Exh 7C Part 1AGENDA ITEM 7C
JUNE 23, 2003
CITY OFATLANTIC BEACH
CITY COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
AGENDA ITEM: Puhlic hearing and first reading to enact proposed amendments to
Chapter 17 of the City Code, Signs and Advertising Structures
SUBMITTED BY: Sonya Doerr, AICP ~,(~
Community Development Director
DATE: June 12, 2003
BACKGROUND: Attached are proposed revisions to the Sign regulations pursuant to
direction of the Commission at the June 09, 2003 workshop. The sections containing only the
revisions are provided, followed by the enacting ordinance and Chapter 17 (Exhibit A) in its
entirety.
RECOMMENDATION: Approval upon first reading. Second reading and public hearing to
enact Ordinance are noticed and scheduled for the July 14, 2003 regular meeting.
BUDGET: None.
ATTACHMENTS: Proposed revisions and Ordinance 60-03-14, amending the Sign
regulations.
REVIEWED BY CITY :MANAGER:
AGENDA ITEM 7C
JUNE 23, 2003
Sec. 17-27. General provisions applying to all permitted Signs. D
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 i.'orth in Section
17-3. Signs shall be located only on property where the Sign serve, 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.
Signs constructed for the puroose of disnlavin^ an Advertising Message shall be
constructed of materials suitable to withstand weather related deterorati on and shall not
be constructed of nlvwood, cazdboard, paper or other such materials which deteriorate
quickly when exposed to normal weather conditions.
(3) ?to Sign shall create a traffic or fire hazard, or be dangerous to the general welfaze or
interfere with the free use of public streets or sidewalks.
(4) ~Io 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, nor shall any
Sign obstrrct or be attached to a fire escape.
(5) No Sign shall be erected at 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 poaition, 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.
(6) Where the reaz 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.
(7) Fascia or Wall Signs, shall be mounted directly upon the surface of th<; Building, and
shall not be mounted upon exposed raceways, or other type of protrusions from the
surface of the Building.
Sec. 17-2R. Signs permitted within Residential Zoning Districts.
(a) Except for Exempt Signs as provided for in Section 17-3, 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 aze accessed
from a common internal roadway, one Sign identifying the: name of the
AGENDA ITEM 7C
JUNE 23, 2003
subdivision shall be allowed at each entrance from a Collector or Arterial Street,
not to exceed two (2) Signs.
i. Size permitted: Thirty-two (32) square feet of Sign Face Asea.
ii. Maximum Height of Sign: Eight (8) feet.
iii. Type allowed: Freestanding Ground or Monument style. Where more than
one Sign is allowed, each such Sign erected shall be constnicted and
designed in the same manner.
iv. Illumination: These Signs shall be extemally illuminated with ground
mounted lighting only. Any lighting shall project from the ;round onto the
Sign only, and shall not be directed towazds any Street or residential Lot.
(2) For Multi-Family residential Uses, one Sign identifying the nazne of the multi-
family Development shall be allowed at each entrance not to exceed two (2)
Si€;ns. Internal Directional Signs and Signs identifying Buildir.,gs shall also be
allowed limited to three (3) feet in height and eight (8) squaze fi;et in Sign Face
Area.
i. Size permitted: Sixty (60) squaze feet of Sign Face Area.
ii. Maximum Height of Sign: Eight (8) feet.
iii. Type allowed: Freestanding. Ground or Monument style. R'here more than
one Sign is allowed, each such Sign erected shall be constructed and
designed in the same manner.
iv. Illumination: These Signs shall be externally illuminated with ground
mounted lighting only. Any lighting shall project from the ;round onto the
Sign only, and shall not be directed towazds any Street, vehiculaz drive or
residential unit.
(b) Signs, as set forth with above pazagraph (a), that aze located within Public or dedicated
Right-of-ways 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 Pemtit. Such Signs shall complement and conform to the
"WELCOME TO ATLAl/TIC BEACH" Signs in features including lettering, color, composition,
structural materials, finished surface, and shall be constructed of wood or similaz material giving the
finished appearance of carved or sandblasted wood, as described within Section 17-9.
Sec. 17-29. Signs permitted within Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts.
(a) 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 (CDB) and Industrial, Light and Wazehousinl; (ILW) Zoning
Districts. Except as specifically exempted in Section 17-3, and further subject to issuance of a Sign
Permit, no other Sign or advertising device shall be displayed or erected within the City of Atlantic
Beach.
(1) Fascia Signs for Buildings with a single business or occupant.
