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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Packet 10.15.2020PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION AGENDA ST. LUCIE COUNTY Regular Meeting Thursday, October 15, 2020 6:00 PM St. Lucie County Commission Chambers 2300 Virginia Avenue 3rd Floor of Roger Poitras Building Fort Pierce, FL  34982 BOARD MEMBERS CHAIRMAN WILLIAM O’DELL VICE‐CHAIRMAN JAMES TAYLOR BOARD MEMBER CRAIG MUNDT BOARD MEMBER  VALERIE SLACK BOARD MEMBER CRAIG BRIDGERS BOARD MEMBER ED LOUNDS AT‐LARGE BOARD MEMBER LAWRENCE “BEAU” SLAY AT‐LARGE BOARD MEMBER ROBERT LOWE AT‐LARGE BOARD MEMBER RYAN BINNER EX‐OFFICIO BOARD MEMBER MARTY SANDERS Mission Statement To provide service, infrastructure and leadership necessary to advance a safe and sustainable community,  maintain a high quality of life, and protect the natural environment for all our citizens Page 1 of 63 Regular Meeting                                             Thursday, October 15, 2020                                                 6:00 PM 2 | Page WELCOME Please turn off all cellular phones and pagers prior to entering the Commission Chambers. Please note that the Planning and Zoning Commission/Local Planning Agency serves in an advisory capacity to the St. Lucie County  Board of County Commissioners and has the power to review and make recommendations to the Board, for approval or  disapproval, on any applications within their area of responsibility. The Planning and Zoning Commission strongly encourages your input and comment at the public hearing. Please limit comments  to three minutes if possible and be respectful of others’ opinions. For public convenience, all meetings are televised and are provided with wireless internet access. NOTICE: All proceedings before the Planning and Zoning Commission / Local Planning Agency of St. Lucie County, Florida, are  electronically recorded. If    a   person decides to appeal any recommendation made by the Planning and Zoning Commission /   Local Planning Agency with respect to any matter considered at such meeting or hearing, he will need a   record of the  proceedings. For such purpose, he or she may need to ensure that a   verbatim record of the proceedings is made, by hiring their  own court reporter at their own expense, to create a    record that includes the testimony and  evidence upon which  the  appeal  is  based. Upon  the request of any party to the proceedings, individuals testifying during a   hearing will be sworn in. Any party to  the proceeding will be granted an opportunity to cross‐examine any  individual testifying during  a   hearing  upon request.  Anyone  with a   disability requiring accommodation to attend this meeting should contact the St. Lucie County Risk Manager at  least forty‐eight (48) hours prior to  the meeting at  (772)  462‐1546 or  T.D.D.  (772) 462‐1428. Any questions about this agenda  may be referred to St.  Lucie County Planning Division at (772) 462‐2822  Page 2 of 63 Regular Meeting                                             Thursday, October 15, 2020                                                 6:00 PM 3 | Page 1.CALL TO ORDER    2.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE    3.INVOCATION    4.ROLL CALL    5.ANNOUNCEMENTS    6.DISCLOSURE(S)    7.MINUTES     A.St. Lucie County Planning & Zoning Commission minutes for the meeting of September 17, 2020.     8.PUBLIC COMMENT    9.PUBLIC HEARINGS     A.Text Amendment to the Land Development Code, Chapter IX Signs, to define, allow and establish  design standards for Changeable Message Monument Signs within certain Zoning Districts.     10.WORKSHOPS    11.OTHER BUSINESS    12.ADJOURN    Page 3 of 63 PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA Regular Meeting September 17, 2020 Convened: 5:59 Adjourned: 6:08 1.CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chairman O'Dell at 5:59 PM 2.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3.INVOCATION The invocation was led by Chairman O'Dell. 4.ROLL CALL Present Chairman Billy O'Dell, Vice-Chair James A. Taylor, Board Member Bob Lowe, Board Member Craig Mundt, Board Member Ed Lounds, Board Member Ryan Binner, Board Member Valerie Slack, Board Member Craig Bridgers Excused Board Member Lawrence "Beau" Slay, Ex-Officio Marty Sanders 5.ANNOUNCEMENTS None. 6.DISCLOSURE(S) None. 7.MINUTES A.St. Lucie County Planning & Zoning Commission minutes for the meeting of August 20, 2020. All sections approved unanimously. Page 4 of 63 Planning & Zoning Commission MeetingThursday, September 17, 2020 6:00 PM 2 | Page RESULT:APPROVE MOVER:Bob Lowe SECONDER:Craig Mundt AYES:Billy O'Dell, Bob Lowe, Craig Mundt, Ed Lounds, James A. Taylor, Ryan Binner, Valerie Slack, Craig Bridgers NAYS:None EXCUSED:None 8.PUBLIC COMMENT No public / virtual comment. 9.PUBLIC HEARINGS A.Garcia Rezone - Amendment to the official Zoning Atlas (Rezone) from IX (Industrial, Extraction) Zoning District to the AG-5 (Agricultural - 1du/5ac) Zoning District. Presented by Kris McCrain, Associate Planner with the St. Lucie County Planning & Development Department. The applicant is requesting an Amendment to the Official Zoning Atlas (Rezoning) IX (Industrial, Extraction) to AG-5 (Agricultural-1du/5ac). In accordance with public notice requirements outlined in Section 11.00.03 of the St. Lucie County Land Development Code, public notice was advertised in the St. Lucie County News Tribune on September 4, 2020. Notices were mailed to 28 surrounding property owners within a 500 foot radius of the subject property, and a sign was posted on the property. The Planning Department has not received any returned responses for the proposed rezone at this time. The 9.11-acre parcel is located on the south side of Orange Avenue at 13405 Orange Avenue in Fort Pierce, Immediately south of the Angry Bull Saloon. A mobile home was placed on the site in 1974 and according to the survey remains today. The Future Land Use designation is AG-2.5 (Agricultural – 1du/2.5ac). The AG-2.5 land use category “is intended for those areas of the County outside of the planned urban service area which are associated with agricultural and agricultural-related activities. The proposed rezoning to the AG-5 (Agricultural-5) Zoning District is consistent with the Agricultural 2.5 Future Land Use designation, as per the Comprehensive Plan Table 1-3 - Land Use Designation / Zoning Compatibility Chart. On August 19, 1986, the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners approved Resolution 86-149, granting a change in zoning from Agricultural to Industrial Extraction for the subject property. The subject site was not utilized for Extraction purposes. The proposed Rezone Petition will conform to the minimum lot standards in accordance to the Land Development Code Section 7.04.01 for the AG-5 Zoning District. The AG-5 and AG-2.5 are similar districts differentiated by minimum density with identical uses. This petition conforms to the Standards of Review as set forth in St. Lucie County Land Development Page 5 of 63 Planning & Zoning Commission MeetingThursday, September 17, 2020 6:00 PM 3 | Page Code Section 11.06.03 and is consistent with the St. Lucie County Comprehensive Plan goals, objectives, and policies. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that this petition be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners with a recommendation of approval. VIRTUAL COMMENT: None PUBLIC COMMENT: None RESULTS: RESULT:APPROVE MOVER:James A. Taylor SECONDER:Bob Lowe AYES:Billy O'Dell, Bob Lowe, Craig Mundt, Ed Lounds, James A. Taylor, Ryan Binner, Valerie Slack, Craig Bridgers NAYS:None EXCUSED:None Vice-chair was called twice when the secretary called the roll. Vice Chair Taylor, Mr. Mundt and Chair O'Dell confirmed that all members present were accounted for. 10.WORKSHOPS None. 11.OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Bridgers apologized for arriving late. 12.ADJOURN The meeting was adjourned by Chair O'Dell at 6:08 PM. Page 6 of 63 ITEM NO.(ID # 2020-50344) DATE:10/15/2020 AGENDA REQUEST TO:Planning and Zoning Commission PRESENTED BY:Jodi Nentwick, Senior Planner SUBMITTED BY:Planning & Development Services SUBJECT:Text Amendment to the Land Development Code, Chapter IX Signs, to define, allow and establish design standards for Changeable Message Monument Signs within certain Zoning Districts. BACKGROUND: A County initiated Text Amendment to the Land Development Code, Chapter IX Signs, to define, allow and establish design standards for Changeable Message Monument Signs within certain Zoning Districts. Currently, LDC Section 9.03.00. – Prohibited signs, limits electronic and/or changeable signs to one (1) variable electronic message sign per parcel or group of parcels, provided that the message sign does not thirty (30) square feet; the message displays shall be on a black background with a single color copy; the message display shall not scroll, flash or blink, and message display copy shall not change more frequently than once every five (5) seconds. The proposed amendments address definitions, eligible Districts, sign area, display change frequency, operation, design, and other standards such as brightness. PREVIOUS ACTION: On June 20, 2019, the Planning & Zoning Commission held an electronic sign workshop to explore the pros and cons of possible changes, and gather public input regarding the current and potential guidelines. FINANCIAL IMPACT: N/A RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the proposed Text Amendment to the Land Development Code be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners with recommendation for approval. COMMISSION ACTION: Page 7 of 63 RESULT: MOVER:None SECONDER:None AYES:None NAYS:None EXCUSED:None Coordination/Signatures Date: October 08, 2020 Benjamin Balcer, Planning & Development Services Assistant Director Date: October 09, 2020 Leslie Olson, Planning & Development Services Director Date: October 12, 2020 Daniel McIntyre, County Attorney Date: October 12, 2020 Mark Satterlee, Deputy County Administrator Page 8 of 63 Planning and Development Services Department Planning Division M E M O R A N D U M TO: Planning and Zoning Commission THROUGH: Leslie Olson, AICP, Director Benjamin Balcer, Assistant Director FROM: Jodi Nentwick, Senior Planner DATE: October 6, 2020 SUBJECT: Land Development Code Text Amendment (TLDC-120195456) LDC Section 9.01.00. – Changeable Message Monument Signs The County initiated a Text Amendment to the St. Lucie County Land Development Code (LDC) proposing to define, allow and establish design standards for changeable message monument signs. The intent is to reduce sign clutter and associated visual distractions to motor vehicle operators and pedestrians than those created by static signs. Background: LDC Section 9.03.00. – Prohibited signs, currently limits electronic and/or changeable signs as follows: Flashing, animated, fire- or smoke-emitting, changeable-message, or noise-making signs, except for one (1) variable electronic message sign per parcel or group of parcels under a uniform site development plan, provided that the message sign does not exceed an overall area of thirty (30) square feet (three (3) feet × ten (10) feet typical dimension); the message displays shall be on a black background with a single color copy; the message display shall not scroll, flash or blink, and message display copy shall not change more frequently than once every five (5) seconds. Any such message sign shall be counted as part of the overall signage for the property or project site; must be a part of one (1) of the ground signs associated with the property or project site. Dimensional limitations in this paragraph may be waived by application to the Planning and Development Services Director for property located in the Institutional Zoning District with frontage on an arterial roadway. The site development plan on which such sign is proposed must be greater than 20 acres and the sign must be located adjacent to the arterial roadway and set back from the property line at least 50 feet. The Board of County Commissioners discussed current regulations at their October 8, 2018 Informal Meeting. Consensus sought greater information and evaluation from other jurisdictions’ regulations. On June 20, 2019, the Planning & Zoning Commission held an electronic sign workshop to explore the pros and cons of possible changes, and gather public input regarding the current and potential guidelines. The Commission was interested in garnering potential amendment scope, requesting staff to compile a sign model that would not negatively impact our business community or the overall character of the surrounding properties. Page 9 of 63 Project Name: LDC Text Amendment (9.01.00-Changeable-Message Monument Signs) File No.: TLDC-120195456 2 Compiled Pros and Cons highlighted during the workshop are displayed in Table 1 below: Table 1: Pros Cons New technology 1 sign = variety of options Ease of change message Off-premise signage - Income stream Messages can be changed and uploaded over the internet, enabling advertisers to target ads to specific days or certain times of day Traffic safety concerns Visual clutter Impair vision Distract motorists Enforcement issues - Timing of changes - Flashing - Brightness - Blinking - Scrolling Proposal Overview & Analysis The proposed changes defines a changeable-message monument sign, number of signs permitted within specific zoning districts and design standards that addresses form, operation, brightness, residential separation and long-term maintenance. Exhibit 1, below, depicts an example allowed under the current sign code: Current regulations mandate a changeable message area, if larger than 30 SF, shall remain static and change less frequently than once in any twenty-four-hour period. Alternatively, if the sign is designed or programed to allow up to 30 SF of the electronic sign to be changed, this may be permitted provided: • The message displays shall be on a black background with a single color copy; • The message display shall not scroll, flash or blink, and • Message display copy shall not change more frequently than once every five (5) seconds. Page 10 of 63 Project Name: LDC Text Amendment (9.01.00-Changeable-Message Monument Signs) File No.: TLDC-120195456 3 The notable changes proposed for a changeable-message monument sign are as follows:  The electronic message portion of the sign does not exceed in overall area of thirty (30) square feet.  