HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity of Tamarac Ordinance O-1975-043This Ordinance Intrdduced
By__
ii
[7
ORDINANCE NO. --•
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 21 OF THE
TAMARAC CITY CODE, AMENDING ALL SECTIONS
THEREOF, INCLUDING SECTION 21-1 THROUGH
21-30; PROVIDING FOR A COMPREHENSIVE
FORK FOR THE REGULATION OF THE CON -
STRUCTION, ERECTION, PLACEMENT, REPAIR,
ALTERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF SIGNS WITH-
IN THE MUNICIPAL BOUNDARIES OF THE CITY
OF TAMARA.C; PROVIDING FOR APPLICATION AND
PERMITTING PROCEDURES; PROVIDING PERMIT
FEES; PROVIDING FOR ANNUAL INSPECTIONS;
PROVIDING FOR THE REVOCATION OF PERMITS;
PROVIDING PROCEDURES FOR WAIVER AND EX-
CEPTION; PROVIDING FOR NON -CONFORMING
SIGNS: PROVIDING FOR THE METHOD OF EN -
FORWENT OF THE REGULATIONS CONTAINED
IN THIS CHAPTER; PROVIDING A PENALTY;
PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ORDINANCES
IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; SPECIFICALLY RE-
PEALING ORDINANCES 73-32, 74--33 AND
74-59; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF CON-
FLICTING ORDINANCES AND CODE PROVISIONS;
PROVIDING A SEVERABILiTY CLAUSE; PROVID-
ING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
S�at1i��s
rvrriQ,v, lc9-�
Amended 11/24/75
Amended 12/11/75
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Tamarac, Florida, has
determined, upon investigation and inquiry, that it is within the best
interest of the citizenry of the City of Tamarac, Florida, to regulate
and control the construction, erection, placement, repair, alteration
and maintenance of signs to be constructed, located and maintained within
the City of Tamarac, Florida, and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Tamarac, Florida, believes
that the display of signs and other advertising structures should not
adversely affect the residential areas of the City which closely adjoin
and/or abut the business districts within the City, and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Tamarac, Florida, is
desirous of reducing the possibility of traffic accidents by the elimin-
ation or reduction of distractions to drivers, and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Tamarac, Florida, is
desirous of restricting ercial activity in residential neighbor-
hoods, and
WHEREAS, the City of Tamarac, Florida is particularly unique in
aesthetic design of such quality that the element of aesthetic considera-
tion has become and is an integral part of municipal comprehensive planning
and regulation, and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Tamarac, Florida, is conscious
of the need to encourage, promote and preserve the aesthetic qualities
of the City to the effect of maintaining a pleasant, neat and uncluttered
community environment in the best interests of the residents and business
persons of the City, and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Tamarac, Florida, believes
that it is desirable to amend Chapter 21 of the Tamarac City Code, includ-
ing all sections thereof,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
�v��u►��:�.ri
SECTION 1: Statement of Purpose: The purpose of this Ordinance is
to create a comprehensive framework and balanced system of sign control,
thereby facilitating a clear and pleasant communication between people and
their environment, and to lessen the possibility of traffic hazards and to
reduce commercial traffic in residential neighborhoods.
SECTION 2: Definitions: The following phrases, words and terms
shall have the following meanings and basic limitations:
1. ADVERTISING SIGN: A sign or sign structure situated upon or
attached to real property, including the improvements thereon, intended
for advertising purposes and to aid, directly or indirectly, in the sale,
use or promotion of a product, carmmodity, service, activity, or entertain-
ment, or to aid, directly or indirectly, in the sale of real or personal
property-
2. ANIMATED SICK: A sign which utilizes motion of any part by any
means, or displays flashing, oscillating or intermittent lights and/or
lighting.
3. ANNOUNCING SIGN: A sign announcing a project to be under construc-
tion or an intended use of the premises in the immediate future.
4. BANNER SIGN: A sign having the characters, letters or illustra-
tions applied to cloth, paper or fabric of any kind with only such material
for backing.
5. BENCH SIGN: Any sign painted on/or attached to a bench.
-2-
6. BILLBOARD: A structure utilized for advertising an establishment,
an activity, a product, service or entertainment, which is sold, produced,
manufactured, available or furnished at a place other than on the property
on which said sign is located.
7. BOX OR CABINET SIGN: Any sign, the face of which is enclosed,
bordered or contained within a boxlike structure, frame or other device.
8. CANTILEVER SIGN: Same as Projecting Sign.
9. CITY: The word "City" as used herein shall mean the City of Tamarac,
unless the context clearly discloses a contrary intent.
10.. COMMUNITY SERVICE SIGN: A sign which advertises solely a function
of a non-profit organization or corporation..
11. DIRECTIONAL SIGN:
a. A non --commercial sign permanently erected or permitted to be
erected and maintained by the City, Broward County, or the State of Florida,
or any agency thereof, to denote the name of any thoroughfare, the route to
any city, town., village, educational institution, public building, park,
recreational facility, or hospital; to direct and regulate traffic, to denote
any transportation or transmission oampany for the direction or safety of the
public.
b. A non-commercial sign, notice, or symbol for the information of
the Federal Aviation Agency as to locations, directions, landings and condi-
tions, affecting the safety of aircraft and aviation.
c. A non-commiercial sign, notice or symbol as to the time and
place of regular civic meetings and religious activities and services.
d. A non-commercial sign located on and relating to an activity
on the premises upon which the sign is located, providing information to
pedestrian and vehicular traffic, e.g., "entrance", ""exit'", "caution", and
"no trespassing".
12. DIRECTORY SIGN: An index consisting of multiple names of tenants
of an office building or a shopping ooZplex.
