Ordinance 07-1826 ®>~D)[l~lA1~~lE 1~®. ®'~~fl~26
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S1E~]El[~A.~><JL)<'g'~' AI~?flD lEF1E ]EC7C1<~IE :®A~'lE.
W>[31[[IE~IE.~~, on May 6, 2002, the City Cormnission of the City of Longwood
enacted the Lone;wood Development Code {Ordinance 02-1599), as was amended from
time to time, pursuant to the requirements 'of Chapter 163.3202, and Chapter 166.041,
Florida Statutes; rind
~]H3[JEII~IEA~, the City Commission is de;;irous of creating a set of sign regulations
that will bring nxore uniformity to the advertsint; landscape within the city; and
~~IE~IEA~, Chapter 163.3174 (4) (c.), Florida Stah.rtes, requires the Land
Plamzing Agency to review proposed land development regulations, or amendments
thereto, for consistency with the adopted Plan, as may be amended; and
~lE]f~]EA~, the Land Planning Agency (L,PA) held a public hearing on April 11,
2007 to consider the amendnxent of the Longwood Development Code; made certain
findings of fact: regarding said amendments, determined the proposed changes are
consistent and recommended the proposed ordinz~nce be enacted by the City Comm~ission;
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®F ll JC~I~ ~L~~~~ ~®la `L3 i'9' ~~Q~.1C~L~A, A~ F®JI~~® 9'9"
S1E~~'><®1~1 fl: Longwood Development Code Article VI be ammended to read as follows:
6.fl.® GJEl~l>E1R.E17L lP)E~®V][S>[®NS
6.fl.1 lPuag~pose a~ncd Scope ®ff Sigffi ~e~ulata®aas
®rd. 0'~-1826
Page 1 of 443
The regulations and requirements set forth herein are adopted for the following
.purposes:
A. To preserve, protect and promote the public health, safety and welfare and
general esthetic quality of the City of Longwood;
B. To enhance the economy and the business and industry of the City of
Longwood by promoting the reasonable, orderly and effective display of
signs, and encouraging better communication with the public,
C. To enhance the physical appearance of the City of Longwood by
preserving the scenic and natural beauty of the area;
D. To protect the general public from damage and injury caused by the faulty
and uncoritroiled construction acid use of signs within the City;
E. To reduce sign or advertising distractions in order to protect pedestrians
and motorists from damage or injury caused by the distractions,
obstructions, and hazards that iilay increase traffic accidents;
F. To protect the physical and mental well-being of the. general public by
recognizing and encouraging a sense of esthetic appreciation for the visual
envirorunent;
G. To preserve the value of private property by assuring the compatibility of
signs with surrounding land uses.
~.11.~ A~ppflncalblle Laffid ~Jse ~nsta-nctts
The following regulations shall apply to all land. use districts of the City of
Longwood. The Department shall review all Sign Requests and/or Permits for
type, location, and requirements. ~
6.><.3 l~l® >IDefferns~ t® l~langsaffice Ac~n®ffi
Compliance with the requirements of these regulations shall not constitute a
defense to an action brought to abate a nuisance under the common law.
6.Il.~ )IDeffnffintg®ffis
Advertnsnffig: sign copy intended to directly, or indirectly, promote the sale or use
of a product, service, commodity, entertainment, or real or personal property.
A-ffraHne or I6~[®vah9e Sagffi: A sign not secured, not attached to the ground or
which is free of structures or supports upon the ground.
®rd. 07-126
I,I)CA 01-07
Page 2 of 43
Animated Sign: (see and note difference from changeable sign) A sign or
display manifesting either kinetic or illusionary motion occasioned by natural,
manual, mechanical, electrical, or other means. Animated signs include the
following types:
A. hiaturally Energized: Signs whose motion is activated by wind or
other atmospheric impingement. Wind-driven signs include flags,
banners, pennants, streamers, spinners, metallic disks or other
similar devices designed to move in the wind.
B. 1l7echanically Energized: Signs manifesting a repetitious pre-
programmed physical movement or rotation in either one (1) or a
series of planes activated by means of mechanically based drives.
C. Electrically Energized: Illuminated signs whose motion or visual
impression of motion is activated primarily by electrical means.
Electrically energized animated signs are of two (2) types:
1. Flashing Signs: Illuminated signs exhibiting a pre-
programmed repetitious cyclical interruption of
illumination from one (1) or more sources in which the
duration of the period of illumination (on phase) is either
the same as or less than the duration of the period of
darkness (off phase), and in which the intensity of
illumination varies from zero (off) to one-hundred percent
(100%) (on) during the programmed cycle.
2. Illusionary 1Vlovement Signs: Illuminated signs exhibiting
the illusion of movement by means of apre-programmed
repetitious sequential switching action in which illuminated
elements of the sign are turned on or off to visually
simulate the impression of motion characteristic of chasing,
running, blinking, oscillating, twinkling, scintillating, or
expanding and contracting light patterns.
Attention-getting Device: Any pennant, flag (other than those identified in
Section 6.4.4E), valance, banner, propeller, spinner, streamer, searchlight,
balloon, or similar device or ornamentation designed for or having the effect of
attracting attention, promotion or advertising visible from public right-of--way.
Banner Sign: A sign having characters, letters, illustrations or ornamentation
applied to cloth, paper or fabric, of any kind, including foil.
Ord. 07-1826
LDCA O1-07
Page 3 of 43
Bench/Bus Shelter Sign: A bench or bus shelter upon which a sign is drawn,
painted, printed, or otherwise affixed thereto, as further described in Chapter
337.408, FS.
Billboard Sign: See Off-Site Sign.
Building Frontage: The linear length of a building facing the public right-of-
way.
Building Sign: A sign displayed upon or attached to any part of the exterior of a
building, including, but not limited to, walls, e~ doors, parapets, awnings,
marquees and mansards.
Canopy or Marquee: A structure, other than an awning, made of cloth, metal or
other material with frames attached to a building and carried by a frame which
may be supported by the ground.
Canopy Sign: Any sign attached to or constructed in or on a canopy or marquee.
Changeable Copy Sign: A sign on which the copy may be manually or
electronically changed from time to time by use of changeable letters or panels.
Community Information Sign: A bulletin board for public awareness
announcements, containing no commercial advertisement.
Construction Sign: A sign, individually or jointly erected and maintained on the
premises while undergoing construction by an architect, contractor, developer,
finance organization, subcontractor or materials vendor upon which property such
individual is furnishing labor, services and/or material.
Copy: Shall mean wording, symbol or message on a sign surface either in
permanent or removable letter form.
Cutout: An extension of the permitted area of a billboard to permit more
creativity in the copy.
Depreciated Value: The value of a sign calculated by subtracting the amount of
depreciation over time from the original cost of the sign, as determined by a state
certified appraiser familiar with the valuation of signs.
Directional Sign: A sign providing direction or instruction and located entirely
on the property to which it pertains and does not advertise a business, such signs
including but not limited to, directions to restrooms; public telephones; walkways;
parking lot entrances; entrance or exit signs.
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LDCA 01-07
Page 4 of 43
Electric Sign: Any sign containing electric wiring.
Electronic Message Center (Automatic): A sign on which copy changes
automatically on a lampbank or through mechanical means.
Embellishment: Letters, figures, characters, or representations in cutouts, or
irregular forms, or similar ornaments, attached to, or superimposed upon the sign.
Erect A Sign (Erected): To construct, reconstruct, build, relocate, raise,
assembly, place, affix attach, create, paint, draw or in any other way bring into
being or establish; but it shall not include any of the foregoing activities when
performed as an incident to the change of message, or routine maintenance.
Exempt Signs: Signs exempted from normal permit requirements.
Face of Sign: The part of a sign that is or may be used for copy.
Flashing Sign: Any sign which contains an intermittent or flashing light source,
or which includes the illusion of intermittent or flashing light by means of
animation, or an externally mounted intermittent light source. Automatic
changing signs such as public service, time, temperature and date signs or
electronically controlled message centers is not classed as flashing signs.
Freestanding Sign: A sign placed, not supported permanently, upon the ground
by poles or braces and not attached to any building.
Frontage: The length of the property line of any one parcel along a public right-
of-way on which it borders.
Future Land Use: The categories or designation adopted as part of the
Longwood Comprehensive Plan. The Future Land Use categories are identified
on the Land Use Map or Future Land Use Map Series of the City Comprehensive
Plan.
Garage Sale Sign: A sign that identifies a point of sale of primarily personal
items.
Government Sign: Any temporary or permanent sign erected and maintained by
the city, county, state, or federal government, for traffic direction, or for
designation of, or direction to, any school, hospital, special event, historical site,
or public service, property or facility.
