COAB Sign Code
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Chapter 17 - SIGNS AND ADVERTISING STRUCTURES[1]
Footnotes:
--- (1) ---
Editor's note— Section 1 of Ord. No. 60-97-10, adopted July 14, 1997, amended Ch. 17 in its entirety to
read as set forth herein. Formerly, Ch. 17 consisted of §§ 17-1—17-18 and 17-31—17-35, which
contained similar provisions and derived from §§ 20-1—20-8, 20-10—20-22, 20-24 of the 1970 Code;
Ord. No. 60-81-4, § 1, adopted July 13, 1981; Ord. No. 60-88-5, § 1, adopted Jan. 11, 1989; Ord. No. 60-
94-8, § 1, adopted July 25, 1994; and Ord. No. 60-97-9, § 1, adopted Feb. 24, 1997.
Subsequently, Ord. No. 60-02-12, §§ 2 and 3, adopted September 9, 2002, repealed and replaced Ch.
17, §§ 17-1—17-35, with a new Ch. 17, intended for use as Art. I, § 17-1, Art. II, § 17-2, Art. III, §§ 17-3—
17-10, Art. IV, §§ 17-11—17-13, Art. V, §§ 17-14—17-30, and Art. VI, §§ 17-31—17-34. To preserve the
style of the Code, these new provisions have been included as set forth herein at the discretion of the
editor. Former Ch. 17 pertained to similar subject matter, and derived from Ord. No. 60-79-9, § 1, adopted
February 24, 1997, Ord. No. 60-97-10, § 1, adopted July 14, 1997, and Ord. No. 60-01-11, § 1, adopted
December 10, 2001.
Cross reference— Buildings and building regulations, Ch. 6; planning/zoning/appeals, Ch. 14;
occupational license for advertising, § 20-59; zoning and subdivision regulations, Ch. 24.
State Law reference— Authority to establish sign ordinances, F.S. § 166.0425; outdoor advertisers, F.S.
Ch. 479.
ARTICLE I. - IN GENERAL
Sec. 17-1. - Intent.
The city commission recognizes that there are various persons and entities that have an interest in
communicating with the public through the use of signs that serve to identify businesses and services,
residences and neighborhoods, and also to provide for expression of opinions. The commission is also
responsible for furthering the city's obligation to its residents and visitors to maintain a safe and aesthetically
pleasing environment where signs do not create excessive visual clutter and distraction or hazards for
pedestrians and vehicles; where signs do not adversely impact the predominantly residential character of
the city and where signs do not conflict with the natural and scenic qualities of the city. It is t he intent of the
commission that the regulations contained in this chapter shall provide uniform sign criteria, which regulate
the size, height, number and placement of signs in a manner that is compatible to the residential scale and
character of the city, and which shall place the fewest possible restrictions on personal liberties, property
rights, free commerce, and the free exercise of Constitutional rights, while achieving the city's goal of
creating a safe, healthy, attractive and aesthetically pleasing environment that does not contain excessive
clutter or visual distraction from rights -of-way and adjacent properties; the surrounding natural coastal
environment and residential neighborhoods.
(Ord. No. 60-02-12, § 2, 9-9-02)
Sec. 17-2. - Definitions and references to other chapters within this Code.
For purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings as set forth within this
section. Where appropriate, definitions contained within other chapters of this Code, including chapter 6,
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building and building regulations, and chapter 24, zoning, subdivision and land development regulations,
shall also apply to this chapter.
Advertising message: The letters and graphics on a sign intended to directly or indirectly promote the
sale of a product, service, commodity, entertainment or real or personal property. This definition shall also
be deemed to include political copy intended to directly or indirectly promote a candidate or issue.
"Advertising message" shall not include signs or portions of signs that are defined as a public sign.
Animated sign: Any sign or part of a sign, including the advertising message, which changes physical
position by any means of movement.
Automatic changeable message device: Any sign, which through a mechanical, electrical, solar, or
other power source is capable of delivering messages, which rotate or appear to rotate, change or move at
any time and in any way, including tri-vision or any multi-prism sign faces.
Awning sign: (See also Marquee sign.) A sign painted onto or adhered to a marquee or awning type
structure constructed of an open frame covered by fabric, vinyl, plastic, metal, or similar material. Awning
sign shall include canopy sign.
Banner sign: A temporary sign made of lightweight fabric or similar material intended to promote
special seasonal, civic or community events.
Bracket sign: Any single or double-faced sign mounted on brackets, poles or beams projecting at
angles from the front or side of any building and supported solely by such brackets, poles or beams.
Building sign: Any sign that provides the name or address of a building, as opposed to the name of
the occupants or services located within that building.
Canopy sign: See Awning sign.
Development parcel: For the purposes of this chapter, a development parcel shall be a parcel of land,
a lot or a combination of lots upon which uses regulated by these sign provisions are located. This definition
may include a single use or business, or a collection of uses or businesses developed in a unified manner.
Directional sign: Any sign that solely serves to designate the location of, or provides direction to, any
place or area. Signs, which contain logos, or graphics commonly associated with a service or busines s
shall be included in the signs allowed for that site or business.
Double-faced sign: A sign with two (2) sides that are usually but not necessarily parallel.
