§ 106.62.080. Exception to Sign Regulations

A.

Purpose. The review authority shall have the authority to grant an exception to the provisions of Chapter 106.38 pertaining to height, location, sign area, shape, projection, clearance of sign, sign type, and number of signs for non-residential projects.

The purpose is to create signage that is innovative, inspiring, creative, and appropriate for the unique design parameters of the impacted development. The exception to sign regulations is intended to create signage that promotes a sense of place within a development and the larger community. The exception to sign regulations is not intended to be an avenue to simply apply less restrictive sign regulations to conventionally designed and constructed signage.

B.

Applicability. A sign exception may be granted to waive or modify the requirement of this Zoning Code with regard to signs when the exception to the sign requirements will serve a special purpose that cannot be accomplished by the use of signs or standards allowed by the Zoning Code. Examples of such special purposes include prominent projects or unique proposals that create a sense of place within a project and within the community.

C.

Findings for approval. The review authority may approve an exception to sign regulations, with or without conditions, only after determining the proposed sign meets all of the following criteria:

1.

Master Sign Plan. The development shall be included as part of a Master Sign Plan approved by the review authority. The Master Sign Plan or modification of an existing Master Sign Plan shall be approved by the review authority concurrently with the exception to sign regulations.

2.

Design quality. The sign shall:

a.

Have a positive visual impact on the surrounding area.

b.

Be of unique design and exhibit a high degree of creativity and thoughtfulness.

c.

Provide strong graphic character through creative use of any of the following: color, graphics, proportion, quality materials, scale, and texture.

3.

Architectural criteria. The sign shall:

a.

Utilize or enhance the architectural elements of the related buildings.

b.

Be placed in a logical location in relation to the building's façade and not cover any key architectural features and details of the façade.

c.

Be constructed of superior quality materials.

4.

Impacts on surrounding uses. The sign shall be located and designed so as not to cause light and glare impacts on surrounding uses.

5.

Special purpose. The sign meets the intent of the purpose of this chapter.

D.

Conditions of approval. The review authority may require any reasonable conditions of approval to ensure that the project will comply with the criteria required by Subsection C above.

E.

Post approval procedures. The procedures and requirements in Chapter 106.64 (Permit Implementation, Time Limits, and Extensions), and those related to appeals and revocation in Article 7 (Zoning Code Administration), shall apply following the decision on an application for a Exception to Sign Regulations.

F.

Application filing and processing. An application shall be filed in compliance with Chapter 106.60 (Permit Application Filing and Processing). It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide evidence in support of the findings, as required in Subsection C above.

G.

Project review, notice, and hearing. Each application shall be reviewed by the Director to ensure that the proposal complies with this Section, and all other applicable requirements of this Zoning Code.

(Ord. No. 2012-001, § 1(Exh. A), 1-26-2012; Ord. No. 2015-006, § 3, 10-22-2015)