HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubmittal-Nathan Kurland-MDC Sign CodeMiami -Dade County Sign Code
@ February 22, 2024
ARTICLE VI. - SIGNS
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
DIVISION 1. - TITLE, APPLICABILITY, PURPOSE AND DEFINITIONS
Sec. 33-82. - Short title and applicability within the incorporated and unincorporated
areas.
(a) This article shall be known as the "Sign Code of Miami -Dade County, Florida" and shall be
applicable in the unincorporated areas of Miami -Dade County, and specifically in the
incorporated areas of Miami -Dade County as a minimum standard.
(1) In the unincorporated areas, this chapter shall be enforced by the County, and in the
incorporated areas, this chapter shall be enforced by the municipalities.
(2) Any municipality may establish and enforce more stringent regulations as such
municipality may deem necessary, may establish penalties for violations thereof, and may
establish procedures for review and approval of sign permit applications.
(3) It is provided, however, that if the provisions herein are not enforced within a
municipality, and the municipality has not opted out of the applicable provisions if so permitted
pursuant to this article, the County may enforce such provisions.
(4) Pursuant to Section 8CC-3, each municipality shall have the authority to designate
code inspectors to issue civil violation notices for violations of this article.
(b) Except as provided in Division 5, if property in the unincorporated area fronting a street
right-of-way forms a common boundary with a municipality, and if the zoning classifications on
both sides of the boundary are comparable, the property in the unincorporated area shall comply
with the provisions of the municipal ordinance, provided the municipality has a sign ordinance
with stricter standards than this article. In such event Miami -Dade County shall apply and
enforce the provisions of the municipal ordinance in the unincorporated areas of the County. No
variance from this section shall be permitted without the prior express consent of the affected
municipality.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, this article shall not apply in the City of Miami Urban Core,
as defined in this article, so long as the City of Miami has, by ordinance, opted out of this article
as to that area and has established its own regulations of signs, provided, however, that any
portion of the City of Miami Urban Core as to which the City of Miami has opted out of this
article shall nevertheless remain subject to the regulations in this article governing illumination
and murals, including, but not limited to, sections 33-84, 33-86, 33-94, 33-95, 33-96, 33-96.1
and 33-107, and the regulations in this article governing roof signs in sectin 33-106.1.
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15500.00"w Submittal -Nathan Kurland-MDC Sign Code
A copy of any municipal ordinance opting out of this article as to the City of Miami Urban Core,
or establishing regulations differing from this article as to the City of Miami Urban Core, shall
be filed with the Director within 15 days after adoption by the City of Miami.
(Ord. No. 85-59, § 2, 7-18-85; Ord. No. 96-163, § 1, 11-12-96; Ord. No. 19-05, § 2, 1-23-19;
Ord. No. 21-16, § 2, 2-17-21; Ord. No. 22-4, § 2, 1-19-22)
Sec. S33-83. - Purpose.
(a) The purpose of this article is to permit signs that will not, because of size, location, method of
construction and installation, or manner of display:
(1) Endanger the public safety; or
(2) Create distractions that may jeopardize pedestrian or vehicular traffic safety; or
(3) Mislead, confuse, or obstruct the vision of people seeking to locate or identify uses or
premises; and
(4) Destroy or impair aesthetic or visual qualities of Miami -Dade County which are so
essential to tourism and the general welfare.
(b) The purpose of this article is also to permit, regulate and encourage the use of signs with a
scale, graphic character, and type of lighting compatible with buildings and uses in the area, so
as to support and complement land use objectives as set forth in the Comprehensive
Development Master Plan.
(c) The purpose of this article is also to protect noncommercial speech such that, except where
specifically provided otherwise in this article, any sign authorized herein may contain, in lieu of
any other message or copy, any lawful noncommercial message, so long as such sign complies
with the size, height, area, and other requirements of this article.
(Ord. No. 85-59, § 2, 7-18-85; Ord. No. 07-61, § 1, 4-26-07; Ord. No. 22-4, § 2, 1-19-22)
Sec. 33-84. - Definitions.
For the purposes of this article the following words and phrases are hereby defined as provided
in this section, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Where there is a question as to the
correct classification or definition of a sign, the Director may interpret the Sign Code, consistent
with federal and Florida law, to determine the correct classification or definition of a sign.
(1) Sign: A lettered, numbered, symbolic, or pictorial visual display, device, or
communication designed or used for the purpose of conveying a message.
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
(a) Use of merchandise, products, vehicles, equipment, inflated balloons, or the
like as an advertising device, with or without a printed or written message or advertisement, shall
be considered a sign.
(b) Except where context dictates otherwise, the term "sign" includes the sign
structure, supports, lighting system, and any attachments, ornaments, or other features used to
draw the attention of the observers.
(c) The term "sign" excludes the following, provided that they do not contain
numbers, letters, or trademarks:
(i) Integral architectural features of buildings; and
(ii) Sculptures, fountains, and other decorative elements, as defined in
Section 33-1, and as may be subject to Section 33-20 or other applicable regulations.
(2) Attraction board: A sign or portion of a sign on which copy is changed periodically.
Said attraction board may be incorporated into the sign permitted.
(3) Awning, canopy, roller curtain or umbrella sign: Any sign painted, stamped,
perforated, or stitched on the surface area of an awning, canopy, roller curtain or umbrella.
(4) Billboard: A detached sign with a sign face that is at least 14 feet in height or at least
48 feet in width, not including embellishments to the sign.
(5) Blank wall: The wall of a building that is free of windows, balconies, railings,
articulated facade, decorative grills or gratings, or other architectural elements. Walls constructed
on rooftops or as part of a parapet shall not be considered blank walls for the purposes of this
article.
(6) Bulletin board: A detached sign that is greater than 10 feet but less than 14 feet in
height or is at least 36 feet but less than 48 feet in width, not including embellishments to the
sign. A detached sign that is greater than either of the foregoing measurements shall be deemed
to be a billboard.
(7) Cantilever: That portion of a building, projecting horizontally, whether it be on the
same plane as the roof line or not.
(8) Cantilever sign: Any sign which is mounted on a cantilever. No cantilever sign may
extend beyond the cantilever. A detached Class C sign that contains a single sign face, or two
sign faces mounted back-to-back, shall also be considered a cantilever sign.
(9) Detached sign: Any sign not attached to or painted on a building, but which is affixed
and permanently attached to the ground. Permanently attached as used herein shall mean that the
supporting structure of the sign is attached to the ground by a concrete foundation.
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
(10) Digital technology (signs): Electronic technology that allows for changes to sign
copy resulting from digital data input. Included in this technology are signs that use series of
lights, including light emitting diodes (LED), fiber optics, or other similar technology.
(11) Director: The Director of the Miami -Dade County Department of Regulatory and
Economic Resources or successor department, or the Director's designee; except where the
County's approval is required or the context dictates otherwise, this term also includes the
municipal equivalent.
(12) Embellishment: Letters, figures, images, mechanical devices, or lighting extending
beyond the sign face of a billboard, bulletin board, or poster board.
(13) Flat sign: Any sign attached to and erected parallel to the face of, or erected or
painted on the outside wall of any building, and supported throughout its length by such wall or
building. Wall signs and attached cantilever signs are types of flat signs.
(14) Kiosk sign: A detached, single- or dual -face sign placed within a base and affixed or
permanently attached to the ground, where the sign face is similar in dimensions to a bus -shelter
sign. The kiosk structure shall be of pedestrian scale and may also contain wi-fi or other
equipment that is housed in a compartment that screens the equipment from view.
(15) Marquee: A covered structure projecting from, and supported by the building with
independent roof and drainage provisions, and which is erected over a doorway or entranceway
as protection against the weather.
(16) Marquee sign: Any sign attached to or hung from a marquee.
(17) Mural: Any wall sign that is greater in size than the maximum allowed for a Class B
wall sign.
(18) Nits (nt): The unit of measurement for luminance. Luminance is the measure of the
light emanating from an object with respect to its size and is the term used to quantify electronic
sign brightness. A nit is the total amount of light emitted from a sign divided by the surface area
of the sign (candelas per square meter (cd/m 2 )).
(19) Poster board: A detached sign that is 10 feet in height or at least 22 feet in width but
less than 36 feet in width, not including embellishments. A detached sign that is greater than
either of the foregoing measurements shall be deemed to be a bulletin board or a billboard, as
applicable.
(20) Portable sign: Any sign not attached to or painted on a building and not affixed or
permanently attached to the ground.
(21) Projecting sign: Any sign which is an independent structure, which is attached to the
building wall, and which extends at any angle from the face of the wall. No projecting sign shall
extend above the roof or parapet wall in any residential district.
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
(22) Projected Technologies: The projection, through digital technology, of two-
dimensional or three-dimensional static or moving images.
(23) Pylon: A vertical extension of a building, constructed integrally and concurrently
with the building, or in connection with a major remodeling or alteration of a building, and
having the appearance of a solid structure.
(24) Pylon sign: A flat sign attached to or painted on the face of a pylon. The outer edge
of the sign shall not extend beyond the pylon nor above the roof line. To classify as a pylon sign,
the pylon structure must be an integral part of the building structure, extending to ground level.
In business and industrial districts only, the material and construction may vary from the
materials and type of construction of the exterior walls of the building, subject to the approval of
the Director.
(25) Regional entertainment venue: A performing arts center, stadium, arena, racetrack,
convention center, coliseum, auditorium, museum, cultural complex, or similar facility that: (1)
draws its audience from throughout Miami -Dade County; (2) is located on a major or minor
roadway as depicted on the adopted Comprehensive Development Master Plan Land Use Plan
Map; and (3) is either located on a site with a minimum of 5 gross acres or contains a minimum
of 300,000 square feet of non-residential building area.
(26) Roof sign: Any sign which is painted on, fastened to, or supported by the roof or
erected over the roof.
(27) Semaphore: Any sign consisting of two dual -face signs extending horizontally from
a light standard. Such sign projecting from opposite sides of such light standard, and such signs
must be located in the parking lot of a shopping center to identify the location of parking areas.
No advertising is permitted on the sign.
(28) Shopping center: An area zoned for business is a shopping center where at least 250
feet of street frontage has been zoned for commercial purposes under one application and under
one ownership, and where it contains at least two tiers of in -front parking, contains two or more
retail uses, and is subject to site plan or plot use approval as a condition of the applicable
resolution or ordinance.
(29) V-shaped sign: Any structure composed of two sign faces that are grouped together
and placed at an angle to form a single "V."
(30) Wall: For sign purposes, that portion of the building's exterior, horizontal surface on
the same plane, regardless of vertical or horizontal indentations, and including the surface of
parapets and pylons projecting from the building. For sign purposes, there shall be considered to
be only four planes to any building and it shall be the prerogative of the Director to determine
which portion of odd -shaped buildings, such as buildings of hexagon or octagon design, to which
flat signs may be affixed, with such location to be so determined as to prevent a grouping of
signs which can be viewed from one direction.
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
(31) Wall sign: Any sign painted on or attached to and erected parallel to the face of, or
erected and confined within the limits of, the outside wall of any building and supported by such
wall or building and which displays only one advertising surface.
(32) City of Miami Urban Core: The geographic area commencing at Biscayne Bay and
the North side of NE 18th Street; thence West along the North side of NE 18th Street to the East
side of NE 2nd Avenue; thence North along the East side of NE 2nd Avenue to the South side of
NE 36th Street; thence East along the South side of NE 36 Street to the West side of Biscayne
Boulevard; thence North along the west side of Biscayne Boulevard to the North side of I-195;
thence West along the North side of I-195 to the East side of N. Federal Highway; thence North
along the East side of N. Federal Highway to the North side of NE 39th Street; thence West
along the North side of NE 39th Street to East side of NE 2nd Avenue; thence North along the
East side of NE 2nd Avenue to North side of NE 40th Street; thence West along the North side
of NE 40th Street to West side of N. Miami Avenue; thence South along the West side of N.
