03-1055 City Code Amended Sign Ordinance
CITY OF MERIDIAN
ORDINANCE NO. 03- / riJ!7 5"
BY: ßI'/ I Næ¡-3
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE SIGN CODE FOR THE CITY OF MERIDIAN,
IDAHO, SPECIFICALLY AMENDING SECTIONS 3, 4, S, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 AND 14
OF CHAPTER 14, TITLE 11 OF THE MERIDIAN CITY CODE; PROVIDING FOR
APPEALS, CONFLICT, VALIDITY, SAVINGS CLAUSE, AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE,
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF MERIDIAN, ADA COUNTY, IDAHO:
SECTION 1: That Section 3 Chapter 14 Title 11 of the Meridian City Code, be, and the same is
hereby amended and shall read as follows:
11-14-3
DEFINITIONS:
ABANDONED
SIGN:
A sign which no longer serves
to advertise a bona fide
business, lessor, owner, or
activity conducted or product
available on the premises where
such sign is located.
ALLEY:
A public or private way with an
improved driving surface of not
less than sixteen feet (16') nor
more than twenty feet (20')
wide and with a platted width
not wider than necessary to
accommodate said driving
surface, drainage, utilities,
fencing and appurtenant
facilities, affording only
secondary means of access to
abutting property at the back or
side of a property.
Amended Sign Ordinance
Page 1 of 50
ANIMATED SIGN:
ARCHITECTURAL
BLADE:
AWNING:
AWNING SIGN:
BACKGROUND
AREA:
A sign, any visible part of
which blinks, flashes, moves or
changes color to deoict action
or create a special effect or
scene. regardless of the source
of energy causing the
animation; except signs
performing a public service
function indicating time,
temperature, stock market
quotations or similar services.
Roof sign or projecting sign
with no legs or braces which is
an integral part of the building
structure, rather than an object
added to or standing on the
building.
Any decorative dimensional
shape projecting from the
exterior surface of a building,
constructed of a supporting
framework and covered with
non-rigid materials.
The copy area or separate
background areas attached to an
awning. To be computed as a
wall sign when awning is
parallel to the wall.
The area comprising the portion
of a sign on which copy could
be placed, not including the
supporting structure. When
computing the area of sign
background, only the face or
faces which may be seen from
one direction at one time shall
be considered,
Amended Sign Ordinance
Page 2 of 50
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BANNER:
BILLBOARD:
CANOPY:
CHANGEABLE
COpy PANEL
(READER BOARD):
CONSTRUCTION
SIGN:
COPY:
Any lightweight fabric or
similar material, usually with a
message attached, that is
mounted to a pole, building or
other on-site structure, Flags
shall not be considered banners.
A non-point-of-sale sign which
advertises a business,
organization, event, person,
place or thing and which is
typically located adjacent to a
state or interstate highway
right-of-way.
A permanent roof-like shelter
extending from part or all of a
building face or free-standing
and constructed of some
durable material.
Manual (Readerboard) - A sign
on which copy is changed
manually.
Automatic - A sign on which
copy changes automatically.
Any sign which warns persons
of construction or demolition
for a project or which describes
the project and indicates the
builder, architect or others
involved in the project.
Any combination ofletters,
numbers or logos (identifying
Amended Sign Ordinance
Page 3 of 50
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COpy AREA:
DIRECTIONAL
SIGN:
FLAG,
CONVENTIONAL:
FLAG,
DECORATIVE:
Amended Sign Ordinance
print) which is intended to
inform, direct or otherwise
transmit information.
The area of the sign occupied
by copy. It is computed by
measuring the area enclosed by
straight lines drawn to enclose
the extremities of the copy.
A sign which foremost contains
words such as "entrance,"
"enter," "exit," "in," "out," ef
ether 9imilar '¡.'ems er a sigH
6eHtllilliag arrev/s or characters
indicating traffic directions and
used either in conjunction with
such words or separately.
Any fabric or bunting
containing distinctive colors,
patterns, or emblems used as a
symbol of a government,
political subdivision or other
such entity,
Any fabric or bunting
containing distinctive colors,
patterns, or symbols used to
communicate business
identification and/or attract,
distract, hold, direct or focus
public attention.
Page 4 of 50
[ T.~ntj I
FREE-STANDING:
GRAND OPENING:
HEIGHT OF SIGN:
HOLIDAY
DECORATION
SIGN:
Amended Sign Ordinance
A sign whose background or
copy area is wholly supported
by a colurnn(s), pole(s),
foundation, pedestal or other
support structure in or upon the
ground.
A promotional activity used by
newly established businesses,
within 2 months after
occupancy, to inform the public
of their location and service
available to the community,
Grand opening does not mean
an annual or occasional
promotion of retail sales by a
business.
The distance measured
vertically from the adjacent
street grade as measured from
the top of curb (or edge of
pavement where no curb exists)
to the highest point of the sign
or visual appurtenances. The
height of any landscape berm or
other structure erected to
support or ornament the sign
shall be measured as part of the
sign height. ¡uehiteeruml
a 3¡mFteRB.H6eS eft the sign aft!
!t!leweà H 3 te 15% efthe sign
flei.gIN-.
Temporary signs, in nature of
decorations, clearly incidental
to and customarily associated
with any national, local or
religious holiday,
Page 5 of 50
ILLUMINATED
SIGN:
LEGAL NON-
CONFORMING
SIGN:
LIGHTING,
DIRECT:
LIGHTING,
INDIRECT OR
INTERNAL:
MANSARD ROOF:
MULTIPLE COPY:
OFF-PREMISE
SIGN:
A sign which uses a source of
light for illumination.
Any sign which does not
conform to the requirements of
this Code, but which was
legally erected prior to the
adoption of this Code.
Lighting, the source of which is
visible to a viewer and/or which
is reflected from the surface of
a sign or building.
Lighting for which the source of
light is located in such a manner
that the light must travel
through a translucent material
other than the bulb or tube
necessary to enclose the light
source, which material has the
effect of dispersing the light
before it strikes the eye of the
viewer,
A sloped facade architecturally
able to be treated as a building
wall.
That part of a sign which
advertises or bears information
not related to the name of the
business or the principal
product or service being
provided on the premises, and
may not comprise more than
thirty percent (30%) of the total
copy of the sign.
A sign which is not related to
the property upon which it is
located or to the activity being
conducted thereon.
Amended Sign Ordinance
Page 6 of 50
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ORIENTATION:
PENNANT:
PERMANENT
SIGN:
POLE COVER:
PORTABLE SIGN:
Amended Sign Ordinance
The placement of a sign in
accordance with its primary
visibility from a particular
location.
Any lightweight plastic, fabric,
or other material, whether or
not containing a message of any
kind, suspended from a rope,
wire, or string, usually in series,
designed to move in the wind.
The display of a single pennant,
unattached to another, may be
regarded as a type of decorative
flag.
Any sign intended and
constructed to be long term in
nature.
Decorative structure or
treatment that encloses the
support structure of a free-
standing silm.
Any sign not permanently
attached to the ground or other
permanent sign or structure, or
a sign designed to be
transported, including, but not
limited to, signs designed to be
transported by means of wheels;
"T" frame signs; sandwich
board signs; inflatable signs;
hot air balloons; umbrellas used
for advertising; and signs
attached to or painted on
vehicles parked and visible
from the public right-of-way,
unless said vehicle is primarily
used in the normal day-to-day
operations of the business other
than that of advertising.
Page 7 of 50
PROJECTING SIGN: A sign other than a wall sign,
which projects from and is
supported entirely by a wall ofa
building or other structure.
PROJECTION:
PROMOTIONAL
SIGN:
PUBLIC SERVICE
INFORMATION
SIGN:
READERBOARD:
REAL ESTATE
SIGN:
REVOLVING OR
OSCILLATING
SIGN:
Amended Sign Ordinance
The distance by which a sign
extends over public property or
beyond the building line.
A temporary sign to promote
the sale of new products, new
management, new hours of
operation or a new service.
A sign which provides general
public service information such
as time, date, temperature,
weather, directional information
and other non-commercial
messages of interest to the
traveling public.
See "Changeable CODV Panel"
definition,
Any sign pertaining to the sale,
lease or rental of land or
buildings.
Any sign that incorporates
movement of the structure or
any portion thereof.
Page 8 of50
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ROOF SIGN:
Any sign mounted on the roof
of a building, roof being
defined by the Uniform
Building Code. A mansard roof
is treated as a wall.
SCROLLING:
Text or graphics. usuallv as part
of an electronic readerboard.
that moves UP or down or
across a displav screen in a
consistent and predictable
manner,
SIGN:
Any device, fixture, placard, or
structure that uses any color,
form, graphic, illumination,
symbol, or writing to advertise,
announce the purpose of, or
identifY the purpose of a person
or entity, to communicate
information of any kind to the
public.
SIGN STRUCTURE:
Any structure which is
specifically designed to support
a sign, including decorative
cover.
STREET
FRONTAGE:
Distance measured along the
property line, which fronts upon
a street or alley or other
principal thoroughfare that
provides vehicular access to a
propertv,
STROBE LIGHT:
An attention-getting device
which emits a repetitive light
independent of. or as part of. a
sign, For the purposes of this
Code. a strobe light shall not be
considered an animated sign.
SUBDIVISION A permanent structure intended
Amended Sign Ordinance
Page 9 of 50
IDENTIFICATION
SIGN:
to identify a subdivision that
incomorates design elements
and building materials
consistent with the architecture
and theme of the subdivision
buildings and features.
"SUPER"
GRAPHICS:
Any abstract mosaic, mural,
painting, graphic art technique
or any combination thereof that
does not contain anv COpY.
business logo or other visual
elements intended to advertise.
TEMPORARY
SIGN:
Any sign not permanentlv
mounted or secured, displayed
solely for short-term
announcement, message or
advertisement and for
infrequent and limited time
periods. (See Section 11-14-
7.A. and Section 11-14-9. H. for
specific terms),
UNDER CANOPY
SIGN:
A sign suspended below the
overhang or roof of a canopy.
VISION TRIANGLE: The boundaries of an area at the
intersection oftwo (2) public
roads or the intersection of a
public road and driveway
designated for the purpose of
public health and safety. For
two (2) public roads, the area is
defined by measuring from the
intersection of the edge of
pavement a distance of 40 feet
(40') along each road. For a
public road and driveway, the
area is defined by measuring
from the intersection of the
Amended Sign Ordinance
Page 10 of 50
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WALL AREA:
WALL SIGN OR
FASCIA SIGN:
WINDOW SIGN:
Amended Sign Ordinance
property line adjacent to the
roadway and the corner of the
driveway twenty feet (20')
along the roadway and ten feet
(10') along the driveway.