Exempt signs: Signs as set forth within section 17-26 of this chapter, which are exempt from certain
requirements of this chapter.
Fascia sign: Any sign attached to or installed against a wall of a building. "Fascia sign" includes wall
signs, and cabinet and panel type signs, and signs located on the fascia of a roof, or affixed to a roof plane,
provided such sign does not extend above the height of the roof.
Flag: A piece of cloth or similar material having a distinctive size, color, and design used as a symbol,
standard, signal and other similar items of recognition and may include insignias of governmental, religious,
charitable, fraternal or other organizations. Any flag and pole or attachment that frequently holds a flag shall
be deemed a permanent flag.
Flashing sign: Any sign which uses an external or internal intermittent light source, whi ch results in
changing light intensity (including on-off-on), brightness or color, or which is constructed and operated so
as to create an appearance of illusion of motion or creates movement by any means.
Freestanding sign: Any sign, which is incorporated into or supported by structures or supports in or
upon the ground, independent of support from any building. Freestanding sign includes pole sign, pylon
sign, ground sign or monument sign.
Ground sign: See Freestanding sign.
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Height of sign: The vertical distance measured from the lowest grade adjacent to the sign extending
to the topmost portion of the sign structure, including any frame, embellishment or other type of upward
extension from the sign.
Marquee sign: Any sign adhered or attached to a perm anent roof-like structure, including awnings and
canopies projecting beyond a building wall at an entrance to a building or extending along and projecting
beyond the building wall and generally designed and constructed to provide protection against the wea ther.
Marquee signs shall include all signs placed upon any type of marquee, canopy, awning, or similar
structure.
Monument sign: A type of freestanding sign placed upon the ground independent of support from the
face of a building that generally has greater width than height and typically constructed of a solid material
such as wood, masonry or high-density urethane.
Non-conforming sign: Any sign, which was lawfully erected with properly issued sign permits, but which
does not comply with the land use, setback, height, size, spacing, and lighting or other provisions of these
regulations or other laws, as may be amended.
Obscene sign: Any sign containing statements, words, pictures or symbols of an obscene nature. The
word obscene shall be as defined in F.S. 847.001, as may be amended from time to time.
Pennants: Any small, single flag-like piece of cloth, plastic or paper attached to any staff, cord, building,
or other structure at only one (1) or two (2) edges, the remaining hanging loosely; lacking the insignia of a
flag.
Personal expression sign: Any sign containing a message of non-commercial opinion or endorsement
and not containing a commercial advertising message.
Pole sign: See Freestanding sign.
Political campaign sign: Any temporary sign, as may be authorized under this chapter, erected or
displayed for the purpose of advertising a qualified candidate on any primary, general, or special election
ballot within the City of Atlantic Beach.
Portable sign: A sign that may be mobile and has no perm anent attachment to a building or to the
ground by means of a footing, including signs with wheels designed to be pulled or towed on a trailer or
similar towing device.
Projecting sign: See Bracket sign.
Public sign: Any sign placed and maintained by the City of Atlantic Beach, Duval County, the State of
Florida, the United States Government, a public utility, school district, or other duly authorized public
agency. Public signs may be placed in locations as determined necessary and appropriate by the pub lic
agency and shall include public information signs, public identification signs, public directional signs, banner
signs, and street name signs installed by a public agency, traffic control signs, warning signs and similar
signs.
Pylon sign: See Freestanding sign.
Roof sign: Any sign attached to a building or the roof structure of a building by any means, which
extends above the height of the roof or roof plane.
Sign: Any identification, description, illustration, or device illuminated or non-illuminated, which is
visible from any outdoor place, open to the public and which directs attention to a product, service, placed,
activity, person, institution, or business thereof, including any permanently installed or situated
merchandise; or any emblem, painting, banner, pennant, flag, placard, designed to advertise, identify, or
convey information, with the exception of customary window displays, official public notices and court
markers required by federal, state or local regulations; also excepting, newspap ers, leaflets and books
intended for individual distribution to members of the public, attire that is being worn, badges, and similar
personal gear.
Sign display area: The sign display area shall be defined as the area enclosed within any geometric
figure, which would enclose all parts of the advertising message of the sign. The structural supports for a
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sign, whether they are columns, pylons, or a building or part thereof, shall not be included in the sign display
area.
Sign face area: The part of the sign, including all frame, trim and background, which contains the sign
display area, advertising message or informative contents.
Sign permit: A development permit authorizing erection, placement or installation of a sign as permitted
by this chapter in accordance with the requirements of article V of this chapter.
Sign structure: Any structure that supports, has supported, or is capable of supporting a sign, including
decorative covers and embellishments.
Snipe sign: Any sign of any material, including paper, plastic, cardboard, wood or metal when tacked,
nailed or attached in any way to trees, poles, stakes, fences, the ground, or other objects where such sign
may or may not be applicable to the present use of the property upon which such sign is located.
Vehicle sign: Any sign placed within, upon or affixed to a motorized vehicle, other than a registered
logo, trademark or service mark that is attached to a motorized vehicle. Vehicle signs shall not include
political campaign signs, personal expression signs, bumper stickers, decorative decals and the like,
provided these are otherwise in compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
Wall sign: See Fascia sign.
