HomeMy WebLinkAboutSign Ordinance (spring 2012) RedlineCITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
CARMEL CITY CODE
CHAPTER 10: ZONING & SUBDIVISIONS
ARTICLE 1: ZONING CODE
CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
SECTION 25.07: SIGN ORDINANCE
25.07.01 General Provisions-
2
25.07.01 -01 Definitions . 2
25.07.01 -02 Purpose and Intent 2
25.07.01 -03 Administration and Enforcement 2
25.07.01 -04 Sign Maintenance 3
25.07.01 -05 Exempted Signs 3
25.07.01 -06 Prohibited Signs 4
25.07.01 -07 Legal Non - Conforming Signs 5
6
25.07.02 -01 Subdivision.Residential Complex 6 -7
25.07.02 02 Multi Family Housing Complex.
25.07.02 -032 Home Occu.ation and Boarding House ' -.': • - 7
-.
25.07.02 Permitted Permanent Signs-
25.07.02 05
25.07.02 06
Institutional Uses.
Recreational Uses.
25.07.02-0g3 Single Tenant Building- 7 -8
25.07.02 -094 Multi- Tenant Ground Floor Buildings- 8 -11
25.07.02 10 Multi Tenant Multi Level Building.
25.07.02 11 Multi Tenant Building Complex.
25.07.0205 Window Signs- 11
25.07.02 13 Old Town Carmel.
25.07.02 1'I Old Meridian District.25.07.02- 06 Drive -Thru Service Menu Signs 11
25.07.03 Temporary Signs- 12
25.07.03 -01 Subdivision Construction Signs- 12
25.07.03 02 Non Residential and Multiple Family Housing Complex Construction Signs.
25.07.03 -042 Real Estate Signs- 12 -13
25.07.03 -043 Political Campaign Signs- 13
25.07.03 05 Additional Signs in Residential Zones.
25.07.03 -064 Signage for Temporary Uses- 13
25.07.03 -075 Model Home & Temporary Sales Office Identification Signs- 13 -14
25.07.03 -06 Permitted Banners 14 -15
Page 1
Section 25.07: Signs Ordinance — as
25.07 1
ae,- adopted per Z -302; as amended per Z- 365 -01; Z- 366 -01; Z- 369 -02; Z- 416 -03; Z- 453 -04; Z- 461 -04; Z- 470 -05;
Z- 478 -05; Z- 486 -06
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CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
25.07.03 -07 Yard Sale & Open House signs 15 -16
25.07.01 Permitted Banners.
25.07.01 01
25.07.01 02
25.07.01 03
25.07.05
25.07.06
25.07.07
25.07.08
25.07.09
Sign Chart A:
Sign Chart B:
Sign Chart GB:
Diagram 1:
Diagram 2:
Diagram 2:
Diagram 'I:
Street Banners For Civic Events.
Grand Opening Banners.
Interim Signage Pending Permanent Sign.
Fast Food Drive Thru Service Menu Signs.
Legal Non Conforming Signs.
Sign Permits.
Variance.
Administration and Enforcement.
Non Freeway.All locations 17
Freeway.
Address Number Chart- 18
Sign Face Separation- 18
Public Event Sign Structure 19
Through Lot Real Estate Sign Placement.
Old Meridian Sign Placement.
25.07 Signs.
25.07.01 General Provisions.'
25.07.01 -01 Definitions.
Terms used in this Ordinance are defined in Chapter 3: Definitions.
25.07.01 -012 Purpose and Intent.
The purpose of this section is to regulate signs which can be viewed from the exterior of structures so as to
protect health, safety and morals and to promote the public welfare. The intent is to recognize the need for
adequate business identification to conduct business while promoting an attractive appearance throughout the
community through the use of inspection regulation and permits, and by the application of reasonable
guidelines formulated to ensure compliance by all present and future signs with the ordinance This ordinance
is designed to authorize signs which are:
a) Designed, constructed, installed and maintained in such a manner that they do not
endanger public safety or traffic safety;
ha) Compatible with the objectives of proper design as stated in this Ordinance and
zoning amenities;
be) Established in such a way as to allow and promote optimum conditions for meeting the
sign user's needs while at the same time promote the amenable environment required to
serve the public welfare;
cd) Legible, readable and visible in the circumstances in which they are used; and
1 Section 25.07.01 amended per Ordinance No. Z- 366 -01; Z- 369 -02.
Page 2
Section 25.07: Signs Ordinance — as
25.07 1
e e,- adopted per Z -302; as amended per Z- 365 -01; Z- 366 -01; Z- 369 -02; Z- 416 -03; Z- 453 -04; Z- 461 -04; Z- 470 -05;
Z- 478 -05; Z- 486 -06
Spring 201206 vl
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
de) Respectful of the reasonable rights of other advertisers whose messages are displayed.
25.07.01 02 Dcfinitions 2
Terms used in this Ordinance are defined in Chapter 3: Definitions.
25.07.01 -03 Administration and Enforcement.
a) The Administrator is hereby authorized and directed to enforce and carry out all provisions
of this section both in letter and spirit, pursuant to state statute.
b) The Administrator is further empowered to delegate the duties and the powers granted to and
imposed upon him/her under this Ordinance As used in this section, "Administrator" shall
include any authorized representative(s).
c) The Administrator is hereby empowered to enter or inspect any building, structure, or
premises in the jurisdictional area of this Ordinance, upon which, or in connection with
which a sign is located, for the purpose of inspection of the sign, its structural and electrical
connections, and to insure compliance with the provisions of this section. Such inspections
shall be carried out during business hours, unless an emergency exists.
d) Except as otherwise provided in this Ordinance, it shall be unlawful for any person to
establish any sign within the City of Carmel and/or Clay Township, without first obtaining a
Sign Permit for each such sign from the Administrator as required by this Ordinance.
e) No person shall Establish any sign upon any property or building without the consent of the
owner or person entitled to possession of the property or building if any, or their authorized
representative.
f) The Administrator may, in writing, suspend or revoke a permit issued under provisions of
this Section whenever the permit is issued on the basis of a misstatement of fact or fraud
after due notice by and hearing before the Administrator.
g) No permit for a sign issued shall be deemed to constitute permission or authorization to
maintain an unlawful sign nor shall any permit issued hereunder constitute a defense in an
action to abate an unlawful sign.
h) No new permit is required for signs which have permits and which conform to the
requirements of this ordinance on the date of its adoption unless and until the sign is altered
or relocated in violation of this Ordinance
i) Permit fees shall be as stated in Section 29.06.05 of this Ordinance.
25.07.01 -04 Sign Maintenance.
a) All signs and sign structures shall be kept and maintained in good repair and in a safe
condition.
b) A Sign Permit shall not be required for sign maintenance, i.e. the repainting, cleaning and
other normal maintenance or repair of a sign or sign structure for which a permit has
previously been issued.
c) However, any Sign Alteration shall require sign permit approval.
d) Landscaping around ground signs shall be maintained so that the sign may be visible at all
2 Section 25.07.01 -02 amended per Ordinance No. Z- 416 -03, §f-g.
Page 3
Section 25.07: Signs Ordinance — as
25.07 1
ate- adopted per Z -302; as amended per Z- 365 -01; Z- 366 -01; Z- 369 -02; Z- 416 -03; Z- 453 -04; Z- 461 -04; Z- 470 -05;
Z- 478 -05; Z- 486 -06
Spring 201206 vl
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
times and from all visual angles.
be) A Sign Permit will not be required for a change of copy for legal Changeable Copy or
otherwise allowed under this Ordinance.
Of) All signs shall be subject to an inspection by the Administrator.
25.07.01 -035 Exempted Signs.
The following types of signs are exempted from all provisions of this section, but must be established and
maintained in such a manner as to not cause safety hazards. Signs which are included as part of a total sign
package may require approval by the Administrator, however, do not require fees. Otherwise, Nno procedures,
approvals, permits or fees are required for the following signs:
a) Dwelling Unit Signs
b) Holiday Signs
c) Integral Signs (three (3) square- feet.- or less)
d) Parking Signs (three (3) square- feet- or less)
e) Private 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 Devises" which can be found at www.mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov.
f) Public Event Signs
g) Temporary Awning Signs
13f) Public Municipal Building Signs
ig) Public Signs
jh) Corporate Flags when flown in conjunction with the Flag of the United States of America;
however, such Corporate flags shall be no larger than twenty four (24) square feet.
1Ei) Soft Drink Dispensing Machines.
1j) Barber poles at barber shops
mk) Benches established on business's premises they advertise - copy area one (1) sq -uare foot-
or less.
nl) Address Numbers (as per Sign eChart B).
m) ATM identification signage (three (3) square feet or less)
n) Parking lot row /area identifiers (three (3) square feet or less)
o) Gas pump identifying, regulatory, and advertising signs (three (3) square feet or less)
p) Significant Life Event signs
q) Additional signs in Residential zones to identify construction, renovation or repair
improvements on the property (six (6) square feet or less)
r) Umbrella advertising or identifying signs for outdoor seating — (three (3) square feet or less)
25.07.01 -046 Prohibited Signs.'
The following types of signs are prohibited:
a) Signs which contain statements, words, or pictures of an obscene, indecent, or immoral
character, such as will offend public morals or decency.
3 Section 25.07.01 -04 amended per Ordinance No. Z- 366 -01; Z- 478 -05, §b; Z- 486 -06, §l.
Page 4
Section 25.07: Signs Ordinance — as
25.07 1
ate- adopted per Z -302; as amended per Z- 365 -01; Z- 366 -01; Z- 369 -02; Z- 416 -03; Z- 453 -04; Z- 461 -04; Z- 470 -05;
Z- 478 -05; Z- 486 -06
Spring 201206 vl
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
b) 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, unless permitted in
another section of this Ordinance. 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.
c) Signs which 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.
d) Signs which advertise an activity, business, project or service no longer conducted on the
premises upon which the sign is located.
c) Off Premise signs, unless they are permitted specifically by other sections of this Ordinance
(See Section 25.07.03-07).
d) Signs with a Visible Light Source on the exterior of a Building unless they are permitted
specifically by other sections of this Ordinance (See Section 25.07.02-06).
e) Signs of the flashing, blinking, animated, or audible type, except those giving public service
information relating to road construction and weather advisories such as time, date, temp,
weather or similar info placed by the City of Carmel/Clay Township and/or the State of
Indiana. (The message can change no more than one time per 10 seconds.)
e) Signs which move by design or have a major moving part.
f) Signs which rotate, swing, inflate or move as a result of wind (natural or man-made), i.e.
consisting of banners, posters, pennants, ribbons, streamers, strings of light bulbs, spinners
or similar devices, unless they are permitted specifically by other sections of this Ordinance
(See Section 25.07.03-06).
g) Signs which swing or otherwise noticeably move as a result of wind pressure because of the
manner of their suspension or attachment and whose movement can be construed as
dangerous by the Administrator.
hg) Signs which are located in such a manner as to obstruct the view of the intersection of a
street, or highway, or trail with a railroad crossing.
ih) 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/Clay Township and
the State of Indiana.signs.
ji) Portable signs which are portable or moveable, except as permitted under
provisions of this section..
kj) Signs which are established on trees, utility poles and fences, unless they are permitted
specifically by other sections of this Ordinance (See Section 25.07.03-06 A.).
.
l) Signs which advertise goods, products, services or facilities or direct persons to a different
location (or to a telephone number at a different location) from where the sign is installed.