Ground Sign: A sign having no more than two (2) faces that is supported by one
or more columns, poles, or braces extended from the ground or from an object on
Ord. 07-1826
LDCA 01-07
Page 5 of 43
the ground, or that is erected on the ground, where no part of the sign is attached
to any part of a building.
Guide Sign: A sign which shows route designations, destinations, directions,
distances, services, points of interest, and other geographical, recreational, or
cultural information.
Harmful to Minors: With regard to sign content, any description or
representation, in whatever form, of nudity, sexual conduct, or sexual excitement,
when it:
1. predominately appeals to the prurient, shameful, or morbid interest
of minors in sex, and
2. is patently offensive to contemporary standards in the adult
corrumunity as a whole with respect to what is suitable sexual
material for minors, and
3. taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or
scientific value.
4. The term "harmful to minors" shall also include any non-erotic word or picture
when it:
~ 1. is patently offensive to contemporary standards in the adult
community as a whole with respect to what is suitable for viewing
by minors, and
b 2. taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or
scientific value.
Identification Sign: Is a sign that is located on property personal or real that
identifies a place that is residential and/or non-residential.
Illegal Sign: A sign which does not meet the requirements of this Code and
which has not received nonconforming status.
Illuminated Sign: A sign which is designed or arranged to reflect light from an
artificial source including indirect lighting, neon, incandescent lights, back-
lighting, and shall also include signs with reflectors that depend upon automobile
headlights for an image.
Imminent Danger or Dangerous Sign: A sign of imminent danger is a sign that
is in such disrepair or condition that it poses an immediate threat or appearance of
threat and impending injury to the health or safety of the general public. A sign
Ord. 07-1826
LDCA 01-07
Page 6 of 43
requiring removal or constant attendance to identify the danger to the
unsuspecting public prior to removal.
Incidental Sign: A small sign, emblem, or decal informing the public of goods,
facilities, or services available on the premises, e.g., a credit card sign or a sign
indicating hours of business, not intended to be read from public right-of--way.
Land Use: The development, activity, or use that has occurred on or is proposed
for the land.
Maintain a Sign: To keep a sign and/or its supporting structure in its "like"
original condition, including but not limited to structural soundness and in good
appearance.
Mansard: A sloped roof or roof-like facade architecturally comparable to a
building wall.
Marquee: See CANOPY.
Master Sign Plan: Shall consist of a comprehensive sign plan for multiple-unit
centers, to be reviewed and approved by the City prior to installation of signage,
including out parcels.
Memorial Signs: A sign erected as a remembrance of a person, event, building,
and dates of erection when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of
bronze or other incombustible materials and attached to the surface of a building
or monument.
Menu Sign: A sign commonly used for drive-through facilities.
Monument Sign: Afree-standingground mounted sign.
Multiple-unit Centers: A commercial use, i.e. any use other than residential or
agricultural, consisting of a parcel of property, or parcel of contiguous properties,
existing as a unified or coordinated project, with a building or buildings housing
three (3) or more occupants utilizing a common building entranceway or parking
area.
Nameplate Sign: Anon-electric flat wall sign identifying only the name and
occupation or profession of occupants of premises on which sign is located.
Nonconforming Sign: Any advertising structure or sign which was lawfully
erected and maintained prior to such time as it came within the purview of this
Section and any amendments thereto, and which fails to conform to all applicable
regulations and restrictions of this chapter.
Ord. 07-1826
LDCA 01-07
Page 7 of 43
Occupant/Occupancy: Shall mean any non-residential use.
Occupational Signs: A sign identifying only the name and occupation or
profession of occupants of premises on which the sign is located.
Off Site Directional Sign: A sign which advertises or identifies a use,
establishment, development, project, commodity, service, activity, or identity
which is not directly related to or associated with the property on which the sign
is located. These sign are intended to provide directional assistance to access an
event conveniently and safely.
OffSite Sign: (This terns also includes signs commonly known as advertising
signs, billboards and posterboards.) A permanent sign which directs attention to a
product or service, including entertainment or candidacy, for which product or
service is not available for sale or performance on the site where the sign is
located.
On-Site Sign: A sign that pertains to the use of the premises and/or property on
which it is located.
Owner: The person holding the fee-simple title to the property upon which a sign
is located for which a permit is required.
Parcel: A unit of land within legally established property lines. If, however, the
property lines are such as to defeat the purposes of this Code or lead to absurd
results, a "parcel" may be as designated for a particular site by the City
Administrator or his designee.
Political Sign: A sign concealing candidacy for public office or urging action on
any ballot issue in a forthcoming public election, or pertaining to or advocating
political views or policies.
Portable Sign: A sign that may be hauled or towed from one location to another,
is self-supporting and, when placed, is not permanently attached to the ground or
a building.
Poster Board Sign: See off-site sign
Property Owner of Record: The property owner of record shall be the name
that is listed on the latest Seminole County Tax Records or a new owner in
possession of a recorded deed, closing statement, or title insurance for the subject
property.
Ord. 07-1826
LDCA 01-07
Page 8 of 43
Real Estate Sign: A sign erected by the owner or his agent, advertising real
property upon which the sign is located, for rent, for lease or for sale.
Regulatory Sign: A sign providing notice of traffic laws or regulations.
Safe or Secure Sign: A sign installed and constructed in accordance with the
adopted building codes as required, design criteria of a licensed engineer as
required, or good construction practice as accepted by the City Building Official
when a permit is not required, and where all parts are securely attached and
properly attached. This may include but is not limited to Sign Structure, Sign
Face, Sign Panels, or Electrical hook-up or connection.
Sign: Any writing, pictorial presentation, number, illustration, or decoration,
flag, banner or pennant, attention getting device, or other device which is used to
announce, direct attention to, identify, advertise or otherwise make anything
known.
Sign Contractor, Incensed: One who is licensed and/or registered to perform
sign construction and erection, by appropriate city or county agencies and
registered with the State of Florida, Division of Business Regulation, as required.
Sign Face: The part of a sign that is or may be used for copy.
Sign Structure: Any construction used or designed to support a sign.
Snipe Sign: A temporary sign or poster affixed to a tree, fence, utility pole, etc.
Store Display Window: A window that is enclosed and specifically designed to
display products that are viewed from outside of the store. The window is
enclosed on the inside of the store and view from the outside into the store is
normally obscured. Visibility from the outside is not required nor will it affect
security of the facility. Displays shall not include moving or flashing lights that
are visible from the public right-of--ways.
Store Front Window: A window that is not enclosed on the inside and is
designed so that the inside of the store area is able to be viewed from the outside
and or viewed from the inside out.
Street: A public or private right of way for vehicular traffic.
Street Banner: A banner sign stretched across and/or hung over a public right-
of-way.
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LDCA 01-07
Page 9 of 43
Subdivision (Residential or lion-residential) Entrance Sign: A free standing
or wall sign that designates the name of the subdivision or development and is
located at or in close proximity to the entrance.
TeYnporary Sign: A sign designed and constructed, not permitted to be
permanently affixed and is intended for a short term basis only, in accordance
with this Code.
Tenant: One who has the occupation or temporary possession of lands or
tenements of another.
Trailer Sign: See PORTABLE SIGN.
Tri-vision Sign: A sign made with a series of triangular vertical sections that
turn and stop, or index, to show different pictures or messages in the same area.
>(Jnlawful Sign: A sign which contravenes this Article or which the enforcement
officer may declare as unlawful if it becomes dangerous to public safety by reason
of dilapidation, abandonment, or a nonconforming sign for which a pei7nit
required under a previous ordinance was not obtained.
~Jnsafc or tJnsccured Sign: A sign that according to the City Building Official
appears to be in disrepair and does not meet the minimum requirement of, good
construction practice, or the adopted building codes, and has the potential, if not
repaired, to become a dangerous sign to the general public health or safety. This
may included but not limited to Sign Structure, Sign Face, Sign Panels, or
Electrical hook-up or connection.
"V" Sign: A sign consisting of two (2) essentially equal faces, positioned at an
angle subtending less than one-hundred seventy-nine (179) degrees.
Vehicle Sign: Any sign affixed to a vehicle.
Wall Sign: A single-face sign mounted, attached to, affixed to, or painted on the
exterior wall of a building or structure in a plane parallel to that of the supporting
wall.
Warning Signs: A sign which calls attention to conditions on, or adjacent to, a
highway or street that is potentially hazardous to traffic operations.
Window Sign: A sign installed inside, or painted on a window and intended to
be viewed from the outside.
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LDCA 01-07
Page 10 of 43
6.1.5 1Vleasurement Determinations
A. Distance Between Signs
The minimum required distance between signs shall be as identified within
this Code.
B. Facade Area
The facade area shall be measured by determining the area within atwo-
dimensional geometric figure coinciding with the edges of the walls,
windows, doors, parapets, marquees, and mansards of greater than forty-
five (45) degrees that form a side of a building or unit.
