The purpose of the Entertainment District is to leverage the display of vivid and dynamic signage to foster a vibrant and exciting entertainment-based area within the City. Signage regulation in the Entertainment District is intended to be less restrictive than in surrounding areas in order to allow for signs that are larger, higher, more brightly illuminated, and more dynamic than what is permissible elsewhere. To achieve this purpose without negatively impacting the surrounding area, the Entertainment District is structured in multiple zones, such that the most intense signage is contained in the District’s core areas, which are most effectively screened from properties outside of the District. For zones in which signage is anticipated to be more visible from outside the District, signage regulations are relatively more restrictive.
Codified by Ord. No. 28-19 (JCC. 7/23/19, Pass. 9/10/19, App. 9/11/19, Pub. 9/20/19, Eff. 10/1/19); Amended by Ord. No. 2020-13 (JCC. 2/18/20, Pass. 6/9/20, App. 6/15/20, Pub. 8/14/20, Eff. 12/9/20).
(a) The Entertainment District consists of the area within the boundary beginning at the intersection of the Southbound Fisher Freeway Service Drive and Woodward Avenue and continuing to Sproat Street, then to Clifford Avenue, then to the Southbound Fisher Freeway Service Drive, then to Woodward Avenue, then to the Northbound Fisher Freeway Service Drive, then along the westerly line of the parcel known as 28 W. Montcalm Street, then along the westerly line of the parcel known as 2211 Woodward Avenue, then along the westerly line of the parcel known as 2125 Woodward Avenue, then along the westerly line of the parcel known as 54 W. Elizabeth Street then along the westerly line of the parcel known as 25 W. Elizabeth Street, then along the east-west alley parallel to and south of W. Elizabeth Street to the easterly line of Witherell Street, then to Broadway Street, then to Randolph Street, then to E. Lafayette Street, then to Southbound Chrysler Service Drive, then to Gratiot Avenue, then to Brush Street, then to Beacon Street, then to St. Antoine Street, then along the northern line of the parcel known as 1900 St. Antoine Street, then along the easterly line of the parcel known as 2000 St. Antoine Street, then to Montcalm Street to the easterly line of the parcel known as 430 East Fisher Freeway, then to the Northbound Fisher Freeway Service Drive, then to Woodward Avenue, excluding the church located at 50 E Fisher, and then to the point of beginning.
(b) The Entertainment District comprises four unique zones, each described as follows:
(1) Zone 1: Entertainment Core. The entertainment core consists of the premises, or frontages thereof, that abut Witherell Street between Adams Avenue and Montcalm Street, Montcalm Street between Witherell Street and Brush Street, Brush Street between Montcalm Street and Beacon Street, and Adams Avenue between Montcalm Street and Brush Street.
(2) Zone 2: Theater District. The theater district consists of the premises, or frontages thereof, that abut Montcalm Street, Columbia Street, and Elizabeth Street, each between the western boundary of the Entertainment District and Witherell Street, Woodward Avenue, between the east-west alley parallel to and south of West Elizabeth Street and the Southbound Fisher Freeway Service Drive; Broadway Street between Witherell Street and John R Street; Madison Street between Witherell Street and Brush Street; Brush Street between Mechanic Street and Beacon Street; and Henry Street between Park Avenue and Clifford Avenue.
(3) Zone 3: Woodward North Corridor. The Woodward north corridor consists of Woodward Avenue between the North Fisher Freeway Service Drive and Sproat Street.
(4) Zone 4: Entertainment Buffer. The entertainment buffer consists of the premises, or frontages thereof, within the Entertainment District that are not included in the entertainment core, the theater district, or the Woodward north corridor.
(c) Adjustment or waiver under Section 4-4-22 of this Code of the boundaries set forth in this section is prohibited.
Codified by Ord. No. 28-19 (JCC. 7/23/19, Pass. 9/10/19, App. 9/11/19, Pub. 9/20/19, Eff. 10/1/19); Amended by Ord. No. 2020-13 (JCC. 2/18/20, Pass. 6/9/20, App. 6/15/20, Pub. 8/14/20, Eff. 12/9/20).
(a) The entertainment core is intended to provide a maximally vibrant and energetic and well contained space through high-intensity signage. Oversized, intense, and dynamic signs, including animated signs, are encouraged. All signage must be screened from the surrounding area by intervening buildings or structures to minimize light spillover.
(b) Notwithstanding regulations set forth in this chapter that may be more restrictive, signs located in the entertainment core are subject to the following:
(1) The maximum permissible aggregate area for all signs on any premises is 15 square feet per linear foot of building frontage.
(2) Dynamic signs are permissible without limitation as to their number or individual size. The minimum clearance of any dynamic sign must be not less than ten feet, and the maximum height of any dynamic sign must be not more than 40 feet. Dynamic signs are permissible at any location where the sign is oriented toward, and reasonably screened by, a building or other opaque structure, the height of which is not less than the height of the sign. Dynamic signs may operate as such without time restrictions. The illuminance of any dynamic sign must not exceed 3,500 nits.
