HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrd #215 - 3rd Ser/Repealing and Replacing Signs ORDINANCE NO. 215
CITY OF ORONO
HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA
AN ORDINANCE REPEALING AND REPLACING
IN ITS ENTIRETY CITY CODE TITLE VI,
CHAPTER 78,ARTICLE X, DIVISION 4
REGULATING SIGNS
THE CITY COUNCIL OF ORONO ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. Orono City Code Title VI, Chapter 78, Article X, Division 4 is repealed in its
entirety and replaced with the following language:
Sec. 78-1465.-Recitals.
This Division shall be known, cited and referred to as the Orono Sign Code, except as
referred to herein, where it shall be known as"this Division."
Sec. 78-1466.- Purpose.
Purpose. This Sign Code is intended to establish a comprehensive and balanced system
of sign control that accommodates the need for a well-maintained, safe, and amactive
community, and the need for effective communications, including business identification. It is
the intent of these sign regulations, to promote the health, safety, general welfare, aesthetics, and
image of the community by regulating signs that are intended to communicate to the public in all
areas of the City. It is not the purpose or intent of this division to regulate the message displayed
on any sign. The purpose of this division is to authorize:
(1) Permanent signs which establish a high standard of aesthetics and are appropriate
for the planned character in each sign district as established in Section 78-1478;
(2) Signs that are compatible with their surroundings;
(3) Signs that are designed, constructed, installed, and maintained in a manner that
does not adversely impact public safety or create a hazard to motorists,
pedestrians, or cyclists;
(4) Signs that are proportioned to the scale of, and are architecturally compatible
with,principal structures;
(5) Permanent signs which give preference to the on-premise owner or occupant;
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(6) Temporary commercial signs and advertising displays which provide an
opportunity to advertise while restricting signs that create visual clutter and
hazards at public right-of-way intersections;
(7) Minimize adverse effects on nearby property; and
(8) Provide for fair and consistent enforcement of the sign regulations set forth herein
under the authority of the City.
Sec. 78-1467. - Findings.
Findings. The City finds it is necessary for the promotion and preservation of the public
health, safety, welfare, and aesthetics of the community to control the construction, location,
size, and maintenance of signs. Further the City finds:
(1) Permanent and temporary signs have a direct impact on and relationship to the
image and aesthetic of the community;
(2) The manner of installation, location, and maintenance of signs affects the public
health, safety, welfare, and aesthetics of the community;
(3) An opportunity for viable identification of community businesses,residences, and
institutions must be established;
(4) The safety of motorists, cyclists,pedestrians, and other users of public streets and
property is affected by the number, size, location, and appearance of signs that
create a hazard for drivers;
(5) Installation of signs suspended from,projecting over, or placed on the tops of
buildings, walks, or other structures may constitute a hazard during periods of
high winds and an obstacle to effective fire-fighting and other emergency service;
(6) Uncontrolled and unlimited signs and sign types adversely impact the image and
aesthetic attractiveness of the community and thereby undermine economic value
and growth;
(7) Uncontrolled and unlimited signs, particularly temporary signs which are
commonly located within or adjacent to public right-of-way or are located at
driveway/street intersections, result in roadside clutter and obstruction of views of
oncoming traffic. This creates a hazard to drivers and pedestrians and also
adversely impacts a logical flow of information;
(8) Commercial signs are generally incompatible with residential uses and should be
strictly limited in residential zoning districts; and
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(9) The right to express noncommercial opinions in any zoning district must be
protected, subject to reasonable restrictions on size, height, location, and number.
Sec. 78-1468. - Scope of Regulations.
The sign regulations set forth in this Division shall apply to all structures and land uses.
This Division describes the signage standards for the sign districts that overlay the zoning
districts of the City. Specific additional regulations are established for signs which are unique in
purpose and not easily addressed by district regulations. No person,property owner, or lessee
shall place, erect, alter, modify, enhance, or change in any way a sign that does not conform to
the requirements of this Division and all other applicable regulations.
Sec. 78-1469.- Defmitions.