(Off-premise signs require a Developmental Standards Variance from the Board.)
m) Suspended Signs and Projecting Signs, except in Old Town Carmel and the Carmel Drive
Range Line Road Overlay Zone.
n) Signs which are not included under the types of signs permitted in this Ordinance.
o) Lighter than air advertising devices.
pk) Roof Signs on residences which have been converted to office, business and/or
manufacturing uses.
ql) 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 the right-of-way line and any public street and the greater of
Page 5
Section 25.07: Signs Ordinance as
25.07-1
as adopted per Z-302; as amended per Z-365-01; Z-366-01; Z-369-02; Z-416-03; Z-453-04; Z-461-04; Z-470-05;
Z-478-05; Z-486-06
Spring 201206 v1
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
two distances: forward of the Front Line of Building of the Principal Building or one
hundred-fifty (150) feet from the public right-of-way, with the exception of:
1.(i) Vehicles actively involved in construction on or serving of the site;
2.(ii) Vehicles delivering products to the site in designated loading areas;
3.(iii) 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;
4.(iv) Vehicles parked on sites where parking is not available one hundred-fifty
(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.
5.(v) 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.
25.07.01-05 Maintenance of Signs
. All signs and sign structures shall be kept and maintained in
good repair in a safe condition.
25.07.01-07 Legal Non-Conforming Signs
.
a)After the enactment of this amendatory Ordinance, the Administrator shall keep record of
those signs and any necessary proof that said signs are Legal Non-Conforming Signs and
make a survey every 12 months of the jurisdictional area for signs that do not conform to
st
this Ordinance. (as of July 1 of the respective calendar year); Record of such signs will
be available to the general public by way of paper copy in the Planning and Zoning Office
and on the Citys webpage: www.carmel.in.gov. and submit the results of the survey, in
writing, to the Mayor, members of the Council, members of the Board, and members of
st
the Commission. This report is due on or before September 1 of every year and shall
include the sections of this Ordinance with which said signs do not comply (as of July 1
of the respective calendar year), and any necessary proof that said signs are Legal Non-
Conforming Signs.
a)b)The Administrator shall also use all reasonable efforts to notify the user or owner of the
property on which such sign is located of the signs non-conformity and whether it is legally
non-conforming or is illegal. Should any questions arise as a result of the Administrators
decision that a sign is a Legal Non-Conforming Sign or is illegal, the final determination of
such status shall be made by the Board as provided for in Section 28.06 of this Ordinance.
An ongoing record of existing Legal Non-Conforming Signs shall thereafter be maintained
as a part of the Boards permanent records.
b)c)Where a non-conforming sign was legally existing on July 1, 2004, the Administrator
shall register such sign as a Legal Non-Conforming Sign, specifying on the registration
form the date of the erection or installation of such sign and, if applicable, the dates on
which the Board granted a variance and a Sign Permit was issued.
c)d)A non-conforming sign as described in Subsection (C) above which is duly registered shall
thereafter be deemed a Legal Non-Conforming Sign and may be continued without further
registration action.
e)If the Administrator determines that a non-conforming sign existing on July 1, 2004, was
not legally erected or installed, the user or owner shall have until January 1, 2006,the
opportunity to appeal the Administrators determination to the Board or to obtain a
Variance from the Board allowing the sign to be continued. After January 1, 2006, If the
Page 6
Section 25.07: Signs Ordinance as
25.07-1
as adopted per Z-302; as amended per Z-365-01; Z-366-01; Z-369-02; Z-416-03; Z-453-04; Z-461-04; Z-470-05;
Z-478-05; Z-486-06
Spring 201206 v1
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
Board has not reversed the Administrators determination or granted a variance allowing
the sign to be continued, it shall thereafter be deemed an illegal sign and shall be
immediately brought into conformance with this Ordinance or shall be removed.
d)f)A Legal Non-Conforming Sign shall immediately lose its Legal Non-Conforming
designation if:
1.The sign is not kept in good repair and in a safe condition and the state of disrepair
or unsafe condition continues for six (6) months;
2.The sign is relocated;
3.The complete sign and sign structure are replaced; or
4.The Sign Permit or Variance under which the sign was allowed or permitted
expires.
e)g)On the happening of any one (1) of the above conditions the sign shall be immediately
brought into conformance with this Ordinance with a new Sign Permit secured therefore, or
shall be removed.
f)h)Nothing in this Ordinance shall relieve the owner or user of a Legal Non-Conforming Sign
or owner of the property on which the Legal Non-Conforming Sign is located from the
provisions of this ordinance regarding safety, maintenance and repair of signs.
Page 7
Section 25.07: Signs Ordinance as
25.07-1
as adopted per Z-302; as amended per Z-365-01; Z-366-01; Z-369-02; Z-416-03; Z-453-04; Z-461-04; Z-470-05;
Z-478-05; Z-486-06
Spring 201206 v1
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
25.07.02 Permitted Permanent Signs
.
A.All signs require Sign Permit approval by the Administrator, except Ch. 25.07.02-05.
B.All Sign Permits require fees per Ch. 29.06.05 of the Zoning Ordinance.
C.No sign shall interfere with Vision Clearance per Ch. 3 of the Zoning Ordinance.
D.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.
E.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.
F.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.
G.All sign types shall be designed to relate to the architectural style of the main Building or Buildings
upon the site.
H.All signs shall be installed a minimum of five (5) feet outside of the proposed Thoroughfare Plan
right-of-way. If a property owner installs a sign within the proposed Thoroughfare Plan right-of-way,
the property owner will be responsible for the expense of sign removal and relocation should
proposed right-of-way be taken for road improvements. Owner is responsible for obtaining Variance
approval from the Board of Zoning Appeals and Board of Public Works approval for sign location
through the Department of Engineering and shall also sign a commitment form and have it recorded
with Hamilton County. This commitment form must be turned in with the sign permit application.
25.07.02-01 SubdivisionResidential Complex.
.
a) SIGN CLASSIFICATION: Ground Sign, Projecting, Suspended, or Wall.
b) NUMBER & TYPE:
1. Identification: One (1) sign per entrance.;
a. mMatching signs which border either side of one entrance into a
subdivision Residential Complex shall be treated as one (1) sign.;
b. hHowever, both Sign Faces shall be used to calculate the total Sign Area.
2. Clubhouse/leasing office: One (1) Identification sign.
c) MAXIMUM SIGN AREA:
1. Identification: Fifty (50) square feet.
2. Clubhouse/leasing office: 20 square feet.
3. Suspended: 12 square feet.
d) MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF GROUND SIGN: As approved.Six (6) feet.
e) LOCATION:
1. Identification: At vehicular entrance to subdivision Residential Complex; sign
shall not interfere with Vision Clearance. installed a minimum of five (5) feet
from proposed right-of-way per the Thoroughfare Plan (See Ch. 25.07.02 H).
2. Clubhouse/leasing office: at pedestrian entrance to Building.
3. Projecting:
a.May be utilized only when the Building on which it is to be established
has a Front Yard with a depth of less than 15 feet.
b.Shall be located a minimum of two (2) feet behind the curb.
Page 8
Section 25.07: Signs Ordinance as
25.07-1
as adopted per Z-302; as amended per Z-365-01; Z-366-01; Z-369-02; Z-416-03; Z-453-04; Z-461-04; Z-470-05;
Z-478-05; Z-486-06
Spring 201206 v1
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
c.Shall measure a minimum distance of eight (8) feet from the bottom of the
sign to ground level.
d.May not extend more than five (5) feet from the face of the Building.
f) DESIGN: As approved.
f) COPY: As per definition of Identification sign.
g) ILLUMINATION: As approved.Permitted.
h) LANDSCAPING: Optional.
i) REQUIRED APPROVAL: Must be approved by the Commission, and sign may
be established any time after subdivision final plans are approved.
j) SIGN PERMIT: Required
k) FEES: Required.
25.07.02-02 Multi-Family Housing Complex
.
a) SIGN CLASSIFICATION: Ground Sign.
b) NUMBER & TYPE:
One (1) sign per entrance; matching signs which border either side of one entrance into a
Multi-family Housing Complex shall be treated as one (1) sign; however, both Sign Faces
shall be used to calculate the total Sign Area.
c) MAXIMUM SIGN AREA: Fifty (50) square feet.
d) MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF GROUND SIGN: As approved.
e) LOCATION: At entrance to Multi-family Housing Complex; sign shall not interfere with
Vision Clearance.
f) DESIGN: As approved.
g) ILLUMINATION: As approved.
h) LANDSCAPING: Optional.
i) REQUIRED APPROVAL: Must be approved by the Commission, and sign may be
established any time after Multi-family Housing Complex final plans are approved.
j) SIGN PERMIT: Required
k) FEES: Required.
4
25.07.02-032 Home Occupation and Boarding House (Residential Zone)
.
a) SIGN CLASSIFICATION: Wall Sign.
b) NUMBER & TYPE: One (1) Nameplate.
c) MAXIMUM SIGN AREA: Three (3) square feet.
d) MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF GROUND SIGN: Not applicable.
ed) LOCATION: As per definition of Wall Sign.
f) DESIGN: Must be compatible with the architectural design of the structure to which the
sign is attached.
g) COPY: As per definition of Nameplate.
he) ILLUMINATION: Not permitted.
4
Section 25.07.02-03 amended per Ordinance No. Z-470-05, §a.
Page 9
Section 25.07: Signs Ordinance as
25.07-1
as adopted per Z-302; as amended per Z-365-01; Z-366-01; Z-369-02; Z-416-03; Z-453-04; Z-461-04; Z-470-05;
Z-478-05; Z-486-06
Spring 201206 v1
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
i) LANDSCAPING: Not required.
j) REQUIRED APPROVALS: ADLS approval is required for all permanent signs that are
established in a Zoning District and/or Overlay Zone requiring ADLS approval.
k) SIGN PERMIT: Required.
l) FEES: Required.
25.07.02-04 Home Occupation and Boarding House (Business and Manufacturing
5
Zones)
.
a) SIGN CLASSIFICATION: Wall Sign or Ground Sign.
b) NUMBER & TYPE: One (1) Identification Sign.
c) MAXIMUM SIGN AREA: Twenty (20) square feet.
d) MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF GROUND SIGN: Five (5) feet.
e) LOCATION: No closer than five (5) feet to the right-of-way; shall not interfere with Vision
Clearance.
f) DESIGN: No restrictions.
g) COPY: As per definition of Identification Sign.
h) ILLUMINATION: Permitted.
i) LANDSCAPING: Ground Signs must be accompanied by a landscaped area at least equal
to the total Sign Area.
j) REQUIRED APPROVAL: ADLS approval is required for all permanent signs that are
established in a Zoning District and/or Overlay Zone requiring ADLS approval.
k) SIGN PERMIT: Required.
l) FEES: Required.
6
25.07.02-05 Institutional Uses
.
a) SIGN CLASSIFICATION: Wall Sign or Ground Sign.
b) NUMBER & TYPE:
i) One (1) Institutional Sign and
ii) One (1) sign with Changeable Copy.
c) MAXIMUM SIGN AREA:
i) Institutional Sign: Thirty (30) square feet;
ii) Changeable Copy sign: Sixteen (16) square feet.
d) MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF GROUND SIGN: Five (5) feet.
e) LOCATION: No sign shall be located closer than ten (10) feet to the street right-of-way in
residential zones. No sign shall be located closer that five (5) feet to the street right-of-way
in business and manufacturing zones. The sign shall not interfere with the Vision Clearance.
f) DESIGN: Must be compatible with the architectural design of the structure which the sign
identifies.
g) COPY: As per definitions of Institutional Sign and Changeable Copy.
h) ILLUMINATION: Permitted.
