HomeMy WebLinkAbout[04] Billboard ComplianceAugust 12, 2013
COUNTY OF TEARNS
soaw~ard smaea vot"&�
Administration Center Rm 343.705 Courthouse Square • St. Cloud, MN 56303
320-656-3613 • Fax 320-656-6484 - 1-900-450-0852
St. Joe Nfini Storage LLC- sent via email to rndeutz&live.cQrn
PO BOX 639
SAINT JOSEPH NIN 56374-0639
Dear Mr. Duetz:
Per our conversation today, the purpose of this letter is to inform you of your options to come into
compliance with Steams County Land Use and Zoning Ordinance #439 as it relates to the replacement of
the non-digital, vinyl wrap billboard (west facing) to a digital face billboard located at 8480 County Road
75, St, Joseph, MN. Based on aerial images the County's GPS billboard data, it also appears that the
number of poles on the cast facing billboard went from 9 to 5 sometime between 2010-2012. This is
considered a structural alteration. Ordinance #439, Section 7.24.5 (enclosed) has a 1300 foot setback
from any other billboard. The attached map shows four billboards that are within 1300 feet of the
billboard located on your property. According to the City of St. Joseph, the billboard on the Armory
property has been removed and will not be replaced therefore this setback no longer applies.
While Section 7.24.6 classifies the billboards as legal nonconformities, Section 7.24.7 states that a legal
conforming sip becomes an illegal nonconforming sign and subject to the violation provisions of the
Ordinance if the sign is relocated or replaced or the structure or size of the sign is altered in any way
except toward compliance with the Ordinance. This does not refer to change of copy or normal
maintenance. Section 5.1.2A(3) does not allow structural alteration of a nonconforming structure.
Your options include removing the billboard or applying for a variance to the setback distance from the
City of St. Joseph/St. Joseph Township Orderly Annexation Joint Planning Board. According to the
agreement ' Steams County has with the Joint Planning Board, our rote is to help facilitate compliance
with the Ordinance. Any enforcement action will come from the Joint Planning Board.
Please contact me with your intentions to gain compliance. If you have any questions please call our
office at (320) 656-3613 or 1-800-450-0852.
Sincerely,
C-7An 'eBer'
Lan&Use,-Di ision Director
CC: City of St. Joseph, Judy Weyrens (via email)
St, Joseph Township Clerk, Anna Reichel (via email)
0758898 'Affirmative Action /Equal Opportunity Employer'
St. Joe Mini-Storage Billboard O 20e ' °°
Billboard posts Feet
Q 1,300' buffer from St. Joe Mini - Storage Billboard
Parcels
This map is made available on an'as is basis without express or implied warranty of any sort, including specifically, any implied
warranties of fitness for a particular purpose, warranties of merchantability or warranties relating to the accuracy of the database.
Date: 811312(-
A
Judy Weyrens
From:
Berg, Angie < Angie. Berg @co.stearns.mn.us>
Sent:
Thursday, August 15, 2013 1:56 PM
To:
mdeutz @live.com
Cc:
Peters, Monica; Judy Weyrens; abr1960 @q.com
Subject:
variance process
Attachments:
VarianceApp.pdf, Flow Charts.pdf
Mike,
Attached is the variance application. I have cc'd Monica in our office who will be coordinating with the City /Township
on the staff report.
Thanks for your prompt attention in this matter.
Angie
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SUMMARY OF VARIANCE PROCEDURES
Step 1 Must obtain necessary permits and /or variances from Local Township.
Step 2 Request variance application packet and discuss circumstances with staff
Application Deadline:
Meeting Date:
Step 3 File variance application by the above -noted deadline. This must include all of the
following:
a. A completed application form with the required filing fee;
b. A full, recordable property description (recorded deed or abstract);
c. A complete site sketch and /or survey listing all applicable distances, setbacks, or other
necessary measurements;
d. For Shoreland Management variances, a septic system certification must be completed.
(Note: Noncompliant septic systems are required to be upgraded regardless of the
outcome of variance proceedings).
e. Township variance if required
Step 4 Processing (completed by Environmental Services staff):
a. Public hearing notice sent to the Cold Spring Record for publication;
b. Notification of property owners within 500 feet of affected property;
c. Staff review application and generate staff report;
d. Mail information packets to the members of the Board; and
e. Mail agenda and staff report to applicant.
