Ordinance - 2012 - 665 - Sign Code Update - 02/14/2012 ORDINANCE 665
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EAGLE, ADA COUNTY IDAHO, REPEALING TITLE 8
"ZONING", CHAPTER 2 "ZONING DISTRICTS AND MAP", ARTICLE A "DESIGN REVIEW
OVERLAY DISTRICT", SECTION 8 "SIGN REGULATIONS"; AND ENACTING A NEW SECTION
8 "SIGN REGULATIONS"; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of Eagle, Idaho is a municipal corporation organized and operating under the
laws of the State of Idaho; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Chapter 65, Title 67, Idaho Code, the City of Eagle has the authority to
adopt, establish and amend a Zoning Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have determined that good cause exists for repealing Section
8-2A-8 "Sign Regulations" and enacting a new, updated Section 8-2A-8 "Sign Regulations" to better
provide for the advertisement needs of businesses within the community and to continue to provide for
the aesthetic desires of the community; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF EAGLE, Ada County, Idaho;
Section 1: That Eagle City Code Title 8, Chapter 2, Article A, Section 8, be and the same hereby
is, repealed in its entirety.
Section 2: That Eagle City Code Title 8, Chapter 2, Article A, Section 8, be and the same hereby
is, enacted as follows:
8-2A-8: SIGN REGULATIONS:
A. Applicability:
1. All Signs: Signs shall not be erected or maintained in any district as established by the zoning
ordinance except those signs specifically enumerated in this article.
2. Undefined or Unclassified Signs: To determine applicable regulations for any sign not specifically
defined herein the Zoning Administrator shall use the definition or classification within this
article which most closely defines or classifies any such sign.
3. Architectural Compatibility: The number, area, and height of signs as outlined in this article are
intended to be maximum standards which do not necessarily ensure architectural compatibility.
Therefore, in addition to the enumerated maximum standards, the City shall give consideration to
a sign's relationship to the overall appearance of the subject property as well as the surrounding
area.
4. Materials and Appearance: It is the intent of this article to encourage interesting, creative,
readable, effective, uncluttered, and well maintained signage. Sign materials and appearance shall
be complementary to the building architecture and colors. The exhibits provided in the EASD
book are examples of the types of sign designs envisioned for the Eagle architecture theme.
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5. Nonconforming Signs: All signs in the entire city on the effective date hereof shall conform to
this Title upon any structural change to the sign, sign base, or building to which it is attached, or
upon any change in the face or copy of the sign for the business to which such sign pertains if the
use associated with the business is changed, except as provided for within Section 8-2A-8 (C)(16)
(n), "Historical Signage".
6. Change of Face, Copy and/or Logo on Signs: For signs conforming to this article, a permit shall
not be required for a change of face, copy and or logo on any such sign, provided that the sign
structure is not changed in any way and provided that the colors previously approved by the City
are not changed.
B. Definitions: If conflict arises between any definition in this section and any other definition within this
Title, the definition with the more specific and/or more restrictive definition shall control. Any other
words or phrases not specifically defined shall be interpreted to give this article its most reasonable
application.
ANIMATED SIGN: Any sign which is designed and constructed to give its message through a
sequence or progressive changes or parts or lights or degree of lighting, such as an electronic reader
board.
AREA OF THE BUILDING FACE: The general outer surface of an exterior wall of a building. The
area of the building face shall be a total area of such surface, including the area of doors and windows
which open into such face, if any.
AUTOMATED SIGN: A sign with a fixed or changing display capable of displaying words, symbols,
figures or images composed of, a series of light emitting elements or moving panels or parts;
including but not limited to; tri-paneled, digital, electronic message boards, light emitting diodes
(LED) signs or signs that in any other way move or create the illusion of movement. This definition
does not include signs with copy that is manually changed.
BANNER SIGN: Any sign made of lightweight fabric, plastic, or similar material. Governmental
flags or emblems shall not be considered banner signs.
CABINET SIGN (Sculpted): A sign consisting of a translucent or non-translucent panel containing
sign copy which is affixed to a cabinet that is sculpted to form a non-square or non-rectangular
decorative shape which provides interest to the sign, such as the shape of a logo, the shape of letters,
or combination thereof.
CABINET SIGN(Standard): A sign consisting of one or more translucent or non-translucent panels
containing sign copy, which are interchangeable and which are affixed to a box or cabinet that is
generally square or rectangular in shape.
CITY ENTRY SIGN: A permanent sign identifying the city of Eagle or the central business district.
No business advertising is permitted on city entry signage.
COMMUNITY EVENTS: Community sponsored events such as Eagle Fun Days, Eagle Saturday
Market, First Friday, school sporting events, and similar City, Chamber of Commerce, Eagle Idaho
Merchants Association, and School District type events, including events sponsored by any
church/religious institution which has a City approved site within Eagle.
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CONSTRUCTION SIGN: An informational sign which identifies the architect, engineer, contractor,
banking institution, or other individual or firms involved with the construction of a building, or
announcing the character of the building or enterprise.
COOPERATIVE BUSINESS IDENTIFICATION SIGN: A sign including multiple businesses, and
which may or may not include directional information, that is to be constructed as a part of the "City
Entry Statement Cooperative Sign Plan."
DIRECTIONAL SIGN: (off-premises): See "PORTABLE OFF-PREMISES DIRECTIONAL SIGN"
and "SUBDIVISION DIRECTIONAL SIGN(off-premises)."
DIRECTIONAL SIGN(on-premises): An on-premises permanent directional sign which foremost
contains words such as "entrance", "enter", "exit", "in", "out", or other similar words, or a sign
containing arrows or characters indicating traffic directions and used either in conjunction with such
words or separately.