Miami Avenue to its intersection with the South limited access right-of-way line of the 1-195
Eastbound exit ramp; thence West along said South limited access right-of-way line to the
intersection with the South side of NW 37th Street; thence West along the South side of NW
3 7th Street to the East side of NW 1st Avenue; thence South along the East side of NW 1st
Avenue to the North side of NW 36th Street; thence East along the North side of NW 36th Street
to the West side of N. Miami Avenue; thence South along West side of N. Miami Avenue to the
North side of NW 29th Street; thence West along the North side of NW 29th Street to the East
side of NW 6th Avenue; thence South along the East side of NW 6th Avenue to the South side of
NW 22nd Street; thence East along the South side of NW 22nd Street to the West side of NW
5th Avenue; thence South along the West side of NW 5th Avenue to the North side of NW 22nd
Street; thence East along the North side of NW 22nd Street to the West side of NW 3rd Avenue;
thence South along the West side of NW 3rd Avenue to the North Side of the Dolphin
Expressway; thence West along the North side of the Dolphin Expressway to the East side of I-
95; thence North along the East side of I-95 to North side of NW 20th Street; thence West along
the North side of NW 20th Street to the West side of NW 14th Avenue; thence South along the
West side of NW 14th Avenue to the South side of the Dolphin Expressway; thence East along
the South side of the Dolphin Expressway to the East bank of the Wagner Creek Canal; thence
South 300 feet along the East bank of the Wagner Creek Canal; thence East running parallel 300
feet to the South of the Dolphin Expressway to the West side of NW 7th Avenue; thence North
along the West side of NW 7th Avenue to the South side of the Dolphin Expressway; thence East
along the South side of the Dolphin Expressway to the West side of I-95; thence South along the
West side of I-95 to the North side of NW 5th Street; thence West along the North side of NW
5th Street to the West side of NW 6th Avenue; thence South on the West side of NW 6th Avenue
to the West side of NW North River Drive; thence South along the West side of NW North River
Drive to the north side of West Flagler Street; thence East along the north side of West Flagler
Street to the West side of I-95; thence South along the West side I-95 to the South side of SW
8th Street; thence East along the South side of SW 8th Street to the East side of S. Miami
Avenue; thence North along the East side of S. Miami Avenue to the South side of the Miami
River; thence East along the South side of the Miami River to the East side of Brickell Avenue;
thence North along the East side of Brickell Avenue to the North side of the Miami River; thence
East along the North side of the Miami River to Biscayne Bay; thence North along the Biscayne
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
Bay shoreline to the point of beginning, as shown on the City of Miami Urban Core map shown
below.
NE AO.TH ST
SW 7TH Si
1195
NE 36TH ST
NE 18TH S
Q
coVENETIAN WAY
w
Z-MACARTHUR CSWY
U
m
1195
M I A M I-DADE
COUNTY
CITY OF MIAMI
URBAN CORE
(Ord. No. 85-59, § 2, 7-18-85; Ord. No. 95-215, § 1, 12-5-95; Ord. No. 07-61, § 2, 4-26-07; Ord.
No. 07-91, § 1(2), 7-10-07; Ord. No. 10-71, § 1, 10-19-10; Ord. No. 12-09, § 1, 3-6-12; Ord. No.
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
16-15, § 2, 2-2-16; Ord. No. 18-3, § 1, 1-23-18; Ord. No. 19-05, § 3, 1-23-19; Ord. No. 21-16, §
2, 2-17-21; Ord. No. 22-4, § 2, 1-19-22)
Sec. 33-84.1. - Sign structure classifications and sign content categories.
(a) Sign structure classifications. For purposes of this article, sign structures are divided into the
following classifications:
(1) Class A sign. Class A sign structures are: signs that are neither permanently anchored
nor secured to a building, nor permanently embedded in the ground, nor affixed to a sign
structure that is permanently anchored, secured to a building, or permanently embedded in the
ground.
(2) Class B sign. Class B sign structures are: flat attached signs, including wall signs,
other than murals; hanging signs; awning signs; cantilever signs; except detached Class C signs;
projecting signs; marquee signs; roller curtain signs; umbrella signs; canopy signs; pylon signs;
roof signs; and monument signs.
(3) Class C sign. Class C sign structures are: billboards, bulletin boards, and poster
boards, including such signs in cantilever or V-shaped configurations; wall signs, including
murals; and kiosks.
(b) Sign content categories. For purposes of this article, signs are divided into the following
content categories:
(1) Directional sign. A directional sign is a sign that does no more than guide or direct the
public, direct traffic flow, or identify facilities, entrances, and exits. This category also includes
traffic signs and signals, semaphores, warnings, and signs indicating danger.
(2) Onsite sign. An onsite sign is a sign that identifies, designates, or advertises the use
of, occupant of, or products sold or services provided on the premises where the sign is erected,
or that is designed and displayed solely to offer the premises for sale or rent, or that contains a
noncommercial message.
(3) Commercial offsite advertising sign. A commercial offsite advertising sign is a sign
that relates to a commercial transaction and that is not an onsite sign.
(c) Regulatory requirements applicable to each class of sign structure. Applicable physical
standards, permissible zoning districts, permissible categories of sign content, procedures for
obtaining permits, enforcement mechanisms, and other requirements applicable to each class of
sign structure are set forth in the remaining divisions of this article.
(Ord. No. 22-4, § 2, 1-19-22)
DIVISION 2. - GENERAL PROVISIONS
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
Sec. 33-85. - Interpretation; enforcement.
(a) Only those signs that are expressly authorized by this sign code shall be permitted. Those that
are not listed or authorized shall be deemed prohibited.
(b) It is provided, however, that, except where specifically provided otherwise in this article, any
sign authorized herein may contain, in lieu of any other message or copy, any lawful
noncommercial message, so long as such sign complies with the size, height, area and other
requirements of this article.
(c) Any person violating any of the provisions of this article shall be subject to enforcement in
accordance with the provisions of Article I of this chapter and Section 1-5 and Chapter 8CC of
this code.
(d) Any and all signs posted or erected in violation of this article shall be deemed correctable
violations, which shall subject the violator to continuing violation penalties, as provided in
Chapter 8CC, for violations that continue beyond the reasonable time period for correction
contained either in the civil violation notice or the final order of the hearing officer, as
applicable.
(Ord. No. 85-59, § 2, 7-18-8.5; Ord. No. 07-61, § 3, 4-26-07; Ord. No. 22-4, § 2, 1-19-22)
Sec. 33-86. - Permits required.
(a) Applications and permits.
(1) No sign shall be erected, constructed, posted, painted, altered, maintained, or
relocated, except as provided in this article.
(2) In addition, for signs for which a permit is required by this article, no sign shall be
erected, constructed, posted, painted, altered, maintained, or relocated until a permit has been
issued by the Department.
(3) Before any permit is issued, an application for such permit shall be filed together with
three sets of drawings and/or specifications (one to be returned to the applicant) as may be
necessary to fully advise and acquaint the issuing department with: the location; method of
construction; type of materials; manner of illumination; method of erection, securing, or
fastening; and number, content category of sign, and class of sign structure applied for.
(4) All signs which are electrically illuminated shall require a separate electric permit and
inspection.
(b) Consent of property owner. No sign shall be placed on any property unless the applicant has
the written consent of the owner and lessee, if any, of the property.
(c) Calculating number of signs. The number of signs shall be calculated as follows:
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
(1) A single sign with two faces shall be counted as one sign.
(2) Every other sign shall be counted as a separate sign for each face thereof.
(3) Except as provided in this article for Class C signs, "V" type signs will be considered
as one sign if the spread of the "V" at the open end is not greater than the length of its narrowest
side.
(d) Calculating sign size. The size of a sign shall be calculated as follows:
(1) The area of a sign shall include borders, framing, and embellishments.
(2) Heights shall be measured to the top extremity of the sign and distances to the farthest
point.
(3) The square footage in a circular rotating or revolving sign shall be determined by
multiplying one-half of the circumference by the height of the rotating sign, except in the case of
the flat rotating sign, the area will be determined by the square footage of one side of such sign.
(4) The Director shall have the discretion of determining the area of any sign which is
irregular in shape, and in such cases will be guided by calculations as made by a licensed,
registered engineer when same are shown on the drawing.
(e) Review of the application. Sign permit applications shall be reviewed and decided in
accordance with the following procedures and timeframes:
(1) The Department shall complete its review of a sign permit application for the
unincorporated area within 30 calendar days after filing, and shall render a decision either for
approval or denial within that time.
(2) Failure by the Department to render a decision within 30 calendar days shall be
deemed a denial, appealable as provided herein.
(3) If the application is denied based upon grounds set forth in this article, the applicant
may file an application to appeal the Department's decision to the Board of County
Commissioners in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 33-314 for appeals of
administrative decisions, and such appeal shall be heard at the next available zoning meeting
after notice pursuant to the requirements of Section 33-310.
(i) If the Board of County Commissioners does not render a decision on the
appeal within 90 days of the date on which the Department deems the appeal application
complete, the appeal shall be deemed denied and the applicant may seek judicial review of the
Department's decision.
(ii) It is provided however, that the applicant may request additional time from the
Director or from the Board of County Commissioners, as applicable, for the appeal to be
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
considered before it is deemed denied, in which event the appeal shall not be deemed denied
until the expiration of the additional time requested by the applicant.
(4) Scope of review.
(i) It is provided that the procedures for the review of a sign permit application
pursuant to this section shall be limited to the application of the zoning standards set forth in this
article and shall not apply to other county departments' review of a sign permit application
pursuant to the Florida Building Code, the safe -sight distance triangle and other applicable
provisions of the Miami -Dade County Public Works Manual, or other applicable regulations, or
to any review pursuant to Chapter 479, Florida Statutes.
(ii) Review under this section shall not include challenges to the validity of the
applicable regulation.
(iii) Appeals of denials based on regulations other than those set forth in this
article shall be governed by the procedures applicable to such regulations.
(5) Time for hearing on variances or special exceptions.
(i) Notwithstanding any other provisions to the contrary, a complete application
for a special exception pursuant to, or variance of, this article shall be set for a hearing to be held
no later than 90 days after the date on which the Department deems the application complete,
unless: the applicant requests additional time; or the application includes additional zoning
requests unrelated to signs. This provision shall not be construed to waive any applicable notice
requirements as set forth in Article XXXVI.
(ii) If the applicable zoning board does not render a decision within 60 days of the
first date for which a hearing on the variance or special exception request is set, the application
shall be deemed denied, and the applicant may seek judicial review.
a. It is provided however, that the applicant may request additional time
from the Director or from the zoning board, as applicable, for the application to be considered
before it is deemed denied, in which event the application shall not be deemed denied until the
expiration of the additional time requested by the applicant.
b. It is further provided that, if a Community Zoning Appeals Board does
not render a decision within the prescribed time, and Section 33-314 provides for jurisdiction by
the County Commission, the applicant may request the application to be heard by the County
Commission before the application is deemed denied. In that event, the times for hearing
provided in this paragraph (5) shall recommence from the time the request for hearing pursuant
to Section 33-314 is deemed complete.
(f) Restrictions on Certain Class C Sign Permits.
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
(1) No permit shall be issued for a mural or other Class C sign on property where a civil
violation notice pursuant to Chapter 8CC has been issued for an unauthorized Class C sign until
such civil violation notice has been resolved.
(2) No permit shall be issued for a mural or other Class C sign to an erector or affiliate of
such erector who has been issued a civil violation notice pursuant to Chapter 8CC for erecting an
unauthorized Class C sign until such civil violation notice has been resolved.
(3) No permit shall be issued to a property owner or owner of a mural or other Class C
sign or affiliate thereof who has been issued a civil violation notice pursuant to Chapter 8CC for
erecting an unauthorized Class C sign, until such civil violation notice has been resolved.
(4) No permit shall be issued for an existing mural in violation of this article if
authorization for such mural was obtained from a municipality.
(5) No permit for a mural shall be issued to an owner, erector or affiliate thereof, if such
owner, erector or affiliate has an existing agreement with a municipality purporting to allow the
establishment or continuation of a mural upon payment alines, penalties or other payments to
the municipality, if such mural is not in compliance with the requirements of this article.
(6) For purposes of this subsection, the term "affiliate" shall mean (i) a person,
corporation, partnership or other business organization ("entity"), directly controlling, controlled
by, or under common control with, another entity, or (ii) any entity owning or controlling ten
percent or more of the ownership interest of another entity.
(g) Applicability to other zoning districts not specifically addressed in this article.
Notwithstanding any other provisions to the contrary, the provisions of this section shall govern
sign permit applications in urban center or urban area districts, the Rapid Transit Zone District,
and any other zoning districts in this code that contain sign regulations but are not specifically
addressed in this article.
(Ord. No. 85-59, § 2, 7-18-85; Ord. No. 95-215, § 1, 12-5-95; Ord. No. 07-61, § 4, 4-26-07; Ord.
No. 22-4, § 2, 1-19-22)
Sec. 33-87. - Compliance with codes.
(1) [Required.] All signs shall conform to the requirements of the building, electrical, and other
applicable technical codes, except as may be otherwise provided herein.
(2) Sign conflicting with zoning rules. No sign shall be erected or used in a manner that would
conflict with the regulations for the district in which it is located or be in conflict with the use
permitted under the certificate of use or certificate of occupancy for the property.
(Ord. No. 85-59, § 2, 7-18-85; Ord. No. 22-4, § 2, 1-19-22)
Sec. 33-88. - Qualification and certification of erector.
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
Where the erection of any sign requires compliance with any Miami -Dade County technical
code, the erector of the sign shall qualify with the respective examining board.
(Ord. No. 85-59, § 2, 7-18-85)
Sec. 33-89. - Fees required.
No sign, where a permit is necessary shall be exhibited unless the required permit fees are paid.
(Ord. No. 85-59, § 2, 7-18-85)
Sec. 33-90. - Time limitation of permits.
(1) All signs shall be erected on or before the expiration of 270 days from the date of issuance of
the permit.
(2) If the sign is not erected within said 270 days, the permit shall become null and void, and a
new permit required.
(3) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Director may extend such permit for a period of 270 days
from the date of the expiration of the permit if:
(a) Written application for such extension is received and approved by the Director prior
to the expiration date of the initial permit or a previously approved extension; and
(b) The proposed sign complies with all requirements in effect at the date of such
renewal.