5
Section 25.07.02-04 amended per Ordinance No. Z-470-05, §b.
6
Section 25.07.02-05 amended per Ordinance No. Z-470-05, §c.
Page 10
Section 25.07: Signs Ordinance as
25.07-1
as adopted per Z-302; as amended per Z-365-01; Z-366-01; Z-369-02; Z-416-03; Z-453-04; Z-461-04; Z-470-05;
Z-478-05; Z-486-06
Spring 201206 v1
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
i) LANDSCAPING: Ground Signs must be accompanied by a landscaped area at least equal to
the total Sign Area.
j) REQUIRED APPROVALS: ADLS approval is required for all permanent signs that are
established in a Zoning District and/or Overlay Zone requiring ADLS approval.
k) SIGN PERMIT: Required.
l) FEES: Not required.
7
25.07.02-06 Recreational Uses
.
a) SIGN CLASSIFICATION: Wall Sign or Ground Sign.
b) NUMBER & TYPE: One (1) Identification Sign per entrance.
c) MAXIMUM SIGN AREA: Thirty (30) square feet per sign.
d) MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF GROUND SIGN: Six (6) feet.
e) LOCATION: Shall not interfere with Vision Clearance.
f) DESIGN: No restrictions except for those signs which require Commission approval.
g) COPY: As per definition of Identification Sign.
h) ILLUMINATION: Permitted.
i) LANDSCAPING: Ground Signs must be accompanied by a landscaped area at least equal
to the total Sign Area.
j) REQUIRED APPROVALS: ADLS approval is required for all permanent signs that are
established in a Zoning District and/or Overlay Zone requiring ADLS approval.
k) SIGN PERMIT: Required.
l) FEES: Required.
8
25.07.02-07 Special Use and Use Variance Signs
.
a) SIGN CLASSIFICATION: Wall Sign or Ground Sign.
b) NUMBER & TYPE: One (1) Identification Sign for each Frontage on a public street (not
alleys), with a maximum of three (3) signs for lots with three (3) or more Frontages.
c) MAXIMUM SIGN AREA: Per applicable Sign Chart.
d) MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF GROUND SIGN: Per applicable Sign Chart.
e) LOCATION: Minimum of five (5) feet from existing right-of-way or proposed right-of-way
per the Carmel-Clay Thoroughfare Plan, whichever is greater, and shall not interfere with
Vision Clearance.
f) DESIGN: No restrictions except for those signs that require approval.
g) COPY: As per definition of Identification Sign.
h) ILLUMINATION: Permitted.
i) LANDSCAPING: Ground Signs must be accompanied by a landscaped area at least equal
to the total Sign Area.
j) REQUIRED APPROVALS: ADLS approval is required for all permanent signs that are
established in a Zoning District and/or Overlay Zone requiring ADLS approval.
k) SIGN PERMIT: Required.
l) FEES: Required.
7
Section 25.07.02-06 amended per Ordinance No. Z-470-05, §d.
8
Section 25.07.02-07 amended per Ordinance No. Z-365-01; Z-470-05, §e.
Page 11
Section 25.07: Signs Ordinance as
25.07-1
as adopted per Z-302; as amended per Z-365-01; Z-366-01; Z-369-02; Z-416-03; Z-453-04; Z-461-04; Z-470-05;
Z-478-05; Z-486-06
Spring 201206 v1
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
9
25.07.02-083 Single Tenant Building
.
a) SIGN CLASSIFICATION: Awning, Ground Sign, Porch, Projecting, Roof, Suspended, or
Wall Sign or Roof Sign. (Roof Signs are prohibited on residences which have been
converted to office, business and/or manufacturing uses).
b) NUMBER & TYPE:
1. One (1) Identification sign per Street Frontage, maximum three (3) signs.The
maximum number of Identification Signs permitted shall be one (1) sign for each Frontage
on a public street (not alleys) with a maximum of three (3) signs for lots with three (3) or
more Frontages.
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, to permit no more than two (2) signs to may be oriented to one Street
Frontage as follows: one (1) Projecting, Roof, or Wall or Roof Identification Sign
and one (1) Ground, or Suspended Identification Sign.
c) MAXIMUM SIGN AREA:
1. Awning:
a. The area of any Awning graphic will be subtracted from the allowable
Sign Area of the sign type chosen.
b. If used as the primary business sign, the allowable Wall Sign Area
applies.
2. Porch: Six (6) square feet.
3. Suspended: 12 square feet.
4. All others: pPer appropriate Sign cChart A.
d) MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF GROUND SIGN: See appropriate Per Sign cChart A.
e) LOCATION:
1. Awning: Shall measure a minimum distance of eight (8) feet from the bottom of the
sign to ground level.
2. Ground:See appropriate chart.
a. Minimum five (5) feet from proposed right-of-way per the Thoroughfare
Plan (See Ch. 25.07.02 H).
b. Prohibited on residential structures that have been converted to
commercial or office uses.
3. Porch & Suspended: May be utilized only on residential structures that have been
converted to office or commercial uses.
4. Projecting:
a.May be utilized only when the building on which it is to be established
has a Front Yard with a depth of less than 15 feet.
b.Shall be located a minimum of two (2) feet behind the curb.
c.Shall measure a minimum distance of eight (8) feet from the bottom of the
sign to ground level.
d.May not extend more than five (5) feet from the face of the building.
5. Roof & Wall: Prohibited on residential structures that have been converted to
9
Section 25.07.02-08 amended per Ordinance No. Z-470-05, §f.
Page 12
Section 25.07: Signs Ordinance as
25.07-1
as adopted per Z-302; as amended per Z-365-01; Z-366-01; Z-369-02; Z-416-03; Z-453-04; Z-461-04; Z-470-05;
Z-478-05; Z-486-06
Spring 201206 v1
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
commercial or office uses.
f) f) DESIGN:
1. Awning:
a. Text and/or graphics may not exceed 12 high on the front valance of a
fabric awning.
b. Valances cannot exceed 14 in height.
c. Text and or graphics may be placed on the top of the Awning for
Identification or decoration.
2. Wall sign: See Ch. 25.07.02 E-F.
3. All others: No restrictions.
No restrictions except for those signs which require approval by the Commission.
g) COPY:
1. PAs per definition of Identification Ssign.
2. Any permitted Ground Identification sSign may include Changeable Copy not to
exceed two-thirds (2/3) 50 percent of the Sign Area.
h) ILLUMINATION: Internal or completely shielded. Permitted.
i) LANDSCAPING: Ground Signs must be accompanied by a landscaped area at
least equal to the Sign Area.
j) REQUIRED APPROVALS: ADLS approval is required for all permanent signs
that are established in a Zoning District and/or Overlay Zone requiring ADLS
approval.
k) SIGN PERMIT: Required.
l) FEES: Required.
10
25.07.02-094 Multi-Tenant Ground Floor Buildings
.
a) SIGN CLASSIFICATION: Awning, Directory, Multi-Tenant Building Complex Directory,
Complex Identification, Ground Sign, Menu Board, Projecting, Secondary Projecting, Wall
Sign or Roof Sign. (Roof Signs are prohibited on residences which have been converted to
office, business and/or manufacturing uses).
b) NUMBER & TYPE: One (1) Wall or Roof Identification Sign per business, or one (1)
Ground Identification Sign per building, in which instance all building tenants shall equally
share the Sign Area. Businesses which are oriented to more than one (1) public street (not
alleys) shall be permitted one (1) Wall or Roof Identification Sign per Frontage with a
maximum of two (2) signs unless the Multi-tenant Ground Floor Building has elected to use
a Ground Identification Sign for all building tenants. A Multi-tenant Ground Floor Building
with frontage on more than one (1) public street (not alleys) shall be permitted one (1)
Ground Identification Sign per Frontage with a maximum of three (3) signs for lots with
three (3) or more Frontages.
1. Multi-Tenant Ground Floor Building
a. Per Tenant:
1) One (1) Awning, Projecting or Wall Identification sign per
Street Frontage, maximum two (2).
10
Section 25.07.02-09 amended per Ordinance No. Z-470-05, §g.
Page 13
Section 25.07: Signs Ordinance as
25.07-1
as adopted per Z-302; as amended per Z-365-01; Z-366-01; Z-369-02; Z-416-03; Z-453-04; Z-461-04; Z-470-05;
Z-478-05; Z-486-06
Spring 201206 v1
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
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 has a Front Yard with a depth of
less than 15 feet.
b. If a Building has more than one Street Frontage, One (1) Ground
Identification sign may also be installed, maximum three (3).
2. Multi-Tenant, Multi-Level Office Building
a. Per Building: One (1) Identification sign per Street Frontage, maximum
three (3).
b. A building owner may transfer Street Frontages for one (1) Wall and one
(1) Ground sign to face the same Street Frontage.
c. Buildings with more than one (1) Public Access Entrance and served by
separate parking lots are permitted one (1) Ground Directory Sign at each
of the Public Access Entrances.
3. Multi-Tenant Building Complex
a. One (1) Ground Complex Identification sign per Street Frontage,
maximum three (3) in addition to Roof or Wall Identification signs for
Multi-Tenant, Ground Floor or Multi-Tenant, Multi-Level Office
Buildings.
b. One (1) Multi-Tenant Building Complex Directory Ground sign per Street
Frontage. Note: A Multi-Tenant Building Complex Directory Sign is not
counted against the total number of signs permitted for one Street
Frontage.
4. Multi-Tenant, Multi-Level, Mixed-Use Building
a. Per Building: One (1) Projecting or Wall Complex Identification sign per
Street Frontage.
b. Per ground floor tenant:
(i) One (1) Wall or Projecting sign per Street Frontage.
(ii) One (1) Secondary Projecting Sign per Façade, maximum two
(2) for pedestrian identification along a sidewalk (See Ch.
25.07.02-04 e) 8. b.).
(iii) One (1) Wall sign for the rear (parking lot entrance) Facade if
the building has a Front Yard with a depth of less than 15 feet.
(iv) Restaurants/cafes may have one (1) Menu Board sign mounted
to the wall to feature the actual menu as used at the dining table.
c. For upper level tenants:
(i) One (1) Wall Directory Sign per Building Façade at the ground
floor Public Access Entrance to upper floors to identify upper
level tenants.
(ii) One (1) Ground Directory Sign per Building at the rear Public
Access Entrance to the building to identify upper level tenants.
c) MAXIMUM SIGN AREA: See appropriate chart.
1. Awning:
a. The area of any Awning graphic will be subtracted from the allowable
Sign Area of the sign type chosen.
Page 14
Section 25.07: Signs Ordinance as
25.07-1
as adopted per Z-302; as amended per Z-365-01; Z-366-01; Z-369-02; Z-416-03; Z-453-04; Z-461-04; Z-470-05;
Z-478-05; Z-486-06
Spring 201206 v1
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
b. If used as the primary business sign, the allowable Wall Sign Area
applies.
2. Multi-Tenant, Multi-Level Mixed Use Building Wall Directory: Six (6) square feet.
3. Multi-Tenant, Multi-Level Mixed Use Building Ground Directory: 12 square feet.
4. All other Directory: 20 square feet.
5. Menu Board: Six (6) square feet.
6. Secondary Projecting: Five (5) square feet.
7. All others: See Sign Chart A.
d) MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF GROUND SIGN: See appropriate chart.
1. Directory: Six (6) feet.
2. All others: See Sign Chart A.
e) LOCATION: See appropriate chart.
1. Awning: Shall measure a minimum distance of eight (8) feet from the bottom of the
sign to ground level.
2. Directory: At or near the ground floor pedestrian Public Access Entrance to the
Building.
