HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-665-21-20/Sign Standards
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Ordinance Z-665-21, Common Council Final Draft
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Sponsor: Councilor Rider
ORDINANCE Z-665-21, As Amended
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF CARMEL, INDIANA
___________________________________________________
An Ordinance amending standards and definitions for signage
in the Unified Development Ordinance.
Synopsis:
This ordinance amends the Unified Development Ordinance in order to add new sign types, allow
different sign types for various uses, promote pedestrian scale signage, and better tailor the 2017 Unified
Development Ordinance to meet Carmel’s signage needs.
WHEREAS, it is in the public interest to regulate signage to ensure the protection of property
values, the character of various neighborhoods, the creation of a convenient, attractive and harmonious
community, and encourage economic development; and
WHEREAS, the City wishes to maintain an orderly, consistent and streamlined unified
development ordinance; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Advisory Planning Law of the State of Indiana (contained in IC 36-7-
4), each unit of local government that wishes to adopt land use and zoning ordinances must first approve
by resolution a comprehensive plan for the geographic area over which it has jurisdiction; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Indiana Code 36-7-4-602 the Common Council is authorized to amend the
text of the unified development ordinance; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Indiana Code 36-7-4-610 and City of Carmel Ordinance D-2391-17, the
Carmel Unified Development Ordinance is incorporated by reference into the Carmel City Code;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Common Council of the City of Carmel,
Indiana, that, pursuant to IC 36-7-4-600 et seq. and after Docket No. PZ-2020-00119 OA having received
a favorable recommendation from the Carmel Advisory Plan Commission on Tuesday, February 16, 2021,
it hereby adopts this Ordinance to amend the Carmel Unified Development Ordinance (Ordinance Z-665-
21, as amended), to read as follows:
Section I: Amend Article 1: Ordinance Foundation as follows:
1.29: Filing Fees UDO Page 1-11
Amend Signs Fee Table as follows:
Action Filling Fee
Sign Permit $107.00
Sign Installation Improvement $43.00 plus $2.05 per sq. ft.
Construction Fencing $0.25 per sq. ft.
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Section II: Amend Article 5: Development Standards as follows:
5.18 HO-01: Home Occupation Standards UDO Page 5-22
These Home Occupation Standards (HB) apply to the following zoning districts:
ICON: P1, S1, S2, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, UR, B3, B5, B6, B7, C1, C2, UC, MC, M3
A. General:
2. Character:
d. The Home Occupation shall be permitted signage per Article 5, Section 5.39.
5.39 SI-01: Sign Standards UDO Page 5-49
These Sign Standards (SI) apply to the following districts:
ICON: P1, S1, S2, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, UR, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B8, C1, C2, UC, MC, I1, M3
A. Purpose and Intent: Signs obstruct views, distract motorists, displace alternative uses for
land, and pose other problems that legitimately call for regulation. The purpose of Section
5.39: Sign Standards is to regulate the size, illumination, movement, materials, location,
height and condition of all signs placed on private property for exterior observation, thus
ensuring the protection of property values, the character of the various neighborhoods, the
creation of a convenient, attractive and harmonious community, protection against
destruction of or encroachment on historic convenience to citizens and encouraging
economic development. Section 5.39: Sign Standards allows adequate communication
through signage while encouraging aesthetic quality in the design, location, size and
purpose of all signs. Section 5.39: Sign Standards shall be interpreted in a manner
consistent with the First Amendment guarantee of free speech.
B. Sign Maintenance:
1. Every sign, including but not limited to those signs for which permits are required,
shall have all parts and surfaces cleaned, painted or replaced as necessary to
maintain the original appearance.
2. A Sign Permit shall not be required for sign maintenance (i.e. the repainting, cleaning
and other normal maintenance or repair), nor for change of copy for legal Changeable
Copy of a sign or sign structure for which a permit has previously been issued.
3. However, any Sign Alteration shall require sign permit approval.
4. Landscaping around Ground Signs shall be maintained so that the sign may be
visible at all times and from all visual angles.
5. A Sign Permit will not be required for a change of copy for legal Changeable Copy or
otherwise allowed under Section 5.39: Sign Standards.
6. All signs shall be subject to an inspection by the Planning Administrator.
C. Exempted Signs: The following types of signs are exempted from all provisions of Section
5.39: Sign Standards, but shall be established and maintained in such a manner as to not
cause safety hazards. Signs which are included as part of a Sign Plan may require approval
by the Planning Administrator, however, do not require fees. Otherwise, no procedures,
approvals, permits or fees are required for the following signs:
1. Each property owner shall mark their property using numerals that identify the
address of the property so that public safety departments can easily identify the
address from the public street. The size and location of the identifying numeral and
letters shall be proportional to the size of the building and the distance from the street
to the building.
2. Integral Signs (3 square feet or less).
3. Traffic control devices on private or public property shall be erected and maintained to
comply with the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
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4. Traffic Directional Signs not exceeding three (3) square feet in sign area for any one
(1) sign; and not higher than three (3) feet above ground level. Standard traffic
directional signs, such as STOP and Yield signs, shall comply with the “Manual for
Uniform Traffic Control Devices” which can be found at www.mutcd.fhwa.dot. gov.
5. Government Signs.
6. Flags
a. Flag Poles shall meet the minimum yard setback requirements for a Principal Building
or a minimum of ten (10) feet, whichever is more restrictive.
b. Flag Poles mounted onto a building shall not extend above the cornice line of the
building.
c. Standalone Flag Poles shall not exceed 40 feet in height.
7. Accessory Structures less than five (5) feet in height may display a sign no larger than
three (3) square feet in area.