For the purposes of this Division, the following words and terms are defined as follows:
Auaciliary sign means a sign that provides direction for internal circulation, parking or
entry, restrictions on parking, security warnings, or other similar primarily noncommercial signs
that are directed at people that are entering, exiting, or on a particular property. Auxiliary signs
do not include outdoor advertising signs.
Banner means any temporary sign of lightweight fabric or similar material mounted to a
pole or a building at one(1) or more edges.
Billboard means see "Outdoor advertising sign."
Canopy/awning sign means a message or logo on an awning or canopy which is
constructed according to the requirements of the building code, is an integral part of the building,
and is consistent with the architecture and design of the building.
Clear vision area means an area within a triangle that is measured along the edge of the
driving surface of the road starting at the intersection of two roads and driveways (public or
private) and extending thirty(30) feet in each direction from the intersection and then a line
connecting these two end points.
Changeable message sign means a message that is not permanently attached to the sign
face but is not a dynamic display. The message is changed manually.
Commercial message sign means any message which identifies a business or product or
promotes the sale of any product or service.
Dynamic display means any characteristics of a sign that appear to have movement or
that appear to change, caused by any method other than physically removing and replacing the
sign or its components, whether the apparent movement or change is in the display,the sign
structure itself, or any other component of the sign. This includes a display that incorporates a
technology or method allowing the sign face to change the image without having to physically or
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mechanically replace the sign face or its components. This also includes,but is not limited to,
any rotating,revolving, moving, flashing,blinking, projecting, or animated display and any
display that incorporates rotating panels, LED lights manipulated through digital input, "digital
ink," or any other method or technology that allows the sign face to present a series of images or
displays.
Freestanding sign means a self-supporting sign usually held up by uprights placed in the
ground or any other base that is anchored to the ground.
Grand opening means commencement of operation of a new business. For purposes of
the ordinance, a grand opening is considered to occur if there is a business name change or
change in type of business or activity.
Graphic sign means a sculpture attached to or sign painted directly on a wall that is
primarily symbolic or representational in nature and not alpha or numeric in content or copy.
Illuminated sign means any sign, which has characters, letters, figures, designs or outlines
which are illuminated by an artificial light source.
Incidental sign means any sign that is generally not understandable or readable from
property other than where the sign is located, such as from adjacent property or a public street, as
determined by the City Administrator or their designee.
Lighting, backlit means an illuminated sign where the light source which illuminates the
wall behind individual sign letters is hidden from view. The sign letters are opaque and appear
as a silhouette against the lighted surface.
Lighting, external means the sign is illuminated by means of external light fixtures
directed at the sign.
Lighting, internal means an illuminated sign having the source of illumination located
inside a translucent panel and is not directly visible.
Monument sign means a freestanding sign with its sign face mounted on the ground or
mounted on a base at least as wide as the sign and is less than sixteen(16) feet in height.
On premise sign means a sign whose message is related to the property or the activity
and use occurring on the property on which the sign is located. On-premise signs include multi-
tenant identification signs that may advertise tenants on different property provided such tenants
are within the same approved PUD and parking is shared between properties.
Outdoor advertising sign means any sign that is located outdoors and that advertises a
product,business, service, event, or any other matter that is not available, or does not take place,
on the same premises as the sign. Outdoor advertising signs are commonly called billboards. An
outdoor advertising sign does not include a sign that is not readily understandable or readable
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from property other than where the sign is located, such as from adjacent property or a public
street, as determined by the City Administrator or their designee.
Permanent sign means any sign that is not temporary.
Pole sign means a freestanding sign that is elevated off the ground by one or more poles.
Portable sign means a temporary sign with or without copy and graphic that is designed
or intended to be moved or transported but not including banner signs. Examples of portable
signs include,but are not limited to: A-frame or T-frame signs, sandwich signs; signs designed to
be transported by trailer or on wheels; and signs mounted on a vehicle for advertising purposes,
except signs identifying a business when the vehicle is being used in the normal day-to-day
operation of that business. A sign may be a portable sign even if it has wheels removed, was
designed without wheels, or is attached to the ground, a structure, or other sign.
Projecting sign means a sign, other than a wall sign,that is attached to and projects more
than eigl�teen(18)inches from the building fagade.