3. Ground, Multi-Tenant Building Complex Directory, and Complex Identification
(Ground):
a.Minimum of five (5) feet from the proposed right-of-way per the
Thoroughfare Plan (See Ch. 25.07.02 H).
b.Located at or near the vehicular entrance to the complex.
c.Ground signs are not permitted on residential structures that have been
converted to office or commercial uses.
4. Porch & Suspended: May be utilized only on residential structures that have been
converted to office or commercial uses.
5. Projecting & Complex Identification (Projecting):
a.May be utilized only when the Building on which it is to be established
has a Front Yard depth of less than 15 feet.
b.Shall be located a minimum of two (2) feet behind the curb.
c.Shall measure a minimum distance of eight (8) feet from the bottom of the
sign to ground level.
d.May not extend more than five (5) feet from the face of the Building.
e.A Projecting sign installed on the corner of a Multi-Tenant, Multi-Level
Mixed Use Building will be considered facing two (2) Street Frontages.
6. Menu Board: The display case shall be attached to the Building at the Public
Access Entrance to the restaurant/café.
7. Roof: As per definition of Roof Sign.
8. Secondary Projecting:
a. May be installed under an awning or perpendicular to the Building façade
near the entrance to the tenant space.
b. If Projecting sign is selected as main sign type, a Secondary Projecting
sign may not be used on the same Façade.
Page 15
Section 25.07: Signs Ordinance as
25.07-1
as adopted per Z-302; as amended per Z-365-01; Z-366-01; Z-369-02; Z-416-03; Z-453-04; Z-461-04; Z-470-05;
Z-478-05; Z-486-06
Spring 201206 v1
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
9. Wall & Complex Identification (Wall):
a. Within the sign band area of the Building Street Frontage occupied by the
tenant.
b. Complex Identification located at or near the top of the Building.
f) f) DESIGN:
1. No restrictions except for those signs which require approval by the
Commission.Awning:
a. Text and/or graphics may not exceed 12 high on the front valence of a
fabric awning.
b. Valences cannot exceed 14 in height.
c. Text and or graphics may be placed on the top of the Awning for
Identification or decoration.
2. Ground: The name of the Building/center must be most prominent and utilize 1\3
of the total sign area.
3. Menu Board: menu to be contained within a shallow wood or metal case and
visible through a clear front.
4. Wall: See Ch. 25.07.02 E-F.
5. All others: No restrictions.
g) COPY:
1. As per definition of Identification Ssign.
2. Any permitted Ground Identification sSign may include Changeable Copy not to
exceed two-thirds (2/3) 50 percent of the Sign Area.
3. A logo, if desired, representing the building, business or institutions on a sign in a
Multi-Tenant Building Complex is limited to 25 percent of the Sign Area.
h) ILLUMINATION: Internal or completely shielded Permitted.
i) LANDSCAPING: Ground Signs must be accompanied by a landscaped area at
least equal to the total Sign Area.
j) REQUIRED APPROVALS: ADLS approval is required for all permanent signs
that are established in a Zoning District and/or Overlay Zone requiring ADLS
approval.
k) SIGN PERMIT: Required.
l) FEES: Required.
11
25.07.02-10 Multi-Tenant Multi-Level Building
.
a) SIGN CLASSIFICATION: Ground Sign, Wall Sign or Roof-Sign. (Roof Signs are
prohibited on residences which have been converted to office, business and/or
manufacturing uses).
b) NUMBER & TYPE: One (1) Identification Sign for each Frontage on a public street (not
alleys) with a maximum of three (3) signs for lots with three (3) or more Frontages. A
building owner with two (2) or more Frontages may elect to transfer a permitted
Identification Sign from one (1) Frontage to another to permit up to two (2) signs to be
oriented to one (1) Frontage as follows: one (1) Wall or Roof Identification Sign and one (1)
11
Section 25.07.02-10 amended per Ordinance No. Z-470-05, §h.
Page 16
Section 25.07: Signs Ordinance as
25.07-1
as adopted per Z-302; as amended per Z-365-01; Z-366-01; Z-369-02; Z-416-03; Z-453-04; Z-461-04; Z-470-05;
Z-478-05; Z-486-06
Spring 201206 v1
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
Ground Identification Sign. Buildings with more than one (1) main entrance and served by
separate parking lots are permitted two (2) Directory Signs, one (1) at each of the main
building entrances.
c) MAXIMUM SIGN AREA: Each Directory Sign shall have a maximum Sign Area of
twenty (20) square feet. The maximum Sign Area for each Identification Sign and each
Center Identification Ground Sign as per appropriate chart.
d) MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF GROUND SIGN:
(i) Directory Sign and Multi-tenant Building Complex Directory Sign: five (5) feet.
(ii) Identification Sign and Center Identification Ground Sign as per appropriate chart.
e) LOCATION:
(i) Directory Sign and Multi-tenant Building Complex Directory Sign shall not interfere with
Vision Clearance.
(ii) Identification Sign and Center Identification Ground Sign as per appropriate chart.
f) DESIGN: No restrictions except for those signs which require approval by the Commission.
However, signs in Unified Centers must be of similar design and identical in lighting and
style of construction.
g) COPY: As per definitions of Identification Sign, Directory Sign and Center Identification
Ground Sign. Any permitted Ground Identification Sign may include Changeable Copy not
to exceed two-thirds (2/3) of the Sign Area.
h) ILLUMINATION: Internal or completely shielded.
i) LANDSCAPING: Ground Signs must be accompanied by a landscaped area at least equal
to the total Sign Area.
j) REQUIRED APPROVALS: ADLS approval is required for all permanent signs that are
established in a Zoning District and/or Overlay Zone requiring ADLS approval.
k) SIGN PERMIT: Required.
l) FEES: Required.
12
25.07.02-11 Multi-Tenant Building Complex
.
a) SIGN CLASSIFICATION: Center Identification Ground Sign and Multi-tenant Building
Complex Directory Sign.
b) NUMBER & TYPE: One (1) Center Identification Ground Sign per Multi-tenant Building
Complex. Any Multi-tenant Building Complex (per approval of overall Development Plan)
located on a lot with Frontage on more than one (1) public street (not alleys) is permitted one
(1) Center Identification Ground Sign per Frontage with a maximum of three (3) signs for
lots with three (3) or more Frontages.
Note: In addition to the allowed Ground Sign(s), a Multi-tenant Building Complex is allowed one (1)
Multi-tenant Building Complex Directory Sign, if said sign is approved by the Commission
when presented as part of a total sign package. A Multi-tenant Building Complex Directory
Sign is not counted as a Ground Sign, but must be landscaped at least equal to the Sign Area.
For a Multi-tenant ground floor building which is also Multi-tenant building complex either one (1)
Center Identification Ground Sign or one (1) Ground Identification Sign (as permitted under
Section 25.07.02-09(b)) shall be permitted per frontage.
c) MAXIMUM SIGN AREA:
(i)Center Identification Ground Sign: see appropriate chart.
12
Section 25.07.02-11 amended per Ordinance No. Z-470-05, §i-j.
Page 17
Section 25.07: Signs Ordinance as
25.07-1
as adopted per Z-302; as amended per Z-365-01; Z-366-01; Z-369-02; Z-416-03; Z-453-04; Z-461-04; Z-470-05;
Z-478-05; Z-486-06
Spring 201206 v1
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
(ii) Multi-tenant Building Complex Directory Sign: Twenty (20) square feet.
d) MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF GROUND SIGN:
(i) Center Identification Ground Sign: see appropriate chart.
(ii) Multi-tenant Building Complex Directory Sign: Five (5) feet.
e) LOCATION: Minimum ten (10) feet from street right-of-way.
f) DESIGN: Signs must comply with the approved Unified Center architectural scheme, and
must be of a similar design and identical in lighting and style of construction.
g) COPY: As per definition of Center Identification Ground Sign and/or Multi-tenant Building
Complex Directory Sign. Any permitted Ground Identification Sign may include
Changeable Copy not to exceed two-thirds (2/3) of the Sign Area.
h) ILLUMINATION: Internal or completely shielded.
i) LANDSCAPING: Ground Signs must be accompanied by a landscaped area at least equal
to the total Sign Area, including Multi-tenant Building Complex Directory Sign.
j) REQUIRED APPROVAL: ADLS approval is required for all permanent signs that are
established in a Zoning District and/or Overlay Zone requiring ADLS approval.
k) SIGN PERMIT: Required.
l) FEES: Required.
13
25.07.02-1205 Window Signs
.
This section applies to all commercial properties zoned B-1, B-2, B-3, B-5, B-6, B-7, B-8, I-1, M-1, M-3 (or
any subsequently created business or manufacturing zone). Said commercial uses, in addition to utilizing the
signage provisions in Sections 25.07.02-01 through 25.07.02-11, may also utilize the signage provided for in
this Section 25.07.02-12.
Aa) SIGN CLASSIFICATION: Non-illuminated Window SignsNON-ILLUMINATED.:
1.1) NUMBER: One (1) or more Window Ssigns per window or window
pane subject to maximum Sign Area for total Window Area.
2.2) MAXIMUM SIGN AREA: One (1) or more Window sSigns shall not
exceed thirty percent (30%) percent of the total Window Area on which the signs
are placed or through which they are viewed.
3.3) LOCATION: As per definition of Window sSign.
3.
4.4) TYPES:
i) Permanent: Window Signs which are affixed in a permanent
manner to the window, window frame, or the building structure.
ii) Temporary: Window Signs which are not affixed in a
permanent manner to the window, window frame, or the building
structure and which are intended to be changed from time to
time.
5) DESIGN: No restrictions except for those signs which require approval by the
Commission.
6) ILLUMINATION: Not permitted.
13
Section 25.07.02-12 amended per Ordinance No. Z-470-05, §k.
Page 18
Section 25.07: Signs Ordinance as
25.07-1
as adopted per Z-302; as amended per Z-365-01; Z-366-01; Z-369-02; Z-416-03; Z-453-04; Z-461-04; Z-470-05;
Z-478-05; Z-486-06
Spring 201206 v1
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
5.4.7) REQUIRED APPROVAL: ADLS approval is required for all permanent
signs that are established in a Zoning District and/or Overlay Zone requiring ADLS
approval.
8) SIGN PERMIT: Required for permanent Window Signs.
9) FEES: Required for permanent Window Signs.
bB) SIGN CLASSIFICATION: Illuminated Window SignsLLUMINATED:.
1.1) NUMBER: One (1) sign per tenant/property owner and may be in
addition to any other permitted signs including but not limited to non-illuminated
Window Signs.
2.2) MAXIMUM SIGN AREA: Three (3) square feet.
3.3) LOCATION: As per definition of Window sSign.
4) DESIGN: No restrictions except for those signs which require approval by the Commission.
However, signs in Unified Centers must be of a similar design and style of construction.
5) ILLUMINATION: Permitted.
6) REQUIRED APPROVAL: ADLS approval is required for all permanent signs that are
established in a Zoning District and/or Overlay Zone requiring ADLS approval.
7) SIGN PERMIT: Required.
8) FEES: Required.
25.07.02-06 Drive-Thru Service Menu Signs
.
a)SIGN CLASSIFICATION: Ground Sign Menu Board and Preview Board.
b)NUMBER & TYPE: One Menu Board & One Preview Board per establishment.
c)MAXIMUM SIGN AREA:
1.Menu Board: 30 square feet.
2.Preview Board: 16 square feet.
d)MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF GROUND SIGN: Six (6) feet.
e)LOCATION: In line with the drive-thru lane and shielded from street view.
f)DESIGN:
1.May utilize Electronic Message Board, so long as the menu remains static.
