The regulations set forth in this division shall apply to all business signs, regardless of location, within the City.
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) In general, the maximum permissible aggregate area for all business signs, including sponsorship signs, identification signs, and directional signs located on a single premises is:
(1) For any premises in a low-density residential sign district that contains a single- family, two-family, or multi-family residential building or structure with not more than four dwelling units, six square feet.
(2) For any premises in a low-density residential sign district that is not identified in Subsection (a)(1) of this section, and in any high-density residential/ mixed use sign district, low-density commercial/institutional sign district, or recreation/open space sign district, the greater of:
(i) 2.6 square feet per linear foot of building frontage not to exceed 500 square feet; or
(ii) One square foot of premises frontage, not to exceed 500 square feet.
(3) In any high-density commercial/ industrial sign district, three square feet per linear foot of building frontage, provided that the maximum permissible aggregate area in such district located outside the Central Business District shall not exceed 500 square feet.
(4) Notwithstanding other applicable limitations set forth in this section, on any casino premises, four square feet per linear foot of building frontage is permissible.
(b) For any corner premises that fronts onto a freeway, major thoroughfare, or secondary thoroughfare, the maximum permissible aggregate area as determined in Subsection (a) of this section shall be calculated, and shall apply, separately for each frontage of the premises. For any corner premises that does not front onto a freeway, major thoroughfare, or secondary thoroughfare, the maximum permissible aggregate area for the entire premises as determined in Subsection (a) of this section shall be calculated based only on the longest frontage of the premises.
(c) Adjustment under Section 4-4-22 of this Code of the standards and requirements set forth in this section is limited to 25% of such standards.
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) Notwithstanding the aggregate business sign area limits set forth in Section 4-4-62 of this Code, additional aggregate area for business signs is permissible in the following circumstances and subject to the following limits:
(1) High-rise identification signs. On any building or structure located within the Central Business District that does not contain a roof sign and for which the height of the roofline or parapet exceeds 100 feet, not more than two high-rise identification signs are permissible, subject to the following:
a. The minimum clearance of each sign must be 100 feet;
b. The maximum area of any sign is determined by its clearance and the linear width of the building façade to which the sign is affixed, measured at the height of the sign, as follows:
(i) For any sign with a clearance of at least 100 feet but less than 200 feet, the area of the sign must not exceed two square feet per linear foot of building width;
(ii) For any sign with a clearance of at least 200 feet but less than 300 feet, the area of the sign must not exceed three square feet per linear foot of building width; or
(iii) For any sign with a clearance of at least 300 feet, the area of the sign must not exceed four square feet per linear foot of building width;
c. Not more than one high-rise identification sign may be located on any façade of a building or structure;
d. Not more than two high-rise signs may be located on any premises; and
e. Any high-rise identification sign may be illuminated, either internally or externally, but may not be dynamic.
(2) Painted side-wall signs. On any building or structure that is not more than two stories and that is adjacent to a surface parking lot or other property that does not contain a permanent building or structure, such that the side façade of the building is exposed, not more than one sign is permissible on such side wall, subject to the following:
a. The sign must be a painted sign;
b. The sign may be either non-illuminated or illuminated externally;
c. The height of the sign must not exceed the height of the first story of the building or structure; and
d. The area of the sign must not exceed 500 square feet, excluding the area of any windows, doors, or other openings in the façade.
(3) Sponsorship signs associated with public art. On any premises that contains a work of public art that is located on the exterior of the property, such as an art mural or sculpture, the cost of which is sponsored, not more than one sponsorship sign recognizing such sponsorship is permissible, subject to the following:
a. The sign must be located proximate to the work of public art;
b. The sign must be constructed as a wall sign or monument sign;
c. The height of the sign must not exceed the lesser of: half the height of the work of public art or 15 feet;
d. The sign may not be illuminated; and
e. The area of the sign may not exceed 5% of the area of the associated work of public art, but in no case more than 300 square feet. The area of the work of public art consisting of a mural or other two dimensional form should be computed as if it is a sign, in accordance with Section 4-4-5 of this Code. The area of the work of public art consisting of a sculpture or other three-dimensional form should be computed as the product of its height and one-quarter of its perimeter at its base.
(4) Directional signs. On any premises not containing a single-family or two-family dwelling, additional directional signage is permissible, subject to the following:
a. On any premises in a low-density residential sign district, not more than two additional square feet, which may not be illuminated, is permissible.
b. On any premises in a high-density residential/mixed use sign district or recreation/open space sign district, not more than four square feet of directional signage, which may be illuminated, but may not be dynamic in operation, is permissible.
c. On any premises in a low-density commercial/institutional sign district or high-density commercial/industrial sign district, not more than ten square feet of directional signage, which may be illuminated and may be dynamic, but not animated, in operation, is permissible.
d. On any premises containing a parking structure, no more than two directional signs may be located at each point of ingress or egress, not more than 12 square feet each, which may be either internally or externally illuminated, and may be dynamic but not animated
e. Nothing in this subsection shall limit any premises from utilizing any portion of its permissible aggregate business sign area, as determined in accordance with Section 4-4-62 of this Code, for purposes of directional signage.
(b) Adjustment or waiver under Section 4-4-22 of this Code of the standards and requirements 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) On any premises containing a multi-tenant building or structure, the maximum aggregate business sign area for the premises as set forth in Section 4-4-62 of this Code, and any additional aggregate business sign allowances as set forth in Section 4-4-63 of this Code, may be allocated among the various tenants as may be determined by the building owner, or its agent, and each tenant, provided that such allocation is reasonably proportional to the relative degree of each tenant’s physical occupation and economic activity at the premises.
(b) On any multi-building campus, the maximum aggregate business sign area for the premises as set forth in Section 4-4-62 of this Code, and any additional aggregate business sign allowances as set forth in Section 4-4-63 of this Code, may be allocated among the various buildings and open spaces within the campus as may be determined by the owner of the campus or its agent.
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) In general, a business sign may be affixed, or otherwise placed at any location on a building, structure, or other portion of the premises, unless expressly restricted by this chapter.
(b) Notwithstanding Subsection (a) of this section, the location of any business sign is restricted to certain locations based on the type of premises, as follows:
(1) On any multiple-story building or structure located in a low-density residential sign district, the height of any business sign must not exceed the height of the first story of the building or structure. On any other multiple-story building or structure, the height of any business sign, other than a high-rise sign allowed under Section 4-4-63 of this Code or a roof sign, must not exceed 40 feet.
(2) On any premises that operates as a commercial parking lot as defined in Section 32-1-1 of this Code, not less than one business sign must be located at each point of ingress into the lot for purposes of compliance with Section 32-1-20 of this Code. On any such premises located in the Central Business District, any ground sign must be constructed as a monument sign.
(3) Any ground sign located on a corner premises must be set back at least 15 feet from the corner formed by the intersection of any two rights-of-way adjacent to the premises.
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) On any premises located outside of the Central Business District for which dynamic signs are permissible, not more than 25% of the maximum permissible aggregate area, as calculated in accordance with Section 4-4-62 of this Code, for the premises, may be dynamic.
(b) The maximum permissible aggregate area that may be dynamic is subject to adjustment under Section 4-4-22 of this Code, not to exceed 40%.
(c) Permitting for any dynamic business sign is subject to review by the Department of Public Works Traffic Engineering Division and its finding that the placement of the proposed sign on the premises will not impair the safe and efficient flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic, in accordance with Section 4-4-35(f) of this Code.
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).
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).