FACE OF SIGN: The surface of the sign area upon, against or through which the message is
displayed or illustrated.
DRIVE-THRU/DRIVE-UP SERVICE MENU BOARD SIGN: A sign identifying products for sale
and prices for those products. The menu board sign may include business identification.
FEATHER FLAG SIGN: A durable and lightweight fabric that flows easily in the wind, and is
attached to an aluminum pole. The pole can either be inserted into the ground or can be connected to
a solid, spring or spinning base.
FREEHANGING SIGNBOARD: A sign attached underneath a canopy, awning or colonnade.
FREESTANDING SIGN: A single or multiple faced sign, supported from the ground by one or more
columns, uprights or braces.
GRADE: The elevation or level of the street closest to the sign to which reference is made, as
measured at the street's centerline, or top of curb if one exists, adjacent to where the sign is to be
placed, or the relative ground level in the immediate vicinity of the sign if determined by the zoning
administrator to be an accurate determination for grade with regard to the intent of this article.
GRAND OPENING: The promotional activity used by a new business or enterprise or for a grand
opening for a business or enterprise under new management, to inform the public of their location and
contribution to the business community. "Grand Opening" does not mean the annual or occasional
promotion of services or retail sales by a business.
HEIGHT OF SIGN: The vertical distance measured from the grade to the highest point of a sign or
any vertical projection thereof. Architectural elements used above any sign area may be excluded
from the maximum height measurement if the City determines that said architectural elements add to
the character of the sign and do not create an overbearing appearance in relation to the sign,building
and area.
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HOLIDAY: A day designated as having special significance for which a government or religious
group have deemed that observation is warranted. A holiday is generally an official observance of
religious, national, or cultural significance, often accompanied by celebrations or festivities.
HOLIDAY SEASON SIGN: Signs advertising a holiday.
ILLUMINATION, EXTERNAL: A sign that is affected by an artificial light source that is not
contained within the sign itself.
ILLUMINATION, HALO: Illumination of a sign from a light source that is not visible and is
concealed or contained within the sign or located between the sign and the structure/wall. Illumination
from the source of the light becomes visible in darkness when the light is reflected off of the
wall/structure upon which the sign is attached.
ILLUMINATION, INTERNAL: Illumination of a sign from any light source that is concealed or
contained within the sign and becomes visible in darkness through a translucent surface, except for
Illumination, Push-Through Letter, signs. This includes characters, letters, figures, designs or outline
which is illuminated by gas filled luminous tubes, such as neon, argon or fluorescent.
ILLUMINATION, PUNCH THROUGH LETTER: A sign with letters, logos or other sign graphics
that are opaque(no light is permitted to shine through them), that are attached to a sign cabinet or
structure that allows light to shine through it. The distance between the letters, logos, or other sign
graphics and the background(surface of the cabinet or structure) is a maximum of one half inch(1/2").
The light source is concealed within the cabinet or structure and is not visible except that illumination
from the light source shines though transparent(non-opaque) background material for no more than 1/4
inch around the letters, logo, and other graphics, creating a halo effect.
MASTER SIGN PLAN: A plan designed to show the relationship of signs for any cluster of buildings
intended for business occupancy, or any single building containing more than one business or any
arrangement of business buildings or shops which constitute a visual entity as a whole. These include
developments such as shopping centers, mini-malls, business parks, and multi-tenant commercial,
office or industrial buildings housing four or more businesses. Additionally, a master sign plan may be
submitted for a single business if the owner chooses to submit an application for a master sign plan for
said business.
MONUMENT SIGN: A freestanding sign with a solid base, including rock signs, or with supports
that are designed to be structurally similar to the sign construction, and which incorporate
architectural features which complement the sign construction. Pole type supports are not permitted
for monument signs, unless enclosed within the monument sign structure.
MURAL: A painting, other than a business advertising sign, on the outside wall of a building.
NONCONFORMING SIGN: Any sign which does not comply with the provisions of this code.
OFF-PREMISES SIGN: Signs located on a separate parcel of land or a separate site from the place
where the product, service, activity or business is located.
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ON-PREMISES SIGN: Signs located on the same parcel of land or a site as the place where the
product, service, activity or business is located.
PENNANT SIGN: Any lightweight plastic, fabric, or other material, whether or not containing a
message of any kind, suspended from a rope, wire, or string, whether in series or not, designed to
move in the wind and therefore considered a moving sign.
POLE SIGN: A freestanding sign that is supported by one or more poles that are not enclosed as in a
monument sign structure.
PORTABLE SIGN: Any sign not designed to be permanently attached to a building or anchored to
the ground such as a-frame signs, yard signs (rigid), banner signs, feather flag signs and sandwich
board signs.
PORTABLE OFF-PREMISES DIRECTIONAL SIGN: Off-premises portable signs providing
directional information for businesses.
PORTABLE ON-PREMISES ADVERTISING SIGNS: Portable on-premises signs for advertising
which can be used on a permanent basis and which are intended to allow for business identification
and any other advertising being promoted by the business or enterprise.
READER BOARD: A sign or part of a sign on which the letters are readily replaceable such that the
copy can be changed from time to time.
REAL ESTATE SIGN: A sign advertising the sale, rental or lease of the premises upon which the
sign is placed, not including a subdivision sign.
ROOF SIGN: A sign that is erected on or above the roof of a building and which derives its principal
support from the roof or from columns or supports extending through the roof. The definition includes
a sign affixed to any structure erected upon a roof, including a structure housing building equipment
and includes a sign erected on top of a canopy, deck, patio, or similar structure.