2.Menu may change for different meal times of the day, i.e. breakfast, lunch or
dinner.
3.No other advertising is allowed.
g)ILLUMINATION: Permitted.
Page 19
Section 25.07: Signs Ordinance as
25.07-1
as adopted per Z-302; as amended per Z-365-01; Z-366-01; Z-369-02; Z-416-03; Z-453-04; Z-461-04; Z-470-05;
Z-478-05; Z-486-06
Spring 201206 v1
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
14
25.07.02-13 Old Town Carmel
.
This section applies to all commercial uses located on properties zoned B-1, B-2, B-3, B-5, B-6, B-7,
B-8, M-1, M-3, (or subsequently created business or manufacturing zone), (and additionally situated
in) Old Town Carmel, as determined by the boundaries of the Old Town District Overlay Zone. Said
commercial uses may utilize the signage requirements in Sections 25.07.02-08 through 25.07.02-12 of
this Ordinance.
a) SIGN CLASSIFICATION: Suspended Sign; Projecting Sign or Porch Sign.
(Only in Old Town Carmel and the Carmel Drive Range Line Road Overlay are
these types of signs permitted.)
b) NUMBER & TYPE: One (1) Identification Sign per business in a Single-tenant
Building or a Multi-tenant Ground Floor Building. One (1) Building Identification
Sign per Multi-tenant Ground Floor Building or Multi-tenant Multi-level Building
is permitted if seven (7) or more businesses occupy the same building. In no
instance shall any building or Multi-tenant Building Complex have more than one
(1) Ground Identification Sign.
If the Identification Sign is to be used for tenant identification then all building
tenants shall equally share the Sign Area as per appropriate chart. This includes the
Center Identification Ground Sign - all copy shall be included on only one (1),
Ground Identification Sign.
c) MAXIMUM SIGN AREA:
i) Twenty (20) square feet for a Projecting Sign;
ii) Twelve (12) square feet for a Suspended Sign;
iii) Six (6) square feet for a Porch Sign.
d) MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF GROUND SIGN (Suspended): Eight (8) feet.
e) LOCATION: No Ground Sign shall be located closer than five (5) feet to the
right-of-way and shall not interfere with Vision Clearance. A Projecting Sign may
be utilized only when the building on which it is to be established has a Front Yard
with a depth of less than five (5) feet. A Projecting Sign shall be located a
minimum of two (2) feet behind the curb and shall measure a minimum distance of
eight (8) feet from the bottom of the sign to ground level.
f) COLOR & DESIGN: No restrictions except for those signs which require
approval by the Commission. However, signs in Unified Centers must be of
similar design and identical in lighting, color, height of sign area and style of
construction.
g) COPY: As per definition of Identification Sign.
h) ILLUMINATION: Permitted.
i) LANDSCAPING: Optional.
j) REQUIRED APPROVALS: ADLS approval is required for all permanent signs
that are established in a Zoning District and/or Overlay Zone requiring ADLS
approval.
k) SIGN PERMIT: Required.
l) FEES: Required.
14
Section 25.07.02-13 amended per Ordinance No. Z-470-05, §l; Z-486-06, §m.
Page 20
Section 25.07: Signs Ordinance as
25.07-1
as adopted per Z-302; as amended per Z-365-01; Z-366-01; Z-369-02; Z-416-03; Z-453-04; Z-461-04; Z-470-05;
Z-478-05; Z-486-06
Spring 201206 v1
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
15
25.07.02-14 Old Meridian District
.
This section applies to all land uses located on properties within the zones established pursuant to
Chapter 20G: Old Meridian District. The signage requirements in Section 25.07.02-01 through
25.07.02-12 of this Ordinance apply, except where superceded by the provisions of this section.
a) SIGN CLASSIFICATION: As allowed pursuant to the signage requirements in
Section 25.07.02-01 through 25.07.02-12, unless otherwise specified below.
1. 20G.05.01: Single-Family Attached Zone (OM-SFA):
a) No permanent exterior signs of any kind will be allowed
except:
(i) House numbers established in accordance with
Section 25.14: Premises Identification, and
(ii) Nameplates established in accordance with Section
25.07.02-03: Home Occupation and Boarding House
(Residential Zone).
2. 20G.05.02: Multifamily Housing Zone (OM-MF):
a) Limited to Suspended Signs, Projecting Signs, Porch Signs, or
Wall Signs.
3. 20G.05.03: Village Zone (OM-V):
(a) Unless specified as exempt or prohibited signage, or otherwise
noted below, the Sign Ordinance regulations of Section
25.07.02-13: Old Town Carmel shall apply to the Village
Zone.
(b) Exempt Signs: All signs designated as exempt in Section
25.07.01-03 of the Sign Ordinance, except as noted in Section
20G.05.07(E)(5).
(c) Prohibited Signs: The provisions in Section 25.07.01-04 shall
apply. The following signs are also prohibited:
(1) Ground Signs, or other free standing signs.
(2) Signs which contain blinking, pulsing, or moving
components.
4. 20G.05.06: Special Use Zone (OM-SU):
(a) See 25.07.02-07: Special Use and Use Variance Sign.
5. 20G.05.07: Meijer Zone (OM-M):
(a) Unless specified as exempt or prohibited signage, or otherwise
noted below, the Sign Ordinance regulations pertaining to Old
Town Carmel, Section 25.07.02-13 shall apply to the Meijer
Zone.
(b) Exempt Signs: All signs designated as exempt in Section
25.07.01-03 of the Sign Ordinance, Ordinance No. Z-302.
(c) Prohibited Signs: The provisions in Section 25.07.01-04 shall
apply. Signs which contain blinking, pulsing, those with
moving components are also prohibited.
15
Section 25.07.02-14 adopted per Ordinance No. Z-453-04, §fa.
Page 21
Section 25.07: Signs Ordinance as
25.07-1
as adopted per Z-302; as amended per Z-365-01; Z-366-01; Z-369-02; Z-416-03; Z-453-04; Z-461-04; Z-470-05;
Z-478-05; Z-486-06
Spring 201206 v1
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
b) NUMBER & TYPE: As allowed pursuant to the signage requirements in Section
25.07.02-01 through 25.07.02-12, unless otherwise specified below.
1. 20G.05.07: Meijer Zone (OM-M):
(a) Two (2) monument signs no larger than sixty (60) square feet
are allowed for a single user of the existing Meijer store, with
one (1) sign located at the existing street cut on Old Meridian
Street, in the Village Zone, and the other sign being located in
accordance with the plans approved by the Commission,
Docket No. 22-91 ADLS/DP.
(b) Signage for the Convenience Store shall be permitted,
consistent with Section 20G.05.07(E)(1), and subject to ADLS
approval.
c) MAXIMUM SIGN AREA: As allowed pursuant to the signage requirements in
Section 25.07.02-01 through 25.07.02-12, unless otherwise specified below.
1. 20G.05.02: Multifamily Housing Zone (OM-MF):
(a) Suspended Signs: Twelve (12) square feet
(b) Projecting Signs: Twenty (20) square feet
(c) Porch Signs: Six (6) square feet
(d) Wall Signs: Sixteen (16) square feet
(e) Ground Signs, or other freestanding signs are not permitted.
2. 20G.05.04: Mixed Use Zone (OM-MU):
(a) Wall Signs shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet.
3. 20G.05.05: Office Zone (OM-O):
(a) Ground Signs shall not have a Sign Face that exceeds twenty-
four (24) square feet.
(b) Wall signs shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet.
d) MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF GROUND SIGN: As allowed pursuant to the signage
requirements in Section 25.07.02-01 through 25.07.02-12, unless otherwise
specified below.
1. 20G.05.04: Mixed Use Zone (OM-MU):
(a) Ground Signs shall not be taller than four (4) feet.
2. 20G.05.05: Office Zone (OM-O):
(a) Ground Signs shall not be taller than four (4) feet.
e) LOCATION: Signs shall not interfere with Vision Clearance. As allowed
pursuant to the signage requirements in Section 25.07.02-01 through 25.07.02-12,
unless otherwise specified below.
1. 20G.05.02: Multifamily Housing Zone (OM-MF):
(a) Wall Signs must fit within the horizontal and vertical elements
of the building and may not obscure details of the building.
(Diagram 4)
(b)No sign shall extend above the cornice line of the building.
2.20G.05.03: Village Zone (OM-V):
(a)Wall signs must fit within the horizontal and vertical elements
of the building and may not obscure details of the building.
(Diagram 4)
Page 22
Section 25.07: Signs Ordinance as
25.07-1
as adopted per Z-302; as amended per Z-365-01; Z-366-01; Z-369-02; Z-416-03; Z-453-04; Z-461-04; Z-470-05;
Z-478-05; Z-486-06
Spring 201206 v1
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
(b) No sign may extend above the cornice line of the building.
(c) Signs may also be painted in white graphics in storefront or
upper floor windows.
(d) Signs may also be imprinted on permanent awnings.
5. 20G.05.04: Mixed Use Zone (OM-MU):
(a) Wall signs must fit within the horizontal and vertical elements
of the building and may not obscure details of the building.
(Diagram 4)
(b) No sign may extend above the cornice line of the building.
4. 20G.05.07: Meijer Zone (OM-M):
(a) Wall signs must fit within the horizontal and vertical elements
of the building and not obscure details of the building.
(Diagram 4) No sign shall be allowed to extend above the
cornice line of the building.
f) DESIGN: As approved.
1. 20G.05.03: Village Zone (OM-V):
(a) Tenants should strive for a unique graphic image, rather than
be required to conform to a single graphic style for the whole
building.
(b) Providence at Old Meridian. The sign package adopted with
Ordinance No. Z-338, Providence at Old Meridian Plan Unit
Development District shall be allowed as approved.
g) ILLUMINATION: As approved.
h) LANDSCAPING: A landscaped area equal to the total sign area is required for
all Ground Signs established in the Old Meridian District.
i) REQUIRED APPROVAL: Must be approved by the Commission, and sign may
be established any time after final plans are approved.
j) SIGN PERMIT: Required
k) FEES: Required.
l) Specific District Requirements:
1. 20G.05.08: Mixed Medical Zone (OM-MM):
(a) The provisions of the Sign Ordinance, Ordinance No. Z-302,
shall apply, except as noted below.
(i) For a building with multiple tenants or occupants and
which is in excess of 10,000 square feet of gross
building area located on a site by itself, or for
multiple buildings located on an integrated site with a
shared entrance, a single freestanding monument sign
located at the entrance of the site and within the front
setback shall be permitted. Each sign face (maximum
of two (2) faces per sign) shall not exceed sixty (60)
square feet in total area. It must be landscaped at the
base of the sign.
(ii)A building not described in Subsection (a) above,
shall be identified by the use of a ground sign which
shall not be taller than four (4) feet, and have a sign
Page 23
Section 25.07: Signs Ordinance as
25.07-1
as adopted per Z-302; as amended per Z-365-01; Z-366-01; Z-369-02; Z-416-03; Z-453-04; Z-461-04; Z-470-05;
Z-478-05; Z-486-06
Spring 201206 v1
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
face that does not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet.
(iii) Wall signs shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square
feet.
(iv) Directory signs are permitted in accordance with the
Sign Ordinance Z-302.
(b) Wall signs must fit within the horizontal and vertical elements
of the building and may not obscure details of the building.
(Diagram 4)
(c) No sign may extend above the bottom of the roofline or, in the
case of flat roofs, the cornice line of the Building.
