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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 That Sections 6-111 through 6-138 of the Village of North Palm Beach Code, Chapter 6, Article V are hereby repealed.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: k. Sul 0 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. 4 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$) of its replacement cost at the time of damage, it shall not be reconstructed or repaired except in conformity with the provisions of this ordinance. 1 5 1 1 D. Appeals and Review The applicant may file an appeal to the Village Council on any ruling by the Planning Commission as to this Sign Code in accordance with Section 6-35 of the Village Code. E. Variance 1. Permanent Sign. Dimensional restrictions outlined in this code or viewing obstacles shall be considered the only grounds of a hardship for appeal from the regulations described herein. Any increase in the height or size of a sign or setback thereof in the granted variance shall not exceed thirty percent (30$) 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. 6 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. 7 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. 1 8 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. 1 9 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. 1 10 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. 1 11 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. 12 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. 13 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. 1 14 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. 15 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. 16 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. r 17 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. 18 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. I~ 19 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. 20 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. 21 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. 22 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. 23 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. 24 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 25 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$) of the facade area if the front building setback is seventy feet (70 minimum and ten percent (lOg) of the facade area if the front building setback is one hundred feet (100) minimum. 26 d. Each occupant of a single occupancy complex may ' display one (1) permanent accessory building wall sign on the principal building in which the occupancy is located, not to exceed a sign area of five percent (5$) 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 27 1 1 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 28 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. 29 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. 30 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. 31 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. 32 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. 33 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. 34 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. 35 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 35 siyncode.ord