13. DOUBLE-FACED SIGN: A sign with two faces which are usually, but
not necessarily, parallel.
14. GRAND OPENING SIGN: A temporary sign announcing the first opening
MM
of a business not previously conducted in the City by the same person(s),
at the location; may be paper, cloth, banner and/or pennants.
15. GRDTND OR FREE-STANDING SIGN: A self -supported sign not attached
or affixed in any way to a building or any other structure.
16. ILLEGAL SIGN: A sign installed without a permit as required by
this Ordinance.
17. ILL=ATED SIGN: Any sign having characters, letters, ,figures,
designs, logos or outlines illuminated by electric lights or luminous tubes
designed for that purpose, whether or not said lights or tubes are physically
attached to the sign.
18. LEASING SIGN: A sign indicating vacant, unimproved property, vacant
store, house, building or apartment for lease or rent.
19. MARQUEE SIGN: A sign attached to or hung from a canopy or covered
structure projecting from, and supported by a building, when such canopy or
covered structure extends beyond the building.
20. MODEL ARPDW SIGN: A sign pointing to development project models
having just one word "models" thereon, an array and/or logo, but no commercial
advertising.
21. MODEL OFFICE SIGN: A sign identifying a project - model sales
office.
22. MODEL SIGN: A sign which designates a particular dwelling unit
design which is not for sale, but rather represents other units of a similar
design that are for sale.
23. NAMEPLATE OR OWNER DESIGNATION SIGN: A sign, other than a Directory
Sign, indicating the name, and/or profession or address of the person or
persons residing on the premises or legally occupying the premises, provided
that no such sign shall include letters and/or other symbols exceeding four
(.4) inches in height.
24. NCN-OMMPMING SIGN: A sign or advertising structure existing
within the city limits on the effective date of this Ordinance or a sign or
advertising structure existing in an area annexed to the City
after the effective date of this Ordinance which, by its design, height, type,
content, electrical wiring, square foot area, location, use, or structural
=W
support or otherwise does not conform to the requirements of this Ordinance.
25. PAINTED WINDOW SIGN: A permanent sign painted on a store front
window or door, indicating main or accessory uses of the business, provided
the area of such signs shall not exceed twenty-five (25%) percent of the
glass area to which said signs are affixed.
26. PAPER WINDOW SIGN: A temporary sign displayed within glass display
windows for promotion of the business conducted therein, provided the area
of such signs shall not exceed fifty (50%) percent of the glass area to
which said signs are affixed.
27. PAINTED WALL SIGN: A sign painted on any outside wall of any
building.
28. PARAPET: A false front or wall extension above the roof line of
any building.
29. PERMANENT SIGN: Any sign which, when installed, is intended for
permanent use. For the purposes of this Ordinance any sign with an intended
use in excess of twelve (12) months from the date of installation shall be
deemed a permanent sign.
30. POLE SIGN: A sign erected upon a pole or poles and which is wholly
independent of any building and/or other structure for support.
31. POLITICAL SICK: Any sign which indicates the name, cause or affilia-
tion of anyone seeking public office, or which indicates any issue for which
a public election is scheduled to be held.
32. PRICE RATE GAS SERVICE STATION SIGN: A sign indicating gasoline
and/or pertroleum product prices.
33. PROMDTIONAL GAS SERVICE STATION SIGN: A sign or signs indicating a
service, such as mechanical or tune-up, and credit card logo. Also a special
sale or gift notice.
34. P"ECTING SIGN: A sign attached to and supported by a building or
other structure and which extends at any angle therefrom.
35. REAL ESTATE SIGN: A sign, whether permanent or temporary, erected
by the Owner, or his agent, indicating property which is for rent, lease or
sale.
-5-
z
36. REMODELING CONTRACIOR SIGN: A sign designating the name of
the general and/or sub -contractor undertaking the remodeling and/or renovation
of an existing structure.
37. ROOF SIGN: A sign erected over,, across or on the roof of any
building extending above the roof line, which is dependent on the roof,
parapet or upper walls of any building for support.
38. SIDEWALK OR SANDWICH SIGN: A movable sign not secured or attached
to the ground.
39. SIGN: Any structure and all parts composing the same, together with
the frame, background or support therefore, which are used for advertising, for
display purposes or any statuary, sculpture, molding, or casting used for ad-
vertising or display purposes, or any flags, bunting or material used for dis-
play or advertising purposes, or for the purpose of bringing the subject matter
thereof to the attention of another.
40. SIGN AREA: The square foot area enclosed by the perimeter of the sign
face. When a sign is composed of individual letters only, then the sign area
is the area enclosed by the perimeter line enclosing all letters. Vben
a sign is a ground sign, then the square foot area from the ground to the max -
imam height and width is the sign area.
41. SIGN FACE: The part of the sign that is or can be used for communi-
cation purposes.
42. SNIPE SIGN: A sign which is tracked, nailed, posted, pasted, glued
or otherwise attached to trees, poles, stakes, or fences, or to other objects
with the message appearing thereon not applicable to the present use of the
premises or structures upon which such sign is located.
43. SUBDIVISION SIGN: A sign designating a residential area.
44. TEMPORARY SIGN: Any sign intended for use not permanent in nature.
Foy the purposes of this Ordinance any sign with an intended use of twelve (12)
months or less shall be deemed a temporary sign.
-6-
45. VEHICLE SIGN: A sign affixed to a transportation vehicle, including
automobiles, trucks, boats, trailers and campers, for the purpose of identifi-
cation only.