The message display shall not scroll, flash, move, or blink.  The message display content shall not change more frequently than once every six (6) seconds, and must occur simultaneously for the entire sign face.  The time to change completely form one display to another shall be a maximum of two (2) seconds, or, if messages are displayed digitally, as by LED’s, the content must change immediately.  The sign must designed so that upon any failure malfunction, there is no flashing, intermittent content, or any other apparent movement.  The changeable-message sign may not direct the movement of vehicular or pedestrian traffic; may not obscure, obstruct, interfere with, or imitate any official traffic sign or signal; and shall comply with State standards and rules as administrated by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to the extent applicable to such signs.  Each display shall have an ambience light sensing device and dimming ability that will adjust the brightness of the changeable-message sign as ambient lighting conditions change. Light intensity will be adjusted so as not to exceed 0.03 footcandles above ambient lighting, as measured using a footcandle impacts vary with the present distance. The pre-set distance to measure the footcandle impacts vary with expected viewing distances and the face size of each sign. – Brightness management standards are being evaluated by an Engineering Consultant.  No such changeable-message sign may be placed closer than one hundred (100) feet from the nearest boundary of any residentially zoned property, and if placed closed than three hundred (300) feet from such property boundary must be situated so that the sign face us facing away from the residentially zoned property and is operated only between the hours of 6:00 A.M. and 10:00 P.M.  Except in an area where billboards are allowable, any changeable-message sign shall be counted as part of the overall signage for the property or project site; must be a part of one (1) of the ground signs associated with the property or project site.  All permitted changeable-message monument sign shall be equipped with a sensor or other devices that automatically determines the ambience lighting. TEXT AMENDMENT STANDARDS OF REVIEW AS SET FORTH IN SECTION 11.06.03, ST. LUCIE COUNTY LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE Pursuant to St. Lucie County Land Development Code (LDC) Section 11.06.03, the Development Review Committee (DRC) has reviewed the proposed Text Amendment to LDC Section 9.01.01 and found it to meet the technical requirements and Standards of Review. In reviewing this application for a Text Amendment to the LDC, the Planning and Zoning Commission shall consider and make the following determinations: Page 11 of 63 Project Name: LDC Text Amendment (9.01.00-Changeable-Message Monument Signs) File No.: TLDC-120195456 4 A. Whether the proposed amendment is in conflict with any applicable portions of the St. Lucie County Land Development Code; The proposed amendments are not in conflict with any portions of the St. Lucie County LDC. Changes to the sign code are intended to allow changeable message monument signs in order to: • Protect the public health, safety and welfare by limiting the construction, location, brightness and operational characteristics of changeable message monument signs. • Allow changeable message monument signs to provide a guide to the physical environment and serve the community through public service announcements and emergency situations. • Permit signs with limitations to prevent driver distraction and encourage traffic safety. The proposed changes align with the County’s sign regulations intention to promote public safety, preserve and protect the visual beauty of the landscape and promote the general health, welfare and safety of the citizens of St. Lucie County. B. Whether the proposed amendment is in conflict with all elements of the St. Lucie County Comprehensive Plan; The proposed Text Amendment is consistent with all elements of the St. Lucie County Comprehensive Plan. The proposal supports the following Comprehensive Plan Goal and Objective: Goal 1.1: Ensure the highest quality living environment possible, through a mixture of land uses reflecting the needs and desires of the local residents and how they want their community to develop. The goal shall be implemented by strictly enforced building, zoning and development codes based on objectives and policies that will enhance St. Lucie County's natural and man-made resources while minimizing any damage or threat of degradation to the health, safety and welfare of the county's citizens, native wildlife and environment, through incompatible land uses.  Objective 1.1.2: Growth Management. St. Lucie County shall manage how and where growth occurs by using sustainable development and balanced planning practices. The County shall manage the land use patterns designated on the Future Land Use Map comprehensively, consistently, and effectively to enhance the quality of life for its citizens, promote economic vitality, and accommodate projected population growth and development in an environmentally acceptable manner. C. Whether and the extent to which the proposed amendment is inconsistent with the existing and proposed land uses; The proposed Text Amendment is not inconsistent with existing or proposed land uses. The proposed ordinance intends to define and permit changeable message monument signs to limit visual clutter and driver distraction. D. Whether there have been changed conditions that require an amendment; The proposed ordinance intends to provide consistency for changeable message monument signs while meeting new technology demands and providing options and flexibility to our business community within crafted guidelines. E. Whether and the extent to which the proposed amendment would result in demands on public facilities, and whether or to the extent to which the proposed amendment would exceed the capacity of such public facilities, including but not limited to transportation facilities, sewage facilities, water supply, parks, drainage, schools, solid waste, mass transit, and emergency medical facilities; The proposed text amendment will not result in additional demands on public facilities. Page 12 of 63 Project Name: LDC Text Amendment (9.01.00-Changeable-Message Monument Signs) File No.: TLDC-120195456 5 F. Whether and the extent to which the proposed amendment would result in significant adverse impacts on the natural environment; No environmental standards amendments are proposed. Sign brightness limits are proposed to avoid adverse impacts on the natural environment. Signs are subject to local, state, and federal guidelines associated with siting and environmental impacts such as sea turtle nesting, etc. G. Whether and the extent to which the proposed amendment would adversely affect the property values in the area; The proposed amendment is not anticipated to have an adverse impact on property values in the County. H. Whether and the extent to which the proposed amendment would result in an orderly and logical development pattern specifically identifying any negative effects of such patterns; The proposed change should not influence existing or proposed development patterns. Sign size, location, and design will be addressed through the building permit review process. I. Whether the proposed amendment would be in conflict with the public interest, and is in harmony with the purpose and intent of this code; The proposed amendment is not in conflict with the public interest and is in harmony with the purpose and intent of this code. Any potential conflict with public interests associated with a site-specific request can be addressed through the building permit process. J. Any other matters that may be deemed appropriate by the Planning and Zoning Commission or the Board of County Commissioners, in review and consideration of the proposed amendment. The Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners may raise other matters regarding the proposed Land Development Code Text Amendment. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff finds this petition to meet the standards of review as set forth in Section 11.06.03 of the St. Lucie County Land Development Code, and is not in conflict with the goals, objectives, and policies of the St. Lucie County Comprehensive Plan. Staff recommends the Planning and Zoning Commission forward this Text Amendment to the Board of County Commissioners with a recommendation of approval. Page 13 of 63 Page 14 of 63 Page 15 of 63 Page 16 of 63 PZ Ordinance Draft Section 9.00.00 Signs.docx Page 1 Underline is for addition. Strikethrough is for deletion. ORDINANCE No. 2020-XX FILE NO.: TLDC-XXXXXXXXX AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE TEXT OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE, SECTION 2.00.00 DEFINITIONS; SECTION 9.01.01 PERMITTED PERMANENT SIGNS; AND SECTION 9.03.00.H. PROHIBITED SIGNS; ALLOWING CHANGEABLE MESSAGE MONUMENT SIGNS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTING PROVISIONS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR APPLICABILITY; PROVIDING FOR FILING WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION; AND PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION. WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida, (Board) express the concern that changeable-message monument signs provide visual distractions to motor vehicle operations and pedestrians that is greater than those created by static signs. The Board finds that this ordinance is therefore necessary clarify allow: WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida (Board) find that this Ordinance is therefore necessary and essential to protect public safety, and represents the minimum necessary regulation to achieve that purpose. WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida, (Board) based on the testimony and evidence, including but not limited to the staff report, has made the following determinations: 1. On August 1, 1990, the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida, adopted the St. Lucie County Land Development Code. 2. This Board is authorized by Section 125.01(1)(h), Florida Statutes, to establish, coordinate and enforce zoning and such business regulations as are necessary for the protection of the public; and, 3. This Board is authorized by Section 125.01(1)(t), Florida Statutes, to adopt ordinances and resolutions necessary for the exercise of its powers and to prescribe fines and penalties for the violations of ordinances in accordance with law. 4. On _______________, 2020, the Local Planning Agency/ Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing on the proposed ordinance after publishing due notice in the St. Lucie News Tribune and recommended that the proposed ordinance be forwarded with a recommendation for approval/denial. 5. On _______________, 2020, this Board held the first public hearing on the proposed ordinance, after publishing due notice in the St. Lucie News Tribune. Page 17 of 63 PZ Ordinance Draft Section 9.00.00 Signs.docx Page 2 Underline is for addition. Strikethrough is for deletion. 6. On _______________, 2020, this Board held its second public hearing on the proposed ordinance, after publishing due notice in the St. Lucie News Tribune. 7. The proposed amendments to the St. Lucie County Land Development Code are consistent with the general purpose, goals, objectives and standards of the St. Lucie County Comprehensive Plan, are internally consistent with the remainder of the Land Development Code and are in the best interest of the health, safety and public welfare of the citizens of St. Lucie County, Florida. