51-75 ORDINANCE NO. 51-75.
AN ORDINANCE OF TIlE CITY COUNCIL OF TIlE CITY
OF DELRAY BEACII, FLORIDA, REPEALING CILAPTER 3
"ADVERTISING" AND SUBSTITUTING IN ITS PLACE
THIS C[L~PTER 3 RELATING TO SIGNS AND ADVERTIS-
ING, REQUIRING PERMITS AND PAYMENT OF PERMIT
FEES FOR ERECTING A SIGN OR SIGN STRUCTURE,
REQUIRING LABELING OF SIGNS, PROVIDING FOR PER-
MITTED AND PROHIBITED SIGNS IN THE VARIOUS
ZONING DISTRICTS OF THE CITY, PROVIDING FOR
AESTHETIC REGULATION OF SIGNS, REMOVAL OF SIGNS
UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES AND PROVIDING A
PEN~{LTY CLAUSE.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE'CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. That Chapter 3 "Advertising" of the Code of Ordinances
of the City of Delray Beach, Florida, be repealed, and Chapter 3 "Signs
and Billboards" be enacted.
"SECTION 2. SHORT TITLE.
° The Shortform by which this Chapter shall be known shall be
."TIIE DELRAY BEACH SIGN ORDINANCE".
SECTION 3. PURPOSE.
It shall be the purpose of this chapter to promote the aesthe-
tics, safety, health, morals and general welfare and the assurance of
protection of adequate light and air within said City by regulation of
the posting, displaying, erection, use and maintenance of signs.
SECTION 4. CONSTRUCTION OF LANGUAGE AND DEFINITIONS.
Al LANGUAGE.
(1) The word SHALL is always mandatory.
The word MAY is. permissive.
(2) The word INCLUDES shall not limit a term to the speci-
fied examples, but is intended to extend its meaning
to all other instances or circumstances of like kind
or character.
(3) The phrase used for includes arranged for, designed for,
maintained for or occupied for.
(4) The word~.~7.__~erson includes an individual, a corporation,
a partnership, an incorporated association, or any
, other similar entity.
(5) A buildinq or structure includes anf part attached there.-
to.
B. DEFINITIONS.
Certain words and terms in this Ordinam&e are defined for
the purpose thereof as follows:
(1) Abondon~..Siq~: A sign_is considered abandoned if,
a busin~B~advertiSed-6n that sign is no longer
licensed, no longer has a Certificate of Occupancy,
~or~is-no~longer~.doing b~Sihess a~ 'that?l'Ocation.
(2)~v~Adve~sing s~g_~:~-A sign~directi~g .attention to a
..... business, commodity, service, or entertainmDnt con-
~dUc%~, ~ Sol~,~ or~ offered ..... ~i~i~ ~i~'~ _~..~.~'.'ii~3~
(3)7-~3~dV'e~li~l~~ S~ru~t~r~: ~' An~i ~str~~' erected for
~dVer{isihg-p~rP6~'es,- ~i-th ~r~i~h°'ut~'any 7h'dvertisement
ii'display thereon,~ situated ~pon]or a~ttached to real
- g{~proper~y,i .upon which_ any7 poster ;- bill ,~ printing, paint-
L~ing,'~ ~eviD~ or other advertisement~ may be~placed,
~ i.~p°st~9.,_ Pg~n~ed~_.~a~.~,~~ qg~e~] 0'~_ ~therwise fastened,
~-affixed, or displayed PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that said
~'--~-~m~sh-all-~not include buildings.
(4) Banner: A sign having the characters, letter, illus-
trations, or ornamentations applied to cloth, paper
or fabric of any kind with only such material for a
backing. Banner shall include any animated and/or
fluttering devices designed to attract attention.
~ - . -SHALL NOT include flags' of-Federal,~ State' County or
....... City origin.
(5) -Biilb°~rdS: A Sign structure', ~hclu~ing-build~ngj for
........ any sign advertising an establishment, merchandise,
service, or entertainment, which is sold, produced,
manufactured, and/or furnished at a place other than
~n-the-property on which said sign is located. Bill-
~ _boards are prohibitedin the City.
--'= (6) Buildinq Sign: A sign erected and maintained on pre- mises undergOing construction, by the architect, con-
--tractor, subcontractor, financial institution and/or
.... materialman upon which property such person is~_fur-
"' niching labor, material or services.
(7) Buildinq official: The officer or other person charged
with the administration and enforcement of this. ordi--
nance or his duly authorized representative.
(8) Bulletin Board: A sign of permanent .character, but
~ith removable letters, words, or numerals, indicating
the names or persons associated with, or events con-
ducted upon, or products or services offered upon, the
premises upon which such a sign is maintained.
(9) Canopy Sign, Un~er: A sign supported by a canopy hang-
ing beneath the canopy and in all cases mounted perpen-
dicular to the building. These types of signs are
prohibited in the City.
(10) City: Unless the context clearly discloses a contrary
intent, the word "City" shall mean the City of Delray
Beach.
(11) Combustible Sign: Any sign or sign structure which
shall ignite or support flames and which has a low
flame point. Prime examples of combustible signs would
be wood, nmn U.L. approved plastics, cloths, etc.
(12) Directional Si~n.:.
(a) On premise incidental signs designated to guide
or direct pedestrians or vehicular traffic.
(b) Signs erected or permitted by the City, Palm Beach
County, State of Florida, or the United States
Government or agency thereof for the direction or
safety of the public.
--2--
Ord. No. 51-75.
. ~(c), ~A sign, notice or symbol as %o the. time andlplace
~' ~ ~-~of' re~ui~ c].vlc meetings and religious activities
(13) ~ub].e2Fa6~d Sig~'~ A s gn w~th-two faces-wh].ch~are
~.. usually, but not necessarily, parallel.
(14) ~iec~rical'jSig~ ~A-sign~ O~r-si~n ~r~t~r~:in:w~-~ch in-
'~gr~"i"e~'~%r'i~:wi~,'~'connections.and/or fixtures
~: are used as p~t 9f. the sign proper.
~long the'main access to a-City-approVed subdivision or
~'~l~pment~ and-nec~ssRrY~'directional si~nsy
(16)' ~%~d~ ~:Th~:Por%i6n °f any-~xterior-~l~Vation-of~-a~
_~9~_lding:extendiDg _from glade to' ~h~ top ~f~ th~'parapet
Wall Or ~aves and the--entire ~idth of the building
elevation.