46. WALL SIGN: A sign which is affixed to an exterior wall, marquee,
or mansard of any building or structure and which is approximately parallel
thereto and supported by said wall, marquee, mansard or building.
SECTION 3: Sign Permit Required: It shall be unlawful for any person
to erect, alter, relocate or display within the City any sign or other adver-
tising structure as defined in this Ordinance without first obtaining a sign
permit from the Chief Building Official of the City of Tamarac and paying the
fee required by this Ordinance. All illuminated signs shall, in addition, be
subject to the provisions of the electrical code and the South Florida Build-
ing Code, Broward Edition, and the permit fees required thereunder. No permit
shall be required for refurbishing a sign, provided copy is not changed. Pro-
vided that cost of any repair does not exceed fifty (50%) percent of the orig-
inal cost of the sign and provided no electrical rq)airs are necessary, except
for normal maintenance.
SECTION 4: SIGNS EXEMPT FROM PERMIT -PERMIT FEE REQUIREMENTS: Persons
desirous of and seeking to erect the signs specifically set forth hereinafter
shall be exempt from the requirements of Section 3, hereinabove and for the
payment of fees therefor , as set forth as Section 7 hereinafter; provided,
however, that this exemption shall in no way exempt the owner of such sign or
such sign from the requirements as to structural fitness and/or safety as set
forth in the Ordinance and/or the South Florida Building Code, Broward Edition,
or other limitations specified in this Ordinance.
1. Real estate signs when size and location conform to this Ordinance.
2. Community Service Signs posted with City council's approval.
3. Model Name:Signs as limited in this ordinance. -
4. Model Arrow Signs as limited in this Ordinance.
5. Non -Commercial Information Signs not exceeding six (6)square feet
in area.
6. Paper window and/or Fabric Signs or Special Sale Signs in B-1, B-2
and B-3 zoning districts, provided that such signs do not cover in excess of
fifty (50%) percent of the glass area to which said signs are affixed.
-7-
1312
7. Signs installed under the direction of a Federal, State, County
and/or City agency, on public property or on the public rights -of -way.
8. Nameplate or Owner Identification Signs when letters for said signs
do not exceed four (4) inches in height and when said signs do not exceed
(2) square feet in area.
9. Vehicle Signs except when said Vehicle Signs are utilized at a specific
location or site for advertising purposes in addition to or in lieu of a perm-
anent or temporary sign as permitted under this Ordinance. (See Prohibited Signs)
10. Remodeling Contractor Signs as limited in this Ordinance.
11. Price Rate Gas Service Station Signs as limited in this Ordinance.
12. Promotional Gas Service Station Signs as limited in this Ordinance.
SECTION 5; APPLICATION FOR INITIAL SIGN PERWT: Application for initial
sign permit, when required by the terms of this Ordinance, shall be filed
upon blanks and forms provided by the Building Department of the City
with the Chief Building Official. The application shall provide for the follow-
ing information:
I. Name, address and telephone number of applicant.
2. Location of building, structure, or lot to which or upon which the
sign or other advertising structure is to be erected.
3. Type of sign or sign structure.
4. Cost of sign stated in dollars, to the nearest whole dollar.
5. Nine (9) blueprints or inked drawings of the plans and specifications
and method of construction and attachment to the building or in the ground, which
blueprints or inked drawings shall be to scale, showing the square foot area
of the sign as well as the sign face, height of letters, colors, materials,
lighting, equipment, if any, and the proposed signs position relative to
buildings and/or property lines; provided, however, that in the event the
proposed sign exceeds tWbn ty-four (,q 4square feet in area, three (3) of the
blueprints or inked drawings shall have affixed thereto the seal of an
engineer registered in the State of Florida, including wind load criteria
as per South Florida Building Code, except where the sign consists of individually
mounted letters.
W-D
6. Name of person(s), firm(s), corporation(s), or associa-
tion(s) erecting the sign and/or structure.
7. Written consent of the owner of the building, structure
or land to which or on which the sign or structure is to be
erected, relocated, maintained or altered.
8. Any electrical permit required and issued for said
sign(s). Application requesting electrical permit for proposed
sign, if required, must accompany sign application.
9. Name of sign contractor and City Certificate of Com-
petency number.
10. Such other information as the Chief Building Official
may require to show full compliance with this and all other laws
and ordinances of the City of Tamarac.
SECTION 6: Issuance of Sign Permit: It shall be the duty
of the Chief Building Official of the City upon the
filing of an application for an erection permit, to examine such
plans and specifications and other data required hereunder and to
inspect and examine the premises upon which said sign or structure
is proposed to be erected, and if it shall appear that the proposed
sign and/or structure is in compliance with all the requirements
of this ordinance and all other laws and ordinances of the City
, the Chief Building Official shall then submit said
application, together with the written recommendations of the Chief
Building Official, to the Beautification Committee of the City
for review and approval prior to the issuance of a permit,.
The said Beautification Committee shall then examine such plans
and specifications and consider the visual impact and effect on
adjacent residential properties as well as conformance to the pro-
visions of this Ordinance and approve, modify or disapprove the
application. After approval by the Beautification Committee, the
Chief Building Official shall cause a written permit to be issued
authorizing the installation or erection of the reference sign.
In the event the Beautification Committee rejects the application
for a sign permit it shall state with specificity to the applicant
- 9 -
1I J
the grounds therefore, and the applicant may, pursuant to this ordinance, seek
a waiver. With each permit issued, the Chief Building Official shall also
cause a label to be issued bearing the number of the permit and further ident-
ifying with specificity, the sign which the permit authorizes. This label shall
then be affixed to the sign or to an adjacent area by the permittee in a manner
so that the label will be readily visible for inspection purposes. The absence
of such a label upon any sign constructed or installed within the City shall be
rima facie evidence of failure to meet requirements of this Ordinance.