Wall area is defined as the total
square footage of an exterior
wall and determined by
multiplying the total lineal
elevation of the building (or the
leased portion thereof) by the
distance from the roofline to
pedestrian grade,
Any sign which is attached,
erected or painted on the
exterior wall of a building with
the exposed face of the sign
parallel to the wall.
Any sign, picture, symbol, or
combination thereof, designed
to communicate information
about an activity, business,
commodity, event, sale, or
service, that is placed inside a
window or upon the window
panes or glass and is visible
from the exterior of the
window.
Page 11 of 50
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SECTION 2: That Sections 4.A., 4.C., 4.0., 4.F., and 4.H,Chapter 14 Title II of the Meridian
City Code, be, and the same are hereby amended and shall read as follows:
11-14-4:
PROCEDURES:
A.
Permits Required: Except as otherwise provided in this Chapter, it shall be unlawful for
any person to erect, construct, enlarge, move or convert any sign in the City, or cause the
same to be done, without first obtaining a sign permit through the Planning & Zoning and
Building Departments, A permit shall not be required for a change of copy on any sign,
nor for the repainting, cleaning or other normal maintenance or repair of a sign or sign
structure for which a permit has previously been issued in accordance with this Code,
provided that the sign or sign structure is not altered in any way.
All signs must comply with the applicable provisions in the current version of the
~ International Building Code and Uniform Sign Code as adopted by the City of
Meridian. Additionally, signs containing electrical wiring shall be subject to the
provisions ofthe Electrical Code. Electrical permits shall be obtained for all electric
signs.
Every sign permit issued by the City shall become null and void if erection or
construction on-site is not commenced within one (I) year from the date the permit was
issued. If work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned for one year any
time after the work is commenced, a new permit shall be obtained.
B.
Application for Sign Permit: Application for a sign permit shall be made to the Planning
and Zoning Department and shall be accompanied by such information as may be
required to assure compliance with the Uniform Sign Code and all appropriate
regulations of the City, The City may impose more strict standards than these regulations
if the proposed sign is determined to exceed what is necessary for adequate identification.
At a minimum, the sign application shall include the following information:
AU Sign Types
1.
2,
Scaled architectural details and building elevations.
Complete text to appear on sign (business name, logo, sub-titles, etc.),
including size and lettering style,
All sign dimensions (including base, wall area, background area).
Construction materials.
Sign and lettering colors.
3.
4.
5.
Free-Standing & Planned Sign Programs
1.
Landscaping details for sign base area.
Amended Sign Ordinance
Page 12 of 50
b
Site Plan information (location of buildings, parking lots, driveways,
overhead power lines, right-of-way lines, etc.).
An accurate indication on the Site Plan of the proposed location of each
present and future sign of any type (incidental signs need not be shown).
Any signs on contiguous, shared-frontage properties within 25 feet of
proposed sign(s).
Other information as required by the Zoning Administrator.
~
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Ceflætieaal Use FefH'lit SigH Reqlolireæøftts: }\'ll aØ'/el6J3mefit 1lJ3J3lieatieas that reqHire a
Ceflàitieaal Use Fe_it (ia aeeeFàat'lee with Title II, Zefliag Offiiftat'lee) must sW3mit the
fellewiftg sigH àeæi1s with tll6 CeRàitieaal Use IIfIl!'lieatioa.
C,
1.
2.
3,
1.
SigH tYJ3e (i,e, siagle free stanàiftg, C8flter sigH).
Mæ¡jffilHR 13aekgre1IDà ar-ea.
PFOJ3eSea sigH lIeight,
PF6J30Seà sigH l6eatieft.
If the Ceftàitioaal Use PøfH'lit is lIfIJ3reveà, a staRàara sigH J3eIlflit 1lJ3J3lieatiea (per
subsee!ieR B. a13ev8-) HHISt 1313 s\i13HÚttea wllieh à6ffl6l1Strates eeffiflliBfiee witll tile
IIfIJ3Feveà Ceaaitieftal Use Permit.
B.Ç", Fees: Fees for sign permit applications shall be determined by and paid to the Building
Department at the time of sign permit issuance. Fees for temporarY sign permits shall be
paid to the Planning and Zoning Department.
Permission to Install: No person shall erect, construct or maintain any sign upon any
property or building without the written consent of the owner or authorized representative
of the owner,
&D.
Issuance or Denial: Except in the case of an off-premise sign, the Zoning Administrator
shall, within ten (10) working days of receipt of a complete application, issue a permit for
the erection, alteration, or relocation of a sign within the City. When an application
therefore has been properly made, a specified fee paid and upon the finding that the sign
complies with all appropriate laws and regulations of the City, the BifeeteF Administrator
shall approve the sign,
¡¡:.,~
The BifeeteF Administrator shall deny an application for a sign which does not comply
with all appropriate laws and regulations of the City and shall give a written notice of the
denial with the reasons for such denial or the conditions placed on the application by
Planning & Zoning Commission or City Council. The BifeeteF Administrator shall, in
writing, suspend or revoke permit when it is found that the permit was issued on the basis
offraud or misstatement of fact.
Amended Sign Ordinance
Page 13 of 50
G,E.
Effect ofIssuance: No permit for a sign issued hereunder shall be deemed to constitute
permission or authorization to maintain an unlawful sign nor shall any permit issued
hereunder constitute a defense in an action to abate an unlawful sign.
H-.G. Inspection Markings: All permanent signs regulated by this Ordinance shall be marked
with the sign permit number, This marking shall be permanently placed on the exterior
face of the sign or the support structure in a location where the information will be
readily visible, legible, and accessible for inspection after installation and erection.
All temporarY signs regulated by this ordinance shall attach the permit issued by the
Planning and Zoning Department to the temporarY sign in a visible manner and
accessible for inspection.
SECTION 3: That Sections S.D., 5.1, and 5.K.Chapter 14 Title II of the Meridian City Code,
be, and the same are hereby amended and shall read as follows:
11-14-S:
GENERAL PROVISIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:
The following requirements shall apply to signs in all zoning districts:
A.
B.
c.
Abandoned Non-Conforming Signs: Except as otherwise provided in this Code, any sign
located on property which pertains to a time, event or purpose which no longer applies to
that property and has been continuously vacant for a period exceeding six (6) months
shall be deemed as abandoned. A non-conforming abandoned sign is prohibited and shall
be immediately removed upon notice by the City or brought into full compliance by the
owner of the sign or owner of the property.
Abandoned Conforming Signs: Except as otherwise provided in this Code, any sign
located on property which pertains to a time, event or purpose which no longer applies to
that property and has been continuously vacant for a period exceeding six (6) months
shall be deemed as abandoned. Conforming abandoned sign structures may remain.
However, the business name panels shall be removed immediately. Such signs must be
maintained in an aesthetically-pleasing manner according to the standards in Paragraph C
of this section.
Sign Maintenance and Repair: All signs shall be continually maintained in a state of
good appearance, security, safety and repair throughout their life, Nothing in this code
shall relieve the owner or user of any sign or owner of property on which a sign is located
from maintaining the sign in a safe condition and in a state of good repair.
Maintenance requirements include, but are not limited to, the following situations: Any
metal pole covers and sign cabinets shall be kept free of rust and rust stains; any
internally illuminated sign cabinets or sign panels which have been damaged shall remain
unilluminated until repaired; all abandoned signs shall either install blank opaque panels
Amended Sign Ordinance
Page 14 of 50
or reverse the existing panels to avoid exposing any internal illumination; any signage
which has been damaged to such extent that they may pose a hazard to passersby shall be
repaired or removed immediately.
D.
Blanketing of Signs: No free-standing sign ill any zoøe shall be erected in the same
horizontal plane with other signs unless spaced at least 25 ft. apart.
E,
Signs Adjacent to Residentially Zoned Areas: Any sign or structure located on a lot
which is adjacent to a residentially zoned lot shall be set back so as to meet the side, rear
and front yard setback requirements of said adjoining residential district if such
residential setback requirements exceed those of the commercial district. In any event,
no sign surface or area facing the side or rear lot line of an abutting residentially zoned
lot shall be located within fifty feet (50') of such side or rear lot line. Flashing and/or
animated signs shall be prohibited within one hundred feet (100') of any residentially
zoned property. Distance shall refer to the linear measurement in either direction on the
street to which the sign faces only. No sign shall be designed or located such that more
than one-half (V» footcandle of light fall occurs at ground level at the property line of
residentially zoned property,
F.
Clear Vision and Sight Triangles: Signs shall not be permitted in the sight triangle as
defined, interpreted and applied by the Ada County Highway District and the City of
Meridian, as defined in this Chapter, except at a height ofless than three feet (3') and
greater than ten feet (10') to the bottom ofthe sign display surface or sign area. Sign
structures above three feet (3') in height having a projected width of greater than one foot
(1') shall not be permitted in sight triangles. Under unusual circumstances, the Zoning
Administrator may modify the dimensions and restrictions of a sight triangle at a specific
location, based on technical expertise as may be offered by the Ada County Highway
District.
G.
Signs for Non-Conforming Uses: Signs and sign structures erected for legal non-
conforming uses as defined in Title II, Chapter 5 of the Zoning Ordinance are accessory
to the main use. Such signs may not be enlarged, altered, or relocated without securing
the approval of the Zoning Administrator.
H.
Street-Ground Elevation Differences: If a street elevation to which the sign is oriented is
more than the grade elevation at the base of the sign structure, then the street elevation
shall be used in determining the permitted height of signs erected upon the ground. This
provision shall apply only to free-standing signs,
1.
f.llimatioll Readerboards:
Automatic
I. Animation and/or automatic readerboards is are prohibited on all signs in
Residential, L-O, C-N, C-C and T -E zoning districts.
Amended Sign Ordinance
Page 15 of 50
2.
In CoG and I-L zoning districts, animation is allowed for a maximum of~ thirtv
percent (30%) ofthe sign background area. 8iga streetllfes ffiay Rat maye.
Public middle school and high schools shall be allowed one (I) on-premise,
animated sign where the animation is a maximum of ~ thirtv percent (30%) of
the sign background area, regardless of the zone in which the school is located.
3.
Direct light sources shall not exceed 40 watts or 60 milliamps. No part of the sign
structure shall phvsicallv move. No part of the silm shall flash or strobe.1'lasffiftg
!If!è,/ef aAnimated signs sfl!IH...Ðe are prohibited within one hundred feet (100') of
any residentially zoned property,
4.