(17) ~i~ed proj~-Cti0n sign~-- A s~-- ~"than- a ~l~'~ign,
'~hich extend~' outward from the facade o~ any building
~nd~s rigidly affixed thereto.-._Flat signs are pro-
h-ibited in %he-City. ~ · ' ~
(18) Flat Sign: A sign erected parallel to and extending
r from the facade of any building._ .
(19) ~ree Standing Sign: A detaChed~sign which ~h.all include
~hy signs supported by uprights or braces placed upon
or-in or supported by the ground and not attached to any
b~ilding.
.(20) Ground Sign: See FREE STANDING SIGN.
(21) ~ome Occupation Nameplate or Sign: A sign no% mo~e
~han" one .(1) square foot in area.
(22) :Identification Sigh': A sign,-'~ther than a bulletin board
sign, or nameplate sign, indicating the name of the
:primary use, the name or address of a building, or the
name of the management thereof.
(23) Illuminated Sign: A sign in which a source of light
-is ~used in order to make the message readable and shall
include internally and externally lighted signs.
(24) 'Inspector: A city employee working as an inspector under
the authority and direction of the City Building Official.
(25) Instructional Sign: A si~n conveying instructions with
respect to the premises on which it is maintained, such
as the entrance or exit of a parking area, a no tres-
passing sign, a danger sign, and similar .signs.
(26) -Non-Conforming Sign: A sign or advertising structure
existing within the incorporated area on the effective.
date of this ordinance which, by its height, square foot
area, location, use'or strUctural support does not con-
form to the requirements of this' Code shall hereafter
be termed non-conforming.
(27) OFF Premise Si~n: A sign, including building signs,
advertising an establishment, merchandise, service, or
~entertainment, which is sold, produced, manufactured,
and/or furnished at a place other than the property on
which said sign is located. These. types of signs are
prohibited in the City.
-3-
Ord. No. 51-75.
(28) ON Premise Sign: A sign which carries only advertising
strictly incidental to the lawful use of the premise on
which it is located, including signs or sign devices
indicating the business transacted, services rendered,
goods sold or produced on the premises, name of the
business, name of the person, firm or corporation
occupying the premises.
(29) Painted Wall Sign: A sign painted on any outside wall
or roof or on glass of any building.
(30) Parapet: A false front or wall extension above the
roof line.
(31) Perimeter: The whole outer boundary of any structure
designated as a sign.
(32) Person: Shall include an individual, partnership,
association, corporation.or any combination thereof.
(33) Pole or Ground Sign: See FREE STANDING SIGN.
(34) Political Sign: A sign erected by a political can-
didate, group or agent thereof for. political purposes.
(35) Premises: The real property which is involved by the
sign or signs mentioned in this ordinance.
(36) Real Estate Sign: Shall mean any sign erected by an
owner or his agent, advertising the real property upon
which the sign is located as for rent or sale.
(37) Real Property: The portion of land and/or buildings
contained in.a legal description setting forth the
boundaries of such property and legally acknowledged
under the laws of the State of Florida and Palm Beach
County.
(38) Recreational. Facility: Any building or structure de-
signated'for recreational purposes such as games, sports,
etc., and including any adjacent property included for
such use.
(39) Roof Sign: A sign erected upon or above a roof or
parapet wall of a building.
(4Q) Shopping Center: A group of retail stores or service
establishments or any other business, planned to serve
a community, neighborhood, or other population group
not necessarily owned by one party nor by a single land
ownership, which are adjacent to and which utilize a
common parking area or common parking areas.
(41) Sidewalk or Sandw.ich. Sign: A movable sign not secured
or attached to the ground. These types of signs are
prohibited in the City. .
(42) Si~n: A device or representation for visual communica-
tion that is used for the purpose of bringing the subject
thereof to the attention of others.
(43) Si~n, Area of: The square foot area enclosed by the
perimeter of the sign sections with each face contributing
to the aggregate area, provided, however, that concerning
painted wall signs or flat signs, which composed of
letters only (whether script or printed letters), sign
area is the sum of the areas of the smallest contiguous
rectangles containing a continuous line or lines of
advertising matter.
-4-
Ord. No. 51-75.
(44) S_~n Face: The part of tile sign that is or can be used
fo~ a'~v--~tising purpose.
(45) Sign Contrqctor.: Person, firm or corporation licensed
to erect any type sign structure regardless of size and
complexity, but shall not be allowed to install any
electrical work in connection therewith. (See definition
herein).
(46) ~ign Structure: Any structure which supports or is
capable of supporting any'sign as defined in this Code.
A sign structure may be a single pole and may or may
not be an integral part of a building.
(47) Snipe Sign: A sign of a temporary nature which is
mounted to trees, poles, fences, stakes, or other ob-
jects, and which advertises or displays matter not
applicable to the present use of the premises on which
the sign is located. These types of signs are prohibited
in the City.
(48) Swinging Projecting ..Sign: A sign projecting from the
outside wall or walls of any building which is hung from
one rigid support, irrespective of the number of guy
wires used in connection therewith. These types of signs
are prohibited in the City.
(49) Temporary Building Sign: A sign jointly erected and
maintained on premises undergoing construction by an
architect, contractor, subcontractor, and/or materia~
man.
(50) Vehicular Sign: A sign or sign structure attached or
affixed in any manner in or to any wheeled vehicle
for the purpose of advertising that business to which
the sign refers, excluding, however, signs which are
painted upon or magnetically affixed to a vehicle which
is regularly used as such in the normal course of the
business advertised or which may be required by law,
· .and further excluding such signs attached or affixed.,~..
to public transportation vehicles for business ~dver-
rising purposes when such vehicles belong to a duly
licensed public transportation company.
SECTION 5. PERMITS REQUIRED.
It shall be unlawful for any person to post, display, change or
erect a sign or a sign structure within the City without first having ob-
tained a permit therefor, in accordance with'the Chapter, provided however,
that those signs erected prior to the enactment of this Chapter shall be
allowed to remain in accordance with the time limitation and structure
requirements set forth herein. NO sign or sign structure, previously so
.erected, shall come under the provisions of this section providing a valid
permit for same was issued and in effect at the time of erection. Signs
or sign structures previously erected without a valid permit shall be termed
in violation and it shall be mandatory to obtain a permit, based on this
Chapter, or else remove such sign or sign structure.