SECTION 7: Permit Fees: As a condition precedent to the issuance of a
permit, the Chief Building Official of the City . shall collect for
each sign permitted, the following:
area.
1. For permanent signs -fifty (50�) cents per square foot of total sign
2. For temporary signs - seventy-five (75G) cents per square foot of
sign face only.
3. Regardless of size, the minimum charge for the issuance of any permit
under this section shall be six ($6.00) dollars.
4. Any electrical permit required will be an extra charge, with a minimum
charge of fifteen ($15.00) dollars.
sign.
5. Any relocation of an existing sign, same fee shall apply as for a new
6. Chief Building Official shall keep a card file inventory of all sign
permits, including a photo of each sign for ready reference as to ownership
and periodic inspection without fee.
SECTION 8: Regulations Governing Signs Generally: Signs erected or
maintained in the City under and pursuant to the provisions of this
Ordinance shall be subject to the following regulations, irrespective of the
nature, size and/or location of said sign:
-10-
57
a. Not to interfere with public: No sign shall create a
traffic or fire hazard, or be dangerous to the general welfare
of the citizenry or interfere with the free use of public streets
or sidewalks.
b. Not to create traffic hazards or distractions to drivers:
No sign shall be constructed, erected, used, operated or main-
tained so as to display intermittent lights to the extent of
confusing or distracting a motorist, so as to display inter-
mittent lights resembling or seeming to resemble the flashing
lights which are customarily associated with danger or which are
customarily used by police, fire or ambulance vehicles, or for
navigational purposes.
C. Not to imply nonexistent danger: No sign shall be con-
structed, directed, used, operated or maintained which uses the
word "STOP" or "DANGER" or presents or implies the need or require-
ment for stopping or the existence of danger, or which is a copy
or imitation
of
an official sign.
This
provision
regarding the
word "STOP"
and
"DANGER" does not
apply
when the
words are a
part of attraction titles for a broadcast, motion picture, theater
event, opera or concert event, or when they are used in adver-
tising, so long as they are not used to simulate, copy or imply
any official traffic warning, either for vehicles or pedestrians.
d. Not to interfere with traffic control devices: No sign
shall be constructed, directed, used, operated, or maintained so
as to provide background of colored lights blending with the
traffic signals to the extent of confusing a motorist when viewed
from a normal approaching position of a vehicle at a distance of
twenty-five (25) to three hundred (300) feet.
e. Not to be attached to trees, utility poles, bus benches,
etc.: No sign shall be attached or otherwise applied to trees,
utility poles, bus benches, trash receptacles or any other un-
approved supporting structure.
f. Not to have spinning or strings of spinning devices:
No sign shall have spinning, or strings of spinning, or similar
type devices.
g. Not to be infirmly affixed: Signs which are not securely
affixed to the ground or otherwise affixed in a permanent manner
to an approved supporting structure shall be prohibited.
h. Not to advertise accessory commercial use: No sign
indicating the presence of an accessory commercial use in a hotel,
motel or apartment building located in a residential district shall
be constructed, erected, used, operated or maintained so as to
be visible from a public street, walk, or other public way.
i. Not to be of an immoral nature: No sign shall display
any statement, word or character or illustration of any obscene,
indecent or immoral nature.
j. Not to be erected on public property: No sign other than
signs placed by agencies of governments shall be erected on any
public property. No sign shall be placed on any utility pole
except for utility identification or similar purpose.
k. Not to be allowed to fall into disrepair: All signs
must be kept in good condition, neat appearance and good state of
repair. Any sign at least fifty (5o%) percent destroyed
must be immediately removed at the owner's expense and a new permit
secured before the sign is replaced. If not repaired within a
reasonable time, the sign shall constitute a public nuisance and
shall be removed by the City at the owner's expense.
1. Removal of certain signs: Any sign now or hereafter
existing which no longer advertises a bona fide business conducted,
or a product sold, shall be taken down, obliterated, or removed
by the owner, agent or person having beneficial use of building
or structure upon which such sign may be found within ten (10) days
after written notification from the Chief Building Official or
Code Enforcement Officer, and, upon failure to comply with such
notice within the time specified in such order, the Chief Build-
ing Official or Code Enforcement Officer,is hereby authorized to
cause removal of such sign, and any expense incident thereto shall
be paid by the owner of the property, building, or structure to
- 12 -
which such sign is attached or affixed, and if such expense is not paid with-
in thirty (30) days from the date of the notice of such expense for removal,
then and in that event the City shall have the right to impress a lien upon
the real property upon which such sign is located and shall have the continuing
right to foreclose such lien, in accordance with general law in a Court of
Competent Jurisdiction.
m. Imprint of owner's name or maker's name: All signs shall be marked
with the maker's name, registry number of the permit issued therefore.
SECTION 9: Prohibited Signs: The following signs shall neither be con-
structed, erected, placed, repaired, altered or maintained within the muni-
cipal boundaries of the City of Tamarac:
1. Advertising signs or sign structures except where specifically per-
mitted in this Ordinance.
2. Painted signs on wall or roof except in B-3, M-1 and M-2 zoning
districts.
3. Billboards.
4. Fixed projecting signs.
5. Flashing illuminated signs.
6. Moving, rotating or animated signs, except a time and temperature
unit which is permitted.
7. Commercial information signs in public rights -of -way, except as per-
mitted by waiver in Section 16.