8. Parking lot row/area identifiers (3 square feet or less).
9. Umbrella signs (3 square feet or less).
D. Prohibited Signs: The following types of signs are prohibited.
1. Signs which contain obscene statements, words or pictures.
2. Signs which contain or are in imitation of an official traffic sign or signal or contain
the words “stop”, “slow”, “caution”, “danger”, “warning” or similar words, or are
of a size, location, movement, content, coloring, or manner of illumination which
may be confused with or construed as a traffic or street sign or signal.
3. Off Premise signs.
4. Signs with a Visible Light Source on the exterior of a Building unless they are
permitted specifically by other sections of Section 5.39: Sign Standards.
5. Signs of the flashing, blinking, animated, or audible type, except those giving
public service information placed by the City of Carmel and/or the State of Indiana.
(The message can change no more than 1 time per 10 seconds.)
6. Signs which rotate, swing, inflate or move as a result of wind (natural or man-
made), i.e. banners, posters, pennants, ribbons, streamers, strings of light bulbs,
spinners or similar devices, unless they are permitted specifically by other sections
of Section 5.39: Sign Standards (See Section 5.39(R): Temporary Sign; Permitted
Banners).
7. Signs which are located in such a manner as to obstruct the view of the intersection
of a street, highway, or trail crossing.
8. Signs which are projected on, located upon, over, or in any street or highway right-
of-way, except for official highway and regulatory signs of the City of Carmel and
the State of Indiana.
9. Portable signs which are not permanently affixed to anything or are movable.
10. Signs which are established on trees, utility poles and fences, unless they are
permitted specifically by other sections of Section 5.39: Sign Standards (See
Section 5.39(R): Temporary Sign; Permitted Banners).
11. Roof Signs
12. Signs which are established on Accessory Structures (such as parking garages, gas
station canopies, or sheds, etc.) unless they are permitted specifically in Section 5.39: Sign
Standards (See Section 5.39(C): Exempted Signs.)
13. Vehicles Used as Signs: It shall be prohibited to park or use a vehicle in such a
way as to function as a sign, defined to include the parking of any vehicle, trailer or
similar movable structure containing or supporting any signage between any Street or
highway right-of-way line and any Building and the greater of two distances: forward
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of the Front Line of Building of the Principal Building or 150 feet from the public
right-of-way, with the exception of:
a. Vehicles actively involved in construction on or serving of the site;
b. Vehicles delivering products to the site in designated loading areas;
c. Vehicles parked in designated truck parking areas of a development that have
been screened from or are not generally visible from the public right-of-way;
d. Vehicles parked on sites where parking is not available 150 feet or more from the
public right-of-way. In such cases, vehicles supporting signage shall be located
as far as possible from the public right-of-way, subject to determination by the
Director of Community Services.
e. Passenger vehicles, pick-up trucks, and vans of a size that can fully fit within a
standard parking space, containing signs painted on or permanently affixed on the
doors or integral body panels that do not exceed sixteen (16) square feet in area.
Permanent Sign Standards
E. General Permanent Sign Standards:
1. All signs require Sign Permit approval by the Planning Administrator.
2. All Sign Permits require fees per Article 1, Section 1.29 Filing Fees.
3. No sign shall interfere with Vision Clearance per Section 5.74 Vision Clearance
Standards.
4. All permanent Ground Signs require a Landscaped Green Area at its base equal to the
Sign Area. For example, ornamental grasses, shrubs and seasonal flowers.
5. Wall Signs are allowed provided that they fit within the horizontal and vertical
elements of the Building and do not obscure architectural details of the Building.
6. No Wall Sign shall be allowed to extend above the cornice line of a Building,
beyond the edges of the wall upon which it is mounted, nor above the roofline.
7. All sign types shall be designed to relate to the architectural style of the main
Building or Buildings upon the site.
8. All signs shall be installed a minimum of five (5) feet from the street right-of-way.
F. Permanent Sign; Residential Complex:
1. Sign Classification: Blade, Canopy, Entrance, Projecting, Suspended, or Wall.
2. Number and Type:
a. Entrance and Suspended: One (1) sign per entrance if the Building(s) are set back
greater than fifteen (15) feet from the street right-of-way,
i. Matching Entrance Signs which border either side of one (1) entrance
into a Residential Complex shall be treated as one (1) sign.
ii. However, both Sign Faces shall be used to calculate the total Sign Area.
b. Or one (1) Blade, Canopy, Projecting, or Wall Sign per Street Frontage.
c. Clubhouse/leasing office in a Residential Complex: 1 sign.
d. One (1) Wall or Projecting Sign for Vehicular Entrances to structured parking.
e. One (1) Public Access Entrance Sign per Building Façade at the ground floor.
3. Maximum Sign Area:
a. Blade:
i. Seventy percent (70%) of tenant’s Spandrel panel height.
ii. The depth of the sign (between the two sign faces) shall be no more than eighty-
five (85%) of tenant’s Spandrel Panel width.
iii. No Blade Sign shall exceed seventy-five (75) square feet.
b. Entrance: Fifty (50) square feet.
c. Canopy:
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i. Height: Two (2) feet.
ii. Width:
1. Ninety percent (90%) of tenant’s canopy length if fourteen (14) feet or less.
2. Seventy percent (70%) of tenant’s canopy length if greater than fourteen
(14) feet.
iii. No Canopy Sign shall exceed seventy (70) square feet.
d. Clubhouse/leasing office: Twenty (20) square feet.
e. Projecting: Twenty (20) square feet.
f. Public Access Entrance: Twenty (20) square feet.
g. Suspended: Twelve (12) square feet.
h. Wall:
i. Seventy percent (70%) of tenant’s Spandrel Panel height.
ii. Eighty-five percent (85%) of tenant’s Spandrel Panel width, with a
ten percent (10%) leeway allowance for architectural elements that
may hinder sign visibility.
iii. Spandrel Panel on a glass building will be determined by
separation details between the panes of glass and/or by floor levels.
Signs on glass buildings shall not obscure vision of tenants inside the
building.
iv. No Wall Sign shall exceed 300 square feet.