AGENDA ITEM 7C
JUNE 23, 2003
o~
(4) Freestanding Signs. In addition to the above Signs, Freestanding Si;~iay be
erected as set forth below:
Size Permitted: Freestanding Signs, including Pole, Pylon and Monument
and Ground type Signs shall be limited to one (1) square foot of Sign
liaeeDisplav Area for each lineaz foot of frontage of the Development Pazcel
on which the Sign(s) aze placed, provided no such Sign shall exceedei~y
ninety-six (9659) squaze feet of Sign $ase Display -Area.
ii. Permitted Height of Sign for Freestanding Signs. For the following Zoning
Districts, except as set forth in followine pazagraph iv.b.~the maximum
Hlreight of °-°°-~Signss shall be:
a. Comrriercial Professional Office (CPO): Eight (8) feet.
b. Commercial Limited (CL): Eight (8) feet.
c. Central Business District (CDB): Eight (8) feet.
d. Commercial General (CG): Eight (8) feet.
e. Industrial, Light and Wazehousing (ILW): Eight (P) feet.
iii.. Permitted Width of Freestanding Signs. The maximum Wividth of
c'-° °~t~-e Signs in any non-residential Zoning Districts shall be test
twelve (128 feet).
iv. Number of Freestanding Signs Permitted:
a. On a Development Pazcel with frontage upon a single Street, one
Freestanding Sign shall be permitted for each one htmdred (100) feet
of linear Street frontage up to a maximum of three (3) Freestanding
Signs. Hei t of Sign for such multiple Signs shall not exceed eieht
(8) feet and. Sign Display Area shall not exceed ninety-six (96)
squaze feet or:
b. alternatively. within the Commercial General (CG) and Commercial
Limited (CLl Zoning Districts only. Development Parcels with
Street frontage of three hundred (3001 lineaz feet or more shall be
permitted one Freestanding Sism with Height of Sinn not to exceed
ten (101 feet and Sign Display Area not to exceed one hundred and
twenri (1201 feet. The required distance from any property lines for
such FreestandinE Slgn shall be a minimum of ten L) feet.
Additional distance from property lines may be required, if in the
determination of the Director of Public Works, additional distance is
required to maintain cleaz vehicular and pedestrian sight distance.
cb. On a Development Pazcel that has frontage upon. more than one
Street, one additional Freestanding Sign shall be permitted on each
street side of the Development Pazcel. The Heigh: of Sign for a~
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AGENDA ITEM 7C
JUNE 23, 2003
Area shall not exceed ninety-six (96) square feet °'~~ '
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v. Required distance from property lines: No portion of any Freestanding Sign
shall be located closer to the property line than five (5) feet except as may
be reuuired pursuant to precedin~oar3~ranh (41(iv) b Freestanding Signs
shall not be located so as to interfere with cleaz vehicular or pedestrian sight
distance. Signs determined by the Director of Public Works ~:o interfere with
safe sight distance for pedestrians or vehicles shall be immediately removed.
(b) Requirement for a Unified Sign Plan. After the initial effective date of these regulations,
all new non-residential Dervelopment, which shall contain space or units for more than one business or
occupant, shall provide a Unified Sign Plan with the application Building Permits. All subsequent
applications for Sign Permits shall comply with the approved Unified Sign Plan. The U~ufied Sign Plan
shall comply with the provisions of this Chapter and shall also demonstrate a consistent theme and
design with respect to each of the following:
(1) Manner and type of construction, including materials to be used, installation
method and mounting details;
12) Means of illumination, if any, and hours of illumination.
(3) Size, color, lettering and graphic style.
(c) Pre-Development Signs. Signs for the purposes of announcing a comin; Development
Project may be placed w7.thin Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts subject to the following
provisions.
(11 Issuance of a Sign Permit shall be required, and no such Sign :hall remain on
any Development Parcel for a period of time exceeding one yeaz 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 ofthe 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 Sec. 17-10 (c).
(3) Such Sign shall be removed within thirty (30) days of the i:~suance of any
Certificate of Occupancy, or at any time when construction ceases for aperiod of
time longer than thirty (30) consecutive days. In the case that the Sign is not
removed within these periods of time, the Sign shall be considered an
Ab~mdoned Sign, subject to the provisions of Sec. 17-10 (c).
(4) Only one such Sign shall be placed upon the Development Pazcel and shall not
12
AGENDA ITEM 7C
JLJNE 23, 2003
relocation associated with routine maintenance of a property. D~j~~~~
ii. Any change which increases the illumination.
iii. Any change which increases the height of a Sign.
iv. Any c]iange, which alters the material used for the Display Area or Face Area by
more than twenty-five (25) percent.
v. Any replacement required as the result of an accidental act or a weather related act.
vi. Any replacement of an Abandoned Sign.
vii. Any change necessary for compliance with. Florida Building Code requirements.