The following signs shall not require permits:
(a) Real estate signs conforming to the requirements set fort]]
in Section 15 (A) (1).
SECTION 6. PERMIT: APPLICATIONS.
All applications for sign or sign structure permits required in
Section 5 shall be filed by the prospective sign or sign structure owner,
or his agont in the office of the building official upon forms furnished
by the building official. Said application shall describe and set forth
the following:
--5-- ,
Ord. No. 51-75.
(a) The type of sign or sign structure as defined in this
Chapter.
(b) The value of the sign or sign structure, including instal-
lation cost.
(c) The street address of the property upon which said sign or
sign structure is to be located and the proposed location
of said sign or sign structure on said property. In the
absence of a street address a method of location acceptable
to the Chief Building Inspector shall be used.
(d) The square foot area per sign face and the aggregate square
foot area of the sign or sign structure.
(e) The name and address of the owner or other person in control
or possession of the real property upon which said sign or
sign structure is to be located.
(f) Written consent of the owner, or his agent, granting per-
mission for the construction, operation, maintenance, or
displaying of such sign or sign structure.
(g) A sketch, blueprint, blue line print, or similar presenta-
tion showing all pertinent structural details, wind pressure
requirements, and materials to be used in accordance with
the requirements of this Chapter. The seal of a Florida
registered engineer or architect shall be affixed to drawings
of signs or sign structures which have an area exceeding
thirty-two (32) square feet certifying that such signs are
designed to withstand fifty (50) pound wind loading.
SECTION 7. PERMITS - FEES. i.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to post, display or
erect within the City a sign or sign structure unless otherwise excluded
by the terms of this ordinance without first having paid a permit fee unto
the City at the office of the building official as follows:
· (1) Neon and Electric' Signs:
15 square feet or fraction thereof ........... $6.00
Over 15 square feet to 30 square feet ........ 9.00
_ Over 30 square feet to 45 square feet ........ 12.00
Over 45 square feet to 60 square feet ........ 20.00
Over 60 square feet ........................... 30.00
vertical signs with ladder .................... 50.00
(2) Non-Electric Detachable Signs:
o .~ First 6 square feet or fraction thereof ....... 2.00
Over 6 square feet and up to and including
12 square feet ............................ . 4.00
· '~" " "~'~' ~'Over 12 square feet and up to and including
20 square feet ............................ 6.00
Each additional square foot or fraction
thereof, per square foot ................... 25
(3) Marquee Signs:
Per lineal foot ................................ 40
Minimum Fee ................................... 6.00
(4) Neon Display and Outline Lighting Including
Transformers:
Up to and including three transformers ........ 6.00
Ea h dditi f ' 2 00
c a onal trans ormer ....................
(5) ~inted Wall Si.gns on Buildings:
Up to and including 100 square feet ........... 3.00
Each additional 100 squaro feet, or fraction
thereof .................................. 3.00
-6- Oral. No. 51-75.
(6) Signs not covered by the foregoing Section 7, subsection
(a), (1) through (5):
First 6 square feet or fraction thereof ....... $2.00
Over 6 square feet and up to and including
12 square feet ............................ 4.00
Over 12 square feet and up to and including
20 square feet ............................ 6.00
Each additional square foot or fraction
thereof, per square foot ................... 25
SECTION 8. PERMITS - ISSUANCE.
Provided the provisions of this Chapter have first been complied
with, and the signs or advertising structures do not violate any of the
terms, conditions, or provisions of this Chapter, or of any other law
ordinance, the Building Official shall issue a permit for such sign or
advertising structure, retaining a copy thereof for his records. Permits
shall be numbered and shall disclose:
(a) The type of sign as defined in this Chapter.
(b) The street address of the property upon which said sign
is proposed to be located and the proposed location of
the sign on said property. In the absence of a street
address, a method of location acceptable to the building
official shall be used.
(c) The name of the sign contractor who shall erect the structure.
The amount of the fee paid for such permit.
(e) The date of issuance.
SECTION 9. BOND OR PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE REQUIRED.
It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in the business of
signs or outdoor advertising, or in the businesses of erecting or main-
taining signs within the City, unless and until such p~rson shall have filed
with the building department a bond or certificate of public liability and
.property damage insurance policy acceptable to the City, executed by a
°.'company authorized to do business in the State of Florida, in a sum not less
than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00) for injury to one person,
not less than three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000.00) for injury to
more than one person, and twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) for
damage to property.
SECTION 10. OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE REQUIRED.
A person shall not engage in the business of erecting or main-
taining signs within the City without having first procured a license for
such business in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 16 of the
City's license ordinance now in force and effect or as hereafter amended or
supplemented.
SECTION 11. OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE PREREQUISITE TO ISSUANCE OF PERMIT.
(a) No permit for erection, constr~ction, installation or main-
tenance of any sign shall be issued unless such person shall have first
procured from the City an occupational license to engage in such business
except that this shall not be construed to prevent an owner or lessee of
property from constructing and erecting a non-illuminated sign, non-electrica]
sign, or sign structure on said property advertising the main use and one
accossory uso of said premises.
--7--
Ord. No. 5].-75.
SECTION 12. LABELS REQUIRED ON SIGNS, ETC.
With each permit, the Chief Building Inspector shall issue one
label or marker bearing the same number as the permit with which it is
issued. It shall be the duty of the permittee, or his agent, to affix
such label or marker to the sign or advertising structure in the lower
right hand of one square foot are~ and so it can be easily seen on a
double-faced sign, the label may be placed on either side of the sign so
long as it is easily yisible. The absence of a proper label or marker on
a sign or advertising structure shall be prima facie evidence that the
same has been or is being erected or operated in violation of the provi-
sions of this Chapter
SECTION 13. CERTAIN SIGNS OR SIGN STRUCTURES PROHIBITED.
From and after the'effective date of this chapter, it shall be
unlawful for any person to erect, place or use within the City:
(a) Swinging Projecting signs.
(b) Off-premises signs, except those signs erected by a char-
itable organization which do not exceed ten (10) square feet which must be
approved by building department.