SIGN: Any letters, figures, design, symbol, trademark, logo or device intended to attract attention to
any activity or service, place, subject, person, firm, corporation, public performance, machine or
merchandise whatsoever, including the display of merchandise. Sources of light used primarily to
illuminate a sign, or a building, or grounds surrounding the building, shall not be considered signs
themselves; provided however, that sources of light used primarily to attract attention to the light itself
or as a decorative feature of the display shall be considered as part of the sign.
SIGN AREA: The entire area within a single, contiguous perimeter enclosing the extreme limits of
writing, representation, logo, emblem or any figure or similar character, together with any form or
other material or color forming an integral part of the display, or used to differentiate such sign area
from the background against which it is placed. The sign area shall not include the necessary supports
or uprights on which the sign is placed, and superficial, non-illuminated column covers, ornamental
trim and other such incidental objects attached thereto, or portions of the sign structure which are not
designed to convey a message.
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STATE HIGHWAY: Highways in and through the City of Eagle that are owned and maintained by
the State of Idaho. These include State Highway 16, 20/26, 44 and 55.
STREET LIGHT SIGN: A permanent or temporary sign supported by sign brackets which are
attached to a street light pole.
SUBDIVISION DIRECTIONAL SIGN (off-premises): A temporary off premises sign used to
advertise homes or buildings under construction or property for sale in a subdivision which is to be, or
is being, developed pursuant to an approved subdivision final plat application before the city, or
county if annexed into the City.
SUBDIVISION SIGN: A permanent on premises sign used to identify a subdivision.
TEMPORARY SIGN: A nonpermanent sign intended for use for a limited period of time, as regulated
within this article.
VEHICLE SIGN: Any sign, logo or advertisement placed, painted, attached, or displayed on a
vehicle.
WALL SIGN (Flat): A sign attached to or erected against the wall of a building or structure with the
face of the sign parallel to the plane of said wall, and not extending over twelve inches (12") from the
wall of the building or structure.
WALL SIGN (Perpendicular): A sign attached to or erected against the wall of a building or structure
with the face(s) of the sign perpendicular to the plane of said wall.
WINDOW SIGN: All signs located inside and affixed to, painted on or within three feet(3') of
windows of a building, whether temporary or permanent, lighted or unlighted, which may be viewed
from the exterior of the building. The term does not include merchandise located within three feet(3')
of the window.
YARD SIGN(non-rigid): Yard signs may be referred to as "lawn signs". Non-rigid yard/lawn signs
are not stable and typically are susceptible to being blown over by wind and often times do not remain
vertical. Common types of non-rigid yard/lawn signs are corrugated plastic, fold-over cardboard, and
poster type which are attached to a light metal stand with less than '/a inch thickness, or lattice type
wood stakes, which are inserted into the ground. The metal stands are usually an"H" or"I"type.
The "H" type stand is shaped like an "H" and two of the prongs insert into the sign, or the sign is
attached to the two, and the other two prongs are inserted into the ground. The single or double
crossbar between the two prongs adds minimal strength and makes the entire stand one single unit.
The"I" type stand is essentially an H stand without a crossbar linking the prongs.
YARD SIGN (rigid): Yard signs may be referred to as "lawn signs". Rigid yard/lawn signs are stable
and are not susceptible to being blown over by wind. Rigid yard/lawn signs are made of a solid metal
frame with a metal thickness of'A inch or more, or they are made of metal '/inch by' inch angle
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iron, both of which include solid metal legs for insertion into the ground. The metal frame includes an
attached metal or hard plastic sign face.
C. Provisions and Requirements:
1. Wall Signs (flat and perpendicular):
a. A single tenant building shall be allowed a maximum of three wall signs, provided that each
sign is placed on a different side of the building.
b. Each business within a multitenant building shall be allowed a maximum of three wall signs
provided that each sign is placed on a different side of the building.
c. For a single tenant building the total sign area of any wall sign shall not exceed ten percent
(10%) of the area of the building face to which it is attached, except that any wall sign that is
visible from a State Highway shall be permitted a maximum of twenty percent(20%) of the
area of the building face to which it is attached.
d. For a multitenant building the total sign area of all wall signs shall not exceed ten percent
(10%) of the area of the building face to which they are attached, except that the total sign
area for wall signs that are visible from a State Highway shall be a maximum of twenty
percent (20%) of the area of the building face to which they are attached.
e. The sign area, per side, of any perpendicular wall sign shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of
the area of the building face to which it is attached.
2. Monument Signs:
a. For single tenant buildings which are not within the DDA, TDA, or within a "shopping
center", monument signs shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height and the sign area shall not
exceed sixty(60) square feet per side.
b. For multitenant buildings which are not within the DDA, TDA, or within a "shopping
center", monument signs shall not exceed fifteen (15) feet in height and the sign area shall
not exceed one hundred and forty(140) square feet per side.
c. For single tenant buildings which are within the DDA or TDA monument signs shall not
exceed six (6) feet in height and the sign area shall not exceed forty(40) square feet per side.
d. For multitenant buildings which are within the DDA or TDA monument signs shall not
exceed eight(8) feet in height and the sign area shall not exceed sixty(60) square feet per
side.
e. For any single tenant building or multitenant building which is not located in a shopping
center, one monument sign per abutting street shall be permitted.
f. A "shopping center", as defined in section 8-1-2 of this Title shall be allowed one monument
sign per street that it abuts for any site less than twenty(20) acres in size and two(2) signs
for any site twenty(20) acres in size or larger. The height of any such sign shall not exceed
fifteen(15) feet adjacent to a roadway that is not designated as a State Highway and twenty
five (25) feet adjacent to any State Highway. The sign area shall not exceed one hundred
and forty(140) square feet per side adjacent to a roadway that is not designated as a State
Highway and two hundred (200) square feet per side adjacent to any State Highway. If the
shopping center has a single address, the address shall be located on the monument sign and
shall be a size that is readable from the street.