8. Pole signs. except as provided in Section 12, paragraph C--S
9. Roof signs.
10. Swinging projecting signs.
11. Sidewalk or sandwich signs.
12. Cantilever signs.
13. Benches carrying commercial advertising matter.
14. Exposed exterior neon tubes or bare bulb signs.
15. Banner signs, flags or pennants except for National, State or City
flags and except for two flag banners per model office center not to exceed
fifteen (15) square feet per flag, and where otherwise permitted in this
ordinance.
-13-
16. Vehicle signs when used on a given location or site in addition to or
in lieu of a temporary or permanent sign permitted under this ordinance.
17. Signs projecting in excess of eighteen (18) inches from the structure
upon which it is constructed.
18. Real estate signs in excess of the size permitted in this ordinance.
19. Signs located on sides of building unless said structure is located
on a corner plot or in excess of twenty-five (25) feet from the side plot line.
SECTION 10: Application of Regulations to Specific Temporary Si ns and
Types of Signs: Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein contained, and
in addition to the other regulations and conditions set forth herein, the follow-
ing regulations shall apply to each of the signs or types of signs referred to
hereinafter and only such temporary signs as are prescribed herein below, which
conform to and with the provisions of this Ordinance, shall be permitted to be
erected or maintained upon any lot, plot or parcel of land or improvement thereon;
provided, further, that no sign so permitted shall exceed six (6) feet in height
above the crown of any abutting roadway.
A. ANNOUNCING SIGNS PERMITTED IN ALL ZONING DISTRICTS.
1. Signs announcing the subdivision and improvement of property and/or
the character and the sales price range of an intended building enterprise may
be erected on such property after the final site plan has been filed with the
City. One such sign not exceeding sixty-four (64) square feet in display
surface shall be permitted. Also only one sign per project shall be permitted
not exceeding sixty-four (64) square feet in display surface on which the names
of all the contractors, engineers and architects may be shown.
2. Sign may not be posted for longer than ninety (90) days after the
last certificate of occupancy is issued for the building and/or unit within the
last building or structure.
-14-
�r
. Such sign shall be removed provided building has not
commenced within 12 months of a final site plan approval by the
City.
B. MODEL SALES OFFICE SIGNS PERMITTED IN ALL RESIDENTIAL
_._ DISTRICTS:
1. Model Sales Office Signs. One sign erected to
identify a model sales office, not exceeding thirty-two (32)
square feet shall be permitted.
2. Model Name Signs. Signs erected to identify various
models, not exceeding four (4) square feet shall be permitted.
No permit shall be required.
3. Model Arrow Signs. Signs having just one word
"Models" and an arrow and/or logo not exceeding one hundred forty-
four (144) square inches per sign face (6" x 2411) may be permitted
provided that no more than three (3) such signs are placed with
regard to any one model center. No permit shall be required.
4. Model Office Center Flags. Two (2) flag banners per
model center not to exceed fifteen (15) square feet per flag shall
be permitted. No permit shall be required.
C. POLITICAL SIGNS
Political signs may be erected or employed for a period of
30 days prior to the first date of any election and may remain
for a period of five (5) days after the last election date re-
lating to any election campaign without a permit pursuant to the
following terms and conditions:
A. A maximum sign of 32 square feet may be placed on
private property with the permission of the owner.
B. Signs, bumper stickers on motor vehicles which do not
involve dangerous obstruction to the operator's control
of such vehicle, shall be permitted.
C. Signs covering glass areas of store windows shall not
be subject to any limitation with respect to the coverage
of such windows.
D. No poster or snipe signs attached to trees or utility
or similar poles shall be permitted.
E. No signs in public rights -of -way or on any public
property shall be permitted.
D. REAL ESTATE SIGNS PERMITTED IN ALL ZONING DISTRICTS:
1. One non -illuminated real estate sign by owner or his
agent, not to exceed four (4) square feet in area, shall be per-
mitted on a plot provided that such sign is located at least ten
(10) feet from the street pavement abutting the plot; provided,
also, that said sign is removed immediately after a sale or a
rental has been made. Corner properties are allowed one (1)
sign per street front and golf course and canal lots are allowed,
in addition, one (1) sign in the rear yard. Vacant stores, offices
or apartment complexes shall be permitted "For Lease" signs on
the exterior of such buildings not to exceed thirty-two (32) square
feet of sign face. Vacant land "For Sale" shall be permitted one
sign not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet of sign face.
"Open for Inspection" signs are permitted not to exceed four (4)
square feet, only when the owner or agent is on the premises.
E. REMODELING SIGNS IN ALL DISTRICTS: Signs showing the
name of the contractor, profession or trade involved in the re-
modeling may be permitted during the time of construction only
and such sign shall not exceed four and one-half (42) square
feet (18" x 36") of sign face. No permit shall be required.
F. GRAND OPENING SIGNS: Grand opening signs for indi-
vidual stores not in excess of (100%) one hundred per cent of
glass area and not to exceed a thirty (30) day period of display
and not later than sixty (60) days after the opening of a business.
May be a banner and/or pennant type hung from a marquee or on an
exterior wall or parapet of building of said business.
SECTION 11: Construction, Desi n and Location of Signs:
Any and all signs permitted by this ordinance to be constructed,
erected, placed, repaired, altered or maintained within the muni-
cipal boundaries of the City
- 16 -
shall be so constructed,
designed and located as hereinafter provided:
1. Structure. Every sign, together with its framework,
braces, angles or other supports, shall be maintained in a safe
condition, properly secured, supported and braced, and shall be
kept in good structural condition, clean and well painted at all
times.
2. Support. Every sign shall be constructed to withstand
pressure as set forth in the South Florida Building Code and shall
be rigidly and firmly braced and securely attached to the build-
ing or structure by bolts, anchors, chains, cables, or guys, all
of which must be metal, provided by the code.