C. Sign Area
1. Generally
The area of a sign shall be the area within the smallest square,
rectangle, parallelogram, triangle, circle or semicircle, the sides of
which touch the extreme points or edges of the sign face.
2. Special Situations
a. Where a sign is composed of letters or pictures attached
directly to a facade, window, door, or marquee, and the
letters or pictures are not enclosed by a border or trimming,
the sign area shall be the area within the smallest rectangle,
parallelogram, triangle, circle or semicircle, the sides of
which touch the extreme points of the letters or pictures as
a whole.
b. Where four sign faces are arranged in a square, rectangle,
or diamond, the area of the sign shall be the area of the two
largest faces.
c. Where a sign is in the form of athree-dimensional object,
the area shall be determined by drawing a square, rectangle,
parallelogram, triangle, circle or semicircle, the sides of
which touch the extreme points or edges of the projected
image of the sign and multiplying that area by two (2). The
"projected image" is that created by tracing the largest
possible two-dimensional outline of the sign.
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LDCA 01-07
Page 11 of 43
D. Number of Signs
1. In general, the number of signs shall be the number of non-
contiguous sign faces. Multiple non-contiguous sign faces may be
counted as a single sign if all the sign faces are included in the
geometric figure used for determining the sign area.
2. Where two sign faces are placed back to back and are at no point
more than two (2) feet apart, it shall be counted as one sign.
3. If a sign has four (4) faces arranged in a square, rectangle or
diamond, it shall be counted as two (2) signs.
E. Height of Sign
The vertical distance measured from the highest point of the sign,
excluding decorative embellishments, to the elevation of the crown of the
adjacent street or the elevation of the finished first floor of the buildin
that the sign serves, whichever is higher.
6.1.6 Nonconforming Signs
A. Determination of Legal Nonconformity
Existing signs, excluding off-site signs (see OFF SITE SIGNS non-
conforming this Section), that do not conform to the specific provisions of
the Code may be eligible for the designation "legal nonconforming"
provided that:
1. Signs are properly maintained and do not in any way endanger the
public.
2. The sign was installed in conformance with a valid permit or
variance, or complied with all applicable laws on the date of
installation.
B. Loss of Legal Nonconforming Status
A legal nonconforming sign may lose this designation and become illegal if:
1. The sign is relocated or replaced without proper approval.
2. The structure or size of the sign is altered in any way except
toward compliance with this Ordinance. This does not refer to
change of copy or maintenance.
C. Maintenance and Repair of Nonconforming Signs
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LDCA 01-07
Page 12 of 43
The legal nonconforming sign is subject to all requirements of this Code
regarding safety, maintenance, and repair. However, if the sign suffers
damage that accounts for a reduction in depreciated value of more than
fifty percent (50%)~m~~~ e~ u,,t,,lio=ate, as based on appraisal by a
state certified appraiser familiar with the valuation of signs, it must be
brought mto conformance with this Code or removed.
6.1.7 Illegal Signs
Existing illegal signs shall, upon adoption of this Code, be subject to Code
Enforcement proceedings.
6.1.8 Size Limitations
No signs of any type shall exceed the requirements of this Code.
6.1.9 Interpretation
The regulation of signs is intended to restrict the proliferation of signs and to
encourage use of architecturally compatible signs as much as possible.
6.1.10 Content of Signs
Notwithstanding any other provision of these sign regulations, a sign that may
display "advertising," as defined herein, may instead carry any non-commercial
message so long as the message is not "harmful to minors" as defined herein.
6.2.0 PROHIBITED SIGNS
6.2.1 Generally
It shall be unlawful to erect. cause to be erected, maintain or cause to be
maintained, any sign not expressly authorized by, or exempted from, this Code.
6.2.2 Specifically
The following signs are expressly prohibited unless exempted by this Code or
expressly authorized by this Code:
A. Signs that are in violation of the building code or electrical code as
adopted by the City of Longwood.
B. Any sign that, in the opinion of the qualified desi~anated city representative
does or will constitute a safety hazard.
Ord. 07-1826
LDCA 01-07
Page 13 of 43
C. Portable signs, blank or otherwise, that are not authorized by a current sign
permit.
D. Signs with visible flashing, moving, revolving, or rotating parts or visible
mechanical movement of any description or other apparent visible
movement achieved by electrical, electronic, or mechanical means, except
for traditional barber poles and permitted electronic message centers.
E. Signs with the optical illusion of movement by means of a design that
presents a pattern capable of giving the illusion of motion or changing of
copy.
F. Signs with lights or illuminations that flash, move, rotate, scintillate, blink,
flicker, or vary in intensity or color except for time-temperature-date
signs.
G. Strings of light bulbs used on commercially developed parcels for
commercial purposes, other than traditional holiday decorations, not to
exceed thirty days before and after the holiday to which the lights relate,
and those completely attached to primary structure and those used for
landscaping enhancement.
H. Signs, commonly referred to as wind signs, consisting of flags, pennants,
ribbons, spinners, streamers or captive balloons, or other objects or
material fastened in such a manner as to move upon being by wind ~le~s
:~a:°°*°a ~'°a° are prohibited as permanent signs.
I. Signs that are attention-getting devices which incorporate projected
images or emit any sound, odor, or visible matter, such as smoke or steam,
that is intended to attract attention or suns that involve the use of live
animals.
J. Signs attached to the roof of any building or attached to the building
which project above the roof or are suspended above the roof.
K. Signs or sign structures that interfere in any way with free use of any fire
escape, emergency exit, or standpipe, or that obstruct any window so that
security visibility is hampered.
L. Signs that resemble any official sign or marker erected by any
governmental agency, or that by reason of position, shape, or color, would
conflict with the proper functioning of any traffic sign or signal, or be of a
size, location, movement, content, color, or illumination that may be
confused with or construed as atraffic-control device. Signs, within ten
(10) feet of public right of way or within one hundred (100) feet of traffic-
Ord. 07-1826
LDCA 01-07
Page 14 of 43
control lights, that contain red or green lights that might be confused with
traffic control lights.
M. Signs that obstruct the vision of pedestrians, cyclists, or motorists
traveling on or entering public streets. Also, signs that are of such intensity
or brilliance as to cause glare or impair the vision of any motorist, cyclist,
or pedestrian using or entering a public way, or that are a hazard or a
nuisance to occupants of any property because of glare or other
characteristics.
n » n n n n
Non-governmental signs that use the words stop , look , danger , or
any similar word, phrase, or symbol that resemble official governmental
signs.
O. A sign that contains any lighting or control mechanism that causes
unreasonable interference with radio, television or other communication
signals.
P. Signs that are painted, pasted, or printed on any curbstone, flagstone,
pavement, or any portion of any sidewalk or street, except house numbers
and traffic control signs.
Q. Signs placed upon benches, bus shelters or waste receptacles, except as
may be authorized in writing pursuant to this Code or to §337.408, Florida
Statutes, or as may be amended from time to time.
R. Sign erected on public property, or on private property (such as private
utility poles) located on public property, other than signs erected by public
authority for public purposes and signs authorized in writing pursuant to
§337.407, Florida Statutes, or as may be amended from time to time.
S. Signs erected over, on or across any public street except as may otherwise
be expressly authorized by this Code, and except governmental signs
erected by or on the order of the C~ Administrator.
T. Vehicle signs with a total sign area on any vehicle in excess of ten (10)
square feet,. when the vehicle:
1. is parked for more than sixty consecutive minutes within one
hundred (100) feet of any street right of way;
2. is visible from the street right of way that the vehicle is within one
hundred (100) feet of; and
Ord. 07-1826
LDCA 01-07
Page 15 of 43
3. is not regularly used in the conduct of the business advertised on
the vehicle. A vehicle used primarily for advertising, or for the
purpose of providing transportation for owners or employees of the
occupancy advertised on the vehicle, shall not be considered a
vehicle used in the conduct of the business.
U. Any non-government sign placed in public right-of--way with number or
address indicating any activity at another location, unless approved by the
C~ Administrator.
V. "A-Frame" (Sandwich Board) or sidewalk type signs.
W. A sign displaying copy that is "harmful to minors" as defined herein.
X. Snipe signs.
Y. Pole signs.
Z. Neon lighting on signs or buildings except "open" signs
AA. Balloon or inflatable signs as Dermanent signs
6.3.0 PERMITTING REQUIREMENTS
6.3.1 Fees
The fee for matters included in this Section shall be as provided in this Code.
6.3.2 Exempt Signs
Signs of the following categories and the listed operations pertaining to signs shall
not require the issuance of permits provided such signs and operations conform
with provisions contained herein and to all other building, structural and
electrical standards and regulations of the City of Longwood.
A. Signs that are not designed or located so as to be visible or read from any
street or adjoining property.