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida: PART A. THE SPECIFIC AMENDMENTS TO THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE ARE TO READ AS FOLLOWS: A. 2.00.00. - DEFINITIONS. Footcandle (fc): The unit of illumination when the foot is taken as the unit of length. It is the illumination on a surface one square foot in area on which there is a uniformly distributed flux of one lumen, or the illumination produced on a surface, all points of which are at a distance of one foot from directionally uniform point source of one candela. Light-Emitting Diode (LED): An electronic device that emits light when an electrical current is an passed through it. Light Meter: A handheld device that used measure or meter light. A light meter can read the ambient light in a scene, or direct light form a light source and calculate the correct shutter speed and aperture values required to capture an accurate exposure. Monument Sign: “See Ground Sign” A ground sign that is connected to the ground, or supported by a freestanding wall, pedestal, or other structure, so that this is no clear space between the bottom of the sign, and the ground, no less than 80% width of the sign. A monument sign does not have any exposed pole or pylon. Multiple Message Sign: A sign on which information content can be changed automatically by means of rotating panels which constitute or are part of the sign face. Scroll: A mode of message transition where the message is changed by the apparent vertical or horizontal movement of the letters or graphic elements of the message. Static Message: Messages that do not have movement, or the appearance or optical illusion of movement during the static display period, of any part of the sign structure, design, or pictorial segment of the sign, including the movement or appearance of movement. Page 18 of 63 PZ Ordinance Draft Section 9.00.00 Signs.docx Page 3 Underline is for addition. Strikethrough is for deletion. B. 9.01.01. – PERMITTED PERMANENT SIGNS The following signs or advertising structures of a permanent nature shall be permitted within the following zoning districts: A. Agricultural - 1 (AG-1); Agricultural - 2.5 (AG-2.5); Agricultural - 5 (AG-5). Type of Sign Maximum Number Maximum Size Maximum Height Other Standards Nameplates 1 per dwelling unit 3 s.f. n/a non-illuminated Ground or Wall Signs 1 double-faced ground or 2 single-faced wall or ground signs per entrance to residential development, farm, or ranch. 32 s.f. 10 feet •Non-illuminated, externally illuminated, or backlit •Reduce maximum sign area by 50% if entrances are located less than 300 ft. of one another. Directional Signs One per lawful driveway, otherwise as necessary for safety 6 s.f. n/a Non-illuminated, externally illuminated, or backlit Billboards n/a 378 s.f. •50 feet above crown of road or finished grade. •Only permitted along I-95 and the Florida Turnpike. •1,500 feet apart on same side of road. •200 foot minimum separation from residential zones. •See Section 9.02.02 for general billboard provisions. Public Utility Signs n/a n/a n/a n/a 1. One (1) non-illuminated nameplate per dwelling unit or structure which shall not exceed three (3) square feet in sign area. 2. One (1) double-faced, ground sign or two (2) single-faced, wall or ground signs, located at each principal entrance into a residential development, farm, or ranch, as generally depicted in Figure 9-1. Wall signs shall be located on opposite sides of such entrances. Page 19 of 63 PZ Ordinance Draft Section 9.00.00 Signs.docx Page 4 Underline is for addition. Strikethrough is for deletion. Such signs shall only be non-illuminated, externally illuminated, or backlit, meaning illuminated by a light source which is placed behind, and shines through, the sign face. The backlighting shall be designed to minimize glare and dispersion of light other than through the sign face. Changeable-message monument signs shall confirm to the specific requirements of Section 9.03.00.H. D. Commercial, Office (CO); Planned Mixed Use Development (PMUD) - Professional Service/Office (Low, Medium, and High Intensities). Type of Sign Maximum Number Maximum Size Maximum Height Other Standards Nameplates 1 per occupant. 3 s.f. n/a None Ground or Wall Signs 1 per establishment or group of establishments having at least 50 linear feet of frontage. If in MXD or COM Land Use, permitted ground signs may include changeable-message monument signs, subject to the requirements of Section 9.03.00.H. 1 s.f. for every 2 linear feet of frontage - 100 s.f. maximum. 10 feet for RES, MXD, or AG Future Land Uses. Non-illuminated, externally illuminated, or backlit for RES, MXD, or AG Future Land Uses. 20 feet for all other Future Land Uses. None - all other Future Land Uses. Wall, Projecting, and/or Canopy Signs (Attached Canopies Only) n/a Total Sign Area: 10% of wall face area fronting on main street for RES, MXD, or AG Future Land Uses. n/a Non-illuminated, externally illuminated, or backlit for RES, MXD, or AG Future Land Uses. Total Sign Area: 20% of wall face area fronting on main street for all other Future Land Uses. None - all other Future Land Uses. Page 20 of 63 PZ Ordinance Draft Section 9.00.00 Signs.docx Page 5 Underline is for addition. Strikethrough is for deletion. Directional Signs One per lawful driveway, otherwise as necessary for safety. 6 s.f. n/a Non-illuminated, externally illuminated, or backlit. Public Utility Signs n/a n/a n/a n/a 2. Any establishment or group of establishments that has a street lot frontage of fifty (50) feet or more, shall be permitted one (1) ground sign which shall not exceed a sign area equal to one (1) square foot for every two (2) linear feet of street frontage, up to a maximum of one hundred (100) square feet. Such ground signs shall also be consistent with the following standards. a). For property that is located within any non-residential, non-agricultural Future Land Use District, as established in the St. Lucie County Comprehensive Plan, ground signs shall not exceed a height of twenty (20) feet. b). For property that is located within the MXD or any residential or agricultural Future Land Use District, as established in the St. Lucie County Comprehensive Plan, ground signs shall not exceed a height of ten (10) feet. Such signs shall only be non-illuminated, externally illuminated, or backlit, meaning illuminated by a light source which is placed behind, and shines through, the sign face. The backlighting shall be designed to minimize glare and dispersion of light other than through the sign face. c). Changeable-message monument signs shall conform to the specific requirements of Section 9.03.00.H. E. Commercial, Neighborhood (CN); Commercial Resort (CR); Institutional (I); Religious Facilities(RF); Planned Mixed Use Development (PMUD) - Institutional (Low, Medium, and High Intensities), General Commercial (Low Intensity), and Public Service/Utilities (Low Intensity). Type of Sign Maximum Number Maximum Size Maximum Height Other Standards Wall, Projecting, and/or Canopy Signs (Attached Canopies Only) n/a Total Sign Area: 10% of wall face area fronting on the main street for RES, MXD, or AG Future Land Uses. n/a None Total Sign Area: 20% of wall face Page 21 of 63 PZ Ordinance Draft Section 9.00.00 Signs.docx Page 6 Underline is for addition. Strikethrough is for deletion. area fronting on the main street - all other Future Land Uses. Canopy Signs 4 per face of free- standing canopy structures. Total Sign Area: 10% of total canopy face area - 23 s.f. maximum per canopy face - RES, MXD, or AG Future Land Uses. n/a None Total Sign Area: 20% of total canopy face area - 45 s.f. maximum per canopy face - all other Future Land Uses. Ground Signs 1 per establishment or group of establishments having at least 50 linear feet of frontage. Permitted ground signs may include changeable- message monument signs, subject to the requirements of Section 9.03.00.H. 1 s.f. for every 2 linear feet of frontage - 100 s.f. maximum. 10 feet for RES, MXD, or AG Future Land Uses. None 20 feet for all other Future Land Uses. Pedestrian Signs 1 per establishment. 6 s.f. n/a None Rear Entrance Wall Sign 1 per establishment. 6 s.f. n/a None Directional Sign One per lawful driveway, otherwise as necessary for safety. 6 s.f. n/a Non- illuminated, externally illuminated, or backlit Page 22 of 63 PZ Ordinance Draft Section 9.00.00 Signs.docx Page 7 Underline is for addition. Strikethrough is for deletion. Public Utility Sign n/a n/a n/a n/a 3. Any establishment or group of establishments that has a street lot frontage of fifty (50) linear feet or more, shall be permitted one (1) ground sign. Such sign shall not exceed a sign area equal to one (1) ground sign. Such sign shall not exceed a sign area equal to one (1) square foot for every two (2) linear feet or major fraction thereof of street frontage up to a maximum of one hundred (100) square feet. Such ground signs shall also be consistent with the following standards: a. For property that is located within non-residential, non-agricultural Future Land Use District, as established in the St. Lucie County Comprehensive Plan, ground signs shall not exceed a height of twenty (20) feet. b. For property that is located within the MXD or any residential or agricultural Future Land Use District, as established in the St. Lucie County Comprehensive Plan ground signs shall not exceed a height of ten (10) feet. c. Changeable-message monument signs shall conform to the specific requirements of Section 9.03.00.H. F. Commercial General (CG); Industrial Light (IL); Industrial Heavy (IH); Industrial Extraction (IX); Utilities (U); Planned Mixed Use Development (PMUD) - General Commercial (Medium and High Intensities), Public Service/Utilities (Medium and High Intensities), Industrial (Medium and High Intensities). Type of Sign Maximum Number Maximum Size Maximum Height Other Standards Wall, Projecting, and/or Canopy Signs (Attached Canopies Only) 4 per establishment. Total Sign Area: 20% of wall face area fronting on main street. n/a None Canopy Signs (Free- standing canopies) 4 per face of free- standing canopy. Total Sign Area: 20% of total canopy face area - 45 s.f. maximum per canopy face. n/a None Ground Signs For establishments having from 50 to 150 30 feet. Sign area of individual signs Page 23 of 63 PZ Ordinance Draft Section 9.00.00 Signs.docx Page 8 Underline is for addition. Strikethrough is for deletion. 1 per establishment having at least 50 linear ft. of frontage. Permitted ground signs may include changeable-message monument signs, subject to the requirements of Section 9.03.00.H. linear ft. of frontage: 1 s.f. for every 1 linear ft. of frontage - 150 s.f. maximum. may be aggregated, except that no single sign shall exceed 200 s.f. For establishments having over 150 ft. of frontage: 1 s.f. for every 1½ ft. of frontage, or 150 s.f., whichever is greater - 200 s.f. maximum. 1 additional sign for establishments having over 300 ft. of frontage. 1 s.f. for every 1½ linear ft. of frontage in excess of first 300 ft.- 200 s.f. maximum. 1 additional sign for establishments having at least 300 ft. of frontage and outdoor displays (LDC Section 7.10.02). 100 s.f. Pedestrian Signs 1 per establishment. 6 s.f. n/a None Rear Entrance Wall Sign 1 per establishment. 6 s.f. n/a None Directional Sign One per lawful driveway, otherwise as necessary for safety. 6 s.f. n/a None Billboards n/a 378 s.f. •35 ft. above crown of road. •50 ft. •Only permitted along I-95, the Florida Turnpike and those roadways Page 24 of 63 PZ Ordinance Draft Section 9.00.00 Signs.docx Page 9 Underline is for addition. Strikethrough is for deletion. above crown of road along I-95 and Fla. Tnpk. identified in Section 9.02.02(A). •1,500 foot apart on same side of road. •200 foot min. separation from residential zones or use areas. •See Section 9.02.02(A) for additional standards. Public Utility Signs n/a n/a n/a n/a 4. Any establishment or group establishments having from fifty (50) to one hundred fifty (150) linear feet of frontage, shall be permitted one (1) ground sign. Such sign shall not exceed a sign area equal to one (1) square foot for every one (1) linear foot or major fraction thereof of street lot frontage. Establishments or groups of establishments having more than one hundred fifty (150) linear feet of frontage, shall be permitted one (1) ground sign. Such sign shall not exceed a sign area equal to either one (1) square foot for every one and one-half (1½) greater up to a maximum of two hundred (200) square feet. One (1) additional ground sign shall be permitted when the street lot frontage exceeds three hundred (300) linear feet. The second ground sign shall not exceed a sign area equal to one (1) square foot for every one and one-half (1½) linear feet of street lot frontage in excess of the first three hundred (300) feet or frontage. The sign area of individual signs may be aggregated, except that no single sign shall exceed a sign area of two hundred (200) square feet. Changeable-message monument signs shall conform to the specific requirements of Section 9.03.00.H. Ground signs, including changeable message monument signs, shall not exceed a height of thirty (30) feet. C. 9.03.00. – PROHIBITED SIGNS H. Flashing, animated, fire- or smoke-emitting, changeable-message, or noise-making signs, except for one (1) variable electronic message sign per parcel or group of parcels under a uniform site development plan, provided that the message sign does not exceed an overall area of thirty (30) square feet (three (3) feet × ten (10) feet typical dimension); the message displays shall be on a black background with a single color copy; the message display shall not scroll, flash or blink, and message display copy shall not change more frequently than Page 25 of 63 PZ Ordinance Draft Section 9.00.00 Signs.docx Page 10 Underline is for addition. Strikethrough is for deletion. once every five (5) seconds. Any such message sign shall be counted as part of the overall signage for the property or project site; must be a part of one (1) of the ground signs associated with the property or project site. Dimensional limitations in this paragraph may be waived by application to the Planning and Development Services Director for property located in the Institutional Zoning District with frontage on an arterial roadway. The site development plan on which such sign is proposed must be greater than 20 acres and the sign must be located adjacent to the arterial roadway and set back from the property line at least 50 feet. Flashing, animated, fire or smoke-emitting, changeable-message, or noise-making signs, except for one (1) changeable-message monument, sign per parcel or group of parcels under a uniform site development plan, as allowable within a specific zoning district as provided in Section 9.01.01. and further provided that the changeable-message sign meets the following requirements: 1. The sign does not exceed in overall area of thirty (30) square feet. This dimensional limitation and the requirement for a “monument” sign structure, shall be waived by application to the Planning and Development Services Director for property located in an area where billboards are allowable under this Code, provided the site development plan on which such sign is proposed is greater than 20 acres and the sign otherwise complies with the requirements of this Chapter for billboards. 