Step 5 Board of Adjustment meetings are held the fourth Thursday of each month unless
otherwise stated.
It is recommended that the applicant(s) or a representative attend the meeting to answer
any questions the Board may have.
All decisions of the Board of Adjustment may be appealed within thirty days after the
meeting date to District Court.
Step 6 If the variance is granted, a permit must be obtained through the Environmental Services
Department. This may be done at any time after the variance has been granted. All
variances are recorded with the property deed in the County Recorders Office.
If the variance is granted or denied, notice will be sent to the applicant.
Step 7 Once the variance is recorded, a copy of the proceedings will be sent to the applicant and
the Township Clerk.
AGENDA # STEARNS COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
ADMINISTRATION CENTER, ROOM 343
705COURTHOUSESQUARE
ST. CLOUD, MN 56303
(320) 656 -3613 OR 1 -800- 450 -0852
Property Owner(s):
VARIANCE APPLICATION File No.
Name
Mailing Address, City, State, Zip Phone
Property Address:
Address City State /Zip
Parcel No.
Legal Description: (Copy of Recorded Deed, Certificate of Survey required upon receipt of this form.)
* ** *STAFF TO COMPLETE* * **
Applicant requests variance from Section(s) of Stearns County
Ordinance(s) No(s)
The intended use that does not comply with the ordinance(s) is:
* ** *APPLICANT TO COMPLETE* * **
The grounds for requesting the variance are as follows: (Explain why the strict enforcement of the ordinance(s) will
cause a practical difficulty or the strict conformity of the standards are unreasonable, impractical, or not feasible under
the circumstances.)
❑ Variance Granted By Township (Attach Copy)
I hereby swear and affirm that the information supplied to Stearns County Environmental Services is accurate and true.
I acknowledge that this application is rendered invalid and void should the County determine that information supplied
by me, the applicant, in applying for this variance, is inaccurate or untrue. Incomplete applications shall expire six
(6) months from the date of application. Signature of this application authorizes Environmental Services Staff to
enter upon the property to perform needed inspections. Entry may be without prior notice
Signature:
All Property Owners Must Sign
Dated:
Fee: (Non - Refundable): $ Receipt No.
STEARNS COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
SITE PLAN
Indicate in the space below the dimensions of your lot and the locations of the following
1. dimensions and location of structures 3. lakes, wetlands, slopes, bluffs
2. setbacks from road right -of -ways, 4. septic systems, wells and neighboring wells
easements and property line
Return to
M:LWR \BOFADJ \SITEPL.DOC
Stearns County Environmental Services Department
Administration Center, Room 343
705 Courthouse Square
St. Cloud, MN 56303
(320) 6S6 -3613 or 1- 800 -4S0 -0852
Stearns County Environmental Services
Board of Adjustment
FINDINGS OF FACT
SUPPORTING /DENYING A VARIANCE
A variance may be granted only when it is in harmony with the general purposes and intent of the official control
and consistent with the comprehensive plan and where the strict enforcement of county zoning controls will result
in practical difficulty. A determination that a "practical difficulty" exists is based upon the consideration of the
following criteria as defined in Minnesota Statutes, Section 394.27:
1. The proposed use is allowed in the zoning districts in which the subject property is located? YES or NO
2. The variance will be in harmony with the general purposes and intent of the official control (s) (any related
Ordinances)? YES or NO
3. The variance will be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan? YES or NO
4. The variance maybe granted if there are Practical Difficulties in complying with the official control (s):
a. The property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner? YES or NO
b. The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to the property, not created by the landowner?
YES or NO
c. The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality? YES or NO
d. The need for the variance involves more than economic considerations? YES or NO
THE BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT SHOULD CONSIDER EACH OF THE ELEMENTS LISTED ABOVE. IF ANY ONE
ELEMENT IS VOTED "NO" IN THE MAJORITY, THEN THE CRITERIA FOR GRANTING A VARIANCE, PER
MINNESOTA STATUTES, Section 394.27, HAS NOT BEEN MET AND THE VARIANCE, AS REQUESTED, SHOULD
BE DENIED.