In addition to any shopping center monuments signs, any single tenant building within a
shopping center, and adjacent to a roadway, shall be permitted one monument sign. The
height of any such sign shall not exceed six (6) feet adjacent to a roadway that is not
designated as a State Highway and eight(8) feet adjacent to any State Highway. The sign
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area shall not exceed forty (40) square feet per side adjacent to a roadway that is not
designated as a State Highway and sixty(60) square feet per side adjacent to any State
Highway.
g. The minimum distance between monument signs on a single parcel, shall be one hundred
(100) feet.
h. No monument sign shall be any closer than fifty(50) feet from a monument sign, or other
freestanding sign, on an adjacent property.
i. Monument signs are permitted to be double faced.
3.Subdivision Signs:
a. One subdivision sign may be permitted on each side of any entry road into a subdivision, or
within the landscape median at the entry road if approved by ACHD, and at the intersection
of any collector and/or arterial streets abutting the subdivision.
b. Subdivision signs shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height and the sign area shall not exceed
sixty(60) square feet per side.
4.Freehanging Signboards:
a. Freehanging signboards shall not exceed eight(8) square feet nor shall any such sign extend
beyond the porch or canopy to which it is attached.
b. A minimum distance of seven feet six inches (7'6") shall be required between a walkway and
the bottom of a freehanging signboard.
5. Fuel Island Signs:
a. Fuel island canopies shall be permitted to have a maximum of three(3) signs.
b. The signs shall be attached to, or painted on, the canopy face.
c. The height and width of the sign shall be reviewed with regard to its proportional
relationship to the height and width of the canopy face to which it is attached or painted. The
sign area shall be a maximum of twenty (20) square feet but in no case shall the sign cover
more than one-third (1/3) of the area of the face of the canopy to which it is attached or
painted.
d. If two signs are proposed, each sign shall be located on a different side of the canopy and
should be oriented to face oncoming traffic.
e. A one square foot sign may be permitted for the fuel logo or fuel brand only on each side of
each fuel dispenser or spandrel attached thereto.
6. Drive-Thru/Drive-Up Service Menu Board Signs:
a. Shall not exceed seven (7) feet in height and the sign area shall not exceed thirty five (35)
square feet.
b. Internal illumination may be permitted if the City determines the following:
(1)The lighting shall be harmonious with and in accordance with the general objectives, or
with any specific objective of chapter 2, article A of this title;
(2) The lighting shall be installed, operated, and maintained to be harmonious and
appropriate in appearance with the existing and intended character of the general vicinity
and will not change the essential character of the same area; and
(3)The lighting will not be disturbing to existing or future neighboring uses.
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7. Vendor and Temporary Merchant Signs:
a. Shall comply with all the requirements of Portable On-Premises Advertising Signs except
that any temporary vendor sign shall be allowed only for the length of time that the
temporary vendor is in operation.
b. Shall be in compliance with Title 3 Chapter 4, "Vendors, Solicitors, and Temporary
Merchants."
8. Automated Signs:
a. Automated signs may be permitted as a part of a monument sign and shall be prohibited in all
other types of signs if the City determines the following:
(1) The lighting shall be harmonious with and in accordance with the general objectives, or
with any specific objective of chapter 2, article A of this title;
(2)The lighting shall be installed, operated, and maintained to be harmonious and
appropriate in appearance with the existing and intended character of the general vicinity
and will not change the essential character of the same area; and
(3)The lighting will not be disturbing to existing or future neighboring uses.
b. Automated signs shall be prohibited in the Downtown Development Area(DDA) and
Transitional Development Area(TDA).
c. All automated signs that utilize light to create change may change frame content through
dissolve, fade or scroll features only. No sign shall be operated in a manner which the sign,
sign structure, design or pictorial segment of the sign shows full animation, growing,
flashing, rotating content, or otherwise create an illusion of movement, except for single
color text only message displays scrolling or traveling across the sign area.
d. The signs shall only change frame content not more than every eight(8) seconds. The change
of content must change immediately within a period of less than one (1) second.
e. Based on brightness measured in NIT (an illuminative brightness measurement equivalent to
one (1) candle/square meter measured perpendicular to the rays of the source); automated
signs that utilize light to change frames shall contain an auto dimmer allowing for no more
than 5,200 fifty-two hundred NIT illumination between sunrise and sunset and up to 300
three-hundred NIT illumination between sunset and sunrise.
f. The automated sign portion of any sign should be constructed into the sign in a manner in
which it is subordinate to the overall design of the sign. The automated sign portion of any
sign shall not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the face of any sign.
g. Where more than one sign is allowed only one sign may contain an automated sign.
h. The addition of an automated sign to any nonconforming sign is prohibited.
i. Any conforming existing sign or portion of a conforming existing sign that is refaced with an
automated sign shall require a design review approval.