2. The message display shall not scroll, flash, move, or blink; 3. The message display content shall not change more frequently than once every six (6) seconds, and must occur simultaneously for the entire sign face; 4. The time to change completely from one display to another shall be a maximum of two (2) seconds, or, if messages are displayed digitally, as by LED’s, the content must change immediately; 5. The sign must be designed so that upon any failure or malfunction, there is no flashing, intermittent content, or any other apparent movement. 6. The changeable-message sign may not direct the movement of vehicular or pedestrian traffic; may not obscure, obstruct, interfere with, or imitate any official traffic sign or signal; and shall comply with State standards and rules as administrated by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to the extent applicable to such signs. 7. Each display shall have an ambience light sensing device and dimming ability that will adjust the brightness of the changeable-message sign as ambient lighting conditions change. Light intensity will be adjusted so a not to exceed 0.03 footcandles above ambient lighting, as measured using a footcandle impacts vary with the present distance. The pre-set distance to measure the footcandle impacts vary with expected viewing distances and the face size of each sign. 8. No such changeable-message sign may be placed closer than one hundred (100) feet from the nearest boundary of any residentially zoned property, and if placed closed than three hundred (300) feet from such property boundary must be situated so that Page 26 of 63 PZ Ordinance Draft Section 9.00.00 Signs.docx Page 11 Underline is for addition. Strikethrough is for deletion. the sign face us facing away from the residentially zoned property and is operated only between the hours of 6:00 A.M. and 10:00 P.M. 9. Except in area where billboards are allowable, any changeable-message sign shall be counted as part of the overall signage for the property or project site; must be a part of one (1) of the ground signs associated with the property or project site. 10. All permitted changeable-message sign shall be equipped with a sensor or other devices that automatically determines the ambience lighting. PART B. CONFLICTING PROVISIONS. Special acts of the Florida legislature applicable only to unincorporated areas of St. Lucie County, County ordinances and County resolutions, or parts thereof, in conflict with this ordinance are hereby superseded by this ordinance to the extent of such conflict. PART C. SEVERABILITY. If any portion of this Ordinance is for any reason held or declared to be unconstitutional, inoperative, or void, such holding shall not affect the remaining portions of this ordinance. If this ordinance or any provision thereof shall be held to be inapplicable to any person, property, or circumstance, such holding shall not affect its applicability to any other person, property, or circumstance. PART D. APPLICABILITY OF ORDINANCE. This ordinance shall be applicable in the unincorporated area of St. Lucie County. PART E. FILING WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE. The Clerk is hereby directed forthwith to send a certified copy of this ordinance to the Bureau of Administrative Code and Laws, Department of State, The Capitol, Tallahassee, Florida 32304. PART F. EFFECTIVE DATE. This ordinance shall take effect upon filing with the Department of State. Page 27 of 63 PZ Ordinance Draft Section 9.00.00 Signs.docx Page 12 Underline is for addition. Strikethrough is for deletion. PART G. ADOPTION. After motion and second, the vote on this ordinance was as follows: Cathy Townsend, Chair XXX Chris Dzadovsky, Vice Chair XXX Frannie Hutchinson, Commissioner XXX Linda Bartz, Commissioner XXX Sean Mitchell, Commissioner XXX PART H. CODIFICATION. Provisions of this ordinance shall be incorporated in the St. Lucie County Code and Compiled Laws, and the word "ordinance" may be changed to "section", "article", or other appropriate word, and the sections of this ordinance may be renumbered or re-lettered to accomplish such intention; provided, however, that Parts B through H shall not be codified. PASSED AND DULY ENACTED this ____ day of ___________, 2020. Attest: Board of County Commissioners St. Lucie County, Florida By: Deputy Clerk Chair Approved As To Form and Correctness: By: County Attorney Page 28 of 63 Planning and Development Services Department Planning Division M E M O R A N D U M SUGGESTED MOTIONS: MOTION TO APPROVE AFTER CONSIDERING THE TESTIMONY PRESENTED DURING THE PUBLIC HEARING, INCLUDING STAFF COMMENTS, AND THE STANDARDS OF REVIEW AS SET FORTH IN SECTION 11.06.03, ST. LUCIE COUNTY LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE, I HEREBY MOVE THAT THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION RECOMMEND THAT THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS GRANT APPROVAL TO THE PROPOSED TEXT AMENDMENT TO LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE SECTION 2.00.00 DEFINITIONS; SECTION 9.01.01 PERMITTED PERMANEMNT SIGNS; AND SECITON 9.03.00.H. PROHITED SIGNS, ALLOWING CHANGEABLE MESSAGE MONUMENTS SIGNS, BECAUSE... [CITE REASONS WHY - PLEASE BE SPECIFIC] MOTION TO DENY AFTER CONSIDERING THE TESTIMONY PRESENTED DURING THE PUBLIC HEARING, INCLUDING STAFF COMMENTS, AND THE STANDARDS OF REVIEW AS SET FORTH IN SECTION 11.06.03, ST. LUCIE COUNTY LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE, I HEREBY MOVE THAT THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION RECOMMEND THAT THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DENY THE PROPOSED TEXT AMENDMENT TO LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE SECTION 2.00.00. DEFINITIONS; SECTION 9.01.01 PERMITTED PERMANEMNT SIGNS; AND SECITON 9.03.00.H. PROHITED SIGNS, ALLOWING CHANGEABLE MESSAGE MONUMENTS SIGNS, BECAUSE... . .[CITE REASONS WHY - PLEASE BE SPECIFIC] Page 29 of 63 CHAPTER IX - SIGNS 9.00.00. - PURPOSE The purpose of these sign regulations is to establish requirements for the size, character, appearance, location, installation and maintenance of signs in order to promote public safety, preserve and protect the visual beauty of the landscape and promote the general health, welfare and safety of the citizens of St. Lucie County. The Board of County Commissioners, after public hearing, finds that these regulations are necessary to maintain and enhance the visual beauty of the County, to maintain and enhance the safety for those using the public rights-of-way and other areas open to vehicular and pedestrian traffic, to protect private property rights and property values, and to provide citizens and businesses with ample and effective opportunities for identification, advertising, and the expression of ideas. The Board of County Commissioners intends that the provisions of this chapter are severable, and further intends that, should any provision be declared invalid or unconstitutional, such declaration shall not affect the part of this chapter that remains. ( Ord. No. 16-009 , Pt. A, 6-7-2016) 9.01.00. - PERMITTED PERMANENT AND AUTHORIZED TEMPORARY SIGNS 9.01.01. - Permitted Permanent Signs. The following signs or advertising structures of a permanent nature shall be permitted within the following zoning districts: A. Agricultural - 1 (AG-1); Agricultural - 2.5 (AG-2.5); Agricultural - 5 (AG-5). Type of Sign Maximum Number Maximum Size Maximum Height Other Standards Nameplates 1 per dwelling unit 3 s.f. n/a non-illuminated Ground or Wall Signs 1 double-faced ground or 2 single-faced wall or ground signs per entrance to residential development, farm, or ranch. 32 s.f. 10 feet •Non-illuminated, externally illuminated, or backlit •Reduce maximum sign area by 50% if entrances are located less than 300 ft. of one another. Directional Signs One per lawful driveway, otherwise as necessary for safety 6 s.f. n/a Non-illuminated, externally illuminated, or backlit Billboards n/a 378 s.f. •50 feet above crown of road or finished •Only permitted along I- 95 and the Florida Turnpike. Page 30 of 63 grade. •1,500 feet apart on same side of road. •200 foot minimum separation from residential zones. •See Section 9.02.02 for general billboard provisions. Public Utility Signs n/a n/a n/a n/a 1. One (1) non-illuminated nameplate per dwelling unit or structure which shall not exceed three (3) square feet in sign area. 2. One (1) double-faced, ground sign or two (2) single-faced, wall or ground signs, located at each principal entrance into a residential development, farm, or ranch, as generally depicted in Figure 9-1. Wall signs shall be located on opposite sides of such entrances. Page 31 of 63 Such signs shall only be non-illuminated, externally illuminated, or backlit, meaning illuminated by a light source which is placed behind, and shines through, the sign face. The backlighting shall be designed to minimize glare and dispersion of light other than through the sign face. No such ground or wall sign face shall exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in size and shall not exceed ten (10) feet in height. Where the distance between the nearest edges of separate entrances to the same residential development, farm, or ranch is less than three hundred (300) feet, as measured along the right-of-way of the abutting street, the maximum permitted sign area (indicated above) at such entrances shall be reduced by fifty percent (50%) (Figure 9.2). 3. Directional signs which shall not exceed six (6) square feet each in sign area, may be installed as necessary for safety. Page 32 of 63 4. Billboards shall only be permitted on properties which are physically contiguous to I-95 and the Florida Turnpike, located so as to be visible from such highway, and as further restricted in Section 9.02.02(A). Such signs shall not be spaced less than one thousand five hundred (1,500) feet from another billboard which is on the same side of, and is directed at, the same highway. 5. Public utility signs, identifying the location of structures or facilities that may present a safety hazard, such as underground lines, high voltage areas, or the like, as needed for public safety purposes may be permitted if located so as not to create public safety hazards or interfere with rights-of-way maintenance, in the judgment of the Director of Planning and Development Services or his/her designee. Page 33 of 63 B. Residential/Conservation (R/C); Agricultural Residential (AR-1); Residential, Estate-1 (RE-1); Residential, Estate-2 (RE-2); Residential, Single-Family-2 (RS-2); Residential, Single-Family-3 (RS-3); Residential, Single-Family-4 (RS-4); Planned Mixed Use Development (PMUD) - Residential (Low Intensity). Type of Sign Maximum Number Maximum Size Maximum Height Other Standards Nameplates 1 per dwelling unit. 3 s.f. n/a Non-illuminated Ground or Wall Signs 1 double-faced ground or 2 single- faced wall or ground signs per entrance to residential development, farm, or ranch. 32 s.f. 10 feet •Non-illuminated, externally illuminated, or backlit. •Reduce maximum sign area by 50% if entrances are located less than 300 ft. of one another. Directional Signs One per lawful driveway, otherwise as necessary for safety. 6 s.f. n/a Non-illuminated, externally illuminated, or backlit. Public Utility Signs n/a n/a n/a n/a 1. One (1) non-illuminated nameplate per dwelling unit which shall not exceed three (3) square feet in sign area. 2. Directional signs which shall not exceed six (6) square feet each in sign area may be installed as necessary for safety. 