(4) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Director shall grant additional extensions of such permits
as follows:
(a) For Class C signs that must be permitted by the State of Florida, an extension of 270
days from the date the state permit is issued; and
(b) For other signs, where such extension is necessary to allow time to obtain permits
from other applicable agencies.
(Ord. No. 85-59, § 2, 7-18-85; Ord. No. 22-4, § 2, 1-19-22)
Sec. 33-91. - Identification of permit holder on sign.
Each sign requiring a permit shall carry the permit number and the name of the person or firm
placing the sign on the premises; such marking shall be permanently attached and clearly visible
from the ground.
(Ord. No. 85-59, § 2, 7-18-85)
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
Sec. 33-92. - Responsibility for sign.
The owner and/or tenant of the premises, and the owner and/or erector of the sign shall be held
responsible for any violation of this chapter; provided, however, that when the sign has been
erected in accordance with this chapter, the sign company shall be relieved of further
responsibility after final approval of the sign.
(Ord. No. 85-59, § 2, 7-18-85)
Sec. 33-93. - Inspection.
No sign shall be approved for use, unless the same shall have been inspected by the Department
issuing the permit, and no sign shall be erected or used unless it complies with all the
requirements of this chapter and applicable technical codes. The holder of a permit for a sign
shall request inspections of a sign as follows:
(1) Foundation inspection (this shall include method of fastening to building or other approved
structure).
(2) Shop inspection (electrical and/or structural where indicated on the permit and/or approved
plan).
(3) Final inspection (this shall include structural framing, electrical work identification of permit
number and erector of sign, etc.).
(4) Any additional inspections which may be specified on the permit and/or approved plans.
(Ord. No. 85-59, § 2, 7-18-85)
Sec. 33-94. - Signs permitted without a sign permit.
The following types of signs may be erected without obtaining a sign permit, subject to obtaining
permits required by all other applicable technical codes:
(a) Class A temporary signs as set forth in Section 33-99, provided that they are not electrically
illuminated and that they otherwise comply with this article and applicable technical codes.
(b) Traffic signs or signals, warnings, and signs indicating danger, provided that the sole purpose
of the sign is to direct traffic, provide warnings, or indicate danger, and the signs or signals are of
the standard size and structure provided for under federal or state regulations for traffic control
signs. Such signs shall not contain any commercial advertisement and notwithstanding any other
provision to the contrary, may not contain any other noncommercial message.
(c) Awning, canopy, roller curtain, or umbrella sign or signs that are limited to 8-inch letters in
height, and do not exceed a total coverage of 24 square feet, provided that any commercial
message is limited to an onsite sign.
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
(d) Signs required by law, including signs for identification of restricted parking spaces.
Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, such signs may not contain any other
noncommercial message.
(e) Signs not exceeding one and one-half square feet in area and bearing only property street
numbers, post box numbers, or name of occupant of premises.
(f) Flags and insignia containing only noncommercial messages.
(g) Legal notices or directional signs erected by or on behalf of governmental bodies.
Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, such signs may not contain any other
noncommercial message.
(h) Signs within enclosed buildings or structures, or surrounded by buildings or structures, which
are so located that they are not visible from public or private streets or adjacent properties.
(1) Signs in interior areas of malls, commercial buildings, ball parks, stadiums and
similar structures or uses shall be deemed to qualify for this exemption, providing said signs are
erected in such a manner as not to be hazardous.
(2) If illuminated, the necessary electrical permits shall be obtained.
(i) "Danger," "No Parking," "Post No Bills," "Bad Dog," and similar warning signs, provided
such signs do not exceed an area of one (1) and one-half (1.5) square feet.
(j) Signs which are incorporated within bus passenger benches and shelters in compliance with
Article XII of Chapter 21, as applicable.
(k) "No Trespassing" signs, provided such signs do not exceed an area of three square feet.
(Ord. No. 85-59, § 2, 7-18-85; Ord. No. 90-24, § 1, 3-20-90; Ord. No. 96-161, § 1, 11-12-96;
Ord. No. 96-162, § 1, 11-12-96; Ord. No. 06-35, § 1, 3-7-06; Ord. No. 22-4, § 2, 1-19-22)
Sec. 33-95. - Prohibited signs.
(a) No sign shall be so located as to constitute a danger to public safety.
(b) No sign shall exhibit thereon any lewd or lascivious matter.
(c) No sign shall be attached to trees, utility poles or any other unapproved supporting structure.
(d) Roof signs are prohibited in all districts, except as provided in Section 33-106.1.
(e) No signs shall be erected or painted on exterior -facing fences or walls in RU and EU districts.
These restrictions do not apply to onsite signs in the AU district.
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
(f) In both the incorporated and unincorporated areas of the County even if not classified as a
sign, blinking or flashing lights, streamer lights, pennants, banners, streamers, and all fluttering,
spinning or other type of attention attractors are prohibited. This provision shall not apply to
flags as permitted by this article.
(g) No revolving or rotating sign shall be permitted or erected except as a class B sign in the BU
and IU Districts. Such signs shall be illuminated by internal lighting only.
(h) Signs that falsely present themselves as emergency or official governmental signs are
prohibited. Prohibited signs include:
(1) Any signs that use the word "stop" or "danger" or present or imply the need or
requirement of stopping, or which are copies or imitations of official governmental signs, but
that are not traffic signs or signals, warnings, or signs indicating danger as permitted in Section
33-94; and
(2) Red, green, or amber (or any color combination thereof) revolving or flashing light
giving the impression of a police or caution light, whether on a sign or on an independent
structure.
(i) Unless specifically permitted as Class A signs or otherwise by this chapter or other law,
portable signs shall be prohibited, including those that are tied down with metal straps, chaining,
or otherwise temporarily anchored to an existing structure or other similar method of anchoring.
(j) Signs painted or affixed in any manner to any vehicle, trailer or pickup truck, van, or similar
transportable device and used solely as an advertising device, whether in a parking lot, nearby
right-of-way, or otherwise, are prohibited.
(1) Without limitation, it shall be a prima face violation of this subsection for any vehicle,
trailer, or other mobile article that contains commercial advertising to remain stationed for more
than 72 hours in a location that is not a designated parking space.
(2) This shall not be interpreted to prohibit identification of commercial vehicles,
provided such vehicles are operational and moved and used daily for delivery or service purposes
and are not used, or intended for use, as portable signs.
(3) This sign shall also not be interpreted to apply to buses, taxicabs, and similar common
carrier vehicles.
(Ord. No. 85-59, § 2, 7-18-85; Ord. No. 10-90, § 1, 12-7-10; Ord. No. 21-16, § 2, 2-17-21; Ord.
No. 22-4, § 2, 1-19-22)
Sec. 33-96. - Illumination.
(a) All signs shall be static and shall not include digital technology, except as expressly provided
for in this Code. This section does not allow digital technology signs in any particular location or
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
zoning district; digital technology signs may only be permitted as specifically authorized in other
sections of this chapter. All static signs shall conform to subsection (b) below. All digital
technology signs shall conform to subsection (c) below.
(b) Static Signs. Signs illuminated by flashing, moving, intermittent, chasing or rotating lights
are prohibited. Signs may be illuminated by exposed bulbs, fluorescent tubes, interior lighting, or
by indirect lighting from any external source. Indirect lighting, such as floodlights, shall not
shine directly on adjacent property, motorists or pedestrians. Illumination shall be such that it
will provide reasonable illumination and eliminate glare and intensity which might pose safety
hazards to drivers and pedestrians. Revolving and rotating signs shall be illuminated by internal
lighting only.
(c) Digital Signs. Where digital technology is allowed, it shall be provided in compliance with
the following:
(1) No auditory message or mechanical sounds shall be emitted from the sign.
(2) The sign shall not display any illumination that moves, appears to move, blinks, fades,
rolls, dissolves, flashes, scrolls, shows animated movement, or changes in intensity during the
static display period.
(3) All digital signs shall be modulated so that, from sunset to sunrise, the brightness
shall not be more than 500 Nits. Sunset and sunrise times are those times established by the
Miami office of the National Weather Service. At all other times, the maximum brightness levels
shall not exceed 5,000 Nits. All digital signs shall have installed ambient light monitors and at all
times shall allow such monitors to automatically adjust the brightness level of the sign based on
ambient light conditions.
(4) The message display shall not change more often than once each eight seconds, with
all moving parts or illumination moving or changing simultaneously.
(5) Any digital sign that malfunctions, fails, or ceases to operate in its usual or normal
programmed manner shall immediately revert to a black screen and shall be.restored to its
normal operation conforming to the requirements of this section within 24 hours.
(6) Kiosk signs allowed pursuant to this code may have a portion of the sign face, that is
no greater than 39 inches wide and extending no higher than 7 feet from the ground, that is
exempt from subsections (1), (2), and (4) above, to allow movement and auditory information
when a pedestrian is interacting with the sign, provided that all of the following conditions are
met:
(i) This exemption only applies during the time period when a pedestrian is
physically interacting with the kiosk sign's touch screen, and at all other times, the entire area of
the kiosk sign is required to comply with subsections (1), (2), and (4), and this exemption shall
not apply.
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
(ii) If a kiosk sign is located along a road or public right-of-way, the kiosk sign
shall only have interactive mode on one sign face, and the interactive sign face shall not be
visible from the incoming traffic on the abutting lane.
(iii) This is a limited exception and shall be interpreted narrowly.
(d) Variances.
(1) Use variances. No variances from the requirements of this section or Section 33-96.1
may be granted, except: where it would not be contrary to the public interest, where owing to
special conditions, a literal enforcement of the provisions herein will result in unnecessary
hardship, and so the spirit of the regulations shall be observed and substantial justice done;
provided that the variance will be in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the
regulations, and that the same is the minimum variance that will permit the reasonable use of the
premises.
(2) Area Variances.
(a) Notwithstanding the foregoing, area variances from the requirements of
Section 33-96.1(c)(1), (3), and (5), regarding sign size, setback, spacing, distance, quantity,
minimum land area, and landscaping may be granted where the applicant demonstrates that the
benefits to granting the area variance outweigh any detriments to the community.
(b) The Board shall consider the following factors in making this determination:
(i) whether the area variance would create an undesirable change in the
character of the neighborhood or a detriment to nearby properties;
(ii) whether the benefit can be achieved by some other method;
(iii) whether the area variance is substantial;
(iv) whether the area variance will have an adverse effect on physical or
environmental conditions in the neighborhood or district; and
(v) whether the alleged difficulty was self-created, provided that the
existence of a self-created difficulty shall be relevant to a board's decision but shall not
necessarily preclude the granting of the area variance.
(c) The applicant shall also demonstrate that granting the area variance maintains
the basic intent and purpose of the zoning, subdivision, and other land use regulations, which is
to protect the general welfare of the public, particularly as it affects the stability and appearance
of the community and provided that the area variance will be otherwise compatible with the
surrounding land uses and would not be detrimental to the community.
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
(d) No showing of unnecessary hardship to the land is required for an area
variance.
(Ord. No. 85-59, § 2, 7-18-85; Ord. No. 94-99, § 1, 5-17-94; Ord. No. 16-15, § 3, 2-2-16; Ord.
No. 18-3, § 2, 1-23-18; Ord. No. 18-92, § 3, 9-5-18; Ord. No. 22-4, § 2, 1-19-22)
Sec. 33-96.1. - Digital Class B signs.
(a) Digital Class B Sign ("DCBS") shall mean a Class B sign on which a sign face is illuminated
with digital technology. This section shall apply only to DCBSs.
(b) A DCBS shall be permitted:
(1) In BU and IU districts; or
(2) For buildings or other structures intended for public assemblage, wherein provisions
are made for 50 or more persons to assemble in one room or structure, including, without
limitation, educational facilities, religious facilities, seaports, airports, sports stadiums,
racetracks, and other similar uses.
(c) A DCBS shall be subject to the following mandatory conditions:
(1) A DCBS shall conform to all sign size, placement, setback, and quantity limitations as
provided elsewhere in this chapter for Class B signs and shall comply with all building code
requirements.
(2) Each DCBS shall comply with Section 33-96 of this chapter.
(3) A minimum of 10 acres gross improved land area shall be required for the placement
of a DCBS.
(4) With the exception of airports or seaports, the subject DCBS shall be located only on
a major or minor roadway as depicted on the adopted Comprehensive Development Master Plan
Land Use Plan map.
(5) A detached DCBS shall be surrounded by a minimum of 25 square feet of landscaped
area. A plan indicating such landscape area shall be submitted to the Director at the time of
building permit application.
(6) The content of the DCBS shall be limited solely to onsite and directional signs.
(7) A DCBS on which 30 percent or less of the sign face is illuminated with digital
technology shall not be subject to the minimum land area, landscaping, and roadway placement
criteria set forth in subsections (3), (4), and (5) above.
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
(Ord. No. 94-99, § 2, 5-17-94; Ord. No. 95-215, § 1, 12-5-95; Ord. No. 16-15, § 4, 2-2-16; Ord.
No. 18-92, § 2, 9-5-18; Ord. No. 22-4, § 2, 1-19-22)
Sec. 33-97. - Maintenance of signs.
