Explanation
BACKGROUND:
This ordinance clarifies the list of prohibited graphics in the Urban Commercial Overlay, the Community Commercial Overlay, and the Regional Commercial Overlay in Columbus City Code Title 33, the Columbus Zoning Code. This code change creates a consistent list of prohibited graphics for all three commercial overlays and removes the ambiguous term "monopole signs" to clarify that all types of pole signs are prohibited as was intended and as has been administered.
The Columbus Development Commission voted to recommend approval of this Columbus Zoning Code revision at its monthly public meeting on April 10, 2014.
FISCAL IMPACT: No funding is required for this legislation.
Title
To amend Sections 3372.606, 3372.706, and 3372.806 of Columbus City Code Title 33, the Columbus Zoning Code, in order to clarify, across all three types of Commercial Overlays, the types of prohibited graphics.
Body
WHEREAS, this ordinance clarifies the list of prohibited graphics in the Urban Commercial Overlay, the Community Commercial Overlay, and the Regional Commercial Overlay in Columbus City Code Title 33, the Columbus Zoning Code; and
WHEREAS, this code change creates a consistent list of prohibited graphics for all three commercial overlays and removes the ambiguous term "monopole signs" to clarify that all types of pole signs are prohibited as was intended and as has been administered; and
WHEREAS, the Columbus Development Commission voted to recommend approval of this Columbus Zoning Code revision at its monthly public meeting on April 10, 2014; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That existing section 3372.606 of the Columbus City Codes is hereby amended to read as follows:
3372.606 Graphics.
Graphics standards are as follows:
In addition to signs prohibited in Chapter 3375, the following types of signs shall not be permitted: off-premise signs, billboards, signs with flashing lights or bare bulbs, co-op signs, rotating signs, pole signs monopole signs, automatic changeable copy signs, bench signs, and roof-mounted signs.
SECTION 2. That existing section 3372.706 of the Columbus City Codes is hereby amended to read as follows:
3372.706 Graphics.
Graphics standards are as follows:
A. A graphic or sign for a commercial use shall comply with provisions, in particular the Table of Elements, as they pertain to a Commercial Planned Development District (CPD); i.e. using a mass factor of two to determine the allowable graphic area.
B. In addition to signs prohibited in Chapter 3375, the following types of signs are not permitted: off-premise signs, billboards, signs with flashing lights or bare bulbs, co-op signs, rotating signs, pole signs monopole signs, automatic changeable copy signs, bench signs, and roof-mounted signs.
C. Ground Sign.
1. Only one ground sign is permitted per development parcel; however it may include then names of all the major tenants of that parcel.
2. Only a monument type ground sign is permitted.
3. The sign base shall be integral to the overall sign design and compliment the design of the building and landscape.
4. The setback for a ground sign shall be a minimum of 15 feet.
5. The height of a ground sign shall not exceed six feet above grade.
6. When indirectly lighting a ground sign, the light source shall be screened from motorist view.
D. Wall Sign.
1. Multiple wall signs, including those for individual tenants, are permitted on the primary building frontage provided the aggregate graphic area does not exceed the allowable graphic area for its building frontage. Each tenant is permitted a wall sign of a size determined by the wall area corresponding to its individual frontage provided the aggregate graphic area of all individual tenant signs does not exceed the allowable graphic area for its corresponding building frontage.
2. For a use fronting on more than one street, a wall sign with a maximum area of 30 square feet is permitted on the secondary building frontage.
E. The following signs are permitted in addition to the primary sign:
1. Pickup unit menu board(s) with a total graphic area not to exceed 20 square feet; and
2. Temporary window signs with a total graphic area not to exceed ten square feet provided they are not displayed for more than 20 consecutive days and no more than five times within a period of a year; and
3. Signs associated with identifying the sale of gasoline with a graphic area not to exceed five square feet.
SECTION 3. That existing section 3372.806 of the Columbus City Codes is hereby amended to read as follows:
3372.806 Graphics.
Graphics standards are as follows:
A. Sign information shall contain only the name, address, logo of the establishment and a secondary message, such as a business's primary function.
B. All signs are limited to four colors (black and white are considered colors). Registered corporate logos will not be limited in terms of color.
C. In addition to signs prohibited in Chapter 3375 Section 3375.13, the following types of signs are prohibited: off-premise signs, billboards, signs with flashing lights or bare bulbs, co-op signs, rotating signs, pole signs, automatic changeable copy signs, bench signs, projecting signs and roof-mounted signs.
D. Pickup unit menu boards are permitted in addition to a use's primary sign but shall not be visible from the public right-of-way or from adjacent residentially zoned property.
E. Standards for ground signs for commercially zoned parcels less than five acres, the following standards shall apply:
The minimum sign setback shall be six feet from the right-of-way. Signs located between the minimum setback and ten feet from the right-of-way shall not exceed six feet in height, have a maximum overall sign area of 60 square feet, with the graphic area not exceeding 40 square feet. Signs set back greater than ten feet from the right-of-way shall not exceed eight feet in height, have a maximum overall sign area not exceeding 80 square feet, with the graphic area not exceeding 50 square feet.
F. Standards for ground signs for commercially zoned parcels equal to or greater than five acres, the following standards shall apply:
1. Single-tenant buildings.
(a) The sign shall be set back a minimum of 20 feet from the right-of-way.
(b) The sign height shall not exceed 20 feet.
(c) The overall sign area shall not exceed 160 square feet with the graphic area not to exceed 80 square feet.
2. Multi-tenant buildings.
(a) The sign shall be set back a minimum of 20 feet from the right-of-way.
(b) The sign height shall not exceed 30 feet.
(c) The overall sign area shall not exceed 320 square feet with the graphic area not to exceed 160 square feet.
G. General Standards for all Ground Signs
1. The business address, or address range, shall be clearly displayed on the sign. Minimum letter/number height is six inches.
2. The sign base shall be between 18 inches to 36 inches in height and as long and wide as the sign structure itself.
3. The sign base shall be landscaped with either low shrubs or perennial plantings for a minimum two feet perimeter around the sign base.
4. The sign base shall be constructed of limestone or limestone veneer, horizontally coursed with flush raked mortar joints. Any caps on walls or piers should be continuous natural stone caps) shall be incorporated into the sign design. The stone shall be used as the sign base, but is not limited to this part of the sign.
H. Cemetery Signs. In lieu of a monument sign, a lot that is used specifically for a cemetery is permitted to incorporate a sign into an entrance gate or fence adjacent to the corridor.
SECTION 4. That prior existing sections 3372.606, 3372.706 and 3372.806 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, are hereby repealed.
SECTION 5. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period provided by law.