BCC Worksession

Ch.31.5 Sign Code Amendments

Zoning Division

January 6, 2015

Overview

Sign code amendments were discussed with BCC in a work session in fall 2013.

The proposed amendments cover two geographic areas of the county:–General Code (County-wide) –Tourism District Sign Code (I-Drive Area, except

Convention Plaza District)

General Sign Code

General Sign regulations under consideration1) Architectural Features and Signs2) Maximum Allowable Copy Area for Wall Signs3) Electronic Message Center4) Window Signs5) Special Event Signs6) Construction Signs

General Sign Code

Architectural SignsGeneric, integrated,

architectural feature– Designed and constructed as part

of building– Identification via symbols, logos,

letters, moving parts, lights etc. are not exempt

Signage within commercial developments– Clarification of language

General Sign Code

Wall SignsMaximum Allowable Copy Area:–Current code: Must use front of building to calculate

wall signage. May distribute signage on all walls.–Proposed Amendment : If front of building is not used

to calculate wall signage, then all signage must be placed on the side used to calculate the signage.

General Sign Code

Example

Current code – 90 sq.ft. of signto distribute on any wall

Proposed – use larger wall with all signs on that wall, 150 sq. ft. on this wall

Electronic Message CentersGeneral BCC concerns–Proximity to residential areas –Transition time–Dimming Technology–Prohibition

General Sign Code

General Sign Code

Electronic Message Centers Current Regulations–Ground, Pole and Wall sign –Permitted in Office, Commercial or Industrial zoning

districts Proposed Changes–Restrict EMC based on proximity to residential uses–Prohibit on Wall signs–Pole signs – limit EMC to 25% of total copy area–Prohibit EMC for non-residential sign in residential

district (e.g., Religious use, day care)

General Sign Code

Electronic Message CentersProposed changes for display criteria–Must hold display/message for minimum 8 seconds– Images shall appear instantaneously without flashing,

animation, or movement of any kind– Required automatic dimming technology– Cannot exceed a brightness level of 0.3 candles above

ambient light–Non-conforming signs must comply with brightness by

date certain

General Sign Code

Window Signs Current Regulation (General Code): –Maximum copy area of 25% of window area, affixed to window.

Proposed Changes (General Code):– Location of sign – distance from window (3 feet)– Prohibits changeable

copy signs–Maximum letter size

General Sign Code

Excessive Window Signage Excessive Window Signage

General Sign Code

Special Event Signs Current Regulations: 1 every six months Proposed Change: No more than 2 permits on same

parcel within any calendar year.

General Sign Code

Construction Signs Current Regulations–64 sq. ft. residential–128 sq. ft. non-residential.

Proposed Change/Clarification–Allowed on a mesh fence

banner affixed to the fence surrounding a construction site

Tourist Commercial Signs

Tourist Commercial regulations under consideration

1) Maximum Wall Sign Copy Area

2) EMCs3) Ground Signs4) Window Signs

Tourist Commercial Signs

Max. Wall Sign Copy Area Copy area increase due to height of sign on building (sign must be located within top 20% of building

height)

Height

0-35 ft.36-50 ft.51-75 ft.76-100 ft.101-140 ft.140+ ft.>180 ft.

Current Code %

No Increase10%15%20%25%30%

Proposed%

No Increase15%20%25%50%100%125%

Tourist Commercial Signs

Electronic Message Centers Current Code: Permitted on Pole, and Wall signs. Proposed Changes:

• Pole signs – Limit EMC to 25% of total copy area

• Prohibit on Wall signs

• Permit on Ground signs where:

1) > 15 acres

2) Min.1,000 foot road frontage

3) Separation distance of 300 feet between signs

4) Must meet display criteria:

a) Must hold display/message for minimum 8 seconds

b) Images shall appear instantaneously without flashing, animation, or movement of any kind

c) Required automatic dimming technology

d) Cannot exceed a brightness level of 0.3 candles above ambient light

e) Non-conforming signs must comply with brightness by date certain

Tourist Commercial Signs

Ground Signs Maximum Allowable Copy Area increases from 60 sq. ft.

to 80 sq. ft. Maximum height increases from 8 ft. to 10 ft. May include changeable copy area where the parcel

contains a minimum of 1000 ft. of road frontage (excluding limited access highways)

Changeable copy signs must be a minimum of 300 ft. apart

Tourist Commercial Signs

Window Signs Current Regulation –Maximum copy area of 25% of window area, affixed to window.

Proposed Change– Location of sign – distance from window (3 feet)– Prohibits changeable

copy signs–Maximum letter size– 32 sq. ft. or 25% coverage, whichever is less

Under Consideration

Banner Signs in Convention Plaza District Expand copy area of banners Height standards Allow only for convention center events Approximately 4 to 5 times a year

Master Sign Plans for Planned Developments Waivers/deviations from Code

Next Steps

Worksession with PZC in MarchLPA Meeting in AprilBCC Public Hearings in April/May