3. Wood. All wood permitted to be used, either for new
signs, for replacements of existing signs, or for any part there-
of,, shall be of rot and deterioration resistant materials.
4. Determination of size of Wall and Ground Signs. The
size of wall signs shall be measured and determined in the follow-
ing manner: when a sign consists only of individual letters, de-
signs, or figures, fixed on a wall, the total area of the sign
shall be the sum of the square foot area of the rectangle formed
by the outside perimeter of such letters or designs or figures.
When a sign is a ground sign, then the square foot area from the
ground to the maximum height and width is the size.
S. Location of signs shall be determined by the Beautifi-
cation Committee by considering the overall visual effect on
adjacent business or residential properties.
6. Illuminated Signs must be of translucent
type, back lighted so that the light source is not visible No
illuminated signs shall face a residential district in such a way
as to be a nuisance to the residential district at night.
7. Once erected, no additional signs shall be attached
to an approved sign on a temporary or permanent basis,
8. Necessary signsforthe control of traffic on private
- 17 -
1
premises or entering or leaving the premises in all business districts shall
bear no advertising. Wording shall be terse and size of signs shall not
exceed six (6) square feet and the top of which shall not be higher than
six (6) feet above grade.
9. Whenever a new shopping center or office complex occurs, then all wall
signs permitted shall be of uniform type. The only exception shall be allowed
when the major tenant in such center uses one type and the small stores all use
another type. Also a uniformity in the height of such signs must be observed.
10. Wording on_wall signs shall be restricted to identification of the
main use of the establishment and optionally four (4) accessory uses not to
exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of total sign area.
11. In shopping centers or office complexes only the name and address
of such shopping center or office complex shall be permitted on a ground sign.
12. No ground sign shall be located closer that fifty (50) feet from an
existing ground sign.
SECTION 12: Permanent Signs -.Requirements According to Zonin District:
Only such permanent signs as are detailed herein below shall be permitted to
be constructed, erected, placed, repaired, altered or maintained upon any
building, lot, plot or parcel of land:
A. R-1, R-1B, R-1C, R-2 Zonina Districts:
1. One nameplate sign which shall be permitted shall not exceed
two (2) square feet of sign face per dwelling unit.
2. One subdivision entrance sign shall be permitted at each entrance
not to exceed thirty (30) square feet of sign face or six (6) feet 4bove ground
level. such sign shall not necessarily be built flush with the ground.
Q010
f,�3
B. R-3, R-3U, R-4A, R-OA, R-0 Zonin2 Districts:
1. One (1) nameplate sign which shall be permitted shall not
exceed two (2) square feet of sign face. No permit shall be required.
2. One ground sign and/or wall sign indicating the name and
address of the complex, not to exceed seventy-two (72) square feet in overall
area or eight (8) feet above the crown of any abutting street or road. The set-
back from the front or side property line shall be a minimum of ten (10) feet.
One such sign may be permitted at each entrance to the complex. Such ground
signs shall be built flush with the ground on a masonry, metal or rot -resis-
tant wood pedestal base at least two-thirds (2/3) as wide as the sign face. A
planter box or other landscaping shall be at the bottom with curbing for pro-
tection from vehicles.
C. B-1, B-2, B-3, R-5,_ S-1 Zoning Districts:
1. One wall identification sign above the store front shall be
permitted for each business conducted on the premises not to exceed twenty
(20%) percent of the square foot area computed by multiplying the width of the
store frontage by ten (10) feet. A mansard or marquee may be used for the
location of such wall signs. However, in no case shall such signs project
higher than the top of such mansard or marquee. Where the building contains
only one business and is on a corner plot or in excess of twenty-five (25)
feet from the side plot -line or, where a business has a corner location,
then, one additional wall sign not to exceed the size permitted on the front
shall be permitted on each side. In B-3 zone districts, painted wall signs
shall be permitted.
2. A hanging marquee sign shall be permitted for each business
conducted on the premises, attached to the underside of an existing marquee
or canopy. Such sign shall not exceed six (6) square feet, provided that the
lower edge of such sign is at least eight (8) feet from the sidewalk surface.
3. A nameplate identification sign shall be permitted on or
near the front and/or the rear door of the business conducted on the premises
with letters not in excess of four (4) inches in height and sign area not in
excess of three (3) square feet. No permit shall be required.
4. One around sign indicating only the name and address of
the complex shall be permitted in shopping centers and office buildings con-
='E
taining multiple tenants. One ground sign shall also be permitted where a
building is occupied by only one business. Such ground signs shall he built
flush with the ground on a masonry, metal or rot -resistant wood pedestal base
at least two-thirds (2/3) as wide as the sign face. A planter box or other
landscaping shall be at the bottom with curbing for protection from vehicles.
The size of such sign shall not exceed the limitations as follows:
Width of Frontage Maximum Height Maximum Overall
(in feet along front (from crown of size (of sign area
right-of-way line) abutting street) permitted in square
feet)
0 _ 99 0 0
100 - 199 8 40
200 - 399 12 80
400 + 20 160
The maximum height of any ground sign shall not exceed two and a half (2 1/2)
times the height of the sign face. The setback from the front and/or side
property line shall be a minimum of ten (10) feet.
S. Director Signs: One directory sign per street frontage shall
be permitted in shopping centers or office buildings on an exterior wall or within
the parking lot of the building on poles, containing such businesses or offices.
The maximum size of the signs shall be 32 square feet - for buildings up to and
including 200 feet of lineal frontage. On larger lineal frontage the formula of
160 of the lineal frontage shall be applied uE to a maximum of 64 square feet.