(c) Snipe signs.
(d) Sidewalk and sandwiCh signs.
(e) Temporary political signs.
(f) Roof signs except'an aviation directional sign.
(g) A banner sign except for two flag banners per model home
or model apartment at time the model home or model aPart-
ment is open for inspection and except the flying of the
one national, one state, and one city flag and service and
civic clubs and organization signs and banners during day
of meeting. Flag banners for model homes or model apartment
units shall be limited to an area of fifteen (15) square
feet per flag.
(h) Billboards.
(i) A sign which involves motion or rotation of any part of
.-~. .~.-~.~. the structure or display or a~sign containing intermittent
~'. '~"" lights o~ animation except a time and temperature unit, or
a~traveling message sign which is a part of a sign per-
mitted in business and commercial districts, such part of
.~ .. ~.~ ..? ~.. the sign permitted shall not exceed twenty-five (25) square
feet in area.
(j) An advertising sign placed on the side or rear of any
building or property facing on .a contiguous residential area
if more than seventy-two (72) square inches nor six (6)
feet in height from ground level.
(k) Signs placed on the side or rear of a building and primarily
used for identi£ication purposes, when such building is
contiguous to residential property, if more than seventy-
two (72) square feet in area. Such signs may be placed above
doorways.
Ord. No. 51-75.
(1) Circulars, throwaways, handbills and vehicular signs as
set forth under Section 4. This prohibition, however,
shall not. be construed to prevent the distribution on a
~ regular weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis of unsolicited
-advertising and/or news dissemination by a business duly
licensed within the City to engage in such distribution
'~-~-and/or dissemination.
--!m) Electrical signs of a commercial nature in residential
districts except that in a subdivision development, where
models are being demonstrated, an illuminated sign, meeting
-the other requirements of this ordinance, may be used pro-
~ided no illumination is shown between the hours of 9:00
.P.M. and 7:00 A.M. the following day.
.~n) Any other type or kind of signs ~hich do not comply with the
" .~terms, conditions and provisions contained in this Chapter.
.Ko) Signs or other advertising matter as regulated by this
Code erected at the intersection of any streets or in any
street right-of-way in such a manner as to obstruct free
. and clear vision; or at any location where, by reason of
tthe position, shape, or color, it may interfere with, ob-
.struct the view of, or be Confused with any authorized
traffic sign, signal, or device; or which makes use of
'-~words "stop", "look", "drive-in", "danger", or any othe~
.'word, phrase, symbol, or character in such manner as to
-interfere with, mislead, or confuse vehicular traffic as
-determined by Traffic Engineering.
~p) Moving or stationary advertising sign displayed on a vessel --:plying the waterways.
~q) Signs which exhibit thereon any lewd, lascivious, indecent
,or .immoral wordings, character, or illustration.
:(r) Signs which produc~ noise or sound.
:~s) Signs which emit smoke, vapor, Particles or odor.
~t) ~ Signs of any kind which extend into or above or be anchored
~:or placed in any portion of the right-of-way of a City
:street or sidewalk area, or used public street or public
~-sidewalks (except official City, County and State signs).
~ECTION 14. AESTHETIC REGULATION OF SIGNS.
(a) The aesthetic quality of a building, or indeed of .an entire
· .neighborhood, is materially affected by achieving visual harmony of the
,-signs on or about a structure as they relate to the architecture of the
.building or the adjacent surroundings. In addition to the mechanical
limitations on signs imposed by this sign ordinance, there are certain
.aesthetic considerations which must be met and are therefore subject to
--review by the Community Appearance Board. '~:
(1) The scale of the sign must be consistent with the scale
of the building on which it is to be placed or painted.
(2) 'The overall effect of the.configuration or coloring
of the sign shall not be garish. The colors shall
not conflict with other signs already on the building
or in the immediate vicinity.
SECTION 15. SIGNS PERMI';TED AND REGULATED.
A. RESIDENTIAL - R-1AAA AND R-1AAAB.
(1) A real estate sign shall n6t be permitted on a plot
except for one sign erected by the owner or his exclu-
sive agent; that if a sign is erected by the exclusive
.agent of the owner, prior to it being erected there must
be filed with the Building Department a signed copy of
the exclusive agency agreement. One additional sign
may be added on a plot when the plot borders on a water-
way provided that the additional sign shall be placed
upon that side of the plot that borders on said water- '
way. Such real estate signs shall
not ekceed three (3) square feet in area and must be
well kept and in good repair.
(2) On plots containing permitted non-residential structures
or uses, such as a church or school, a flat sign or free
standing sign not exceeding twenty (20) square feet in
area will be permitted provided no part of such sign is
closer than ten (10) feet to the property line. Such
sign may be illuminated provided abutting residences
are shielded from the source of light. Such sign may
advertise the main use of the premises only.
(3) One temporary sign of not over six (6) square feet in
aggregate area with the word OPEN may be used when
attached to the existing real estate sign; or where
a real estate sign is not ~nstalled on the property, one
removable sign of not over twelve (12) square feet in
aggregate area with the word OPEN or the words OPEN FOR
INSPECTION may be used only when the owner or owner's
agent is on the premises. A permit or permit fee shall
not be necessary for such removable sign.
(4) One name plate sign not exceeding three (3) square
feet, of a non-commercial nature, bearing the name
and/or street address of the principal occupant.
(5) Entrance gates as defined in Section 4(B)(15).
(B) RESIDENTIAL R-lA, R-1AAB & R-1AA.
(1) Same as Section 15 (A) (1) (2) (3) (4) & (5).
(2) One (1) home occUpatiOn sign of not more than one (1)
square foot in area.
(C) RESIDENTIAL RM-6.
(1) Same as Section 15 (A) (1) (2) (3) (4) & (.5).
(2) One flat sign or one ground sign advertising the main
use and not exceeding thirty-six (36) square fee.t in
area per sign face with an aggregate area of seventy-
two (72) square feet may be placed on the premises.
The ground sign may be placed in the required front
yard, but no part of such extend closer than ten (10)
feet to the public right-of-way line and shall not
exceed twelve (12) feet in overall height from the
ground and shall not exceed twelve (12) feet in width.
" " "· (D RESIDENTIAL RM-10' & RM-15. '-'
· ': ' (1) Same as Section 15 '(A) (1) (2) (3) '(4) & (5).
