Ordinance 10-22
To: Members of the City Council
From: Dana L. McDaniel, City Manager
Date: April 5, 2022
Initiated By: Megan D. O’Callaghan, Deputy City Manager/Chief Finance and Development Officer
Jennifer M. Rauch, AICP, Director of Planning
Re:
Ordinance 10-22 – Amendments to Code Section 153.158 Regarding Temporary Sign
Provisions of the City of Dublin’s Zoning Code.
Summary
Ordinance 10-22 is a request for review and approval of amendments to Code Section 153.158
addressing Non-residential For-Sale/For-Lease Signs within the temporary sign provisions of the
City of Dublin Zoning Code.
Update
Ordinance 10-22 was introduced to City Council on March 21, 2022. City Council was provided
detailed information from staff and the commercial real representatives. Staff has provided a sign
design detail for approval by Council along with the Ordinance to ensure uniform sign design for
the non-residential for sale/for lease signs. Based on the sign design detail proportions for ground
mounted signs the maximum size for non-highway signs has been reduced from 16 square feet to
15 square feet. The sign design detail also allows a logo on non-residential for sale/for lease signs
provided that the logo does not exceed 20 percent of the maximum permitted sign area.
Background
City Council approved amendments to the temporary sign provisions of the Zoning Code on April
12, 2021 (Ordinance 12-21). Since the approved amendments became effective in Spring 2021,
several temporary sign permit holders, property owners and commercial brokers have reached out
to staff to express concerns regarding the restrictiveness of the approved amendments. Staff
initially raised this item to City Council in September 2021.
On January 24, 2022, City Council provided initial feedback and referred the topic to the
Community Development Committee for further review. The Committee reviewed the regulations
and is recommending approval to City Council for regulations that result in uniform sign design
while maintaining size and height limitations. CDC is also recommending allowing for additional
duration.
Details
The Community Development Committee also reviewed potential design options for the uniform
design and recommended green with white lettering as the preferred option. The chart below
summarized the proposed regulations.
Office of the City Manager
5555 Perimeter Drive • Dublin, OH 43017
Phone: 614-410-4400 • Fax: 614-410-4490
Memo
Memo re: Ordinance 10-22 Temporary Signs
April 5, 2022
Page 2 of 2
Proposed
General Permit required and availability data
Number 1 per parcel (either ground, wall or window), plus one add’l highway frontage
Size/Height Ground Non-highway frontage: 15 SF, 4’ tall
Highway frontage: 24 SF, 8’ tall
Wall 16 SF, 15’ tall
Window 10% window size, 6 SF max
Duration 1 year with a yearly renewal
Material/Design Uniform sign design – green background/white letters. Post mounted. MDO material.
Logos permitted.
Staff has provided uniform sign design details for non-highway and highway ground signs, which
are required to be green (R:20 G:91 B:47) in color with white font.
Non-Highway Highway
Recommendation
Approval of Ordinance 10-22 and associated sign design detail.
To: Members of the City Council
From: Dana L. McDaniel, City Manager
Date: March 15, 2022
Initiated By: Megan D. O’Callaghan, Deputy City Manager/Chief Finance and Development Officer
Jennifer M. Rauch, AICP, Director of Planning
Re:
Ordinance 10-22 – Amendments to Code Section 153.158 Regarding Temporary Sign
Provisions of the City of Dublin’s Zoning Code.
Summary
Ordinance 10-22 is a request for review and approval of amendments to Code Section 153.158
addressing Non-residential For-Sale/For-Lease Signs within the temporary sign provisions of the
City of Dublin Zoning Code.
Background
City Council approved amendments to the temporary sign provisions of the Zoning Code on April
12, 2021 (Ordinance 12-21). These amendments followed the United States Supreme Court issued
decision in the case of the Reed v. Town of Gilbert, AZ regarding the legality of temporary sign
regulations. The Supreme Court invalidated the Town’s temporary sign provisions, which
categorized and applied different regulations to temporary signs depending on their content. As a
result, all temporary sign regulations based on the content of the signs were constitutionally
suspect. Planning staff in conjunction with the Law Director’s office and Clarion Associates
developed regulations to align with the Reed v. Gilbert decision, which were approved as part of
Ordinance 12-21.
The approved amendments addressed regulations regarding content neutrality for all temporary
signs. As part of the initial review of these amendments in 2019, the Community Development
Committee (Committee) recommended more stringent restrictions including duration, location, and
number of signs for temporary signs be incorporated in the Code. Council’s direction identified the
need to address visual clutter and protect community aesthetics. In particular, the approved
amendments included more restrictive duration and size requirements for non-residential sale or
leasing period signs. The Ordinance was effective on May 12, 2021 thus requiring temporary signs
to comply with the new regulations upon expiration of an existing sign permit. Temporary sign
permit holders were provided notification of the amendments prior to the effective date of the
Ordinance for awareness.
Since the approved amendments became effective in Spring 2021, several temporary sign permit
holders, property owners and commercial brokers have reached out to staff to express concerns
regarding the restrictiveness of the approved amendments, in particular the non-residential sale or
leasing period signs regulations. Staff provided an initial update to City Council in September 2021
and met with several commercial brokers and property owners regarding the opportunity for
further discussion with City Council of the challenges the revised Code presents. Following these
discussions, staff provided a detailed update to City Council on January 24, 2022. City Council
Office of the City Manager
5555 Perimeter Drive • Dublin, OH 43017
Phone: 614-410-4400 • Fax: 614-410-4490 Memo
Memo re: Ordinance 10-22 Temporary Signs
March 15, 2022
Page 2 of 5
provided initial feedback and referred the topic to the Community Development Committee for
further review. The Committee reviewed the regulations and is recommending proposed
amendments that provide for increased quality in sign design and appearance with a uniform sign
design while maintaining size and height limitations and allowing for additional duration.
2021 Code Modifications
During the course of review and discussion by the Architectural Review Board and Planning and
Zoning Commission of the 2021 amendments, the regulations for non-residential sale or leasing
period and development period signs generated robust discussion and resulted in a more
restrictive set of regulations to address Council’s direction. Staff conducted benchmarking of other
communities and their temporary sign regulations, as well as data regarding the number and
duration for these particular sign types to inform the Board and Commission discussion. The most
significant changes were made to the non-residential sale or leasing period sign regulations. Below
outlines a comparison of the previous and approved Code provisions for this sign type.
Non-Residential For Sale/Lease Sign Comparison
Previous 2021 Revised/Adopted
General Permit required Permit required and availability
data
Number 1 per frontage 1 per parcel
(either ground, wall or window)
Size/Height Ground
100’ frontage
16 SF, 4’ tall
16 SF, 4’ tall
100’+ frontage
32 SF, 8’ tall
Wall 16 SF 16 SF, 15’ tall
Window 16 SF 10% window size, 6 SF max
Duration Removed within 14 days of sale/lease 30 days, no more than 90 days
in a year total
Material/Design NA Professional design, plywood
and cardboard not permitted
As noted in the comparison chart, significant modifications were made to the number, size, and
duration of the non-residential for sale/lease sign. The approved Code permits one sign per parcel
with a uniform sign size and height, where previously one sign per frontage would have been
permitted and the size and height was commensurate with the length of the property frontage.
Additionally, the duration regulations under the previous version of the Code required non-
residential for sale/lease signs to be removed within 14 days of sale or lease, which potentially
allowed the signs to remain up in perpetuity. The updated Code limits these temporary signs to 30
days continuously, but no more than 90 days in one year.
Dublin’s revised standards became effective in May 2021, thereafter temporary signs are required
to comply with the new Code requirements upon expiration of existing sign permits. Following the
implementation of Ordinance 12-21, staff conducted a review of the existing sign permits and
Memo re: Ordinance 10-22 Temporary Signs
March 15, 2022
Page 3 of 5
identified a total of 127 for temporary signs. Of these temporary sign permits, 69 permits have
since expired. The remaining 58 permits are currently valid and will be required to comply with the
new Code requirements upon expiration.
Staff conducted further benchmarking to understand how the requirements compare to other
communities’ requirements. (see attached) As noted in the attached chart, all communities tie the
duration to the time of sale or lease of the space or property, rather than a specific number of
days. Additionally, the communities studied allow for a single sign per property, which is consistent
with Dublin’s new requirements. The permitted sizes vary among the communities. Below is an
example of a consistent sign design (size, material, color, font) that is required in a community.
2022 Considerations
As previously mentioned, several temporary sign permit holders, property owners and commercial
brokers have reached out to staff to express concerns regarding the restrictiveness of the
approved amendments for non-residential sale or leasing period signs regulations. Staff had the
opportunity to meet with a group of commercial real estate representatives and property owners
to discuss their concerns regarding the requirements as well as identify potential solutions on
multiple occasions. The representatives reiterated their concerns about the restrictiveness of the
adopted regulations and the impacts on their ability to market commercial properties. They
explained that although brokers use online marketing tools such as Catalyst, physical signs remain
critical to the sale and leasing of commercial properties. Their feedback was primarily focused on
the impracticality of the duration and size/height limitations specified in the Code. Staff and the
representatives discussed options that address the industry’s concerns, while also meeting
Council’s goal of minimizing visual clutter. The group has collaborated to identify several potential
solutions for the Committee’s consideration, which include the implementation of a consistent sign
design (size, material, color, font) and reduced sign size/height with a less restrictive duration.
Additional background shared by the commercial real estate group is outlined below and was
shared with the Community Development Committee on February 22, 2022.
Online Marketing Tools
As part of our collaborative discussions, the commercial real estate representatives have explained
that physical signs are important in the marketing of property of commercial property given that
consumers and commercial practitioners have to search multiple platforms to find available
properties. The representative group provided additional background information about the
marketing tools used for commercial real estate and how the marketing differs from residential real
estate to address the questions raised as part of City Council’s recent discussion.
Memo re: Ordinance 10-22 Temporary Signs
March 15, 2022
Page 4 of 5
Residential practitioners list properties in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) administered by the
Columbus Association of REALTORS® (Columbus REALTORS®). The MLS has a requirement of
compensation and cooperation, simply meaning that any listing in the MLS requires a fee to be
paid to the cooperating broker. With federal anti-trust laws, that fee can vary from a percentage to
a fixed dollar amount. There is not a standard commission. The seller agrees to a fee charged by
the listing broker, in the listing agreement, and the selling brokerage offers a portion of that fee to
the cooperating buyer broker. The brokers must be members of Columbus REALTORS® to list
properties in the MLS.