G: \Environmental Services \Board of Adjustment \Forms \Application (updated 4- 3- 12).docx
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Judy Weyrens
From: Berg, Angie <Angie.Berg @co.stearns.mn.us>
Sent: Thursday, August 15, 2013 2:42 PM
To: 'mdeutz @live.com'
Cc: Peters, Monica; Judy Weyrens; 'abr1960 @q.com'
Subject: RE: variance process
Mike- the fee is $600. $200 for the Township, $200 for the City, and $200 for the County. If the County spends more
than 6 hours, we will then bill you $35 /hour thereafter.
From: Berg, Angie
Sent: Thursday, August 15, 2013 1:56 PM
To: mdeutz @live.com
Cc: Peters, Monica; Judy Weyrens oweyrens @cityofsgoseph.com); abr1960 @q.com
Subject: variance process
Mike,
Attached is the variance application. I have cc'd Monica in our office who will be coordinating with the City /Township
on the staff report.
Thanks for your prompt attention in this matter.
Angie
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Judy Weyrens
From: Berg, Angie <Angie.Berg @co.stearns.mn.us>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2013 11:22 AM
To: Judy Weyrens; 'abr1960 @q.com'
Cc: 'mdeutz @live.com'
Subject: RE: Billboard letter
Judy and Ann,
Might I add that a Conditional Use Permit would also be required for the sign replacement. I just spoke with Mike about
this too.
Thanks,
Angie
From: Berg, Angie
Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2013 10:04 AM
To: 'mdeutz @live.com'
Cc: 'Judy Weyrens 0weyrens @cityofstjoseph.com)'; 'abr1960 @q.com'
Subject: Billboard letter
Mike- Feel free to contact me with any questions.
7.24 Sign Regulations
On premise signs are a permitted accessory use in all zoning districts. Off premise signs (billboards) may
only be permitted as a conditional use subject to the procedures set forth in Section 4.8 of this
Ordinance. On premise and off premise signs shall be subject to the following standards:
7.24.1 General Standards
A. Private signs, other than public utility warning signs, are prohibited within public rights -of-
way and easements or on any other public property.
B. Illuminated signs may be permitted, but devices giving off an intermittent or rotating beam
of light shall be prohibited. Flood lighting shall be focused upon the sign. No lighting for
signs shall directly reflect light beams onto any public street or residential structure. Signs
shall not be illuminated beyond any lot line.
C. No sign shall, by reason of position, shape or color, interfere in any way with the proper
functioning or purpose of a traffic sign or signal.
D. No sign shall be painted directly on the roof or outside wall of a building, nor shall paper or
similar signs be attached directly to a building wall with adhesive or similar means.
E. No sign shall be painted or placed on fences, rocks or similar structures or features.
F. No sign in excess of three (3) square feet per surface with no more than two (2) surfaces
shall be less than five hundred (500) feet from the intersection of a public road and a
railroad, provided that advertising may be affixed to or located adjacent to a building at
such intersection in such a manner as not to cause any greater obstruction of vision than
that caused by the building itself.
G. All signs shall be set back from the right -of -way of public roads not less than ten (10) feet
from the closest part of the sign. All signs shall be set back ten (10) feet from adjacent
property lines.
H. No private sign shall be erected that resembles any official marker erected by a government
agency or otherwise constitutes a traffic hazard.
No sign shall be permitted that obstructs any window, door, fire escape, stairway or
opening intended to provide light, air, ingress or egress of any building or structure.
7.24.2 Signs Permitted in All Zoning Districts
A. A real estate sign for the purpose of selling, renting or leasing a single parcel, not in excess
of twenty five (25) square feet per surface and with no more than two (2) surfaces, may be
placed within the front yard of the property.
B. There shall be no more than one (1) temporary sign on any lot, and such sign shall not
exceed twenty five (25) square feet per surface and with no more than two (2) surfaces,
which may remain on site a maximum of ten (10) days.
C. Election signs, provided such signs are removed with ten (10) days following the election to
which the sign is related.
D. Names of buildings, dates of erection, commemorative tablets and the like, when carved
into stone, concrete or similar materials or made of bronze, steel, aluminum or other
permanent type of construction.
E. Signs on private property requesting "No Trespassing ", "No Hunting" etc.
F. Any signs authorized by a governmental unit such as directional, street name, traffic, safety,
danger and parking signs.