9. Prohibited Signs: The following signs and attention attracting devices shall be prohibited within
the entire City, except as may otherwise be specifically stated within this subsection. The signs
and other attention attracting devices prohibited herein are subject to removal by the City at the
owner's or user's expense:
a. Pole signs
b. Billboard signs
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c. Roof signs
d. Cabinet Signs (standard) except with non-translucent panels as may be incorporated into a
monument sign which includes advertising for multiple tenants, and as long as the cabinet
portion of the multi-tenant monument sign is surrounded on all four sides by architectural
elements of the sign structure
e. Wall signs that extend above the parapet wall
f. Reader board signs in excess of twenty(20) square feet
g. Off premise signs, except as otherwise stated within this article
h. Banner signs placed within landscaped areas, or otherwise placed on posts inserted into the
ground, except for grand openings, community events, community yard sales and yard sales
for non-profit organizations
i. Yard Signs (non-rigid) except for political campaigns, garage sales and yard sales as
regulated within this article
j. Any sign which is prohibited within the sight visibility triangle as specified within the
ACHD Policy Manual
k. Any sign which blocks the Americans With Disabilities Act(ADA)minimum width required
for handicap accessibility on a public sidewalk
1. Searchlights,beacons, strobe lights, scintillating lights, and similar lights except for grand
openings and community events
m. Moving, revolving, intermittent, oscillating, animated, or flashing signs, except for grand
openings and community events
n. Chasing lights, except as may be approved by the City as an integral part of a building or
structure, and except for grand openings, community events and seasonal events
o. Polyurethane and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) style inflatable balloons and blimps, larger than
24 inches in diameter, except for grand openings and community events
p. Bubble machines except for grand openings and community events
q. Signs purported to be, or which are, an imitation of, or resemble an official traffic sign or
signal, or which bear the words "stop", "danger", "warning", or similar words in a manner
potentially causing confusion with such official signs or signals
r. Signs which by reason of their size, location, movement, content, coloring or manner of
illumination may be confused with or construed as a traffic control sign, signal or device, or
the light of an emergency or radio equipment vehicle, or signs which obstruct the visibility
of any traffic or street sign or signal device
s. Miscellaneous signs and posters which are visible from a public way and are tacked, pasted,
taped or otherwise affixed in a similar manner to or upon the walls of buildings, trees, poles,
posts, fences, hydrants, bridges, or other structures
t. Display of items for sale within any landscape area or required parking area except as a part
of a community event
u. Any sign in violation of this Title
v. Any sign in violation of local, state, or federal law over which the City exercises jurisdiction
w. Any sign whose permit or approval has expired
10. Portable On-Premises Advertising Signs:
a. One portable on-premises advertising sign shall be permitted per business. Except that, if
the business abuts more than one street it shall be permitted one portable on-premises
advertising sign per street that it abuts as long as the signs are a minimum of 50-feet apart.
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b. Portable on-premises advertising signs, except for feather flag signs, shall be a maximum of
sixteen(16) square feet along roadways with three or less travel lanes with a speed limit of
twenty five miles per hour or less and twenty four(24) square feet along roadways with
more than three travel lanes or along roadways with a speed limit of over twenty five miles
per hour.
c. Portable on-premises advertising signs, except for feather flag signs, shall be a maximum of
five(5)feet in height along roadways with three or less travel lanes with a speed limit of
twenty five miles per hour or less and six (6) feet in height along roadways with more than
three travel lanes or along roadways with a speed limit of over twenty five miles per hour.
d. Portable on-premises advertising signs shall only be permitted on the parcel where the
business is located, or on the adjacent sidewalk, and shall not be permitted on any other
parcel except that any multi-tenant site shall have the sign on the site and not on any other
site.
e. Portable on-premises advertising signs on a public sidewalk abutting the business's parcel
may be permitted if a minimum of five (5) feet of unobstructed walkway, or ADA required
minimum, remains for pedestrians. The sign shall be located so as to not interfere with the
flow of pedestrians.
f. If a feather flag sign is used as a portable on-premises advertising sign the maximum height
shall be fourteen (14) feet and maximum width shall be four(4) feet.
g. The sign, copy, and materials shall be maintained and kept in good condition and repair to
guard against decay, unsafe, and poorly maintained signs.
h. Written approval of the City Zoning Administrator shall be required for any portable on-
premises advertising sign, except for feather flag signs used as portable on-premises
advertising signs. A color picture, or color drawing, including the dimension of any
proposed sign shall be submitted to the City along with a written narrative describing the
sign materials, as well as the planned location of any such sign. The Zoning Administrator
shall review the sign proposal for compliance with this article. There shall be no cost to the
applicant for Zoning Administrator review and action on any such sign. Any denial or
approval by the Zoning Administrator may be appealed to the City Council as specified
within Eagle City Code Section 8-7-4-1. An appeal fee shall be required for any appeal.
11. Portable Off-Premises Directional Signs:
a. Shall only be permitted for businesses which are not located on any street designated as an
arterial street on the transportation/pathway network map in the Eagle Comprehensive Plan
(this includes any business in a shopping center or business park).
b. Portable off-premises directional signs are allowed only when a change in direction is
required to lead customers to the business site.
c. Portable off-premises directional signs which include multiple businesses are encouraged in
order to guard against clutter and therefore are permitted double the height and size
maximums specified in paragraphs c and d below.
d. Portable off-premises directional signs shall be a maximum of eight(8) square feet along
roadways with three or less travel lanes with a speed limit of twenty five miles per hour or
less and twelve(12) square feet along roadways with more than three travel lanes or along
roadways with a speed limit of over twenty five miles per hour.
e. Portable off-premises directional signs shall be a maximum of two and one half(2.5) feet in
height along roadways with three or less travel lanes with a speed limit of twenty five miles
per hour or less and three (3) feet in height along roadways with more than three travel lanes
or along roadways with a speed limit of over twenty five miles per hour.