4. Maximum Height of Ground Sign: Per Sign Chart A: Ground Signs.
5. Location:
a. Canopy: Shall be placed at an appropriate height over windows or doors for
protection from the elements.
b. Entrance: At Vehicular Entrance to Residential Complex; installed a minimum
of five (5) feet from the street right-of-way.
i. Signage May be installed on a residential Entryway Feature, see Article 7,
Section 7.11: Residential Entryway Feature Standards.
• Required Approval: ADLS or ADLS Amendment
ii. However, a Residential Complex cannot have both an Entrance Sign and an
Entryway Feature.
iii. Prohibited when the building(s) for which it is to be established are set
back less than fifteen (15) feet from the street right-of-way.
c. Clubhouse/Leasing Office: At pedestrian entrance to Building.
d. Projecting and Blade:
i. Shall be located a minimum of two (2) feet behind the curb.
ii. Shall measure a minimum distance of eight (8) feet from the bottom of the sign
to ground level.
iii. Shall not extend more than five (5) feet from the face of the Building.
iv. A Projecting or Blade Sign installed on the corner of a building will be
considered facing two (2) Street Frontages.
6. Design:
a. Canopy: Text and/or graphics shall provide 1” of clearance from the top and
bottom of the canopy face, but shall not exceed length of sign installed on canopy.
b. Entrance:
i. Base of sign shall be constructed of Sign Masonry material to match the design
of the building.
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ii. If no masonry material is used on the building, then a Sign Masonry material
shall be used.
iii. Sign Masonry base shall at least equal the width and depth of the sign.
iv. Shall include a delineated cornice designed to relate to the architectural features
of the main Building(s) upon the site.
c. Wall: See Section 5.39(E)(5), Section 5.39(E)(6), and Section 5.39(E)(7).
7. Illumination: Permitted.
G. Permanent Sign; Home Occupation and Boarding House:
1. Sign Classification: Wall.
2. Number and Type: One (1) Sign.
3. Maximum Sign Area: Three (3) square feet.
4. Location: As per definition of Wall Sign.
5. Illumination: Not permitted.
H. Permanent Sign; Single Tenant for Non-Residential Uses:
1. Sign Classification: Awning, Blade, Canopy, Ground, Porch, Projecting, Suspended, or
Wall.
2. Number and Type:
a. One (1) sign per Street Frontage, maximum three (3) signs.
b. A building owner with two (2) or more Street Frontages may elect to transfer a
permitted sign from one (1) Street Frontage to another.
c. However, no more than two (2) signs may be oriented to one (1) Street
Frontage as follows: One (1) Blade, Canopy, Projecting or Wall Sign and one
(1) Ground or Suspended Sign.
3. Maximum Sign Area:
a. Awning:
i. The area of any Awning graphic will be subtracted from the allowable Sign Area of the
sign type chosen.
ii. If used as the primary business sign, the allowable Wall Sign Area applies.
b. Blade:
i. Seventy percent (70%) of tenant’s Spandrel Panel height.
ii. The depth of the sign (between the two sign faces) shall be no more than eighty-
five percent (85%) of tenant’s Spandrel Panel width.
iii. No Blade Sign shall exceed seventy-five (75) square feet.
c. Canopy:
i. The area of any Canopy graphic will be subtracted from the allowable Sign Area
of the sign type chosen.
ii. If used as the primary business sign, the following applies:
1. Height: Two (2) feet
2. Width:
• Ninety percent (90%) of tenant’s canopy length if fourteen (14) feet
or less.
• Seventy percent (70%) of tenant’s canopy length if greater than
fourteen (14) feet.
3. No Canopy Sign shall exceed seventy (70) square feet.
d. Ground: Per Sign Chart A: Ground Signs.
e. Porch: Six (6) square feet.
f. Projecting: Twenty (20) square feet.
g. Suspended: Twelve (12) square feet.
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h. Wall:
i. Seventy percent (70%) of tenant’s Spandrel Panel height.
ii. Eighty-five percent (85%) of tenant’s Spandrel Panel width, with a ten
percent (10%) leeway allowance for architectural elements that may
hinder sign visibility.
iii. Spandrel Panel on a glass building will be determined by separation details
between the panes of glass and/or by floor levels. Signs on glass buildings shall
not obscure vision of tenants inside the building.
iv. No Wall Sign shall exceed 300 square feet.
4. Maximum Height Of Ground Sign: Per Sign Chart A: Ground Signs.
5. Location:
a. Awning and Canopy:
i. Shall be placed at an appropriate height over windows or doors for protection
from the elements.
ii. Prohibited on residential structures that have been converted to commercial or
offices.
b. Ground:
i. Minimum five (5) feet from the street right-of-way.
ii. Prohibited where residential structures have been converted to commercial or office
uses.
iii. Prohibited when the building for which it is to be established is set back less than
fifteen (15) feet from the street right-of-way.
c. Porch and Suspended:
i. May be utilized only where residential structures have been converted to
office of commercial uses.
ii. Minimum five (5) feet from the street right-of-way.
d. Projecting and Blade:
i. Shall be located a minimum of two (2) feet behind the curb.
ii. Shall measure a minimum distance of eight (8) feet from the bottom of the sign to
ground level.
iii. Shall not extend more than five (5) feet from the face of the building.
iv. A Projecting or Blade Sign installed on the corner of a building will be considered
facing two (2) Street Frontages.
v. Prohibited on residential structures that have been converted to commercial for office
uses.
e. Wall: Prohibited on residential structures that have been converted to commercial or
office uses.
6. Design:
a. Awning:
i. Text and/or graphics shall provide 1” of clearance from the top and bottom of the
front valance of a fabric awning.
ii. Valances shall not exceed fourteen (14”) in height.
iii. Text and or graphics may be placed on the top of the Awning.
b. Canopy: Text and/or graphics shall provide 1” of clearance from the top and bottom of
the canopy face, but shall not exceed length of sign installed on canopy.
c. Ground:
i. Base of sign shall be constructed of Sign Masonry material to match the design of
the building.