"'(2) One fixed projecting sign advertisihg the main use
and one fixed projecting sign per accessory use adver-
tising said accessory use shall be permitted. The outer
edge of the fixed projecting sign and/or the support for
same shall not extend more than three (3) feet beyond
· . -'.- the wall of any building nor shall extend above the
· ' parapet. The area per sign face shall not exceed thirty
(30) square feet with an aggregate area of sixty (60)
square feet.
(E) COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS.
(1) Shopping centers only. Sh6pping centers shall be per-
mitted one main use sign as set forth herein. Each
unit of a shopping center shall be allowed one flat
sign not to exceed ten per cent (10%) of such unit
front face area and w~ndow lettering not to exceed five
per cent (5%) of such unit front face area.
-10-
Ord. No. 51-75.
'~Onr~f!!~minat~' f~al estate sign advertising FOR
-- 'SALE, FOR~RENT, or;'FOR LEASE, may be placed on the
.prEmises Dnd shall qqt exceed thirty-two (32) square
_(3)-..:.q~.q-~%hose?ig~s. lwhi~'f~ces are generally perpendicular
..~_ _ ~61'~Q:i~6-~:~65ti~Y~ line, only one of the following is
.....~i(a).~vona'-[~)~-f~e-'~nding sign advertising the use of
.... =' ~he p~emises. ~Such sign shall be predicated on
.... ~he~.basis of one-half (%) square foot of advertising
~:r:..~aa~q~'eaC. h'!~neal foot of main street frontage
.''._~?f th~'.~_t pko3ided that no such sign shall exceed
"i~'~.T~one ~hundred sTxty (160) square feet per sign face
~_i~i~:th-'a~'m~ximu~of two faces. Corner locations
~-~-ii~::'which 'front on _two main streets shall be allowed
~-~ 'one extra frea-.standSng sign whose face aggregate
~'j:~:'area'ShalI no~ exceed fifty (50) square feet.
~ ....... No sign Shali. be higher than twenty-five (25) feet
..... from the-ground nor protrude past the street
f× d °j Cting sign which advertises the use
or Uses of the premises provided that the support
for same shall not extend more than three (3)'feet
beyond. the wall' nor shall it extend above the
............ parapet of any building. The maximum area of such
- sign Shall-be thirty (30) square feet.
(4) ~°r those ~i~ns whose faces are generally parallel to
._ the stree~..cen~erline:
'~)~"~A ~ree-s~anding sign as described in (3)(a) above.
~ .... (b) A fixed projecting sign as described in (3) (b) above.
'(6)~ ~One flat sign or painted wall sign shall be permitted
~on each side of a building bordering upon a street,
alley, or public thoroughfare (unless otherwise
prohibited) advertising the main occupation or
_~ ~ business use provided that the total aggregate area
. . of each such sign shall not exceed fifteen (15)
per cent of the building face area of the wall upon
which the sign is placed. Signs painted on glass
shall be included in the aggregate area.
INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS.
' "~' ~('i)" "Ohe 'real'estate sign advertising FOR SALE, FOR RENT
'.. .... or FOR LEASE may be erected provided such sign does
not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area.
(2) One flat sign or painted wall sign advertising the main
occupation or business use shall be allowed provided
that the total aggregate area of such sign or signs
shall not exceed twehty (20) per cent of the building .
face area of the wall which abuts the main street. Signs
painted on glass shall be included in the aggregate area.
In the case of two main business streets, a sign as
described above shall be allowed on each street, provided
the lot ]]as two hundred (200) feet on each such main
street. Or, one fixed projecting sign advertising the
main use and one fixed projecting sign per accessory
use advertising said accessory use shall be permitted.
The outer edge of the fi×ed projecting sign and/or the
support for same shall not extend more than three (3)
feet beyond the wall of any building nor shall it extend
above the parapet. The area per sign shall not exceed
forty (40) square feet.
-ll-
Ord. No. 51~75.
(3) One free-standing sign advertising the main use of the
premises as described in Section 15 (E) (3) (a).
Identification signs shall be permitted on the rear
wall of business establishments provided they are
limited to tell (10) square feet and provided that the
rear of the property is not contiguous to Residential
zoning districts.
SECTION 16. SPECIAL SIGNS.
(a) Subdivision siqns. Areas under development including shopping
centers, cooperative apartments, condominiums, and extensive
platted or unplatted land shall be permitted two (2) signs
not to exceed a combined aggregate area of two hundred fifty
(250) square feet in area. Said signs shall be located in
accordance with the requirements contained in the sectioo of
this Chapter relating to the specific zoned area. Permits
for said signs will be granted in accordance with Section 8
and shall be limited to the time development is completed,
terminated or abandoned.
(b) Building Signs. One non-illuminated building sign may be
permitted to be erected on the premises or attached to a
tool house on the premises subject, to the following condi-
tions:
(1) Such signs shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet
per sign. ~
(2) Such sign or signs shall not be erected more than
fifteen (15) days prior to actually commencing con-
struction and must be removed when building or project
is completed; provided, however, if such sign be erected
as permitted thereunder and construction is not com-
menced within~thirty (30) days after permit is issued,
or if such construction is substantially abandoned for
ninety (90) days as evidenced by a lack of inspections
and/or other pertinent conditions, such sign shall be
immediately removed, upon notification, by the owner
or lessee of the premises.
(3) Said signs shall be located on the premises being
.... ' '~ developed and shall be located in accordance with the
requirements contained in the section of this Chapter
relating to the specific zoned areas.
(c) Civic and Church Signs. The City Council may erect or
approve and permit to be erected, entrance signs at or near
the city limits for the benefit of visitors, on which may
~,'~'.~ ~-"'.'~'~ '""' be listed institutional names, churches and points of in- ·
'terest. Civic organizations and churches may be permitted
' "'~ 'to place their insignias thereon.
(d) Directional Signs. ~. ' ~· '~' ~
(1) (a) General directional signs limited to six (6) per
civic organization, church or recreational facility.
and limited to 8 inches by 30 inches
per sign and located at street intersections or other
locations for the convenience of the traveling public,
may be permitted in City right-of-way when approved
by the publi~ works department, police department and
building department. The owner shall have the sign
made at the owner's expense but according to the
specifications of the City. Said signs shall be placed
by the responsible governmental body at the expense of
the owner and when sign is in public right-of-way it
shall be placed on opposite corners from street signs.