(a) [Required.] All signs shall be properly maintained in a safe and legible condition at all times.
Where a commercial use on a site has been abandoned, all commercial onsite signs associated
with the use are to be removed from the site or, in the case of a painted sign, painted out. Sign
removal shall be the responsibility of the owner of the property.
(b) Latticework, painting, etc. Where the rear of any sign is visible from a street, waterway, park
or residence, or from a EU, RU, or BU District, the exposed structural members of such sign
shall be either concealed by painted latticework, slats or be suitably painted or decorated, and
such back screening shall be designed, painted and maintained to the satisfaction of the Director.
(c) Cutting weeds. The owner of each sign not attached to a building shall be responsible for
keeping the weeds cut on his property within a radius of fifty (50) feet or to the nearest highway
or waterway.
(d) Removal of dilapidated signs. The Director may cause to be removed any sign which shows
neglect or becomes dilapidated or where the area around such sign is not maintained as provided
herein after due notice has been given. The owner of the sign and/or the property shall be
financially responsible for the removal of the sign.
(Ord. No. 85-59, § 2, 7-18-85; Ord. No. 22-4, § 2, 1-19-22)
DIVISION 3. - SIGN STANDARDS REQUIREMENTS AND CHARTS
Sec. 33-98. - Generally.
This division indicates the physical standards and requirements applicable to signs and the
districts in which they are permitted. The following standards are subject to other applicable
technical code requirements.
(Ord. No. 85-59, § 2, 7-18-85; Ord. No. 22-4, § 2, 1-19-22)
Sec. 33-99. - Class A temporary signs.
Type of signs permitted: Real estate; subdivision; construction; future construction; special
events; balloons.
• Type of
Signs
Real estate
Size
Real estate
,signs in an
Number
1 sign only
Setback and
Spacing
Real estate
signs shall
Illumination
Permitted
See general
Maximum
Height
Real estat
signs shal
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
Subdivision
signs
AU/GU
District
(not of a
residential
character)
and all BU
and IU Zones
shall be
limited to
40 square
feet
Real estate
signs in AU
and GU
Districts
(of a
residential
character)
and RU EU
District
shall be
limited to 4
square feet
Maximum of
256 square
feet per
sign but
total square
footage for
3 per
subdivision
be no
closer than
5 feet to
an official
r.o.w. line
unless
attached to
an existing
building
15 feet to
an interior
side
property
line or
centered on
a lot
between
interior
side
property
lines
Not closer
than 15
feet to
official
r.o.w.
Not closer
provision on
illumination
Same as real
estate signs
not exceed
10 feet
measured
from grade
to top of
sign
Shall not
exceed 22
feet from
ground to
top of sig
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
all signs
shall not
exceed 512
square feet
Maximum of
256 square
feet for a
,detached
sign
When
'Construction construction
signs signs are
painted on
an approved
construction
shed, there
is no size
limitation
Future
construction
signs
Special
events signs
include
'carnivals,
'concerts,
public
,meetings,
sports
events,
apolitical
campaigns,
and other
'uses of a
(similar
nature
Maximum of
40 square
feet in BU
and IU
District
24 square
feet in AU,
GU, EU and
RU Districts
22 inches by
28 inches
except as to
site of use
which shall
be governed
by
applicable
district
regulations
1 general
sign and 1
for each
trade
provided
the total
sign area
does not
exceed 256
square feet
1 sign
Signs shall
be
unlimited
in number
as to off -
site
locations
and limited
to number
as
permitted
in the
zoning
district
for on -site
locations
than 15
feet to
property
under a
different
ownership
15 feet
from
official
r.o.w.
15 feet to
property
under
different
ownership
or centered
between
interior
property
lines
Same as
subdivision
signs
5 feet from
official
r.o.w. and
5 feet from
property
under
different
ownership,
except for
site of use
which shall
be governed
by
applicable
district
regulations
Same as real
estate signs
Same as real
estate signs
Same as real
estate signs
Same as
subdivisio
signs
Shall not
exceed 22
feet from
ground
level to
top of sig
Not
applicable
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
(point of
sale signs)
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
Maximum of
32 feet in
Balloons height and
25 feet in
width
1 sign for
each
property
'5 feet from
official Permitted
r.o.w. and
property
lines
See
until 11:00 provision
p.m. on size
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
(Ord. No. 85-59, § 2, 7-18-85; Ord. No. 90-24, § 2, 3-20-90; Ord. No. 90-58, § 1, 6-19-90; Ord.
No. 90-105, § 1, 9-25-90; Ord. No. 04-207, § 1, 12-2-04)
Sec. 33-100. - Permanent point of sale signs for GU, EU, RU-1, RU-2, and RU-TH
Districts.
Type of signs permitted: Detached; flat; awning, canopy, roller curtain, umbrella; projecting.
• Type of
Signs
Detached
Size
1.5
square
feet
Number2
Only 1
sign
permitted
of a type
to be
selected
by
applicant
Setbacks
and
Spacing
15 feet
from
r.o.w.
line
5' to
interior
property
line
Illumination
See general
section on
illumination
Lighting
permitted if
does not
conflict
with
adjacent
property
r
Maximum
'Height
SpeciE
Condit
r
20 feet
from grade
to top of
sign
No pel
sign
i l lum:
and s:
1.5 sc
feet c
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
Flat 1
(wall and
cantilever)
r
Awning,
,canopy,
roller
curtain and
umbrella
;signs
Same as
detached
Projecting
Same as
detached
Same as
detached
See
detached
above
See
detached
above
See
detached
above
Not
applicable
Same as
detached
Same as
detached
Same as
detached
No
illumination
permitted
Same as
detached
Not
applicable
Not
applicable
9 feet from
established
grade to
bottom of
sign
'Nonconforming use(s) in a residential district is permitted a flat sign only of the same size as if
the use was established on a property in a district zoned permitting the use concerned.
2 Churches, schools and universities when located in these districts shall be permitted 1 sign not
to exceed 24 square feet.
(Ord. No. 85-59, § 2, 7-18-85; Ord. No. 96-162, § 2, 11-12-96)
Sec. 33-100.1. - Permanent point of sale signs for AU.
Type of signs permitted: Detached; fiat; awning, canopy, roller curtain, umbrella; projecting;
portable, directional.
Same
No pe]
requi]
Letter
attacl
paint(
fabric
be lir
8 inci
heighi
such
shall
limit(
ident:
of the
occupE
and/oi
the p]
Same
detacl
Near E
sign
no mol
18" f1
build:
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
• Type of
Signs
r
Detached
Flat (wall
and
cantilever)
Awning,
canopy,
roller
curtain and
umbrella
signs
Projecting
Size3
32 square
feet
(primary
frontage
sign, one
sign only)
24.0
square
feet
(secondary
frontage
and
additional
sign)
Same as
detached
Same as
detached
Same as
detached
Number'
Only 1
sign
permitted
per
frontage
of a type
to be
selected
by
applicant.
Where the
primary
frontage
exceeds
660 linear
feet, a
second
sign shall
be
permitted.
A minimum
spacing of
100 feet
is
required
between
detached
signs.
Same as
detached
Same as
detached
Same as
detached
Setbacks
and
Spacing
5 feet
from
dedicated
r.o.w.
line or 15
feet from
edge of
pavement,
whichever
is greater
'Not
applicable
Same as
detached
Same as
detached
Illumination
See general
section on
illumination
Lighting
permitted if
does not
conflict
with
adjacent
property
Same as
detached
No
illumination
permitted
Same as
detached
Maximum
Height
20 feet
from grade
to top of
sign
Sp
Co:
Not
applicable
Not
applicable
9 feet from
established
grade to
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
Pe
re
S a:
ab
S a:
ab
So:
'de
si
Ne
bottom of !of
sign 'sh
mo
18
bu
wa
One sign
Si
no
ou
Portable
9 square
permitted Same as
No
illumination
3.5 feet
su
su:
;signs
feet
per
entrance
detached
permitted
from grade
Zo:
Im
Pe
re
1 Churches, schools and universities when located in this district shall be permitted one (1) sign
not to exceed twenty-four (24) square feet.
2 In addition to signage permitted in this section, up to five (5) signs related to a bona fide on -site
agricultural use are allowed without a permit. Such signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet per
sign and shall not be electrically illuminated.
3 Directional signage shall meet all provisions of section 33-111 except that sign area is permitted
up to six (6) square feet per sign.
(Ord. No. 96-162, § 3, 11-12-96; Ord. No. 10-90, § 2, 12-7-10)
Sec. 33-101. - Permanent point of sale signs in the RU-3, RU-3B and RU-3M Districts.
Type of signs permitted: Detached; flat; awning, canopy, roller curtain, umbrella; projecting;
marquee.
• Type of
Signs
IPermitted
Size
Number
Setbacks
and
Spacing
Illumination
1
Maximum 'Sp
Height 1Co
i
Detached
RU-3
permitted 6
square feet
except for
churches,
schools and
Only 1
sign of a
type as
selected
by
applicant
15 feet
from
r.o.w.
15 feet
from
r.o.w.
Illumination
permitted;
see general
provision on
illumination
20 feet
from grade
to top of
sign
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
Flat (wall
and
cantilever)
Awning,
canopy,
roller
curtain and
umbrella
signs
Projecting
Marquee
universities
which are
permitted 24
square feet
RU-3B and
RU-3M
permitted 24
square feet
Same as
detached
Same as
detached
Same as
detached
Same as
detached
(Ord. No. 85-59, § 2, 7-18-85)
An
additional
office
sign of
not more
than 1.5
square
feet is
permitted
See
detached
above
See
detached
above
See
detached
above
See
detached
above
5 feet
from
interior
side
property
Not
applicable
15 feet
from
r.o.w.
5 feet to
interior
side
property
line
Same as
detached
Same as
detached
Same as
above
No
illumination
permitted
Same as
detached
Same as
detached
Cantilever
signs
shall not
extend
vertically
above the
roof line
or parapet
wall,
whichever
is higher
Not
applicable
9 feet
from grade
to bottom
of sign
Not
applicable
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
No
re
Le
at
pa
fa
be
th
id
of
oc
an
th
Sec. 33-102. - Permanent point of sale signs in the RU-4L and RU-4M Districts.
Type of signs permitted: Detached; flat; marquee; awning, canopy, roller curtain, umbrella;
projecting; pylon.
• Type of
Signs
Detached
Flat (wall
and
cantilever)
Size
24 square
feet for
detached
sign
40 square
feet for a
building
not
exceeding
15 feet in
height;
thereafter,
1.4 square
feet for
each foot
of building
height
above 15
feet
measured to
the lowest
point of
the sign on
the
building
Number
Only 2
signs of a
type as
may be
selected
by
applicant
An
additional
office
sign no
more than
1.5 square
feet is
permitted
See
detached
Setbacks
and
Spacing
15 feet
from
r.o.w.
line
5 feet to
interior
side
property
line
Not
applicable
Illumination
Illumination
permitted;
see general
provision on
illumination
Same as
detached
Maximum Spe
Height Con
20 feet
from grade
to top of
sign
Cantilever
signs
shall not
extend
vertically
above the
roof line
or parapet
wall
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
Marquee
Awning,
canopy,
roller
;curtain and
'umbrella
signs
Projecting
Pylon
40 square
feet
24 square
feet
24 square
feet
40 square
feet
See
detached
above
See
detached
above
See
detached
above
See
detached
above
Same as
detached
Same as
detached
Same as
detached
Not
applicable
Same as
detached
No
illumination
Same as
[detached
Not
applicable
Not
applicable
Not
applicable
No
req
Let
att
pai
fab
be
8 i
hei
suc
sha
lim
ide
of
occ
and
the
Same as !Not !See
detached !applicable for
(Ord. No. 85-59, § 2, 7-18-85)
Sec. 33-103. - Permanent point of sale signs in the RU-4 and RU-4A Districts.
Type of signs permitted: Detached; marquee; flat; awning, canopy, roller curtain, umbrella;
projecting; pylon.
• Type of
Signs
Detached
Size
24 square
feet per
detached
sign
Number
Only 2
signs of
a type
selected
Setbacks
and
Spacing
15 feet
from
r.o.w.
5 feet
Illumination
Illumination
permitted;
see general
Maximum
Height
20 feet
from grade
to top of
sign
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
S]
C(
Si
a
c]
Marquee
Flat (wall
and
cantilever)
Awning,
canopy,
roller
curtain and
umbrella
sign
Projecting
Total of 40
square feet
40 square
feet for a
building not
exceeding 15
feet in
height;
thereafter,
.8 square
feet for
each foot of
building
height above
15 feet
measured to
the lowest
point of the
sign on the
building
24 square
feet
24 square
feet
by
applicant
See
detached
above
See
detached
above
See
detached
above
See
detached
above
from
interior
side
property
line
10 feet
between
signs
15 feet
from
r.o.w.