Page 24
Section 25.07: Signs Ordinance as
25.07-1
as adopted per Z-302; as amended per Z-365-01; Z-366-01; Z-369-02; Z-416-03; Z-453-04; Z-461-04; Z-470-05;
Z-478-05; Z-486-06
Spring 201206 v1
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
25.07.03 Temporary Signs
.
A.All Temporary Signs require permit approval by the Administrator except Political Campaign
signs and Real Estate signs six (6) square feet or less.
B.All permits for Temporary Signs require fees except Institutional uses, Political, Real Estate, Yard
Sale, and Open House signs less than six (6) square feet.
C.No sign shall interfere with Vision Clearance per Ch. 3 of the Zoning Ordinance.
D.Temporary signs may not be illuminated unless otherwise noted (See Ch. 25.07.03-06 B & C).
A.E.Temporary sign permits can be issued for no more than one (1) years duration, but may be renewed,
unless otherwise prohibited (See Ch. 25.07.03-01).
16
25.07.03-01 Subdivision Construction Signs
.
a) SIGN CLASSIFICATION: Ground Sign.
b) NUMBER & TYPE: One (1) sign per entrance One (1) sign per Street Frontage.
Subdivision Construction signs may be in addition to any permanent subdivision
Identification sign permitted by the terms of this Ordinance.
c) MAXIMUM SIGN AREA: Thirty-two (32) square feet per sign.
d) MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF GROUND SIGN: Eight (8) feet.
e) LOCATION: At entrance to construction site subdivision; sign and shall not interfere with
Vision Clearance and shall be a minimum of ten (10) five (5) feet from the street right-of-
way, proposed right-of-way per the Thoroughfare Plan (See Ch. 25.07.02 H).
except when located on a corner lot, as for Vision Clearance on Corner Lots (see Section 3.07:
Definitions, in Zoning Regulations).
f) DESIGN: Sign face may be split up to 60 degrees and still be considered one (1) signNo
restrictions. See Diagram 1.
gg) COPY: No restrictions. All companies involved in the project should be represented on the
sign, i.e. financial, architect, engineer, contractor, leasing company, etc. Additional signs per
profession/company are not permitted.
h) ILLUMINATION: Not permitted.
i) LANDSCAPING: Not required.
j) REQUIRED APPROVAL: None.
k) SIGN PERMIT: Required.
l) FEES: Required.
mh) TIME:
1.Shall not be established until Improvement Location Permit (ILP) is issued.
2.Must be removed at project completion or 18 months after erection, whichever
occurs first.
1.3.No time extensions will be granted.
1) Subdivision Construction Signs may be established after, but not before
final approval of subdivision plans and may be in addition to any permanent
Subdivision Sign permitted by the terms of this Ordinance.
2)Signs may remain until thenumber of lots remain for sale is less than:
16
Section 25.07.03-01 amended per Ordinance No. Z-486-06, §n.
Page 25
Section 25.07: Signs Ordinance as
25.07-1
as adopted per Z-302; as amended per Z-365-01; Z-366-01; Z-369-02; Z-416-03; Z-453-04; Z-461-04; Z-470-05;
Z-478-05; Z-486-06
Spring 201206 v1
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
i) two (2) in platted subdivisions containing 2-49 total lots.
ii) five (5) in platted subdivisions containing 50-99 total lots.
iii) ten (10) in platted subdivisions containing 100-199 total lots.
iv) twenty-five (25) in platted subdivisions containing 200-499 total
lots.
v) five percent (5%) of platted lots in subdivisions containing 500
or more lots.
3) Permit renewal is subject to the determination of the Director.
25.07.03-02 Non-Residential and Multiple Family Housing Complex Construction
Signs
.
a) SIGN CLASSIFICATION: Ground Sign.
b) NUMBER & TYPE: One (1) sign per Property Frontage.
c) MAXIMUM SIGN AREA: Thirty-two (32) square feet
d) MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF GROUND SIGN: Eight (8) feet.
e) LOCATION: Shall be set back twenty (20) feet from the street right-of-way; only one (1)
sign may face any particular Property Frontage.
f) DESIGN: No restrictions.
g) COPY: Limited to identification of the building, architects, engineers, contractors, and other
individuals or firms involved with the construction, but shall not include any advertising or
product.
h) ILLUMINATION: Not permitted.
i) LANDSCAPING: Not required.
j) REQUIRED APPROVAL: None.
k) SIGN PERMIT: Required.
l) FEES: Required.
m) TIME: Shall not be established until after construction has begun; shall be removed within
seven (7) days after the beginning of the intended use of the project.
17
25.07.03-032 Real Estate Signs
.
a) SIGN CLASSIFICATION: Ground Sign.
b) NUMBER & TYPE: One (1) Ground sign per Property Frontage. No more than two (2)
Sign Faces per sign, and the angle of separation between the faces of the sign shall not
exceed sixty degrees (60°). (Refer to DIAGRAM 1)
c) MAXIMUM SIGN AREA:
1). Residential zones:
a.i) Lot size under less than five (5) acres: Six (6) square feet. and
b.ii) Lot size five (5) acres and over: Twenty (20) square feet.
17
Section 25.07.03-03 amended per Ordinance No. Z-486-06, §o.
Page 26
Section 25.07: Signs Ordinance as
25.07-1
as adopted per Z-302; as amended per Z-365-01; Z-366-01; Z-369-02; Z-416-03; Z-453-04; Z-461-04; Z-470-05;
Z-478-05; Z-486-06
Spring 201206 v1
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
2.) Business, and Industrial, and Manufacturing Zones - maximum Sign Face Area
(both faces, if applicable):
a.i) Non-highway: 12 square feetfor a lot less than ten (10) acres in area shall
be twenty (20) square feet., and
b.ii) for a lot located in the US Highway 31 or US Highway 421 Michigan
Road Corridor Overlay Zones which is greater than five (5) acres in area
shall be Highway: thirty-two (32) square feet.
d) MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF GROUND SIGN:
1). Lot size under less than five (5) acres: Five (5) feet.;
2.) Lot size five (5) acres and over or greater: Eight (8) feet.
e) LOCATION:
1.) Residential Zones:
i) Signs of six (6) square feet or less: Ten (10) feet from right-of-way;
ii) over six (6) square feet: Twenty-five (25) feet from right-of-way.Minimum of five
(5) feet from the proposed right-of-way per the Thoroughfare Plan (See Ch.
25.07.02 H).
2.) Business and Manufacturing Zones:
i) Signs of six (6) square feet or less: Five (5) feet from the right-of-way;
ii) over six (6) square feet: Ten (10) feet from the right-of-way.
iii) For lots with more than one (1) Sstreet fFrontage, the distance between any two (2)
signs (including Construction signs) shall not be less than fifteen (15) feet at any
point.; and
iv)3. fFor Tthrough lLots (fronting two parallel streets), two (2) signs may not be located
in the same half yard face the same street. (Refer to DIAGRAM 2).
f) DESIGN: Sign face may be split up to 60 degrees and still be considered one (1) sign. See
Diagram 1.No restrictions.
g) COPY: May announce the sale, rental or lease of the premises, with specific details of how
much space is available and when it is available. but It shall reflect no advertising or
promotional material other than to indicate the party listing the property for sale or lease.
h) ILLUMINATION: Not permitted.
i) LANDSCAPING: Not required.
j) REQUIRED APPROVAL: None.
k) SIGN PERMIT: Required for signs with a Sign Area over six (6) square feet.
lh) TIME:
1) Residential Zones - Signs shall be removed promptly after closing, lease or rental of the
property. An OPEN HOUSE sign may be posted only when an open house is being
conducted on the premises, unless the sign lists the dates and times of a future open house.
2) Business and Manufacturing Zones - Signs shall be removed within seven (7) days of the
sale, lease or rental of the property.
Page 27
Section 25.07: Signs Ordinance as
25.07-1
as adopted per Z-302; as amended per Z-365-01; Z-366-01; Z-369-02; Z-416-03; Z-453-04; Z-461-04; Z-470-05;
Z-478-05; Z-486-06
Spring 201206 v1
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
3) Multi-family Housing Complex - Once eighty percent (80%) of units are leased, sold or
occupied, Real Estate Signs are limited to either Ground Sign, Wall Sign or Window Sign of
six (6) square feet or less.Sign must be removed within seven (7) days of sale or lease or 12
months after erection, whichever occurs first.
18
25.07.03-043 Political Campaign Signs
.
a) SIGN CLASSIFICATION: Ground Sign.
b) NUMBER & TYPE: No restrictions.
c) MAXIMUM SIGN AREA: Sixteen (16) square feet total per Premises.
d) MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF GROUND SIGN: Five (5) feet.
e) LOCATION: Must be confined to private property and/or polling sites and setback a
minimum of five (5) feet from the proposed right-of-way per the Thoroughfare Plan (See
Ch. 25.07.02 H).
f) DESIGN: No restrictions.
fg) COPY: Names of candidates seeking public political office and other data pertinent thereto.
h) ILLUMINATION: Not permitted.
i) LANDSCAPING: Not required.
j) REQUIRED APPROVAL: None.
k) SIGN PERMIT: Not required.
l) FEES: Not required.
m) TIME: None.
25.07.03-05 Additional Signs in Residential Zones
.
a) SIGN CLASSIFICATION: Ground Sign.
b) NUMBER & TYPE: One (1) sign in addition to a permitted Real Estate Sign(s) per lot with
a maximum of two (2) Sign Faces.
c) MAXIMUM SIGN AREA: Eight (8) square feet (both faces, if applicable).
d) MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF GROUND SIGN: Four (4) feet.
e) LOCATION: Shall be set back ten (10) feet from the street right-of-way.
f) DESIGN: No restrictions.
g) ILLUMINATION: Not permitted.
h) LANDSCAPING: Not required.
i) REQUIRED APPROVAL: None.
j) SIGN PERMIT: Required for signs with a sign area over six (6) square feet.
k) TIME: Signs shall be removed promptly after completion of construction, renovation or
repair of improvements on the property.
18
Section 25.07.03-04 amended per Ordinance No. Z-470-05, §m.
Page 28
Section 25.07: Signs Ordinance as
25.07-1
as adopted per Z-302; as amended per Z-365-01; Z-366-01; Z-369-02; Z-416-03; Z-453-04; Z-461-04; Z-470-05;
Z-478-05; Z-486-06
Spring 201206 v1
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
19
25.07.03-064 Signage for Temporary Uses
.
This section shall apply to those temporary uses established by Section 25.23 and Section 25.24 of this
Ordinance.
a) SIGN CLASSIFICATION: Wall sign or Gground sign.
b) NUMBER & TYPE: One (1) Iidentification sign.
c) MAXIMUM SIGN AREA: Thirty-two (32) square feet
d) MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF GROUND SIGN: Six (6) feet.
e) LOCATION: Must not interfere with Vision Clearance. Minimum of five (5) feet from
the proposed right of way per the Thoroughfare Plan (See Ch. 25.07.02 H).
f) DESIGN: No restrictions.
g) COPY: As per definition of Iidentification sign.
h) ILLUMINATION: Not permitted.
i) LANDSCAPING: Not required.
j) REQUIRED APPROVAL: None.
k) SIGN PERMIT: Required.
li) FEES: Required, except for local non-profit organizations applying under Section 25.24
of this Ordinance.
mj) TIME: Limited to duration of Ttemporary Uuse permit.
20
25.07.03-075 Model Home & Temporary Sales Office Identification Signs
.
a) SIGN CLASSIFICATION: Ground Sign.
b) NUMBER & TYPE:
1. i) One (1) sales office Identification sSign per hundred lots.