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f. Portable off-premises directional signs on a public sidewalk may be permitted if a minimum
of five(5) feet of unobstructed walkway, or ADA required minimum, remains for
pedestrians. The sign shall be located so as to not interfere with the flow of pedestrians.
g. The sign, copy, and materials shall be maintained and kept in good condition and repair to
guard against decay, unsafe, and poorly maintained signs.
h. No portable off-premises directional sign owner shall have any exclusive right to any
location within a public right-of-way, nor shall any sign be permitted to be placed within any
congested area where the signage might impede or inconvenience the public. For the purpose
of this paragraph, the judgment of a public safety officer(as defined in Eagle City Code Title
3, Chapter 4, Section 2), or ACHD Official, or ITD Official, exercised in good faith, shall be
deemed conclusive as to whether the area is congested or the public is impeded or
inconvenienced.
i. Written approval of the City Zoning Administrator shall be required for any portable off-
premises directional sign. A color picture, or color drawing, including the dimension of any
proposed sign shall be submitted to the City along with a written narrative describing the
sign materials, as well as the planned location of any such sign(s). The Zoning Administrator
shall review the sign proposal for compliance with this article. There shall be no cost to the
applicant for Zoning Administrator review and action on any such sign. Any denial or
approval by the Zoning Administrator may be appealed to the City Council as specified
within Eagle City Code Section 8-7-4-1. An appeal fee shall be required for any appeal.
12. Permitted Temporary Signs: Written city approval shall not be required for the temporary signs as
described and regulated within this sub-section. Additionally, signs listed under"prohibited signs"
of this article are also prohibited as temporary signs.
a. GOVERNMENT: Governmental or other legally required posters,notices or signs.
b. BANNER SIGNS: Banners signs used for limited timeframe promotions of special events,
business open houses, or sales of products or services. Said banner signs shall be securely
attached to a fence, building, structure or similar permanent fixture and shall not be
permitted to be displayed for more than thirty(30) consecutive calendar days with a
minimum of thirty(30) consecutive days between placements. No banner sign shall be
placed within a landscaped area, or otherwise be placed on posts inserted into the ground.
The maximum size for any such banner sign shall be forty eight(48) square feet.
c. REAL ESTATE SIGNS: For Sale, For Rent, or For Lease signs for properties, businesses
and residences provided such sign does not exceed six (6) square feet in residential zones,
and sixteen(16) square feet in all other zones, except that thirty two (32) square feet may be
permitted along State Highways. Said signs shall be located entirely within the property
that is for sale, and shall be removed immediately after the close of the escrow, or the rental
or lease has been accomplished. Said signs shall only be permitted on the property where
the property, business or residence is located.
d. REAL ESTATE OPEN HOUSE SIGNS: On and off-premise signs used for real estate open
houses. Said signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet, shall only be used during the open
house, and shall be removed immediately after the open house
e. POLITICAL SIGNS: Off premise signs used for political campaigns for any item or
individual on a voting ballot. Said signs may only be used during the campaign and shall be
removed within 48 hours after the voting booths close.
f. GARAGE AND YARD SALE SIGNS: On and off-premise signs used for garage sales and
yard sales during the sale only, except that community yard sales and yard sales for non-
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profit organizations may have signs posted 10 days prior to the sale. Said signs shall be
removed immediately after the sale.
g. CONSTRUCTION SIGNS: Shall be placed on the construction site only between the time
that a development application has been filed with the City and final issuance of Certificate
of Occupancy. Contractors' signs may include banks, realtors, subcontractors, etc., and shall
not exceed sixteen(16) square feet, except that thirty two (32) square feet may be permitted
along State Highways, unless legally required by governmental contract to be larger, and
eight (8) feet shall be the maximum height.
h. SUBDIVISION DIRECTIONAL SIGNS (Off-Premises: Shall advertise the subdivision
name with directional information and may advertise trade information and/or price range.
Said signs shall be a maximum of sixteen(16) square feet, except that thirty two (32) square
feet may be permitted along State Highways, and said signs may be a maximum of eight (8)
feet high. A maximum of three off-premise subdivision directional signs may be utilized for
any subdivision within the city limits. All signs are to be placed on private property. Said
signs are allowed only when a change in direction is required to lead customers to
subdivision site. Subdivision Directional Signs may only be erected after city approval of
the final plat for the subdivision and must be removed after the last lot within the approved
final plat is sold by the developer.
GRAND OPENING SIGNS: All signs, except for prohibited signs as regulated in the article,
are allowed for a grand opening for a new business or enterprise or for a grand opening for a
business or enterprise under new management for a maximum period of sixty(60) calendar
days.
j. TEMPORARY SIGN IN LIEU OF PERMANENT WALL SIGN: A business identification
banner, or similar sign, is allowed on a temporary basis, not to exceed one hundred twenty
(120) days, during approval and construction of any wall sign for a new business. Said sign
shall not be larger than the wall sign that would be permitted per this Title, shall only be
located on the face of the building where the wall sign would be permitted per this Title, and
shall be removed when the permanent sign is installed, not to exceed one hundred twenty
(120) days.
k. TEMPORARY SIGN IN LIEU OF PERMANENT MONUMENT SIGN: A business
identification A-frame, sandwich board or similar sign, is allowed on a temporary basis, not
to exceed one hundred twenty(120) days, during approval and construction of any
monument sign for a new business. Said sign shall not be larger than the monument sign that
would be permitted per this Title and shall be removed when the permanent sign is installed,
not to exceed one hundred twenty (120) days.