All animated signs that are visible from a public roadwav shall be programmed as
follows:
a,
Text messages that are no longer than the displav area and do not contain
anv graphics shall scroll in a consistent and predictable manner, per
Section 11-14-2.
b,
In all other text displavs (letters and/or numbers). the displav shall remain
unchanged for a minimum of five (5) seconds. including unchanged color
and brightness.
J.
Separation Requirements from Utility Power Lines: Signs shall be located in such a way
that they maintain horizontal and vertical clearance of all overhead electrical conductors
in accordance with National Electric Safety Code specifications, as reviewed and
determined by the local power company, Applicants are required to contact the local
electric company before erecting a sign nearer than twenty-five feet (25') of electric
power lines. No sign shall be placed within a power line easement without approval of
the holder of such easement.
K.
Design: All PJ2ole support structures shall always be constructed with pole coversæ.
Covering shall be designed to fully enclose the pole(s), Paint or wraps shall not be
permitted types of covering. Special decorative elements such as sculptured metal.
wrought iron or other aesthetically pleasing materials that are incorporated into the
support structure design and do not fullv enclose the structure mav be allowed. as
determined bv the Zoning Administrator. Such sign support structures shall meet or
exceed the intent of this ordinance. Signs shall incorporate design and building materials
that complement the architectural theme of the building for which the sign identifies. For
permanent signs, architectural appurtenances or other decorative elements that do not
contain copv are allowed UP to a maximum of fifteen percent 05%) of the zoning
district's allowable sign height.
Amended Sign Ordinance
Page 16 of 50
L.
Landscape Base Requirement: All free-standing signs shall be set entirely within a
landscaped area having at least the same square footage as the background area ofthe
sign. If none exists, then a landscaped base as reviewed and approved by the Planning &
Zoning Department shall be created as a condition of approval.
M.
Street Address: All free-standing signs, except as otherwise approved for residential
subdivisions, shall include the street addressees) of the subject parcel. The placement of
the street address on the sign shall be in addition to any address required to be placed on
the building. Numbering shall be a minimum of 3.5 inches tall and be of a contrasting
color. Street addresses shall not be included in the calculation for sign background area,
except for those portions that exceed five (5) square feet. On multi-tenant signs,
addresses shall be dealt with during the Planned Sign Program application. Signs that
identify multiple buildings and/or addresses may provide a range of addresses.
SECTION 4: That Sections 6.B., 6.F. and 6.G, Chapter 14 Title II of the Meridian City Code,
be, and the same are hereby amended and shall read as follows:
11-14-6
PROHmITED SIGNS:
The following types of signs are prohibited in all districts:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
Signs Within Public Right-of-Way Or Upon City-Owned Property. Signs or posters
which are within or visible from a public right-of-way and are tacked, pasted, or
otherwise affixed to or upon the walls of buildings, barns, sheds, or upon trees, poles
(including, but not limited to, power poles), posts, fences, bridges, or other structures,
except official public notices posted by a public officer.
Portable signs, banners, pennants, strings of lights, ribbons, streamers, spinners, twirlers
or propellers, balloons, bubble machines and similar devices of a carnival nature except
as may be permitted by Section 11-14-7.A. or SeetiÐß 11 11 9.H. ofthis Ordinance.
Traffic Conflict Signs, Signs which because of color, wording, design, movement,
location or illumination resemble or conflict with any traffic-control device or with the
safe and efficient flow of traffic.
Signs which emit any sound, odor or visible matter.
Abandoned Non-Conforming Signs. (See Section 11-14-5 A)
Roof Signs, Any sign erected and constructed wholly on and over the roof of a building,
supported by the roof structure or extending vertically above the highest portion of the
roof.
Amended Sign Ordinance
Page 17 of 50
H,
G.
Vehicle Signs. The parking of any vehicle or trailer on either public or private property,
wffiel1. is visible Hem a pælie agIH ef ':la-)' anv part of which is located within 35 feet of
a public ri!!ht-of-wav. and which has affixed to it a sign which is intended to attract or
direct customers to a business on or near the property is prohibited. This is not intended
to apply to standard aI¥.'eflisiag er identification practices where StI€ft advertising
displays are painted on or permanently attached to a business or commercial vehicle
which is actively being used by the business.
Strobe lights.
I.
Off-premise signs, except as permitted and defined in Sections ll-14-7.A.4, 11-14-9.E.
and 11-14-9.J.
SECTION s: That the title to Section 7 Chapter 14 Title 11 of the Meridian City Code, be, and
the same is hereby repealed and re-enacted to read as follows:
11-14-7
SICNS FOR WHICH f. PERMIT IS NOT REQUIRED TEMPORARY
SIGNS:
SECTION 6: That Section 7,A. Chapter 14 Title II of the Meridian City Code, be, and the
same is hereby amended and shall read as follows:
A,
Temporary Signs Not Requiring a Penmit: The temporary signs listed below do not
require a permit, provided that the construction, placement and use of the temporary signs
are in conformance with Sections 11-14-6. and 11-14-7 of this Ordinance. (See Section
11-14-9.Jl. 7.B. RegelafieR sf SigH TYl"es, for other standards related to temporary signs
requiring a permit.)
General Terms:
Unless otherwise specified by this ordinance, temporary signs may be displayed
on a property for a maximum of thirty (30) days per year,
Temporary signs shall be removed upon expiration of the allowed or permitted
display period.
Any temporary sign with a background area over thirty-two (32) square feet
requires a permit and will not be regulated under the terms of Section 11-14-7 .A.
All temporarY signs must be securelv fastened and erected in a manner that does
not create a potential hazard of anv kind,
No temporarY sign shall be illuminated.
Amended Sign Ordinance
Page 18 of 50
1.
Construction signs, provided that such signs are erected no more than thirty (30)
days prior to the beginning of construction for which a valid building permit has
been issued, are confined to the site of construction, and are removed five (5) days
after completion of construction and prior to occupancy. Tho maximum
batJkgretlfttl area of eoaatruetioH sigAs is 32 s,f.
2.
Holiday decoration sign, Such decorations may be of any type, number, area,
height, illumination and animation. (See definition in Section 11-14-3.)
3,
Portable signs, balloons displayed below the free. standing sign height allowances
per zoning district, banners, and decorative flags may be used only for the
following events: (I) drives and events of civic, philanthropic, educational or
religious organizations. and (2) grand openings.
Gffiy Qne (1) "Grand Opening," "Going Out of Business" or similar type sign
shall be permitted fOf the life of a m;r.business at the same loeatioH for a
maximum of sixtv (60) days. A subsequent "Grand Opening" sign may be
permitted when business ownership has transferred to a new owner. Changes in
business hours. management. location or similar type operation changes are not
permitted under this section and shall be regulated under Section 11.14- 7.B.5.
4.
One (I) real estate sign per frontage on any lot or parcel provided it is removed
within seven (7) days after the sale, rental or lease ofland or buildings has been
consummated, For residential sale properties, one directional sign per real estate
company shall be permitted per subdivision entrance, but shall be located only
upon common lots. o""ftecl by the HBffiOOWfler's .\ssoeiatiBft. No other off-
premise real estate signs. including new subdivision marketing signs. are
permitted,
5.
Temporary window signs (prohibited in residential zones) provided that the
temporary signs shall not exceed twenty-five (25%) ofthe window area, and the
combined total copy area oftemporary and permanent window signs shall not
exceed fifty twentv-five percent (W25%) of the total window area per building
elevation,
6.
Hand held signs.
7,
Public notices posted by public officials or authorized applicants in the
performance of their duties.
8,
Residential Yard / Garage / Estate sale signs: Display is not to exceed one day
prior to the date of the sale with removal within 24 hours following the last day of
the sale. Such signs may be of any number and type, provided that each sign does
not exceed 12 square feet in area.
Amended Sign Ordinance
Page 19 of 50
9-.
PFemetfaRal Sigas (as deBBed ill Se6tiaR II 14 3) whoollaad withill the
f.ellewiRg gliideliBes:
(a) The fellawiag tYJges eftefllfJeFllfY j!FemetfeRal sigHs may Be used: ".^." and
"T" frame sigHs, Balleefls diBj!layed Bele'",' the free stallliiRg sigH height
alle',YaRee j!er zeRiRg diatri6t, BiHlflÐfS, deeerati'/e flags and 'lliRdew sigas.
(B) ,A. HHmimHm efaM (I) prøffietieRal sign, e¡¡eladiRg æy wiRdew sigHs, may
Be diBj!layed j!er BÐsiBess at æy eRe time.
(6) The Baekgnmaà afea (size) efa j!Fef!i0tfeRal sigH may Ret e¡weed Ie S~afe
feet-.
(d) TBHlflaræy pfeffietieRai sigHs may Ret Be attaefted te the stlf' 'Jert stmeture ef a
free stamiiag siga, and mHSt eefllfJly with the j!ÐflRæ6flt sigH setBaek
re"taife!fleHts,
.w-..2." Political or Campaign Signs,
a.
In Residential or Limited Office districts, one or more non-illuminated,
temporary signs are permitted per lot for each candidate or issue on behalf
of candidates for public office or measures on the ballot, provided that:
i.
The property owner grants permission for the erection ofthe sign.
ii,
CamfJlHgH sigflS shall Be ere6ted Rat earlier thllfl siJety «(30) days
prier tø ilie eleetieR at ';/hieh time ilie 6aadidates ef measures ""ill
Be ','eted aj!eR and sffitll Be re!fleved withiR left (10) days after Slleft
eleetiefI-.
Hi-.
No such sign shall be located closer than two feet (2') to any
property line unless attached to a building.
b.
In Commercial and Industrial districts, one or more temporary signs are
permitted on a lot for each candidate or issue on behalf of a candidate for
public office, or of a measure on the ballot, or announcing a campaign,
drive or event of a civic, philanthropic educational or religious
organization or nature, provided that:
i.
The property owner grants permission for the erection of the sign.
Amended Sign Ordinance
Page 20 of 50
ii.
f.fty Buell. siga:s shall Be ereeted oot earlier!fiM sixty (éG) t!a-)S
prier te !fie eleetie!l., eam¡¡aiga er e'¡ellt and sll.al.! Be r-ef!!.eyed
';:i1ffi!l. tell (10) days after saell. eleetieB, eam¡¡aiga er evellt.
ffi-.
No such sign shall be a roof sign.
c.
Political or campaign signs are prohibited on all public property including
but not limited to rights-of-way, parks, schools and public buildings,
unless as specifically allowed in writing by the public entity having
jurisdiction of those properties.
SECTION 7: That Section 7,B. Chapter 14 Title 11 of the Meridian City Code, be, and the
same is hereby repealed and re-enacted and shall read as follows:
B.