(1) (b) No more than six (6) signs on one pole shall be
permitted at any street intersection.
-12-
Ord. No. 51-75.
SpeclaI evenl, recreatlohal--or exposl~lon,~d~reCtional
s~gns of a temporary nature:;~ which-are' of general
b~hdfi~' to"the community and:-which- are approved by
t~ City COUncil, may"be permitted~."'Said signs shall
be Iocated ah-gpeci~ied"'points--for fihe~convenience of
t~: tragelihg_ public, and'~sha%'%::bel'l~mitbd ~o four (4)
square- f~t~per-sign. Such signs shall be removed by
~,7C.~,-- - p~on-.or~_agent responsible for such sign within three
.............. (-3) days after the event.
{"~ ~J~-arki~g:-a'r~a -sig~-~ay 5~:l~re~d]~a~'ach::point of in-
L%e._.gress and egress 'to'a Parking-1-or or-parking area, and
'~'~'~-~ch ~n~--shall 'ho-t~ ~xce~d 'four"(4JU-square feet in
...... area nor extend-tO-~a'~greater hei:ght ~h_a'n ~five (5) feet
~. above the ground, ~Jnd shall be erected within the park-
-~iil-f~%~g .are~._ 'only 0he, such .~.shall be allowed at each
.point of-ingress and egress, provi'd~d suc~ signs do not
'creat~ a traffic or pedestrian'hazard·
~) .... ~reet ~i~ns'.--~-subdivision name sign may be placed
- on a city street pos~ by city personnel provided it is
..... requested through the public works department and paid
for~ by'~the party_requesting said sign. This sign shall
be'idehtical to the street sign as to~6olor, size and
shape.
(5) Directory sign. A3dire~to'~y-co~sisting of signs e~ch
having an area of seventy-two (72) square inches
(4"x18") per sign and may be attached to a free-standing
sign; said directory signs must indicate the organiza-
tion or business endeavor in the particular commercial
· o~ industrial district. Such signs shall be included
in the aggregate area for free-standing signs.
(6) Painted wind0w'..sign. Each main use and each accessory
use in commercial or industrial zoning district except
for shopping centers may also have one painted sign on
windows provided it does not exceed twenty per cent
(20%) of the glass area being used and is in accordance
with this Chapter.
(7) Entrance Siqq.. A sign placed on the face of an entrance
'"' - ...... '~'~ ~' '~' 'wall to a subdivision designating said subdivision.
Said sign and wall must be approved by the Planning and
Zoning Board and Community Appearance Board.
(8) Safety and Warning Signs. "NO Trespassing", "No
Dumping", and similar signs may be erected when approved
· .....-~ .. by the building department~ and shall not extend more
'~'~;~.~?~ "~' ~';' than five (5) feet from the ground and such sign shall
.~ ....o. · .~... not exceed three (3) square feet. This shall not be
"·' Construed to include traffic signs and similar sign
authorized by any governmental body.
SECTION 17. CIRCULARS, THROWAWAYS AND HANDBILLS; DISTRIBUTION
PROHIBITED.
It shall be unlawful for any person to distribute circulars,
throwaways or handbills, or other similar forms of advertising within the
City limits. This prohibition, however., shall not be construed to preveht
the distribution on a regular weekly, biweekly or monthly basis of un-
solicited advertising and/or news dissemination by a business duly licensed
within the City to engage in such distribution and/or dissemination.
SEmTION 18. CLEARANCE HEIGHT.
A sign projecting over areas where vehicular, traffic may be re-
quired to pass through or beneath shall be erected to maintain a minimum
clearance distance of fourteen and one-half (14%) feet for the free passage
of such vehicles.
-13-
Ord. No. 51-75.
SECTION 19. RIGID CONSTRUCTION.
Every sign shall be constructed in such a manner as to with-
stand a wind pressure of fifty (50) pounds per square foot. Sign con-
tractors or the owner(s) shall submit plans showing location, structural
members'and design calculations for wind loading and for signs thirty-two
(32) square feet or over, a certificate sealed by a Florida registered
engineer or architect stating that the design will meet the requirements
of this code shall be submitted. All sign contractors shall sign a certi-
ficate stating wind loading will meet requirements of this Chapter where
signs under thirty-two (32) square feet are submitted.
SECTION 20. RE-INSPECTION OF SIGNS.
The building official shall inspect, or cause to be inspected,
signs located within the City as needed for compliance if, in his opinion,
such inspection may be required, and upon such inspection, shall require
the owner of any sign found to be defective, neglected, or in unkept condi-
tion, or which does not comply with the terms, conditions, and provisions
of this Chapter, to be repaired or removed in accordance with the procedures
set forth in Sections 24, 25 or 26, as applicable. .
SECTION 21. MISLEADING ADVERTISING.
(a) It shall be unlawful for a person to display false or mis-
leading statements upon signs, or other public places, cal-
culated to mislead the public as to anything sold, any~
services to be performed, or information disseminated. The
fact that any such sign or display shall contai~ words or
language sufficient to mislead a reasonable and prudent
person in reading same, shall be prima facie evidence of a
violation of this section by the person displaying such
· sign, permitting same to be displayed or permitting such
display at their residence, establishment or place of
business.
(b) When a business or service'using any. sign or signs is dis-
continued, all signs and sign structures relating to this
business or services shall be removed within ten (10) days
from the date of.discontinuanCe.
SECTION 22. NONCONFO~%~ING SIGNS.
(a) A sign or'advertising structure existing within the City
limits on the effective date of this Chapter which, by its
height, square foot area, location, use or structural
support does not conform to the requirements of this
Chapter shall hereafter be termed nonconforming.
(b) All "off-premises" signs are hereby made nonconforming
and shall be removed within twelve (12) months after the
effective date of passage of this Chapter, except those
designated in this Chapter.
(c) All signs which do not meet fifty (50) pounds per square
foot wind loading are hereby declared dangerous nonconforming
signs and shall be removed or made to conform to the re-
quirements of this ChaptDr within thirty (30) days after
notification by the building department. All other non-
conforming signs shall be made to conform to the requirements
of this Chapter within a period of ten (10) years or els~ such
signs shall be removed at the owner's or lessee's expense.