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ii. If no masonry material is used on the building, then a Sign Masonry material shall
be used.
iii. Sign Masonry base shall be at least equal to the width and depth of the sign.
iv. Shall include a delineated cornice designed to relate to the architectural features of
the main Buildings(s) upon the site.
d. Wall: See Section 5.39(E)(5), Section 5.39(E)(6), and Section 5.39 (E)(7).
e. All Others: No restrictions.
7. Copy:
a. Any permissible Ground sign may include Changeable Copy.
b. Any permissible Ground Sign for an Automobile Filling Station use may
utilize Electronic Scrolling Numerals.
8. Illumination: Permitted.
I. Permanent Sign; Multi-Tenant Buildings for Mixed-use and Non-Residential uses:
1. Sign Classification: Awning, Blade, Canopy, Ground, Projecting, Secondary Projecting,
or Wall.
2. Number and Type:
a. Multi-Tenant Ground Floor Building
i. Per Tenant:
[1] One (1) Awning, Canopy, Projecting, or Wall Sign per Street Frontage,
maximum two (2).
[2] One (1) Secondary Projecting Sign per tenant Façade, maximum
two (2) for pedestrian identification along a sidewalk.
[3] One (1) Wall Sign for the rear parking lot Public Access Entrance
Facade if the building is set back fifteen (15) feet or less from the street
right-of-way.
ii. Per Building:
[1] If a Building has more than one Street Frontage, One (1) Ground Sign
may be installed for the Street Frontage without Awning, Canopy,
Projecting, or Wall Signs per Section 5.39(I)(2)(a)(i)[1] above
(maximum 3).
[2] A building owner with two (2) or more Street Frontages may elect to
transfer a permitted sign from one Street Frontage to another.
[3] However, no more than two (2) signs shall be oriented to one (1) Street
Frontage as follows: One Projecting or Wall Sign and one (1) Ground Sign.
b. Multi-Tenant, Multi-Level Office Building
i. Per Building: Two (2) signs per Street Frontage, maximum six (6).
ii. A building owner may transfer Street Frontages for two (2) Wall or one (1)
Wall and one (1) Blade and one (1) Ground Sign to face the same Street
Frontage.
iii. Buildings with more than one (1) Public Access Entrance and served by
separate parking lots are permitted one (1) Public Access Entrance Ground
Sign at each of the Public Access Entrances
c. Multi-Tenant Building Complex
i. One (1) Ground Sign per Street Frontage, maximum three (3) in addition
to Wall Signs for Multi-Tenant Ground Floor or Multi-Tenant, Multi-
Level Office Buildings.
ii. Signage may be installed on a commercial entryway feature, see Article 7,
Section 7.12: Non-Residential Entryway Feature Standards.
[1] Required Approval: ADLS or ADLS Amendment
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d. Multi-Tenant, Multi-Level, Mixed-Use Building
i. Per Building:
[1] One (1) Blade or Wall Sign per Street Frontage.
[2] One (1) Wall or Projecting sign for Vehicular Entrances to structured
parking.
ii. Per ground floor tenant:
[1] One (1) Canopy, Wall, or Projecting Sign per Street Frontage.
[2] One (1) Secondary Projecting Sign per Façade, maximum two (2) for
pedestrian identification along a sidewalk (See Section
5.39(I)(5)(g)(iii)).
[3] One (1) Wall Sign for the rear (Public Access Entrance) Facade if the
building is set back fifteen (15) feet or less from the street right-of-way.
iii. For upper level tenants:
[1] One (1) Multi-Tenant, Multi-Level Mixed Use Wall Sign per Building
Façade at the ground floor Public Access Entrance; or
[2] One (1) Multi-Tenant, Multi-Level Mixed Use Ground Sign per Building at
the rear Public Access Entrance to the building.
3. Maximum Sign Area:
a. Awning:
i. The area of any Awning graphic will be subtracted from the allowable Sign
Area of the sign type chosen.
ii. If used as the primary business sign, the allowable Wall Sign Area applies.
b. Blade:
i. Seventy percent (70%) of tenant’s Spandrel height.
ii. The depth of the sign (between the two sign faces) shall be no more than eighty-
five percent (85%) of tenant’s Spandrel Panel width.
iii. No Blade Sign shall exceed seventy-five (75) square feet.
c. Canopy:
i. The area of any Canopy graphic will be subtracted from the allowable Sign Area
of the sign type chosen.
ii. If used as the primary business sign, the following applies:
[1] Height: Two (2) feet
[2] Width:
(1) Ninety percent (90%) of tenant’s canopy length if fourteen (14) feet or
less.
(2) Seventy percent (70%) of tenant’s canopy length if greater than fourteen
(14) feet.
[3] No Canopy Sign shall exceed seventy (70) square feet.
d. Ground: See Sign Chart A: Ground Signs.
e. Multi-Tenant, Multi-Level Mixed Use Building Wall: Six (6) square feet.
f. Multi-Tenant, Multi-Level Mixed Use Building Ground: Twelve (12) square feet.
g. Projecting: Twenty (20) square feet.
h. Public Access Entrance: Twenty (20) square feet.
i. Secondary Projecting: Five (5) square feet.
j. Wall:
i. Seventy percent (70%) of tenant’s Spandrel Panel height.
ii. Eighty-five percent (85%) of tenant’s Spandrel Panel width, with a ten
percent (10%) leeway allowance for architectural elements that may
hinder sign visibility.