1. HOLIDAY SIGNS: Temporary signs commemorating and/or recognizing a holiday as
defined herein shall be allowed during the time the holiday is typically recognized. Holliday
signs shall not advertise a business, product or service. No requirement within this article
shall apply to Temporary Holiday signs except however; no Temporary Holiday sign shall
block ADA accessible sidewalk requirements or violate the sight visibility triangle of any
intersection as determined by ACRD.
m. COMMUNITY EVENT SIGNS: Community events signs shall be permitted for a maximum
of sixty(60) days in any calendar year. No requirement within this article shall apply to
temporary Community Event signs except however; no temporary Community Event sign
shall block ADA accessible sidewalk requirements or violate the sight visibility triangle of
any intersection as determined by ACHD.
n. PERSON SIGNS: Signs worn or held by a person while walking the public ways of the
city.
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13. Sign Illumination:
a. The City must find that any illuminated sign permitted under the specific regulations within
this article is designed such that brightness levels are controlled to assure a soft, subtle effective
light in accordance with other city regulations intended to create and maintain the Eagle
architecture theme, while encouraging energy efficient lighting.
b. Illumination types, styles, and practices not listed herein shall be prohibited unless otherwise
deemed by the design review board and city council to be consistent with the Eagle architecture
theme.
c. Floodlighting is permitted only through the use of incandescent and high pressure sodium light
sources.
d. Exposed neon is permitted when used to create the sign letter(s)or as an architectural element
as part of the sign design. A clear covering may be permitted for protection of the neon
element.
e. Halo illumination is permitted.
f. Metal halide is not permitted as a light source for signage.
g. All types of internal illumination is prohibited, except for automated signs and drive-thru/drive-
up service menu board signs as regulated in this article.
14. Landscaping: Landscaping shall be provided at the base of all monument signs. Landscape plans shall
be prepared by or under the responsible control of a licensed landscape architect with said plans to be
duly stamped to clearly identify the preparer. The amount required shall be three(3)times the size of
the largest sign area. An example is shown as follows:
� I
(11‘
�i •
.
I •_l!! 1, .l
i — 5 s v =
r 1
1j x63 = 184 s.f.
1
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15. Master Sign Plan: A master sign plan, as defined by this article, shall be required to be submitted to
the City for review and approval. The purpose of a master sign plan is to coordinate signs, and create
a plan that establishes a building or site's overall sign design. The master sign plan shall show sign
colors, styles and locations of buildings, maximum size, illumination, and materials to be used.
The master sign plan may be approved by the City with elements that require suspension or relaxation
of the height, area, number of signs, or locations of signs specified within this article if the City
Council finds that extra ordinary conditions exist which allow suspension or relaxation, but that any
suspension or relaxation will still meet the intent of this article and:
a. The development site contains unique or unusual physical conditions such as topography,
proportion, size or relation to a public street that would limit or restrict normal sign visibility; or
b. The proposed or existing development exhibits unique characteristics of land use, architectural
style, site location, physical scale, historical interest or other distinguishing features that justify
variation from conventional development; or
c. The proposed signage incorporates special design features such as logos, emblems, murals,
statuaries or similar architectural elements that are designed in a manner determined by the City to
be architecturally compatible to the sign and area.
16. Exempt Signs: The provisions and requirements of this article shall not apply to the following signs
and attention attracting devices, except that no sign or attention attracting device shall block ADA
accessible sidewalk requirements or the sight vision area of an intersection as determined by ACHD:
a. PUBLIC CONVENIENCE SIGNS: Signs not exceeding six (6) square feet in area, erected for the
convenience of the public, such as signs identifying restrooms, public telephones, walkways and
similar features or facilities.
b. DIRECTIONAL SIGNS (On-Premises): Shall not exceed six (6) square feet in area.
c. MEMORIAL SIGNS: Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and dates of erection of a
building or structure.
d. TRAFFIC OR OTHER MUNICIPAL SIGNS (Signs Required By Law): Traffic signals, railroad
crossings signs, legal notices, and such temporary emergency or non-advertising signs as may be
authorized by the city council.
e. EMERGENCY SERVICE SIGNS: Signs for emergency services such as police services,
emergency rooms, fire departments,hospitals, etc.
f. UTILITY COMPANY SIGNS: Signs of public utility companies indicating danger or which
show the location of utility facilities.
g. ADDRESS NUMBERS: Numbers and letters for address identification
h. WARNING SIGNS: Non-illuminated or externally illuminated "no trespassing", "no parking",
"no dumping" and other warning signs located on the lot to which the sign is appurtenant and not
exceeding six (6) square feet in area.
i. SEASONAL DECORATIONS: Reasonable seasonable decorations within the appropriate
holiday season. However, such displays shall be removed at the end of the public holiday season.
j. FLAG: The flag of the government or noncommercial institution.
k. FLAG (COMMERCIAL): The flag of a commercial institution, except that no more than one flag
is permitted per business, the flag shall not exceed twenty(20) square feet in surface area, shall be
left loose to fly in the breeze and shall be a maximum of fifteen(15) feet in height.