3. One (1) double-faced, ground sign or two (2) single-faced, wall or ground signs, located at each principle entrance into a residential development, farm, or ranch, as generally depicted in Figure 9-3. Wall signs shall be located on opposite sides of such entrances. Page 34 of 63 Such signs shall only be non-illuminated, externally illuminated, backlit, meaning illuminated by a light source which is placed behind, and shines through, the sign face. The backlighting shall be designed to minimize glare and dispersion of light other than through the sign face. No such ground or wall sign face shall exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in size, and shall not exceed ten (10) feet in height. Where the distance between the nearest edges of separate entrances to the same residential development, farm, or ranch is less than three hundred (300) feet, as measured along the right-of-way of the abutting street, the maximum permitted sign area (indicated above) at such entrances shall be reduced by fifty percent (50%) (Figure 9-4). Page 35 of 63 4. Public utility signs, identifying the location of structures or facilities that may present a safety hazard, such as underground lines, high voltage areas, or the like, as needed for public safety purposes may be permitted if located so as not to create public safety hazards or interfere with rights-of-way maintenance, in the judgment of the Director of Planning and Development Services or his/her designee. C. Residential, Mobile Home-5 (RMH-5); Residential, Multiple-Family-5 (RM-5); Residential, Multiple-Family-7 (RM-7); Residential, Multiple-Family-9 (RM-9); Residential, Multiple-Family-11 (RM-11); Residential, Multiple-Family-15 (RM-15); Planned Unit Development (PUD); Recreational Vehicle Park (RVP); Hutchinson Island Residential District (HIRD); Planned Mixed Use Development (PMUD) - Residential (Medium and High Intensities). Type of Sign Maximum Number Maximum Size Maximum Height Other Standards Nameplates 1 per dwelling unit. Multi-n/a Non-illuminated Page 36 of 63 family: 1 s.f. _____ Single- family: 3 s.f. Ground or Wall Signs 1 double-faced ground or 2 single- faced wall or ground signs per entrance to residential development, farm, or ranch. 32 s.f. 10 feet •Non-illuminated, externally illuminated, or backlit. •Reduce maximum sign area by 50% if entrances are located less than 300 ft. of one another. Directional Signs One per lawful driveway, otherwise as necessary for safety. 6 s.f. n/a Non-illuminated, externally illuminated, or backlit. Public Utility Signs n/a n/a n/a n/a 1. One (1) non-illuminated nameplate per dwelling unit consistent with the following maximum sign area standards: a.) Single Family: Three (3) square feet b.) Multi-Family: One (1) square foot 2. One (1) double-faced, ground sign or two (2) single-faced, wall or ground signs, located at each principle entrance into a residential development, farm, or ranch, as generally depicted in Figure 9-5. Wall signs shall be located on opposite sides of such entrances. Page 37 of 63 Such signs shall only be non-illuminated, externally illuminated, backlit, meaning illuminated by a light source which is placed behind, and shines through, the sign face. The backlighting shall be designed to minimize glare and dispersion of light other than through the sign face. No such ground or wall sign face shall exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in size, and shall not exceed ten (10) feet in height. Where the distance between the nearest edges of separate entrances to the same residential development, farm, or ranch is less than three hundred (300) feet, as measured along the right-of-way of the abutting street, the maximum permitted sign area (indicated above) at such entrances shall be reduced by fifty percent (50%) (Figure 9-6). Page 38 of 63 3. Directional signs, which shall not exceed six (6) square feet in sign area, may be installed as necessary for safety. 4. Public utility signs, identifying the location of structures or facilities that may present a safety hazard, such as underground lines, high voltage areas, or the like, as needed for public safety purposes may be permitted if located so as not to create public safety hazards or interfere with rights-of-way maintenance, in the judgment of the Director of Planning and Development Services or his/her designee. D. Commercial, Office (CO); Planned Mixed Use Development (PMUD) - Professional Service/Office (Low, Medium, and High Intensities). Type of Sign Maximum Number Maximum Size Maximum Height Other Standards Nameplates 1 per occupant. 3 s.f. n/a None Page 39 of 63 Ground Signs 1 per establishment or group of establishments having at least 50 linear feet of frontage. 1 s.f. for every 2 linear feet of frontage - 100 s.f. maximum. 10 feet for RES, MXD, or AG Future Land Uses. Non-illuminated, externally illuminated, or backlit for RES, MXD, or AG Future Land Uses. 20 feet for all other Future Land Uses. None - all other Future Land Uses. Wall, Projecting, and/or Canopy Signs (Attached Canopies Only) n/a Total Sign Area: 10% of wall face area fronting on main street for RES, MXD, or AG Future Land Uses. n/a Non-illuminated, externally illuminated, or backlit for RES, MXD, or AG Future Land Uses. Total Sign Area: 20% of wall face area fronting on main street for all other Future Land Uses. None - all other Future Land Uses. Directional Signs One per lawful driveway, otherwise as necessary for safety. 6 s.f. n/a Non-illuminated, externally illuminated, or backlit. Public Utility Signs n/a n/a n/a n/a 1. One (1) nameplate per occupant which shall not exceed two (2) square feet in sign area. 2. Any establishment or group of establishments that has a street lot frontage of fifty (50) feet or more, shall be permitted one (1) ground sign which shall not exceed a sign area equal to one (1) square foot for every two (2) linear feet of street frontage, up to a maximum of one hundred (100) square feet. Such ground signs shall also be consistent with the following standards: Page 40 of 63 a.) For property that is located within any non-residential, non-agricultural Future Land Use District, as established in the St. Lucie County Comprehensive Plan, ground signs shall not exceed a height of twenty (20) feet. b.) For property that is located within the MXD or any residential or agricultural Future Land Use District, as established in the St. Lucie County Comprehensive Plan, ground signs shall not exceed a height of ten (10) feet. Such signs shall only be non- illuminated, externally illuminated, or backlit, meaning illuminated by a light source which is placed behind, and shines through, the sign face. The backlighting shall be designed to minimize glare and dispersion of light other than through the sign face. 3. Wall, projecting, and/or canopy signs (attached canopy only) consistent with the following standards: a.) For property that is located within any non-residential, non-agricultural Future Land Use District, as established in the St. Lucie County Comprehensive Plan, total wall, projecting, and/or canopy sign area may equal up to twenty percent (20%) of the total wall face area fronting the main street. b.) For property that is located within the MXD or any residential or agricultural Future Land Use District, as established in the St. Lucie County Comprehensive Plan, total wall, projecting, and/or canopy sign area may equal up to ten percent (10%) of the total wall face area fronting the main street. Such signs shall only be non-illuminated, externally illuminated, or backlit, meaning illuminated by a light source which is placed between a background and the sign face. Up to fifty percent (50%) of the permitted wall, projecting, or canopy sign area may be located on any other wall face of the same building or on any other canopy which is attached to such building. 4. Directional signs which shall not exceed six (6) square feet in sign area may be installed as necessary for safety. 5. Public utility signs, identifying the location of structures or facilities that may present a safety hazard, such as underground lines, high voltage areas, or the like, as needed for public safety purposes may be permitted if located so as not to create public safety hazards or interfere with rights-of-way maintenance, in the judgment of the Director of Planning and Development Services or his/her designee. E. Commercial, Neighborhood (CN); Commercial Resort (CR); Institutional (I); Religious Facilities (RF); Planned Mixed Use Development (PMUD) - Institutional (Low, Medium, and High Intensities), General Commercial (Low Intensity), and Public Service/Utilities (Low Intensity). Type of Sign Maximum Number Maximum Size Maximum Height Other Standards Wall, Projecting, and/or Canopy Signs (Attached Canopies Only) n/a Total Sign Area: 10% of wall face area fronting on the main street for RES, MXD, or AG Future Land Uses. n/a None Total Sign Area: 20% of wall face area fronting on the main Page 41 of 63 street - all other Future Land Uses. Canopy Signs 4 per face of free- standing canopy structures. Total Sign Area: 10% of total canopy face area - 23 s.f. maximum per canopy face - RES, MXD, or AG Future Land Uses. n/a None Total Sign Area: 20% of total canopy face area - 45 s.f. maximum per canopy face - all other Future Land Uses. Ground Signs 1 per establishment or group of establishments having at least 50 linear feet of frontage. 1 s.f. for every 2 linear feet of frontage - 100 s.f. maximum. 10 feet for RES, MXD, or AG Future Land Uses. None 20 feet for all other Future Land Uses. Pedestrian Signs 1 per establishment. 6 s.f. n/a None Rear Entrance Wall Sign 1 per establishment. 6 s.f. n/a None Directional Sign One per lawful driveway, otherwise as necessary for safety. 6 s.f. n/a Non-illuminated, externally illuminated, or backlit Public Utility Sign n/a n/a n/a n/a Page 42 of 63 1. Wall, projecting, and/or canopy signs (attached canopy only) consistent with the following standards: a. For property that is located within any non-residential, non-agricultural Future Land Use District, as established in the St. Lucie County Comprehensive Plan, total wall, projecting, and/or canopy sign area may equal up to twenty percent (20%) of the total wall face area fronting the main street. b. For property that is located within the MXD or any residential or agricultural Future Land Use District, as established in the St. Lucie County Comprehensive Plan, total wall, projecting, and/or canopy sign area may equal up to ten percent (10%) of the total wall face area fronting the main street. Up to fifty percent (50%) of the permitted wall, projecting, or canopy sign area may be located on any other wall face of the same building or on any other canopy attached to such building. 2. A maximum of four (4) canopy signs per face of free-standing canopy structure(s), consistent with the following standards: a. For property that is located within any non-residential, non-agricultural Future Land Use District, as established in the St. Lucie County Comprehensive Plan, total canopy sign area may equal up to twenty percent (20%) of the total canopy face area, except that no single canopy face shall have more than forty-five (45) square feet of sign area. b. For property that is located within the MXD or any residential or agricultural Future Land Use District, as established in the St. Lucie County Comprehensive Plan, total canopy sign area may equal up to ten percent (10%) of the total canopy face area, except that no single canopy face shall have more than twenty-three (23) square feet of sign area. 3. Any establishment or group of establishments that has a street lot frontage of fifty (50) linear feet or more, shall be permitted one (1) ground sign. Such sign shall not exceed a sign area equal to one (1) square foot for every two (2) linear feet or major fraction thereof of street lot frontage up to a maximum of one hundred (100) square feet. Such ground signs shall also be consistent with the following standards: a. For property that is located within any non-residential, non-agricultural Future Land Use District, as established in the St. Lucie County Comprehensive Plan, ground signs shall not exceed a height of twenty (20) feet. b. For property that is located within the MXD or any residential or agricultural Future Land Use District, as established in the St. Lucie County Comprehensive Plan, ground signs shall not exceed a height of ten (10) feet. 4. One (1) pedestrian sign per establishment which shall not exceed six (6) square feet in sign area. 5. One (1) rear entrance wall sign per establishment which shall not exceed six (6) square feet in sign area. 6. Directional signs, which shall not exceed six (6) square feet each in sign area, may be installed as necessary for safety. 