Width of sign: The horizontal distance measured from one (1) edge of the sign structure extending to
the opposite edge of the sign structure, including any frame, embellishment or other type of extension from
the sign.
Window sign: Any sign placed inside a window of a building, facing the outside and which is intended
to be seen from the exterior. Window signs shall be included in the signs allowed for that site, activity or
business.
(Ord. No. 60-02-12, § 2, 9-9-02; Ord. No. 60-13-18, § 1, 3-25-13)
Secs. 17-3—17-25. - Reserved.
ARTICLE II. - SIGNS PERMITTED
Sec. 17-26. - Exempt signs.
(a) Within all non-residential zoning districts, the following signs shall be considered as permitted signs
and shall be exempt from the requirement to obtain a sign permit as set forth within article V of this
chapter:
(1) Decals, limited to those as required by law, which are affixed to or painted upon store windows,
store equipment, fuel pumps or other types of vending equipment used for dispensing retail
products.
(2) Lettering only, for the purpose of providing ownership, licensing and emergency contact
information, when placed upon doors and windows of lawfully licensed businesses, with letters
not exceeding three (3) inches in height and limited to a maximum area of two (2) square feet.
(3) Signs within a building that are not visible from the exterior of the building. This shall not include
window signs affixed to the interior of windows, which are visible from the exterior.
(4) Building signs, historical markers, memorial signs, tablets or plaques, or the name of a building
and the date of erection, when the same are cut into any masonry surface or when constructed
of bronze or other similar noncombustible material.
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(5) Professional nameplates for physicians, surgeons, dentists, musicians, lawyers, architects,
teachers and other like professional persons placed on the premises occupied by the person(s),
not exceeding one (1) square foot in sign face area, provided such professional has a valid
occupational license as may be required for the particular profession t o operate on those
premises.
(6) Signs denoting only the name and profession of an occupant of a building, placed flat against the
exterior surface of the building and not exceeding three (3) square feet in sign face area, provided
such occupant has a valid occupational license as may be required to operate on those premises.
(7) Signs depicting only time and temperature.
(b) Within all zoning districts, the following signs shall be considered as permitted signs and shall be
exempt from the requirement to obtain a sign permit as set forth within article V of this chapter:
(1) Not more than one (1) real estate sign advertising the sale, rental or lease of only the premises
on which the sign is located. Such signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet in are a, and five (5)
feet in height. Signs advertising the sale, rental or lease of property exceeding this size and height
shall not be considered as exempt signs and shall be subject to the provisions of section 17 -
29(d).
(2) Signs noting the architect, engineer or contractor for a development project when placed upon
work under construction, provided the sign shall be removed within fifteen (15) days of completion
of construction. Such signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet in size or eight (8) feet in h eight.
(3) Signs as required by law to display building permits or other similar required public notices.
(4) Public signs, banner signs, traffic signs, street name signs, legal notices, danger signs and
temporary emergency, informational or non-advertising signs, when erected by city, county, state
or federal authorities.
(5) No trespassing and private property signs not exceeding two (2) square feet in area. Such signs
shall not be displayed from or attached to trees, utility poles or any type of utility structure or
equipment, including lift stations, fire hydrants and the like.
(6) Vacancy or no vacancy signs not exceeding two (2) square feet in area.
(7) Temporary political campaign signs announcing the candidacy of a qualified candidate for public
office not exceeding four (4) square feet in area may be placed wholly within the boundaries of
any property, at the discretion or consent of the legal owner and/or occupant of the property,
provided such signs conform with all traffic, electrical, maintenance, fire and safety regulations of
the city.
The placing of political campaign signs on city property, other public property or on public rights -
of-way shall be prohibited. Political campaign signs displayed within motor vehicles conducting
routine business activities on city or other public property shall not be prohibited, provided that no
such vehicle shall be parked on city property, other public property or on public rights -of-way for
the sole purpose of displaying political campaign signs.
Illegally placed political campaign signs shall be removed by the code enforcement officer without
notice to the candidate or abutting property owner or occupant. Political campaign signs shall not
be placed on property prior to qualification of the candidate to run for office, and all such signs
shall be removed within seventy-two (72) hours after the last election. If such signs are not
removed within this period of time, the city may remove such signs and may charge the candidate
the actual cost for such removal. Collected funds shall be deposited into the city general revenue.
Failure to remove signs is a violation of this Code and is enforceable pursuant to F.S. Chapter
162, Code Enforcement.
(8) Personal expression signs limited to one (1) per lot or parcel, or in the case of multi-family uses,
one (1) per dwelling unit, expressing personal views or opinions not exceeding four (4) square
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feet in area, providing such signs are otherwise in compliance with applicable local, state and
federal laws.
(9) Religious symbols.
(10) Garage sale signs or open house signs within residential zoning districts, not exceeding four (4)
square feet in size, limited to two (2) per site and located only at the location of such event. Such
signs may be displayed one (1) day before the garage sale or open house and shall be removed
immediately after conclusion of the event. No garage sale sign or open house sign may be erected
upon any public right-of-way.