(3) A sign may cover or conceal architectural features, provided that, if a sign covers a window, it must be constructed of vinyl mesh or other semi-transparent material.
Codified by Ord. No. 28-19 (JCC. 7/23/19, Pass. 9/10/19, App. 9/11/19, Pub. 9/20/19, Eff. 10/1/19); Amended by Ord. No. 2020-13 (JCC. 2/18/20, Pass. 6/9/20, App. 6/15/20, Pub. 8/14/20, Eff. 12/9/20).
(a) The theater district is intended to accommodate and encourage large marquees, projecting signs, and other vibrant signage typical of signature live theater venues. Context-appropriate dynamic and illuminated signs are also encouraged.
(b) Notwithstanding regulations set forth in this chapter that may be more restrictive, signs located in the theater district are subject to the following:
(1) The maximum permissible aggregate area for all signs on any premises is six square feet per linear foot of building frontage.
(2) Dynamic signs, but not animated signs, are permissible without limitation as to their number or individual size. The minimum clearance of any such sign must be not less than ten feet, and the maximum height of any such sign must be not more than 40 feet. Dynamic signs, but not animated signs, are permissible at any location where the sign is oriented toward, and reasonably screened by, a building or other opaque structure, the height of which is not less than the height of the sign. Any such sign may operate as such only during the hours between 6 a.m. and the subsequent 2 a.m. During all other hours, the sign may only operate as a static sign.
(3) A sign may cover or conceal architectural features, provided that, if a sign covers a window, it must be constructed of vinyl mesh or other semi-transparent material.
(4) Roof signs are permissible in any number.
Codified by Ord. No. 28-19 (JCC. 7/23/19, Pass. 9/10/19, App. 9/11/19, Pub. 9/20/19, Eff. 10/1/19); Amended by Ord. No. 2020-13 (JCC. 2/18/20, Pass. 6/9/20, App. 6/15/20, Pub. 8/14/20, Eff. 12/9/20).
(a) The Woodward north corridor is intended to allow large projecting and dynamic signs, with sensitivity to the residential premises located adjacent to the Entertainment District. Pedestrian-friendly signage and context-appropriate illumination are encouraged. Dynamic signs, but not animated signs, are permissible on a limited basis.
(b) Notwithstanding regulations set forth in this chapter that may be more restrictive, signs located in the Woodward north corridor are subject to the following:
(1) The maximum permissible aggregate area for all signs on any premises is three square feet per linear foot of building frontage.
(2) Dynamic signs, but not animated signs, are permissible without limitation as to their number or individual size. The minimum clearance of such sign must be not less than ten feet, and the maximum height of such sign must be not more than 25 feet. Any dynamic sign may operate as such only during the hours between 6 a.m. and the subsequent 2 a.m. During all other hours, the sign may only operate as a static sign.
(3) A temporary sign may cover or conceal architectural features, provided that, if a sign covers a window, it must be constructed of vinyl mesh or other semi-transparent material.
Codified by Ord. No. 28-19 (JCC. 7/23/19, Pass. 9/10/19, App. 9/11/19, Pub. 9/20/19, Eff. 10/1/19); Amended by Ord. No. 2020-13 (JCC. 2/18/20, Pass. 6/9/20, App. 6/15/20, Pub. 8/14/20, Eff. 12/9/20).
(a) The entertainment buffer is intended to be a vibrant, pedestrian-oriented retail, restaurant, and bar district that is sensitive to surrounding residential areas. Pedestrian-friendly signage and context-appropriate illumination are encouraged. Dynamic signs, but not animated signs, are permissible on a limited basis. The entertainment buffer is also designed to screen the intense signage of the Entertainment Zone from, and minimize light spillover into, adjacent areas.
(b) Notwithstanding regulations set forth in this chapter that may be more restrictive, signs located in the entertainment buffer are subject to the following:
(1) The maximum permissible aggregate area for all signs on any premises is 4.5 square feet per linear foot of building frontage.
(2) Dynamic signs, but not animated signs, are permissible without limitation as to their number or size. The minimum clearance of any such sign must be not less than ten feet, and the maximum height of any such sign must be not more than 40 feet. Any dynamic sign may operate as such only during the hours between 6 a.m. and the subsequent 2 a.m. During all other hours, the sign may operate only as a static sign.
Codified by Ord. No. 28-19 (JCC. 7/23/19, Pass. 9/10/19, App. 9/11/19, Pub. 9/20/19, Eff. 10/1/19); Amended by Ord. No. 2020-13 (JCC. 2/18/20, Pass. 6/9/20, App. 6/15/20, Pub. 8/14/20, Eff. 12/9/20).