(4) The provisions of this Section shall not be construed to apply to Signs that aze
abandonecl, deteriorated, dilapidated, or in a general state of disrepair, or which aze
determined to create a hazard to public safety. Such Signs shall be subject to the
provisions of Section 17-10.
(5) Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of pazagraphs (1) through (4), all Signs
permitted within Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts, pursuant to Section 17-6
of this Chapter, shall be made to conform with the provisions of this Chapter, as may be
amended, within ten (10) yeazs of the initial effective date of these regulations as
enacted by Ordinance Number 60-02-12, which date shall be September 09, 2012.
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Secs. 17-53. through 17-60. Reserved.
ARTICLE VI. SIGN PERMITS
Sec. 17-61. Permit Required.
It shall be unlawful for any person to install, erect, place, alter or relocate any Si;~t 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 17-6 (c) of
this Chapter.
17
AGENDA ITEM 7C
JtiNE 23, 2003
Sec.17-64. Fees. ®~J~r:~
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) squaze feet or less of Sign Display Area
or Sign Face Area, as appropriate: Thirty dollazs ($30.00).
(2) Larger than thirty-two (32) squaze feet: An additional ten dollazs ($10.00) fbr each ~
square foot exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet of Sign Display Arf;a or Sign Face
Area, as appropriate.
~) Freestandina Si~~ns constnicted in accordance with the provisions of Section 24-171(d),
Commercial Corridor Development Standards: Freestanding Signs constructed of a
solid material such as wood, masonn~ or high-density urethane, ~md externally-
illuminated in amanner that washes the Sian in indirect liaht from a fluorescent around
source shall be entitled to a tift~percent (50%) reduction in Si na Permit fees.
The above section 17-64. (3) is simply repeated from the Sign section of the
Commercial Corridor DevelopmentStandards sothat the information is available to
those who might be reading only the Sign regulations.
19
AC:F,NDA ITEM 7C
JUNE 23, 2003
_CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA
ORDINANCE NUMBER: 60-03-14
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA,
ADOPTING ORDINANCE NUMBER 60-03-14, AMENDING CHAPTER 17
OF THE CODE. OF ORDINANCES, WHICH REGULATES SIGNS ?,ND
ADVERTISING STRUCTURES WITHIN THE CITY OF ATLANTIC
BEACH. SAID ORDINANCE SHALL AMEND SECTION 17-4,
GENERAL PROVISIONS APPLYING TO ALL PERMITTED SIGNS;
SECTION 17-6, SIGNS PERMITTED WITHIN COMMERCIAL ?AND
INDUSTRIAL ZONING DISTRICTS; AND SECTION 17-34, FEES, ?,ND
SHALL DELETE SECTION 17-15, REQUESTS TO WAIVE CERTAIN
TERMS OF THIS CHAPTER. AMENDMENTS SHALL BE ADOPTED
BY REFERENCE AS CHAPTER 17 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES
AS PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED THROUGH ORDINANCE NUMBER 60-03-
13. THIS ORDINANCE ALSO PROVIDES FOR FINDINGS OF FACT,
SEVERABILITY', REPEAL OF CONFLICTING ORDINANCES OR
PORTIONS THEREOF, AND PROVIDES FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE:.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the City Commission for the CiTy of Atlantic Beach, Florida, (hereinafter
the "Commission") hereby finds that there aze various persons and entities that havf; an interest
in communicating with the public through the use of Signs and Advertising Stn:.ctures. 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 and do not impair the safety of vehiculaz traffic and pedestrians, and
WHEREAS, it i:, the intent of the Commission that the regulations contained in this
Chapter shall provide uniform Sign criteria, which shall place the fewest possible re:>trictions on
personal liberties, property rights, 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 right-of--ways a~Id adjacent
properties and the surrounding natural environment, and
WHEREAS, these regulations shall also: (a) protect the natural environment and its
resources; (b) protect and preserve the quality of life and the predominantly residential chazacter
of the CiTy of Atlantic Beach; (b) implement the Comprehensive Plan for the City of Atlantic
Beach, and (d) preserve Constitutionally protected rights, and
WHEREAS, these regulations set forth herein provide for orderly growth; protect and
conserve the value of property; promote, protect and improve the health, safety, comfort, good
order, appearance, convenience, and general welfaze of the public and serve to accomplish and
implement the goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan, and
Page 1 of 3
Ordinance Number 60-03-14
AGENDA ITEM 7C
JiJNE 23, 2003
WHEREAS, afrer required notice was published, public hearings were held on the 23rd
day of June, 2003 at 7:15 p.m. and on the 14th day of July, 2003 at 7:15 p.m. to hezr and enact
said amendments to Chapter 17 of the Code of Ordinances for the City of Atlantic Beach.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COMMISSION ON
BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA:
SECTION 1. The: above recitals aze hereby incorporated herein as Finding:c of Fact in
support of this Ordinance and these Regulations.