(11) Signs placed within interior courtyards, the inside fence line of recreational fields and on golf
courses, provided such signs are visible only to those persons visiting such place and are
otherwise in compliance with this chapter.
(12) Address and street number signs not exceeding two (2) square feet.
(13) Holiday and seasonal decorations shall not be construed as signs, providing that these contain
no commercial advertising message.
(14) Not more than two (2) flags per development parcel, but if there are two (2) flags, then one (1)
must be the flag of the United States of America. A development parcel with more than one (1)
principal structure may have two (2) flags for each principal structure with more than five thousand
(5,000) square feet of fully enclosed floor area. Each flag shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square
feet in area; however, this size limitation shall not apply to United States of America flags at public
buildings and parks.
(Ord. No. 60-02-12, § 2, 9-9-02; Ord. No. 60-13-18, § 2, 3-25-13)
Sec. 17-27. - General provisions applying to all permitted signs.
All signs shall be subject to the following general provisions.
(1) No sign shall be installed, erected or placed prior to issuance of a sign permit as required by
article VI of this chapter, except for exempt signs as set forth in section 17-26. Signs shall be
located only on property where the sign serves to provide an advertising message for that
property.
(2) All signs shall be engineered and constructed as required by these regulations and the Florida
Building Code. Signs shall be professionally designed, lettered and constructed.
(3) Signs constructed for the purpose of displaying an advertising message shall be constructed of
materials suitable to withstand weather related deterioration and shall not be constructed of
plywood, cardboard, paper or other such materials, which deteriorate quickly when exposed to
normal weather conditions.
(4) No sign shall create a traffic or fire hazard, or be dangerous to the general welfare or interfere
with the free use of public streets or sidewalks.
(5) No sign shall be attached to or placed against a building in any manner which impedes or blocks
ingress or egress through any door or window of any building, no r shall any sign obstruct or be
attached to a fire escape.
(6) No sign shall be erected near the intersection of any street in such a manner so as to obstruct
free and clear vision, or at any location where, by reason of position, shape or color, it may
interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device,
or which makes use of any word or words commonly used on traffic -control signs or signals.
(7) Where the rear of any sign structure is visible from any street or from any adjoining residential
zoning district, all exposed structural and electrical components of any such sign shall be
concealed in a manner as approved by the city manager.
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(8) Fascia or wall signs, shall be mounted directly upon the surfa ce of the building, and shall not be
mounted upon exposed raceways, or other type of protrusions from the surface of the building.
(Ord. No. 60-02-12, § 2, 9-9-02; Ord. No. 60-03-14, 7-14-03)
Sec. 17-28. - Signs permitted within residential zoning districts.
(a) Except for exempt signs as provided for in section 17-26, signs within residential zoning districts, shall
be limited to those as set forth below.
(1) For single-family and two-family residential subdivisions and developments containing ten (10) or
more residential lots, where individual lots are accessed from a common internal roadway, one
(1) sign identifying the name of the subdivision shall be allowed at each entrance from a collector
or arterial street, not to exceed two (2) signs.
a. Size permitted: Thirty-two (32) square feet of sign face area.
b. Maximum height of sign: Eight (8) feet.
c. Type allowed: Freestanding ground or monument style. Where more than one (1) sign is
allowed, each such sign erected shall be constructed and designed in the same manner.
d. Illumination: These signs shall be externally illuminated with ground mounted lighting only.
Any lighting shall project from the ground onto the sign only, and shall not be directed
towards any street or residential lot.
(2) For multi-family residential uses, one (1) sign identifying the name of the multi-family development
shall be allowed at each entrance not to exceed two (2) signs. Internal directional signs and signs
identifying buildings shall also be allowed limited to three (3 ) feet in height and eight (8) square
feet in sign face area.
a. Size permitted: Sixty (60) square feet of sign face area.
b. Maximum height of sign: Eight (8) feet.
c. Type allowed: Freestanding ground or monument style. Where more than one (1) sign is
allowed, each such sign erected shall be constructed and designed in the same manner.
d. Illumination: These signs shall be externally illuminated with ground mounted lighting only.
Any lighting shall project from the ground onto the sign only, and shall not be directed
towards any street, vehicular drive or residential unit.
(b) Signs, as set forth with above paragraph (a), that are located within public or dedi cated rights-of-way
shall be approved by the city commission. Such signs may be approved at the time of final plat approval
as set forth by section 24-202 of this Code, or alternatively, such signs may be approved upon specific
application to the commission. Approval of the city commission shall be required prior to the issuance
of a sign permit. Such signs shall complement and conform to the "WELCOME TO ATLANTIC BEACH"
signs in features including lettering, color, composition, structural materials, finishe d surface, and shall
be constructed of wood or similar material giving the finished appearance of carved or sandblasted
wood, as described within section 17-32.
(Ord. No. 60-02-12, § 2, 9-9-02)
Sec. 17-29. - Signs permitted within commercial and industrial zoning districts.
Subject to the provisions as set forth within this section, the following signs shall be permitted within
commercial professional office (CPO), commercial limited (CL), commercial general (CG), central business
district (CBD), and industrial, light and warehousing (ILW) zoning districts. Except as specifically exempted
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in section 17-26, and further subject to issuance of a sign permit, no other signs or advertising device shall
be displayed or erected within the city.
