AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA, AMENDING ARTICLE III OF CHAPTER 3 OF THE CITY OF TALLAHASSEE CODE OF ORDINANCES RELATING TO THE SIGNAGE; PROVIDING FOR ADDITIONAL REAL ESTATE AND CONSTRUCTION SIGNAGE; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

WHEREAS, to protect and promote the health and safety of persons within the city and to aid and assist in the promotion of business and industry by providing regulations which allow and encourage creativity, effectiveness, and flexibility in the design and use of signage, while avoiding an environment that encourages visual blight; and

WHEREAS, the existing Sign Code does not allow for placement of real estate signage remote from the property being sold and such restriction presents a hardship for individuals whose property is not visible from streets other than the street on which the property is located;

WHEREAS, the existing Sign Code does not allow for construction signs to remain on property after an issuance of a certificate of occupancy and a site may need to be identified after a certificate of occupancy has been issued;

This ordinance is intended to allow for the placement of real estate signage remote from the property being advertised and also to allow for construction signs to remain at sites after a certificate of occupancy has been issued by amending Sections 3-40(b) (12) and (13) to Chapter 3 of the City of Tallahassee Code of Ordinances.

   12.
   13.  Section 3-40(b)(12) Real Estate Signs -    

•  a.On-Site Real Estate Signs
  One (1) nonilluminated, double-faced, real estate sign per street frontage not exceeding in face area:
  • 1.One (1) for single-family detached, single-family attached and two-family residences:
  •  (a). Five and one-half (5 ½) square feet where the property being advertised has a frontage of less than five hundred (500) lineal feet.
     (b). Sixteen (16) square feet where the property being advertised has a frontage of five hundred (500) lineal feet or more.
     2. For all other uses In all other districts, sixteen (16) square feet where the property or structure being advertised has a frontage of less than two hundred (200) lineal feet.
     3. For all other uses, thirty-two (32) square feet where the property or structure being advertised has a frontage of two hundred (200) lineal feet or more.
  
  Multiple-listing strips and sold signs may be allowed when attached to a real estate sign.
  The additional square footage of multiple-listing strip or sold signs shall not be counted in the overall signage area, provided such signage is no larger than one (1) square foot.
  Information tubes that are no larger than three (3) inches in diameter or information boxes that are less than one (1) cubic foot shall not be counted against the overall signage area.
  Signs shall be removed when ownership has changed or the property is no longer for sale, rent or lease.
  "Open for inspection" signs not exceeding five and one-half (5 ½ ) square feet in area may be allowed on property that is open for inspection.
  
  
• b. Off-Site Directional Real Estate Signage
  
  • 1. Location:
    • One (1) non-illuminated, double faced, non-advertising directional sign may be placed at any intersection corner.
    
    2. Maximum size:
    • (a) For Sale or For Rent directional signs shall be no larger than one (1) square foot.
    • (b) Open House, Model Open or Parade of Homes directional signs shall be no larger than eighteen (18) inches by twenty-four (24) inches.
    
    3. Display guidelines:
    • (a) Two (2) For Sale or For Rent directional sign may be displayed as authorized in this subsection while the house is for sale or rent, but must be removed promptly when the house is sold or rented, or
      (b) Two (2) Open House, Model Open or Parade Of Homes directional sign may be displayed as authorized in this subsection on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, but not on Monday through Thursday unless the owner or a sales person is present on the property being advertised.
      (c) In no case shall there be more than two (2) directional signs displayed at any one time for any one (1) house.
      (d) Each house shall be limited to one (1) directional sign at one (1) location.
    
    4. Consent required:
    • No off-site directional real estate sign shall be displayed on any property without the consent of the owner, holder, lessee, agent or trustee.
    
    5. Public rights-of-way:
    • No off-site directional real estate sign shall be located on the public right-of-way or public property except as permitted by section 3-40(a)12 of this article.
    
    6. Information required on each sign:
    • Each off-site directional real estate sign shall have the name, address and telephone number of the owner, agent or company that placed the sign on one (1) side in an area no larger than three (3) inches by five (5) inches.
    
    7. On-Site Model Home Real Estate Signs
    • 1. One (1) Model Home sign per street frontage, not to exceed nine (9) square feet in size.
    • 2. One (1) Open House sign per street frontage, not to exceed eighteen (18) inches by twenty four (24) inches.
    • 3. Flags, pennants and banners may be displayed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, but only on Monday through Thursday when the owner or a sales person is present on the property being advertised.

• (13) One (1) construction sign per street frontage located on property where building is actually in progress under a current building permit. This shall be a ground sign not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet for commercial construction and new residential construction and nine (9) square feet for residential additions and renovations. The sign may include the names of persons and firms performing services or labor, or supplying materials to the premises. Such sign must be removed within 30 days of the issuance of a certificate of occupancy or completion is issued.
  • Exception: A construction sign not to exceed nine (9) square feet may be displayed after the issuance of a certificate of occupancy and prior to structure being sold and/or occupied.

The provisions of this ordinance are supplemental, in addition to and not in derogation of, all existing laws and ordinances effective in the City of Tallahassee.

All ordinances or parts of ordinances of the City of Tallahassee Code of Ordinances in conflict with the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict.

If any portion of this ordinance is held invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct and independent provision and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion of the ordinance.