Public sign means a traffic control sign in Minnesota State Statutes; any identification
sign installed in a public park by a public authority; and any other identification,regulatory, or
warning sign approved by the City Council for installation on public land.
Re facing means the process of replacing the sign copy, message, logo, or graphic on a
sign without altering or moving the structure to which the sign face is attached.
Roof sign means a sign that is mounted on the roof of a building or on a parapet wall that
is above the roof line.
Rotating sign means a sign or a portion of a sign which moves in a rotating, oscillating or
similar manner other than changing signs.
Service area canopy means an open air roof-like structure that projects from the wall of a
building or is freestanding and is for the purpose of shielding equipment and/or people from the
elements; is often found covering service or gasoline station islands.
Sign means any written message, pictorial presentation, number, illustration, decoration,
banner or other device that is used to announce, direct attention to, identify, advertise or
otherwise make anything known. For purpose of maintenance or removal, the term "sign" shall
also include frames and support structures.
Sign area means the area in square feet of the smallest rectangle, circle, or triangle that
contains the sign copy.
Sign height means the distance measured perpendicular from the highest point of the sign
structure to the average grade at the base of the sign.
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Temporary sign means a sign designed to be displayed for a limited period of time that is
not permanently affixed to the land or to a structure.
Wall sign means a sign attached to or erected against an exterior wall surface of a
building or structure.
Window sign means a sign mounted inside of a building within the window area that is
applied or fastened to the window in a manner that is intended to be viewed from outside the
building.
Sec. 78-1470.-Application Process.
An application for a sign permit shall be made on the City's permit platform. The
applicant shall provide all required information.
Sec. 78-1471.- Review Process.
The City Administrator or their designee shall approve or deny the sign permit
application in an expedited manner, no more than thirty(30) days from the receipt of the
completed application, including applicable fees. All complete permit applications not reviewed
within thirty(30) days shall be deemed approved. Applicants shall be notified in writing if the
application is denied, including the reasons for denial.
Sec. 78-1472. -Appeals Process.
Appeals shall be made as outlined in Sections 78-96 through 78-99 no later than 10 days
following the decision.
Sec. 78-1473.- Fees.
Sign permit fees and the impoundment fee shall be set by the City Council by ordinance
from time to time.
Sec. 7&1474.- Inspection and Enforcement.
(1) Inspection authority. All signs shall be subject to inspection by the City
Administrator or their designee, who is hereby authorized to enter upon any
property or premise to ascertain whether the provisions of this division are being
obeyed. Such entrance shall be made during business hours unless an emergency
exists.
(2) Signs in Disrepair. The City Administrator or their designee may order the
removal of any sign that is not maintained in accordance with the maintenance
provisions of this ordinance. Upon failure to comply with such notice within the
time specified in such order, the City Council may declare the sign to be a public
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nuisance, impound it, and assess the cost of removal to the sign owner or the sign
owner's agent.
(3) Impoundment of signs on public property or within public right of way. The City
Administrator or their designee may, at any time and without notice, impound
signs that have been installed on public property, within the public right-of-way,
or within a public easement that are in violation of this division. The sign owner
or their agent may retrieve an impounded sign subject to the following rules:
a. Payment of an impoundment release fee. Any subsequent
impoundment(s), within one calendar year, for a particular property or
sign owner will require payment of double the initial impoundment release
fee.
b. Any impounded sign may be retrieved from the impounded area within
three(3)business days of the impoundment or the City Administrator or
their designee may dispose of it. The impoundment area can be located by
contacting City Hall. Any cost incurred by the City for disposal of an
impounded sign may be assessed to the sign owner or the sign owner's
agent.
c. The City shall have no obligation to notify a property owner that it has
impounded a sign.
d. The City shall not be held liable for any damage to an impo�nded sign.
Sec. 78-1475.- Exempt Signs.
All signs shall require an approved sign permit prior to placement except for the signs
specifically noted in this Section. Exempted signs shall not reduce the permitted signage for a
property. These exemptions shall not relieve the owner of the sign from the responsibility of its
maintenance and its compliance with the provisions of this division or any other law or
ordinance regulation the same.
(1) Government signs. All government signs, including but not limited to traffic
control and other regulatory purpose signs, street signs, identification signs,
informational signs, danger signs, and railroad crossing signs.