(a) Fascia signs.
(1) Fascia signs for buildings with a single business or occupant.
a. Size permitted: One (1) square foot of sign face area for each linear foot of the building
width that faces the street frontage, provided that the total signage shall not exceed two
hundred (200) square feet of sign face area, including buildings on corner lots. (For
example, if the width of the building facing the front of the lot is fifty (50) feet, the
maximum total sign face area for all fascia signs is fifty (50) square feet.) If the building
is on a corner lot, then the widths of the building facades facing multiple street frontages
can be added together to determine the total signage area, but in no cases shall the
total fascia signage exceed two hundred (200) square feet, nor shall an individual sign
exceed the square footage corresponding to the linear width of the building side on
which that sign is posted. In no case, shall any individual sign as described above,
exceed one hundred (100) square feet in sign display area except for buildings that face
the front lot line, as defined in this Code, by a distance of more than one hundred (100)
linear feet, which may have an individual sign display area up to a maximum of two
hundred (200) square feet depending on the amount of build ing frontage.
(2) Number of fascia signs permitted: Not more than three (3) fascia signs shall be allowed on
any one (1) side of the building. Where fascia signs are placed upon more than one (1) side
of the building, the combined sign face area shall not exceed the amount permitted by
subsection (a)(1)a. above.
[(3)] Fascia signs for buildings with multiple businesses or occupants.
a. Size permitted: One (1) square foot of sign face area for each linear foot of the unit(s)
occupied by one (1) business or occupant, provided that the total signage shall not
exceed two hundred (200) square feet for any one (1) business. If the business or
occupant is on the corner, then the widths of the unit(s) occupied by the business or
occupant that are facing multiple street frontages can be added together to determine
the total signage area, but in no case shall the total signage for particular business or
occupant exceed two hundred (200) square feet, nor shall any individual sign exceed
the square footage corresponding to the linear building footage. (For example, if the
width of a unit or several units, occupied by one (1) business is twenty-four (24) feet,
then one (1) sign, a maximum of twenty-four (24) square feet of sign face area is
permitted.) In no case, shall any individual sign as described above, exceed one
hundred (100) square feet in sign area except for buildings that face the front lot line,
as defined in this Code, by a distance of more than one hundred (100) linear feet, which
may have an individual sign display area up to a maximum of two hundred (200) square
feet depending on the amount of building frontage.
b. Required spacing between signs on buildings: Fascia signs shall be separated by a
minimum distance of seventy-two (72) inches.
(b) Bracket or marquee signs. In lieu of the above described fascia signs, a business or permitted
use may install a single bracket sign or marquee sign in accordance with the following provisions:
(1) Size permitted: The maximum size of a bracket sign or a marquee sign shall be determined
in the same manner as a fascia sign, provided that no such sign shall have more than sixty
(60) square feet of projected sign face area.
a. There shall be no more than twelve (12) inches of clear space adjacent to the building
wall, and such signs shall not extend or project from the face of the building more than
ten (10) feet.
b. No portion of such sign shall extend above the height of the roof.
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c. No portion of such sign shall be closer than eight (8) feet to any sidewalk or pedestrian
walkway, and no closer than five (5) feet from any street side property line. All such
signs shall be securely anchored to a wall and shall in no manner be connected to or
suspended from the roof of any building.
(2) Within the central business district only. In addition to other permitted signs, uses limited
only to retail establishments, restaurants, cafes and coffee shops, may install a single
bracket sign extending above a public sidewalk or pedestrian walkway. The purpose of this
provision is to provide appropriate and consistent signage for the unique pedestrian
environment of the town center area. Such signs shall be located only in accordance with
the following provisions and upon issuance of a sign permit:
a. May be located only above first floor entryways or first floor windows with no portion of
the sign display area exceeding ten (10) feet above the established grade of the
adjoining sidewalk or walkway;
b. Shall provide minimum vertical clearance of eight (8) feet above the sidewalk or
walkway;
c. Shall provide minimum clearance of six (6) inches from the building facade;
d. Shall be separated from any other such sign by a minimum of twenty (20) feet;
e. Shall not exceed three (3) feet in horizontal width and two (2) feet in vertical de pth;
f. Shall give the appearance of traditional wood routed or sandblasted signs. Materials
such as high density urethane (HDU) and recycled high density polyethylene (HDPE)
plastics, which give a similar appearance, shall be acceptable substitutes;
g. Shall be externally illuminated only and shall contain no electrical components; and
h. Shall create no safety hazard or obstruction to the public's use of the sidewalk or
walkway as determined by the director of public safety.
(c) Freestanding signs. In addition to the above signs, freestanding signs may be permitted as set
forth below:
(1) Size permitted: One (1) square foot of sign display area for each linear foot of frontages of
the development parcel on which the sign(s) are placed, provided no such sign shall exceed
ninety-six (96) square feet of sign display area, or eight (8) feet in height and twelve (12) feet
in width, except as provided in subsection (c)(2)b. below.