Unlike the residential practitioners with the MLS, commercial practitioners do not have a single
point of data or information. Commercial members are part of one or several commercial
information exchanges (CIEs), which do not have a requirement of compensation or cooperation,
without a membership requirement. CIE’s are simply a data source for information exchange. Prior
to December 2017, most Central Ohio commercial members subscribed to Xceligent, a CIE, offered
by Columbus REALTORS®. However, upon the filing of bankruptcy, several CIE’s took market
share, including CoStar, CREXi, LoopNet and Catylist. Columbus REALTORS® currently provides
Catylist to a number of the economic development organizations, including the City Dublin and
One Columbus, along with commercial practitioners. While there is a membership requirement to
list data in the Central Ohio Commercial Information Exchange (COCIE), not all commercial
brokerages are members. Others utilize one of the several other CIEs. Different brokerages such
as smaller, local, boutique brokerages have different needs than larger, national and international
brokerages and the current CIE vendors have pricing structures and business models to meet their
clientele’s needs. This leads to commercial data, sales and leasing information across dozens of
platforms where not a single source of information can be utilized. Commercial brokerages have to
make business decisions, CIE choices, which best fit their needs.
Additional Considerations
The representatives have also shared that identifying available properties starts with “windshield
tours” where a prospective client and broker drive the community and conduct a visual survey for
available opportunities prior to touring any properties. From their perspective, signs play a big role
in identify properties, but also for prospects to gain a sense of how easy it is to find a building and
identify the amenities around a particular site. Additionally, brokers use signs to identify the
opportunity to let a prospect know of a new property they are not aware of except through
noticing the sign on the property. While prospect users and brokers could do a maps tour, it would
not replace the actual physical drive. Thus, people still do drive the markets to determine options.
Additionally, the commercial representatives shared that the timeframe for the sale or lease of a
building can take 12-18 months, which causes concerns with the previously approved duration
allowances. The limitation of 30 days with a total of 90 days per year, does not allow adequate
time for buildings or space to be advertised and leased or sold. The return on investment for the
cost of the sign and the amount of time it is allowed to be displayed is diminished with the
restrictive duration requirements. The opportunity to provide a higher quality sign and design
would be feasible with the allowance of a longer duration.
A Q4 2021 real estate update from Colliers shows that Dublin’s office vacancy rate increased to
over 17%, up 4% over Q4 2020. Thus, as we emerge from the pandemic it is becoming
increasingly more important for property owners to maintain their ability to market and identify
their for sale or lease properties to potential prospect users and brokers.
Memo re: Ordinance 10-22 Temporary Signs
March 15, 2022
Page 5 of 5
Community Development Committee Recommendation
Through the collaboration of staff and commercial real estate representatives, several proposed
amendments were reviewed with the Community Development Committee on February 22, 2022.
The goal of the draft amendments was to balance Council’s concerns about temporary sign clutter
and longevity with the property owners’ need to identify and market vacant properties
successfully. Staff recommended implementing a uniform sign design with the desired result in
markedly improved aesthetics. Several commercial real estate representatives were in attendance
and provided testimony for the Committee’s consideration. The Committee was supportive of the
proposed amendments and following testimony from the representatives recommended extending
the duration component to a one-year permit with a yearly renewal. The Committee also reviewed
potential design options for the uniform design and recommended green with white lettering as
the preferred option (see attached for Council’s consideration). The chart below compares the
proposed amendments based on the Committee’s recommendations with the previous and adopted
regulations.
Non-Residential For Sale/Lease Sign Comparison
Previous 2021 Revised/Adopted Proposed
General Permit required Permit required and
availability data
Permit required and
availability data
Number 1 per frontage 1 per parcel (either ground,
wall or window)
1 per parcel (either ground,
wall or window), plus one
add’l highway frontage
Size/Height Ground
100’ frontage
16 SF, 4’ tall
16 SF, 4’ tall Freeway frontage
16 SF, 4’ tall
100’+ frontage
32 SF, 8’ tall
Freeway frontage
24 SF, 8’ tall
Wall 16 SF 16 SF, 15’ tall 16 SF, 15’ tall
Window 16 SF 10% window size, 6 SF max 10% window size, 6 SF max
Duration Removed within 14 days
of sale/lease
30 days, no more than 90
days in a year total
1 year with a yearly renewal
Material/Design NA Professional design, plywood
and cardboard not permitted
Uniform sign design – green
background/white letters.
Post mounted. MDO
material. Logos permitted.
The proposed amendments provide for increased quality in sign design and appearance with a
uniform sign design while maintaining size and height limitations and allowing for additional
duration. The specific details proposed include:
• One sign per parcel with an additional sign for parcels with freeway frontage to allow for
additional visibility.
• Similar sign sizes and heights are recommended compared to the approved regulations.
• Require a uniform sign design with green background with white lettering.
• Allow for one-year duration with a yearly renewal.
Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of Ordinance 10-22 at the second reading/public hearing on April 11,
2022.
Required Sign Design Details
Non-Residential For Sale/For Lease
Sign Specifications
Sign Material: ¾” MDO Board with rounded corners
Sign Size: Non-highway – 36” x 60”, Highway – 48” x 72”
Font Style: Times Bold
Colors: Main front and back panel – Painted green (R:20 G:91 B:47)
Lettering and inset border – White
Post: 4x4”, painted green (R:20 G:91 B:47) / Sign Height: Non-highway – 4’, Highway – 8’
Logo: Up to a maximum of 20% of the sign area
Non-highway Sign
36”
60”
48”
$
Highway Sign
72”
96”
48”
041122 - Draft Sign Regulations
SIGNS
§ 153.158 TEMPORARY SIGNS.
(I) Non-residential Sale or Leasing Period Signs.
(1) General. A sign permit must be obtained in accordance with § 153.151, and
information verifying the availability of space for lease or sale shall be
required with the permit submission.
(2) Number. One such sign is permitted per parcel, either ground, wall, or
window. One additional ground sign shall be permitted for a parcel with
freeway frontage.
(3) Size, Height.
(a) Ground-mounted signs.
i. Non-freeway frontage - Ground-mounted sSigns are limited to 156
square feet in area and 4 feet in height.
i.ii. Freeway frontage. Signs are limited to 24 square feet in area and 8
feet in height.
(b) Wall signs. Wall signs shall be limited to 16 square feet in area with a
maximum height of 15 feet to the top of the sign.
(c) Window signs. Window signs shall not to exceed 10% of the total
window area of the establishment or 6 square feet, whichever is less.
(4) Placement. Signs must be located so that they do not interfere with the
safe movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
(5) Duration. Such signs shall be permitted for one year and renewed on an
annual basis 30 days continuously and no more than 90 total days in a
calendar year, and must be removed within 14 days after the sale, rental,
or lease has occurred.
(6) Materials/Design. Such signs shall be professionally design and constructed
of a uniform sign design, as established by City Council. Ground and wall
signs shall be constructed of MDO, Medium Density Overlay. Ground signs
shall be post mounted. Plywood and cardboard are not permitted materials.
032122 - Draft Sign Regulations
SIGNS
§ 153.158 TEMPORARY SIGNS.
(I) Non-residential Sale or Leasing Period Signs.
(1) General. A sign permit must be obtained in accordance with § 153.151, and
information verifying the availability of space for lease or sale shall be
required with the permit submission.
(2) Number. One such sign is permitted per parcel, either ground, wall, or
window. One additional ground sign shall be permitted for a parcel with
freeway frontage.
(3) Size, Height.
(a) Ground-mounted signs.
i. Non-freeway frontage - Ground-mounted sSigns are limited to 16
square feet in area and 4 feet in height.
i.ii. Freeway frontage. Signs are limited to 24 square feet in area and 8
feet in height.
(b) Wall signs. Wall signs shall be limited to 16 square feet in area with a
maximum height of 15 feet to the top of the sign.
(c) Window signs. Window signs shall not to exceed 10% of the total
window area of the establishment or 6 square feet, whichever is less.
(4) Placement. Signs must be located so that they do not interfere with the
safe movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
(5) Duration. Such signs shall be permitted for one year and renewed on an
annual basis 30 days continuously and no more than 90 total days in a
calendar year, and must be removed within 14 days after the sale, rental,
or lease has occurred.
(6) Materials/Design. Such signs shall be professionally design and constructed
of a uniform sign design, as established by City Council. Ground and wall
signs shall be constructed of MDO, Medium Density Overlay. Ground signs
shall be post mounted. Plywood and cardboard are not permitted materials.
041221 - Draft Sign Regulations
36
SIGNS
§ 153.150 PURPOSE.
The purpose of this subchapter is to protect the general health, safety, and welfare of
the community by providing an instrument for protecting the physical appearance of the
community and for encouraging high quality, effective outdoor graphics for the
purposes of navigation, information and identification. Specifically, it is the intent of
this subchapter to provide businesses in the municipality with equitable sign standards
in accord with fair competition and aesthetic standards acceptable to the community, to
provide the public with a safe and effective means of locating businesses, services and
points of interest within the municipality, and to provide for a safe vehicular and
pedestrian traffic environment. This subchapter is based on the premise that signs are
as much subject to control as noise, odors, debris and other similar characteristics of
land use, that if not regulated, can become a nuisance to adjacent properties or the
community in general, or depreciate the value of other properties within the
community. It is also the intent of this subchapter, as with the entire Dublin Planning
and Zoning Code, to guarantee equal treatment under the laws through accurate record
keeping and consistent enforcement. Finally, it is the intent of this subchapter to
comply with all requirements of the U.S. and Ohio constitutional, statutory, and case
law decisions requiring that sign regulations remain content neutral.
§ 153.151 PERMIT REQUIRED.
All signs located on land within or hereafter annexed to the municipality shall comply
with this subchapter unless specifically exempt by § 153.155. No person shall locate or
retain any sign, or cause a sign to be located, relocated, altered, modified, or retained
unless all provisions of this subchapter have been met. To ensure compliance with
these regulations, a sign permit shall be secured from the Planning Director or designee
for each sign unless such sign is specifically exempted in this subchapter. Any sign
requiring a structural steel foundation and/or electricity must obtain required approvals
from the Building Division, as well as a sign permit. An application fee will be required
at the time of application. No permit shall be issued until a completed application and
fees have been submitted. Prior to issuance of a permit, signs within the Architectural
Review District must be approved by the Architectural Review Board. Such signs may
be subject to different or more stringent criteria as adopted for the Architectural Review
District.
§ 153.152 SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SIGN PERMITS.
When applying for a sign permit, the following materials must be submitted:
(A) A completed application and fee for each requested sign.
(B) Scale elevation drawing(s) of proposed sign(s).
(C) Foundation and anchoring drawing(s) of proposed sign(s).