7. Public utility signs, identifying the location of structures or facilities that may present a safety hazard, such as underground lines, high voltage areas, or the like, as needed for public safety purposes may be permitted if located so as not to create public safety hazards or interfere with rights-of-way maintenance, in the judgment of the Director of Planning and Development Services or his/her designee. Page 43 of 63 F. Commercial General (CG); Industrial Light (IL); Industrial Heavy (IH); Industrial Extraction (IX); Utilities (U); Planned Mixed Use Development (PMUD) - General Commercial (Medium and High Intensities), Public Service/Utilities (Medium and High Intensities), Industrial (Medium and High Intensities). Type of Sign Maximum Number Maximum Size Maximum Height Other Standards Wall, Projecting, and/or Canopy Signs (Attached Canopies Only) 4 per establishment. Total Sign Area: 20% of wall face area fronting on main street. n/a None Canopy Signs (Free-standing canopies) 4 per face of free- standing canopy. Total Sign Area: 20% of total canopy face area - 45 s.f. maximum per canopy face. n/a None Ground Signs 1 per establishment having at least 50 linear ft. of frontage. For establishments having from 50 to 150 linear ft. of frontage: 1 s.f. for every 1 linear ft. of frontage - 150 s.f. maximum. 30 feet. Sign area of individual signs may be aggregated, except that no single sign shall exceed 200 s.f. For establishments having over 150 ft. of frontage: 1 s.f. for every 1½ ft. of frontage, or 150 s.f., whichever is greater - 200 s.f. maximum. 1 additional sign for establishments having over 300 ft. of frontage. 1 s.f. for every 1½ linear ft. of frontage in excess of first 300 ft.- 200 s.f. maximum. 1 additional sign for establishments having at least 300 ft. of frontage and outdoor 100 s.f. Page 44 of 63 displays (LDC Section 7.10.02). Pedestrian Signs 1 per establishment. 6 s.f. n/a None Rear Entrance Wall Sign 1 per establishment. 6 s.f. n/a None Directional Sign One per lawful driveway, otherwise as necessary for safety. 6 s.f. n/a None Billboards n/a 378 s.f. •35 ft. above crown of road. •50 ft. above crown of road along I- 95 and Fla. Tnpk. •Only permitted along I-95, the Florida Turnpike and those roadways identified in Section 9.02.02(A). •1,500 foot apart on same side of road. •200 foot min. separation from residential zones or use areas. •See Section 9.02.02(A) for additional standards. Public Utility Signs n/a n/a n/a n/a 1. Billboards shall only be permitted on properties which are physically contiguous to I-95, the Florida Turnpike, U.S. 1, Orange Avenue, and Kings Highway/Turnpike Feeder Road, located so as to be visible from such highway, and as further restricted in Section 9.02.02(A). Such signs shall not be spaced less than one thousand five hundred (1,500) Page 45 of 63 feet from another billboard which is on the same side of, and is directed at, the same highway. 2. A maximum of four (4) wall, projecting, and/or canopy signs (on attached canopies only) per establishment. Such sign(s) shall not exceed a total sign area equal to twenty percent (20%) of the total wall face area of each establishment fronting on the main street. Fifty percent (50%) of such permitted sign area may be located on any other wall surface of the same building or on any other canopy attached to such building. 3. A maximum of four (4) canopy signs per face of free-standing canopy structure(s). Such signs shall not exceed a total sign area of twenty percent (20%) of the total canopy face area, except that no single canopy face shall have more than forty-five (45) square feet of sign area. 4. Any establishment or group of establishments having from fifty (50) to one hundred fifty (150) linear feet of frontage shall be permitted one (1) ground sign. Such sign shall not exceed a sign area equal to one (1) square foot for every one (1) linear foot or major fraction thereof of street lot frontage. Establishments or groups of establishments having more than one hundred fifty (150) linear feet of frontage, shall be permitted one (1) ground sign. Such sign shall not exceed a sign area equal to either one (1) square foot for every one and one-half (1½) linear feet of street lot frontage, or one hundred fifty (150) square feet, whichever is greater, up to a maximum of two hundred (200) square feet. One (1) additional ground sign shall be permitted when the street lot frontage exceeds three hundred (300) linear feet. The second ground sign shall not exceed a sign area equal to one (1) square foot for every one and one-half (1½) linear feet of street lot frontage in excess of the first three hundred (300) feet of frontage. The sign area of individual signs may be aggregated, except that no single sign shall exceed a sign area of two hundred (200) square feet. Ground signs shall not exceed a height of thirty (30) feet. 5. For any establishment or group of establishments that has a street frontage of three hundred (300) linear feet or more and which has outdoor displays as provided for in Section 7.10.02 of this Code, the Planning and Development Services Director or his/her designee may allow for the placement of two (2) additional ground signs, using and subject to the procedures set forth in Section 9.04.01. The Director or his/her designee shall allow for such additional signage when it is shown that operation as provided under Section 7.10.02 creates a specific need. Such additional signs may not exceed one hundred (100) square feet in area nor shall they exceed a height of thirty (30) feet. 6. One (1) pedestrian sign per establishment which shall not exceed six (6) square feet in sign area. 7. One (1) rear entrance wall sign per establishment which shall not exceed six (6) square feet in sign area. 8. Directional signs which shall not exceed six (6) square feet in sign area may be installed as necessary for safety. 9. Public utility signs, identifying the location of structures of facilities that may present a safety hazard, such as underground lines, high voltage areas, or the like, as needed for public safety purposes may be permitted if located so as not to create public safety hazards or interfere with rights-of-way maintenance, in the judgment of the Planning and Development Services Director or his/her designee. ( Ord. No. 2013-39 , § A, 12-17-13; Ord. No. 15-002 , Pt. A, 4-7-2015; Ord. No. 16-009 , Pt. A, 6-7-2016) Page 46 of 63 9.01.02. - Authorized Temporary Signs. A temporary sign is any sign that does not meet the construction standards of the Florida Building Code and that, for a limited period of time, conveys any message relating to a special event or other occurrence of limited duration, such as an election, a building under construction, real estate for sale, rent or lease, or a business grand opening. Temporary signs include, without limitation, portable signs and sidewalk signs. Temporary signs of the types described below in this section are allowable, subject to the following general requirements: 1. No temporary sign may have any characteristic that renders it a prohibited sign under Section 9.03.00. 2. No temporary sign may be located at the intersection of two (2) streets or roadways, or within the segment created by the curb or road edges and an imaginary line between the points thirty (30) feet back from where the curb lines of the intersection quadrant intersect. 3. No temporary sign shall be illuminated. 4. Temporary signs may be erected only if located wholly on private property, by or with the permission of the property owner. 5. Temporary signs must be capable of being moved and removed immediately and must be removed and stored indoors if a hurricane or other high-wind weather event is forecast to occur within twenty-four (24) hours. 6. Temporary signs must be removed within ten (10) days after conclusion of the event or termination of the circumstance to which they relate. 7. Except as stated below with respect to a specific type of temporary sign, allowable temporary signs may be erected without a permit. Subject to the foregoing general regulations, specific temporary signs are allowable subject to the following additional provisions: A. Commercial Temporary Signs. Temporary signs relating to a commercial establishment, product, or service, or related to the sale or rental of nonresidential real estate, are classified as commercial temporary signs and shall be subject to the following regulations: 1. Commercial temporary signs shall be limited to one (1) sign per parcel, establishment, dwelling unit, or per every five (5) acres or fraction thereof providing no more than one (1) sign per three hundred (300) feet of frontage shall be allowed on any one (1) parcel of property regardless of total acreage. A maximum of three (3) signs per parcel shall be provided on a single road frontage. 2. Commercial temporary signs shall not exceed the following maximum sign areas in square feet by zoning district and parcel size: Zoning District Parcel Size ≤1 ACRE >1 ACRE AG-1 AGRICULTURAL - 1 6 s.f. 16 s.f. AG-2.5 AGRICULTURAL - 2.5 6 s.f. 16 s.f. Page 47 of 63 AG-5 AGRICULTURAL - 5 6 s.f. 16 s.f. R/C RESIDENTIAL/CONSERVATION 6 s.f. 16 s.f. AR-1 AGRICULTURAL, RESIDENTIAL - 1 6 s.f. 16 s.f. RE-1 RESIDENTIAL, ESTATE - 1 6 s.f. 16 s.f. RE-2 RESIDENTIAL, ESTATE - 2 6 s.f. 16 s.f. RS-2 RESIDENTIAL, SINGLE FAMILY - 2 6 s.f. 16 s.f. RS-3 RESIDENTIAL, SINGLE FAMILY - 3 6 s.f. 16 s.f. RS-4 RESIDENTIAL, SINGLE FAMILY - 4 6 s.f. 16 s.f. RMH-5 RESIDENTIAL, MOBILE HOME - 5 16 s.f. 16 s.f. RM-5 RESIDENTIAL, MULTIPLE FAMILY - 5 16 s.f. 16 s.f. RM-7 RESIDENTIAL, MULTIPLE FAMILY - 7 16 s.f. 16 s.f. RM-9 RESIDENTIAL, MULTIPLE FAMILY - 9 16 s.f. 16 s.f. RM-11 RESIDENTIAL, MULTIPLE FAMILY - 11 16 s.f. 16 s.f. RM-15 RESIDENTIAL, MULTIPLE FAMILY - 15 16 s.f. 16 s.f. CN COMMERCIAL, NEIGHBORHOOD 16 s.f. 16 s.f. CO COMMERCIAL, OFFICE 16 s.f. 16 s.f. CG COMMERCIAL, GENERAL 32 s.f. 32 s.f. IL INDUSTRIAL, LIGHT 32 s.f. 32 s.f. IH INDUSTRIAL, HEAVY 32 s.f. 32 s.f. IX INDUSTRIAL, EXTRACTION 32 s.f. 32 s.f. Page 48 of 63 U UTILITIES 6 s.f. 32 s.f. I INSTITUTIONAL 6 s.f. 32 s.f. RF RELIGIOUS FACILITIES 6 s.f. 16 s.f. RVP RECREATIONAL VEHICLE PARK 6 s.f. 16 s.f. HIRD HUTCHINSON ISLAND RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT 6 s.f. 16 s.f. PUD PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT 6 s.f. 16 s.f. PNRD PLANNED NONRESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT 6 s.f. 32 s.f. PMUD PLANNED MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT 6 s.f. 32 s.f. 3. For properties exceeding five (5) acres, the sign area of individual signs, as indicated above, may be aggregated, except that no single sign may exceed an area of three hundred seventy-eight (378) square feet. B. Non-commercial Temporary Signs. Non-commercial temporary signs are temporary signs that do not fall within the definition of commercial temporary signs. 1. Non-commercial temporary signs shall not exceed the following maximum sign areas by Zoning District: Zoning District Maximum Sign Size Maximum Cumulative Sign Area AG-1 AGRICULTURAL - 1 16 s.f. 64 s.f. AG-2.5 AGRICULTURAL - 2.5 16 s.f. 64 s.f. AG-5 AGRICULTURAL - 5 16 s.f. 64 s.f. R/C RESIDENTIAL/CONSERVATION 6 s.f. 32 s.f. AR-1 AGRICULTURAL, RESIDENTIAL - 1 6 s.f. 32 s.f. RE-1 RESIDENTIAL, ESTATE - 1 6 s.f. 32 s.f. Page 49 of 63 RE-2 RESIDENTIAL, ESTATE - 2 6 s.f. 32 s.f. RS-2 RESIDENTIAL, SINGLE FAMILY - 2 6 s.f. 32 s.f. RS-3 RESIDENTIAL, SINGLE FAMILY - 3 6 s.f. 32 s.f. RS-4 RESIDENTIAL, SINGLE FAMILY - 4 6 s.f. 32 s.f. RMH-5 RESIDENTIAL, MOBILE HOME - 5 6 s.f. 32 s.f. RM-5 RESIDENTIAL, MULTIPLE FAMILY - 5 6 s.f. 32 s.f. RM-7 RESIDENTIAL, MULTIPLE FAMILY - 7 6 s.f. 32 s.f. RM-9 RESIDENTIAL, MULTIPLE FAMILY - 9 6 s.f. 32 s.f. RM-11 RESIDENTIAL, MULTIPLE FAMILY - 11 6 s.f. 32 s.f. RM-15 RESIDENTIAL, MULTIPLE FAMILY - 15 6 s.f. 32 s.f. CN COMMERCIAL, NEIGHBORHOOD 6 s.f. 32 s.f. CO COMMERCIAL, OFFICE 6 s.f. 32 s.f. CG COMMERCIAL, GENERAL 32 s.f. 64 s.f. IL INDUSTRIAL, LIGHT 32 s.f. 64 s.f. IH INDUSTRIAL, HEAVY 32 s.f. 64 s.f. IX INDUSTRIAL, EXTRACTION 32 s.f. 64 s.f. U UTILITIES 32 s.f. 64 s.f. I INSTITUTIONAL 16 s.f. 32 s.f. RF RELIGIOUS FACILITIES 6 s.f. 32 s.f. RVP RECREATIONAL VEHICLE PARK 16 s.f. 32 s.f. Page 50 of 63 HIRD HUTCHINSON ISLAND RES. DISTRICT 6 s.f. 32 s.f. PUD PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT 6 s.f. 32 s.f. PNRD PLANNED NONRES. DEVELOPMENT 16 s.f. 32 s.f. PMUD PLANNED MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT 16 s.f. 32 s.f. C. Temporary Flags, Banners, and Pennants Requiring a Permit. Flags which are not exempt from permitting under Section 9.04.00, banners, and/or pennants may be erected on a temporary basis upon the issuance of a permit. Such permit shall be issued by the Planning and Development Services Director or his/her designee using and subject to the procedures set forth in Section 9.04.01; provided that the Planning and Development Services Director or his/her designee shall grant or deny such permit within fifteen (15) days from receipt of a completed application. Such permit shall be granted provided that [a] the requirements of this Code are otherwise met; [b] no more than four (4) permits per year for one (1) professionally made banner shall be issued to any one (1) applicant, or a single applicant with more than three hundred (300) linear feet of roadway frontage may be permitted to have one banner every three hundred (300) linear feet of roadway frontage, [c] may be displayed for no more than a total of sixty (60) calendar days per year, and [d] also may be permitted during the holiday season from October 15 to January 2, when the above criteria are met and shall not count as part of the aforementioned sixty (60) day limit and [e] shall be no greater than 32 square feet, and [f] such flag, banner, or pennant shall not exhibit any other characteristic of a prohibited sign under Section 9.03.00. Such flags, banners, and pennants shall be removed by the permittee upon the expiration of the permit. D. Sidewalk Signs. One (1) temporary, movable sign that rests on but is not secured or attached to the ground, is permitted in commercial areas to be placed by a business or other occupant outside its premises as long as the sign does not impede the use of the sidewalk or block access to any part of the building or sidewalk as determined by applying the clearance standards under the 2012 Florida Accessibility Code for Building Construction. Such signs shall not contain content larger than eight (8) square feet with not more than two (2) sign faces, shall not be placed in the parking, county right-of-way or drainage swale and shall be placed not farther than twenty (20) feet from the entrance to the business. Such signs may be displayed only during the time the premises are open to the public, and must be stored inside the premises at other times. A permit for a temporary sidewalk sign is not required. ( Ord. No. 2013-39, § A, 12-17-13 ; Ord. No. 15-002, Pt. A, 4-7-2015 ; Ord. No. 16-009 , Pt. A, 6-7- 2016) 9.02.00. - GENERAL PROVISIONS In addition to the requirements set forth in Sections 9.01.01 and 9.01.02, the following general provisions shall apply to specific types of signs: 9.02.01. - Signs Other Than Billboards. A. Wall Signs. Page 51 of 63 1. Shall not extend more than eighteen (18) inches from the wall or facade of the building to which they are attached. 