B. Signs of four (4) square feet or less and signs that include no letters,
symbols, logos or designs in excess of two (2) inches in vertical or
horizontal dimension, provided that such sign, or combination of such
signs, does not constitute a sign prohibited by this Code. (e.g., name plate
sign, occupation sign, etc., to be located in the proximity of the main
entrance of the building).
Ord. 07-1826
LDCA 01-07
Page 16 of 43
C. Non-advertising signs necessary to promote health, safety and welfare,
and other regulatory, statutory, traffic control or directional signs erected
on public property with permission as appropriate from the United States
of America, State of Florida, County of Seminole, or the City of
Longwood.
D. Legal notices and official instruments.
E. Decorative flags and bunting for a celebration, convention, or
commemoration of significance to the entire community when authorized
by the City Commission for a prescribed period of time.
F. Merchandise displays behind Store Front or Store Display Windows is
allowed so long as no part of the display moves or contains flashing lights
and visible from the street.
G. Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and dates of erection when
cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or other
incombustible materials and attached to the surface of a building.
H. Signs incorporated into machinery or equipment by a manufacturer or
distributor, which identify or advertise only the product or service
dispensed by the machine or equipment, such as signs customarily affixed
to vending machines, newspaper racks, telephone booths, and gasoline
pumps.
I. Holiday decorations. Signs of a primarily decorative nature, clearly
incidental and customary and commonly associated with any national,
local or religious holiday; provided that such signs shall be displayed for a
period of not more than thirty (30) consecutive days or more than sixty
(60) days in any one year. Such signs shall be set back ten (10) feet from
all boundary lines of the lot on which displayed, provided that a clear area
be maintained to a height of six (6) feet, within fifty-five (55) feet of the
intersection of two (2) rights-of--way. Holiday lights and decorations in
windows shall not exceed forty percent (40%) of window area.
J. Identifying signs located on taxicabs, buses, trailers, trucks, or vehicle
bumpers.
K. Public warning signs to indicate, but not limited to, the dangers of
trespassing, swimming, animals or similar hazards, not to exceed four (4)
square feet.
L. Works of art that do not constitute advertising and approved by the City.
Ord. 07-1826
LDCA 01-07
Page 17 of 43
M. Utility Signs: Public utility signs that identify the location of underground
utility lines and facilities, high voltage lines and facilities, and other utility
facilities and appurtenances are permitted provided they do not exceed
three (3) feet in height, and provided the sign face does not exceed one
half (%2) square foot.
N. Traffic control devices (signs) erected on public property, including
Regulatory Signs to be individually erected on separate posts; Warning
and Guide Signs not to exceed two (2) signs per post and six (6) square
feet each in size. Such signs shall be located so as to not obscure each
other or be hidden from view by other roadside objects. Signs requiring
different decisions by the vehicle operator must be spaced sufficiently
apart for the required decisions to be made safely.
O. Identification signs at the entrance drive of single-family residences or
estates, which do not exceed two (2) square feet in area.
P. Bench/Bus Shelter Signs authorized by the City's agreement with the
Jaycees dated February 4, 1991.
6.3.3 Permits
A. When provisions of this Code are in violation, no building permit or
local business tax receipt shall be issued until
violations have been corrected.
B. No sign or sign structure shall be hereinafter erected, maintained,
substantially altered, displayed, or changed, except exempt signs as
provided herein, until after a permit has been issued, if required.
Repainting nor changing the message of a changeable copy sign or the
sign panel of an existing permitted sign shall not be considered a
substantial alteration and would not require a permit. Maintenance of sign
components including but not limited to: lamps, ballast, transformers and
other components will not require a permit under this Section. Any
change of electrical service, feeder line replacement or structural repairs
will require a permit as provided for by SBCCI.
C. The application for a sign permit shall be set forth in writing and shall
provide the construction information required by the Standard Building
Codes as adopted by the City of Longwood.
D. All Permanent Signs and signs ten (10) square feet and larger shall require
a permit be issued or approval as applicable, per City codes
Ord. 07-1826
LDCA 01-07
Page 18 of 43
E. In addition to any fees required for construction and/or electrical permits,
applicants for sign permits shall pay the sign permit fee or other fees
required by this Code.
F. A sign erected, altered, displayed or substantially changed without a
permit is an illegal sign and shall be subject to penalties set forth.
G. All sign permit applications shall contain the following information:
1. A sign application which shall be provided by the City and is to be
completed by the applicant. Application shall be complete for the
City to process.
2. Name, address, telephone number and signature of the owner of
the site granting permission for the construction, operation,
maintenance or displaying of sign or sign structure. An authorized
agent representing the owner of the site may with proper
documentation act in the absence of the owner.
3. Two copies of a sketch, blueprint, blueline print or similar
presentation drawn to scale and dimensioned, showing elevations
of the sign as proposed. Sign elevation drawing, showing
minimum distance from bottom of sign to the ground, dimensions
of the sign and design of sign as it relates to the building(s) on the
property.
4. Site plans or survey showing the scaled location of signs in relation
to the street and building on the property. The site plan shall
include legal description and street address of premises or property
upon which sign is to be located and the location of the sign.
5. The approximate value of the sign to be installed, including
installation cost.
6. Type of sign for which a permit is being sought.
7. Type of materials of which the signs will be composed.
8. If applicable, information regarding how the sign is to be lighted,
the intensity of the lighting and any off-site glare that will occur.
9. For signs over thirty-two (32) square feet or
monument signs over ten 10) feet in height a copy of stress
sheets and calculations shall be required indicating that the sign is
Ord. 07-1826
LDCA 01-07
Page 19 of 43
properly designed for required loads and wind pressures in any
direction, as may be required by the Building Division.
10. A copy of the current Ci ~ ~*~~r~' T ~ local business tax
receipt and Certificate of Use as required, that establishes the
location of the place of business, or for those establishments that
do not require art local business tax receipt i.e.
place of worship, or organizations (i.e. VFW, Masons, etc.). The
organization must be clearly established at the location of the
placement of the sign location by a formal document (i.e. lease,
deed, etc.).
11. An on-site, whether permanent or temporary, sign permit shall not
be issued for any business which does not have a current C-i-t~
V V~+Ut./Ul1lJ1
"'znriiccir5c local business tax receipt.
12. Sign Permits shall only be issued to a licensed sign contractor, or
the building owner in accordance with applicable codes.
6.4.0 PERMITTED PERMANENT ON-SITE SIGNS
6.4.1 Sign Types Allowed
A pernanent sign may be a gee monument sign or X1-1 building sign.
6.4.2 Permissible Number, Area, Spacing, and Height of Permanent Signs
A. ~l~ Building Signs
The criteria shall be determined according to the appropriate land use
district.
B. Gee-u-n~ Monument Signs
The permissible number, area, spacing and height of permanent g~emtd
monument signs shall be determined according to the appropriate land use
district.
6.4.3 Permitted Signs in Land Use Districts
A. Residential Land Use Districts: LDR and MDR
Signs are allowed, as follows in LDR and MDR land use districts with an
approved sign permit where required:
Ord. 07-1826
LDCA 01-07
Page 20 of 43
1. One (1) subdivision identification per entrance in accordance with
subdivision plan approval on each side of the entrance or one (1)
sign in median, not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet.
2. For permitted non-residential within a LDR or MDR district shall
be limited to sixteen (16) square feet with a maximum height of six
(6) feet. This does not include home local
business tax receipts.
3. Such signs shall be maintained perpetually by the developer, the
owner of the sign, permanent owners' association, or some other
person who is legally accountable under a maintenance
arrangement approved by the owner/developer/association. If no
ae+le person accepts legal responsibility to maintain the
signs and no other provision has been made for the maintenance of
them, the developer or owner shall remove the signs.
4. In residential districts where a subdivision is being developed or
offered for sale, one (1) combination real estate and identification
sign, maximum size of sixty-four (64) square feet, may be erected
on the property which is being developed or offered for sale until
such time as the subdivision is completed.
B. Commercial and Industrial Land Use Districts: GC, Demme
Mixed Use and IND.
Signs are allowed, as follows in UC, De~tar~ Mixed Use and 1ND land
use districts with an approved sign permit where required:
1. Permitted mall building signs and one (1) gFeund monument sign
per parcel, calculated at a total of twe-E~ one 1 square foot in
sign area for each linear foot of addressed building frontage shall
be allowed up to a maximum of one hundred (100 square feet.
2. One changeable copy sign or electronic message center (EMC), not
to exceed twenty-four (24) square feet may be included on the
primary sign structure but not included as part of the overall
allowable signage square feet. When this sign has been allowed,
portable signs shall be prohibited on the site.
3. Height shall be determined as follows, *_~.-~°n fifteen (15)
feet, provided visibility ensures no obstruction for passing traffic.