(D) A dimensioned site plan showing the location of proposed sign(s) and adjacent
buildings or other structures.
(E) For wall signs, a building elevation drawn to scale showing the proposed wall
sign and the dimension from established grade to the top of the sign.
041221 - Draft Sign Regulations
37
(F) For ground signs, a sign base landscaping plan.
§ 153.153 PROHIBITED SIGNS.
The following signs or similar devices are prohibited: Off-premise signs, trailblazer
signs, externally visible neon and neon look-alike signs, trailer signs, search lights, laser
lights, pennants, streamers, spinners, bench signs, portable signs (except for sandwich
board signs), roof signs, billboards, changeable copy (except for gasoline station price
signs and drive-thru menu boards under §153.159, flashing signs, projected images and
animated signs, signs with moving or moveable parts, and any look-alike version of any
of these prohibited sign types.
§ 153.154 PROHIBITED SIGN LOCATIONS.
Signs may not be installed in any of the following locations:
(A) In any public right-of-way, unless specifically authorized by this subchapter and
the City Engineer;
(B) In any utility easement or no-build zone;
(C) In any public park or other public property;
(D) On any traffic control signs, construction signs, fences, utility poles, street signs,
trees or other natural objects;
(E) In any location where the view of approaching and intersecting traffic would be
obstructed. No sign shall be located so as to interfere with the safe movement
of vehicles or pedestrians entering, leaving, or crossing a public right-of-way;
(F) In any residential area, except as expressly permitted in §§ 153.15 5, 153.157,
153.158 and 153.159 of this subchapter;
(G) On any property without the prior authorization granted by the property owner
on which any sign is to be placed.
§ 153.155 PERMANENT SIGNS NOT REQUIRING A PERMIT.
The following permanent signs do not require a permit, but are subject to the
restrictions listed in §§ 153.154, 153.156 and 153.162 of this subchapter unless
expressly exempted. Nothing in this section shall be construed to allow any sign which
is prohibited in § 153.153, unless any such sign is expressly permitted.
(A) Flags. Poles for such flags must be no more than 35 feet in height, or lower if in
a lower structure height district. A foundation permit must be received from the
Building Department for all flagpoles. The area of such flags shall not exceed 5’
by 9’6”.
(B) Governmental Signs. Such signs shall be consolidated with other governmental
signs whenever possible. Signs may only include three colors, including black
and white, unless otherwise required by government regulation. If the sign is
located in right-of-way it must be approved by City Engineer.
(C) Street Address Signs. Signs bearing only the street address of the properties on
which they are located for the purpose of aiding first responders.
(1) For residences, such numbers must consist of Arabic numerals no less than
three inches nor more than eight inches in height.
041221 - Draft Sign Regulations
38
(2) For non-residential uses, maximum number height varies according to front
setback.
(a) If the setback is less than 100 feet, the maximum number height is 12
inches.
(b) For setbacks between 100 and 200 feet, the maximum height is 18
inches.
(c) For setbacks over 200 feet, the maximum height is 24 inches.
(3) All street address signs shall contrast to the color of the surface on which
they are mounted and shall be clearly identifiable from the street.
(4) Every building is required to post its street address.
(D) Private Traffic and on site Directional Signs. Traffic and directional signs
indicating points of entry or exit for a facility or off-street parking area, provided
such signs are limited a maximum of four square feet in area and three feet in
height and do not interfere with safe vehicular or pedestrian traffic circulation or
obstruct the view of drivers exiting onto highways or thoroughfares. Such signs
may contain information such as "in," "enter," "entrance," "out," "exit," "do not
enter" or similar language as approved by the Planning Director or
designee. Arrows indicating desired traffic movement may also be used for
directional signage. Such signs may contain no advertising, including logos and
must be of a rectangular shape. Such signs must be on the property to which
they refer and may not be placed within a public right-of-way.
(E) Residential Information Signs. Information signs are allowed only when they
display information necessary for the safety and convenience of residents and
visitors, such as “beware of dog” and “no trespassing.” Such signs may not
exceed two square feet in area and may contain no advertising.
(F) Security System Signs. Signs displaying information about the security system
protecting buildings or property, provided that such signs do not exceed one
square foot in area.
(G) Barber Poles. According to state law, all barber shops must display either a
barber pole or a window sign reading “Barber.” If a pole is displayed, it may not
exceed 28 inches in height.
(H) ATMs. Signage for all ATM's (Automated Teller Machines) shall be limited to one
square foot of sign area and include no more than three colors. ATM signage
must have an opaque background. If the ATM contains a logo, it may be
internally illuminated. (All external illumination shall comply with the Dublin
Lighting Guidelines.) In addition, monochromatic, non-illuminated logos of
accepted credit systems, (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, etc.), are limited
to less than one square foot in area and must be oriented to the user of the
device only.
§ 153.156 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR TEMPORARY AND PERMANENT SIGNS.
(A) Location. Refer to § 153.154.
(B) Size. Sign area shall include the face of the entire display area not including the
bracing, framing and structural supports of the sign, unless such support
041221 - Draft Sign Regulations
39
members are made part of the message or face of the sign. Where a sign has
two or more display faces, the area of all faces of the sign shall be included in
determining the area of the sign, unless the two faces are joined back to back,
are parallel to each other and not more than 24 inches apart. The area of a sign
consisting of individual letters or symbols, either freestanding or attached to or
painted on a surface, building, wall, or window, shall be considered to be that of
the smallest single rectangle which encompasses all the letters and symbols.
(C) Design. Signs shall be designed with the maximum of creativity and the highest
quality of materials and fabrication. It is strongly recommended that all signs be
designed by a professional sign designer and be installed by a qualified sign
builder or contractor. Signs shall be designed to fully integrate with the building
architecture and overall site design.
(1) Signs shall not resemble the color, shape, design or other characteristics of
any common traffic control device, directional or warning signs directed or
maintained by the state, city, or any railroad, public utility, or similar
agency concerned with the protection of the public health and safety.
(2) Permanent signs shall display as the primary image only the name of the
business in text. Logos and any additional text, graphic, or image
displayed on the sign face will be considered a secondary image shall not
exceed 20% of the maximum permitted area of the sign face.
(3) All permanent and temporary ground signs must be of a rectangular shape.
This requirement does not apply when individual channel letters are used.
(4) Colors.
(a) Except as provided in division (b) below, signs shall be limited to three
colors. Black and white are considered colors. The background color is
considered one of the three permissible colors, unless channel letters
are used, in which case the background is not to be considered one of
the three permissible colors.
(b) A corporate trademark or symbol used as a logo or secondary image
shall not be limited in the number of colors used in a sign, but shall be
considered as one of three permissible colors. The primary image, or
secondary images, and/or background shall use one of the colors used
in the corporate trademark or symbol logo.
(5) Any multi-faced sign shall consistently display the same name, message
and graphics on all faces.
(6) Reverse sides of signs shall be unobtrusive and blend with the
surroundings.
(7) Reverse sides of all permanent signs and structural supports must be
completely enclosed.
(D) Landscaping. The base of all permanent ground signs shall be effectively
landscaped with living plant material and maintained in good condition at all
times. The minimum landscaped area shall extend at least three feet beyond all
faces or supporting structures in all directions. Exposed foundations must be
constructed with a finished material such as brick, stone, or wood, or be
041221 - Draft Sign Regulations
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screened with evergreens to the top of the anchor bolts. The landscaped area
shall include all points where sign structural supports attach to the ground.
(E) Lighting.
(1) Signs shall be illuminated only by the following means:
(a) By a white, steady, stationary light of reasonable intensity, directed
solely at the sign and/or otherwise prevented from beaming directly
onto adjacent properties or rights-of-way. Light fixtures shall be
screened from view by site grading or evergreen shrubs. No exposed
light sources are permitted.
(b) By white interior light of reasonable intensity with primary and
secondary images lit or silhouetted on an opaque background. The
background must be opaque. No additional background lighting or
illuminated borders or outlines shall be permitted.
(2) The level of illumination emitted or reflected from a sign shall not be of
intensity sufficient to constitute a demonstrable hazard to vehicular traffic on
any right-of-way or parking lot from which the sign may be viewed.
(F) Construction and Maintenance.
(1) All permanent signs must be constructed to meet all current building code
regulations of the municipality.
(2) All signs and related surroundings shall be properly maintained and shall not
show signs of rust or corrosion, exposed wiring, chipped paint or faces,
cracked, broken, or missing faces, or loose materials.
(3) The structural integrity of all sign foundations must be maintained.
(4) All signs shall be constructed of quality materials commensurate with the
duration of sign and that are colorfast.
(5) Approved signs shall be inspected on a regular basis to ensure compliance
with the regulations.
§ 153.157 PERMANENT SIGNS.
All permanent signs shall also comply with the following requirements and with the
height, area and setback requirements of § 153.163.
(A) Wall Signs. Wall signs are permitted for any business or use not identified by a
ground sign.
(1) Placement.
(a) Wall signs shall not protrude more than 14 inches from the wall or face
of the building to which it is attached, whether or not a raceway is
used.
(b) Signs may be attached to a building wall or architecturally integrated
extension which faces a street, parking lot or service drive, or may be
attached to a canopy which projects beyond the building, provided that
no part of the sign may extend above the roof or canopy.
(2) Height. Refer to § 153.163 for height limitations according to use. The
height of a wall sign is measured from the established grade line to the top
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of the sign. Note that corporate office signs along interstate districts have
no height, but in no case shall the sign extend above the roof line of the
building.
(a) Signs may be attached to a building facade which faces a street,
parking lot or service drive. It may be attached to a canopy which
projects beyond the building, provided that no part of the sign extends
above the roof or canopy.
(3) Size. The maximum allowable size for any wall sign shall be one square
foot for every lineal foot of width of the building face to which the sign is
attached, but shall not exceed the maximum size allowed for the use by §
153.163 unless located in the Interstate District.
(4) Number. Wall signs shall be limited in number to one per building or
use. For buildings or uses on corner lots having at least 100 feet of lot
frontage on each of two public rights-of-way, a second wall sign is
permitted facing the second right-of-way. Each sign is limited to one
square foot in area for every lineal foot of width of the building face to
which the sign is attached, not exceeding the installed maximum size
allowed for the use by § 153.163. The distance between the signs shall not
be less than two-thirds the length of the longest elevation to which the sign
is attached. The distance will be measured by two straight lines along the
elevations of the building, from edge of sign to edge of sign. In no case
shall two wall signs be closer than 30 feet apart. The provision for a second
sign does not apply to individual tenants in a multi-tenant building.