2.ii) One (1) model home Identification sSign per approved Mmodel Hhome.
c) MAXIMUM SIGN AREA:
1.i) Sales office Identification Ssign: Thirty (30) square feet.
2.ii) Model hHome Identification Ssign: Six (6) square feet.
d) MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF GROUND SIGN:
1.i) Sales office Identification sSign: Six (6) feet.
2.ii) Model Hhome Identification Ssign: Three (3) feet.
e) LOCATION:
1.i) Sales office Identification sSign: On the same Lot as the approved Ttemporary
Ssales Ooffice ; sign shall not interfere with Vision Clearance and shall be a
minimum of ten (10) feet from the street right-of-way.and shall be a minimum of
five (5) feet from the proposed right-of-way per the Thoroughfare Plan (See Ch.
25.07.02 H).
2.ii) Model Hhome Identification Ssign: On the same Lot as the approved Model Home;
sign and shall not interfere with Vision Clearance and shall be a minimum of
19
Section 25.07.03-06 amended per Ordinance No. Z-461-04, §i.
20
Section 25.07.03-07 adopted per Ordinance No. Z-366-01.
Page 29
Section 25.07: Signs Ordinance as
25.07-1
as adopted per Z-302; as amended per Z-365-01; Z-366-01; Z-369-02; Z-416-03; Z-453-04; Z-461-04; Z-470-05;
Z-478-05; Z-486-06
Spring 201206 v1
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
tenfive (105) feet from the street right-of-wayproposed right-of-way per the
Thoroughfare Plan (See Ch. 25.07.02 H).
f) DESIGN: As approved by the Commission No restrictions.
g) COPY: No restrictions.
h) ILLUMINATION: Not permitted.
i) LANDSCAPING: Not required.
jh) REQUIRED APPROVAL: Either a Sign Plan showing the design of any ssales ooffice
Identification Ssigns must be approved by the Commission as part of the Primary Plat
petition, or an ADLS application must be filed prior to the Establishment of the signs.
ki) SIGN PERMIT: Required for signs with a Sign Area over six (6) square feet.
lj) TIME:
1.Shall not be Established until either a temporary or final Certificate of Occupancy
has been issued for the Principal Building;
1.2.mMay remain until such time as the temporary sales office and/or Model Home
Temporary Use approval has expired, or until such time as the Principal Building is
sold for private occupancy, whichever is earlier.
25.07.043-06 Permitted Banners
.
25.07.04-01A. Street Banners For Civic Events
.
A Banner for a Publicspecial eEvents designated by the Mayor of the City of Carmel may
be erected no more than thirty (30) days prior to the event and shall be removed no more
than three (3) days after the event. The erection of a banner for a Special Event is further
subject to the approval of the appropriate governmental agency having jurisdiction over the
proposed location of the Bannermay be applied for by a non-profit organization and those
organizations raising money or collecting goods for charity.
a)SIGN CLASSIFICATION: Banner.
b)NUMBER, TYPE & LOCATION:
1.Event must be taking place within the City of Carmel/Clay Township.
2.One (1) Banner at the intersection of Carmel Drive and Range Line
Road;
3.One (1) Banner at the intersection of Range Line Road and City Center
th
Drive/126 Street;
4.One (1) Banner on the property where the event is held.
5.Sign shall be a minimum of five (5) feet from the proposed right-of-way
per the Thoroughfare Plan (See Ch. 25.07.02 H).
c)MAXIMUM SIGN AREA: 24 square feet (3 x 8 horizontal format)
d)DESIGN: See Diagram 2.
e)COPY: Shall include name, address, time and date of event and charity or
organization supported.
f)REQUIRED APPROVALS: Permit required.
g)TIME:
1.Shall be installed no more than two (2) weeks prior to the event.
Page 30
Section 25.07: Signs Ordinance as
25.07-1
as adopted per Z-302; as amended per Z-365-01; Z-366-01; Z-369-02; Z-416-03; Z-453-04; Z-461-04; Z-470-05;
Z-478-05; Z-486-06
Spring 201206 v1
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
2.Shall be removed no more than 24 hours after the event.
3.Recurring events may be advertised once per quarter.
h)FEES: Not required.
25.07.04-02B. Grand Business Opening/Closing Banners
.
a)A banner for grand openings may be erected no more than fourteen (14) days prior
to the date the business first opens to the general public and shall be removed no
more than seven (7) days after the date the business first opens.
a)SIGN CLASSIFICATION: Banner.
b)NUMBER & 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: Sign shall be a minimum of five (5) feet from the proposed right-
of-way per the Thoroughfare Plan (See Ch. 25.07.02 H).
e)DESIGN: No restrictions.
f)COPY: Limited to the name of company and the words Grand Opening,
Coming Soon or Store Closing listed on the banner. No other advertising is
allowed.
g)ILLUMINATION: Permitted.
h)REQUIRED APPROVALS: Permit required.
i)FEES: Not required.
j)TIME: Shall be erected no more than 14 days prior to the date the business first
opens/closes to the general public and shall be removed no more than seven (7)
days after the date the business first opens/closes.
21
25.07.04-03C. Interim Signage Pending Permanent Sign
.
a) SIGN CLASSIFICATION: Banner.
b) NUMBER & TYPE: One (1) Bbanner for each approved Ppermanent ssign.
c) MAXIMUM SIGN AREA: Not to exceed the area of the approved Ppermanent
ssign.
d) LOCATION: Shall be placed in the location(s) of the not yet erected
Ppermanent ssign(s).
e) DESIGN: As per definition of BannerNo restrictions.
f) COPY: As per definition of Identification Ssign.
g) ILLUMINATION: Not pPermitted.
h) LANDSCAPING: Not required
ih) REQUIRED APPROVALS: A sign permit for permanent signage is required
must be applied for before an interim Banner permit can be issued.
j)SIGN PERMIT: Required for temporary interim Banner
k)FEES: Required
li) TIME:
21
Section 25.07.04-03 amended per Ordinance No. Z-486-06, §p.
Page 31
Section 25.07: Signs Ordinance as
25.07-1
as adopted per Z-302; as amended per Z-365-01; Z-366-01; Z-369-02; Z-416-03; Z-453-04; Z-461-04; Z-470-05;
Z-478-05; Z-486-06
Spring 201206 v1
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
1.An interim Banner shall not be displayed for more than ninety (90) days
following the issuance of the temporary Banner permit.
2.An extension of time not to exceed ninety (90) days may be granted.
Such extension request must be made in writing. The fee for extensions
is an additional interim Banner permit fee.
25.07.03-07Yard Sale & Open House Signs
.
a) SIGN CLASSIFICATION: Ground.
b) NUMBER & TYPE:
1. Ground: One (1) per Street Frontage.
2. Off Premise sign: One per subdivision entrance, if applicable.
c) MAXIMUM SIGN AREA: Six (6) square feet.
d) MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF GROUND SIGN: Three (3) feet.
e) LOCATION:
1. Ground: On the same lot as the Yard Sale or Open House.
2. Off Premise sign:
a. Must not interfere with the Vision Clearance.
b. Shall not be located in the street Right-of-Way or on a public utility pole.
c. Must have permission from the land owner on which the sign is located.
3. Shall be a minimum of five (5) feet from the proposed right-of-way per the
Thoroughfare Plan (See Ch. 25.07.02 H).
f) DESIGN: No restrictions.
g) COPY: Shall include the address, date and time of sale or open house.
h) TIME: No more than two (2) days prior to the sale or open house, and shall be removed
within 24 hours of conclusion of the sale or open house.
25.07.05 Fast Food Drive-Thru Service Menu Signs
.
Fast food operations with drive-through service located on properties zoned B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4, B-5,
B-5, B-7, B-8, I-1, M-1, M-2, M-3, in addition to other permitted signs, may also display a menu sign
with a maximum sign area of sixteen (16) square feet and a maximum height of six (6) feet for a
ground sign.
22
25.07.06 Legal Non-Conforming Signs
.
A.After the enactment of this amendatory Ordinance, the Administrator shall make a survey
every twelve (12) months of the jurisdictional area for signs that do not conform to this
st
Ordinance (as of July 1 of the respective calendar year); and shall submit the results of
the survey, in writing, to the Mayor, members of the Council, members of the Board, and
st
members of the Commission. This report is due on or before September 1 of every year
and shall include the sections of this Ordinance with which said signs do not comply (as
of July 1 of the respective calendar year), and any necessary proof that said signs are legal
nonconforming signs.
22
Section 25.07.06 amended per Ordinance No. Z-365-01; Z-453-04, §fc.
Page 32
Section 25.07: Signs Ordinance as
25.07-1
as adopted per Z-302; as amended per Z-365-01; Z-366-01; Z-369-02; Z-416-03; Z-453-04; Z-461-04; Z-470-05;
Z-478-05; Z-486-06
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CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
B. The Administrator shall also use all reasonable efforts to notify the user or owner of the
property on which such sign is located of the signs non-conformity and whether it is legally
non-conforming or is illegal. Should any questions arise as a result of the Administrators
decision that a sign is a Legal Non-conforming Sign or is illegal, the final determination of
such status shall be made by the Board as provided for in Section 28.06 of this Ordinance.
An ongoing record of existing Legal Non-conforming Signs shall thereafter be maintained as
a part of the Boards permanent records.
C.Where a nonconforming sign was legally existing on July 1, 2004, the Administrator shall
register such sign as a legal nonconforming sign, specifying on the registration form the
date of the erection or installation of such sign and, if applicable, the dates on which the
Board granted a variance and a Sign Permit was issued.
D. A non-conforming sign as described in Subsection (C) above which is duly registered shall
thereafter be deemed a Legal Non-conforming Sign and may be continued without further
registration.
E.If the Administrator determines that a nonconforming sign existing on July 1, 2004, was
not legally erected or installed, the user or owner shall have until January 1, 2006, to
appeal the Administrators determination to the Board or to obtain a variance from the
Board allowing the sign to be continued. After January 1, 2006, if the Board has not
reversed the Administrators determination or granted a variance allowing the sign to be
continued, it shall thereafter be deemed an illegal sign and shall be immediately brought
into conformance with this Ordinance or shall be removed.
F. A Legal Non-conforming Sign shall immediately lose its legal non-conforming designation
if:
1) the sign is not kept in good repair and in a safe condition and the state of disrepair
or unsafe condition continues for six (6) months;
2) the sign is relocated;
3) the complete sign and sign structure are replaced; or
4) the Sign Permit or variance under which the sign was allowed or permitted expires.
G. On the happening of any one (1) of the above conditions the sign shall be immediately
brought into conformance with this Ordinance with a new Sign Permit secured therefore, or
shall be removed.
H. Nothing in this Ordinance shall relieve the owner or user of a Legal Non-conforming Sign or
owner of the property on which the Legal Non-conforming Sign is located from the
provisions of this ordinance regarding safety, maintenance and repair of signs.
25.07.07 Sign Permits
.
Except as otherwise provided in this Ordinance, it shall be unlawful for any person to establish any
sign within the jurisdictional area of this Ordinance, or cause the same to be done without first
obtaining a Sign Permit for each such sign from the Administrator as required by this Ordinance.
These directives shall not be construed to require any permit for a change of copy for legal
Changeable Copy or otherwise allowed under this Ordinance, nor for the repainting, cleaning and
other normal maintenance or repair of a sign or sign structure for which a permit has previously been
issued, so long as the sign or sign structure is not modified in any way to violate the standards or
provisions of this Ordinance. No permit is required for signs which are exempted from permits
elsewhere in this Ordinance.No new permit is required for signs which have permits and which
conform with the requirements of this ordinance on the date of its adoption unless and until the sign is
altered or relocated in violation of this Ordinance. A permit must be secured when the fee ownership
Page 33
Section 25.07: Signs Ordinance as
25.07-1
as adopted per Z-302; as amended per Z-365-01; Z-366-01; Z-369-02; Z-416-03; Z-453-04; Z-461-04; Z-470-05;
Z-478-05; Z-486-06
Spring 201206 v1
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
of the property upon which the sign is located has been changed, or when the ground upon which the
sign is situated has been leased to a new lessee.