(2) Number of freestanding signs permitted:
a. Development parcels with street frontage shall be permitted one (1) freestanding sign
for each one hundred (100) feet of linear street frontage, up to a maximum of three (3)
freestanding signs.
b. Development parcels with street frontage upon more than one (1) street, shall be
permitted one (1) additional freestanding sign on each street side of the development
parcel.
c. Required distance from property lines: No portion of any freestanding sign shall be
located closer to the property line than five (5) f eet. Additional distance from property
lines may be required if determined necessary by the director of public works, to
maintain clear vehicular and pedestrian sight distance. Freestanding signs shall not be
located so as to interfere with clear vehicular or pedestrian sight distance. Further, signs
determined by the director of public safety to interfere with safe sight distance for
pedestrians or vehicles shall be immediately removed.
(3) Within commercial general (CG) and commercial limited (CL) zoning districts only.
Alternatively, on development parcels with street frontage of three hundred (300) linear feet
or more shall be permitted one (1) freestanding sign not to exceed ten (10) feet in height and
one hundred twenty (120) feet in sign display area. The required distance from any property
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lines for such freestanding sign shall be a minimum of ten (10) feet. Additional distance from
property lines may be required if determined necessary by the director of public safety, to
maintain clear vehicular and pedestrian sight distance.
(d) Requirement for a unified sign plan. After the initial effective date of these regulations, all new
nonresidential development, which shall contain space or units for more than one (1) business or
occupant, shall provide a unified sign plan with the application for building permits. All subsequent
applications for sign permits shall comply with the approved unified sign plan. The unified sign
plan shall comply with respect to the following:
(1) Manner and type of construction, including materials to be used, installation method and
mounting details.
(2) Means of illumination, if any, and hours of illumination.
(3) Size, color, lettering, and graphics style.
(e) Pre-development signs. Signs for the purpose of announcing a coming development project may
be placed within commercial and industrial zoning districts subject to the following provisions:
(1) Issuance of a sign permit shall be required, and no such sign shall remain on any
development parcel for a period of time ex ceeding one (1) year from the issuance date of
the sign permit.
(2) Complete and proper applications for building permits for the related development project
must be submitted within sixty (60) days of the placement of any such sign, or the sign shall
be removed. In the case that the sign is not removed, the sign shall be considered an
abandoned sign, subject to the provisions of subsection 17-41(c).
(3) Such sign shall be removed within thirty (30) days of the issuance of any certificate of
occupancy, or at any time when construction ceases for a period of time longer than thirty
(30) days. In the case that the sign is not removed within these periods of time, the sign shall
be considered as abandoned, subject to the provisions of subsection 17 -41(c).
(4) Only one (1) such sign shall be placed upon the development parcel and shall not exceed
the height or size permitted by preceding paragraph (a).
(f) Requirement to display street number. All business and activities regulated by the requirements
of section 17-29 shall display the street number in a manner that is prominent and clearly readable
to vehicular and pedestrian traffic, as appropriate. Street numbers shall be displayed on all
freestanding signs and over front doors or primary entryways.
(Ord. No. 60-02-12, § 2, 9-9-02; Ord. No. 60-03-14, 7-14-03; Ord. No. 60-04-15, § 2, 1-10-05;
Ord. No. 60-12-17, § 1(Exh. A), 1-9-12)
Sec. 17-30. - Signs within special purpose (SP) and planned unit development (PUD) zoning districts.
The size, height, width and number of signs permitted within special purpose districts and planned unit
development districts shall be established within the ordinance creating such district as determined by the
city commission to be appropriate for the nature and character of the use within these districts.
(Ord. No. 60-02-12, § 2, 9-9-02)
Sec. 17-31. - Signs within conservation (CON) zoning districts.
As set forth by section 24-103(b) of this Code, all uses in the conservation districts shall require
approval as a use-by-exception. The size, height, width and number of signs permitted within conservation
districts shall be established during the use-by-exception process in accordance with the provisions of
section 24-63. Signs within conservation districts shall not adversely impact the environmentally sensitive
Page 11
qualities of these areas, shall be non-illuminated, shall contain no electrical components and shall be
constructed of wood, brick, masonry, high-density urethane or similar material, which is consistent with the
natural surroundings of these districts.
(Ord. No. 60-02-12, § 2, 9-9-02)
Sec. 17-32. - Signs placed on public buildings and structures and within public parks.
All signs displayed within City of Atlantic Beach parks and upon the exterior of any public building or
structure shall conform with design of the "WELCOME TO ATLANTIC BEACH" signs displayed on such
properties as of the effective date of this chapter, or as such design may be later modified by city
commission. Such signs shall display the City of Atlantic Beach logo, as depicted in Figure 1, and shall be
similar in appearance with respect to color, lettering, composition, and materials used for construction.
Materials used shall be wood, high-density urethane, or similar material, which may be given a sandblasted-
type finished surface. Public notice, parking and traffic signs shall be exempt from this provision.
Figure 1—City of Atlantic Beach Logo
(Ord. No. 60-02-12, § 2, 9-9-02)
Sec. 17-33. - Banner signs.
(a) The purpose of banner signs shall be to promote special seasonal, civic or community events that
occur on a temporary basis. A sign permit shall not be required for banner signs; however, all banner
signs shall be registered with City of Atlantic Beach. No banner sign shall be hung, placed or erected
prior to registration on a form as provided by the planning and zoning department, and payment of
fees as may be established by the city commission.