PeffHaReat 8iæs: The fallewiag pe_Mellt sigHs 111'6 allewed witheat a permit:
1.
DireetieR!lI er PaBlie 8er'liee ffifeFf!l.aåaH sigas.
2.
CeHve!l.tieHal Flags, e1'!I.!!lef!l.s er iHsigllia ef atfj' aaâeHRI er pelitieal suet!i'¡isieB ar
eel'fJeratieH,
3.
GeveH1HleHtaI sigHS fer the eefttrel eftFafiie er ether regulateI')' fJUlfIeses, er sigas
ef paèlie serviss eeHlfllHlies iBdieatiag dllHger, 'Nflieh are ereated BY er eft tile
erder ef R puelie eflieer iB the perfeffHaRee ef pHÐ!ie t!1tty,
1.
Hease mllft!!6fS ant! 1TIIffie plates.
5,
IateFier sigas leeatet! ',Vitl!iH the iffierier af aRY Bailt!ilig er stmetuf'e that are Ret
'¡,jsæ!e ÍFBf!!. the paèlie right ef ';¡a-y.
é,
"Ne TreSflasBÍag" er "Ne DaHIf'iHg" sigas flat te e¡leeed eRe aRt! eRe half (I \q
sEJ:lllH"e feet ili area per siga Mt! Bet eKeeet!ilig [eUf (1) ili liaæÐer per let, eJleept
that: Sfleeial peFlHissieli may Be eMa-ilied kef!!. the PlarÆilig Direeter fer aàditie!l.aI
sigHs aRtIer preYeII speeial eireaæ.staReeS,
7.
Mef!!.erial sigHs er tablets, flSlfles ar eailàiags anà date ef ereetieli ':flieH eat ilite
any f!!.aselH)' sW'fl1ee er ieJaid se as te Be part af the Bwlàiag.
8.
OeOOflaRt sigHs oot te e¡¡eeed alie fer eaeIJ. àviellil1g ooit ilidieatilig !fie Rtlffie ef
the ee6llf3an!, er the laeatieli ar ideatifieatiali af a haf!!.e ar pfØfessieliai emee
eJleept as limiteà BY the zenilig diotfiet eIIeeffiJlasoiag the ass.
9,
Pla~es er liame¡¡late sigHs ef Het f!!.are thaR twø and elie half (2 \~) s<!uare feet ili
111'611 ',mell. are fastelled direetly te a Bai!dilig.
Amended Sign Ordinance
Page 21 of 50
11.
12,
13,
H.
IS.
1(i.
17.
It
10.
Paàlie sigas relJ.aireè er Sfjeeifieally lIIHhefÎ:i'ied fer a J31fàlie pUf '!ese ày any 111">;,
statute er eFEliaarlee, y,<hiOO may àe ef my ty¡¡e, HIHl'Iber, area, height aàe'{e grade,
leelt!ieli, illlHBiBatieli er anfmatiea as ret¡HÌft1à ày the 111'::, slarute er effiiflltaee
lHlder '.vftioo the sigas 8f6 ereeled.
Hi~terieal sigas er markers.
PeffilBfleRt wÏl!Elew ~igas (prehièiteà ili FiJsiElefltial zeaes) previEleè that
pefffianeflt sigHs ~hall Bet eKeeeEl tweHIy five pereeflt (25~<.) efthe 'oVilide'l: area,
aaè the eeæèifl6à tetal espy 8f611 eft6!llfJeflH)' Bflà pefffilHleRt ':liBde\': sigas shall
Bet e¡¡eeed fifty pereeflt (50%) eflhe tetal ','{iaee'!: area.
Sigas ia the EliSJ!lay ',vÏl!de'::s ef a àusiaess, v:fiieh8f6 iBeeTj3eFa!ee ia a display ef
merelumèise.
S)'H\1'Jels er Iasigllia: Re1igiej,¡s s)'ffiàels, ee!fIIHemeFatiye plElljties ef reeegaizeè
histeneal ag8fløies, er iEleRtifieatiea 6Htèlems ef ft1ligieus erders er histerieal
ageaeies, pF\wieeEl thlt! ae suOO symBel plaE lie er iElefltiliea!Ïea eæèlem. shall
e"eeeè Í0lH (4) séJaare feet ia llfea, ana previEled further that all ~aefl symeels,
plaéJ:ues and iEleatifieatieB e!llblem.s shall àe plaeeEl Rat agaÏl!st a àailEliag.
V.'amiag Sigas: SigHs ':Iamilig the p$lie efthe eKisteBee ef Elaftger, ef a size as
may àe Beeessary, Ie àe r6ffievee UfleB sj,¡àsiEleaee ef BaRger. 8aeh sigas sfiallaet
eaffiaÏl! aevertisiag material.
Aft)' siga wl1ieh is efÎeflted elily te the pft1perty ea .....ftieh it is leeateEi aaà is aet
'{¡siele Hem the puàlie Fight ef way,
,A. p6ffRit sallllaet be reE tiift1E1 far a ehlll!ge ef eeflY ea any siga, Her for !he
FBpaffitiag, eleaniag er ether Bel'ffial maiftteftBflee er FBpair af a siga er siga
s1fl!e!æ'e fer \',4Iieh a peffilit has previeusly àeea issued ili aeeerElaaee w¡1fi lfiis
eeEle, pfeviElee that !he siga er siga s1fl!eIHre is Bet suàstantially alteree ia !!!Ij'
way-.
Temporary Signs Requiring a Permit: The following signs mav be allowed upon
issuance of a permit from the Planning & Zoning Department. Signs listed in Section 11-
14- 7,A. are excluded from these terms and application process.
One (1) temporary sign permit may be issued per business UP to a maximum of
stwentv (20) days per permit and UP to four (4) times per year. for a maximum of
eighty (80) davs per year per business. A minimum of six tv (60) davs must lapse
between each permit or displav of sign.
Amended Sign Ordinance
Page 22 of 50
An annual temporary pennit option mav be provided so that a new permit will
not be reQuired for each 20-dav period. However, such annual temporary sign
permits shall be renewed every year.
The temporary sign permit shall be attached to the approved sign in a clearlv
visible manner.
The applicant shall pav the appropriate permit fee. as adopted bv the Citv
Council.
L
Street Banners stretched over public propertv that pertain to civic affairs and are
approved bv the Zoning Administrator,
!h
No banner shall be allowed over public propertv for a longer period than
fourteen (14) davs.
!b
A substantial rope at least one inch (I ") in diameter shall be used as the
main support for banners and two (2) one-half inch (Y>") ropes shall be
used for securing each lower corner. The banner shall have sufficient wind
holes. Wire cable. metallic rope or other material capable of conducting
electricitv shall not be used to secure the banner,
b
Searchlights that meet the following standards mav be approved bv the Zoning
Administrator:
!h
The searchlight is used bv a business once annuallv for a maximum period
of seven (7) consecutive davs. or for purposes of the grand opening of a
new business or a business under new management for a maximum period
of seven (7) consecutive davs.
!b
In no case shall the beam of the searchlight flash against anv building or
sween an arc greater than forty five (45) degrees from vertical.
l,
Balloons and other inflated devices and other temporary signs which exceed the
free-standing sign height allowances per zoning district mav be permitted by the
Zoning Administrator, provided that such balloons. devices and signs meet the
following standards:
a,
No more than one such sign or device is allowed per business per vear:
!b
The sign or device is securelv fastened. but shall not be secured or
attached to any other temporary or portable sign:
Amended Sign Ordinance
Page 23 of 50
Q,
No mylar. electricity or other power-conducting material is used in the
construction of the silm or device.
~
Special off-site auto sales sÍ!mage.
~
Portable seasonal. special sale. and promotional signs (as defined in Section 11-
14-3) when used within the following guidelines:
!h
A maximum of one (1 ) such sign shall be displaved per business at anv
one time.
Q,
The background area (size) of such sign shall not exceed 16 square feet.
Q,
The signs shall not be attached to the support structure of a free-standing
sign, and must complv with the permanent sign setback requirements.
~
Portable readerboards,
SECTION 8: That Sections 8,B.3" 8.B.4" and 8.c. Chapter 14 Title II of the Meridian City
Code, be, and the same are hereby amended and shall read as follows:
11-14-8
CLASSIFICATION AND STATUS OF EXISTING SIGNS:
Signs in existence prior to enactment of this Ordinance (dated 02/06/01) will fall under one of
the three (3) following classifications and be subject to procedures and actions as described.
A.
Conforming: A sign which conforms to the requirements of this Code. These signs may
remain and continue to be governed according to this Ordinance,
B.
Legal Non-Conforming: Any sign which does not conform to the requirements of this
Code, but which was legally erected in either of the following circumstances: (I) a valid
penmit was issued for the sign prior to the adoption of this Code; or (2) the sign required
no permit but was a legal sign prior to the adoption ofthis Code. No temporary or
prohibited signs shall be eligible for "legal non-conforming" status.
A legal non-conforming sign shall lose its legal non-conforming status if:
1. There is a change of background area constituting fifty percent (50%) or more of the
total existing sign background area. A change of face of a single tenant name panel that
constitutes less than fifty percent (50%) of the total existing sign background area in a
multi-tenant sign except, for readerboards, shall not constitute grounds for modification
of a non-conforming sign.
Amended Sign Ordinance
Page 24 of 50
2. The sign is moved to a position that violates this Ordinance; or
3. The sign cabinet or supporting structure is replaced; or
4. A new or additional sign, including readerboards. is provided for the business using the
non-conforming sign; or
5. There is a change in the use ofthe property that the sign is located on; or
6, There are alterations or enlargements to the site or building on the property in excess of
twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the existing site or building, The amount of
alterations shall be cumulative over time; or
7, The legal non-conforming sign has been damaged to the extent of more than 50% of its
reproduction value.
Upon occurrence of any of the above events, a non-conforming sign shall lose its legal
status, Thereafter, the sign owner shall remove the sign within sixty (60) days, unless
he/she is able to bring it into compliance with this Code.
C.
Illegal: Any sign which does not conform to the requirements of this Code and for which
a permit was never legally issued and which cannot meet the requirements of a legal non-
conforming sign. Illegal signs must Be remo\'eà or hro1:lgHt iato eoBfØffflit)' BY the
pfØ¡'Iert)' o-:.'fIer ".yitliiB siR (á) HlOfttftS of tlie àate of tfte aèe¡'ltioB of tliis OràiBaflee or
BiBet)' (99) àays !titer BotiH6a1;ÎoB fFøHl the ZoflÎllg !.àmiÐ.istfator, whiehever is earlier,
will be enforced under the provisions of Section 11-14-11.C and Section 11-14-13.