SECTION 2. The attached Exhibit A, Signs and Advertising Structures (hereinafter
"Sign Regulations"), which contains the referenced amendments, is hereby incorporated as
Chapter 17 of the City of .Atlantic Beach Code of Ordinances, and enacted by reference.
SECTION 3. City of Atlantic Beach, Signs and Advertising Structures, as adopted
within Chapter 17 of the City of Atlantic Beach Code of Ordinances through Ordinance Number
60-03-13, as may have been amended from time to time, are hereby repealed, provided that
certain, Signs and Advertising Structures, if qualified, may have vested rights to continue or be
completed under the terms of this repealed ordinance or provisions therein.
SECTION 4. Any violation occurring before the effective date of these Sign
Regulations shall not be deemed voided by the enactment of this Ordinance.
SECTION 5. All provisions of any City of Atlantic Beach ordinance, resolution,
regulation or policy in express conflict with these Sign Regulations aze hereby repealed to the
extent of such conflict.
.SECTION 6. Other regulations and ordinances which may regulate the use and
development of Land, such as but not limited to utility, streets and roadways, vegetation, impact
fee ordinances, and ordinances incorporating Florida Building Codes, and other such technical
codes, remain in effect and aze not replaced by these Sign Regulations.
SECTION 7. In the case that any section, subsection, pazagraph, phrase or sentence of
this Ordinance or these Sign Regulations is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any
Court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a sepazate, distinct and
independent provision, and such holding shall not affect the validity and lawfulness of the
remaining portions of this Ordinance or these Sign Regulations.
SECTION 8. To the extent that they do not conflict with the unique, specific and
detailed provisions of this Ordinance, all provisions of the Code of Ordinances for the City of
Atlantic Beach as such may be amended from time to time shall be applicable all Signs and
Advertising Structures, except to the degree that such may qualify for vested rights in accordance
with applicable ordinances and laws or provisions related to nonconforming Signs and
Advertising Structures as set forth herein. Furthermore, notwithstanding any provision of this
ordinance, no portion of any ordinance, building code, Comprehensive Plan or any other
regulation shall be deemed waived or vaned by any provision herein.
Page 2 of 3
Ordinance Number 60-03-14
AGENDA ITEM 7C
JU~iE 23, 2003
SECTION 9. This Ordinance shall be recorded in a book kept and mainta'~ned by the
Clerk of the City of Atlar..tic Beach, Duval County, Florida, in accordance with Section 125.68,
Florida Statutes.
SECTION 10. This Ordinance shall become effective on the date passed and enacted by
final reading.
Passed upon first reading and public hearing by the City Commission of the City of
Atlantic Beach 23rd day of June, 2003. Passed on final reading and public hearing this
14th day of July, 2003.
JOHN S. MESERVE
Mayor/Presiding Officer
Approved as to form and correctness:
ALAN C. JENSEN, ESQUIRE
City Attorney
Attest:
MAUREEN HING
City Clerk
Page 3 of 3
Ordinance Number 60-03-14
AGENDA ITEM 7C
JUNE 23, 2003
EXHIBIT A
Chapter 17
SIGNS AND ADVERTISING STRUCTURES*
*Cross reference(s)--Buildings and Building Regulations, Ch. 6; PlanningfZoning/Appeals, Ch,
14; Occupational License; For Advertising, § 20-59; Zoning, S ubdivision a nd L and D evelopment
Regulations, Ch. 24.
*State law reference(s)-Authority to establish Sign ordinances, F.S. § 166.0425; outdoor
advertisers, F.S. Ch. 479; Florida Building Code, Section 3108.
ARTICLE I. IN GENERAL
Sec. 17-1. Intent.
The City Commission recognizes that there aze 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 ~~pinions. 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 chazacter of the City and where Signs do not conflict with the natural and
scenic qualities of the City. It is the intent of the Commission that the regulations contained in this
Chapter shall provide unii.'orm 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
right-of--ways and adjacent properties; the surrounding natural coastal environment and residential
neighborhoods.