(2) Non-commercial signs in an election year. Signs of any size containing non-
commercial speech may be posted in any number beginning 46 days before the
state primary in a state general election year until ten(10) days following the
general election and thirteen(13) weeks prior to any special election until ten (10)
days following the special election provided that the signs are in compliance with
Minnesota Statutes.
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(3) Address signs. Address identification signs not exceeding four(4) square feet in
area for each structure or portion of a structure with an assigned address. Street
identification numbers are required in all sign districts and should be clearly
visible from the street.
(4) Exempt residential signs. Properties in Sign District 1 shall be allowed up to eight
(8) square feet of signage provided that a single sign is no larger than six (6)
square feet, the signs are not illuminated, and freestanding signs are at least five
(5) feet from any property line.
(5) Portable signs. Portable A-frame, T-frame, sandwich, or other similar signs that
do not exceed six (6) square feet in size, are not illuminated, are located within
fifteen(15) feet of the primary entrance to a building, and are displayed only
during the hours of business operation. No more than two of these signs shall be
in place at any given time.
(6) Incidental signs. Incidental signs or signs within a building provided the sign is
not readily visible from the public right-of-way and adjacent properties.
(7) Window signs. Window signs that are inside of a building shall not require a
permit but shall be in accordance with Section 78-1478, Table 1.
(8) Non-commercial signs. Any sign display or device allowed under this section may
contain any otherwise lawful noncommercial message that does not direct
attention to a business operated for profit, or to a commodity service for sale, and
that complies with the size,height, and lighting requirements of this Division.
(9) Change of copy. No permit shall be required to change the text of a sign provided
the sign structure and face is not otherwise enlarged,modified, enhanced or
altered in any way.
Sec. 78-1476. - Prohibited Signs.
The following signs shall be prohibited in all sign districts:
(1) Signs with moving, swinging, revolving, or rotating parts.
(2) Freestanding pole signs.
(3) Roof signs.
(4) Projecting signs.
(5) Noncompliant signs. Any sign not constructed, wired, assembled, attached, or
supported in conformance with applicable building or other codes and regulations.
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(6) Signs in the right-of-way. Signs in the public right-of-way except as provided for,
by Minnesota Statutes, or allowed by the agency regulating the right-of-way.
(7) Signs attached to public utility poles, trees, street signs, stoplights, or fences.
(8) Permanent outdoor advertising signs, including billboards.
(9) Portable signs. Portable signs shall be prohibited, except for portable A-frame, T-
frame, sandwich, or other similar signs that do not exceed six (6) square feet in
size.
(10) Signs in the clear vision area.
(11) Signs imitating traffic control signs. Signs that are designed to resemble official
traffic signs except signs which are used to control traffic on private property.
(12) Any sign, sign type, sign lighting, or sign technology not specifically listed as
permitted in this Division shall be prohibited.
Sec. 78-1477.- Regulation by Sign District.
For the purpose of regulating signs, the following sign districts are adopted:
District Description
1 All residential properties zoned R-1 A, R-1 B, LR-1 A, LR-1 B,
LR-1 C, LR-1 C-1, RR-1 A, RR-1 B, RR-1 B-1, RS, PRD, RPUD
2 M-6, All nonresidential uses located in a residential district
3 B-1, B-2, B-4, B-5, B-6
4 B-3
5 I, PID
Sec. 78-1478. - Permitted Sign Type,Area, Height, and Illumination by Sign District
All signs shall conform to the applicable standards in Table 1: Sign Standards by Sign
District. The following provisions shall also apply:
(1) Wall Sign. Wall signs shall not extend more than eighteen(18) inches from the
wall they are attached to.
(2) Monument Signs.
a. No more than one monument sign shall be permitted on any site except in
cases where properties front more than one public street. For properties
that front more than one public street, one additional monument sign may
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be permitted provided that the additional monument sign does not exceed
half the size of the maximum sign area allowed for a monument sign in the
underlying district.
b. The sign area of a monument sign shall only be calculated using one side
of the sign. If the two sides are different sizes, the larger side shall be used
for determining sign area.
c. Monument signs shall be located at least five(5) feet from any property
line and shall not project over the property line. Clear vision shall be
maintained from all streets and driveways.
d. The total area of a monument sign shall not exceed 1.5 times the permitted
sign copy area of a monument sign. The total sign area includes all sign
copy, graphics, and structure.