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iii. Spandrel Panel on a glass building will be determined by separation details
between the panes of glass and/or by floor levels. Signs on glass buildings shall
not obscure vision of tenants inside the building.
iv. No Wall Sign shall exceed 300 square feet
4. Maximum Height Of Ground Sign: Per Sign Chart A: Ground Signs.
5. Location:
a. Awning and Canopy:
i. Shall be placed at an appropriate height over windows or doors for protection
from elements.
ii. Not permitted on residential structures that have been converted to office or
commercial uses.
b. Ground:
i. Minimum of five (5) feet from street right-of-way.
ii. Located at or near the Vehicular Entrance to the complex.
iii. Ground Signs are not permitted where residential structures have been
converted to office or commercial uses.
iv. Prohibited when the building for which it is to be established is set
back less than fifteen (15) feet from the street right-of-way.
c. Multi-Tenant, Multi-Level Mixed Use Building Wall: At the Public Access
Entrance located at the rear of a building on the Façade of the building.
d. Multi-Tenant, Multi-Level Mixed Use Building Ground: At the Public Access
Entrance located at the rear of a building in a Landscaped Green Area.
e. Porch and Suspended: May be utilized only on residential structures that have
been converted to office or commercial uses.
f. Projecting and Blade:
i. Shall be located a minimum of two (2) feet behind the curb.
ii. Shall measure a minimum distance of eight (8) feet from the bottom of the sign to
ground level.
iii. Shall not extend more than five (5) feet from the face of the Building.
iv. A Projecting or Blade Sign installed on the corner of a building will be
considered facing two (2) Street Frontages.
v. Not permitted where residential structures have been converted to office or
commercial uses.
g. Secondary Projecting:
i. May be installed under an awning/canopy or perpendicular to the Building
Façade near the entrance to the tenant space.
ii. Shall measure a minimum distance of eight (8) feet from the bottom of the
sign to ground level.
iii. If Projecting Sign is selected as main sign type, a Secondary Projecting Sign
shall not be used on the same Façade.
iv. Not permitted where residential structures have been converted to office or
commercial uses.
h. Wall:
i. Within the Spandrel Panel of the Building Street Frontage occupied by the tenant.
ii. For Multi-Tenant, Multi-Level Office buildings, Wall Signs facing the same
Street Frontage shall be placed symmetrically within the Spandrel Panel (i.e.
one on each end of the Façade). If a Wall Sign is placed in the middle of the
Spandrel Panel, no other Wall Sign shall be placed on that same Façade.
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6. Design:
a. Awning:
i. Text and/or graphics shall provide 1” of clearance from the top and bottom of the
front valence of a fabric awning.
ii. Valences shall not exceed fourteen inches (14”) in height.
iii. Text and or graphics may be placed on the top of the Awning.
b. Canopy: Text and/or graphics shall provide 1” of clearance from the top and bottom
of the canopy face, but shall not exceed length of sign installed on canopy.
c. Ground:
i. Base of sign shall be constructed of a Sign Masonry material to match the design
of the building.
ii. If no masonry material is used on the building, then a Sign Masonry material
shall be used as the base for the ground sign.
iii. Width of Sign Masonry base shall at least equal the width and depth of the sign.
iv. Shall include a delineated cornice designed to relate to the architectural features
of the main Building(s) upon the site.
d. Wall: See Section 5.39(E)(5), Section 5.39(E)(6), and Section 5.39(E)(7).
e. All others: No restrictions.
f. Sign Plan: Existing or new Multi-Tenant Buildings shall have and follow a
Sign Package approved through ADLS or ADLS Amendment specifying the
following:
i. Sign placement on Building and site
ii. Wall Sign installation method to Building
iii. Lighting method of signage
iv. Sign size
7. Copy:
a. Any permissible Ground Sign may include Changeable Copy.
b. Any permissible Ground Sign for an Automobile Filling Station use may
utilize Electronic Scrolling Numerals.
8. Illumination: Permitted.
J. Permanent Sign; Window Signs :
1. Non‑Illuminated:
a. Maximum Sign Area: Window Signs shall not exceed thirty percent (30%) of
the total Window Area on which the signs are placed or through which they are
viewed.
b. Location: As per definition of Window Sign.
c. Required Approval: ADLS approval is required for all permanent signs that are
established in a Zoning District and/or Overlay Zone requiring ADLS approval.
2. Illuminated:
a. Number: One (1) sign per tenant/property owner and may be in addition to any other
permitted signs.
b. Maximum Sign Area: Three (3) square feet.
c. Location: As per definition of Window sign.
K. Permanent Sign; Drive-Thru Food Service for Mixed-use and Non-Residential Uses:
1. Sign Classification: Ground Sign.
2. Number and Type:
a. Two (2) per establishment with one drive thru lane.
b. Three (3) per establishment with two drive thru lanes
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3. Maximum Sign Area:
a. One drive thru lane: Fifty (50) square feet total between the two (2) signs;
maximum of thirty (30) square feet per sign.
b. Two drive thru lanes: Eighty (80) square feet total between the three (3) signs;
maximum of thirty (30) square feet per sign.
4. Maximum Height Of Ground Sign: Six (6) feet.
5. Location: In line with the drive-thru lane and shielded from street view.
6. Design:
a. May utilize Electronic Message Board.
b. Base of sign shall be constructed of a Sign Masonry material to match the design of
the building.
c. If no masonry material is used on the building, then a Sign Masonry material shall be
used.
d. Sign Masonry base shall be at least equal to the width and depth of the sign.
7. Illumination: Permitted.
L. Permanent Signs in a C1 & C2 District:
1. Sign Classification: Sign classification shall follow the permanent sign standards by
building or complex type per Section 5.39(F) through (K).
2. Number: The number of permanent signs shall be in accordance with the project standards
established by the Carmel Redevelopment Commission.
3. Maximum Sign Area: Sign areas shall follow the permanent sign standards by building or
complex type per Sections 5.39(F) through (K).
4. Maximum Height Of Ground Sign: Sign heights shall follow the permanent sign standards
by building or complex type per Section 5.39(F) through (K).
