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