(B) Ground Signs. Ground signs shall include free-standing, pole, pylon and
monument signs. A ground sign is permitted only when all of the following
conditions are fulfilled:
(1) Placement.
(a) The sign is located on the property to which it refers;
(b) The use is free-standing on its individual lot, is accessible by
automobile and has off- street parking;
(c) The use has no wall sign visible from the public right-of-way or
adjacent property; and
(d) Such signs shall not be located in such a way that they interfere with
the safe movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
(2) Size. The maximum allowable size for any ground sign shall be in
accordance with § 153.163
(3) Height. Refer to § 1153.163 for height limitation according to use. The
height shall be measured from the established grade line to the highest
point of the sign or its frame/support. The height may not be artificially
increased by the use of mounding.
(4) Setback. All ground signs must be set back a minimum of eight feet from
any public right-of-way or property boundary line unless such signs are
specifically exempted of this requirement, refer to § 153.163.
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(5) Number. Ground signs shall be limited in number to one per lot or multiple
lots if devoted to one specific use or user. Buildings on corner lots having
at least 100 feet of frontage on two public rights-of-way may be entitled to
two ground signs, one facing each public right-of-way, if they meet the
following criteria:
(a) The total combined height of both signs shall not exceed 1 1/3 times
the maximum permitted height of a single ground sign for that use.
(b) The total combined area of both signs shall not exceed 1 1/3 times the
maximum permitted area of a single ground sign for that use.
(c) The two signs shall be no closer than two-thirds the length of the
longest public right-of-way frontage. The distance shall be measured
by drawing two straight lines, measured from the edge of each sign,
forming a 90 degree angle.
(C) Window Signs. Window signs shall be permitted for the use specified in §
153.163 in addition to any permitted wall sign or ground sign. The sum of the
area of the window signs and the area of the wall or ground sign may not
exceed the maximum allowable area for the wall or ground sign.
(1) Placement. Window signs shall be limited to the ground floor or first floor
windows only, unless a use is located in the second or higher stories of a
building and has no first floor occupancy.
(2) Number. Window signs shall be limited to one sign per window.
(3) Size. The total area of all such window signs is not to exceed 10% of the
total window area of the establishment or 10 square feet, whichever is
less. The maximum allowable area on the second floor may not exceed
that of the first floor.
§ 153.158 TEMPORARY SIGNS.
The following standards supplement the general requirements within § 153.156. Unless
otherwise explicitly stated below, the following standards supersede the provisions
within § 153.156 when regulating temporary signage.
(A) Banners.
(1) General. Banners are permitted only for the promotion of special events,
during a grand opening, or during the time between permanent sign
permit approval and installation. A temporary sign permit is required for all
banners.
(2) Location. All banners shall be located on the site where the
abovementioned activity occurs. They shall not be located in any public
right-of-way or in such a way that they would interfere with the safe
movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
(3) Illumination. Banners shall not be illuminated.
(4) Size, Height. Such signs shall be limited to 30 square feet in area. If
located on the building, it cannot be located higher than 15 feet to the top
of the banner.
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(5) Placement. All banners shall be safely secured to a building, structure, or
stake, and shall have ventilated faces to reduce wind load.
(6) Duration. Banners may be erected for a maximum of 14 days.
(B) Community Activities Signs.
(1) General. The installation of these banners is coordinated through
Communications and Public Information and Special Events. Temporary
banners or standardize sandwich board signs may be installed during a
community activity. On-site temporary signage before or during, a
community activity, with the exception of banners and gas-inflatable
devices, does not require a permit.
(2) Illumination. May not be illuminated.
(3) Duration. May not be displayed more than seven days immediately
preceding the event and shall be removed no later than 24 hours following
conclusion of the event.
(C) Construction Fence Signs.
(1) General. Construction fence signs require a sign permit.
(2) Location and Duration. Permitted to be affixed to construction or site
fencing during the duration of construction.
(3) Illumination. May not be illuminated.
(D) Construction Trailer Signs.
(1) General. Construction Trailer Signs do not require a sign permit. Such signs
are subject to the restrictions listed in § 153.153 and § 153.154.
(E) Development Period Signs.
(1) General. Application shall be made to the Planning Director or designee for
review. A sign permit must be obtained in accordance with § 153.151.
(2) Location. Must be installed on the property for which a valid building permit
is in effect. Must be placed at least eight feet from any public right-of-way.
(3) Illumination. May not be illuminated.
(4) Placement, Number. Signs are permitted per development site. Signs are
limited to no more than one sign per street frontage, except that sites
having at least 200 feet of frontage on each of two public rights-of-way
may place a second sign facing the second right-of-way, if both signs
comply with code requirements. If the site is entitled to two development
period signs, the distance between the signs shall be not less than two-
thirds the length of the longest right-of-way frontage. The distance shall be
measured by drawing two straight lines, from the edge of each sign,
forming a 90-degree angle.
(5) Size, Height. Such signs shall be limited to 32 square feet in area and eight
feet in height.
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(6) Duration. Approval shall be for a period not to exceed one year. In
residential subdivisions, development signs shall be removed when 75
percent of the lots in such subdivision have received any certificate of
occupancy.
(F) Garage or Yard Sale Period Signs.
(1) General. A sign permit must be obtained in accordance with § 153.151.
(2) Number. A maximum of three such signs may be posted after a garage sale
permit has been obtained.
(3) Size, Height. Such signs are provided by the City and shall be limited to two
square feet in area and one-foot in height.
(4) Placement. They may be located in a public right-of-way so long as no
safety or visibility hazards are created.
(5) Duration. Erected within 24 hours before a garage or yard sale and
removed no later than two hours after the garage sale has ended.
(G) Gas-Inflatable Sign/Device.
(1) General/Duration. Such signs are permitted only for special events in
accordance with the restrictions set forth in § 153.158(B) and §
153.158(L), and for seasonal decorations in accordance with the
requirements of § 153.158 K). A temporary sign permit is required for all
gas-inflatable devices. A scaled diagram of the device and a site plan
showing where the device is to be located are required.
(2) Location. Shall be located only on the site where the special event occurs.
(3) Materials. Must not be inflated with helium or any other buoyant gas.
(4) Illumination. May not be internally illuminated.
(5) Placement. Shall be securely attached/tethered to the ground so that they
will not shift more than three feet in any direction during any wind
condition up to 25 miles per hour. Such signs shall not be attached to or
mounted on any platform, roof, or similar structure, and must be placed so
that they will be clear of all utility lines, roads, parking lots and adjacent
property in case of collapse.
(H) Model Home Period Sign.
(1) General. A sign permit must be obtained in accordance with § 153.151. See
§ 153.073 for additional regulation pertaining to model homes. Shall be
permitted in lieu of an exempt residential sale or leasing period sign as
described in §153.158(I).
(2) Location. Shall be located only on the lot or parcel where homes are being
constructed.
(3) Size, Height. Such signs shall be limited to eight square feet in area and six
feet in height.
(4) Illumination. May not be internally illuminated.
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(5) Duration. Shall be permitted during any period when an approved
residential development is under construction, until such time as the
subdivision or development is complete or the model home is discontinued.
(I) Non-residential Sale or Leasing Period Signs.
(1) General. A sign permit must be obtained in accordance with § 153.151, and
information verifying the availability of space for lease or sale shall be
required with the permit submission.
(2) Number. One such sign is permitted per parcel, either ground, wall, or
window.
(3) Size, Height.
(a) Ground-mounted signs. Ground-mounted signs are limited to 16 square
feet in area and 4 feet in height.
(b) Wall signs. Wall signs shall be limited to 16 square feet in area with a
maximum height of 15 feet to the top of the sign.
(c) Window signs. Window signs shall not to exceed 10% of the total
window area of the establishment or 6 square feet, whichever is less.
(4) Placement. Signs must be located so that they do not interfere with the
safe movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
(5) Duration. Such signs shall be permitted for 30 days continuously and no
more than 90 total days in a calendar year, and must be removed within
14 days after the sale, rental, or lease has occurred.
(6) Materials/Design. Such signs shall be professionally design and constructed.
Plywood and cardboard are not permitted materials.
(J) Residential Sale or Leasing Period Sign
(1) General. A sign permit is not required for Residential Sale or Leasing Period
Signs. Such signs are subject to the restrictions listed in § 153.153 and §
153.154.
(2) Size, Height. Such signs are limited to seven square feet in area and three
feet in height in all residential areas.
(3) Placement. Free-standing signs must be located so that they do not
interfere with the safe movement of vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
Permitted temporary off-premises signs must not be located so that they
interfere with the safe movement of vehicular or pedestrian traffic and may
not be located within street medians.
(4) Duration. Such signs are permitted during any period when any premise or
part thereof is actively offered for sale or lease, and removed no later than
30 days after the premises or part thereof is occupied by a new owner or
tenant.
(K) Seasonal Business Period Sign.
(1) General. A sign permit must be obtained in accordance with § 153.151.
(2) Number. One sign per street frontage is permitted.
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(3) Size, Height. Such signs are limited to 32 square feet in area and 8 feet in
height.
(4) Setback. They must be set back at least eight feet from any public right-
of-way.
(L) Seasonal Decorations.
(1) General. Seasonal decorations do not require a sign permit. Such
decorations are subject to the restrictions listed in § 153.153 and §
153.154.
(2) Illumination. Such decorations may be illuminated, providing no safety or
visibility hazards are caused by such illumination. Animated and flashing
seasonal decorations are permitted for residential uses only, and may not
be installed in locations that create safety or visibility hazards.
(3)Duration. Decorations erected or installed shall be permitted an aggregate
total of 60 days in any one given year.
(M) Special Events
(1) General. A temporary sign permit will be issued for a special event only
after a special event application form has been filled out and
approved. The event coordinator is required to complete a special event
application form, which includes a description of the proposed
signage. On-site temporary signage before or during a special event, with
the exception of banners and gas-inflatable devices, does not require a
permit.
(2) Number. A special event organizer may erect a maximum of eight
temporary off-premise signs, provided that a sign permit is obtained from
the Planning Director or designee before installation. The location and
number of signs permitted, up to the maximum permitted in this
Subsection 153.158(L) will be determined on a case-by-case basis, based
on considerations of traffic safety and size of attendance.
(3) Placement. The city will provide and install standardized sandwich boards
for all off-premise signs. The event organizer is responsible for supplying
paper or plastic signs, which will be affixed to the boards.
(4) Size. A maximum of two signs may be up to six square feet in area and
three feet in height. A maximum of six signs may be up to two square feet
in area and one foot in height.