Every Sign Permit issued by the Administrator shall become null and void if the sign is not
established within six (6) months after the issuance of such permit. Signs which require approval by
the Commission must be established within one (1) year after the date such approval is granted, or
such approval shall become null and void. Signs which require variance approval from the Board
shall be established within one (1) year. (See Ordinance No. Z-170).
No person shall establish any sign upon any property or building without the consent of the owner or
person entitled to possession of the property or building if any, or their authorized representative.
Application for a permit shall be made to the Administrator upon a form provided by the
Administrator and shall be accompanied by such information as may be required to assure compliance
with all appropriate laws and regulations of the City including, but not limited to:
1) Name and address of the owner of the sign.
2) Name and address of the owner (fee owner) of the Premises where the sign is to be located.
3) Name and address of the person leasing the Premises (if applicable).
4) Clear and legible drawings with description definitely showing location of the sign which is
the subject of the permit and all other existing signs whose construction requires permits,
when such signs are on the same Premises.
5) Drawings showing the dimensions, construction supports, sizes, electrical wiring and
components, materials, and design of the sign and method of attachment. The design,
quality, materials and loading shall conform to the requirements of the Building Official's
and Administrative Code (B.O.A.C.), as amended. If required by the Administrator,
engineering data shall be supplied on plans submitted certified by a duly licensed engineer.
The Administrator shall issue a permit for the establishment of a sign when an application therefore
has been properly made of the city.
The person establishing a sign shall notify the Administrator upon completion of the work for which
permits are required, and shall submit a color photograph of the established sign to the Administrator.
All signs shall be subject to an inspection by the Administrator.
The Administrator may, in writing, suspend or revoke a permit issued under provisions of this Section
whenever the permit is issued on the basis of a misstatement of fact or fraud after due notice by and
hearing before the Administrator. When a Sign Permit is denied or revoked by the Administrator, he
shall give written notice of the denial to the applicant together with a brief written statement of the
reasons for the denial.
No permit for a sign issued hereunder shall be deemed to constitute permission or authorization to
maintain an unlawful sign nor shall any permit issued hereunder constitute a defense in an action to
abate an unlawful sign.
An Appeal may be taken to the Board from either the Administrators denial or revocation of a permit
or from the failure of the Administrator to formally grant or deny a permit within thirty days (30)
days. (See Section 30.01 and Section 30.02).
Permit fees shall be as stated in Section 29.06.05 of this Ordinance.
25.07.08 Variance
.
A variance from the terms of these regulations may be submitted to the Carmel Board of Zoning
Appeals as stated in Section 30.05 of this Ordinance.
Page 34
Section 25.07: Signs Ordinance as
25.07-1
as adopted per Z-302; as amended per Z-365-01; Z-366-01; Z-369-02; Z-416-03; Z-453-04; Z-461-04; Z-470-05;
Z-478-05; Z-486-06
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CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
25.07.09 Administration and Enforcement
.
25.07.09-01 Administration
.
The Administrator is hereby authorized and directed to enforce and carry out all provisions
of this section both in letter and spirit, pursuant to state statute.
The Administrator is further empowered to delegate the duties and the powers granted to and
imposed upon him under this Ordinance. As used in this section, "Administrator" shall
include any authorized representative(s).
The Administrator is hereby empowered to enter or inspect any building, structure, or
premises in the jurisdictional area of this Ordinance, upon which, or in connection with
which a sign is located, for the purpose of inspection of the sign, its structural and electrical
connections, and to insure compliance with the provisions of this section. Such inspections
shall be carried out during business hours, unless an emergency exists.
Page 35
Section 25.07: Signs Ordinance as
25.07-1
as adopted per Z-302; as amended per Z-365-01; Z-366-01; Z-369-02; Z-416-03; Z-453-04; Z-461-04; Z-470-05;
Z-478-05; Z-486-06
Spring 201206 v1
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
23
Sign Chart A: Non-Freeway
.
SINGLE TENANT & MULTI-TENANT BUILDINGS (Ground Floor & Multi-Level)
Distance of Sign from Street Building Maximum Maximum Height
*Frontage Sign Area of Ground Sign
Right-of-Way
(Tenant Unit)
(minimum of 5 feet)
5 50 feet under 50 feet 30 sq. ft. 6 feet
51 - 100 feet 45 sq. ft. 6 feet
101 - 150 feet 60 sq. ft. 6 feet
151 - 300 feet 75 sq. ft. 6 feet
51-100 feet under 50 feet 35 sq. ft. 6 feet
51 -100 feet 60 50sq. ft. 6 feet
101 - 150 feet 8065 sq. ft. 6 feet
151 -300 feet 9580 sq. ft. 6 feet
101 300 200feet under 50 feet 40 sq. ft. 6 feet
51 - 100 feet 7555 sq. ft. 6 feet
101 - 150 feet 9070 sq. ft. 76 feet
151 - 300 feet 105 85 sq. ft. 86 feet
201 -Over 300 feet under 50 feet 5045 sq. ft. 7 feet
50 - 100 feet 9060 sq. ft. 7 feet
101 - 150 feet 10075 sq. ft. 7 feet
151 - 300 feet 11590 sq. ft. 87 feet
300 + feet 150105 sq. ft. 87 feet
* Street Right-of-Way, as designated in the Thoroughfare Plan.
23
Sign Chart A amended per Ordinance No. Z-453-04, §fb; Z-478-05 §c.
Page 36
Section 25.07: Signs Ordinance as
25.07-1
as adopted per Z-302; as amended per Z-365-01; Z-366-01; Z-369-02; Z-416-03; Z-453-04; Z-461-04; Z-470-05;
Z-478-05; Z-486-06
Spring 201206 v1
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
24
Sign Chart B: Freeway
.
SINGLE-TENANT & MULTI-TENANT BUILDINGS: (Ground Floor & Multi-Level)
Distance of Sign From Street Building Maximum Maximum
Right-of-Way*
Frontage Sign Area Height
(minimum of 5 ft) (Tenant Unit) of Ground Sign
200 feet & under under 100 feet 40 sq. feet 6 feet
101 - 250 feet 75 sq. feet 7 feet
over 250 feet 100 sq. feet 8 feet
under 100 feet 50 sq. feet 6 feet
over 200 feet*
101 - 250 feet 90 sq. feet 7 feet
over 250 feet 120 sq. ft. 8 feet
* Street Right-of-Way, as designated in the Thoroughfare Plan.
** For distances over 200 feet, the maximum sign area may be increased at the rate of an additional five (5) sq.
ft. per additional 100 ft. of distance from sign to street right-of-way.
25
Sign Chart CB: Address Number Chart
.
Distance of Numbers from Street Maximum Height
Right-of-Way* of Numbers
0 100 feet 3.5 4 - 6 inches
101 200 feet 7.0 6 12 inches
201 400 feet 14.0 12 18 inches
401 600 feet 21.0 18 24 inches
601 800 feet 28.0 24 30 inches
801 - 1,000 feet 35.0 30 36 inches
1,001 - 1,320 feet 46.1 36 42 inches
* Street Right-of-Way, as designated in the Thoroughfare Plan.
24
Sign Chart B amended per Ordinance No. Z-453-04, §fb.
25
Sign Chart C amended per Ordinance No. Z-453-04, §fb.
Page 37
Section 25.07: Signs Ordinance as
25.07-1
as adopted per Z-302; as amended per Z-365-01; Z-366-01; Z-369-02; Z-416-03; Z-453-04; Z-461-04; Z-470-05;
Z-478-05; Z-486-06
Spring 201206 v1
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
Diagram 1: Sign Face SeparationDiagram 2: Public Event Sign Structure.
.
0º minimum
8
3
BANNER
6
MESSAGE HERE
Removable post structure
Permanent underground
post supports
60º maximum
DIAGRAM 1: 60º maximum separation. DIAGRAM 2: For reoccurring events, a semi-
permanent structure may be created and installed to
display a banner message at the event site.
Underground support post holes may be installed. A
removable post structure may be installed with a
banner when a Public Event application has been
approved. The sign and structure must be removed no
more than 24 hours after the event concludes.
Page 38
Section 25.07: Signs Ordinance as
25.07-1
as adopted per Z-302; as amended per Z-365-01; Z-366-01; Z-369-02; Z-416-03; Z-453-04; Z-461-04; Z-470-05;
Z-478-05; Z-486-06
Spring 201206 v1
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
Diagram 2: Through Lot Real Estate Sign Placement
.
street
Half-yard dividing line
street
DIAGRAM 2
Page 39
Section 25.07: Signs Ordinance as
25.07-1
as adopted per Z-302; as amended per Z-365-01; Z-366-01; Z-369-02; Z-416-03; Z-453-04; Z-461-04; Z-470-05;
Z-478-05; Z-486-06
Spring 201206 v1
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
26
Diagram 3: Old Town Carmel
.
Diagram 4: Old Meridian Sign Placement
.
26
Diagram 3 repealed per Ordinance No. Z-470-05, §n. See Old Town District Overlay Zone boundary, Chapter 23D.
Page 40
Section 25.07: Signs Ordinance as
25.07-1
as adopted per Z-302; as amended per Z-365-01; Z-366-01; Z-369-02; Z-416-03; Z-453-04; Z-461-04; Z-470-05;
Z-478-05; Z-486-06
Spring 201206 v1
CITY OF CARMEL ZONING ORDINANCE
SECTION 25.07: SIGNS
AMENDMENT LOG
Ordinance No. Docket No. Council Approval Effective Date Sections Affected
Z-365-01 76-01a OA November 5, 2001 November 27, 2001 25.07.02-07;
25.07.06
Z-366-01 76-01b OA n/a November 28, 2001 25.07.01-02;
25.07.01-04(l);
25.07.03-07
Z-369-02 160-01 OA April 1, 2002 April 1, 2002 25.07.01-02;
25.07.01-03(l);
25.07.01-04(q)
Summer 2002 v1
Z-416-03 40-02 OA November 17, 2003 November 18, 2003 25.07.01-02
Autumn 2003 v1
Z-453-04 150-02 OA August 16, 2004 August 16, 2004 25.07.02-14;
25.07.06; Sign
Charts A, B, C;
Diagram 4
Summer 2004 v1
Z-461-04 04070029 OA December 20, 2005 January 20, 2005 25.07.03-06
Winter 2005 v1
Z-470-05 04100026 OA February 21, 2005 February 21, 2005 25.07.02-03 thru 13;
25.07.03-04;
Diagram 3
Winter 2005 v2
Z-478-05 05050010 OA July 18, 2005 July 18, 2005 25.07.01-04; Sign
Chart A
Summer 2005 v1
Z-486-06 05120002 OA February 20, 2006 March 22, 2006 25.07.01-04;
25.07.02-13;
25.07.03-01;
25.07.03-03;
25.07.04-03
Spring 2006 v1
Page 41
Section 25.07: Signs Ordinance as
25.07-1
as adopted per Z-302; as amended per Z-365-01; Z-366-01; Z-369-02; Z-416-03; Z-453-04; Z-461-04; Z-470-05;
Z-478-05; Z-486-06
Spring 201206 v1