(b) Banner signs may be displayed subject to registration ve rifying compliance with the following
provisions:
(1) Display of banner signs for any event shall be limited to thirty (30) consecutive or cumulative days
within one (1) calendar year.
(2) Banner signs shall be limited in size to a maximum of sixty (60) square feet in size.
(3) Banner signs shall not contain an advertising message.
(4) Banner signs shall not hang over or extend into rights -of-way.
Page 12
(5) Banner signs shall be securely anchored to buildings, poles or suitable structural supports and
shall not be attached to trees, public buildings or structures, utility poles or any type of utility
structure or equipment, including lift stations, fire hydrants and the like.
(6) Property owner's authorization to install and display such banner sign.
(Ord. No. 60-02-12, § 2, 9-9-02)
Secs. 17-34—17-40. - Reserved.
ARTICLE III. - CAUSE FOR REMOVAL OF SIGNS, ABANDONED SIGNS AND PROHIBITED SIGNS
Sec. 17-41. - Removal of unsafe, damaged or poorly maintained, and abandoned signs.
(a) Unsafe signs. In the event that any sign, including an exempt sign, is determined by the building official
to be unsafe, such sign shall be immediately removed upon written notice from the building official
ordering removal. Such notice shall be sent by certified mail to the property owner of record. If not
removed within ten (10) days, the sign shall be considered a hazard to public safety and shall be
removed at the property owner's expense.
(b) Damaged signs and poorly maintained signs. All signs, including exempt signs, shall be kept in a
structurally sound condition, with a neat appearance and in a generally good state of repair. Further,
signs shall be maintained in accordance with Section 3108.1.7, Florida Building Code, which requires
that all signs for which a permit is required, together with supports, braces, guys, and anchors shall be
kept in repair and, unless of galvanized or non-corroding metal, shall be painted at least once every
two (2) years. Any sign destroyed or damaged beyond reasonable repair in th e determination of the
building official, shall be immediately repaired or removed at the property owner or occupant's
expense. A new sign permit shall be required for any replacement sign. If not repaired or replaced
within thirty (30) days after written notice from the building official, the sign shall constitute a public
nuisance and shall be removed at the property owner's expense.
(c) Abandoned signs. Signs shall be removed by the owner or occupant within (30) thirty days of cessation
of the business or activity conducted on the property where the sign is located. A business or activity
shall be considered to have ceased when the premises are vacated, or in the absence of a valid
occupational license or active utility service account. Signs not removed in accordance with these
provisions shall be considered as abandoned and shall be removed at the property owner's expense.
(Ord. No. 60-02-12, § 2, 9-9-02)
Sec. 17-42. - Prohibited signs and devices.
The following signs and devices shall be prohibited within the City of Atlantic Beach. In the case of any
conflict with other provisions of this Code, the prohibitions set forth below shall supersede such other
conflicting provisions.
(1) Animated signs.
(2) Automatic changeable message device signs, except for signs depicting time and temperature.
(3) Flashing signs.
(4) Signs containing beacon or tracker lights or similar lighting components.
(5) Signs containing fluorescent colors or materials designed to be mirror-like or reflective.
(6) Obscene signs.
Page 13
(7) Roof signs.
(8) Snipe signs.
(9) Portable and mobile signs.
(10) Temporary signs, except as otherwise authorized herein.
(11) Pennants, ribbons, balloons, streamers, wind-operated devices and similar elements that are
intended to draw attention to a business or activity, either when used alone or incorporated into
a sign.
(12) Vehicle signs. (Bumper stickers, decorative decals and the like, customary and registered logos,
trademarks or service marks that are attached to a motorized vehicle shall not be considered as
vehicle signs; however, such vehicles shall not be parked off of the property from where a
business is located or in the required front yard of any property for the sole purpose of
advertising.)
(13) Private signs on any public property, other than as specifically approved by the city commission.
(14) All signs prohibited by Chapter 479.11, Florida Statutes.
(15) Signs not in compliance with all applicable provisions of this chapter and this Code.
(Ord. No. 60-02-12, § 2, 9-9-02)
Secs. 17-43—17-50. - Reserved.
ARTICLE IV. - NONCONFORMING SIGNS AND WAIVER TO CERTAIN PROVISIONS
Sec. 17-51. - Nonconforming signs.
All signs, which were lawfully in existence and constructed or installed with properly issued sign
permits as of the effective date of these amended regulations, and which are made nonconforming by the
provisions herein shall be allowed to remain in accordance with the following conditions:
(1) Freestanding signs, permitted pursuant to section 17-29, made nonconforming upon the initial
effective date of these amended regulations, which are not in compliance only with respect to the
minimum required distance of five (5) feet from any property lines shall be allowed to remain in
the existing location provided that no portion of the sign is located within any publicly owned right-
of-way or utility easement and that no interference with clear sight distance exists , and further
provided that such signs are otherwise in compliance with the terms of this chapter.
(2) Freestanding signs, permitted pursuant to section 17-29, made nonconforming upon the initial
effective date of these amended regulations, which are not in compliance with respect only to
maximum width, height or size shall be allowed to remain, provided that such signs are otherwise
in compliance with the terms of this chapter.