SECTION 9: That Sections 9.C. and 9.F.4 Chapter 14 Title II of the Meridian City Code, be,
and the same are hereby repealed and re-enacted, except 9.H is hereby repealed and said sections
thereafter shall be re-Iettered, and that Sections 9.E" 9.E.I, 9,E,2,c" 9.E.2.d., 9,F,1., and 9,F.3
Chapter 14 Title II of the Meridian City Code, be, and the same are hereby amended and they
shall now read as follows:
11-14-9 REGULATION OF SIGN TYPES:
[Note: This section should be used in correlation with the sign types listed in Tables A-H in
Section 11-14-10.]
A. Rent, Lease and Sale Signs: In addition to the provisions of Tables A-H, the regulations in
Section ll-14-17.A.4. and ll-14-7,A,8 shall also apply,
B, Construction Signs: In addition to the provisions of Tables A-H, the regulations in Section
11-14-7.A.1 shall also apply.
Amended Sign Ordinance
Page 25 of 50
C. Other SigHs: IH aààitieH te the I'fevisiefls efTaà!es .\ Ii, Úie fellewiag staflàaràs shall a¡Jf!!Y
sI'eeifieally to DireetieHaI SigHs, wilieh are alle'.'.'eà withem a I'Bfffiit Hader SeetieH 11 11
+£t
C. Permanent Signs Allowed Without a Permit:
.L Directional or Public Service Information signs. Directional signs shall be no IITeater
than four (4) SQuare feet in area and no more than four feet (4') in height. Ifbusiness
identification is used. then it shall be secondarY in all aspects to the primary use of
these signs for directional purposes as defined.
b Conventional flags. emblems or insilmia of any national or political subdivision or
corporation.
1. Governmental signs for the control of traffic or other regulatorv purposes, or signs of
public service companies indicating danger. which are erected bv or on the order of a
public officer in the performance of public duty.
~ House numbers and name plates.
.2., Signs located within the interior of anv building or structure that are not visible from
the public right-of-way.
Q" "No Trespassing" or "No Dumping" silms that do not exceed one and one-half (1 y»
SQuare feet in area per sign and that do not exceed four (4) in number per lot. Special
permission may be obtained from the Zoning Administrator for additional signs
where hazardous or public nuisance conditions exist.
L Memorial signs or tablets. names or buildings and date of erection that are cut into
masonrY surface or inlaid so as to be part of the building,
~ Occupant signs not to exceed one (1) for each dwelling unit indicating the name of
the occupant. or the location or identification of a home or professional office except
as limited bv the zoning district encompassing the use,
2." PlaQues or nameplate signs of not more than two and one-half (2 y,) SQuare feet in
area which are fastened directly to a building,
.1Q" Public signs reQuired or specifically authorized for a public purpose bv anv law.
statute or ordinance. which mav be of anv type. number. area. height above IITade.
location. illumination or animation as reQuired by the law. statute or ordinance under
which the signs are erected.
II. Historical signs or markers.
Amended Sign Ordinance
Page 26 of 50
12. Permanent window signs (where such signs are allowed), provided that permanent
signs shall not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the window area, and the
combined total COpy area oftemporarv and permanent window signs shall not exceed
fiftv percent (50%) of the total window area.
ß Signs in the displav windows of a business, which are incorporated in a displav of
merchandise.
14. Svmbols or Insignia: Religious svmbols. commemorative plaques ofrecognized
historical agencies. or identification emblems of religious orders or historical
agencies. provided that no such symbol plaque or identification emblem shall exceed
four (4) square feet in area. and provided further that all such symbols. plaques and
identification emblems shall be placed flat against a building.
15. Warning Signs: Signs warning the public of the existence of danger, of a size as mav
be necessary. to be removed upon subsidence of danger. Such signs shall not contain
advertising material,
16, Anv sign which is oriented onlv to the property on which it is located and is not
visible from the public ril!ht-of-wav.
17. A permit shall not be reQuired for a change of copv on any sign. nor for the
repainting. cleaning or other normal maintenance or repair of a sign or sign structure
for which a permit has previouslv been issued in accordance with this code. provided
that the sign or sign structure is not substantiallv altered in anv wav.
D. Free-Standing Signs (Single Building): In addition to the provisions of Tables C-H, the
following standards shall apply to all free-standing signs not part of a Planned Sign Program:
I. Number Allowed: No building occupied by a single tenant may be signed with more
than one (1) free-standing sign unless the sign is sited on a second public street
frontage of the lot, or approved as a directional sign,
2. Maximum Height and Background Area: The sign height and background area shall
be as provided in Tables C-H.
3. Setbacks and Location: The sign shall be located as near the primary access driveway
as practical. In all zoning districts, no part of the sign, including the footing, shall be
located closer than five feet (5') from the side and rear property lines, unless greater
separation is required, In commercial and industrial zones, no part ofthe sign,
including the footing, shall be located closer than one foot (I') from the front
property line. In residential and office zones, the setback shall be a minimum of five
feet (5') from the front property line.
Amended Sign Ordinance
Page 27 of 50
4. I1lumination: Signs may utilize direct, indirect or internal lighting, except that the use
of direct lighting in or adjacent to residential zones is prohibited.
E. Center Signs (Planned Sign Program): In addition to the provisions of Tables C-H, the
following standards shall apply to all signs within a Planned Sign Program:
. Intent: The purpose of a Planned Sign Program is to establish consistent
signage criteria tailored to specific, multi-building or multi-tenant
developments, The intent is to provide for flexible sign criteria that
promotes superior design through architectural integration of the site,
buildings and signs. If approved, a Planned Sign Program may allow for
increases to the background area, height, and other standards for wall
signs.
. Plaf!IIeà gig¡¡. Pre gram Applicability: All developments in commercial,
office or industrial zones comprising more than one (1) principal building
on a lot or buildings with more than one (I) occupant and proposing one
(I) or more free-standing signs shall adopt a comprehensive Planned Sign
Program. The sign program shall be filed with the Plar.niag Direetør
Zoninl! Administrator and shall specify standards for consistency among
all signs within the development. (See application requirements in Section
l1-14-4.B,)
. The approval of a Planned Sign Program shall be required prior to
issuance of a building permit. Existing developments in the City which do
not have a comprehensive sign program shall be required to adopt one
when the first tenant in the project requests a change of sign background
area as defined in this ordinance, Thereafter, all subsequent changes of
face in the project shall be required to conform to the adopted program.
Any modifications to an approved sign or sign program must be re-
submitted for approval by either the Plar.niag Diraetør Zoninl!
Administrator or the Commission (at Direeler's Administrator's
discretion).
I. Review Procedure Required: The installation of any sign may only occur after a
Planned Sign Program has been submitted, reviewed and approved by the PkmÐffig
~ Zoninl! Administrator. Thereafter, a sign that conforms to the approved sign
program may be permitted by the PliHH1fftg Direeter Zoninl! Administrator. Approval
of a Planned Sign Program does not waive the permit requirements for indi vidual
signs, In cases of existing sites that have no approved sign program, all signs shall be
regulated in conformance with all other sections of this code until such time as a
Planned Sign Program is submitted, reviewed and approved.
Amended Sign Ordinance
Page 28 of 50
2. Standards:
a.
Design: The sign shall incorporate materials, colors and a design motif
that is compatible with and complements the architectural theme and style
of the building or complex for which the sign identifies, Sign designs
shall reflect a common theme and incorporate similar design elements in
terms of materials, letter style, illumination, sign type and sign shape.
b.
Sign Location: Free-standing signs shall be located as near to the primary
access driveway as practical. Free-standing signs in commercial and
industrial zones shall not be closer than one hundred fifty feet (150') from
any residentially zoned property. Distance, for the purpose of establishing
location, shall refer to the linear distance in either direction on the street to
which the sign faces only.
c.
Number: One center sign shall be allowed per center. as defined herein.
One additional center sign shall be allowed per one-thousand feet (1000')
of street frontage on a single street., Sf f'raetisH tflerøef, mirY he f'efffiiHed.
The one-thousand feet shall not be cumulative for corner lots. In addition
to the main center sign, one (I) free-standing sign for each building within
the center is permitted, with size and background area in accordance with
Tables CoG, provided that no sign exceeds a height of ten feet (10') and
background area of seventy (70) square feet.
d.
With the exception of roof signs, wall signs are permitted in any number,
location, or orientation, except toward an adjoining residential property,
provided that the total square footage does not exceed eighteen percent
(18%) ofthe wall face upon which the sign is placed, or nine percent (9%)
of the wall if combined with a free-standing sign on the same lot.
e.
Sign height and placement shall be consistent throughout the development
site.
3, Binding Effect: After approval of a Planned Sign Program, no signs shall be
constructed except in conformance with such plan. Upon approval, the sign program
shall apply to all existing and future tenants, This Planned Sign Program shall be
included in the lease for each individual tenant. Proof of said inclusions shall be
submitted to the Planning Department by the lessor.
F. Wall Signs: In addition to the provisions of Tables C-H, the following standards shall apply
to all wall signs:
I. Area: For &-5ffigle wall sigJl!j oriented to a public street, the sign shall not exceed
eighteen percent (18%) of wall area (up to a maximum of seventv-five (75) sq. ft. in
Amended Sign Ordinance
Page 29 of 50
office zones}, For wall si!!l1S not oriented to a Dublic street. the sÜm shall not exceed
9% of wall area. "Wall Area" shall mean the wall surface of a single tenant structure
or the storefront of a multi-tenant structure. When a combination of wall and free-
standing sÜms are used on a single site, the total area for wall signs oriented to a
Dublic street must be reduced by fiftv Dercent (50%).
2. Height: Not to exceed the height ofthe wall face up to a maximum of thirty (30) ft.
Lettering within the copy area shall not exceed a height of three (3) feet.
3. Number Allowed: Each business with exterior frontage in office, commercial or
industrial zones or as otherwise approved as Dart of a Planned DeveloDment shall be
permitted 6fte wall sign§. The combined area of all signs on a single wall shall not
exceed the allowable Dercentage. ORe aèàitieHil! v.'all sigH shall Be pemlitted per
e¡¡:terier Builèiflg wall UHàer the eeHàitieHG Bele'll, pF8\'iàeà there Í5 He more !hall eRe
wall sigH eH eaea side efilie B1:Iilæag:
It-.
The sigH Bllekge1:Hlà arell may Be BeHe':.'eà frelR taat alle'l¡eà eR too
Bailàiag wall faeiag !he street;
B-.