G. One ideological, non - commercial sign per parcel, which does not advertise a product,
service or business, but expresses a viewpoint, opinion, idea or non - commercial message
such as a message pertaining to politics, religion or charity may be permitted, but in no case
shall the total sign area exceed thirty two (32) square feet per surface with no more than
two (2) surfaces. Such sign shall be maintained in a neat and orderly manner.
H. One area identification sign, not to exceed thirty two (32) square feet per surface with no
sign having more than two (2) surfaces, shall be allowed for each street entrance to a
development or municipality.
7.24.3 Signs Permitted in Agricultural, Transitional and Residential Districts
A. One name plate sign for each dwelling unit not to exceed (2) square feet in area per
surface; no sign shall be so constructed as to have more than two (2) surfaces.
B. One sign for each permitted non - residential use or use by conditional use permit may be
allowed. Such signs shall not exceed thirty -two (32) square feet in area per surface and no
sign shall be so constructed as to have more than two (2) surfaces. On principal arterial and
minor arterial streets, signs in excess of thirty -two (32) square feet may be permitted by
conditional use, but in no case shall the total square footage exceed sixty four (64) square
feet per surface or one hundred twenty eight (128) total square feet.
C. Symbols, statues, sculptures and integrated architectural features on buildings may be
illuminated by flood lights, provided the source of light is not visible from a public right -of-
way or adjacent property.
D. No sign shall exceed ten (10) feet in height above the average grade level.
E. For the purpose of selling or promoting a residential project, one sign not exceeding eighty
(80) square feet per surface with no more than two (2) surfaces may be erected on the
project site.
F. Crop demonstration signs advertising the use of a particular variety, brand or type of
agricultural plant, chemical or tillage.
G. Agricultural product signs indicating that the proprietor of a farm is a dealer in seed,
fertilizer or other agricultural products only when such dealership is incidental to the
primary agricultural business of the farm.
7.24.4 Signs Permitted in Rural Townsite, Commercial and Industrial Districts
A. The aggregate square footage of sign space per lot, including all sign surfaces, shall not
exceed two hundred fifty (250) square feet.
B. No sign shall extend in height above the parapet wall of any principal building, except that
one (1) free standing sign shall be allowed not exceeding twenty -five (25) feet in height
above the average grade.
C. No sign shall be mounted on a structure on or above the roof line.
D. For the purpose of selling or promoting a commercial or an industrial project, one sign not
to exceed one hundred thirty (130) square feet with no more than two (2) surfaces, may be
erected upon the project site.
7.24.5 Off - premise Signs (billboards)
A. Off - premise signs (billboards) may be permitted as a conditional use in any industrial district
and the Commercial district, providing the total square footage of both sides of the sign area
is not more than six hundred (600) square feet, for signs located along principal arterial
streets. On other streets, the total square footage of sign area shall not be more than four
hundred (400) square feet.
B. No off - premise sign (billboard) shall be located within five hundred (500) feet of parks,
historical sites, public picnic or rest areas, or within two hundred (200) feet of church or
school property.
C. No off - premise sign (billboard) shall be located closer than thirteen hundred (1300) feet
horizontal distance from any other off - premise sign measured in any direction. Off - premise
signs shall not exceed thirty (30) feet above the average ground level at the base of the sign.
7.24.6 Legal Nonconforming Signs
Existing signs that do not conform to the specific provisions of this Ordinance are legal
nonconforming signs provided that:
A. The Director determines such signs are properly maintained and do not in any way
endanger the public.
B. The sign was installed in conformance with a valid permit or variance, or complied with all
applicable laws on the effective date of this Ordinance.
7.24.7 Illegal Nonconforming Signs
A legal nonconforming sign becomes an illegal nonconforming sign and subject to the violation
provisions of this Ordinance if:
A. The sign is relocated or replaced.
B. The structure or size of the sign is altered in any way except toward compliance with this
Ordinance. This does not refer to change of copy or normal maintenance.
7.24.8 Legal Nonconforming Sign Requirements and Damage
Legal nonconforming signs are subject to all requirements of this Ordinance regarding
safety, maintenance, and repair. If a legal nonconforming sign suffers more than fifty (50)
percent damage or deterioration, based on the market value, it shall be brought into
conformity with this Ordinance or removed.