4. Any special sign regulations adopted, as part of the Historic
Land Use District regulations shall override these
regulations.
Ord. 07-1826
LDCA 01-07
Page 21 of 43
C. Historic Land Use District A~er4&y
Additional criteria and/or restrictions for this dot land use may be
found within the Historic District Codebook.
6.4.4 Specially Regulated Signs
A. Automotive Service Station and/or Convenience Store with Fuel
Dispense Station Signs
Signs for an automotive service station shall be limited as follows:
1 • ~ Monument and wall bui_Idir~ signs as set forth in the
appropriate land use district in this Code. Product or service
advertising shall be an integral part of grid monument sign.
2. Canopy signs. Two (2) standard logo signs not to exceed four (4)
square feet per sign.
3. Gasoline pump sign. Signs on gasoline pumps must be an integral
part of the pump structure.
4. Rack or cabinet signs. Includes those signs that are an integral part
of a rack or cabinet, such as display of oil, wiper blades, etc.
5. No sign for an automotive service station shall be placed, painted
or otherwise erected on any buffer wall.
6. No sign shall be freestanding and visible from the adjacent streets.
B. Place of Worship Signs
Place of Worship signs shall be permitted in accordance with the
following:
l . Height shall not exceed ten (10) feet but may extend to a maximum
of twelve (12) feet with embellishments in residential districts.
2. Total sign area for g~eu~ monument and ir~al} bui~ signs shall
not exceed ti=e-{~}-sq~e..~~ one (1 ~s~uaze foot of addressed
building frontage.
3. Changeable copy area, not to exceed twenty-four (24) square feet
may be included in addition to the allowable signage, on the
Ord. 07-1826
LDCA 01-07
Page 22 of 43
primary sign structure. When this sign has been allowed, portable
signs shall be prohibited on the site.
C. Community Information Signs
Are intended to provide general information to the general public or
specific neighborhood or use.
1. Subdivision Information Signs: Changeable subdivision
information messages may be permitted in any residential district
provided it does not exceed six (6) square feet in copy area. This
sign shall be so placed and located that the sign shall only be read
from within the subdivision that it serves. Location of the sign to
be approved by the City with a permit without a fee.
2. Outdoor Recreation Field Signs: Patron advertising signs at ball
fields, such signs to be attached to fence surrounding field, with
placement allowed only on inside of fence with sign copy area
facing inward.
3. Recreation Event Signs: One recreation event sign, intended to
provide information about events held at the recreation site may be
permitted at the entrance of recreation site or parks, provided it
does not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in copy area.
D. Directional Signs
1. On-site Directional Signs
On-site directional signs at each access drive may be permitted in
multi-family and non-residential areas and are limited in area to
two (2) square feet, including embellishments, giving directions to
motorists regarding the location of parking areas. These signs
shall be permitted as permanent signs on all parcels and shall not
be counted as part of the allowable sign area for that parcel. Signs
shall not be placed within any public right-of--way.
2. Off-site Directional Signs
All off-site directional signs shall require #~e approval by the C~
Administrator, for the following guidelines and requirements:
a. Off-site directional signs may be permitted in all land use
districts.
b. The maximum copy area of an off-site directional sign is
six (6) square feet. Any applicant requesting a sign large
Ord. 07-1826
LDCA 01-07
Page 23 of 43
than allowed shall provide acceptable justification for signs
and their size.
c. The maximum height of an off-site directional sign shall be
seven (7) feet.
d. An off-site directional sign shall be located only in the
locations approved, otherwise it shall be considered an
illegal sign.
e. An off-site directional sign are is to be set back at least five
(5) feet from any right-of--way line. Any applicant
requesting a sign location other than allowed shall provide
acceptable justification for sign location.
f. Only one (1) off-site directional sign may be allowed or
permitted per parcel with written permission from the
property owner.
E. Flags
Flags are allowed to show Nation, State, and/or Organization patronage. A
flag shall not include any device used for advertising that falls under the
definition of banner or pennant. No more than four (4) flags will be
allowed on any one General Commercial or Industrial property. The
number of flags shall not be restricted on Residential properties. Flags
shall not be longer than 1/3 the total height of the flag pole. On General
Commercial and Industrial property, flag poles shall be no taller than
thirty-five (35) feet measured from grade of the land at the base of the pole
to the top of the pole. On Residential property flag poles shall be no taller
than twenty (20) feet.
F. Window Signs
Signs may be placed on windows, granted that no more than '~--•m~e~,
twenty-five (25~ percent of the window shall be
obstructed by anv obiect at any time Visibility into the interior of the
building at pedestrian height must be maintained at all times. Window
signs shall not be included in the allowable area of signage.
G. Time-Temperature-Date Signs
Time-temperature-date signs are permitted as a permanent accessory sign
on non-residential developed parcels notwithstanding the general
prohibition on changing signs. These signs may only display numerical
information in an easily comprehensible way and shall be kept accurate.
They may be g~eu~ monument or building signs, and are subject to the
Ord. 07-1826
LDCA 01-07
Page 24 of 43
regulations applicable to such signs. They shall not be counted as part of
an allowable sign area.
H. Multiple Unit Centers
1. A Master Sign Plan (see Section 6.7.5) that identifies a
comprehensive sign plan including a unified theme of sign type
and style shall be required with application for all new or
redeveloped centers in accordance within the guidelines of this
Code.
2. Total Signage shall be calculated at ~e-(~) one 1 square €eet foot
per linear foot of address building frontage.
3. One (1) grew monument sign per entrance that will primarily
identify the center by name, and may also identify individual
tenants.
4. d Monument signs shall not exceed a height of ~aae~}-fie
fifteen (15) feet, measured in accordance with height
definition.
5. One changeable copy sign, not to exceed thirty-two (32) square
feet may be included on the primary sign structure but not included
as part of the overall allowable Signage square feet. When this
sign has been allowed, portable signs shall be prohibited on the
site.
6. Each tenant shall be allowed at least one (1) wufi {buildings sign.
7. A comprehensive sign plan shall be submitted prior to any sign
permit being issued and each permit application shall be in
accordance with comprehensive sign plan with authorization of the
property owner, or designated representative, prior to issuance of
permit.
I. Electronic Message Centers (EMC)
1. Are intended to replace changeable copy and portable signs and are
only allowed as described within this code. EMC's shall not
change their message more than once every five (5) minutes.
Ord. 07-1826
LDCA 01-07
Page 25 of 43
6.5.0 OFF-SITE SIGNS
6.5.1 Generally
A. Where Allowed
Off-site signs are allowed in General Commercial and Industrial as
designated on the Future Land Use Map of the City of Longwood. Off-
site signs are prohibited in the Historic Land Use District Ovc-ri~~ of
the City of Longwood.
B. Number of Off-Site Signs
The total number of billboards/posterboards within the City of Longwood
shall not exceed nineteen (19). This limitation shall apply to the total
Billboards and Posterboards together as defined in this Section of the City
Code,
C. Non-Conforming Off-Site Signs
Billboards that become non-conforming for any reason on the effective
date of this Chapter will be a legal non-conforming use, except as
described herein. Non-conforming Billboards of wood construction or
multi-pole design may be reconstructed to a steel monopole design as long
as no other non-conformities of that sign are increased.
D. Billboard -Sign Agreements
The purpose of this Section is to provide the process and criteria whereby
the City and a sign applicant may enter into an agreement to comply with
the requirements of this article. The agreement process may also be used
to relocate any billboards made non-conforming by adoption of this
article. However, if an existing billboard is removed and no agreement to
replace the billboard has been established the total allowable billboards
within the City shall automatically be reduced by that number (see Section
6.5.1 B).
6.5.2 Design Requirements
A. Supporting Structure
Only a single supporting structure (monopole) shall be allowed for off-site
signs. No portion of the supporting structure shall be visible above any
advertising display area.
B. Single Faced Billboards
Ord. 07-1826
LDCA 01-07
Page 26 of 43
An off-site sign structure shall be single faced, reading from the same
direction, but may have two faces back to back providing the face
structure shall have advertising surfaces of equal size and shape.
C. Double Faced Billboards
For the purposes of this Code, the following types of billboards shall be
considered double-faced:
1. An off-site sign structure where the signs are placed back to back,
as long as the backs of the signs are not separated by more than
forty-eight (48) inches.
2. An off-site sign structure when constructed in the form of a "V"
when viewed from above, provided the internal angle at the apex is
not greater than fort13X-five (45) degrees and the off-site sign
structure is not separated by more than thirty-six (36) inches at the
apex of the "V".
D. Tri-vision and Computerized Message Type Off-Site Signs
Tri-vision and computerized message type signs will be permitted if the
sign does not function in a manner that is distracting to vehicular traffic or
adjoining properties and meets the sign standards set for off-site signs in
this Code.