(3) Service Area Canopy. Each edge of a service area canopy facing a street is
permitted twenty-five(25) square feet of sign area in addition to all other sign
area permitted on the site. Such signage may be illuminated externally, internally,
or backlit,but no other part of the face of the canopy shall be illuminated.
(4) Awnings and Canopies. No part of an awning or sun canopy shall be less than
eight(8) feet or greater than twelve(12) feet above grade. Any sign area on the
awning, if illuminated, will be deducted from the permitted sign area. The fabric
or material used for the awning or canopy must be opaque and no internal
illumination is permitted.
(5) Adult Use Signs. In addition to this Division, all adult use oriented signs shall
comply with the sign requirements in the Sexually Oriented Business Ordinance.
Page 10
Table 1
78-14'77 Table 1: Sign Standards by Sign District
Sign Type District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5
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Maximum sign copy area— 6 sf 20 sf 60 sf 100 sf 45 sf
single sign
Ma�c Height wall height wall height wall height wall height wall height
Lighting(a) permitted E/IB E/I/B ENB E/UB
Type(b) M M M M M
Total sign copy area 6 sf 32 sf 45 sf 45 sf 25 sf
Max Height 8 ft. 8 ft. 12 ft. 20 ft. 8 ft.
Lighting permitted E/IB E/UB E/IB E/IB
�:�, .
Total sign area 8 sf 20 sf 60 sf 60 sf 45 sf
Max Height wall height wall height wall height wall height wall height
Lighting permitted E/UB E/IB E/I/B E/IB
�
;� , �,��� $ ��� x'- y- � :
� � v� �. � _�,. °�`
35%of 35%of 35%of
window window window
Ma�cimum coverage area Not Not area,notoo area,notoo area,notoo
permitted permitted exceed 5/o exceed 5/o exceed 5/o
of building of building of building
facade facade facade
iti►LT�I�ARY� >>.. �� .� ��� f � ':�, �� , x.
« �z� �;" `,,,
Max sign copy area per sign 8 sf 8 sf 8 sf 8 sf 8 sf
Wall Height permitted 4 ft. 6 fr. 6 ft. 8 ft.
Freestanding Height 4 ft. 4 ft. 6 ft. 6 ft. 8 ft.
(a)E=extemal,I=internal,B=backlit
(b)M=monument,P=pole
(c)Single pole support only.
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Sec. 78-1479. - Changeable Message Sign.
No more than thirty-five (35)percent of the actual sign area of a permitted sign in a non-
residential district shall be capable of displaying changing messages. The remainder of the sign
area shall not have the capability to change messages even if not used.
Sec. 78-1480. -Allocation of Permanent Signs on Multi-Tenant Development Sites.
In multi-tenant buildings or sites, the permitted sign area and sign types, except for
freestanding signs, may be installed by each individual business establishment that has exclusive
use of some portion of the street or otherwise primary level of the building and direct access to
the outside. Tenants located on the street or otherwise primary level in a center with a common
mall or atrium shall be considered to have direct access to the outside for the purpose of this
section. The management and ownership of any business establishment proposing to install
signage must be separate and distinct from the management and ownership of any other
establishment in the same building or on the same building lot.
(1) Multi-tenant buildings and properties sign allocation. Signage for establishments
occupying a multi-tenant building or site but not located on the street or primary
level of the building must be provided from the allocation of sign area and type to
the occupants of the street or primary level of the building as determined by the
property owner.
(2) Freestanding signs on multi-tenant buildings and properties. For freestanding
signs, a multi-tenant parcel shall be considered one parcel and freestanding signs
shall be permitted in accordance with Section 78-1478 Table 1. In the case of
multiple tenant sites, the permitted freestanding sign area shall be allocated by the
property owner among its tenants.
Sec. 78-1481.-Temporary On-premise Signs.