1. ART: Sculptures, fountains, mosaics and design features which do not incorporate advertising or
identification.
m. MURALS: Murals shall be considered art and not signs as long as the mural is not used to
advertise the business. Murals shall be artistic and nostalgic in nature and shall follow the theme
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of Eagle architecture. After receiving a recommendation from the Eagle Arts Commission, all
murals shall be reviewed by the Design Review Board and approved by the City Council.
n. HISTORIC SIGNAGE: Existing signs pertaining to any business within the design review
overlay district which business is found by the Design Review Board to be of local historical
significance are exempt from the provisions of this article.
o. WINDOW SIGNS (Non-Illuminated): Non-illuminated window signs as long as the total window
area covered does not exceed 25 percent of the total window area of all windows facing public
streets.
p. WINDOW SIGNS (Neon): Neon window signs no larger than four(4) square feet or ten percent
(10%) of the window where it is placed, whichever is larger,but no more than two neon window
signs per street frontage shall be allowed.
q. DOOR SIGNS: Door signs identifying the business and/or indicating business hours, emergency
phone numbers, etc., shall be permitted up to a maximum of two (2) square feet.
r. PARTY BALLOONS: Latex and mylar style party balloons 24 inches or less in diameter.
s. DISPLAYS: Display of items for sale located at any city approved business site, but not within
any landscape area or required parking area, except as a part of a community event.
t. Signs located in the interior of any building or within an enclosed lobby or court of any building
or group of buildings, which signs are designed and located to be viewed exclusively by patrons of
such use or uses.
17. Signs On City Owned Property:
a. No person shall erect a sign upon any property owned or controlled by the city without first having
procured prior written permission from the city. Before any permit shall be granted for the erection
and maintenance of a sign upon property of the city, a sign approval application shall be required
with any additional information which the zoning administrator shall deem necessary to carry out
the purposes and intent of this Article. In the event the permit does not specify a term, the permit
shall expire twelve(12) months from the date of issuance.
b. In the event that any sign is erected or maintained in violation of the provisions of this subsection,
the city may direct the removal of such sign. In the event the permittee deems such removal to be
without cause, they may, within thirty(30) days after such removal, make written appeal to the city
council. The findings of the city council, after notice to the permittee and due hearing, shall be
final.
D. City Entry Statement and Cooperative Sign Plan: The City may develop a City Entry Statement and
Cooperative Sign plan which includes the City entry signs and street light signage and which specifies
the design criteria, aesthetics, locations and funding methods for future public,private or
public/private partnership construction of cooperative business identification and directional signage.
E. Violations and Penalties for Non-complying Signs: In addition to or in lieu of removal of
noncomplying signs by the city as permitted by article, the sheriff, deputy sheriff, or zoning officer
sworn as a limited purpose deputy, may issue to the known owner of such sign an infraction citation
which shall be an infraction. Such citation shall impose upon the owner a fine of twenty five dollars
($25.00) for the first violation, fifty dollars ($50.00) for the second violation, and one hundred dollars
($100.00) for the third and subsequent violations. Each day a sign continues in violation of this article
shall be deemed a separate offense.
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Section 3: If any provision in this Ordinance shall be declared by any court of competent
jurisdiction to be contrary to law, then such provision shall be null and void and shall be deemed
separable from the remaining provisions in this Ordinance and shall in no way affect the validity of the
other provisions of this Ordinance or Eagle City Code.
Section 4: All prior ordinances or parts thereof, to the extent inconsistent herewith, are hereby
repealed and shall, to the extent of such inconsistency, have no further force or effect.
Section 5: This Ordinance, or a summary thereof in compliance with Section 50-901A, Idaho
Code, shall be published once in the official newspaper of the City, and shall take effect immediately
upon its passage, approval, and publication.
Adopted by the Eagle City Council, Eagle, Idaho, on this `f day of ( L _,64 - , 2012.
CITY OF EAGLE, IDAHO
Ada County, Idaho
6.A p• .
. QOR
9.7ames D. Reynolds * •
Mayor ,
• S1:A1,
ATTEST:
/ J44Ad
h
Loci Sharon K. Bergmann
City Clerk/Treasurer
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SUMMARY OF
ORDINANCE NO. 665
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EAGLE, ADA COUNTY IDAHO, REPEALING TITLE
8 "ZONING", CHAPTER 2 "ZONING DISTRICTS AND MAP", ARTICLE A "DESIGN
REVIEW OVERLAY DISTRICT", SECTION 8 "SIGN REGULATIONS"; AND ENACTING
A NEW SECTION 8 "SIGN REGULATIONS"; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE;
AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
A summary of the principal provisions of Ordinance No 665 of the City of Eagle, Ada
County, Idaho, adopted on February I , 2012,is as follows:
Section 1: Repeals Eagle City Code Title 8, Chapter 2, Article A, Section 8 in its
entirety.
Section 2: Adopts a new Title 8, Chapter 2, Article A, Section 8, Eagle City Code,
relating to sign regulations, including definitions, design requirements, master sign plans,
exemptions, and penalties for violations.
Section 3: Provides a severability clause.
Section 4: Provides a repealer clause.
Section 5: States that Ordinance No. 665 shall take effect and be in force from and after
its passage, approval, and publication as required by law. Provides that a summary of Ordinance
No. 665 may be published in lieu of the entire ordinance in compliance with Section 50-901A,
Idaho Code.
The full text of Ordinance No. 665 is available at City Hall and will be provided to any
citizen upon personal request during normal office hours.
DATED as of the/z/ day of, rc,ar ,2012.
CITY OF EAGLE
Ada County, Idaho
Iv/
17 es D. Reynolds, ayor
SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 665 - 1
CERTIFICATION OF CITY ATTORNEY
I,the undersigned City Attorney for and legal advisor to the City of Eagle, Idaho, hereby
certify that I have read the foregoing Summary of Ordinance No 665 of the City of Eagle and
that the same is true and complete and provides adequate notice to the public of the contents of
said Ordinance.
DATED as of the 2Ldayof4mL472O12.
40111 4111P
4,1 A Ariale.
4/141110
By: Fit. Ho inka,City Att. ey
SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO.665 -3