The sigH BaekgFBlifld area is a lRœd- ef9% efihe Bliilàiag viall; aJlà
e-.
The aàjeiRiRg pftJperty is ",eRed eeffiffiereilll er iaà1:lstflal.
4. ',VheH II eelfll3ifll!âeH efviall aRè Hee stlHldiRg sigHs are used eH a siHgle site, !he tetal
area fer willi sigHG IRIiGt Be redaeeà BY 50~<',
H.Lighting: Direct illumination signs are prohibited.
6.2.. Animation, flashing lights, readerboards and revolving signs are prohibited.
~. The design of the sign, including color scheme, shall be compatible with the wall
face.
1. Illuminated wall signs shall not be oriented to any residential use.
G.
Projecting Signs:
I. Location: Projecting signs are prohibited in all zones except Old Town or as approved
under a Planned Sign Program. (See the Old Town Historic Sign Ordinance.)
2. Maximum Background Area: The maximum background area shall be five percent
(5%) of building face facing a local street within the Old Town District, up to a
maximum of fifteen (IS} square feet; fifteen percent (15%) in other zones where such
Amended Sign Ordinance
Page 30 of 50
signs are allowed, When both projecting and wall signs are utilized, the allowable
area for each sign type is to be reduced by fifty percent (50%).
3. Projection above building height: No projecting sign shall ever project above the
building roofline,
4, Vertical Clearance: The minimum clearance over public rights-of-way shall be twelve
feet (12').
5, Lighting: Projecting signs shall have either direct or indirect lighting sources.
6, Number Allowed: Where permitted, no more than one projecting sign per business
shall be allowed,
7. Projection from Wall: Projecting signs shall have a maximum projection often feet
(10') or to within two feet (2') of the face of the curb, whichever is less,
H. TeHlfloFary 8igH9 Re~iFiag a PefHlit: The fellowiag temporary sigHs IRay Be allowed ~oa
im!1:lanee of ape_it !fOIR the Plan:úag & Zoaiag DSf'artHleat.
The followiag guideliae9 shallllflfJly to teHIfJoFary sigH pefffiit II\¥lieatioas for teHlflomry
sigHs I'tJEJ:llired to o8lMa pefffiÏt91:1Rder this Seetioa. SigHs listed ia Seetioa 11 11 7,/., are
eKeluded ffeIR thege tORRS a¡¡d lIfIl"lieatioa l"ffleÐSs.
/. teHIfJOlwy sigH l"eRBit m~ Be issued per Bllsiae9s llfJ to a IRa¡¡ÏHlWH of
20 d~'s per pel'ffiit and llfJ to foUl' (1) tiHle9l"er year, for a HlW¡j- of
gO days per year per B1:19iaess. .^. miniIRl:IIR of siJlty (é9) daY9 æu9t IlIfIsO
Betweea eaeR PeæHt
".11 ar.Bliai te1ftfJoffiry l"eRRit optioa ',yill Be provided so that a aew
pefffiit v;ill Rot Be FØéJ.uired for eaeR2Q d~ period. However, sueR
ar.fl1:lal teIRl"orary sigH pefffiits æ1:lBt Be reae...:ed every year.
.\ foe of $1 9 l"er teHlfloffiry pefffiit, or $39 per anaIIai peffflit, will Be
efiargeà BY the City,
h
Stfeet BatUlefS stroteaed over l"H8lie pfÐpefl:y that peftaia to oi'lie affairs
and are al"f!ffl'/ed BY the Plar~'¡ag Direetor,
ft-.
No Bar.!1Ðf saaH Be allo'::ed o'/er p1:lBlie pfflport) f.er a laager
period than fourtee¡¡ (11) daya,
Ð-.
A s1:lBstilfttiall'Øl"e at least OHe iaeR (1") ia àiameter, Hot wire eaèle
or other metallie r°l"e or wire, saall Be used as the æaia sllfJl"°rt for
Amended Sign Ordinance
Page 31 of 50
Bar.ners IIII.d tWÐ (2) eHe halfiHeB. (W') Fefles shall Be Hged for
seeHr'.ng eaeB.lewer eÐmer; IIII.à ilie Bar.Her shall have sHffieieRt
':liad hales,
~
SeafeB.ligftts, '[:hea:
a-.
They life Hsed BY a Besiaegs or eIltel'f!RSe BRee yellfly fer a
mælÎffiIfiH fleFiod of seVeR (7) eÐßseootive daj'S, Br fBr fI~Bses ef
the gr-1III.à ÐflefJ.ÌHg ef a He';! æterpRge er aR elltelfJRge HRèer Hew
managemeHt fur a mælÎfflliffi flef'Ìod of SeyeR (7) eBHseeutivÐ days,
IIBd flFey'¡èed that;
Ð-.
IR H8 ease shall the Beam Ðf ilie sellf6llligllt flaoh agaiast lIII.y
BHilèÎHg Ðr s';!eBflIlll.1lf6 greater ilillll. forty five degrees (45 degree)
ffem verâeal,
~
BaileeHS anti Ðther iRf.lateè deviees, IIII.ti ether tefflflÐrllf)' sigas wflieB.
e¡¡eeed the free stllll.diag sigaheigllt allo';illll.eeg fief zÐmag èistriet may Be
fleffflitteè BY the Plar.niRg Direeter flrevided iliat:
a.
Ne more tflllll. eRe StieR sigEl is alla'l.'eè fler year;
B,
The sigEl is seellfely faoteaeè;
4-.
Sfleeial Ðff site a],lta sales sigaage.
S-.
PaRaBle seasÐaal and sfleeial sale sigHS.
IR.
General Interest Directional Signs: Except as otherwise provided, sign regulations
governing erection of non-accessory directional signs at street intersections and other
appropriate locations by City of Meridian for direction to places of general interest such
as colleges, auditoriums, fairgrounds, hospitals, airports, parks, playgrounds, and other
places are to be treated as public service information signs and regulated as such.
JI.
Billboards
1.
Relocation
a.
Existing billboards may be allowed to relocate with a Conditional Use
Permit if the new site is approved based on the findings and criteria set
forth in Paragraph 2 of this Section, Existing off-premise signs of the
billboard category may be replaced structure for structure.
Amended Sign Ordinance
Page 32 of 50
2.
L
The Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council must make all of the
following findings in permitting a billboard relocation:
a.
That the location and placement of the sign will not endanger motorists or
pedestrians and does not interfere with the clear vision triangle at street,
railroad, or street-driveway intersections.
b.
That the sign will not cover or blanket any prominent view of a structure
or façade of historical or architectural significance,
c.
That the sign will not obstruct views of users of adjacent buildings to side
yards, yards, or to nearby open space. This requirement does not include
views of distant vistas.
d.
That the sign will not negatively impact the visual quality of a public open
space such as a recreation facility, square, plaza, court yard and the like.
e,
That the height of the sign is compatible with the heights of buildings in
the immediate area (300' radius from sign). Where the view of the sign is
obstructed by a building or buildings on the same or adjacent parcels, or
where the view to the business or businesses is located on the same or
adjacent parcels would be obstructed by the placement of the sign, the
height of the sign may not exceed the height of the building on the same or
adjacent parcel by more than twelve feet (12'), For safety reasons the
minimum clearance of a sign shall never be less than eight feet (8 ').
Height of signs located in undeveloped areas (no buildings within 300')
shall not exceed 22' above grade,
f.
That the sign's lighting will not cause hazardous or unsafe driving
conditions for motorists and will not glare, reflect, or spill onto adjacent
business or residential area.
Super Graphics: Super graphics, as defined in Section 11-14-3. are not regulated bv this
Code.
SECTION 10: That the titles to Section 10 and Section lO,B. Chapter 14 Title II ofthe
Meridian City Code, be, and the same are hereby amended, and that Sections 1O.B,1., 1O.B.2,
10.B.3" I O.B.4, and 10.B.5, are hereby amended, and to provide for a new subsection C" and the
same shall now read as follows:
11-14-10
SIGNS PE.Rl\UTTED STANDARDS BY ZONING DISTRICT:
Signs for uses in zoning districts of the City shall conform with the dimensional, locational, and
other standards specified in Tables A-H below:
Amended Sign Ordinance
Page 33 of 50
General Terms (applicable in all zones):
A. Allowable Sign Size Exchange for Corner Lots in All Zones
In all zones, land abutting more than one public street shall be allowed its quota of signs on
each street and up to twenty percent (20%) of the permitted sign size quota on any street may
be deducted therefrom and added to the second street frontage.
B. 1-84 fugn Overlay ~
There shall be an 1-84 fugn Overlay ~ located within an area three hundred feet (300')
from and parallel to the right-of-way line ofI-84 on both the north and south sides of the
interstate. Free-standing signs and wall signs within the 1-84 fugn Overlay ~ shall comply
with the following standards:
1. Wall Signs: See Table H for specific standards. Only one (I) wall sign oriented to 1-
84 shall be allowed per business, or per tenant in a building which is occupied by two
or more tenants. However, not more than two (2) freeway-oriented wall signs shall be
allowed on any single building or structure.
2. Maximum Free-standing Sign Height: A free-standing sign located within the 1-84
fugn"Overiay ~ shall not exceed forty (40) feet in height, as g¡eaolireà !fog¡ the
er-ÐWR efthe aàjaeeBt reaè'.'la-y.
3. Maximum Background Area: A free-standing sign located within the 1-84 Overlay
Sign Overlav ~ shall be ~ one (1) square feet foot of sign area per linear
foot of freeway frontage up to a maximum of 150 SQuare feet for single building signs
and three hundred (300) square feet for center signs,
4. Spacing: The minimum distance between free-standing signs within the 1-84 fugn
Overlay ~ is 500 feet.
5, Ne f'E,esidential subdivision identification signs oriented to the freewav are permitted
within the 1-84 fugn Overlay ~, but the sign SUPDort must be designed with a
foundation. pedestal or other non-pole design structure and be compatible with the
residential subdivision.
C. Freeway Interchange Sign Overlay
There shall be a Freewav Interchange Sign Overlay established bv this ordinance, Section 11-
14-10. Figure A. graphicallv depicts the overlay boundaries. The intent of this overlav is to
allow businesses located near an 1-84 interchange the option of increased sign visibility and
height. Free-standing signs and wall signs within the Freeway Interchange Sign Overlav shall
complv with the following standards:
L Wall Signs: All wall signs on buildings with 1-84 frontage shall comply with the
Amended Sign Ordinance
Page 34 of 50
standards set forth in Section 11-14-IO,B.1. All other wall signs shall complv with the
standards set forth in Section 11-14-9.F.