(5) Duration. A maximum of two signs may be installed no earlier than seven
days immediately preceding the event but must be removed no later than
24 hours following conclusion of the event. A maximum of six signs may
be installed no earlier than 24 hours immediately preceding the event but
must be removed within 24 hours following conclusion of the event.
(6) Illumination. May not be illuminated.
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(N) Other Temporary Signs.
(1) General. All other temporary signs do not require a sign permit and are
subject to the restrictions listed in § 153.153 and § 153.154. Permission
to post such signs must be obtained from the owner(s) of the property
on which the signs are placed.
(2) Number. Up to four temporary signs may be erected on a lot or parcel.
(3) Size. No temporary sign may exceed six square feet in size unless
specifically permitted elsewhere in this section.
(4) Height. No temporary sign may exceed three feet in height unless
specifically permitted elsewhere in this section.
(5) Illumination. Are not to be illuminated in any manner.
(6) Placement. Are not to be affixed to any utility pole, tree, or natural object,
are not located within a right-of-way, and do not create a safety or
visibility hazard.
(7) Duration. All of the permitted signs are limited to a period of four months.
§ 153.159 SIGNS WITH SPECIAL CONDITIONS.
For all permanent sign types listed below, a sign permit must be obtained in accordance
with § 153.151. In addition to the requirements and regulations in Sections 153.150
through 153.162, the following special conditions shall apply:
(A) Corporate Office Signs along Interstate District.
(1) For the purposes of this chapter, the Interstate District is hereby defined
to include property with frontage on Interstate 270 that has been
improved with corporate office building(s) constructed with two or more
stories above the natural grade. Such building is entitled to a wall sign or
a ground sign facing the interstate in addition to other permitted
signage. In all cases, a maximum of two signs shall be permitted. For
wall signs, the permitted sign area is based upon the number of building
stories above natural grade and the building setback from the interstate
right-of-way line. Buildings that are set back at least 50 feet from the
interstate shall be entitled to 100 square feet of signage per story, up to a
maximum of 300 square feet. Multi-story buildings set back less than 50
feet from the interstate shall be entitled to a maximum 100 square feet of
wall signage regardless of number of stories. Any such wall sign shall be
individual channel letters and shall be limited to one color. Wall signs may
not extend above the roof line of the building. They may not be attached
to a penthouse or roof structure including but not limited to mechanical
equipment or roof screening. For ground signs, the permitted sign size is
based upon the building setback. Buildings set back at least 100 feet
from the interstate, shall be entitled to a sign no greater than 80 feet in
area and not more than 12 feet in height.
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(2) Buildings setback less than 100 feet from the interstate shall be entitled
to a sign no greater than 50 feet in area and not more than eight feet in
height. All Interstate District signs shall conform to all setback, design,
location, and other requirements not specifically addressed in this section.
(B) Joint Identification Signs. One ground sign identifying only the name of a
shopping center or other building complex shall be permitted, if there is a
minimum of three uses sharing the same site. Such signs shall be permitted in
addition to the permitted signs of individual occupants, but shall not list the
names of these occupants. A joint identification sign shall not exceed the
maximum permitted height of any ground sign identifying the individual
occupants and the area of a joint identification sign shall not exceed 80 square
feet. A second joint identification sign of the same size is permitted if the site
has frontage on two streets, provided that the total lot frontage (on two
streets) is 1000 feet or greater. The two signs shall be no closer than 75
feet. For all buildings or complexes designed and/or intended for multi-tenant
usage, a total sign plan conforming to all the requirements of this Code must
be submitted to the Planning Director or designee before any sign permit for
the complex or an individual tenant will be issued.
(C) Entry Feature Signs. These shall include signs graphically identifying a
subdivision and/or multi-family development. Such signs shall be limited to
monument signs only. Pole and pylon signs are prohibited. Such signs must
consist entirely of natural materials, such as wood, brick and stone. The
reverse sides of such signs shall be finished to match the fronts. The graphic
area of such signs shall not exceed 20 square feet and the height of the
monument shall be limited to six feet. Such signs may not interfere with the
safe movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. If an entry feature sign is
to be located within the right-of-way it must be reviewed and approved by City
Council, the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Engineer. Such
signage must meet Dublin lighting and landscaping requirements.
(D) Signs within the Architectural Review District. Refer to the Architectural
Review Board regulations and the Historic Design Guidelines for regulations
pertaining to signs in these locations.
(E) Nonconforming Signs. All pre-existing illegal nonconforming signs must be
removed in accordance with this subchapter. The Planning Director shall issue
an order for the sign to be removed within 15 days. The cost of removal will
be assessed to the property owner. If the property owner refuses to pay for
removal of the sign, the cost of such removal shall be assessed to the property
owner's tax records. All pre-existing legal signs that do not conform to the
standards of this subchapter must be brought into conformity under any of the
following conditions:
(1) Upon any change in the use of the property for which such property was
intended at the time this subchapter became effective.
(2) Upon the discontinuance of the present use of property for a period of
more than six months.
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(3) Upon alterations to the existing sign, the following regulations shall apply:
(a) Structural. No display sign shall hereafter be altered, rebuilt,
enlarged, extended, or relocated except in conformity with the
provisions of this subchapter.
(b) Repainting or Refacing. The repainting of existing nonconforming
signs shall not be considered an alteration within the meaning of this
section. Refacing an existing nonconforming sign shall not be
considered an alteration as long as the refacing constitutes an exact
replica of the existing sign face. The design, color scheme,
translucency, graphics and text must exactly match those existing. If
any portion of the replacement face(s) is not an exact replica of the
original sign face, the replacement face(s) must be brought into
compliance with this subchapter in so far as practicable.
(c) Existing Signs; continuance. Except as otherwise specifically
provided, nothing in this section shall require the removal or
discontinuance of a legally existing nonconforming permanent display
sign which is attached to the property, as distinguished from a
temporary or portable sign, that is not altered, rebuilt, enlarged,
extended or relocated.
(F) Gasoline Stations. Gasoline stations, whose principal business is the sale of
motor fuel, may display signs in addition to those hereinabove
authorized. Such signs shall be limited to the following:
(1) One non-illuminated, double-faced sign not exceeding five square feet on
a side is permitted for each set of motor fuel pumps identifying “self
service” or “full service.”
(2) Price and grade information can be displayed only on the permitted sign,
in manually changeable copy. Changeable copy for these purposes
shall not include liquid crystal display (LCD), light emitting diodes (LED),
or other similar electro/mechanical displays. This is the only
circumstance in which changeable copy may be used.
(3) Signs limited to the identification of the brand name, logo or type of fuel
sold and other signs as may be required by law shall be permitted on the
motor fuel pumps. Fuel pumps shall not be illuminated. No signs
projecting above the pumps may be permitted, except as required by
law.
(4) Any other such signs as may be required by law.
(G) Architectural Review District. Signs within the Architectural Review District
shall require prior review and approval by the Architectural Review
Board. Signs within the Architectural Review District shall be in conformance
with the Historic Dublin Guidelines, or any properly adopted successor
guidelines or regulations. In no case shall such guidelines permit signage
which exceed the size, height, color, opacity, and design requirements within
this subchapter.
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(H) Drive-thru menu board signs. This shall include free-standing, pole, pylon and
monument signs. A drive-thru menu board sign is permitted only when all of
the following conditions are fulfilled:
(1) The sign is located on the property to which it refers;
(2) The sign is not visible from the public right-of-way; and
(3) The sign does not exceed 32 square feet in size.
(I) Signs on vending machines, trash bins, or other devices. All such signs shall
be screened from view of any public right-of-way and adjoining private
property.
(J) Neon signs. Neon may only be used for internal illumination if totally enclosed
and not externally visible.
§ 153.160 FEES AND MAINTENANCE.
(A) Fees. Permit and any other fees as determined by Council are posted in a fee
schedule available through the Planning Division. The application fee is
payable at the time of application and the permit fee is payable upon receipt
of the sign permit.
(B) Reinspection and Maintenance. All signs for which a permit shall be issued in
accordance with this subchapter shall be subject to the following provisions:
(1) The Planning Director or designee shall reinspect each sign once every 24
months following erection of such sign to determine its continued
compliance with the approved permit and plans as they were issued and
to insure proper operating conditions and maintenance in accordance
with this subchapter. The sign owner shall be solely responsible for
maintaining the appearance, safety and structural integrity of the sign at
all times.
(2) Whenever the inspecting official finds a sign in need of repair, support,
replacement, cleaning, repainting, or any maintenance service necessary
to maintain reasonable and proper appearance and public safety, he or
she shall issue an order to the owner allowing 30 days to effect needed
repairs or maintenance. If the inspecting official determines that the
existing condition of the sign creates an immediate hazard to the health
or safety of the general public, he or she shall issue an order to the
owner requiring the sign to be removed immediately.
(3) Failure of an owner to comply with the provisions listed above shall be
cause for the inspecting official to order the permit issued for the sign
void and issue an order for the sign to be removed. The cost of removal
will be assessed to the property owner. If the property owner refuses to
pay for removal of the sign, the cost of such removal shall be assessed to
the property owner's tax records.
(C) Registration of sign contractors. It shall be unlawful for any person to
construct, install, relocate, alter, or maintain, any building mounted or ground
sign within the city if the person is not currently registered with the city as a
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registered sign contractor or has not provided the bond required by division
(E) of this section.
(1) A person desiring to be a registered sign contractor authorized to
construct, install, relocate, alter, maintain, or remove building mounted
or ground signs within the city shall register with the Division of Planning
on a form prescribed by the Division for such registration and pay the fee
for such registration as prescribed in the city's fee schedule.
(2) The registration form shall include the following information:
(a) Name of the registrant;
1. Name includes fictitious names or trade names (i.e., the "DBA"
name) as well as the legal name of the entity or natural person.
(b) Current address of the registrant;
(c) Current phone number of the registrant;
(d) A space or box to indicate whether the application is for a new
registration, or a renewal of an existing registration;
(e) Designation of a person who will be the primary contact between
the registrant and the city, including the address, phone number,
and e-mail address for such person;
(f) A statement, signed by a person with authority to bind the
prospective registrant, acknowledging that the erection of signs
within the city is subject to the Dublin Codified Ordinances and
agreeing that the prospective registrant shall not construct, install,
relocate, alter, maintain, or remove any ground or building mounted
sign unless in compliance with the City of Dublin Codified
Ordinances.
(g) Proof of general commercial liability insurance with a minimum
combined bodily and property damage coverage in the amount of
$300,000, and showing the city as a certificate holder. Liability
insurance coverage shall be maintained in full force and effect and a
copy of any policy changes including renewal forwarded to the
Planning Division throughout the term of registration.
(h) Any other information as determined by the Planning Director.