5. Location: The location of permanent signs shall be in accordance with the project standards
established by the Carmel Redevelopment Commission.
6. Design: Sign areas shall follow the permanent sign standards by building or complex type
per Section 5.39(F) through (K).
7. Illumination: Permitted.
Temporary Sign Standards
M. General Temporary Sign Standards: Temporary Signs are subject to the following standards.
1. Shall only be located on property owner’s property and shall not be placed on any utility
pole, street light, similar object, or on public property; and
2. If the property is leased, the tenant assumes this right.
N. Temporary Sign; Construction Site:
1. Sign Classification: Construction Fence or Ground.
2. Number and Type: One (1) sign per Street Frontage.
3. Maximum Sign Area:
a. Construction Fence
i. Twenty (20) Percent of total mesh area.
b. Ground
i. Residential District: Sixteen (16) square feet.
ii. Business/Industrial/Manufacturing District: Thirty-two (32) square feet.
4. Maximum Height:
a. Construction Fence Sign: Not to exceed height of Construction Fencing.
b. Ground Sign: Eight (8) feet.
5. Location:
a. Construction Fence Sign: Shall be installed on Construction Fencing.
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b. Ground Sign:
i. Shall be a minimum of five (5) feet from the street right-of-way.
ii. For lots with more than one (1) Street Frontage, the distance between any two (2)
signs shall not be less than fifteen (15) feet at any point.
6. Design:
a. Ground:
i. Shall be constructed of a rigid substrate material with a durable sign face.
ii. Sign face may be split up to sixty degrees (60°) and still be considered one (1)
sign. See Diagram 1: Sign Face Separation.
7. Required Approvals: Permit required for signs over six (6) square feet.
8. Illumination: Not permitted.
9. Time:
a. Shall not be established until Improvement Location Permit (ILP) is issued.
b. Sign shall be removed upon completion of construction or expiration of
Improvement Location Permit (ILP).
10. Fees: Required for signs over six (6) square feet.
O. Temporary Sign; Property for Sale/Lease:
1. Sign Classification: Ground Sign.
2. Number and Type: One (1) Ground Sign per Property Frontage shall be allowed
when the property is being offered for sale through a licensed real estate agent or
the owner of the property.
3. Maximum Sign Area:
a. Residential District:
i. Lot size less than five (5) acres: Six (6) square feet.
ii. Lot size five (5) acres and over: Twenty (20) square feet.
b. Business, Industrial and Manufacturing District:
i. Non-highway: Twenty (20) square feet.
ii. Highway: Thirty-two (32) square feet.
4. Maximum Height of Ground Sign:
a. Lot size less than five (5) acres: Five (5) feet.
b. Lot size five (5) acres or greater: Eight (8) feet.
5. Location:
a. Minimum of five (5) feet from the street right-of-way.
b. For lots with more than one (1) Street Frontage, the distance between any two
(2) signs shall not be less than fifteen (15) feet at any point.
c. For Through Lots (fronting two parallel streets), two (2) signs shall not face the same
street.
6. Design: Sign face may be split up to sixty degrees (60°) and still be considered one
(1) sign. See Diagram 1: Sign Face Separation.
7. Required Approvals: Permit required for signs over six (6) square feet.
8. Illumination: Not permitted.
9. Time: May be installed for the duration of the sale or leasing offer and fifteen (15) days
following the closing of the sale on the property.
10. Fees: Required for signs over six (6) square feet.
P. Temporary Sign; Signage for Temporary Uses.
1. Sign Classification: Wall or Ground.
2. Number and Type: One (1) sign.
3. Maximum Sign Area: Thirty-two (32) square feet
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4. Maximum Height Of Ground Sign: Six (6) feet.
5. Location:
a. Shall not interfere with Vision Clearance.
b. Shall be a minimum of five (5) feet from the street right-of-way.
6. Design: No restrictions.
7. Required Approvals:
a. Permit required for signs over six (6) square feet.
b. Use shall be permitted according to the applicable zoning district in Article 2: Zoning
Districts.
c. Shall require an approved Temporary Use permit.
8. Illumination: Not permitted.
9. Time: Limited to duration of Temporary Use permit.
10. Fees: Required.
Q. Temporary Sign; Yard Signs in a Residential District:
1. Sign Classification: Ground.
2. Number and Type: No restrictions.
3. Maximum Sign Area: Sixteen (16) square feet total for premises.
4. Maximum Height of Ground Sign: Six (6) feet.
5. Location: Shall be a minimum of five (5) feet from the street right-of-way.
6. Design: As per definition of Ground Sign.
7. Required Approvals: None.
8. Time: No time limit.
9. Fees: Not required.
R. Temporary Sign; Permitted Banners:
1. Street Banners
a. Sign Classification: Banner.
b. Number, Type and Location:
i. One (1) Banner per Street Frontage on the property where the event is held.
ii. Sign shall be a minimum of five (5) feet from the street right-of-way.
c. Maximum Sign Area: Three feet by eight feet (3’ x 8’); horizontal format.
d. Design: See Diagram 2: Street Banner.
e. Required Approvals: Public Event Permit required.
f. Time:
i. Shall be installed for a period of no more than two (2) weeks.
ii. Shall be removed no more than twenty-four (24) hours after the event.
iii. Recurring events may be advertised once per quarter.
g. Fees: Not required.
2. Interim Signage.
a. Sign Classification: Banner.
b. Number and Type: One (1) Banner for each approved Permanent Sign.
c. Maximum Sign Area: Not to exceed the area of the approved Permanent Sign.
d. Location: Shall be placed in the location(s) of the not yet erected Permanent Sign(s).
e. Design: No restrictions.
f. Illumination: Permitted.
g. Required Approvals: A sign permit for Permanent signage shall be applied for
before an interim sign permit can be issued.
h. Time:
i. An interim sign shall not be displayed for more than ninety (90) days
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following the issuance of the temporary Banner permit.
ii. An extension of time, not to exceed ninety (90) days, may be granted. Such
extension request shall be made in writing.