5 feet
from
interior
side
property
line
Not
applicable
Same as
detached
Not
applicable
provision on
illumination
Same as
detached
Same as
detached
No
illumination
Same as
detached
Not
applicable
Cantilever
signs
shall not
extend
vertically
above the
roof line
or parapet
wall
Not
applicable
Not
applicable
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
Pylon
40 square
feet
See
detached
above
Not
applicable
Same as
detached
Notes: The following notes apply generally to signs in the RU-4 and RU-4A Districts.
r
j Not Si
applicable Id(
Hotels, motels and apartment hotels may use signs to advertise cocktail lounge, swimming pool,
cabanas, coffee shop and other facilities approved and available on the premises providing the
sign indicates that the use is available and restricted to their patrons only. The advertisement of
these incidental uses must be incorporated in the sign, advertising the name of the hotel,
apartment hotel or motel. The lettering advertising the incidental facilities and uses shall be the
same size as the restriction notifying the public that the use is available for patrons only, and in
no event shall either exceed 4 inches in height.
Hotels and motels in addition to all other signs authorized for their use shall be permitted 1
additional sign for the sole purpose of advertising and displaying credit club membership or
association insignia, provided such sign or display shall be of a box type with glass or plastic
sides with inner illumination, constructed in accordance with existing sign regulations and
electrical code requirements, and shall contain an overall area not in excess of 25 square feet,
with lettering not to exceed 12 inches in height; provided further, that such signs or displays may
only advertise or display the proprietor's membership in credit clubs or other association, or such
club or association insignia but the same may in addition thereto include the identification of the
hotel or motel so advertising (these signs are permitted in addition to the 2 signs permitted
above).
An additional office sign of no more than 1.5 square feet is permitted.
(Ord. No. 85-59, § 2, 7-18-85)
Sec. 33-104. - Permanent point of sale signs for the RU-5 and RU-5A Districts.
Type of sign permitted: Only flat (wall or cantilever) sign.
r
• Type of
Signs
Flat (wall
and
cantilever)
Size
12
square
feet
Number
Setbacks
and
Spacing
1 for
each
street
frontage
Not
applicable
Illumination
Illumination
permitted; see
general
provision on
illumination
Maximum
Height
Not
applicable
Speci
Condi
Sign
mount
build
or or
canti
paral
the IA
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
(Ord. No. 85-59, § 2, 7-18-85)
Sec. 33-105. - Permanent point of sale signs for shopping centers.
Type of signs permitted: Detached; attraction board; flat; pylon; awning, canopy, roller curtain,
umbrella; semaphore.
• Type of
Signs
Detached
Size
Up to 40
square
feet for
first 50
feet of
frontage
plus .75
square
feet for
each
additional
foot of
frontage
to a
maximum
sign size
of 300
square
feet
Number
1 sign
only if
shopping
center has
less than
500 feet
of lineal
street
frontage;
a shopping
center
with 500
or more
lineal
street
frontage
is
permitted
either 1
300-
square-
foot sign
or 2 200-
square-
foot
signs;
shopping
centers on
a corner
lot are
permitted
an
additional
40-square-
Setbacks
and
Spacing
Setback for
all street
r.o.w.'s is
7 feet for a
sign not
exceeding 40
square feet;
thereafter
.8125 feet
of
additional
setback for
each 10
square feet
of sign
(calculated
to the
nearest
foot)
Interior
side setback
is a minimum
of 3' feet
for a sign
not
exceeding 40
square feet;
thereafter
the interior
side setback
shall be
increased by
10 percent
of the
Illumination
Illumination
permitted;
see general
provision on
illumination
Maximum Sp
Height Co
30 feet
from grade
to top of
sign
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
Si
be
on
id
th
sh
ce
an
di
of
in
sh
ce
(Flat (wall
and
cantilever)
foot sign
on a side
street
calculated
street
frontage up
to 100
lineal feet
and by 20
percent of
the
calculated
street
frontage
where the
same exceeds
100 lineal
feet but
does not
exceed 200
lineal feet;
then
increases by
30 percent
of the
calculated
street
frontage
above the
200 lineal
feet
Minimum
space
between
detached
signs shall
be 20 feet
10 percent
of the
wall area
for a
building
that does
not exceed
15 feet in
height,
then 1.5
percent
increase
Only 2
signs of
type
selected
by
applicant
Not
applicable
Same as
detached
Not
applicable
Si
pe
on
in
to
sh
ce
be
fl
ag
bu
on
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
for each
foot of
building
height
above
grade
measured
to the
bottom of
the sign
lAwning,
canopy,
roller
curtain and
umbrella
signs
Semaphore
signs
24 square
feet
Same as
flat
7 feet from
r.o.w.
Illumination
permitted;
see general
provision on
illumination
Not
applicable
Number
approved
by the
Director
in his
approval
of the
plot use
Maximum of plan for
4 square the
feet per shopping
side face center
Only 2
dual -faced
signs may
be
attached
to any 1
standard
or pole
Location
determined
lby the
Director in
his approval
of the plat
use plan for
shopping
centers
Signs must
observe
setback
requirements
applicable
to other
detached
signs
Signs must
be attached
to light
:standards in
;parking lots
and shall
'not contain
any
illumination
save and
except as
provided by
the overhead
electrical
lights
supported by
the standard
or pole
Minimum
9 feet
from the
parking
lot paved
surface to
bottom of
sign
No more
than 30
feet from
parking
lot paved
surface to
top of
sign
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
ca
or
No
re
Pe
on
sh
ce
BU
mo
of li
di
Th
pr
th
sh
ce
it
to
mu
un
(1
ow
an
ab
an
im
ad
on
an
th
el
li
st
an
su
su
sh
su
to
th
wi
po
of
to
an
Pr
*Service stations in a shopping center are permitted the same type and number of signs that are
permitted a service station in a BU (Business) District and shall comply with all regulations
applicable to it in the BU District.
(Ord. No. 85-59, § 2, 7-18-85; Ord. No. 95-215, § 1, 12-5-95; Ord. No. 99-83, § 1, 7-13-99)
Sec. 33-106. - Class B signs in the BU and IU Districts.
Except as provided otherwise in this article, onsite signs in the BU and IU districts shall only be
permitted on Class B structures as set forth on the following table.
• Type of
Size
Signs
Detached
Number
Setbacks
and
Spacing
Illumination1Maximum Spe
'Height !Con
40 square
feet
maximum
for first
50 feet of
initial
street
frontage
plus .75
square
foot for
each
additional
foot of
See
special
conditions
Setback for
all street
r.o.w.'s is
7 feet for
a sign not
exceeding
40 square
feet;
thereafter
.8125 foot
of
additional
setback for
each 10
Typ
poi
sig
for
ind
See general 30 feet bus
section on from grade wil
illumination to top of the
sign
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
for
Lc
fro
(fe
0-7
street
frontage
to a
maximum
sign size
of 300
square
feet
square feet
of sign
calculated
to the
nearest
foot;
maximum
required
setback
need not be
greater
than 20
feet.
Interior
side
setback is
a minimum
of feet
for a sign
not
exceeding
40 square
feet;
thereafter
the
interior
side
setback
shall be
increased
by 10
percent of
the
calculated
street
frontage up
to 100
lineal feet
and by 20
percent of
the
calculated
street
frontage
where the
same
exceeds 100
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
but
no
7 6—
sig
of
be
151
sig
of
be
In
cor
min
of
fee
all
of
det
pro
sec
gre
siz
fir
pro
sep
the
lea
per
tot
fro
str
roa
Whe
bus
loc
lot
use
per
sig
lineal feet
but does
not exceed
200 lineal
feet; then
increases
by 30
percent
where the
calculated
street
frontage is
above the
200 lineal
feet
Minimum
space
between
detached
signs shall
be 10 feet
Pole signs
erected in
connection
with
service
stations
may
disregard
the
interior
side
setbacks,
provided
that they
do not
overhang on
property of
different
ownership
and the
clear
distance
between the
bottom of
the sign
and the
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
cantilever) wall
Awning,
canopy,
roller
curtain and
umbrella
signs
Marquee
established
grade
elevation
of the
property is
at least 8
feet
40 square
feet
Same as
detached
side
property
line
15 feet
from r.o.w.
5 feet from
interior Same as
detached
Same as
detached
Sam
In
pur
cou
eac
mar
cou
ind
Flat (wall 10 percent Not Not Same as
and of the applicable applicable detached
Whe
is
mul
the
are
amo
Not A s
applicable sha
at
per
dem
the
sig
the
are
24 square Same as
feet detached
Same as Same as
detached detached
Not No
applicable 8"
Projecting
40 square
feet
Same as
detached
7 feet from
r.o.w.
No closer
than 5 feet
to interior
side
property
line
Same as
detached
Not
applicable Sam
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
Pylon
'Approved
sign
surface
area shall
be 20
percent of
the wall
area from
which the
pylon
extends or
projects
Pylon size
shall be
limited to
a maximum
of 50
percent of
the
approved
sign
surface
area
Same as
detached
Same as
detached
Same as
detached
Not
applicable
(Ord. No. 85-59, § 2, 7-18-85; Ord. No. 85-81, § 1, 10-1-85; Ord. No. 95-215, § 1, 12-5-95; Ord.
No. 22-4, § 2, 1-19-22)
Sec. 33-106.1. - Permanent point -of -sale roof signs.
Notwithstanding any other provisions to the contrary, permanent point -of -sale roof signs shall be
permitted in accordance with all of the following requirement:
(a) The sign shall be located on the roof of:
(1) a regional entertainment venue; or
(2) a building in an IU zoning district on a property that is at least 5 gross acres.
(b) The roof sign is painted on or affixed flat against the roof.
(c) The roof sign shall not be visible from any existing public road rights -of -way; it is provided,
however, that a roof sign established in accordance with this section shall not be required to be
removed because the sign becomes visible from a subsequently constructed public road right-of-
way or subsequent improvement to an existing public road right-of-way.
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
In
Ind
Dis
the
con
var
mat
of
the
of
but
app
Dir
cas
sha
app
sol
(d) For IU-zoned properties, the roof sign shall not be visible from an adjacent property; it is
provided, however, that a roof sign established in accordance with this section shall not be
required to be removed because the sign becomes visible from a subsequent development on an
adjacent property.
(e) Illumination is prohibited, except for external lighting directed at the surface of the roof,
provided that such illumination complies with Section 33-96.
(f) A single property shall not have more than two roof signs, and the area actually occupied by
the graphic and text elements of the roof signs shall not exceed 50 percent of the site's total
cumulative roof area.
(g) Except where approved otherwise as a special exception after public hearing, no roof sign
shall be placed closer than 1,000 feet to a roof sign on another property.
(h) No sign permit shall be issued by the County or a municipality unless the Director has
reviewed and approved the permit application for compliance with this article. The Director shall
render a decision within 30 days of receipt of the application. The Director's decision as to
compliance with the requirements of this section shall be binding on a municipality and may
only be challenged in accordance with the provisions of Section 33-314 for appeals of
administrative decisions.
(i) Variances. No variances of the requirements set forth in paragraphs (a) through (e) above may
be granted, except: Where it would not be contrary to the public interest where owing to special
conditions, a literal enforcement of the provisions herein will result in unnecessary hardship, and
so the spirit of the regulations shall be observed and substantial justice done; provided that the
variance will be in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the regulations, and that the
same is the minimum variance that will permit the reasonable use of the premises.
(Ord. No. 21-16, § 2, 2-17-21)
Sec. 33-107. - Class C sign structures and commercial offsite advertising signs.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this code, commercial offsite advertising signs shall only be
permitted on the Class C structures set forth in this section.
(b) Class C structures may also be used for onsite or directional signs.
(c) The table set forth below identifies the types of Class C sign structures that may be erected
and what conditions apply to such structures.
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
•
Type
of
Signs
I Detach
ed
Size
Maximum
size of 14
feet by 48
feet (672
square
feet) plus
embellishm
ent
providing
overall
size of
sign does
not exceed
750 square
feet
Number
No more
than 2
signs
shall be
placed
in a
group
except
when
such
signs
are less
than 48
feet
long and
form a
triangle
Setback
and
Spacing
As
provide
d in
this
section
Illuminat
ion
As
provided
in this
section
Maximum
Height
30 feet
from
normal
or
average
grade
to top
of sign
Special
Conditi
ons
When
grouped
, all
signs
shall
be
placed
at an
angle
to form
a V-
shaped
sign or
placed
back-
to-back
as a
cantile
ver
sign
and not
be
placed
in a
straigh
t line.
Plans
submitt
ed for
a
permit
;shall
show
locatio
'n and
setback
of all
buildin
gs
within
100
feet of
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
•
Type
Iof
Signs
Wall
Size
Same as
detached,
except
murals,
which
shall
conform to
subsection
(j) , and
except in
BU-1A and
BU-2
Districts,
which
shall
conform to
subsection
(g)
'Kiosk As per
sign definition
Number
Not
applicab
le,
except
murals,
which
shall
conform
Ito
subsecti
on (j)
The
number
of kiosk
signs
shall
not
exceed
that of
twice
the
detached
class B
signs
allowed,
unless
otherwis
e
provided
Setback
and
Spacing
Same as
detache
d,
except
murals,
which
shall
conform
to
subsect
ion (j)
30 feet
from
any
right-
of-way;
20 feet
from an
interio
r
propert
y line;
30 feet
from
any
detache
d sign;
30 feet
from
Illuminat
ion
Same as
detached,
except
murals,
which
shall
conform
to
subsectio
n (j)
Static
and
digital
Maximum
Height
Shall
not
extend
above
the
roof or
parapet
of the
buildin
g
Special
Conditi
ons
the
propose
d sign
locatio
n
None,
except
murals,
which
shall
conform
to
subsect
ion (j)
As per
definit
ion
As
provide
d in
this
section
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
Type
1of
;Signs
Size
Number
Setback
and
Spacing
Illuminat
ion
Maximum
Height
4
Cc
or
in this
another
chapter.
kiosk
sign,
unless
otherwi
se
provide
d in
this
chapter
ecial
nditi
(d) Setbacks and spacing. Class C detached and wall signs shall only be located in accordance
with the following setback and spacing requirements:
(1) Such signs shall be set back 20 feet from each official right-of-way line.