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Judy Weyrens
From: Buckentine, Jennifer <Jennifer.Buckentine @co.stearns.mn.us>
Sent: Tuesday, September 24, 2013 10:37 AM
To: Judy Weyrens
Subject: RE: billboard
Attachments: St Joe Mini Storage 081213.pdf
Hi Judy,
We initiated the first letter to the property owner regarding the violation and had some conversations with him since
then, but he has not submitted a variance application to us. Per the MOU, the Joint Planning Board will need to follow
up with the property owner.
Part of the MOU:
recording the necessary permits associated with the action of they Joint Planning
Board_
10. The County will issue site construction grits, and will ism parefiminary
enforcement letters to anyone not in oomplianee with the provisions set forth in
zoning regulations or any other additional restrictions established by the Joint
Planning Board. Further enforcement actions will be brought lore the Joint
Planning Board. Any relevant information will be warded to the Township
and the City.
Thanks
Jen
From: Judy Weyrens [ mailto :jweyrens @cityofstjoseph.com]
Sent: Tuesday, September 24, 2013 8:38 AM
To: Buckentine, Jennifer
Subject: billboard
Good Morning Jennifer-
I have been asked by members of the Council what is happening with the digital sign that Mike Deutz erected. The last
email I had indicated that he would need a process that involved the Joint Planning Board, but I have not seen anything
since.
Thanks
Judy Weyrens, Administrator
City of St. Joseph
PO Box 668
St. Joseph MN 56374
(320) 363 -7201 (Office)
(320) 363 -0342 (FAX)
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August 12, 2013
COUNTY OF STEARNS
54aww"aw saw?w VeAdodw�
Administration Center Rm 343 •705 Courthouse Square - St. Cloud, MN 56303
320-656-3613 • Fax 320-656-6484 - 1-800-450-0852
St. Joe Mini Storage LLC- sent via email to mdeutzglivexom
PO BOX 639
SAINT JOSEPH MN 56374-0639
Dear Mr. Duetz:
Per our conversation today, the purpose of this letter is to inform you of your options to come into
compliance with Steams County Land Use and Zoning Ordinance #439 as it relates to the replacement of
the non-digital, vinyl wrap billboard (west facing) to a digital face billboard located at 8480 County Road
75, St. Joseph, MN. Based on aerial images the County's GPS billboard data, it also appears that the
number of poles on the east facing billboard went from 9 to 5 sometime between 2010-2012. This is
considered a structural alteration. Ordinance #439, Section 7.24.5 (enclosed) has a 1300 foot setback
from any other billboard. The attached map shows four billboards that are within 1300 feet of the
billboard located on your property. According to the City of St, Joseph, the billboard on the Armory
property has been removed and will not be replaced therefore this setback no longer applies.
While Section 7.24.6 classifies the billboards as legal nonconformities, Section 7.24.7 states that a legal
conforming sign becomes an illegal nonconforming sip and subject to the violation provisions of the
Ordinance if the sign is relocated or replaced or the structure or size of the sign is altered in any way
except toward compliance with the Ordinance. This does not refer to change of copy or normal
maintenance. Section 5.1.2A(3) does not allow structural alteration of a nonconforming structure.
Your options include removing the billboard or applying for a variance to the setback distance from the
City of St. Joseph/St. Joseph Township Orderly Annexation Joint Planning Board. According to the
agreement ' Stearns County has with the Joint Planning Board, our role is to help facilitate compliance
with the Ordinance. Any enforcement action will come from the Joint Planning Board.
Please contact me with your intentions to gain compliance. If you have any questions please call our
office at (320) 656-3613 or 1-800-450-0852.
CC: City of St. Joseph, Judy Weyrens (via email)
St. Joseph Township Clerk, Anna Reichel (via email)
"75-8898 'Affirmative Action /Equal Opportunity Employer"
Judy Weyrens
From: Buckentine, Jennifer <Jennifer.Buckentine @co.stearns.mn.us>
Sent: Friday, August 09, 2013 10:45 AM
To: Judy Weyrens
Cc: Winskowski, Heidi; Berg, Angie
Subject: RE: September meeting
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Categories: Red Category
Hi Judy,
Ironically, we just received a plat today in the St Joe Industrial Park East. This will go to our Platting Committee on
September 18th, so should be ready for an October JPB meeting. Heidi is reviewing this plat and will be sending you
copies, along with a notice of the 9/18 meeting.