S. Temporary Signs in a C1 & C2 District:
1. Sign Classification: Sign classification shall be in accordance with the project standards
established by building or complex type per Sections 5.39(M) through (R).
2. Number: The number of temporary signs shall be in accordance with the project standards
established by the Carmel Redevelopment Commission.
3. Maximum Sign Area: Sign areas shall follow the temporary sign standards by building or
complex type per Sections 5.39(M) through (R).
4. Maximum Height Of Ground Sign: Sign heights shall follow the temporary sign standards
by building or complex type per Section 5.39(M) through (R).
5. Location: The location of temporary signs shall be in accordance with the project standards
established by the Carmel Redevelopment Commission.
6. Design: Sign areas shall be in accordance with the project standards established by building
or complex type per Sections 5.39(M) through (R).
7. Required Approvals: Sign approval shall follow the temporary sign standards by building or
complex type per Section 5.39(M) through (R).
8. Illumination: Sign illumination shall follow the temporary sign standards by building or
complex type per Section 5.39(M) through (R).
9. Time: Sign time shall follow the temporary sign standards by building or complex type per
Section 5.39(M) through (R).
10. Fees. Sign fee shall follow the temporary sign standards by building or complex type per
Section 5.39(M) through (R).
Sign Chart A: Ground Signs
Single- and Multiple-Tenant Buildings
Distance of Sign from
Street Right-of-Way*
(minimum of 5 feet)
Building Frontage
(Tenant Unit)
Maximum Sign Area Maximum Height of
Ground Sign
5 – 30 feet under 50 feet 30 sq. ft. 6 feet
51 - 100 feet 35 sq. ft. 6 feet
101 - 150 feet 40 sq. ft. 6 feet
151 - 300 feet 45 sq. ft. 6 feet
31 - 60 feet under 50 feet 35 sq. ft. 6 feet
51 -100 feet 40 sq. ft. 6 feet
101 - 150 feet 45 sq. ft. 6 feet
151 -300 feet 50 sq. ft. 6 feet
61 – 100 feet under 50 feet 40 sq. ft. 6 feet
51 - 100 feet 45 sq. ft. 6 feet
101 - 150 feet 50 sq. ft. 7 feet
151 - 300 feet 55 sq. ft. 8 feet
–101+ feet Any 75 sq. ft. 8 feet
*Street Right-of-Way, as designated in the Thoroughfare Plan.
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5.66 US-20: Food Stand Use-Specific Standards UDO Page 5-69
These Use-Specific Standards apply to the following districts:
ICON: P1, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B8, C1, C2, I1, M3
F. Signage in conjunction with a Food Stand shall be permitted signage per Article 5, Section 5.39:
P: Temporary Sign; Signage for Temporary Uses and attached to the Food Stand.
Section III: Amend Article 7: Design Standards as follows:
7.11 EF-01: Residential Entryway Feature (EF) Standards UDO Page 7-16
This Entryway Feature Standards (EF) section applies to the following types of development:
ICON: CS, RS, TS
A. Applicability: Residential Complexes with internal public or private streets and set back greater
than fifteen (15) feet, may establish an Entryway Feature.
B. Approval Authority: ADLS or ADLS Amendment
C. Cross Reference: See Section 5.39 Sign Standards and Section 7.06: Common Area Standards
for information regarding approval, maintenance, repair, and replacement of Entryway
Features.
D. Disturbances: Entryway Features shall be designed to cause the least practicable disturbance to
natural infiltration and percolation of precipitation to the groundwater table, through careful
planning of vegetation and land disturbance activities, and the placement of structures,
hardscape features and impervious surfaces.
E. Location:
1. General: Any Entryway Feature shall be located at a Vehicular Entrance, or a location that
is clearly visible from a Vehicular Entrance into the development.
2. Common Area or Landscape Easement: An Entryway Feature shall be located within
common area or within a Landscape Easement. If within common area, an Owners’
Association shall own and maintain it in perpetuity. If within a Landscape Easement, the
Owners’ Association shall maintain it in perpetuity and the easement shall grant access to
the Owners’ Association and the City of Carmel. The easement may require the lot owner
to maintain turf grass that may partially or fully surround the Entryway Feature, but
otherwise shall not assign other maintenance to the lot owner.
3. Vision Clearance: An Entryway Feature shall not be permitted in the Vision Clearance
Triangle.
4. Entryway Median: Under no circumstances shall the identification portion (i.e. the
development name) be located within the right-of-way or a median carved out of the right-
of-way.
5. An Entryway Feature shall be installed a minimum of five (5) feet from the street right-of-
way.
F. Landscaping: The identification portion (i.e. the development name) of the Entryway Feature
shall be significantly subordinate to the landscaping and hardscaping features used to create the
entryway feature.
G. Height: The identification portion (i.e. the development name) of the Entryway Feature shall
not exceed six (6) feet in height above the pre-existing grade. The overall height of an
Entryway Feature’s hardscaping or structures is limited to thirty (30) feet, but shall be in
proportion to the scale of the development and entryway. For Example, the maximum height is
set to allow a historic barn to be preserved and integrated into an entryway feature, or a clock
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tower to be installed. Hardscape features or structures that would normally and traditionally not
be tall should be similar in scale to how they are used elsewhere in the region.
H. Signage:
1. The Entryway Feature shall be permitted signage per Section 5.39: Sign Standards.
I. Lighting: The identification portion (e.g. the development name) of the Entryway Feature is
encouraged to be externally lighted, but is not mandatory. If externally illuminated, only
ground mounted cutoff fixtures shall be used. Lighting shall be the minimum necessary to
softly illuminate the identification portion (e.g. the development name) of the Entryway
Feature. Other low-voltage landscape lighting may be used to softly illuminate other features of
an Entryway Feature as long as it does not cause as safety hazard or glare to motorist or
pedestrians. Illumination levels shall not exceed 0.1 foot-candles at the property line.