E. Advertising Surfaces
No more than two (2)-advertising surfaces shall be allowed per sign. No
more than two (2) contiguous advertising surfaces shall be allowed per
sign face.
F. Content
Off-site signs may display any message in conformance with this Code.
G. Maintenance
All billboards, including their supports, braces, guide wires and anchors,
shall be maintained so as to ensure the structural integrity of the sign.
Painted areas and sign surfaces shall be kept in good working condition,
and illumination, if provided, shall be maintained in safe and good
working order.
H. Landscaping
For all new Off-site (Billboard or Posterboard) signs at the date of this
Code~the following landscaping will be required.
1. Evergreen shrubbery and trees natural to the area, resistant to frost
damage and drought shall be provided to enhance the appearance
of the off-site sign on any highway being served by said sign. A
Ord. 07-1826
LDCA 01-07
Page 27 of 43
landscape plan shall be submitted to the City for review and
approval. Approval or denial shall be determined in accordance
with this Code.
2. It shall be the responsibility of the owner of the
property to maintain landscaping in a healthy condition so as to
present a neat, healthy, and orderly appearance free of refuse and
debris.
3. Failure to provide proper maintenance shall incur a penalty or
other appropriate sanction in accordance with City codes.
I. Maximum Size
No permanent off-site sign may exceed six hundred seventy-two (672)
square feet in size per face. An additional one hundred (100) square feet
may be used for cutouts provided the height is not increased by more than
five (5) feet nor the width more than two (2) feet on each side.
J. Maximum Height
No penllanent off-site sign, or combination of signs, may exceed fifty (50)
feet in height from the crown of road intended to be viewed from. The
bottom of the sign nor the structure shall be less than 30 feet above the
crown of road.
K. Maximum Width
No permanent off-site sign, or combination of signs, may exceed fifty (50)
feet in width.
L. Attention Getting Devices
No off-site sign shall have any animated or other related attention getting
devices on the sign face per this Code, unless approved by the
Commission. Changeable copy signs including Tri-vision, Three
Dimensional and Cutouts as provided in this Article are exempt from this
provision, provided they meet the requirements stated within this Code.
6.5.3 Location Requirements
A. Spacing
No permanent off-site sign may be closer than one thousand (1,000) feet
on the same side of the roadway from any other off-site sign. Spacing
shall be determined based on signs that have received the necessary City
or County and State permit, and signs having received prior authorization
shall have priority over a later applicant in determining compliance with
the spacing restrictions.
Ord. 07-1826
LDCA 01-07
Page 28 of 43
B. Front Setbacks
All off-site signs shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from side lot
lines, and 15 feet from a side property line running along a right of way.
C. Side Setbacks
All off-site signs shall be set back a minimum of twenty-five (25) feet
from the side property line when located at an intersection.
D. Separation From Residential Districts
No off-site sign shall be allowed within seventy-five (75) feet of the
nearest property line of any residential district.
E. Prohibited Locations for Off-Site Signs
1. Billboards shall be prohibited from locating within any area
designated as Dew, Public, Institutional, Conservation,
Mixed-Use, Low Density Residential, or Medium Density
Residential on the Future Land Use Map. Except as provided in
this Code, billboards also shall be prohibited from locating in any
of the following areas:
a. Within two-hundred fifty (250) feet of any parcel
designated as Downtown Historic on the Future Land Use
Map.
b. The east side of CR 427 between the south side of Lyman
High School and the south right-of--way line of East Maine
Ave.
c. The west side of CR 427 from the East Lake Ditch to 300
feet north of Blackwater Place.
2. Billboards shall not be attached to any building roof, but may be
cantilevered above a roof with proof of acceptance by the property
and building owner.
6.5.4 Posterboard Type Off-Site Sign
A. Maximum Height
The maximum height of a Posterboard shall be eighteen (18) feet from the
crown of the adjacent road to the top of the sign, unless adjacent to a
railroad right-of--way. Posterboards adjacent to railroad rights-of--way
Ord. 07-1826
LDCA 01-07
Page 29 of 43
shall be limited to twenty-one (21) feet in height measured from the top of
sign to the crown of the railroad bed.
B. Setbacks
A Posterboard shall not be closer than five (5) feet from a railroad right-
of-way, public right-of--way, or twenty five (25) feet from any other
property line as measured from the leading edge of the board. Providing
that the sign does not encroach into the site line visibility of any Public
Street or private driveway.
C. Maximum Size
No Posterboard off-site sign shall exceed seventy-five (75) square feet in
size per face.
D. Minimum Spacing
Minimum spacing between Posterboards shall be five-hundred (500) feet
on the same side of the roadway and one thousand (1000) feet from a
billboard on a Federal Aid Program roadway.
E. Sign Faces
A Posterboard shall have only one (1) sign face reading in the same
direction, but may have two (2) faces back to back of the same size.
F. Sign Structure
All Posterboards shall be mounted on a single steel monopole capable of
withstanding one-hundred (100) mile per hour wind load.
G. Where Allowed
Posterboards are prohibited within any area designated as avert,
Public/Institutional, Conservation, Mixed-Use, Low Density Residential
or Medium Density Residential on the Future Land Use Map.
Posterboards shall be prohibited from locating within two-hundred (200)
feet of any parcel designated as LDR or MDR on the Future Land Use
Map; or within five-hundred (500) feet of any parcel designated as
Historic 9~te~l&~ Land Use District on the Future Land Use Map; or within
two-hundred (200) feet of a public school or public park.
H. Non-Conforming
Posterboards that become non-conforming for any reason on the effective
date of this Chapter will be a legal non-conforming use, except as
described herein. Non-conforming Posterboards of wood construction or
multi-pole design may be reconstructed to a steel monopole design as long
as no other non-conformities of that sign are increased.
Ord. 07-1826
LDCA 01-07
Page 30 of 43
6.5.5 Permit Requirements
A. Generally
An application form (provided by the City) shall be completed providing
the information as described in the Permitting Requirements of this
Section in addition to the following.
B. Required Submittals
1. At the time of building permit application all billboards shall have
stress sheets and calculations required indicating that the sign is
properly designed for required loads and wind pressures in any
direction, as may be required by the Building Division. The
structural plans shall be signed and sealed by a structural engineer
licensed in the state of Florida. A building and electrical permit
will be required.
2. A copy of the lease of the property or a notarized authorization
from the property owner, where the off-site sign is to be installed.
3. A detailed plot plan showing legal description, all existing
structures or improvements and sign location with all appropriate
dimensions.
4. Construction drawings, when determined by the Building Division,
must be sealed and conform to the Standard Building Code by a
Licensed State of Florida Engineering or Architect.
5. Landscape plan and all other applicable requirements of this Code.
6. Certified current survey by a registered land surveyor is required.
Survey is to identify locations of the closest off-site billboard signs
on the road or roads that the billboard faces. (Survey may identify
that there are no billboards within 1000 plus feet of the proposed
billboard.)
7. All proper permits required from the City, County, State, andlor
Federal Government shall be on file with the City of Longwood
prior to the beginning of any off-site sign construction.
Ord. 07-1826
LDCA 01-07
Page 31 of 43
6.6.0 TEMPORARY SIGNS
6.6.1 Generally
A. Permitting
1. Temporary signs are allowed throughout the City of Longwood,
subject to a temporary sign permit, fee and to the restrictions
imposed by this Section and other relevant parts of this Code.
2. Each business advertising on a common temporary sign shall be
required to submit a separate application, pay a separate fee and be
subject to all the requirements of this Chapter.
3. A temporary sign pernlit may be granted for any period deemed
reasonable for a parcel not to exceed thirty (30) days, with a
minimum of ninety (90) days between pernlits. If there are
multiple businesses on a parcel, the full ninety (90) days shall
elapse before another business on the same parcel may receive a
temporary sign permit.
B. Sign Types Allowed
A temporary sign may be a ground or building sign. If electric, the sign
and point of connection shall meet all electrical code requirements adopted
by the City. Temporary Signs described in this Section shall be an on-site
type sign. Temporary signs shall include, but are not limited to, portable
signs, balloons and blow up structures, banners, flags and pennants.
C. Removal of Illegal Temporary Signs
Any temporary sign not complying with the requirements of this Code is
illegal and subject to immediate compliance or enforcement per this Code.
6.6.2 General Design and Location Standards
A. Minimum Separation
The minimum distance between signs shall be two hundred (200) feet
from other temporary signs on the same side of the street. However, a
business receiving a local business tax receipt
for a new business in the City shall not be subject to this separation
requirement.
B. On-site
Temporary Signs described in this Section shall be on-site type sign.
Ord. 07-1826
LDCA 01-07
Page 32 of 43
C. Encroachment on Public Property
No part of any temporary sign may encroach into public right-of--way,
public property or public easement unless described herein.