The maximum height of signs up to 32 square feet shall be 14 feet above crown of
road. On signs larger than 32 spuare feet the height shall be limited to 20 feet
above crown. The letters on signs shall not exceed 8 inches in height and minimum
of 4" apart. No part of the sign shall be closer than 10' feet from any property
line. All poles should be protected from vehicular traffic by continuous curb
laced no less than 4' from the base of the poles. There must be a planted area
below the sign maintained by the complex owner.
6. Theatres, playhouses, other entertainment establishments, and other
establishments presently having changeable copy signs, shall be permitted an add-
iti.onal wall sign to display changeable copy not to exceed eighty (80) square feet
in sign face. Multiple theatres shall be permitted additional sign area, not to
exceed twenty-four (24) square feet per addtional screen.
7. Time and Temperature Signs. Signs showing the time and temperature
may be permitted as part of allowed ground signs in business districts provided that
not more than four (4) feet in height is added to the allowable height of the ground
sign.
8. Auto Gas Service Stations. Due to the special and unique situations
concerning the auto gas stations, the following signs shall be permitted
(a) Price Rate Gas Service Station Sign. One price rate
-20-
sign, per street front, will be permitted not to exceed fifteen (IS) square
feet, providing such sign shall be located at the gas pump island or on the
main building.
(b) Promotional Gas Service Station Signs. Various pro-
motional type signs advertising a service, convenience, or gift, shall be per-
mitted providing that such signs are placed on the window or within thirty-six
(36) inches of the main building. Such signs shall, be grouped into an area per
street front not exceeding thirty (30) square feet.
(c) One wall identification sign per street front shall be
permitted not to exceed fifty (50) square feet in sign area.
9. Painted Permanent Window Signs. Signs painted on windows
advertising main and accessory use in business shall be permitted not to exceed
twenty-five (25%) percent of the total glass area used.
10. Entrance Signs shall be permitted to control in and out
traffic. Such signs shall bear no advertising and shall not exceed six (6)
feet in height from the crown of any abutting street and shall not exceed six
(6) square feet in sign face. No permit shall be required.
11. Business serving beer on the premises shall be permitted
one neon logo sign to be displayed within six ( 6 ) inches -of the interior
of the glass window area. No permit shall be required.
D. M-1, M-2 ZoninjZ Districts.
1. One nameplate or identification sign pertinent shall be per-
mitted on or near the front and/or rear door of the building with letters not
in excess of four (4) inches in height and sign area not in excess of three (3)
square feet. No permit shall be required.
2. One wall identification sign shall be permitted not to exceed
twenty (20%) percent of the square foot area computed by multiplying the width of
the building frontage by ten (10) feet.
3. Painted signs on wall shall be permitted not to exceed the
size specified above.
SECTION 13: Revocation of Permits:
A. Each and any permit issued hereafter pursuant to the terms, con-
ditions, regulations and provisions of this Ordinance may be revoked at any
time by the Chief Building Official of the City or the Code Enforce-
ment Officer of the City, upon the determination of either of them that a par-
ticular sign exists and its existence is not in
-21-
1
1
full compliance with the provisions of this Ordinance; provided, however, that
the Chief Building Official of the City . . or the Code Enforcement
Officer of the City has notified the owner of such sign, in writing, of such
defect or noncompliance and the owner of such sign has not remedied the defect
or issue of noncompliance within the thirty (30) days allowed for the remedy
of such defect or issue of noncompliance in accordance with the terms of
Section 14, herein set forth.
B. In the event the applicant or owner of a sign proposed to be
erected pursuant to the issuance of a valid permit for the erection, establish-
ment or placement thereof has failed to construct, erect, establish or place
the sign for which the permit was issued within three (3) months subsequent to
the date of the issuance of said permit, then and in that event, said permit
shall be automatically revoked and shall be of no further force and effect.
Any individual erecting such sign after the revocation shall be deemed in
violation of the terms, conditions, regulations and provisions of this Ordin-
ance as if said owner or applicant had never received and/or applied for a
permit pursuant to the terms of this Ordinance.
SECTION 14; Non -conforming Signs; Effective Date for Removal: All non-
conforming signs existing within the City on the effective date of
this Ordinance, and all non -conforming signs existing in an area annexed to
the City after the effective date of this ordinance, where such
signs are located, constructed and maintained upon the property whereon the
business advertised is being conducted, shall be allowed to remain until such
time as the structure or sign falls into a state of disrepair equal to an
expense of fifty (50%) percent of the original cost of the sign. Proof of
sign cost shall be supplied by the owner. All non -conforming signs existing
within the City limits of the City on the effective date of this
Ordinance, and all non -conforming signs existing in an area annexed to the City
after the effective date of this Ordinance where such signs do not
advertise the business being conducted on the property on which such signs
are erected, constructed and/or maintained and all commercial signs located on
or upon public rights -of -way shall be removed not later than ten (10) days from
the date that the owner of such sign receives a "notice of removal" from the
Chief Building Official of the City. The City reserves
--22-
tz
the right to remove any such non -conforming signs in the event the owner thereof
fails to comply with the provisions hereof, and the City is hereby
vested with the authority to appropriate the materials obtained from such signs
and to credit the value thereof to the owners against the cost of such removal.
1. No new sign or sign structure conforming to the requirements of
this Chapter shall be erected on the same lot, plot and/or parcel upon which is
situated an existing non -conforming sign, until such non -conforming sign is
removed or made conforming; provided, however, a conforming sign for a business
or firm separately owned or operated may be erected on said firm's portion of
the same lot, plot or parcel where non -conforming signs exist, provided that all
other criteria of this Chapter are met.