2. Shall not extend more than twenty-four (24) inches above the roof or parapet of a building, whichever is greater. 3. Shall be adequately constructed and securely anchored in accordance with the Florida Building Code. Page 52 of 63 Page 53 of 63 B. Mansard and Marquee Signs. 1. Mansard and marquee signs shall conform to Wall Sign provisions, Section 9.02.01(A). C. Projecting Signs. 1. Shall provide a vertical clearance of not less than nine (9) feet over any pedestrian walkway or fourteen (14) feet over any vehicular driveway. 2. Shall not extend closer (leading edge measured horizontally) than eighteen (18) inches to the curbface or, where no curb is installed, to the curbline as established by the County Engineer. 3. Shall not extend more than twenty-four (24) inches above the roof or parapet of a building, whichever is greater. 4. Shall be adequately constructed and securely anchored in accordance with the Florida Building Code. D. Ground Signs. 1. Shall not exceed a total height of thirty (30) feet except as may be further restricted in this Code, and fifty (50) feet total height along those properties which are physically contiguous to and within fifty (50) feet of the right-of-way boundary of the Florida Turnpike and I-95. The height of ground signs may either be measured from the crown of the road or at finished grade. If an applicant for a ground sign permit elects to measure the height from the crown of the road, the applicant shall submit, at the time of application for such permit, a survey of the property and of the abutting street. 2. Shall not be located less than eighteen (18) inches (leading edge measured horizontally) from any public right-of-way line, adjacent property line, or structure. 3. Shall provide a vertical clearance of not less than nine (9) feet over any pedestrian walkway or fourteen (14) feet over any vehicular driveway. 4. When an access way intersects a public or private right-of-way or when the subject property abuts the intersection of two (2) or more public or private rights-of-way, all ground signs within the triangular area described below shall have a height of not more than three (3) feet or a vertical clearance of not less than ten (10) feet, and shall not have poles or support structures which are individually greater than twelve (12) inches in diameter. The triangular area referenced above is the area of property located at the corner formed by the intersection of two (2) public or private rights-of-way, or at each corner formed by the intersection of an access way with a public or private right-of-way. Two (2) sides of such triangular area shall be twenty (20) feet in length as measured horizontally from the point of intersection, and the third side shall be a line connecting the ends of the two (2) other sides. 5. Shall be adequately constructed and securely anchored in accordance with the Florida Building Code. 6. Shall have a landscaped area around its base which extends a minimum distance of three (3) feet in all directions. Such landscaped area shall be completely covered by natural drought-tolerant ground cover and shrubs, hedges or similar vegetative materials. The Planning and Development Services Director shall grant relief from this landscaping requirement for billboards which are located on properties that are physically contiguous to I-95 or the Florida Turnpike if it is determined that such signs are located more than one hundred (100) feet from a developed area as defined in Section 2.00.00 of this Code. Page 54 of 63 E. Pedestrian Signs. 1. Shall provide a vertical clearance of not less than nine (9) feet over any pedestrian walkway. 2. Shall not extend beyond the underside of a cantilevered roof, portico, or other overhang. 3. Where the underside of an overhang exceeds a height of thirteen (13) feet, a pedestrian sign may be attached to the exterior wall from which such overhang extends. When a pedestrian sign is attached to a wall, such sign shall not extend (leading edge measured horizontally) more than thirty-six (36) inches from the wall face of any building. 4. Shall include only the name and/or address of the establishment or use. F. Canopy Signs. 1. Shall not extend more than eighteen (18) inches from the face of the canopy to which they are attached. 2. Shall not extend above the roof or below the underside of the canopy to which they are attached. 3. Shall be adequately constructed and securely anchored in accordance with the Florida Building Code. 4. The height of individual canopy faces, for purposes of measuring sign area, shall be measured from the roof to the underside of the canopy. ( Ord. No. 2013-39, § A, 12-17-13 ; Ord. No. 16-009 , Pt. A, 6-7-2016) 9.02.02. - Billboards. A. Shall not be located along any roadway other than the following: 1.) Florida's Turnpike Indian River county line to Martin county line 2.) I-95 Indian River county line to Martin county line 3.) US #1 Indian River county line to Martin county line except as may be further restricted in Section 9.01.01, of this Code. Page 55 of 63 B. Shall not exceed a sign area of three hundred seventy-eight (378) square feet including all trim, molding, or skirting, except as may be further restricted in this Code. C. Shall not exceed a sign face dimension of thirty-six (36) feet horizontally or twelve (12) feet vertically including all trim, molding, or skirting. D. Shall not exceed a total height above the crown of the road of thirty-five (35) feet, except as may be further restricted in this Code, and fifty (50) feet total height above grade along the Florida Turnpike and I-95. The height of billboards that are ground signs may either be measured from the crown of the road or at finished grade. If an applicant for a ground sign permit elects to measure the height from the crown of the road, the applicant shall submit, at the time of application for such permit, a survey of the property and of the abutting street. E. Shall be located a minimum of twenty-five (25) feet from any street right-of-way or property line. F. Shall not be located closer to a right-of-way line than any building on contiguous property if such building is situated within one hundred (100) feet of the sign. G. Shall not be located within a radius of two hundred (200) feet of any residential zone or residential use area within an approved Planned Unit Development or Planned Mixed Use Development Project. H. Shall not be located so as to face a lot on the same street occupied by a religious facility, public school, public park, playground, beach, civic area, or cemetery, nor nearer to such uses than a radius of two hundred (200) feet. I. Shall comply with Section 9.02.01(D) where the billboard is also a ground sign. J. Shall not be located on Hutchinson Island. ( Ord. No. 16-009 , Pt. A, 6-7-2016) 9.03.00. - PROHIBITED SIGNS No sign, whether otherwise allowable or exempt from permitting, may have any characteristic that renders it a prohibited sign. The following signs or types of signs shall be prohibited: A. Roof signs. B. Portable signs, other than allowable sidewalk signs, and trailer signs. C. Reserved. D. Snipe signs. E. Signs attached to any tree, shrub, plant, or rock. F. Signs located over or on any public right-of-way, except: 1. Public directional and regulatory signs, erected by any duly authorized state or local government in accordance with applicable Florida Department of Transportation Design standards; 2. Bus bench signs; and 3. One sign per parcel in Commercial Neighborhood (CN), Commercial Office (CO), Institutional (I), Religious Facilities (RF), Commercial General (CG), Industrial Light (IL), Industrial Heavy (IH), Industrial Extraction (IX), and Utilities (U) zoning districts, provided that: a. It is located on the property of the applicant or the adjacent property; Page 56 of 63 b. It does not exceed four (4) square feet in total sign area; c. It is erected in accordance with applicable Florida Department of Transportation design safety standards; d. It is not located within any State or Federal right-of-way; e. It is not located within twenty (20) feet of any intersecting street or driveway connection; f. It is not located within any utility easement or surface drainage swale; provided; g. The sign does not contravene any other applicable regulation or restriction of St. Lucie County. G. Any privately-owned signs attached to or placed within any public right-of-way upon any utility pole, street light, sidewalk curb, fire hydrant, bridge, or any other similar public or utility structure. H. Flashing, animated, fire- or smoke-emitting, changeable-message, or noise-making signs, except for one (1) variable electronic message sign per parcel or group of parcels under a uniform site development plan, provided that the message sign does not exceed an overall area of thirty (30) square feet (three (3) feet × ten (10) feet typical dimension); the message displays shall be on a black background with a single color copy; the message display shall not scroll, flash or blink, and message display copy shall not change more frequently than once every five (5) seconds. Any such message sign shall be counted as part of the overall signage for the property or project site; must be a part of one (1) of the ground signs associated with the property or project site. Dimensional limitations in this paragraph may be waived by application to the Planning and Development Services Director for property located in the Institutional Zoning District with frontage on an arterial roadway. The site development plan on which such sign is proposed must be greater than 20 acres and the sign must be located adjacent to the arterial roadway and set back from the property line at least 50 feet. I. Signs in motion, including swinging, rotating, or revolving signs or similar moving devices designed to attract attention by motion or illusionary motion. J. Signs that copy or imitate official governmental signs or that incorrectly purport to have official governmental status. K. Signs that display any written or graphic message that is lewd, lascivious, or obscene based on contemporary community standards. L. Signs that obstruct or interfere with any door, fire exit, stairway, ladder, or opening intended to provide light, air, ingress, or egress for any building. M. Any sign, whether otherwise allowable or exempt under this chapter, that, in the judgment of the Planning and Development Services Director, determined without reference to the content of the sign except as stated below in this paragraph constitutes a traffic safety hazard by reason of size, location, movement, or method of illumination; obstructs the vision of motorists or pedestrians; obstructs or interferes with any official traffic control device; or utilizes flashing or revolving red, green, blue, or amber lights, creates glare, or utilizes the words "stop," "look," "danger" or any other word, phrase, symbol, or character in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic. N. Signs that utilize fluorescent colors in the yellow or red spectrums. O. Flags which are not exempt from permitting under Section 9.04.00, and except for temporary flags, banners, and pennants as permitted in Section 9.01.02(C). P. Signs that contain any mirror or mirrored device. Q. Vehicular signs. R. Any unpermitted sign not exempt from permitting under this chapter. Page 57 of 63 ( Ord. No. 2013-39, § A, 12-17-13 ; Ord. No. 16-009 , Pt. A, 6-7-2016) 9.04.00. - PERMITTING AND EXEMPTIONS 9.04.01. - Permitting. A. Except as specifically exempted in Section 9.01.02 or Section 9.04.02, the erection, physical alteration, reconstruction, or physical conversion of any sign shall not be commenced without obtaining a Sign Permit from the Planning and Development Services Director. No Sign Permit shall be issued for development without the concurrent issuance of a Certificate of Zoning Compliance as provided by Section 11.05.00 