All temporary signs shall require an approved sign permit prior to placing the sign and
shall conform to the following:
(1) Temporary sign permit length. Temporary signs, including portable signs,
streamers, pennants,banners, inflatables, or other similar objects with a
commercial message may be displayed on(4) occasions per calendar year with a
maximum of ten (10)days for each occasion. The four(4) occasions may be used
consecutively with one permit. Temporary sign permits are nontransferable to
other properties or establishments on the same property.
(2) Single occupant parcels.
a. No more than one permitted temporary sign shall be permitted at any
given time. The area of the temporary signage shall not exceed one half of
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the permitted sign area as allowed in Section 78-1478 Table 1 for a
particular sign type in the underlying sign district.
b. Freestanding temporary signs shall only be permitted in districts where
freestanding signs are permitted as allowed in Section 78-1478 Table 1.
(3) Multi-tenant parcels.
a. Each individual business establishment that has exclusive use of some
portion of the street or otherwise primary level of the building and direct
access to the outside qualifies for the temporary signs permitted in Section
78-1481 (1). Sign permits shall not be transferrable to other business
establishments.
b. Temporary wall signage may be permitted for each individual business
establishment that has exclusive use of some portion of the street or
otherwise primary level of the building and direct access to the outside.
The total temporary wall sign area for each tenant shall not exceed one
half of the permitted permanent wall sign area as allowed in Section 78-
1478 Table 1. Each business shall not have more than one wall or
freestanding temporary sign at a time.
c. One temporary freestanding sign may be permitted for each individual
business establishment that has exclusive use of some portion of the street
or otherwise primary level of the building and direct access to the outside.
The total area of all temporary freestanding signage for the parcel shall not
exceed one half of the permitted area of permanent freestanding signage
for the parcel as allowed in Section 78-1478 Table 1. The total permitted
temporary freestanding sign area shall be allocated by the property owner
or their designee among its tenants.
(4) Grand openings. New businesses with grand openings are eligible for one
additional temporary sign permit of any type permitted in the underlying sign
district with an approved permit. The sign may be in place for up to thirty(30)
days provided all other requirements in this section are met and the required
permits are obtained. This eligibility shall expire six months after the business
opens.
(5) Lease or vacant space. Buildings or parcels for sale or lease, or those with space
for sale or lease may obtain a temporary sign permit for one temporary wall or
monument sign that does not expire until seven(7) days after the building or
parcel is leased or sold. A wall sign shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in
size and shall be used in place of a permanent wall sign. A freestanding sign shall
not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in size All other provisions in this Section
78-1481 shall apply.
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(6) Residential, commercial, industrial developments. For the purpose of selling or
promoting a residential project of six or more dwelling units one sign not to
exceed 48 square feet; a commercial area three acres or more, or an industrial area
of ten acres or more, one sign not to exceed 96 feet of advertising surface may be
erected upon the project site. Such sign shall not remain after 90 percent of the
project is developed.
(7) Temporary sign height. A temporary sign shall not exceed the height limits listed
in Section 78-1478 Table 1 for a permanent sign of a particular sign type in a
given district, including inflatable signs and balloons.
(8) Sign installation. A temporary sign shall be secured and well-constructed so as
not to create a hazard to pedestrians or vehicles.
(9) Illumination. A temporary sign shall not be illuminated.
(10) Location. The permitted location of all temporary signs is subject to change as
determined by the City Administrator or their designee in order to protect the
public health, safety, welfare, and aesthetics.
Sec. 78-1482.—Sign Standard Adjustments.
Adjustments to the requirements and standards for the height, number,type, lighting,
area, and/or location of a sign or signs established by this division may be approved with a Site
Plan Review or Planned Unit Development process as described in Chapter 78, Article II,
Division 4 and Chapter 78, Article VI of the Zoning Code. In order to approve any sign standard
adjustment,the following criteria of(1) or(2) shall be satisfied of this Section, and the necessary
criteria of(3) shall be satisfied:
(1) There are site conditions that require a sign adjustment to allow the sign to be
reasonably visible from a street immediately adjacent to the site.
(2) The sign adjustment will allow a sign of exceptional design or style that will
enhance the area or that is more consistent with the architecture and design of the
site.
(3) The sign adjustment will not result in a sign that is inconsistent with the purpose
of the zoning district in which the property is located or the current land use.