2. All signs which were or are installed in violation of previous
Ordinances of the City regulating and governing the erection, construction,
placement, repair, alteration and maintenance and/or signs erected, constructed
and/or placed without a permit being issued by the City shall not be considered
"non -conforming" signs and shall be caused to be removed by the Chief Building
Official immediately, with or without notice.
3. In the event an owner of a non -conforming sign labors under a par -
titular
hardship, an application for the
waiver of the
requirements of this
Section
may be made
under the provisions
of Section 15
of this Chapter.
4. PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that this provision, and the terms hereof,
shall not apply to any signs over which the Department of Transportation of the
State of Florida has enforcement jurisdiction under the provisions of Florida
Statute Chapter 479, Section 479.02 thereof.
SECTION IS: Waivers; Exception: It is recognized by the City Council of
the City that due to the diversity of the development of the City
the rules and regulations provided herein do not and cannot address all
situations pertaining to the construction, erection, placement, repair, altera-
tion and maintenance of signs within the municipal boundaries of the City.
The City Council is, therefore, empowered to grant a waiver and excep-
tion from the provisions of this Ordinance in cases of hardship.
In the event a person is desirous of seeking a waiver and exceptions to
the provisions of this Ordinance, such person, or his authorized agent, shall
file a petition in such form as determined by the Building Department of the
City . . and shall simultaneously with the filing of such form, pay a.
petition fee of twenty-five ($2S.00) dollars, which fee shall be used for the
purposes of offsetting administrative expenses incurred by the City
-23-
f,f,
in processing of said petition.
The petition form shall elicit and provide for the following
information:
A. Name, address and telephone number of petitioner.
B. Location of building, structure, or lot to which or
upon which the sign or other advertising structure is located or is
to be erected.
C. Position of the sign or proposed sign in relation to
nearby buildings and/or other structures.
D. Two (2) blueprints or inked drawings of the plans and
specifications and method of construction and attachment to building
or in the ground.
E. One (1) original and six (6) copies of said petition
shall. be submitted, through the Building Department of the City to
the Beautification Committee of said City.
Within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the petition and
the payment of the required fee, the Beautification Committee shall
consider the petition as an agenda item. Within thirty (30) days
after the consideration of the Beautification Committee, the City
Clerk shall then cause said petition to be placed on the agenda of
the City Council for it's consideration, and said petition shall be
accompanied by the written recommendations of the Beautification
Committee. In the event the waiver and exception is granted by the
City Council, said City Council shall cause a Resolution to be issued,
stating the terms and conditions upon which the waiver and exception
has been granted and shall, cause a copy of said Resolution to be made
a part of the municipal records of the City.
SECTION 16: Administration and Enforcement:
1. The Beautification Committee of the City shall be charged
with the responsibility of the review of all initial sign permit
applications, pursuant to the terms, conditions and regulations spec-
ified in this Ordinance, and no initial sign permit shall be issued
without the approval of the Beautification
-24-
Committee, except by grant of waiver and exception under the pro-
visions of Section 15 hereof.
2. The Chief Building Official of the City
and all building inspectors working under the supervision of said
Chief Building Official., and/or the Code Enforcement Officer of the
City shall have the right and shall enforce the provis-
ions of this.Ordinance and, further, the Chief Building Official
and all of his subordinate inspectors and the Code Enforcement
Officer of the City are hereby authorized and directed
to remove all signs from areas in which such signs are prohibited
by this Ordinance or which are erected, constructed, placed,repaired,
altered or maintained contrary to the provisions of this Ordinance;
provided however, notice of violation shall be served upon the
establishment setting forth the details of the violations and shall
provide for a period of ten (10) working days from the receipt of
said notice for corrections.
SECTION 17: Violations; Penalties; Continuing Violations and
Penalty therefore: Any person violating any of the terms, con-
ditions, regulations or provisions of this Ordinance shall be
punished by a fine of not less than fifty ($50.00) dollars nor
more than two hundred ($200.00) dollars per violation. Any con-
tinuing violations of the terms, conditions, regulations or pro-
visions of this Ordinance may be enjoined and restrained by in-
junctive order of the Circuit Court in appropriate proceedings
instituted for such purposes.
SECTION 1S: All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict
herewith, be and the same are hereby repealed to the extent of
such conflict.
SECTION 19: Ordinance numbers 73-32, 74-33 and 74-59 of the
City of
Tamarac
shall be repealed
and of
no
further
force
and
effect
after the
effective date of
this
act,
except
as to
any
violation thereof which may have occurred prior to the effective
-25-
4�
1
date of this Ordinance which violations may be fully prosecuted
pursuant thereto as if such ordinance had not been repealed.
SECTION 20: Should any section or provision of this Ordinance
or any portion thereof, or any paragraph, sentence or word be de-
clared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such
decision shall not effect the validity of the remainder hereof as
a whole or any part hereof, other than the part declared to be
invalid.
SECTION 21: This Ordinance shall become effective immediately
upon its passage and approval by the City Council.
PASSED FIRST READING this day of ,1975.
PASSED SECOND READING this day of^ G, �.a� , 1975. `
9
PASSED THIRD READING this W � day of ����, 1975.
ATTEST:
—� CITY CLERK
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT I have
approved the form and correct-
ness of this Ordinance.
r
S►ds2
RECORD OF COUNCIL VOTE
MAYOR D. JOHNSON
V/M M. GLICKSMAN �I
C/M W. FALCK�
C/W H. MASSARO
C/M 0. TUCKER
rtA,ty et I-( —
PU LA,
�� r P1ly
Lie
Rf� F'1tlyA-4-L-1