(3) Nonconforming signs, including those as described in preceding paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be
made conforming with all provisions of this chapter when any of the following changes are made:
a. Any change to the structural supports or structural materials, including temporary relocation
associated with routine maintenance of a property.
b. Any change which increases the illumination.
c. Any change which increases the height of a sign.
d. Any change, which alters the material used for the display area or face area by more than
twenty-five (25) percent.
Page 14
e. Any replacement required as the result of an accidental act or a weather-related act.
f. Any replacement of an abandoned sign.
g. Any change necessary for compliance with Florida Building Code requirements.
(4) The provisions of this section shall not be construed to appl y to signs that are abandoned,
deteriorated, dilapidated, or in a general state of disrepair, or which are determined to create a
hazard to public safety. Such signs shall be subject to the provisions of section 17 -33.
(Ord. No. 60-02-12, § 2, 9-9-02; Ord. No. 60-03-13, § 2, 3-24-03; Ord. No. 60-11-16, § 1, 10-10-
11; Ord. No. 60-14-19, § 1, 11-24-14; Ord. No. 60-15-20, § 1, 6-8-15)
Sec. 17-52. - Requests to waive certain terms of this chapter.
Requests to waive terms of this chapter may be made upon spec ific application to the city commission,
with proper public notice required, provided that no waiver shall be requested that would allow a prohibited
sign, or any otherwise unlawful sign. The applicant requesting such waiver shall have the burden of
demonstrating the need for the requested waiver, and that the waiver is not in conflict with the intent of this
chapter. The terms of any waiver to the provisions of this chapter shall be established by order of the city
commission.
(Ord. No. 60-02-12, § 2, 9-9-02)
Secs. 17-53—17-60. - Reserved.
ARTICLE V. - SIGN PERMITS
Sec. 17-61. - Permit required.
It shall be unlawful for any person to install, erect, place, alter or relocate any sign without first obtaining
a sign permit with payment of the required fee to the city. Sign permits shall be required for any sign
requiring a permit under the provisions of Section 3108.1.3, Florida Building Code. A sign permit shall not
be issued prior to issuance of the appropriate occupational license as required for the activity on the
property for which the sign permit is sought, except as set forth in section 17-29(c) of this chapter.
(Ord. No. 60-02-12, § 2, 9-9-02)
Sec. 17-62. - Application.
Before a sign permit shall be issued, a design and stress diagram containing necessary information to
enable the building official to determine compliance with the provisions of Section 3108 of the Florida
Building Code shall be submitted. Such information shall be included as part of the sign permit application
and shall be submitted to the City of Atlantic Beach Building Department using a sign permit application as
provided by the city. The application for sign permit shall contain or have attached thereto the following
information:
(1) The name, mailing address and telephone number of the applicant.
(2) If applicable, a copy of a valid and current occupational license for the property where the sign
shall be placed.
Page 15
(3) In the case that the applicant is not the property owner, an owner's authorization to apply for a
sign permit.
(4) A survey depicting the location of the requested sign(s) and the location of all structure s and
access points on the property. An elevation drawing, with dimensions, depicting the size, height,
location and relation to other existing signs. Plans shall be drawn at a legible scale, depicting
materials to be used, method of construction, attachme nt or installation as appropriate and type
of illumination, if any.
(5) The name and contractor information of the person erecting or installing the sign.
(6) An electrical permit, if required.
(7) Registered engineer's drawings as may be required by Section 3108, Florida Building Code.
(8) Such additional information as may be required by the building official to determine compliance
with this chapter, any other applicable laws and ordinances of the City of Atlantic Beach and the
requirements of Section 3108, Florida Building Code.
(Ord. No. 60-02-12, § 2, 9-9-02)
Sec. 17-63. - Calculation of permitted sign size.
Sign face area, sign display area, width of sign and height of sign shall be calculated as defined within
article I of this chapter. In the case of freestanding, fascia and projecting signs, the sign face area shall be
used in calculating the permitted size of sign. In the case of marquee, canopy or awning signs, the sign
display area shall be used in calculating the permitted size of the sign.
When computing sign face area and sign display area, only one (1) side of a sign containing two (2)
sides shall be included in the calculation of the permitted sign size.
(Ord. No. 60-02-12, § 2, 9-9-02)
Sec. 17-64. - Fees.
Fees for the issuance of a sign permit shall be determined as follows. (Electrical permits and required
fees shall also be required for signs with electrical components.)
(1) Thirty-two (32) square feet or less of sign display area or sign face area, as appropriate: Thirty
dollars ($30.00).
(2) Larger than thirty-two (32) square feet: An additional ten dollars ($10.00) for each square foot
exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet of sign display area or sign face area, as appropriate.
(3) Freestanding signs constructed in accordance with the provisions of section 24-171(d),
commercial corridor development standards: Freestanding signs constructed of a solid material
such as wood, masonry or high-density urethane, and externally-illuminated in a manner that
washes the sign in indirect light from a fluorescent ground source shall be entitled to a fifty (50)
percent reduction in sign permit fees.
(Ord. No. 60-02-12, § 2, 9-9-02; Ord. No. 60-03-14, 7-14-03)