(d) When an owner of real property' upon which a sign is located
that does not meet the provisions of th~.s c~d~ vn].untarilv
petitions the City for annexation and the City proceeds to
annex said property, a requirement of the annexation is that
the owner agrees to and must remove said non-conforming sign
prior to the effective date of the annexation ordinance.
-14-
Ord. No. 51-75.
SECTION 23, IIAZARI)OU$ $IG~S AND MATERIALS,
(a) No sign constructed of combustible mater±al shall be
attached to any structure or bu£1d±ng if such sign has
enough area to require a permit.
Combustible signs up to fifty (50) square feet in area
shall be at least twenty (20) feet from any building or
structure.
Combustible signs from fifty-one (51) square feet up to
one hundred (100) square feet in area shall be at least
forth (40) feet from any building or structure.
Combustible signs from one hundred one (101) square feet
up to one hundred sixty (160) square feet in area ~shall
be at least eight~ (80) feet from any building or structure.
(b) No sign shall be constructed or erected in such a manner
that it will become a hazard to automotive or pedestrian
traffic nor shall any sign or lighting of such sign be so
placed as to obstruct the vision of the driver of any
motor vehicle where such vision is necessary for safety.
(c) No sign shall be placed, constructed or erected in such
a manner as to obstruct or block any exit from any building
nor shall any sign be so placed as to interfere with light
or ventilation to any building or struCture.
(d) Where any wood or any sign penetrates the ground or is.
attached in any way to masonry or concrete, said wood
shall be of an approved pressure-treated type.
All materials used in constructing signs shall be of a
· type to resist weather exposure.
Any plastic materials used in signs shall be approved by
the Underwriters'~Laboratory and shall bear this label.
Electrical components shall be in accordance wi~h the
Delray Beach Electrical Code and U.L. approved.
SECTION 24. PROCEDURE ON VIOLATIONS.
"~ (A) Immediate Removal. In recognition of the fact that there
are various types of signs which have a minor monetary value
and when balancing this value to the property owner against
the burden upon the City in doing title searches to determine
the owner, giving notice prior to removal, and providing
for a hearing, the City Council has determined that with
regard to certain types of signs when a violation of this
ordinance exists immediate removal is justified. Further-
more, that the providing of such elaborate procedural pre-
requisites prior to removal of some types of signs would
so impede the process of enforcement of this ordinance to
achieve compliance with its terms, that it would defeat the
purpose for which it was enacted. Therefore, when the
building official finds that a violation of this ordinance
is occurring in accordance with the standards set forth
herein and the violation involves the type of sign listed
below, the building official shall .forthwith enter upon
the private or public prDperty upon which the sign is
maintained and remove it.
(1) Types of signs - banner, building sign, sandwich or
sidewalk sign, snipe, temporary buildin~ sign, real
estate si%ns, instructional sign, political sign,
bulletin board of not more than twenty-five (25)
square feet, and special event, recreational or ex-
position dir=ctional signs' of a temporary nature
which, by Section 16-2, are required to be removed
within three (3) days after the event.
(2) Notice after removal - after removal of a sign under
this subpart, the building official shall notify the
occupant of premises where the sign was located of its
removal. Also if the owner of the sign appears from
some identification on the sign itself to be someone
other than the occupant (e.g., a real estate sign
with the broker's name on it) notice shall also
be given to that party. The notice shall also
provide that the sign may be picked up at the
building department within fifteen (15) days after
the notice is given, and that if this sign is not
picked up within this fifteen (15) day period, it
will be turned over to the City's public works
department for disposal.
(3) The notice required by the foregoing paragraph shall
be furnished either by mail or by personal deligery
to the person, firm or corporation or their agents,
as specified above. If notice is given by mail,
it shall be sent first class postage prepaid and
shall be deemed given, when deposited in the U.S.
· mails.
(B) Removal After Notice and Opportunity for Hearing.
When the building official determines, in accordance
with the standards set forth herein, that a violation
of this ordinance is occurring and it involves a sign
other than the type set forth in Section 24(A) (1) above,
-the following procedure shall be followed.
(1) Title Search. The building official shall cause
a title search to be made of the real property
upon which the sign is located. From the title
search, it shall be determined who has.an interest
in such real property and the building official
shall cause a certified or registered letter to
be sent to all such interested parties. In addition,
the notice shall be sent to the current occupant
of the property. The notice shall contain the
following information~:
(a) The names and addresses of all persons notified.
(b) Legal description and address of the real
property on which the sign is located.
(c) A description of the sign sufficient to identify
it together with a specific statement as to the
nature of the violation which shall also state
the section of this ordinance pertaining thereto.
(d) That twenty (20) days from the date of mailing
'of the notice shall be allowed for the viola-
tion to be corrected, and the building depart-
ment furnished with satisfactory evidence of
such correction If the building department
'determines after such submission that the
violation no longer exists, a letter will
be issued to this effect.
(e) That if a letter is not issued, a hearing will
be held on (specify date) which will
be the next regular City Council meeting or
special meeting, if one is called for this
purpose, at which all interested parties may
participate and must show cause why the building
official's determination should not stand and
the City forthwith take action to remedy the
violation.
(f) If corrective action has not been completed as
set forth in (d) above, the City Council is
authorized to correct the violation, which
may include removal of the sign and the cost
of such corrective action, administrative
expense and collection costs, including
attorneys' fees, will be assessed against the
real property.
-16-
_~-~The costs set forth in paraqf~phi-~!~D'oVe
~- will become a lien upon-the-reel'-property'
· ? ...described in this.notice if'iunpaid-in.~accord-
· ~,:_~ance with Ordinance%No. 51-75. - -
.-(2) Duties of th6 ~citY C0u ~h~ !C 'C6~i~-:' :~ '-
· -~-~=.. '~_.~sha!!~wh~n~A__h~r~ng i~.~hed~ied~-h~e~r~--from~Che ~-.
...buiidin~official.a~d
the City Admi~i'St~tiO~as to:
~-.., which the sign-_is-located_and.~ha~ 9the6 parties
_ ~. ~ay have an interest therein'as disclosed 'by
::. 'the titl~arch.. F-._"- JT--,,-~ ~'-~ ~ ..... : ~
-:(bi .... Proof of notices-hav~ng-b~en-san~-t6rt6~eparties
~pecified in (a) above.