On the billboard, we are still gathering information. It's definitely a new billboard put up without a permit. Per the
Memorandum of Understanding (see item 10 on the attached), the County will do the initial enforcement letter on this
and then hand it over to the JPB for further enforcement action. So if the JPB meets in September, I would anticipate we
will have send out the initial enforcement letter by then.
Other than that, we don't know of any other items that are coming up in the OAA.
Thanks for checking!
Jen
From: Judy Weyrens [ mailto :jweyrens @cityofsgoseph.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 07, 2013 5:09 PM
To: Buckentine, Jennifer
Subject: September meeting
Good Afternoon Jennifer —
I am trying to schedule the meeting for September and questioning if you have any land use matters that will need to go
before the Joint Planning Board. I know that I had a call from Stantec regarding a lot split that I referred to you. Also,
last week I had talked to Heidi about the billboard on CR 75 and I am curious if that does require action before the joint
boa rd.
If the joint board does not need to meet, I am going to schedule a City meeting that night.
Thanks for your help.
Judy Weyrens, Administrator
City of St. Joseph
PO Box 668
St. Joseph MN 56374
(320) 363 -7201 (Office)
(320) 363 -0342 (FAX)
Judy Weyrens
From: Berg, Angie <Angie.Berg @co.stearns.mn.us>
Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2013 10:04 AM
To: mdeutz @live.com
Cc: Judy Weyrens; abr1960 @q.com
Subject: Billboard letter
Attachments: St. Joe Mini Storage 081213.pdf; St _Joe_Mini_Storage_BiII boa rd.pdf
Mike- Feel free to contact me with any questions.
7.24 Sign Regulations
On premise signs are a permitted accessory use in all zoning districts. Off premise signs (billboards) may
only be permitted as a conditional use subject to the procedures set forth in Section 4.8 of this
Ordinance. On premise and off premise signs shall be subject to the following standards:
7.24.1 General Standards
A. Private signs, other than public utility warning signs, are prohibited within public rights -of-
way and easements or on any other public property.
B. Illuminated signs may be permitted, but devices giving off an intermittent or rotating beam
of light shall be prohibited. Flood lighting shall be focused upon the sign. No lighting for
signs shall directly reflect light beams onto any public street or residential structure. Signs
shall not be illuminated beyond any lot line.
C. No sign shall, by reason of position, shape or color, interfere in any way with the proper
functioning or purpose of a traffic sign or signal.
D. No sign shall be painted directly on the roof or outside wall of a building, nor shall paper or
similar signs be attached directly to a building wall with adhesive or similar means.
E. No sign shall be painted or placed on fences, rocks or similar structures or features.
F. No sign in excess of three (3) square feet per surface with no more than two (2) surfaces
shall be less than five hundred (500) feet from the intersection of a public road and a
railroad, provided that advertising may be affixed to or located adjacent to a building at
such intersection in such a manner as not to cause any greater obstruction of vision than
that caused by the building itself.
G. All signs shall be set back from the right -of -way of public roads not less than ten (10) feet
from the closest part of the sign. All signs shall be set back ten (10) feet from adjacent
property lines.
H. No private sign shall be erected that resembles any official marker erected by a government
agency or otherwise constitutes a traffic hazard.
I. No sign shall be permitted that obstructs any window, door, fire escape, stairway or
opening intended to provide light, air, ingress or egress of any building or structure.
7.24.2 Signs Permitted in All Zoning Districts
A. A real estate sign for the purpose of selling, renting or leasing a single parcel, not in excess
of twenty five (25) square feet per surface and with no more than two (2) surfaces, may be
placed within the front yard of the property.
B. There shall be no more than one (1) temporary sign on any lot, and such sign shall not
exceed twenty five (25) square feet per surface and with no more than two (2) surfaces,
which may remain on site a maximum of ten (10) days.
C. Election signs, provided such signs are removed with ten (10) days following the election to
which the sign is related.
D. Names of buildings, dates of erection, commemorative tablets and the like, when carved
into stone, concrete or similar materials or made of bronze, steel, aluminum or other
permanent type of construction.
E. Signs on private property requesting "No Trespassing ", "No Hunting" etc.
F. Any signs authorized by a governmental unit such as directional, street name, traffic, safety,
danger and parking signs.