(3) It shall be the duty of the registrant to provide updated information to
the city if any person listed in the registration form disassociates from the
registrant or any address, telephone number, or e-mail address changes
for the registrant or its designated contact person.
(4) If the registrant is a corporation, limited liability company, partnership,
limited liability partnership, or other entity that is not a natural person,
the registrant shall include the information listed above for all
shareholders, partners, members, or other persons holding greater than
a 10% equity interest in the entity.
(5) Failure to provide all required information shall result in denial of
registration.
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(6) The Planning Director may revoke the registration, or deny a registration
renewal, to a person who has forfeited any portion of the bond required
by division (E) of this section within the prior three calendar years, or
who installs, constructs, relocates, or alters a sign without first obtaining
a permit.
(7) No person who has outstanding fees, taxes, or judgments against said
person and in favor of the city shall be registered until every such fee,
tax, or judgment is satisfied. No person who is subject of an outstanding
zoning violation shall be registered until such violation is resolved.
(8) Registration shall not be effective until the registrant has been provided a
certificate issued by the city stating that the registrant has been
registered.
(9) Registration renewals shall be due between November 1 and December 1
of each year. Registrations will expire at 12:00 a.m. on December 31. All
first-time registrants who are registered after January 1 shall have to re-
register within the registration renewal period of the same year.
Example: a first-time registrant who registers March 1, 2019, will have to
re-register during the registration renewal period in 2019.
(D) Permit applicant's acknowledgment. In conjunction with the submittal of an
application for a sign permit, the owner of the property, tenant in possession
of the property, or registered sign contractor shall comply with the following at
the time of application submittal:
(1) The owner of the property, tenant in possession of the property, or
registered sign contractor shall have acknowledged in writing that the
installation of the sign(s) is required to comply with the terms of the
approved permit.
(2) The owner of the property, tenant in possession of the property, or
registered sign contractor shall have acknowledged in writing that all
fabrication and installation work and materials used in connection with
the sign(s) shall conform to the requirements of the municipality and be
installed under the Chief Building Official's and Planning Director's
general supervision; that the owner of the property, tenant in possession
of the property, or registered sign contractor is required to notify the
Chief Building Official and Planning Director in writing three days or more
before any installation has begun on such sign(s) to permit inspection;
that in the event of any violation of, or noncompliance with, any of the
provisions and stipulations of the approved permit(s), the municipality
shall have the right to stop the work forthwith and complete or cause the
completion of such improvements according to the approved permit and
that in such event the owner of the property, tenant in possession of the
property, or registered sign contractor shall reimburse the municipality
for any and all expenses incurred thereby. The city may draw upon the
bond provided pursuant to division (E) of this section to collect such
reimbursement. Drawing upon the bond shall not prevent the city from
041221 - Draft Sign Regulations
53
pursuing any other remedy available to collect reimbursement for its
expenses.
(E) Sign contractor bond required. A registered sign contractor shall
maintain a bond as described in division (F) of this section, to be applied
against any building mounted or ground sign the sign contractor
constructs, installs, alters, relocates, or maintains. The registered sign
contractor shall not commence work on any building mounted or ground
sign until providing the required bond. Expiration of the bond or other
failure to maintain it in good standing shall be cause for immediate
revocation of the sign contractor's registration. At the time of registration
or re-registration with the city, the sign contractor shall provide proof
that the bond remains in good standing and is in the amount that the
Planning Director has established pursuant to division (F) of this section.
(F) Form of sign contractor bond. The bond required by division (E) of this
section shall be in a form approved by the Planning Director and
conditioned to save the city harmless from all loss and damage to
persons or property which may be occasioned in any way, by accident or
the want of care or skill on the part of the registered sign contractor or
any agent thereof, in the prosecution of the work. The bond shall also
provide for payment to the city for damages to the city or city property in
the course of performance of work, including reimbursement to the city
of any expenses the city incurs in remedying or removing a non-
compliant sign constructed, installed, altered, relocated, or maintained by
the registered sign contractor. The bond shall be in an amount to be
determined and published by the Planning Director, in an amount or
amounts reasonably calculated to provide security to the city.
§ 153.161 ABANDONED SIGNS.
(A) A sign shall be considered abandoned:
(1) When the sign remains after the discontinuance of a use.
(a) A business is considered to have discontinued operations if it is closed
to the public for at least 90 consecutive days.
(b) A seasonal business is considered to have discontinued operations if it
is closed to the public for at least 72 hours after the expiration of an
80-day seasonal business permit.
(2) When the sign on its immediate premises is not adequately maintained and
the repairs or maintenance ordered under § 153.161(B) are not effected
within the 30-day time limit.
(3) When the pre-existing legal sign does not conform to the provisions of this
subchapter and is not brought into conformity upon any change in use or
design as specified in § 153.160(J).
(B) The Planning Director shall determine whether a sign shall be considered
abandoned. Upon determination that the sign is abandoned, the right to
maintain and use such sign shall terminate immediately and the Planning
041221 - Draft Sign Regulations
54
Director shall issue an order for the sign to be removed within 15 days by the
property owner. Any abandoned sign still standing after 15 days following an
order for removal may be removed by the city. If the property owner refuses to
pay for removal of the sign, the cost of such removal, as determined by City
Council, will be added to the owner's tax records.
§ 153.162 TABLE OF HEIGHT, AREA AND SETBACK REQUIREMENTS.
RESIDENTIAL
Wall
Signs
Maximum
Area
Wall
Signs
Maximum
Height
Ground
Signs
Maximum
Area
Ground
Signs
Maximum
Height
Ground
Signs
Minimum
Setback
Window
Signs
Maximum
Area
PERMANENT SIGNS
School/Church 20 8 15 6 8 not
permitted
Day Care
(Conditional
Use)
8 8 8 6 8 not
permitted
Entry Feature
Sign
not
permitted n/a 20 6 0 not
permitted
Sexually
Oriented
Business
32 15 not
permitted
not
permitted
not
permitted 10
NONRESIDENTIAL
Wall
Signs
Maximum
Area
Wall
Signs
Maximum
Height
Ground
Signs
Maximum
Area
Ground
Signs
Maximum
Height
Ground
Signs
Minimum
Setback
Window
Signs
Maximum
Area
PERMANENT SIGNS
School,
Church, Library 20 8 15 6 8 not
permitted
Development 32 8 32 8 8 not
permitted
041221 - Draft Sign Regulations
55
NONRESIDENTIAL
Wall
Signs
Maximum
Area
Wall
Signs
Maximum
Height
Ground
Signs
Maximum
Area
Ground
Signs
Maximum
Height
Ground
Signs
Minimum
Setback
Window
Signs
Maximum
Area
Day
Care/Nursing
Homes
20 8 15 6 8 not
permitted
Office (Admin.,
Professional) 50 15 50 15 8 10
General
Commerce
(Retail,
Restaurant,
Lodging,
Consumer
Service,
Personal
Service,
Entertainment,
Wholesaling,
Bank, Hospital,
Manufacturing,
Research)
80 15 50 15 8 10
Joint
Identification
not
permitted n/a 80 15 8 not
permitted
Service
Stations see § 153.160(L) see § 153.160(L) see §
153.160(L)
SIGNS
§ 153.150 PURPOSE.
The purpose of this subchapter is to protect the general health, safety, morals and
welfare of the community by providing an instrument for protecting the physical
appearance of the community and for encouraging high quality, effective outdoor
graphics for the purposes of navigation, information and identification. Specifically, it is
the intent of this subchapter to provide businesses in the municipality with equitable sign
standards in accord with fair competition and aesthetic standards acceptable to the
community, to provide the public with a safe and effective means of locating
businesses, services and points of interest within the municipality, and to provide for a
safe vehicular and pedestrian traffic environment. This subchapter is based on the
premise that signs are as much subject to control as noise, odors, debris and other
similar characteristics of land use, that if not regulated, can become a nuisance to
adjacent properties or the community in general, or depreciate the value of other
properties within the community. It is also the intent of this subchapter, as with the
entire Dublin Planning and Zoning Code, to guarantee equal treatment under the laws
through accurate record keeping and consistent enforcement.
('80 Code, § 1189.01) (Ord. 66-94, passed 3-20-95)
§ 153.151 DEFINITIONS.
For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the
context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ABANDONED SIGN. A sign associated with an abandoned use, a sign that remains
after the termination of the business, or a sign on its immediate premises not
adequately maintained and not repaired within the specified time under order of §
153.162.
ANIMATED SIGN. Any sign that uses movement or change of artificial and natural
lighting or noise to depict action or create a special effect or scene.
ATM (AUTOMATED TELLER MACHINE). An electronically operated device used to
conduct financial transactions on site, by means of direct computerized access. Such
devices may be accessible by automobile and/or pedestrians.
BANNER. A nonrigid cloth, plastic, paper, or canvas sign typically related to a special
event or promotion, that is cultural, educational, charitable, or recreational in its function,
under the sponsorship of a for-profit establishment or business, or a public, private
nonprofit, or religious organization.
BENCH SIGN. Any sign painted on, located on, or attached to any part of the surface
of a bench, seat, or chair placed on or adjacent to a public roadway.
BILLBOARD. An off-premise sign directing attention to a specific business, product,
service, entertainment or other activity sold, offered, or conducted off -site.
BUS SHELTER SIGN. Any sign painted on or affixed to any bus shelter.
CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN. A sign or portion thereof with characters, letters, or
illustrations that can be changed or rearranged by mechanical, electronic or manual
means without altering the face or surface of the sign.
CHANNEL LETTERS. The outline of a letter, border, or similar object with a vertical
side wall to confine the lighting on the face either to restrict vision at an angle or to
prevent light spillage over adjacent areas.
COMMUNITY ACTIVITY. An activity that is open to the general public and sponsored
by a public, private nonprofit or religious organization that is educational, cultural, or
recreational in function. Charitable events sponsored by for-profit organizations are
also considered community activities. Examples of a community activity are a school
play or a church fair.
DEVELOPMENT SIGN. A temporary sign indicating such things as the names of the
architects, engineers, landscape architects, contractors, or similar artisans, and the
owners, financial supporters, sponsors and similar individuals or firms having a role or
interest with respect to the development, structure, or project. This includes both
private and public projects.
DIRECTIONAL SIGN. A temporary or permanent sign that provides information
regarding location, instructions for use, or functional/directional data.
ELECTRONIC SCOREBOARD. An electronically-controlled changeable copy sign
used to display scoring information for sporting events. Such signs are located on the
sports field.