2., Maximum Free-standing Sign Height: A free-standing sign located within the
Freeway Interchange Sign Overlav shall not exceed forty feet (40') in height.
¿ Maximum Background Area: A free-standing sign located within the Freewav
Interchange Sign Overlay shall be allowed a sign background area no greater than
120 SQuare feet for a single building and 300 SQuare feet fora center sign.
1, Location: All free-standing signs using the increased sign height allowed bv the
overlav shall be entirelv located within the Freeway Interchange Sign Overlay
boundaries. If onlv a portion of a propertv falls within the overlav boundarY. the sign
must be located within said portion,
~ Spacing: The minimum distance between free-standing signs within the Freeway
Interchange Sign Overlav is forty (40') feet.
Amended Sign Ordinance
Page 35 of 50
TABLE A
6 ft.
5 ft. from property line
(or greater}
N
None
I per lot
No
Higher
Than eave
Attached flat on building,
Or on an awning
None
I per lot
None
N
CUP required (Maximwn 16 sq. ft. in any zone)
15ft. from property line Max. three
6 ft. None signs er lot
(or greater) + 2. per each
5 ft. from any property line. Indirect or entrance
6 ft. I Positioned at the subdivision Internal to the
entrance subdivision1.£.
N
y
1 Two (2) subdivision identification signs are allowed per entrance only if the subdivision entrances are a minimwn of 1.320 feet apart and signs
are on different sides of the entrance. If the subdivision entrances are less than 1.320 feet apart. as measured from centerline to centerline. than
only one (n subdivision identification sign is allowed per entrance.
2 Subdivision identification signs located within medians shall be a minimwn of 20 feet back from the rÜilit-of.wav line ofthe perpendicular street.
Amended Sign Ordinance
Page 36 of 50
Amended Sign Ordinance
No
higher
than
eave
TABLE B
N
Attached flat on building
None
1 per lot
None
N
6 ft. 15ft. from property line I None
(or greater)
5 ft. from any property line.
6 ft. I Positioned at the subdivision I Indirect or Internal
entrance
Max, three
signs per site
I at each
entrance
to the
complex or
subdivision
y
N
Page 37 of 50
TABLE C
8 ft.
5 ft. from any
property line
15 ft.
5 ft. from any
property line
Not to project
above the wall
Oft ..all rase
Fasiftg street
(See Sect. 9.F.)
Not to extend
above top of
can,
8 ft. minimum
clearance
Amended Sign Ordinance
Page 38 of 50
Direct, II per street
Indirect,
Internal frontage
-
Direct, I per 1,000
Indirect, lineal feet of
Internal street frontage
Indirect, (See Sect. 118 inches from 18ft.
Internal 9.F.) wall.
Indirect, 1 per lot or I No projection
Internal parcel
Internal 1 per business I -- 18ft,
y
y
y
y
y
None
1 per lot
N
N
age is oriented to same frontage.
IS ft.
20 ft.
Not to project
Above wall
Length not to
Exceed 75% of 8 ft. minimum
canopy width clearance
~ Regulated as Wall Signs
10 ft.
12 ft.
Amended Sign Ordinance
TABLED
Direct, II per street
Indirect,
Internal frontage
I ft. from ITont Direct, I per 1,000
property line; Indirect, lineal feet of
5 ft, ITom side Internal street ITontage
Indirect,
Internal I (See Sect. I Max. 18 inches 18ft.
9.F.) from wall
Indirect or I per street
Internal frontage I No projection
Internal I per business I .- 18ft.
y
y
y
y
y
5' from property None I per street
Ime (or eater fronta e
5' ITomproperty None Max. 3 signs
Ime (or greater per lot
are used, total area for wall signs HffiSt shall be reduced by50% if all signage is oriented to same ITontage,
N
N
Page 39 of 50
TABLE E
I ft. from front
20 ft, I property I Direct, Indirect, II per street I -- I -- I y
line; 5 ft, from Internal frontage
side
I ft. from front I II per 1,000
35 ft. I property Direct, Indirect, lineal feet of I -- I -- I y
line; 5 ft. from Internal street frontage
side
Not to OR v:all faee I
project OrieÐteà ta I Indirect Internal (See Sect. I Max, 18
Above the street fæmage' 9.F.) inches I Min. 12 ft. I y
wall face ,~u~u. n~' from wall
Not to
extend I I Indirect, 12 per street I No I I y
above top -- Internal frontage projection
of canopy
Length not to 8 ft.
Exceed 75% of minimum I -- I Internal I I per business I -- I Min, 8 ft. I y
Width clearance
Regulated as Wall Signs I 5 ft.ftom
10 ft. None I per street I -- I I N
ro erty line fronta e
12 ft, 15ft. from None Max. 3 signs I -- I -- I N
property line per lot
When a combination of wall and free-standing signs are used, total area for wall signs - shall be reduced by 50% if all signage is oriented to same
frontage,
Amended Sign Ordinance
Page 40 of 50
TABLEF
15 ft.
I ft, ftom ftont
property
line; 5 ft. from
side
1 ft. ftom front
property
line; 5 ft. from
side
OR ..all fase
25 ft.
Not to extend
above roof line
Ofleateà Ie skeet
ffi>atage
(See Sect. 9.F.)
Length not to
exceed 75% of
canopy width
Regulated as Wall Signs
Direct,
Indirect,
Internal
Indirect,
Internal
Indirect,
Internal
Internal only
I per street
ftontage
y
I per 1,000
lineal feet of
street ftontage
y
(See Sect.
9.F.)
Max. 18
inches
from wall
y
Min. 12 ft.
2 per street
frontage
No
projection
y
I per business
Min. 8 ft.
y
64 ft 10 ft 5' from property N 1 per street
sq. . . line one frontal(e
32 sq. ft. 12 ft. 5' ftom property None Max. 3 signs
~~ ~ ~M
When combination of wall and ftee-standing signs are used, total area for wall signs ImISt shall be reduced by 50% if all signage is oriented to the same
frontage.
Amended Sign Ordinance
Page 41 of 50
N
N
TABLE G
I ft. ftom front I Direct,
1 property Indirect, 11 per street
12 ft. line; 5 ft. from Internal frontage
side
1 ft. from front I Direct, II per 1,000
20 ft. I ~roperty Indirect, lineal feet of
Ime; 5 ft, ftom Internal street ftontage
side
Not to project OR '!-,all faee I Indirect, I (See Sect. 118 inches from 112 ft.
above the roof faeing skeet Internal 9.F.) wall.
line (~"" ~""t Q P ,
Not to extend I I Indirect, 12 per street I No projection
above top of -- Internal frontage
canopy
8 ft. min. I I Internal only 11 per business I -- 18ft.
--
clearance
y
y
y
y
y
32 ft lOft 5'ftomproperty N I per street
sq. . . line one frontage
32 sq. ft. 12 ft. 5' ÍÌ'om property None Max. 3 signs
~~ ~ ~M
When combination of wall and free-standing signs are used, total area for wall signs HffiSt shall be reduced by 50%, if all signage is oriented to the same
frontage.
N
N
Amended Sign Ordinance
Page 42 of 50
TABLE H
25% of
freeway I Direct, Indirect,
40 ft. I frontage taken 11 per freeway
from side lot Internal onentahon
line
I ft. trom front
60 ft. I property I Direct, Indirect, 11 per 1,000
Ime; 5 ft. from Internal lineal feet of
side street trontage
Not to g¡,..,
project OrieHted Ie I ' I (See Sect. I Max. 18
above the Ífeffiage Indirect, Internal 9.F,) inches I Min. 12 ft.
wall face (See Sect. 9,F.) from wall
y
y
y
Amended Sign Ordinance
Page 43 of 50
TABLE I
Freewa
1 ft. from front
40 ft, I propertv I Direct. Indirect.
Ime; 5 ft, from Internal
side
I ft, from front
40 ft. I~ I Direct, Indirect,
Ime: 5 ft. from Internal
side
I
Not to
project I (See Sect. I Indirect. Internal
above the 'LÐ
wall face
1.ill;r
buildable lot
y
1 per 1.000
lineal feet of
street frontage
y
(See Sect.
'LÐ
Max. 18
inches
from wall
Min. 12 ft,
y
Amended Sign Ordinance
Page 44 of 50
C.
SECTION 11: That Sections 11.A., 11.B. and II.C Chapter 14 Title 11 ofthe Meridian
City Code, be, and the same are hereby amended and shall read as follows:
11-14-11
ADMINISTRATION:
A.
Inspection. The PlfIr.RiHg Diree!er Zoning Administrator and/or Building
Inspector are hereby empowered to enter or inspect, upon notification of the
property owner or manager, any building, structure or premises in the City on
which, or in connection with which a sign, is located, for the purpose of
inspection of the sign, its structura1 and electrical connections, and to insure
compliance with the provisions ofthis Code, Such inspections shall be
carried out during business hours, unless an emergency exists.
B.
Maintenance. The Plan;1Íftg DiFeetør Zoning Administrator shall have the
authority to order the repair or structural alteration for safety of signs which
present a hazard to the public.
Signs Declared Illegal. Upon finding that any sign endangers public safety by
reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation or abandonment, the PlaHffiftg
fffleeter Zoning Administrator may declare the sign illegal. The fffleeter
Administrator shall send the owner written notice that the sign has been declared
illegal, specifying the reasons why the sign endangers public safety, and order that
the sign be repaired or removed by the owner within thirty (30) days. If a sign
determined to be illegal presents an immediate and serious danger to the public, it
may be innnediately removed by the City without prior notice and the removal
costs charged to the owner,
SECTION 12: That Section 12 APPEALS Chapter 14 Title II of the Meridian City
Code, be, and the same is hereby repealed.
SECTION 11 Ii 12 l.PPEALS:
!.ay f!erseH aggl'ie',eà 9)' ¡¡¡¡;. àeeisiea efiRe PIBJHJiag Da-ßeteF Zenia!: Aàmiaiatrater
may make an a 3fleal te fàe City Cellileil. 8j, eft an af!l'eal mas! ge made "yitlHa tea (10)
ealeaàar daYG Hem 1Ð.e Elate efthe àeeisieH.
SECTION 13: That title 13 ENFORCEMENT Chapter 14 Title 11 of the Meridian City
Code, be, and the same is hereby amended, and that Sections A. and A.2., A.3., D.l.,
E.l., E,3. and F, are hereby amended, and shall now read as follows:
11-14-12
ENFORCEMENT:
The remedies provided in this section for violations or failure to comply with provisions
of this Code, whether civil, criminal, or for sign removal, shall be cumulative and shall be
in addition to any other remedy provided by law.
Amended Sign Ordinance
Page 45 of 50
A.