(2) Such signs shall be set back 5 feet from each interior side property line.
(3) Such signs shall be set back 15 feet from any lot developed with a residential building
(regardless of the zoning classification of such lot).
(4) Such signs shall be set back 30 feet from any EU or RU District boundary, except that
the spacing shall be 300 feet from the EU or RU District boundary where the face of the sign
fronts or orients toward the EU or RU District.
(5) No detached Class C sign shall be located closer to an official right-of-way line than
the nearest existing substantial building fronting on the same side of the street and within 100
feet of the Class C sign.
(6) No detached Class C sign shall be erected closer than 100 feet to any religious
facility, educational institution, cemetery, public park, public reservation, public playground, or
State or national forest.
(7) No detached Class C sign shall be erected closer than 600 feet to another detached
Class C sign on the same side of the street measured along the center line of the same roadway or
street, except that:
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
(i) Cantilever back-to-back signs shall be considered as a single sign for the
purposes of this requirement; and
(ii) Class C signs located on opposite ends of the same building shall not be
subject to this restriction, provided that each of the signs otherwise conforms to spacing
requirements from other Class C signs.
(e) Height. Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary, the maximum height of Class C signs
within airport height zones shall be governed by ArticlesV or XXXVII, as applicable, and
all Class C signs within those zones shall be subject to review and approval in accordance with
the provisions set forth therein.
(f) Illumination. Class C signs other than murals may illuminate the entirety of their sign faces
with digital technology, only in accordance with Section 33-96, provided that embellishments do
not contain digital illumination.
(g) Zoning districts permitting use. Class C sign structures shall be a permitted use in the
following zoning districts or, where Class C sign structures are permitted by the applicable
municipality, their municipal equivalents:
(1) In BU-3 and all IU Districts.
(2) In BU-1A and BU-2 Districts subject to the following conditions:
(i) Cantilever construction.
a. Detached Class C signs in these zones must be of cantilever type
construction, which means, for purposes of this requirement, that the structure is a double-faced
sign, both faces of the same size, secured back to back on the same set of vertical supports with
no supporting bracing with a minimum clearance of 5 feet between grade and bottom of board
surface.
b. Second face of sign will not be required if the rear of sign is properly
and adequately concealed or hidden.
(ii) Sites for signs. Sites for location of each detached Class C sign in these
districts must conform to the same minimum lot requirements as to size and frontage as required
for erection of commercial buildings.
(iii) Any detached Class C signs erected on a site shall be immediately removed
from such site at the time the first building permit is issued for permanent building to be erected
thereon if the sign is within 300 feet of the proposed building.
(iv) If a building exists on property, no permits for erection of detached Class C
signs thereon shall be issued if the sign is within 300 feet of such existing building.
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
(v) Class C wall signs shall be subject to the size limitations applicable to Class C
detached signs, except that if such sign faces a street frontage on the opposite side of the street
that is not one of the permitted districts referenced in this subsection, then such wall signs shall
conform to the size limitations for Class B wall signs unless approved as a special exception or
municipal equivalent after a public hearing.
(3) In addition, unless approved as a special exception or municipal equivalent after a
public hearing, no detached Class C sign structures shall be erected on any property in one of the
permitted districts referenced in this subsection unless the street frontage on the opposite side of
the street is also zoned for one of the districts referenced in this subsection.
(4) Prohibited areas. Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, detached Class
C sign structures shall be prohibited in the following areas:
(i) Upon property designated historical; or
(ii) Within the runway protection zones or equivalent designations of an airport,
as identified in Articles XXXV and XXXVII.
(5) Applicability to municipalities. Each municipality may, within its sole discretion,
designate the equivalent zoning districts in which Class C sign structures are permitted, provided
that such districts remain subject to the prohibitions set forth in paragraph (4) above.
(h) Kiosk signs.
(1) Purpose and Intent.
(i) Because of their size and characteristics as defined in this chapter, kiosk signs
are particularly suited to serve pedestrians and pedestrian -oriented development. Pedestrians may
interact with kiosk signs through touch screens or auditory messages, and where such interactive
mode is allowed in a limited manner, restricted by size, and only allowed during the time that a
pedestrian is interacting with the kiosk sign, the interactive capabilities and features are
consistent with pedestrian oriented development and the aesthetics of the areas where these signs
are to be allowed. Effects on traffic or to pedestrian safety would be minimal based on the size of
the interactive portion of the kiosk sign and the presence of a pedestrian interacting with the
kiosk sign.
(ii) Policy for County -installed signs. Kiosk signs have the potential to also
integrate other services that may provide a benefit to the public, such as wi-fi capability, maps,
and transit information such as schedules and routes. Where kiosk signs are placed by the County
or pursuant to a County contract, it is the policy of the County that all such kiosks shall include
services and information to assist the public, such as transit information and maps.
(2) Permitted zoning districts. Kiosk signs with static or digital illumination may only be
located on:
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
(i) Properties that meet all of the following criteria:
(a) Zoned BU-1A, BU-2, or BU-3, or the municipal equivalent, or
properties zoned or designated for airport or seaport; and
(b) A minimum of 25 acres in area; and
(c) Located along a major roadway as designated on the Land Use Plan
Map of the Comprehensive Development Master Plan; or
(ii) Properties designated MC, MCS, MM, or MCI on the Land Use Regulating
Plan of an Urban Center/Area District, or the municipal equivalent, but not on properties
developed with residential uses only; or
(iii) A Pedestrian -Oriented Development, as defined in section 33E-8, that is not
in an Urban Center/Area District; or
(iv) Rail stations not already covered within the above categories, which may be
zoned Rapid Transit Zone or other comparable district. For such rail stations, the maximum
number of kiosk signs allowed shall either be equivalent to the BU zoning district or twice the
detached class B signs allowed by the station's Rapid Transit Zone subzone, whichever is
greater.
(3) Placement standards. Each kiosk sign with static or digital illumination shall:
(i) Comply with the digital illumination standards set forth in this article;
(ii) Comply with the setback and spacing requirements set forth in this article;
(iii) Be oriented to serve pedestrians in the interior of the property and not be
oriented to serve vehicles; in Urban Center/Area Districts, kiosk signs may be located in areas
designated for pedestrian traffic along designated open spaces;
(iv) Not be visible from any abutting public right-of-way or from any property in
residential single-family use;
(v) Not be located in surface parking areas;
(vi) Not interfere with pedestrian or vehicular visibility or traffic flow; and
(vii) Not interfere with or displace required landscaping or parking.
(4) Maximum height of sign structure. The kiosk structure may contain wi-fi or other
equipment that is housed above or below the sign face in a compartment that screens the
equipment from view, provided that the entire kiosk structure does not exceed 11 feet in height.
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
(5) Variances. Requests for variances of setback and spacing requirements shall be
subject to the standards and requirements of section 33-96(d)(2). All other requests for variances
of the requirements applicable to kiosks shall be permitted only pursuant to the standards and
requirements of Section 33-96(d)(1).
(i) Landscaping requirements. Landscaping shall be required where appropriate to ensure
compatibility and provide appropriate buffering between the sign structure and the surrounding
properties, as determined by the Director.
(j) Murals. Notwithstanding the limitations contained in this section, mural signs located within
the City of Miami Urban Core shall be permitted, and may contain commercial offsite
advertising, subject to the following conditions:
(1) Prior to permit issuance, the City of Miami official responsible, pursuant to City
Code, for administering the mural sign program shall refer all mural sign permit applications to
the County's Director to determine compliance with this article, including, but not limited to,
Divisions 5 and 6 of this article (Commercial Signs on Expressway Right -of -Way and
Commercial Signs on Rapid Transit System Right -of -Way).
(2) The responsible City of Miami official shall prepare a statement indicating that the
proposed mural sign complies with all applicable City of Miami regulations, and that the
applicant has demonstrated that it is not a party to an existing agreement with a municipality
purporting to allow the establishment or continuation of a mural upon payment of fines, penalties
or other payments to the municipality, if such mural is not in compliance with the requirements
of this article. Such statement shall be submitted to the County's Director, together with the city -
approved mural application, related plans, and Miami -Dade County application review fee.
(3) No more than 45 mural signs shall be permitted at any one time within the entire City
of Miami Urban Core.
(4) No mural sign shall be placed closer than 200 feet to any single-family residential
zoning district boundary or 100 feet from any nonconforming single-family or duplex residential
use.
(5) Mural sign shall be placed only on blank walls as defined in this article. It is provided,
however, that a mural may be permitted to cover windows if the material covering the windows
is:
the building;
(i) Composed of adhesive -backed perforated vinyl transparent to the occupants of
(ii) Does not prevent opening of windows intended to be opened, and
(iii) Does not prevent ingress or egress.
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
(6) No mural sign shall be placed closer than 300 feet to another mural sign oriented
toward the same street.
(i) The 300-foot spacing requirement shall be measured in a straight line from the
closest edge of the mural sign on one building to the closest edge of the mural sign on the other
building.
(ii) It is provided, however, that such spacing requirement shall not be applicable
within the City of Miami Park West Entertainment District as defined in the Code of the City of
Miami, Florida, as of May 6, 2007.
(6) No mural sign shall be placed closer than 300 feet to another mural sign oriented
toward the same street. The 300-foot spacing requirement shall be measured in a straight line
from the closest edge of the mural sign on one building to the closest edge of the mural sign on
the other building. It is provided, however, that such spacing requirement shall not be applicable
within the City of Miami Park West Entertainment District as defined in the Code of the City of
Miami, Florida, on the effective date of this ordinance.
(7) A mural sign shall be permitted to cover the entire blank portion of a wall of a
building.
(8) No more than 2 mural signs shall be placed on any one building, and any two such
mural signs shall be placed on opposite or adjacent walls of the building.
(9) Mural signs may be illuminated only in accordance with the provisions of Sections
33-96 and this section. Illumination of mural signs:
(i) Shall be limited to the hours of 6 p.m. to midnight; and
(ii) Shall not include digital illumination.
(k) Maintenance. In addition to the general maintenance requirements for this section, the owner
and/or the erector of the sign shall be responsible for maintaining any landscaping required by
this article and the signs concerned in good condition and appearance. Ground mounted Class C
sign sites shall be maintained free from trash or debris. Failure to do so shall constitute cause for
cancellation of the permit and removal of the sign, if owner and/or erector fails to correct same
within 15 days after written notice of nonconformance. Written notice shall be provided to both
the property owner and, if known, the erector of the sign.
(1) Airport exemption. Notwithstanding the limitations set forth in this article, Miami
International Airport (Wilcox Field), as defined by this chapter, shall be exempt from all
limitations for all wall -mounted Class C signs, including landscaping and maintenance
requirements.
(m) Poster board replacements for nonconforming billboards. In addition to other lawful
locations for installation of poster boards, poster boards shall be permitted as replacements for
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
nonconforming billboards ("replacement poster boards") in accordance with this subsection, the
other provisions of this section, and Section 33-121.13, if applicable; in the event of a conflict,
this subsection shall control:
(1) Replacement poster boards may be erected only if the applicant proposing the
replacement poster board removes a nonconforming billboard located:
(i) Within 600 feet of the replacement poster board; or
(ii) Within 1,500 feet of the replacement poster board, if the replacement poster
board and nonconforming billboard are within a protected area as defined in Section 33-121.10
and are on the same side of an expressway.
(2) Replacement poster boards shall be set back at least 10 feet from each official right-
of-way line.
(3) Replacement poster boards in BU-1A and BU-2 districts or, where Class C sign
structures are permitted by the applicable municipality, in those districts' municipal equivalents,
shall not be subject to the conditions set forth in subsection (g)(2) above.
(4) Replacement poster boards shall not be subject to the restriction set forth in
subsection (g)(3) above.
(5) No poster board shall be erected pursuant to this subsection without the removal of a
nonconforming billboard, and failure to remove the nonconforming billboard shall require the
removal of the replacement poster board and the revocation of any permit for installation or
modification of such poster board.
(6) This subsection shall not be construed to authorize the erection of a poster board not
otherwise permitted within the protected areas defined in Sections 33-121.20 and 33-121.28.
(7) For purposes of this subsection, "nonconforming billboard" shall mean a billboard
that does not comply with this article or an applicable municipal sign code but that was lawful
when it was erected.