of this Code. No permit shall be required for the sole purpose of changing content, including wording and graphics, on a lawfully existing sign that otherwise complies with the requirements of this Code both before and after such change. B. The process for obtaining a Sign Permit shall be the same as the process for obtaining a Building Permit pursuant to Chapter XI of this Code, except as specifically modified in this Section. The application shall be made on such form as the Planning and Development Services Director or his/her designee shall prescribe, which shall include a depiction of the proposed sign, its specifications including height, sign area, dimensions, location on the site and in relation to other structures and rights-of-way, means of support, method of illumination, if any, and such other information as the Planning and Development Services Director or his/her designee may require to determine whether the proposed sign meets the requirements of this Chapter. C. The Planning and Development Services Director or his/her designee shall grant or deny an application for a Sign Permit and Certificate of Zoning Compliance applicable to such application, within thirty (30) days from receipt of a complete application. The Planning and Development Services Director or his/her designee shall notify the applicant within fifteen (15) days from receipt of any application, or amendment or supplement thereto, if the application is incomplete, and shall notify the applicant of the information necessary to complete the application. The applicant has the option of supplying such information or, if the applicant deems the application complete despite such notification, upon notifying the Planning and Development Services Director or his/her designee who shall then treat the application as complete. Any application for a Sign Permit that is not granted or denied within thirty (30) days from receipt of a completed application shall be deemed denied. D. The Planning and Development Services Director or his/her designee shall grant the Sign Permit upon receipt of a completed application with all required fees, upon finding that the proposed sign conforms to all requirements of this Chapter; otherwise, the application shall be denied. The content of a proposed sign shall not be material to the grant or denial of a Sign Permit, except as necessary to determine that a sign conforms to the specific requirements of this Chapter. E. The denial of an application for Sign Permit may be appealed by the applicant to the Board of Adjustment in accordance with Chapter XI of this Code, within thirty (30) days from denial. The Board of Adjustment shall render its decision within forty-five (45) days from the date the appeal is filed. Any Sign Permit applicant aggrieved by a decision of the Board of Adjustment may seek review by certiorari in the Circuit Court in accordance with Chapter XI of this Code, within thirty (30) days from rendition of the decision of the Board of Adjustment. ( Ord. No. 2013-39, § A, 12-17-13 ) 9.04.02. - Exceptions. The following signs shall not be required to have a sign permit, provided they do not otherwise violate any specific prohibition in this Chapter and they are not designed or located so as to cause or create a risk to public safety, as set forth in Section 9.03.00(M): A. Residential nameplates that comply with this Chapter. Page 58 of 63 B. Temporary signs providing they comply with Section 9.01.02 of this Chapter. C. Signs that are not visible from any roadway or adjoining property. D. Memorial signs or tablets within duly licensed cemeteries. E. Public convenience signs, communicating the location of restrooms or public telephones. F. Public warning signs, indicating the dangers of trespassing, swimming, animals, or the like. G. Seasonal displays or decorations not advertising a product, service, or establishment. H. Garage or yard sale signs providing they are removed by sunset of the last day of the sale. I. Non-illuminated building identification signs which are under three (3) square feet in sign area on buildings which are located at least three hundred (300) feet from a public right-of-way. J. Ten (10) or fewer flags, per parcel or common development site. Such flags shall not be placed less than thirty (30) feet apart. Any flags, in excess of ten (10) per parcel or common development site may be erected on a temporary basis upon the issuance of a permit in accordance with Section 9.01.02(C). 9.05.00. - NONCONFORMING SIGNS A. General. Any sign or advertising structure in the unincorporated area of the County on which, by its height, area, location, use or structural support does not conform to the requirements of this chapter, shall be termed nonconforming. B. Continuation or Removal. All nonconforming signs or advertising structures which were properly permitted and conforming to the sign ordinances of the County in effect at the time the signs were erected, may continue in use in accordance with the other provisions of this Section. All other nonconforming signs shall be removed unless erected prior to September 1, 1961. Nonconforming signs that are subject to removal shall be subject to the provisions of this Code governing the procedures for Code violations; provided, however, that the Planning and Development Services Director may direct the removal, after making reasonable efforts to provide advance notice to the sign owner, of (1) any sign that in his/her judgment, determined without reference to the content of the sign except as stated in Section 9.03.00(M), constitutes an immediate and extreme danger to public safety, or (2) any sign erected or posted in the public right-of-way in violation of this Chapter. Temporary signs for which allowable time of display has expired and for which the sign owner cannot readily be located or identified, shall be deemed abandoned and may be removed at the direction of the Planning and Development Services Director. C. Structural Alterations. Nonconforming signs shall not be structurally altered or enlarged unless they are made to conform with all the requirements of this Chapter, except that substitution or interchange of copy may be permitted. D. Natural Damage. Nonconforming signs which are more than fifty percent (50%) destroyed by wind, deterioration or other damage shall be made to conform with all the requirements of this Chapter, or be completely removed. E. Billboards with less than the Minimum Separation. Where two (2) or more billboards, each of which was lawfully installed at its time of installation, are situated closer to each other than permitted by Section 9.01.01(F)(1), then all such signs except the one (1) first installed in the County shall be nonconforming. F. Removal of Non-Conforming Flags, Banners, and Pennants. Flags, banners, and pennants rendered non-conforming by virtue of being included in Section 9.03.00(P) shall be removed by March 1, 1994. ( Ord. No. 2013-39, § A, 12-17-13 ) Page 59 of 63 NIGHT-TIME BRIGHTNESS LEVEL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ON-PREMISE ELECTRONIC MESSAGE CENTERS SIGN RESEARCH FOUNDATION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Page 60 of 63 KEY TAKEAWAYSBrighter doesn’t necessarily mean better. When electronic message centers (EMCs) are unreasonably bright, neither the business nor the community is well served. “Night-time Brightness Level Recommendations for On-Premise Electronic Message Centers,” expanded and re-released in August 2016 by the International Sign Association, explores scientifically researched, easily understandable recommendations for EMC brightness. The report was based on research performed by noted lighting expert Dr. Ian Lewin, past president of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES). The most recent version of the report includes the recommended lighting level and model code language, more detailed information on measuring brightness levels with and without operational control, and several case studies. Proper EMC brightness offers numerous advantages: It conserves energy; it increases the life expectancy of the electronic display components; it prevents glare and it ensures legibility of the display. 1 2 FOR NIGHT-TIME VIEWING, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT EMC’S NOT EXCEED 0.3 FOOT-CANDLES OVER AMBIENT LIGHTING CONDITIONS WHEN MEASURED AT THE RECOMMENDED DISTANCE, BASED ON THE EMC SIZE. ■EMCs are designed for legibility during daylight, but brightness settings tend to be inappropriate for night-time viewing. ■EMCs may be dimmed manually, through programmed schedules or through photocell technology for night-time viewing. ■Dr. Lewin recommends the development of brightness criteria based on the Illuminating Engineering Society’s standards pertaining to light trespass, which involves determining how much light can trespass into adjacent areas without being offensive. NUMEROUS COMMUNITIES HAVE ADOPTED THE NEW RECOMMENDATIONS WITH GREAT SUCCESS. ■Columbus, Ohio, was receiving complaints about digital sign brightness. City planners explored brightness limits for on-premise and off-premise digital signs, as well as testing methods. Research included an ISA demonstration that showed the impact of different testing methods; one required getting up on a lift and shining a nit gun on the sign, while the other allowed testers to remain on the ground. The new code, based on measurement of foot- candles, has significantly reduced administrative burden. ■Kitsap County, Washington, a transition county between the more rural part of the state and the city of Seattle, crafted regulations that brought stability and made it easy for businesses to convert existing static monument signs into electronic signs. But, they were not written in a way that would allow billboards to convert. ISA provided industry expertise and resources, including the recommended brightness levels. ■Sparks, Nevada, had outdated, less-than-explicit regulations for EMCs; they were also in lumens, which local officials had trouble measuring. As the community continued its rapid growth, the code went under revision, and measurement by both nits and foot-candles was explored. Choosing foot-candles resulted in the use of a simple light meter to measure brightness rather than guesswork. It’s important to note that EMCs and digital billboards are not synonymous. Each has its own capabilities, purposes, intended audiences and regulations. This document refers only to on-premise EMCs that advertise goods and services available at that particular location. In addition, EMCs use a different lighting technology than most traditionally internally illuminated signs. As such, the recommendations in the report do not apply to other signs such as channel letter and exposed neon. This report identifies three key takeaways from “Night-Time Brightness Level Recommendations for On-Premise Electronic Message Centers:” Page 61 of 63 3NIGHT-TIME BRIGHTNESS CAN BE MEASURED WITH OR WITHOUT OPERATIONAL CONTROL. ■With operational control, the steps include obtaining an illuminance meter; determining square footage; determining the measurement distance; preparing the display for testing; measuring EMC brightness with the illuminance meter; and ensuring that the display can adjust to different ambient conditions. As the display alternates between a solid white message and an “off” message, the tester should note the range of values on the illuminance meter. A reading of less than 0.3 foot-candles is compliant. ■If EMC brightness must be evaluated without access to the sign controls—or if the measurement must be taken after business hours—the process is different. Here, the tester measures the difference in brightness between the sign in operation and when completely blocked from the illuminance meter. The steps include obtaining an illuminance meter; determining square footage; determining the measurement distance; positioning testers with a piece of painted cardboard cut to proper size; using the illuminance meter; and determining the brightness level. If any reading exceeds the maximum brightness level, the sign is non-compliant. FOOT-CANDLES VS. NITS Read the full report Night-time Brightness Level Recommendations for On-Premise Electronic Message Centers (updated 2016) at: www.signs.org/EMCs More than 250 localities and many state departments of transportation have adopted the foot-candle measurement for EMCs rather than nits. Here’s why: NITS MEASURES LUMINANCE MEASURES ONLY THE AMOUNT OF BRIGHTNESS EMITTED LUMINANCE SPECTROMETER (NIT GUN): ~$1,000 DOES NOT ALLOW ADJUSTMENT BASED ON AMBIENT LIGHT DOES NOT MEASURE APPEARANCE DIFFICULT TO MEASURE ACCURATELY DIFFICULT TO ENFORCE FOOTCANDLES MEASURES ILLUMINANCE ACCOUNTS FOR AMBIENT LIGHT CONDITIONS LUX METER MEASURING DEVICE: ~$100 “TWILIGHT” MEASUREMENT POSSIBLE MEASURES LIGHT IMPACT AND APPEARANCE WORKS WITH ROADWAY LIGHTING STANDARDS EASIER TO CHECK AND ENFORCE Page 62 of 63 DID YOU FIND THIS SUMMARY USEFUL? SUPPORT MORE RESEARCH LIKE THIS WITH A DONATION. GIVETOSRF.ORG FOLLOW US @SIGNRESEARCH PUBLISHED BY: WWW.SIGNRESEARCH.ORG This report remains the property of the Sign Research Foundation. None of the information contained within can be used, republished or reprinted without express permission from the Sign Research Foundation. Page 63 of 63