ENTRY FEATURE SIGN. An on-premises ground-mounted sign that graphically
identifies a residential subdivision and/or multifamily development. For commercial
properties, see JOINT IDENTIFICATION SIGN.
ESTABLISHED GRADE LINE. The average finished grade for that area of the site
where the sign is to be located, provided however that the height of the sign shall not be
artificially increased by the use of mounding. All references to sign height are from the
established grade line unless otherwise noted.
EXTENSION. A wall or other structure which is connected to and extended from a
building.
FLAG. Any fabric or bunting containing the officially recognized and adopted colors,
patterns, or symbols used as the official symbol of a government, political, or corporate
entity.
FLASHING SIGN. Any directly or indirectly illuminated sign that exhibits changing
natural or artificial light or color effects by any means whatsoever.
FOR SALE/FOR LEASE SIGN. A sign indicating the sale, rental, or lease of a
structure or property.
FREE-STANDING SIGN. See GROUND SIGN.
GAS-INFLATABLE SIGN/DEVICE. Any device which is capable of being expanded
by any gas and used on a permanent or temporary basis to attract attention to a product
or event. This definition includes both hot and cold-air balloons tethered or otherwise
anchored to the ground.
GOVERNMENTAL SIGN. A sign erected and maintained pursuant to and in
discharge of any government functions or required by law, ordinance, or other
governmental regulations.
GROUND SIGN. Any sign which is physically attached to a foundation. These are
commonly known as free-standing, pole, pylon, or monument signs.
HOSPITAL. Any medical facility that is capable of retaining patients overnight.
ILLUMINATED SIGN. Any sign lighted by or exposed to artificial lighting either by
light on or in the sign or directed toward the sign.
INFORMATION SIGN. A sign displaying necessary information for the convenience
and safety of residents and visitors, and containing no advertising.
JOINT IDENTIFICATION SIGN. A sign that identifies the name, through type,
graphics, or other symbols, of a shopping center, office park, industrial park, or other
building complex containing three or more uses on the same lot, allowed in addition to
the permitted signs of the individual occupants.
LOGO. A non-text graphic representation of a corporate trademark, or symbol of a
company name, trademark, emblem, figure, element, abbreviation, etc., uniquely
designed for recognition.
MONUMENT SIGN. A ground sign attached to a wall or a base constructed
specifically for the display of the sign. A common example is a permanent subdivision
sign.
NONCONFORMING SIGN. A pre-existing legal or illegal sign which does not
conform to the standards set forth in this code.
OPEN HOUSE. A temporary public showing of a structure available for sale, rental,
or lease.
PENNANT. A flag or banner longer in the fly than in the hoist, usually tapering to a
point.
PERMANENT SIGN. Any permitted or legal nonconforming sign intended to remain
in place until a change of occupancy occurs. A permanent sign must be securely
attached or installed upon a building, structure, or the ground.
POLE SIGN. See GROUND SIGN.
POLITICAL SIGN. A sign concerning candidates for elective office, public issues and
similar matters to be decided by the public at an election.
PORTABLE SIGN. Any sign that is designed to be or capable of being moved or
transported, and not permanently affixed or attached to any building, structure, or
grounds.
PRIMARY IMAGE. The name of the use or business identified on a sign. The
primary image must be displayed in text.
PRODUCT SIGN. A sign typically located in a window, advertising a product or
service offered by a business.
PROJECTED IMAGE. An image projected onto a building, structure, or sign.
PROJECTING SIGNS. A sign that is wholly or partly dependent upon a building for
support or suspended from a pole attached to a building. Such signs must be
perpendicular to the building face upon which they are attached.
PROMOTIONAL SIGNS. A temporary sign that provides information regarding time,
place, and the like of a special event, community activity or similar activity.
PYLON SIGN. See GROUND SIGN.
RACEWAY. An elongated metal enclosure used to mount individual channel lettering
and to conceal related transformers and wiring.
REFACING. Any alteration to the face of a sign involving the replacement of
materials or pans. Refacing does not refer to replacing the entire sign structure or the
removal of the sign.
ROOF LINE. The uppermost line or point of the façade or parapet of a flat roof
structure, or the lower edge of an eve, gable or rake of a sloped roof structure.
ROOF SIGN. Any sign erected on or above the roof line of a building.
SANDWICH BOARD SIGN. A sign with two hinged boards which can be placed on
the ground.
SECONDARY IMAGE. Any and all text, graphics, or images displayed on a sign in
addition to the name of the use or business and/or logo, including but not limited to
pictorial representations, tag lines, products, prices, and phone numbers.
SECTION. In the text, the term SECTION refers to the Arabic numeral under which it
appears in this subchapter.
SETBACK. The distance from the property line and/or right-of-way line to the nearest
part of the applicable building, structure, or sign, measured perpendicularly to the
property line and/or right-of-way line.
SIGN. A sign is defined as any name, number, symbol, identification, description,
display, illustration, object, graphic, sign structure, or part thereof, whether permanent or
temporary, which is affixed to, painted on, represented directly or indirectly upon, or
projected onto a building, structure, lot, or other device, whether mobile or affixed to the
ground, and which directs attention to any object, product, place, activity, person,
institution, organization, or business. This definition includes all signs visible from any
public right-of-way or adjacent property, including interior signs oriented towards the
exterior façade of any building or structure as well as back-lighted translucent panels or
strip lighting affixed to any wall or roof where any such panels or lighting serves to
identify and attract attention rather than illuminate space for human activity.
SIGN FACE. The surface intended for the display of information on the sign.
SIGN STRUCTURE. The supporting unit of a sign face, including but not limited to
frames, braces and poles.
SPECIAL EVENT. A special event or activity that is open to the general public and
supported by the office of Public Information and Special Events, and the city. A special
event is educational, cultural or recreational in function. Such events shall be
coordinated through the City Office of Public Information and Special Events. Examples
of a special event are the Dublin Three Tour Challenge and the Dublin Irish Fest.
STREAMER. A ribbon-shaped or cord-like rope which may have pennants and/or
banners attached and which is stretched or hung between two or more supports.
SUBCHAPTER. Refers to §§ 153.150 through 153.164 in its entirety.
TRAILBLAZER SIGN. A government sign identifying company logos for lodging,
gasoline stations, restaurants and other such establishments.
TRAILER SIGN. Any sign which is attached to, supported by, or part of a structure
which is designed to move on trailer wheels, skids, or other similar devices, or
transported, pushed, or pulled by a motor vehicle.
TREE LAWN. That portion of a public right-of-way lying between the back face of the
curb and the leading edge of the sidewalk.
WALL SIGN. Any sign attached to or erected against the inside or outside wall of a
building or structure, with the exposed display surface of the sign in a plane paral lel to
the plane of the building or structure and extending less than 14 inches from the
building or structure.
WINDOW SIGN. Any signs, posters, symbols and other types of identification or
information about the use or premises directly attached to the window of a building or
erected on the inside of the building and visible from any public right -of-way or adjacent
property.
('80 Code, § 1189.02) (Ord. 66-94, passed 3-20-95; Am. Ord. 103-95, passed 12-18-95;
Am. Ord. 19-12, passed 4-23-12)
§ 153.152 PERMIT REQUIRED.
All signs located on land within or hereafter annexed to the municipality shall comply
with this subchapter unless specifically exempt by § 153.157. No person shall locate or
retain any sign, or cause a sign to be located, relocated, altered, modified, or retained
unless all provisions of this subchapter have been met. To ensure compliance with
these regulations, a sign permit shall be secured from the Zoning Administrator or
designee for each sign unless such sign is specifically exempted in this
subchapter. Any sign requiring a structural steel foundation and/or electricity must
obtain foundation and/or electric permits from the Building Division, as well as a sign
permit. An application fee will be required at the time of application. A permit fee will be
required when and only when the permit is approved. Fees may be paid by cash,
check, or money order. No permit shall be issued until a completed application and
fees have been submitted. Prior to issuance of a permit, signs within the Architectural
Review District must be approved by the Architectural Review Board. Such signs may
be subject to different or more stringent criteria as adopted for the Architectural Review
District.
('80 Code, § 1189.03) (Ord. 66-94, passed 3-20-95) Penalty, see § 153.999
§ 153.153 SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SIGN PERMITS.
When applying for a sign permit, the following materials must be submitted:
(A) A completed application and fee for each requested sign.
(B) Scale elevation drawing(s) of proposed sign(s).
(C) Foundation and anchoring drawing(s) of proposed sign(s).
(D) A dimensioned site plan showing the location of proposed sign(s) and adjacent
buildings or other structures.
(E) For wall signs, a building elevation drawn to scale showing the proposed wall
sign and the dimension from established grade to the top of the sign.
(F) For ground signs, a sign base landscaping plan.
('80 Code, § 1189.04) (Ord. 66-94, passed 3-20-95) Penalty, see § 153.999
§ 153.154 PROHIBITED SIGNS.
The following signs or similar devices are prohibited: Off -premise signs, trailblazer
signs, externally visible neon and neon look-alike signs, trailer signs, search lights, laser
lights, pennants, streamers, spinners, bench signs, portable signs, roof signs,
billboards, changeable copy (except for gasoline station price signs and drive -thru menu
boards under § 153.161), flashing signs, projected images and animated signs, signs
with moving or moveable parts, and any look-alike version of any of these
prohibited sign types. Projecting signs are permitted only in the Architectural Revi
ew District. Signs on vending machines, trash bins, or other devices serving any
premises shall be screened from view of any public right-of-way and adjoining private
property. Neon may be used for internal illumination if totally enclosed and not
externally visible.
('80 Code, § 1189.05) (Ord. 66-94, passed 3-20-95; Am. Ord. 103-95, passed 12-18-
95) Penalty, see § 153.999
§ 153.155 PROHIBITED SIGN LOCATIONS.
Signs may not be installed in any of the following locations:
(A) In any public right-of-way, unless specifically authorized by this subchapter and
the City Engineer;
(B) In any utility easement or no-build zone;
(C) In any public park or other public property;
(D) On any traffic control signs, construction signs, fences, utility poles, street signs,
trees or other natural objects;
(E) In any location where the view of approaching and intersecting traffic would be
obstructed. No sign shall be located so as to interfere with the safe movement of
vehicles or pedestrians entering, leaving, or crossing a public right -of-way;
(F) In any residential area, except as expressly permitted in
§§ 153.156, 153.157, 153.159, 153.160 and 153.161 of this subchapter;
(G) On any property without the prior authorization granted by the property owner on
which any sign is to be placed.
('80 Code, § 1189.06) (Ord. 66-94, passed 3-20-95; Am. Ord. 103-95, passed 12-18-
95) Penalty, see § 153.999
§ 153.156 COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES; SPECIAL EVENTS.