(Ord. No. 85-59, § 2, 7-18-85; Ord. No. 05-187, § 2, 10-18-05; Ord. No. 07-61, § 5, 4-26-07;
Ord. No. 07-91, § 2(5), 3(5), 7-10-07; Ord. No. 08-80, § 1, 7-1-08; Ord. No. 10-71, § 2, 10-19-
10; Ord. No. 18-3, § 3, 1-23-18; Ord. No. 22-4, § 2, 1-19-22; Ord. No. 22-152, § 2, 11-15-22)
Sec. 33-108. - Permanent point of sale signs for mobile home parks.
Type of signs permitted: Flat (wall), entrance feature.
• Type
of
Sign
Size
Number
Setbacks
and
Spacing
;Illumination Height
Maximum
Specia
Condit
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
'Flat
(wall)
Maximum 24 Not Not
square applicable applicable
feet
Determined
by public
Entrance hearing
feature approving
the mobile
home park
Illumination
permitted;
see general
provision on
illumination
!Not
applicable
No fre
standi
roof s
shall
permit
mobile
park.
signs
comer
servic
buildi
purpos
identi
to tho
the pa
shall
larger
square
1
Determined
by public
hearing
approval
of site
plan for
the mobile
home park
Same as flat
An ent
featur
harmon
the la
buffer
requir
entran
shall
sign t
identi
park.
shall
requir
part o
site p
includ
detail
size a
locati
entran
featur
size o
be pla
thereo
which
shown
elevat
sketch
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
accomp
site u
and be
to app
the pu.
hearin
consid
plan
(Ord. No. 85-59, § 2, 7-18-85)
Sec. 33-109. - Point of sale signs for the Office Park District.
Type of signs permitted: Detached; flat; entrance feature.
• Type
of
Signs
Size
Detached 50 square feet
Setbacks
Number land Illumination Maximum
1 detached
or flat
wall sign
per
principal
building;
must be
located
adjacent
to
principal
building
being
identified
Flat Same as See
(wall) detached detached
Determined by
Entrance administrative
feature approval of 1 only
entrance
features
!Spacing Height
20 feet
from
official
r.o.w.
line, edge
of
pavement
of private
drives,
and any
property
lines
See general
provision on
illumination
10 feet
from grade
to top of
sign
Not Same as Not
applicable detached applicable
Site plan Same as Not
review detached applicable
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
Sx
Cc
T1
oT
dE
si
or
is
tr
bl:
oY
oc
tr
SE
dE
Si
is
tr
PE
cc
s1
ir
ir
(Ord. No. 85-59, § 2, 7-18-85)
Sec. 33-110. - Permanent point of sale signs for Planned Area Development Zone.
Type of signs permitted: See special conditions.
• Type of
Signs
Size
See
special
conditions
See
special
conditions
Setbacks
Number and
Spacing
See
special
conditions
See
special
conditions
Illumination
See special
conditions
Maximum
Height
See
special
conditions
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
er
fE
dE
bE
pE
ur
er
fE
ar
Spec:
Cond:
Resi(
sign:
acco:
,with
requ:
whicl
refl(
resi(
use
as d(
by s:
revi(
Deta(
sign:
sign:
from
road:
perm:
reta.
cony(
facia
are
proh:
All (
uses
perm:
the
cont.(
the
app l :
zonil
dist:
requ:
for :
regu:
See
33-2.
(Ord. No. 85-59, § 2, 7-18-85)
Sec. 33-111. - Directional signs.
(a) Directional signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts in connection with any permitted
use, provided that, unless otherwise provided in this section, each sign:
(1) Shall not exceed 3 square feet in area;
(2) Shall not exceed 4 feet in height above grade; and
(3) Shall be shown and approved on site plans that indicate sign size, location, copy, etc.
(b) In addition to the foregoing, directional signs shall be permitted in accordance with the
following table.
Use
'Sign
Type of
Sign
Size
Number
Setbacks
Locations
Maximum
Illumina
Depends on
Signs
Directional
No neon
site plan
shall be
signs shall
lighting
Maximum approval.
located on
be located permitte
Airport
Detached
only
30
square
The number
of signs
private
property
at points also see
of entry to other
feet
shall be
and no
the
requirem
determined
sign shall
facility
under
for each
be closer
from the
general
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
•
Use
Colleges
Hospitals
Housing
development
Industrial
parks
Office
parks
Shopping
centers
Type of
Sign
Same as
airport
Same as
airport
Same as
airport
Same as
airport
Same as
airport
Same as
airport
Sign
Size
Maximum
18
square
feet
Same as
colleges
Same as
colleges
Same as
colleges
Same as
colleges
Same as
colleges
Number
facility by
site plan
review by
the
Department
and of the
facility,
the type
and number
of
structures
to be
identified,
and the
need for
the sign at
the given
location
Same as
airport
Same as
airport
Same as
airport
Same as
airport
Same as
airport
Same as
airport
Setbacks
than 75
feet to a
public
r.o.w.
Other sign
setbacks
and
spacing
will be
determined
as part of
the site
plan
review
process
Same as
airport
Same as
airport
Same as
airport
Locations
public
road(s)
provided
that signs
may be
located
elsewhere
and/or in
addition to
entries
based on
need as
determined
by the site
plan review
process
Same as
airport
Same as
airport
Maximum
Illumina
provisio
for
illumina
Lighting
should b
characte
with ove
design o
the proj
as
determin
by site
review
Same as
airport
Same as
airport
Same as
airport
Same as
airport
Same as
airport
Same as
airport
Same as
airport
Same as
airport
Same as
airport
Same as
airport
Same as
airport
Same as
airport
Same as
airport
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
*Note: Directional signs, to direct traffic flow and locate entrances and exists, shall be permitted
in all zoning districts in connection with any permitted use provided they do not exceed 3 square
feet in area and do not exceed 4 feet in height above grade; and providing they are shown and
approved on site plans which indicate sign size, location, copy, etc. Logos, names, and
advertising are not permitted on such signs.
(Ord. No. 85-59, § 2, 7-18-85; Ord. No. 95-215, § 1, 12-5-95; Ord. No. 22-4, § 2, 1-19-22)
DIVISION 4. - ENTRANCE FEATURES
Sec. 33-112. - Permitted features described.
(a) "Entrance feature" means a combination of decorative structures and landscape elements
located at the entrance to a development, which identifies or draws attention to the development
or exercises control of ingress and egress to the development.
(b) An entrance feature may include, without limitation, on site signage, ornamental walls,
fences, artwork, and other decorative structures, earthworks, water bodies, fountains, trees,
plantings, or other landscape elements, as well as gatehouses, either singly or in any combination
thereof.
(c) Entrance features that are placed on private property shall be continually and properly
maintained by the owners. To assure the proper maintenance of entrance features:
(1) An executed covenant, stating that all structures shall be maintained in good condition
-and repair and that all landscaping shall likewise be so maintained, shall be delivered to the
Department for review and, upon approval, shall be duly recorded prior to the issuance of any
permits.
(d) Entrance features may be placed within public rights -of -way provided:
(1) Prior approval is granted by the Miami -Dade County Public Works Department; and
(2) A bond is submitted to the Public Works Department in an amount to cover the
removal of said features if deemed necessary at a later date by the Public Works Department.
The bond shall have an initial ten-year life and shall be renewed for five-year periods thereafter;
and
(3) An executed covenant, stating that all structures shall be maintained in good condition
and repair and that all landscaping shall likewise be so maintained, shall be delivered to Miami -
Dade County Public Works Department for review and, upon approval, shall be duly recorded
prior to the issuance of any permits.
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
(4) The entrance feature does not contain any commercial signage unless expressly
authorized by this code.
(e) Entrance features shall be placed so as not to encroach upon utility lines or traffic control
devices whether such lines or devices be located overhead or underground; and where a conflict
is indeed encountered, the developer or designated property owner shall be responsible for the
removal or relocation of the said features or a part thereof.
(f) Entrance features shall be placed so as not to cause a visual obstruction and thereby create a
traffic hazard, and should the use of illumination be incorporated in said features, such
illumination shall be placed so as to be unobtrusive to moving traffic lanes or adjacent properties
and shall comply with the illumination standards set forth in division 2.
(g) The character and scale of entrance features shall be of a design such that said features are
complementary to the identified development and compatible with the immediate neighborhood
insofar as its overall impact is concerned.
(h) All structures within entrance features shall meet all standards of the Florida Building Code
and any other applicable standards, and all water bodies with depths greater than 18 inches shall
meet all applicable standards of this chapter applicable to reflecting pools and water features.
(i) Applications for permits for entrance features shall be made by the fee owner of the property
in question and shall be submitted to the Department. Applications shall include an accurately
dimensioned plot use plan identifying all structures and landscaping incorporated in said features
and identifying all setbacks and elevations of the same.
(j) Upon receipt of all necessary information, the Director shall review and render a decision
either approving, modifying, or denying the request.
(1) A copy of the Director's decision shall be published in a newspaper of general
circulation.
(2) All approvals or modifications shall not be effective until 15 days after publication of
the Director's decision.
(3) The Director's decision shall be recorded on the official zoning maps of Miami -Dade
County.
(k) The applicant, or any aggrieved property owner in the area, may appeal the Director's
decision in the manner provided for appeals of administrative decisions in Section 33-314.
(Ord. No. 85-59, § 2, 7-18-85; Ord. No. 89-4, § 1, 1-17-89; Ord. No. 95-215, § 1, 12-5-95; Ord.
No. 98-125, § 21, 9-3-98; Ord. No. 22-4, § 2, 1-19-22)
Sec. 33-113. - Reserved.
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
Editor's note— Ord. No. 22-4, § 2, adopted Jan. 19, 2022, repealed § 33-113, which pertained
to penalty; injunctive remedy and derived from Ord. No. 85-59, § 2, adopted July 18, 1985.
Secs. 33-114-33-121.9. - Reserved.
DIVISION 5. - SIGNS ON EXPRESSWAY RIGHT-OF-WAY81
Editor's note— Ord. No. 22-4, § 2, adopted Jan. 19, 2022, amended the title of Div. 5 to read as
herein set out. The former Div. 5 title pertained to Commercial Signs On Expressway'Right-of-
Way.
Sec. 33-121.10. - Definitions.
Except as expressly provided in this division, the provisions of this division shall be subject to
the definitions, categories of sign content and sign structures, and other requirements and
prohibitions set forth in Divisions 1 through 3. In addition, the following words and phrases are
hereby defined as provided in this section, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
(a) "Expressway" shall mean the following, whether now existing or as may be later
constructed or designated: limited access rights -of -way and facilities and related approaches,
viaducts, bridges, interchange facilities, and service roads; and any portion of the interstate
highway system.
(b) "Applicable regulations" shall mean any pertinent zoning, building or other
regulations in effect in the incorporated or unincorporated areas of Miami -Dade County or the
State of Florida.
(c) 'Protected areas" shall mean all property in Miami -Dade County within 600 feet of
the right-of-way of any expressway right-of-way.
(d) "Oriented" shall mean, in the case of detached signs, placed at a 90 degree angle to
the street being serviced; and in the case of pylon signs, shall mean that the pylon is projected at
a 90 degree angle from the building and is no more than 20 percent of the width of the building.
(Ord. No. 63-26, § 1, 7-2-63; Ord. No. 83-53, § 1, 7-5-83; Ord. No. 85-36, § 1, 6-6-85; Ord. No.
00-32, § 1, 5-9-00; Ord. No. 22-4, § 2, 1-19-22)
Sec. 33-121.11. - Applicability.
(a) This division shall apply to both the incorporated and unincorporated area, except that,
notwithstanding Section 33-82, this division shall not apply in those municipalities that by
ordinance have opted out of this division and have established their own regulations of signs in
proximity to expressways.
(b) A copy of each municipal ordinance establishing regulations differing from this division shall
be filed with the Director within 15 days after adoption by the municipality.
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
(c) It is further provided that any municipality that has not opted out of this division may
establish and enforce more restrictive regulations as such municipality may deem necessary.
(Ord. No. 63-26, § 2, 7-2-63; Ord. No. 83-53, § 2, 7-5-83; Ord. No. 85-36, § 2, 6-6-85; Ord. No.
07-84, § 1, 6-26-07; Ord. No. 22-4, § 2, 1-19-22)
Sec. 33-121.12. - Signs restricted in protected areas.
It shall be unlawful hereafter for any person, firm or corporation, or any other legal entity to
erect, permit or maintain any sign in protected areas, except as provided for hereinafter.
(Ord. No. 63-26, § 3, 7-2-63; Ord. No. 22-4, § 2, 1-19-22)
Cross reference— Commercial signs prohibited along expressways, § 21-23.1.
Sec. 33-121.13. - Regulations on signs in protected areas.
Erection of the following signs shall be permitted in protected areas where consistent with the
applicable zoning district or as otherwise provided herein, subject to the conditions and
limitations listed herein and further subject to other applicable regulations where such
regulations are more restrictive or more definitive than the provisions of this division and are not
inconsistent therewith:
(a) Class A signs.
(1) Class A signs are permitted only where they: are located and oriented to serve
streets other than an expressway; and are located at least 100 feet from the expressway right-of-
way.