.t%-.t(C)-j .Whether_alegterl-has'been i~Su~d by the build-
. ~- .... .lng department evidencing that the violation
~. --._-.~-or violations.which were the subject of the
~-~. ~ . notices sent as-specified in Sec. 24(B) (t) (d) .
--~ ..... <.~above have been corrected.- If not-the hearing
shall proceed. ~ ....... -
-:(d) The nature of the Violations:,?Pro~f that' the
_ violations set forth in the notices specified
~--in Sec. 24 (B) (1) above stili exist.
~(~) The administration's recommendatiOn 'fOr -
~corrective action and an estimate of the
-~pproximate cost thereof. ~ - .....
· ~f) ~ Hear from_all in~ereste~ partie~-0~her than
-the administration.
.:~(g) Make a finding that the violation or violatiOns
~that were set forth in the notice specified in
~--Sec. 24 (B) (1) -above which also set the
.'~earing date exist or not.
:~h) If it is determined that a violation exists,
_ ...-the City Council shall direct the City Admin- .
- .'istration to take specific affirmative actiofl. '.'."~:-;
'-to correct the violation· The corrective
---action so specified may include removal of
· . ~he sign or such lesser remedies as Council
~.may determine are proper to cure the violation
--(e.g. If a permit has not been.issued for a
- sign, Council may direct the Administration
· -to issue such a permit, providing the sign
· .meets the criteria set forth in the ordinance,
'with the costs of such permit and collection
costs being charged to the. property as set
forth below).
(3) Liens. The City Administration is directed to
keep an accurate record of all expenses incurred
in cdrrecting the violations which are required of
it by City Council after the correction has been
. completed. The Administration shall issue a certi-
ficate certifying cost of such work and add thereto
a ten percent administrative charge to cover the
administrative expenses incurred by the City in
overseeing the corrective work pe-formed. The
City Manager shall present this certification to
Council at a regular meeting,whereupon the city
Council shall, by resolution, assess the cost of
such corrective work together with the ten percent
-17-
Ord. No. 51-75.
administr~iu~ ~ s ur Qb~rq~.~- t ~ u~h
constitu~ i~ ~egat-,% valid ~and bin~ing-~ti~n-~]pon-~the
real pro~-ty upon -~hicb ~the ~re~ti~e~ w~rk~
formed a~cl~a~y ~e~cribcd ~.~ %h~~ ~esolution. This
lien, in addition, shall secure the collection costs
~c luding~ ~%o~neysJ~ ~.ees_ ~of~ ~.satis.fy. in~ ~hi~s~.:obt~gation.
The r~-ken ~t~ ~ch ~i ~.-_~r~c.~e~..sh~ 1_. _bp_ 9f fcct ire :~rand
a f t~ ~_th~ ~d a t~ ~p3)i~ ~hi ch ~the~ ~r ese t~k%~ ~D-~ sg~j%~ the
cost?is ~e~orded_j_~.~h~ .Rgbl3c -.Records of Palm Beach
County, Florida.
After the ~regDing_
City CounG~ 1 ,~-. ~the ~record~-t~tle~.;hold~r~ ~h~%k ~ ~i~en
a thirty ~$~0)_~D3_ ~o~k~e which shall be sent by certi-
fied mail and which from the time of mailing permitting
the~_thirt~,~{3Q)_ da~y.s_~in which-to-pay ~the abov~-_referred-
to costs~riqr.to %he time that a lien will be re-
corded against their property and foreclosed for col-
lection. If the r~al-property described in the
resolutiQn_is_owned by more-than-one person,--firm.or
corporation, or if the real property is.subject to
differing types of ihterests .such as fee simple title
subject to.a lease, .life.e~ta~e with ia remainder
interest~and other .like interests, the lien desc~d
in this ordinance is binding on all such parties and
interests and shall-be foreclosed against _the~ jointly
and severally in the manner-in-which mortgages are
foreclosed under the laws of -~he State of Florida.
(C) In addition to the remedies of removal set forth in
(1) and (2) above, when the building.official deter-
mines that. a violation of this ordinance exists, the
violator may be cited for a violation of this ordinance
which, upon conviction, shall be deemed a misdemeanor
and the violator shall be punished in accordance with
Section 176, Code of Ordinances of the City of Delray
Beach. Each day such violation exists shall constitute
a separate offense. -
SECTION 25. INTERPRETATION OF APPLICATIONS FOR~ERMITS.
In all applications for permits where a matter of interpretation
.arises, the most restrictive interpretation against the issuance of the
permit shall prevail. _
SECTION 26. UNSAFE SIGNS.
The building official shall have the authority set forth in
'-'~'['Section"2301.6 of the Southern Standard Building Code as adopted by Ordi-
nance No. 62-74 except that the notice requirements set forth in this
~"' ordinance shall control over those set forth in the Southern Standard
Building code. The building official shall follow the procedures set
forth in this ordinance as they relate to the different types of signs
involved as set forth in Section 24 (A) and (B).
SECTION 27. EMERGENCY.
The decision of the building official shall be final in cases
of emerqency which in his opinion involve an emergency
dangerous to human life. When he has determined that
such a situation exists with ~eference to a sign or sign structure, he
shall forthwith cause it to be made safe or have it removed. In performing
his duties under this Section, he is authorized to i~nediately enter upon
the property where the sign is m~intained with such assistance as he deter-
mines appropriate and at such cost as may be necessary and proper to
effectuate his duties hereunder, lie may order the vacation of adjacent
structures or property and may require the protection'of the public by an
appropriate fence or other such means as may be necessary, and.for this
purpose, he may close a public or private right-of-way.
-18-
,Ord. No. 5].-75.
SECTION 28. APPLICABILITY OF SOUTIIERN STANDARD BUILDING CODE.
TO the extent that this ordinance is inconsistent with the
Southern Standard Building Code as adopted by the City of Delray Beach,
this ordinance shall control.
PASSED AND ADOPTED in regular session on second and final reading
on this the 8th day of December , 1975. _
ATTEST:
City Clerk
First Reading ~ovember 10, 1975
Second Reading December 8, 1975
'/
-19-
Ord. No. 51-75.