D. Exception to Height Restrictions
The height restrictions for temporary signs shall not apply to adequately
tethered balloons or other inflatable signs uc~:~°a * a
t~e-fie-; but shall apply to other i~a#~ble signs designed to be used at
ground level.
6.6.3 Specific Types of Temporary Signs
A. Temporary Use Permit Sign
Signs that are in conjunction with Temporary Use Permits (TUP) that
announce the temporary event such as fairs, carnivals, circuses, revivals,
sporting events, anniversaries, or any public, non-profit, charitable,
educational or religious event or related function. Such message shall be
allowed for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days or as may be approved
per the TUP, and shall be removed within twenty-four (24) hours after the
event. All signage for the event including on-site, off-site or directional
signage shall be approved at the time the Temporary Use Permit is being
processed. Temporary Use Signs shall be limited to signs that are for
events that are located within the City and or as a general service to the
citizens of the City of Longwood.
B. Development Sign
1. Approval notification sign, not to exceed thirty-two (32) square
feet shall be allowed until construction sign is installed (i.e., Future
Site Of This sign may only be constructed upon the site if a
valid site plan application is in active progress or approval for the
site plan is valid.
2. Construction Sign. Such message shall not be displayed more than
sixty (60) days prior to the beginning of actual construction of the
project, and shall be removed when construction is completed. If a
message is displayed pursuant to this Section, but construction is
not initiated within sixty (60) days after the message is displayed,
or if construction is discontinued for a period of more than sixty
(60) days, the message shall be removed, pending initiation or
continuation of construction activities. Such sign shall not exceed
sixty-four (64) square feet nor exceed eight (8) feet in height.
Ord. 07-1826
LDCA 01-07
Page 33 of 43
3. A building permit shall not be required for the placement of a
development sign conforming to the requirements of this section.
C. Grand Opening Of A Business
A business receiving a new local business tax receipt
may put up a temporary sign as described in this Code for the first thirty
(30) days of business, with approval from the
Community Services Department and permits as required.
D. New Business, or a Business in a New Location
If such business has no permanent signs, temporary sign shall be securely
attached in the general location of the permanent sign. Such message may
be displayed for a period of not more than sixty (60) days or until
installation of permanent signs, whichever shall occur first, in accordance
with this Code.
E. Political Signs
1. Political signs may be placed on private property provided each
candidate:
a. Shall place a deposit in the sum of one hundred dollars
($100.00) with the City Clerk. A receipt will be issued
which shall be deemed to be a permit to cover the
placement of all the candidates campaign signs in
accordance with the regulation herein. At the termination
of campaign, or when the candidate is no longer a viable
candidate, the one hundred dollars will be refunded upon
verification that all the candidates' signs have been
removed within aseven-day time limit. Failure to remove
the signs within the prescribed time or illegal placement of
signs will result in forfeiture of the deposit.
b. Shall place signs after the candidate qualifies for an
election and shall remove signs within seven (7) days after
the general election, or after the primary election if the
individual is no longer a viable candidate.
c. Confines each sign in residential districts to a maximum of
sixteen (16) square feet per face and in non-residential
districts shall not exceed (four (4) feet by eight (8) feet),
thirty-two (32) square feet per face.
d. Shall not place any political sign on any public property,
public right-of--way, nor attached to any utility pole or tree,
Ord. 07-1826
LDCA 01-07
Page 34 of 43
nor on any private property without the permission of the
owner or as may be allowed at the place of public polls.
e. Signs placed on private property should be erected securely
to prevent displacement by heavy winds and so placed as to
not interfere with traffic visibility from any public or
private street or driveway.
2. Upon determination of the C~ Administrator, illegal political
signs shall be physically removed by the City twenty-four (24)
hours after notification to the candidate or his authorized agent, if
they have registered with the City Clerk as identified above.
However, no City notification shall be required for removal of
illegal political signs of candidates not registered with the City
Clerk, or signs placed within public right-of--way or public lands,
or on any Election Day, or within twenty-four (24) hours prior to
the day of election. The r'dvi-cc ~i
r C-rri~3 Police Department for a
maximum of seven (7) days shall retain removed political signs.
The candidate, or his authorized agent, may recover signs prior to
disposal by retrieving them from the City.
F. Real Estate Signs
1. One (1) real estate sign is allowed on the property being sold, not to
exceed the following square footage per parcel: LDR land use district:
four square feet; MDR land use district: four square feet; GC,
ew~t Mixed-Use, and IND land use district: thirty-two square
feet.
2. Any lot located on a conger lot or multi street frontage may have one
(1) real estate sign on the street frontage with a maximum of two (2)
signs per site with each sign subject to the maximum sizes set forth in
1 above.
3. A building permit shall not be required for the placement of a real
estate sign conforming to the requirements of this section.
Ord. 07-1826
LDCA 01-07
Page 35 of 43
G. Garage Sale Signs
One (1) garage sale sign may be placed in a yard at a residence where the
sale is to be held and no more than five (5) off-premises signs. Garage
sale signs shall not exceed a maximum of four (4) square feet. Signs may
be placed after 5:00 p.m. the day before the sale and must be removed by
8:00 am following the last day of the sale. Signs shall not be located
within any right of way.
H. Portable (Trailer) Signs
1. Such signs shall be required to obtain a permit that shall not be
valid for longer than a period of thirty (30) days, after which time
the portable sign shall be removed from the property.
2. There shall be a maximum of one (1) portable sign per parcel and
two (2) on multi-unit center, with a minimum spacing of two
hundred (200) feet between any two (2) portable signs.
3. Portable signs shall be five (5) feet from the public right-of--way
and at no time interfere with the sight line visibility of any
intersection or driveway.
4. Portable signs shall be a minimum of ten (10) feet from any side
property line.
5. Portable signs, exclusive of the transportation mechanism, shall not
exceed the exterior measurements of six (6) feet in height or ten
(10) feet in length, (including a maximum sign face of five (5) feet
by ten (10) feet and maximum one (1) foot non-flashing light bar
on top of sign), and shall not have embellislunents of any kind
added to the sign.
6. The placement of a portable sign in a parking space that is required
to meet the minimum parking requirements of the City shall be
prohibited.
7. All portable signs shall be limited to GC and IND Land Use
Districts in accordance with this Code, unless approved by the City
Administrator.
8. All incandescent bulbs in, on or attached to any portable sign shall
be rated at not more than seventy-five (75) watts. Flashing or
distracting lights, including spotlights if directed so as to cause a
possible hazard to the public, shall be prohibited.
Ord. 07-1826
LDCA 01-07
Page 36 of 43
9. Portable signs are specifically prohibited from being used or
constructed as a permanent type sign.
10. Each portable sign shall have permanently displayed the name,
business address and/or phone number of the owner of the sign,
with letters no larger than three (3) inches nor intended to be read
from the public right-of--way.
I. Street Banner Signs
1. No street banner signs shall be erected unless first approved in
writing by the C~ Administrator or his designee, Submission of
Pole Attachment Agreement with Florida Power Corporation
Progress Energy), Florida Department of Transportation,
Seminole County or other agencies as needed, which will be
granted upon finding of the following facts:
a. That the applicant is a public body or is a fraternal,
benevolent, charitable, eleemosynary, philanthropic,
altruistic, civic, community, educational organization,
veteran or other organization of like or similar nature.
b. That the sign advertises an event, function, or event of
general public interest within the City of Longwood.
c. That the location of the sign will not interfere with the
traffic or public safety of the citizens of City of Longwood.
d. That the copy of the sign does not violate any provision of
this Code.
2. All approvals and denials shall be in writing and shall be
transmitted to the applicant either in person or by mail sent to the
address specified by the applicant at the time of application. The
approval shall specify at least the following:
a. How long the street banner sign shall be allowed to be
displayed; however, in no event shall such display be
allowed to remain longer than fourteen (14) days prior to
the opening and no more than two (2) days after the close
of the public event or, in the case of no opening or closing
dates, no longer than thirty (30) days without approval of
the C~ Administrator, Florida Power Corporation
(Progress Energy), Florida Department of Transportation,
Seminole County or other agencies as necessary.
Ord. 07-1826
LDCA 01-07
Page 37 of 43
b. Who shall be responsible for erecting and dismantling the
sign, and the cost of the same.
c. The amount of bond required to insure the City of
Longwood will be indemnified against costs to remove any
street banner sign shall be in the amount of five hundred
dollars ($500.00).
3. If an application for a street banner sign is denied by the C~
Administrator, the applicant may appeal such denial to the City
Commission of the City of Longwood if written notice of such
appeal is given to the City Clerk of the City of Longwood within
ten (10) days after the date of such written denial.
J. Searchlights
Searchlights used to advertise or promote a business or to attract
customers to a property may be allowed for a maximum of two (2) weeks
without a Temporary Use Permit or approval of the C~ Administrator.