(2) It is provided, however, that such signs may serve and be oriented to an
expressway if the property concerned abuts the expressway right-of-way and is not served by a
parallel expressway service road or is abutting the expressway right-of-way and has direct,
permanent legal access to the expressway.
(3) In no event shall any Class A sign be larger than 120 square feet.
(b) Class B signs.
(1) Class B signs, including pylon signs, are permitted only where they are
located on and oriented to the frontage on the street which provides actual and direct access to
the front or principal entrance of the place of business.
(2) In addition, on corner lots, a second Class B sign will be permitted, provided
that the same is not larger than 40 square feet and is located on and oriented to the street frontage
of the street other than the one serving the principal entrance of the place of business.
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
(3) Wall signs within 200 feet of an expressway shall be confined to the wall of
the building containing the principal entrance, except that a wall sign may be placed on one other
wall of such building and shall be limited to ten percent of such other wall area. In no event shall
any detached Class B sign be erected within the protected area which is greater in height than 25
feet above the average grade of the premises concerned.
(c) Class C signs.
(1) Notwithstanding any other provisions to the contrary, Class C signs, whether
detached or wall signs, may be erected within protected areas in all zoning districts where such
structures are permitted pursuant to Section 33-107, provided that all of the conditions in Section
33-107 and the following chart are met; in the event of a conflict, this section shall control:
(i) Minimum Setbacks: Signs shall be set back from the official right-of-
way line at least 15 feet.
(ii) Minimum Distance to Another Class C Sign on the Same Side of an
Expressway (Digital or Static):
The minimum distance between Class C signs on the same side of an
;hg;expressway, whether detached or wall signs, shall be 1,500 feet.
Cantilever signs with two faces shall be considered a single sign for the
purposes of these requirements, provided that the structure is a double-faced sign where both
faces are the same size and are secured back-to-back on vertical supports with no supporting
bracing.
V-shaped signs shall be considered a single sign for the purpose of these
requirements if the two sign faces are the same size and the angle between the faces is 60 degrees
or less.
(iii) Height:
Total sign height of a detached sign does not exceed 50 feet; or 30 feet for
signs within 300 feet of an EU or RU District boundary, as measured from the crown of the
expressway to which the sign is oriented to the top of the sign.
Total sign height of a wall sign does not exceed the maximum height of
the building to which it is attached.
(iv) Additional requirements:
The conditions in subparagraphs (2)(i)—(v) and paragraph (3) of
subsection 33-107(g) shall not apply.
(v) Orientation:
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
Detached Class C signs shall be primarily oriented toward the adjacent
roadway and shall be subject to the requirements regarding setbacks and spacing from EU and
RU districts set forth in Section 33-107(d)(4).
Wall signs shall not be oriented toward residential uses or residentially
zoned properties.
(2) A Class C sign that is located within a protected area and is oriented to an
elevated portion of an expressway shall not be subject to the requirements of Section 33-82(b)
for properties fronting a common boundary with a municipality.
(3) In addition, a Class C sign may be erected in a protected area if oriented to
serve only streets other than expressways, subject to the following conditions:
(i) That in no event shall a detached sign be erected or placed closer than
200 feet to the right-of-way lines of any expressway.
(ii) That such sign is erected and placed only in business or industrial
zoning districts which permit Class C signs under the applicable zoning regulations.
(iii) That no such sign shall be larger than 15 feet in width and 50 feet in
length, whether single or multiple boards.
(iv) That no such sign is more than 30 feet above the average existing
grade of the site on which such sign is erected, or the flood criteria elevation (if property is filled
to such elevation) whichever is the greater.
(v) That no such signs shall be erected or placed within 300 feet of another
Class C sign, such distance to be measured in all directions from the outermost edges of such
sign.
(vi) That no such sign shall be erected or placed within 100 feet of any
church, school, cemetery, public park, public reservation, public playground, State or national
forest.
(vii) That such signs shall be erected and placed at right angles to the
street which they are serving and shall be located within the front 70 feet of the lot or tract on
which erected or shall be V-shaped signs.
(viii) That no such signs shall be erected or placed on a street dead -ended
by the expressway, between the expressway and the first street running parallel to the
expressway and on the same side of the dead-end street, even though such distance may be
greater than 200 feet.
(ix) That such signs shall be erected and placed only on property
conforming in size and frontage to the requirements of the zoning district in which located.
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
(x) That such sign structures shall:
a. Be wall, cantilever, or V-shaped signs; and
b. Meet the conditions set forth in subsection (c)(1) to be
considered a single sign.
(4) Replacement poster boards may be erected within protected areas in
accordance with Subsection 33-107(m).
(d) Any sign which fails to conform with the provisions of this division but is not visible
from any expressway due to an intervening obstruction.
(e) Directional signs are permitted in the following locations:
(i) Wherever Class A, Class B, or Class C signs are permitted; or
(ii) Where located on a portion of a shopping center that is approved as a
development of regional impact pursuant to section 380.06, Florida Statutes, or which has
received a binding letter of vested rights from the State of Florida issued prior to January 1,
1980, exempting it from development of regional impact review. Any such signs shall be subject
to the other provisions of this article, except that Section 33-121.15 shall not apply.
(Ord. No. 63-26, § 4, 7-2-63; Ord. No. 64-32, § 1, 7-21-64; Ord. No. 68-15, § 1, 3-5-68; Ord.
No. 69-75, § 1, 10-22-69; Ord. No. 22-4, § 2, 1-19-22; Ord. No. 22-151, § 2, 11-15-22; Ord. No.
22-152, § 3, 11-15-2022)
Sec. 33-121.14. - Nonconforming signs.
(a) Signs which have been legally erected prior to January 29, 2022 may continue to be
maintained, subject to the requirements of Section 33-35.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, if approved as a special exception after a
public hearing by the appropriate Community Zoning Appeals Board or, for properties within an
urban center or urban area district or the RTZ District, the Board of County Commissioners, a
nonconforming sign may be replaced or modernized provided the board size and height is not
increased.
(Ord. No. 63-26, § 5, 7-2-63; Ord. No. 70-94, § 1, 12-15-70, Ord. No. 98-59, § 1, 5-5-98; Ord.
No. 22-4, § 2, 1-19-22)
Sec. 33-121.15. - Variances.
No variances shall be granted through provisions of applicable regulations which will in any way
conflict with or vary the provisions of this division.
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
(Ord. No. 63-26, § 6, 7-2-63)
Sec. 33-121.16. - Reserved.
Editor's note— Ord. No. 22-4, § 2, adopted Jan. 19, 2022, repealed § 33-121.16, which
pertained to penalty and derived from Ord. No. 63-26, § 1, adopted July 2, 1963.
Sec. 33-121.17. - Repeal clause.
(a) All County and municipal ordinances, County and municipal resolutions, municipal charters,
special laws applying only to Miami -Dade County or any municipality in Miami -Dade County,
or any general laws which the Board of County Commissioners is authorized by the Constitution
to supersede, nullify, modify or amend, or any part of such ordinance, resolution, charter or law,
in conflict with any provision of this division, is hereby repealed.
(b) Provisions of this division shall not apply to signs authorized by the City of Miami pursuant
to City of Miami Ordinance No. 9993 only when said ordinance has been amended by the City of
Miami in accordance with the City of Miami Resolution No. 85-540.
(Ord. No. 63-26, § 8, 7-2-63; Ord. No. 83-53, § 3, 7-5-83; Ord. No. 85-36, § 3, 6-6-85)
Secs. 33-121.18, 33-121.19. - Reserved.
DIVISION 6. - SIGNS ALONG RAPID TRANSIT SYSTEM RIGHT-OF-
WAY[9]
Editor's note— Ord. No. 22-4, § 2, adopted Jan. 19, 2022, amended the title of Div. 6 to read as
herein set out. The former Div. 6 title pertained to Commercial Signs on Rapid Transit System
Right -of -Way.
Sec. 33-121.20. - Definitions.
Except as expressly provided in this division, the provisions of this division shall be subject to
the definitions, categories of sign content and sign structures, and other requirements and
prohibitions set forth in divisions 1 through 3 and 5. In addition, the following words and phrases
are hereby defined as provided in this section, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
(a) Rapid Transit System right-of-way shall mean an official map designating outside
boundaries for the Fixed -Guideway Rapid Transit System for Miami -Dade County, Florida,
which may from time to time be amended. The Rapid Transit System right-of-way map shall be
so designated and recorded and on file in the public records of Miami -Dade County, Florida.
(b) Protected areas shall mean all property in Miami -Dade County within 300 feet of the
right-of-way of any Rapid Transit System right-of-way.
(Ord. No. 78-74, § 3, 10-17-78; Ord. No. 83-85, § 1, 9-20-83; Ord. No. 22-4, § 2, 1-19-22)
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
Sec. 33-121.21. - Applicability.
This division shall apply to both the incorporated and unincorporated area. Any municipality
may establish and enforce equivalent or more restrictive regulations, as such municipality may
deem necessary.
(Ord. No. 78-74, § 3, 10-17-78)
Sec. 33-121.22. - Signs restricted in protected areas.
It shall be unlawful hereafter for any person, firm or corporation, or any other legal entity, to
erect, permit or maintain any sign in protected areas, except as provided for hereinafter.
(Ord. No. 78-74, § 3, 10-17-78; Ord. No. 22-4, § 2, 1-19-22)
Sec. 33-121.23. - Regulations on signs in protected areas.
Erection of Class A and Class B signs, and Class C signs only where such signs are erected and
oriented to serve only streets other than Rapid Transit System rights -of -way, shall be permitted
in protected areas, subject to the conditions and limitations set forth in Section 33-121.13, except
that references to "expressway" or "expressway right-of-way" therein shall be construed to mean
"Rapid Transit System" or "Rapid Transit System right-of-way," respectively, for purposes of
this section, and references to "protected areas" shall be construed to mean "protected areas" as
defined in this division. Class C signs shall not be erected or oriented to serve Rapid Transit
System rights -of -way.
(Ord. No. 78-74, § 3, 10-17-78; Ord. No. 22-4, § 2, 1-19-22)
Sec. 33-121.24. - Nonconforming signs.
Nonconforming signs shall be governed by Section 33-121.14.
(Ord. No. 78-74, § 3, 10-17-78; Ord. No. 22-4, § 2, 1-19-22)
Sec. 33-121.25. - Variances.
No variance shall be granted through provisions of applicable regulations which will in any way
conflict with or vary the provisions of this article.
(Ord. No. 78-74, § 3, 10-17-78)
Sec. 33-121.26. - Reserved.
Editor's note— Ord. No. 22-4, § 2, adopted Jan. 19, 2022, repealed § 33-121.26, which
pertained to penalty; injunctive remedy and derived from Ord. No. 78-74, § 3, adopted Oct. 17.
1978.
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
Sec. 33-121.27. - Repeal clause.
All County and municipal ordinances, County and municipal resolutions, municipal charters,
special laws applying only to Miami -Dade County or any municipality in Miami -Dade County,
or any general laws which the Board of County Commissioners is authorized by the Constitution
to supersede, nullify, modify or amend, or any part of such ordinance, resolution, charter or law,
in conflict with any provision of this division, is hereby repealed.
(Ord. No. 78-74, § 3, 10-17-78)
DIVISION 7. - SIGNS ON SOUTH DADE TRANSITWAY RIGHT-OF-WAY
Editor's note— Ord. No. 22-4, § 2, adopted Jan. 19, 2022, amended the title of Div. 7 to read as
herein set out. The former Div. 7 title pertained to Busway Right -of -Way.
Sec. 33-121.28. - Definitions.
Except as expressly provided in this division, the provisions of this division shall be subject to
the definitions, categories of sign content and sign structures, and other requirements and
prohibitions set forth in divisions 1 through 3 and 5. In addition, the following words and phrases
are hereby defined as provided in this section, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
(a) South Dade Transitway right-of-way map shall mean an official map designating
outside boundaries for the South Dade Transitway, which shall be certified by the Clerk of the
Board as the official busway zoning right-of-way map, and which shall be maintained on file in
the records of the Department. The transitway zoning map may from time to time be altered,
enlarged, amended or deleted by ordinance or other action of the Board of County
Commissioners.
(b) Protected areas shall mean all property in Miami -Dade County within 300 feet of the
South Dade Transitway right-of-way.
(Ord. No. 05-202, § 1, 11-3-05; Ord. No. 22-4, § 2, 1-19-22)
Sec. 33-121.29. - Signs prohibited in protected areas.
It shall be unlawful to erect, permit or maintain any Class C sign in protected areas.
(Ord. No. 05-202, § 1, 11-3-05; Ord. No. 22-4, § 2, 1-19-22)
Sec. 33-121.30. - Nonconforming signs.
Nonconforming signs shall be governed by Section 33-121.14.
(Ord. No. 05-202, § 1, 11-3-05; Ord. No. 22-4, § 2, 1-19-22)
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) FR.3 and FR.4,
on 02-22-2024, City Clerk
Sec. 33-121.31. - Variances.
Relief from the requirements of this section shall only be permitted pursuant to the requirements
in Section 33-311(A)(4)(a) of the Code of Miami -Dade County.
(Ord. No. 05-202, § 1, 11-3-05)