G. One ideological, non - commercial sign per parcel, which does not advertise a product,
service or business, but expresses a viewpoint, opinion, idea or non - commercial message
such as a message pertaining to politics, religion or charity may be permitted, but in no case
shall the total sign area exceed thirty two (32) square feet per surface with no more than
two (2) surfaces. Such sign shall be maintained in a neat and orderly manner.
H. One area identification sign, not to exceed thirty two (32) square feet per surface with no
sign having more than two (2) surfaces, shall be allowed for each street entrance to a
development or municipality.
7.24.3 Signs Permitted in Agricultural, Transitional and Residential Districts
A. One name plate sign for each dwelling unit not to exceed (2) square feet in area per
surface; no sign shall be so constructed as to have more than two (2) surfaces.
B. One sign for each permitted non - residential use or use by conditional use permit may be
allowed. Such signs shall not exceed thirty -two (32) square feet in area per surface and no
sign shall be so constructed as to have more than two (2) surfaces. On principal arterial and
minor arterial streets, signs in excess of thirty -two (32) square feet may be permitted by
conditional use, but in no case shall the total square footage exceed sixty four (64) square
feet per surface or one hundred twenty eight (128) total square feet.
C. Symbols, statues, sculptures and integrated architectural features on buildings may be
illuminated by flood lights, provided the source of light is not visible from a public right -of-
way or adjacent property.
D. No sign shall exceed ten (10) feet in height above the average grade level.
E. For the purpose of selling or promoting a residential project, one sign not exceeding eighty
(80) square feet per surface with no more than two (2) surfaces may be erected on the
project site.
F. Crop demonstration signs advertising the use of a particular variety, brand or type of
agricultural plant, chemical or tillage.
G. Agricultural product signs indicating that the proprietor of a farm is a dealer in seed,
fertilizer or other agricultural products only when such dealership is incidental to the
primary agricultural business of the farm.
7.24.4 Signs Permitted in Rural Townsite, Commercial and Industrial Districts
A. The aggregate square footage of sign space per lot, including all sign surfaces, shall not
exceed two hundred fifty (250) square feet.
B. No sign shall extend in height above the parapet wall of any principal building, except that
one (1) free standing sign shall be allowed not exceeding twenty -five (25) feet in height
above the average grade.
C. No sign shall be mounted on a structure on or above the roof line.
D. For the purpose of selling or promoting a commercial or an industrial project, one sign not
to exceed one hundred thirty (130) square feet with no more than two (2) surfaces, may be
erected upon the project site.
7.24.5 Off - premise Signs (billboards)
A. Off- premise signs (billboards) may be permitted as a conditional use in any industrial district
and the Commercial district, providing the total square footage of both sides of the sign area
is not more than six hundred (600) square feet, for signs located along principal arterial
streets. On other streets, the total square footage of sign area shall not be more than four
hundred (400) square feet.
B. No off - premise sign (billboard) shall be located within five hundred (500) feet of parks,
historical sites, public picnic or rest areas, or within two hundred (200) feet of church or
school property.
C. No off - premise sign (billboard) shall be located closer than thirteen hundred (1300) feet
horizontal distance from any other off - premise sign measured in any direction. Off - premise
signs shall not exceed thirty (30) feet above the average ground level at the base of the sign.
7.24.6 Legal Nonconforming Signs
Existing signs that do not conform to the specific provisions of this Ordinance are legal
nonconforming signs provided that:
A. The Director determines such signs are properly maintained and do not in any way
endanger the public.
B. The sign was installed in conformance with a valid permit or variance, or complied with all
applicable laws on the effective date of this Ordinance.
7.24.7 Illegal Nonconforming Signs
A legal nonconforming sign becomes an illegal nonconforming sign and subject to the violation
provisions of this Ordinance if:
A. The sign is relocated or replaced.
B. The structure or size of the sign is altered in any way except toward compliance with this
Ordinance. This does not refer to change of copy or normal maintenance.
7.24.8 Legal Nonconforming Sign Requirements and Damage
Legal nonconforming signs are subject to all requirements of this Ordinance regarding
safety, maintenance, and repair. If a legal nonconforming sign suffers more than fifty (50)
percent damage or deterioration, based on the market value, it shall be brought into
conformity with this Ordinance or removed.
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