Revocation of Sign Permits, The Plæmi¡¡g Direetor Zonin!! Administrator shall
have the authority to revoke any sign permit which has been granted when it has
been determined that the sign authorized by the permit has been constructed or is
being maintained in violation of this Code or of the conditions and limitations of
the sign permit.
In a revocation proceeding, the Plar.niag Direetor Zonin!! Administrator shall
follow the following procedures:
B,
1.
A notice of intent to revoke a sign permit shall be sent to the holder
of the permit, or to one of its representatives; or, ifthis is not
possible, the notice shall be posted in a conspicuous position at the
entrance to the premises and by the certified mailing of another
copy of the notice to the last known address ofthe permit holder.
2.
The permit shall be revoked within fifteen (15) days of the
posting of the notice of intent to revoke unless the cause of
violation has been removed and evidence of the same has been
presented to the Plar.niag Director Zonin!! Administrator within
that period.
3.
Any action of permit revocation by the Plar_'1fag Direetor Zoning:
Administrator may be appealed directly to the City Council by
filing a written notice of such appeal with the Planning Department
within ten (10) days after the revocation ofthe permit.
Civil Remedies. The violation of or failure to comply with any of the provisions
of this Code, or the erection, use, display or the allowing of any sign not in
compliance with all of the provisions of this Code shall be and hereby is declared
to be unlawful and is declared to be a nuisance,
1.
Injunction and Abatement: The City, through its authorized
agents, may initiate injunction or abatement proceedings or other
appropriate action in the courts against any person who violates or fails
to comply with any provision of this Code, or against the erector, owner
or user of an unlawful sign or the owner of the property on which an
unlawful sign is located, to prevent, enjoin, abate or terminate violations
of this Code and/or erection, use or display of an unlawful sign.
2.
Civil Penalty: Any person who violates or fails to comply with any of the
provisions of this Code or the erector, owner or user of an unlawful sign or
the owner of property on which an unlawful sign is located shall be
subject to a maximum civil penalty of three hundred dollars ($300.00) for
each day or portion thereof that the use or display of the unlawful sign has
continued, except that the owner of property on which an unlawful sign is
located, who is not also the owner or user of the unlawful sign, shall be
Amended Sign Ordinance
Page 46 of 50
E.
subject to the penalty only if demand for removal or alteration of the
unlawful sign shall have been mailed to said owner at his last known
address by registered mail, return receipt requested, and the demand has
remained uncomplied with for more than thirty (30) days.
C.
Criminal Penalty. The violation of or failure to comply with any ofthe provisions
of this Code or the erection, use, or display or the allowing of any unlawful sign is
a Misdemeanor. Each day or portion thereof upon which a violation occurs
constitutes a separate offense.
D.
Removal of Unlawful Sign.
1.
Any unlawful sign which has not been removed within thirty (30) days
after sign permit revocation or expiration of the appropriate notice to
remove period, may be removed at the request of the Plar_-Hftg Direeter
Zoning Administrator and the costs charged to the owner. If removal
costs have not been paid and the sign reclaimed within sixty (60) days of
its removal by the City, the City, upon compliance with the procedures
specified in subsection E. of this Section, may proceed to sell or otherwise
dispose of the sign and apply the proceeds toward the costs of removal.
Any proceeds in excess of the costs of removal shall be paid to the owner.
2,
Neither the City nor any of its agents shall be liable for any damage to the
sign
when removed under this Section.
3.
For all purposes hereinafter the owner of the premises shall be presumed
to be the owner of all signs thereon, unless the contrary shall appear from
facts brought to the attention of the City.
Sale of Sign Removed by City.
1.
Notice of Sale. Not less than thirty (30) days before the sale or disposal of
a sign removed pursuant to Subsection D. of this Section, the I2læmiftg
Iffleetef Zoning Administrator shall send to the owner written notice of
the intent of the City to sell or dispose of the sign. The notice shall
specify the proposed manner of disposal and if the sign is to be sold, shall
specifY the time an place of the sale, The owner may request a hearing
before the Planning and Zoning Commission concerning the sale or other
proposed disposal of the sign, Such request shall be in writing and must
be filed with the Plar_-HHg DiFeetor Zoning Administrator within ten (10)
days of the date of the notice of sale. Receipt of a request for hearing shall
stay all proceedings with respect to the sale or disposal of the sign.
2.
Hearing. The Commission shall fix a reasonable time for the hearing and
shall notifY the owner of the time and place thereof. The Commission shall
Amended Sign Ordinance
Page 47 of 50
F.
either approve, modify, or deny the sale or other proposed disposal of the
sign and may impose such conditions in connection therewith as it deems
appropriate under the circumstances.
3.
Appeal to Council. The owner may appeal the decision of the Commission
to the City Council by filing written notice of appeal with the ~
9ifeeter Zoning Administrator within ten (10) days after the decision has
been filed by the Commission. Upon receipt of an appeal, the ~
9ifeeter Zoning Administrator shall forward all necessary documents and
materials to the Council for review,
4.
Action by Council. Within a reasonable time after receipt of an appeal,
the Council shall establish a date for hearing the appeal and shall notify
the appealing party, but no other notice of such hearing need be given, In
reviewing the decision of the Commission, the Council, upon due cause
being shown may affirm, wholly or partially, modify or reverse the
decision of the Commission.
5.
Conduct of Sales, All sales of signs having an estimated value in excess
of five thousand dollars ($5,000,00) shall be accomplished through
auction or formal written bid to the highest responsible bidder after due
notice inviting proposals. All signs having an estimated value of five
thousand dollars ($5,000.00) or less shall be sold on the open market to
the highest responsible bidder in accordance with the informal bidding
procedures of the City, provided, however, that where the value of the sign
is such that the solicitation of bids is economically unfeasible, or interest
in bidding is limited, competitive negotiation procedures may be followed
in order to develop proposals of maximum advantage to
the City.
Assurance of Discontinuance. As an additional means of enforcing this Code, the
PlllllFliflg Direetøf Zoning Administrator may accept an "Assurance of
Discontinuance" of any act or practice deemed in violation of this Code or of any
regulation adopted pursuant hereto, from any person engaging in, or who has
engaged in such act or practice. Any such assurance shall specify a time limit
during which such discontinuance is to be accomplished. Failure to perform the
terms of any such assurance shall constitute prima facie proof of a violation of
this Code or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant hereto or order issued
pursuant thereto, which make the alleged act or practice unlawful for the purpose
of securing any injunctive relief from the court of competent jurisdiction.
SECTION 14: That title 14 LIABILITY, CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY AND
VALIDITY Chapter 14 Title II of the Meridian City Code, be, and the same is hereby
amended and shall read as follows:
Amended Sign Ordinance
Page 48 of 50
D.
11-14-13 LIABILITY, CONFLICT, SEVERABILITY AND VALIDITY
A.
Liability. The provisions of this Code shall not be construed as relieving or
limiting in any way the responsibility or liability of any person erecting or owning
any sign, for personal injury or property damage resulting from the placing of a
sign, or resulting from the negligence or willful acts of such person, its agents,
employees, or workmen in the construction, maintenance, repair or removal of
any sign erected in accordance with a permit issued hereunder. Nor shall it be
construed as imposing upon the City or its officers or employees any
responsibility or liability by reason of the approval of any signs, materials, or
devices under the provisions of this Code.
B.
Conflicting Provisions. If any other provisions of the municipal code conflict
with the provisions of this division, the more restrictive provisions shall apply.
C.
Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this
Ordinance or its application to any person or circumstances is held invalid by the
decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this Code, or the
application of the provisions to other persons or circumstances is in effect and
shall remain in full force and effect.
Validity of Other Laws. It is not intended by this Code to repeal, abrogate, annul
or in any way impair or interfere with existing provisions of other laws or
ordinances, except those specifically repealed by this Code, or with private
restrictions places upon property by covenant, deed or other private agreement.
Where this Code imposed a greater restriction on signs than is imposed or
required by such existing provisions ofthe law, ordinance, contract or deed, the
provisions of this Code shall control.
SECTION IS: All ordinances, resolutions, orders or parts thereof in conflict
herewith are hereby repealed, rescinded and annulled,
SECTION 16: V ALIDITY:The Meridian City Council hereby declares that any
section, paragraph, sentence or word of this Ordinance as adopted and amended herein be
declared for any reason to be invalid it is the intent of the Meridian City Council that it
would have passed all other portions of this Ordinance independent of the elimination
herefrom of any portion as may be declared invalid.
SECTION 17: SAVINGS CLAUSE: This Ordinance does not affect an action or
proceeding commenced or right accrued before this Ordinance takes effect.
SECTION 18: DATE OF EFFECT: That 11-14-5 1.(4) shall become effective thirty
(30) days after passage hereof, and the remainder of this Ordinance shall be in full force
and effect after its passage, approval and publication, according to law.
Amended Sign Ordinance
Page 49 of 50
PASSED BY T~ITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MERIDIAN, IDAHO, this
,? #- day of CJvem6el- , 2003.
A2')10~~~ o~À?o~~J~~, ~:o~,HE CITY OF MERIDIAN, IDAHO, this
~~ a~~,/~M'd .
ATTEST: ",,'111 IIIIII úJ.r. C&"-"~
\\'\'_1 OF flT¡D. 111'1 '::¡
\\ ~... ~ "
II. . ~'à W°F/.1 -'11 ~
'([(!i1f:~ þ ~ cr ( ~EA:<'O \
An Ordinance of the City of Meridian Bÿ: '~am G. Ber~'(1 ., CiJy Clerk
First Reading: 11-5-&3 ~ "Y.. ~ -¡,".f? !
Adopted after first reading by suspension ~ 15 ~e~"þursuant to Idabo Code
50-902: YES X NO '1'11" °UNT'i, III""
-- IIIII IIIII
Second Reading: 111111'"
Third Reading:
STATE OF IDAHO,)
: ss.
County of Ada.
On this~dayof NOVfYWL.VJvt ,2003, before me, the undersigned, a
Notary Public in and for said State, personally appeared ROBERT D. CORRIE and
WILLIAM G. BERG, JR., known to me to be the Mayor and City Clerk of the CITY of
Meridian, Idabo, and who executed the within instrument, and acknowledged to me that
the City of Meridian executed the same,
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my
official seal the day and year first above written.
(SEAL)
...".'.
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~IM rY1 ~ '-fh-
NOTARY PUBLIC FOR IDAHO
RESIDING AT: Ado, Cou.~ ,)dA-iúJ
MY COMMISSION EXPIRES: L¡-2t-rY5
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Amended Sign Ordinance
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