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i. Format For Multiple Occupancy Complexes
' All signs for multiple occupancy complexes constructed,
altered or remodeled after the effective date of this Code
shall conform to an approved sign format. The sign format
shall be included as a submittal for authorization to erect
such a sign and shall be maintained on file in the Building
Department. As a minimum, the sign format shall specify the
types of signs and dimensions (not to exceed the size limits
contained in this Code) which will be permitted each occupant
within the complex. The sign format shall also contain common
design elements, such as placement, color, shape, or style of
lettering, which lend a unified appearance to the signs of the
occupants within the complex. The sign format may only be
' modified with the approval of the Planning Commission upon
submission of a revised plan and specifications detailing the
revised format.
J. Signs Required To Be Designed
The following signs shall be designed by a Florida registered
Architect or Engineer:
1. Building wall signs that project perpendicularly from the
surface to which it is attached and that are more than
twelve (12) square feet in area.
2. Ground signs of more than forty (40) square feet in area.
3. All signs shall be designed to withstand a velocity
pressure of fifty (50) pounds per square foot.
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SECTION 3. CAPTIONS.
The captions, section headings and section designation
used in this ordinance are intended for the convenience of
users only and shall have no effect on the interpretation of
the provisions of this ordinance.
SECTION 4. SEVERABILITY.
If any section, paragraph, sentence, clause, phrase or
word of this ordinance is for any reason held by a Court to
be unconstitutional, inoperative or void, such holding shall
not affect the remainder of this ordinance.
SECTION 5. CONFLICTING ORDINANCES.
All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict
herewith are hereby repealed.
SECTION 6. INCLUSION IN THE CODE.
The provisions of this Ordinance shall become and be
made a part of the Village Code of the Village of North Palm
Beach, Florida. The sections of this ordinance may be
retitled, renumbered or relettered to accomplish such and the
word "Ordinance" may be changed to "Section", "Article" or
any other appropriate word.
SECTION 7. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This ordinance shall become effective immediately upon
adoption.
' PLACF;D ON FIRST READING THIS Q~~DAY OF Sentember___1993.
PLACED ON PUBLIC HEARING THIS 14th DAY OF October 1993.
PLACED ON SECOND, FINAL READING AND PASSED THIS 14th DAY OF
____ October _ __ , 1993.
_ G~______ ~ /~- D
MAYOR --
'PEST: ~y^I
u/~
Village C.erk ~
1
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siyncode.ord