Sec. 78-1483.—Maintenance and Repair.
All signs shall be kept in good repair and free from peeling paint, rust, damaged or rotted
support, framework or other material,broken or missing faces or missing letters. Any structure
from which a sign has been moved or removed shall be repaired with materials and/or painted or
stained to match the existing background.
Page 14
(1) Sign permit not required. Activities considered normal maintenance and repair
and not requiring a sign or building permit shall include activities such as
replacing or repairing lamps, ballasts, transformers, trim, sign fasteners, nuts, or
washers; painting the pole of freestanding signs; and painting the cabinet of
freestanding signs or building signs.
(2) Sign permit required. For any sign that required a permit, the following activities
shall not be considered normal maintenance and repair and a permit shall be
required:
a. Removing the sign for the repair of the cabinet or any part thereof.
b. Changes made to a sign's size or illumination, including, but not limited
to, height, width, weight, area, adding or removing illumination.
c. Changes in poles, structural supports,bases or shrouds, footings, or anchor
bolts,moving the sign to a new location, or replacement of the interior or
exterior cabinet frame, except the sign face.
(3) Building permit. A building permit may be required for any signs involving the
construction of or changes to a sign structure and/or electrical connections as
determined by the Building Official.
Sec. 78-1484. -Nonconforming Signs.
It is the intent of this Division that nonconforming signs shall not be enlarged or
expanded, nor be used as grounds for adding other signs or uses prohibited elsewhere in the same
district. It is further the intent of this Division to permit legal nonconforming signs to remain
provided that such signs are safe, maintained so as not be unsightly, and have not been
abandoned or removed subject to the following provisions:
(1) Nonconforming sign continuance. A legal nonconforming sign may be continued
through repair, replacement,restoration,maintenance, or improvement but shall
not be expanded or moved to a new location.
(2) Nonconforming sign discontinuance. If the use of the nonconforming sign or sign
structure is discontinued for a period of one (1) year, the sign or sign structure
shall not be reconstructed or used except in conformity with the provisions of this
Division.
(3) Nonconforming sign damaged or destroyed. Should a nonconforming sign or sign
structure be damaged or destroyed by any means to an extent greater than fifty
(50)percent of its market value and all required permits for its reconstruction
have not been applied for within one-hundred eight (180) days of when the sign or
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sign structure was damaged, it shall not be reconstructed or used except in
confonnity with the provisions of this Division.
(4) Sign r�egulation confor•mance. Should a nonconforming sign or sign structure be
permanently moved for any reason for any distance, it shall thereafter conform to
the regulations for the sign district in which it is located after it is moved.
(5) Loss of nonconforming land use. An existing sign devoted to a use not permitted
by Chapter 78, Article IV of the Zoning Ordinance, in the zoning district in which
it is located shall not be enlarged, expanded, or moved except in changing the sign
to a sign permitted in the sign district in which it is located.
(6) Loss of nonconforming status. When a building or use loses its nonconforming
status, all signs devoted to the structure or use shall be removed and all signs
painted directly on the structure shall be repainted in a neutral color or a color
which will harmonize with the structure.
Sec. 78-1485. - Severability.
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this division 4 is for any reason
held to be invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the
validity of the remaining portions of this Division 4. The City Council hereby declares that it
would have adopted this Division 4 in each section, subsection, sentence, or phrase thereof,
irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, or phrases
be declared invalid.
SECTION 2. Orono City Code Section 78-832 is repealed in its entirety and
replaced with the following language:
Sec. 78-832. - Signage.
(a) Genei-al pro��isions. All signs shall confonn to the sign standards of City Code Title VI,
Chapter 78, Article X, Division 4.
SECTION 3. EFFECTNE DATE: This ordinance shall take effect
September 10 , 2018 after its passage and publication.
ADOPTED this lOthday of_September , 2018 on a vote of 5 ayes and p
nays by the City Council of Orono, Minnesota.
ATTEST:
C�\��_���
Anna Carlson, City Clerk � Dennis Walsh, Mayor
Ordinance published in The Laker and 7he Fioneer newspapers the week of�pn{-_ � s, 2018.
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