ARTICLE II. DEFINITIONS
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 <;ode, including
Chapter 6, Building anci Building Regulations and Chapter 24, Zoning, Subdivision and Land
Development Regulations, shall also apply to this Chapter.
1
AGENDA ITEM 7C
JUNE 23, 2003
Advertising Message: The letters and graphics on a Sign intended to directly or indirectly promote the
sale of a produc*., 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 Ntessage, which changes
physical position by any means of movement.
Automatic Changeable iSQessage Device: Any Sign, which through a mechanical, electrical, solar, or
other power source is capable of delivering messages, which rotate or appear [o rotate, change or move
at any time and in any wavy, 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 materia] 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 Chat 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 ofthis 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, orprovides direction to, any
place or azea. Signs, which contain logos, or graphics commonly associated with a ser/ice or business
shall be included in the Signs allowed for that site or business.
Double-faced Sign: A Sign with two (2) sides that aze usually but not necessarily pa-allel.
Exempt Signs: Signs as set forth within Section 17-3 ofthis Chapter, which are exempt from certain
requirements ofthis 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.
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AGENDA ITEM 7C
JUNE 23, 2003
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. This definition of Flag shall not include: the Flag ofthe
United States of America.
Flashing Sign: Any Sign which uses an external or internal intermittent light source, which 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 mean:,.
Freestanding Sign: Any Sign, which is incorporated into or supported by structures or supports in or
upon the l,~round, independent of support from any Building. Freestanding Sign includes Pole Sign,
Pylon Sign, Ground Sign or Monument Sign.
Ground Sign: See Freestanding Sign
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 ofupward
extension from the Sign..
Marquee Sign: Any Sign adhered or attached to a permanent 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 weather. Marquee Signs shall include all Signs placed upon any type of marquee, canopy,
awning, or similar structure.
Monument Sign: A type ofFreestanding Sign placed upon the ground independent of support from the
face of a Building that generally has greater width than height and typically constnucted 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 ether provisions
of these regulations or other laws, as maybe amended.
Obscene Sign: Any Sign containing statements, words, pictures or symbols of an obscene nature. The
word Obscene shall be as defined in Section 847.001, F.S., as maybe 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
AGENDA ITEM 7C
JUNE 23, 2003
Political Campaign Sign: Any temporary Sign, as maybe 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 permanent 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 City ofAtlantic Beach, Duval County, the State of
Florida, the United States Government, a public utility, School District, or other duly airthorized public
agency. Public Signs may be placed in locations as determined necessary and appropriate by the public
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 similaz 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-illumnated, which is
visible from any outdoor place, open to the public and which directs attention to a product, service,
place, activity, person, institution, or business thereof, including any permanently installed or situated
merchandise; or any emblem, painting, banner, pennant, placard, designed to advertise, identify, or
convey information, with the exception of customary window displays, official public notices and court
mazkers required by Feder. al, State or local regulations; also excepting, newspapers, leaflets and books
intended for individual distribution to members of the public, attire that is being wcrn, badges, and
similar personal gear. Sign shall also include all outdoor advertising displays as described within
Section 3108.1.1, Florida Building Code, and al] Signs shall conform to the requirements of Section
3108 of the Florida $uilding Code.
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 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 Section 3108 of the Florida Building
Code and Article VI of this Chapter.
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AGENDA ITEM 7C
JUNE 23, 2003
Sign Structure: Any Structure that s upports, h as s upported, o r i s c apable o f s upporting a S ign,
including decorative covers and embellishments.
Snipe Sign: Any Sign of any material, including paper, plastic, cardboazd, 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 titan 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 edge of the Sign Structure extending to the
opposite edge ofthe Sign Structure, including any frame, embellishment or other type ofextension 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 Billowed for that
site, activity or business.
Secs. 17-3. -17-25. Reserved.
ARTICLE III. SIGNS PERMITTED
Sec. 17-26. Exempt Signs.
(a) Within all non-residential Zoning Districts, the following Signs shall b.: considered as
permitted Signs and shall be exempt from the requirement to obtain a Sign Permit as set forth within
Article VI of this Chapter:
(1) Decals, limited to those as required by law, which aze 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 oflawfuIly licensed businesses, with
letters not exceeding three (3) inches in height and limited to a maximum azea of two (2)
square feet.
(3) Signs witlin a Building that aze not visible from the exterior of the Building. This shall
not includa Window Signs affixed to the interior of windows, which aze visible from the
exterior.