7.12 EF-02: Non-Residential Entryway Feature Standards UDO Page 7-17
This Entryway Feature Standards (EF) section applies to the following types of development:
ICON: CM
A. Applicability: Commercial subdivisions and non-residential developments with four (4) or
more lots, and with internal public or private streets, may establish one Entryway Feature.
B. Approval Authority: ADLS or ADLS Amendment
C. Cross Reference: See Section 5.39: Sign Standards and Section 7.06: Common Area
Standards for approval, information regarding maintenance, repair, and replacement of
Entryway Features.
D. Disturbances: Entryway Features shall be designed to cause the least practicable
disturbance to natural infiltration and percolation of precipitation to the groundwater
table, through careful planning of vegetation and land disturbance activities, and the
placement of structures, hardscape features and impervious surfaces.
E. Location:
1. Any Entryway Feature shall be located at a Vehicular Entrance from a perimeter street.
2. Vision Clearance: An Entryway Feature shall not be permitted in the Vision Clearance
Triangle.
3. An Entryway Feature shall be installed a minimum of five (5) feet from the street right-
of-way.
4. Entryway Median: Under no circumstances shall the Entryway Feature or the
signage portion be located within the right-of-way or a median carved out of the
right-of-way.
F. Landscaping: The identification portion (e.g. the development name) of the Entryway Feature
shall be significantly subordinate to the landscaping and hardscaping features.
G. Height: The identification portion (i.e. the development name) of the Entryway Feature shall
not exceed six (6) feet in height above the pre-existing grade. The overall height of an
Entryway Feature’s hardscaping or structures is limited to twenty (20) feet, but shall be in
proportion to the scale of the development and entryway. For example, the maximum
height is set to allow a clock tower or similar, stylistic structure to be installed. Hardscape
features or structures that would normally and traditionally not be tall should be similar in
scale to how they are used elsewhere in the region.
H. Signage:
1. The Entryway Feature shall be permitted signage per Section 5.39: Sign
Standards.
I. Lighting: Exterior lighting of the Entryway Feature shall be designed so that light is not
directed off the site and the light source is shielded from direct offsite viewing.
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Illumination levels shall not exceed 0.3 foot-candles at the property line.
J. Disqualification: If a commercial development utilizes Multi-Tenant Building Complex signs
through the zoning regulations in Article 5, Section 5.39: Sign Standards, then the
development shall not be permitted an Entryway Feature.
Section IV: Amend Article 11: Definitions as follows:
11.02 Definitions UDO Page 11-2
Canopy: A permanent shelter supported entirely from the exterior wall of a building and composed of
rigid materials.
Construction Fencing: Temporary fencing typically used for the purpose of concealing construction
development.
Entryway Feature: Hardscaping utilized at the entrance of a development that portrays a development
theme, or character complementary to the overall development and nearby developed area.
Residential Complex: Building(s) for housing purposes combining any of the following: Attached,
Multiple Family, Single Family, or Two Family Dwellings.
Sign, Construction Fence: Signage printed onto a mesh fabric or screen installed on Construction
Fencing.
Sign, Blade: A sign attached to and supported by a building, which extends out at any angle therefrom
and is vertically oriented on the building.
Sign, Canopy: A Sign located on a permanent roof-like structure or canopy of rigid materials extending
from the building entrance. Permanent Canopies attached to the Building shall be considered a part of the
Structure.
Sign, Entrance: A ground sign located at the vehicular entrance to a Residential Complex .
Sign, Flag: Any sign printed, painted, or sewn on cloth, plastic, canvas, or other like material attached to
a pole or staff and anchored along only one edge or supported or anchored at only two corners.
Sign, Projecting: A sign attached to and supported by a building, which extends out at any angle
therefrom and is horizontally oriented on the building.
Sign, Secondary Projecting: A sign established under an Awning or Canopy or Perpendicular from the
wall on a smaller scale intended for pedestrian traffic. Secondary Projecting signs shall be considered
Wall Signs.
Spandrel Panel: An opaque rectangular wall panel area in a façade filling the space between architectural
elements, usually above and below windows or between building expansion joints.
Vehicular Entrance: An entrance into a development used primarily for passenger vehicles.
Section V: All prior Ordinances or parts thereof inconsistent with any provision of this Ordinance are
hereby repealed.
Section VI: This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and signing by the
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Mayor.
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PASSED by the Common Council of the City of Carmel, Indiana, this ____ day of ________, 2021, by a vote of _____
ayes and _____ nays.
COMMON COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF CARMEL
___________________________________
Sue Finkam, President Kevin D. Rider, Vice-President
___________________________________ ____________________________________
H. Bruce Kimball Laura Campbell
___________________________________ ____________________________________
Anthony Green Jeff Worrell
___________________________________ ___________________________________
Timothy J. Hannon Miles Nelson
___________________________________
Adam Aasen
ATTEST:
__________________________________
Sue Wolfgang, Clerk
Presented by me to the Mayor of the City of Carmel, Indiana this ____ day of _________________________ 20 21, at
_______ __.M.
____________________________________
Sue Wolfgang, Clerk
Approved by me, Mayor of the City of Carmel, Indiana, this _____ day of ________________________ 2021, at
_______ __.M.
____________________________________
James Brainard, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________________
Sue Wolfgang, Clerk
Prepared by:
Nathan Chavez, Sign Administrator, One Civic Square, Carmel, IN 46032
DocuSign Envelope ID: 300B2B79-553B-45B8-9B6B-B1BFD9F77E73
April
A
0
8
23rd
April23rd
9:00
A
April
Not Present
10:15
19th