6.7.0 DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, AND LOCATION STANDARDS
6.7.1 Generally
All permanent signs must comply with the following design, construction and
location standards.
6.7.2 Illumination
A. Sign lighting may not be designed or located to cause confusion with
traffic lights.
B. Illumination by floodlights or spotlights is permissible so long as none of
the light emitted shines directly onto an adjoining property or into the eyes
of motorists or pedestrians using or entering public streets.
C. Illuminated signs shall not have lighting mechanisms that project more
than eighteen (18) inches perpendicularly from any surface of the sign
over public space.
6.7.3 Placement
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LDCA 01-07
Page 38 of 43
A. Near Public Street, and Private Driveway Intersections.
1. Visibility: All signs shall be designed and located so as to not
interfere with the visibility at any intersection, driveway or
otherwise create any traffic or pedestrian hazards.
2. Signs located within a sight-line distance shall conforni in
accordance with this Code. Sight-line clearance distance for signs
shall be a triangular area formed by the intersection of two or more
public right-of--way or private street or driveway with two (2) sides
of the triangle being twenty-five (25) feet in length along the
abutting right-of--way/property lines, measured from their point of
intersection, and the third side being a line connecting the ends of
the other two (2) sides. In case of private drives the measurement
shall be the same as above but will be measured along the edge of
pavement and the intersecting right-of--way.
ion : a•
6
B. Setbacks
All signs shall be located no closer than five (5) feet from any right-of way
or public property unless otherwise identified herein. Setback shall be
measured from that part of the sign or sign structure closest to the street.
C. Over Right-Of--Way
No sign shall project over, into, or on a public right-of--way except as
permitted by this Code.
D. Blocking Exits, Fire Escapes, Etc.
No sign or sign structure shall be erected that impedes use of any fire
escape, emergency exit, or standpipe.
E. Clearance Standards
1. Over Pedestrian Way
All signs over pedestrian ways shall be a minimum of eight (8) feet
above pedestrian way.
Ord. 07-1826
LDCA 01-07
Page 39 of 43
2. Vehicular
Shall provide a minimum of seventeen (17) feet of vehicular
clearance as required by City of Longwood
13ep~t Police Department.
F. Relationship to Building Features
A building or wall sign shall not extend beyond any edge of the surface to
which it is attached.
6.7.4 Height
All Ground signs shall be limited to a maximum of fifteen ,151
feet in height as defined in this Code or otherwise restricted by this Code.
6.7.5 Format for Multiple-Unit Centers
Signs for multiple-unit centers constructed or remodeled after the effective date of
this Code shall conforni to an approved master sign plan. The sign plan shall be
included as a submittal for authorization to erect such a sign and shall be
maintained on file in the Community Services Department. The
format shall be presented in a plan or sketch, together with written specifications
in sufficient detail to enable the Community Services
Department to authorize signs based on the specifications. As a minimum, the
sign format shall specify the types of signs and dimensions (not to exceed the size
limits contained in this Article) which will be permitted to each occupant within
the complex. The sign format shall also contain common design elements, such as
placement, color, shape, or style of lettering, which lend a unified appearance to
the signs of the occupants within the complex. The sign format may only be
modified with the approval of the CommunitX Services
Department upon submission of a revised plan and specifications detailing the
revised format. The sign shall include the development name and shall identify
onl~the business name and/or logo of individual tenants.
6.7.6 Maintenance
A. All signs and all components thereof, including without limitation,
supports, braces, guys and anchors, electrical parts and lighting fixtures,
and all painted and display areas, shall be maintained in a state of good
repair and shall present a neat and clean appearance (i.e. no flaking,
pealing or fading of paint).
B. The vegetation around, in front of, behind, and underneath the base of
ground signs for a distance of ten (10) feet shall be neatly trimmed and
free of unsightly weeds, rubbish or debris. Conditions or materials that
Ord. 07-1826
LDCA 01-07
Page 40 of 43
would constitute a fire or health hazard shall not be permitted under or
near the sign.
C. When a business ceases to operate at a location within the City of
Longwood, the property owner shall remove all signag_e pertaining. to the
business within two weeks of the final operating day at the subject
location. If the building or bay remains vacant, blank faces mawplaced
in sig_rr frames until such time as another business occupies the space. In
addition to allowable real estate sig_rrage, blank faces may be substituted
with "for lease" or "for sale" si~-rrs.
D. Businesses shall replace any blank sign face with a sign face advertising
the business at that location in all existing sign frames or remove existing
sign frames within 30 calendar days from the issuance of a local business
tax receipt. If conditions do not allow for the replacement of blank sign
faces within 30 days, the business shall supply a valid contract for the
installation of the sign face.
6.7.7 Miscellaneous Design Standards
A. Sigxr structures, to include the frame and base but not the face of the sign,
shall be consistent with the style, color, material, and finish of the
princ~al buildings orr the site. Signs shall include at least the
predominant color of the building, with no more than three colors allowed
on the sign face.
B. The base of any freestanding sign must be at least two-thirds (2/3~the
width of the sign and made of brick, decorative block, stone or an
alternative material that is of like quality, has the appeazance of and
functions like one of these.
6.8.0 COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT
6.8.1 Permit Required
A. A sign erected, altered, displayed or changed without a permit is an illegal
sign and shall be subject to penalties set forth. Any person commencing
Ord. 07-1826
LDCA 01-07
Page 41 of 43
work on any sign covered in this Article without the appropriate permit
shall be subject to a penalty of double the permit fee or one hundred (100)
dollars whichever is greater.
B. No sign or sign structure shall be hereinafter erected, altered, displayed, or
changed, except exempt signs as provided herein, until after a permit has
been issued. Repainting or changing the message of a sign shall not, in
and of itself, be considered an alteration.
C. All signs, other than those designated, shall require the issuance of a
building (sign) permit prior to erection, maintenance or any work being
done on a sign, in accordance with this Code.
6.8.2 Removal of Illegal and/or Unsafe Signs
A. Unlawful signs, other than those within the public right-of--way, shall be
physically removed by the City after giving ten (10) days notice, via
certified mail, to the owner. The City shall retain signs so removed for
seven (7) days before disposal. Owners may recover such removed signs
prior to disposal upon payment of actual costs incurred by the City in
removal and storage of sign plus any fines and/or penalties which may
have accrued.
B. All signs that are placed in the public right-of--way or on public land that
are not placed there in accordance with this Code shall be considered
illegal signs and subject to removal or caused to be removed immediately
by the ~'°a° qualified designated city r~resentative.
The City may retain signs removed, for seven (7) days, before disposal. If
retained the owners may recover such removed signs prior to disposal
upon payment of actual costs incurred by the City in removal and storage
of sign plus any fines and/or penalties which may have accrued.
C. If the ~'°a° qualified designated city representative
shall find that any sign regulated under these regulations is unsafe or
tee- unsecure, he shall give written notice to the permittee thereof. If
the permittee fails to remove, repairs or alter, the sign so as to comply with
the standards set forth in the City of Longwood Codes and/or the Standard
Building Code, and its amendments, within seven (7) days after such
notice, such sign may be removed by the City and the cost assessed to the
property owner of record.
D. If the ~'°a° qualified designated ci representative
shall find that any sign regulated under these regulations is an imminent
danger to the health or safety of the general public, he upon the approval
Ord. 07-1826
LDCA 01-07
Page 42 of 43
of the City Administrator. shall remove or cause the removal of the sign or
portion thereof that present the hazard. The City shall retain sign so
removed for seven (7) days before disposal. Owners may recover such
removed signs prior to disposal upon payment of actual costs incurred by
the City in removal and storage of sign plus any fines and/or penalties
which may have accrued. Immediately upon removal, the Building official
shall notify the property owner of record of his action identifying the
location that the sign is being held and the reason or reasons that the sign
was removed.
SECTION 2: LDC section 3.2.3 D10 be repealed in its entirety, and the remainder of the
section be renumbered to reflect its removal.
SECTION 3: All Ordinances, or parts thereof in conflict herewith, be and the same are
hereby repealed.
SECTION 4: The provisions of this Ordinance are declared to be separable and if any
section, paragraph, sentence or word of this Ordinance or the application thereto any
person or circumstance is held invalid, that invalidity shall not effect other sections or
words or applications of this Ordinance.
SECTION This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
FIRST READING [~,~oVe+Mlp~- DQ, 2-D~7
SECOND READING: c~eCP~nk~es- ZD~'~
PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS DAY OF ~i ecer~ber , 2007
lei ,
o C. ingot r
ATTEST•
Sarah M. Mira, CMC, City Clerk
Approved as to fornl and legality for the use and eliance of the City of Longwood,
Florida only.
Te esa S. Roper, Ci y'Attorney
Ord. 07-1826
LDCA 01-07
Page 43 of 43