(A) A community activity or special event may be promoted by installing banners
along the designated light poles within the historic district. The installation of these
banners is coordinated through the Office of Special Events. All banners are a standard
size, installed by the city and limited to a maximum of three colors.
(B) A community activity, as defined in § 153.151, shall be limited to a maximum of
one off-site promotional sign. These signs are considered temporary signs, and a sign
permit is required before installation. A temporary sign permit may be obtained from the
Zoning Administrator or designee. The application and permit fees, as determined by
Council, are included in the fee schedule available from the Planning Division. On-site
community activity signage to be used ONLY for the duration of the event, with the
exception of banners and gas-inflatable devices, does not require a permit. The city will
provide and install standardized sandwich board for all off -site promotional signs. The
event organizer is responsible for supplying paper or plastic signs which will be affixed
to the sign posts.
(1) The event must be open to the public and be non-discriminatory. Free
admission is not a requirement.
(2) Community activity promotional signage shall not contain any commercial
advertising. If an organization is sponsoring the event, the title of the organization may
be used on promotional signage.
(3) Promotional signs may not exceed six square feet in area and three feet in
height.
(4) No more than three colors shall be included on such sign(s), including black
and white.
(5) Such signs shall not be illuminated.
(6) Promotional signs shall not be displayed more than seven days immediately
preceding the event and shall be removed no later than 24 hours following conclusion of
the event.
(C) A special event, as defined in § 153.151, shall be entitled to a maximum of two
off-site promotional signs and six directional signs. These signs are considered
temporary signs, and a sign permit is required before installation. A temporary sign
permit will be issued for a special event only after a special event application form has
been filled out and approved by the Special Event Coordinator or designee. On-site
special event signage to be used ONLY for the duration of the event, with the exception
of banners and gas-inflatable devices, does not require a permit. The event coordinator
is required to complete a special event application form which includes a description of
the proposed promotional and directional sign package. The location and number of
signs permitted will be determined on a case by case basis, not to exceed one off -site
promotional sign, and six directional signs. The city will provide and install standardized
sandwich boards for all off-site promotional and directional signs. The event organizer
will be responsible for supplying paper or plastic signs which will be affixed to the
boards.
(1) The event must be open to the public and be non-discriminatory. Free
admission is not a requirement.
(2) Special event promotional signage shall not contain any commercial
advertising. If an organization is sponsoring the event, the title of the organization may
be used on promotional signage.
(3) Promotional signs may not exceed six square feet in area and three feet in
height.
(4) Promotional signs shall not be displayed more than seven days immediately
preceding the event and shall be removed no later than 24 hours following conclusion of
the event.
(5) Directional signs may not exceed two square feet in area and one foot in
height.
(6) Directional signs shall be installed no more than 24 hours immediately
preceding the event and shall be removed within 24 hours following conclusion of the
event.
(7) No more than three colors shall be included on such signs(s), including black
and white.
(8) Such signs shall not be illuminated.
('80 Code, § 1189.07) (Ord. 66-94, passed 3-20-95; Am. Ord. 103-95, passed 12-18-
95) Penalty, see § 153.999
§ 153.157 SIGNS NOT REQUIRING A PERMIT.
The following signs do not require a permit, but are subject to the restrictions listed in
§§ 153.155, 153.156, 153.158 and 153.164 of this subchapter unless expressly
exempted. Nothing in this section shall be construed to allow any sign which is
prohibited in § 153.154, unless any such sign is expressly permitted.
(A) Government Flags. The flag, pennant, or insignia of any nation, state, city or
other political unit. Poles for such flags must be no more than 35 feet in height, or lower
if in a lower structure height district. A foundation permit must be received from the
Building Department for all flagpoles. The area of such flags must be determined
according to the following table:
Pole Height Maximum Flag Size
35' 5' by 9' 6"
30' 5' by 8'
25' 4' by 6'
20' 3' by 5'
(B) Corporate Flags. Corporate flags are exempt from the Sign Code subject to the
following conditions:
(1) No more than one corporate flag may be flown per eligible parcel of land.
(2) The minimum parcel size shall be not less than three acres.
(3) The corporate flag shall not be larger than a government flag, if one is flown,
and in no case larger than three feet in height and five feet in length.
(4) All corporate flags must be flown below any government flag flown.
(5) The maximum height for a corporate flag on a separate pole shall be twenty
feet as measured from established grade line to the top of the pole.
(6) Corporate flags may display only the name, corporate emblem and/or logo of a
given corporation. Slogans and tag lines are not permitted.
(C) Governmental Signs. Governmental signs shall include traffic or similar
regulatory devices, official “Welcome to Dublin” signs, legal notices, warnings at railroad
crossings, or any other such sign required by law. Such signs shall be consolidated
with other governmental signs whenever possible.
(D) Public Information Signs. Public information signs established by the city,
including "Block Watch," "Tree City, USA," and other such signs, provided that they do
not exceed three square feet in area. Such signs shall be consolidated with other
governmental signs whenever possible. If the sign is located in right-of-way it must be
approved by City Engineer.
(E) Public Banners. Banners established by the City of Dublin to promote the
community and city- sponsored events and located on light posts in the public right-of-
way, provided that such banners are restricted to eight square feet in area and limited to
three colors, including black and white.
(F) Holiday Signs. Signs clearly in the nature of decorations customarily associated
with any national, state, local, or religious holiday, to be limited to an aggregate total of
60 days in any one given year, and to be displayed not more than 60 consecutive
days. Such signs may be illuminated, providing no safety or visibility hazards are
caused by such illumination. Animated and flashing holiday signs are permitted for
residential uses only, providing no safety or visibility hazards are caused by such
illumination. Gas-inflatable holiday signs must comply with § 153.161(B), and a sign
permit must be obtained before a gas-inflatable sign may be installed.
(G) Political Signs. Political signs or posters concerning candidates for office, public
issues or similar matters to be decided by the public at an election shall not exceed six
square feet in size, shall not be illuminated in any manner, shall not be affixed to any
public utility, pole, tree, or natural object, nor be located within a public right-of-way, nor
create a safety or visibility hazard. Permission to post such signs must be obtained
from the owner(s) of the property on which the signs are placed.
(H) Street Address Signs. Signs bearing only the street address of the properties on
which they are located. For residences, such numbers must consist of Arabic numerals
no less than three inches nor more than eight inches in height. For non-residential
uses, maximum number height varies according to front setback. If the setback is less
than 100 feet, the maximum number height is 12 inches. For setbacks between 100
and 200 feet, the maximum height is 18 inches. For setbacks over 200 feet, the
maximum height is 24 inches. All street address signs shall contrast to the color of the
surface on which they are mounted and shall be clearly identifiable from the street and
attached to the building or mailbox. Every building is required to post its street address.
(I) Residential For Sale/For Lease Signs. Signs indicating the sale, rental, or lease
of residences, provided such signs are limited in size to seven square feet in area and
three feet in height in all residential areas. Free-standing signs must be located so that
they do not interfere with the safe movement of vehicular or pedestrian traffic, and all
signs shall be removed within 14 days after the sale, rental, or lease has
occurred. Only one such ground or window sign per street frontage is permitted.
(J) Open House Signs. Signs promoting an open house for property that is available
for sale, rent, or lease, provided that only three such signs for each open house. All
such signs shall be installed not more than two hours immediately preceding the open
house and removed no more than two hours following conclusion of the open
house. Such signs may not exceed seven square feet in area or three feet in height
and must not be located in such a way that would interfere wi th the safe movement of
vehicular or pedestrian traffic. Such ground signs may not be located within medians.
(K) Window Display Signs. Signs incorporated into the window display of a
business, provided such window display signs are:
(1) Limited to one sign per window, with the total area of each sign not exceeding
10% of the area of the window in which it is placed, or six square feet, whichever is less,
and limited to an aggregate maximum of 24 square feet per business;
(2) Placed only in ground level windows;
(3) Erected for no longer than 30 days each. All previously displayed signage must
be removed and not reinstalled for 30 days,
(4) The name of the company or business is limited to a maximum of 25% of the
actual size of the window display sign.
(L) Private Traffic and on site Directional Signs. Traffic and directional signs
indicating points of entry or exit for a facility or off -street parking area, provided such
signs are limited a maximum of four square feet in area and three feet in height and do
not interfere with safe vehicular or pedestrian traffic circulation or obstruct the view of
drivers exiting onto highways or thoroughfares. Such signs may contain information
such as "in," "enter," "entrance," "out," "exit," "do not enter" or similar language as
approved by the Zoning Administrator or designee. Arrows indicating desired traffic
movement may also be used for directional signage. Such signs may contain no
advertising, including logos and must be of a rectangular shape. Such signs must be on
the property to which they refer and may not be placed within a public right -of-way.
(M) Informational Window Signs. Window signage with a total area of two square
feet or less and bearing only information about entry and exit, business hours,
authorized service representative information and/or discount and credit systems
accepted in that establishment (e.g., American Express, MasterCard, Visa, Golden
Buckeye Card). This includes product signs. Each individual sign is limited to three
colors.
(N) Residential Information Signs. Information signs are allowed only when they
display information necessary for the safety and convenience of residents and visitors,
such as “beware of dog” and “no trespassing.” Such signs may not exceed two square
feet in area and may contain no advertising.
(O) Scoreboards. Scoreboards used for sporting events, provided that they are not
visible from a public right-of-way or adjacent property.
(P) Security System Signs. Signs displaying information about the security system
protecting buildings or property, provided that such signs do not exceed one square foot
in area.
(Q) Construction Trailer Signs. Signs painted on or affixed to construction trailers,
vans, or other vehicles temporarily in use on a construction site.
(R) Barber Poles. According to state law, all barber shops must display either a
barber pole or a window sign reading “Barber.” If a pole is displayed, it may not exceed
28 inches in height.
(S) ATMs. Signage for all ATM's (Automated Teller Machines) shall be limited to one
square foot of sign area and utilize no more than three colors. ATM signage must have
an opaque background. If the ATM contains a logo, it may be internally illuminated. (All
external illumination shall comply with the Dublin Lighting Guidelines.) In addition,
monochromatic, non-illuminated logos of accepted credit systems, (Visa, Mastercard,
American Express, etc.), are limited to less than one square foot in area and must be
oriented to the user of the device only.
('80 Code, § 1189.08) (Ord. 66-94, passed 3-20-95; Am. Ord. 103-95, passed 12-18-95;
Am. Ord. 66-04, passed 9-20-04) Penalty, see § 153.999
§ 153.158 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR TEMPORARY AND PERMANENT
SIGNS.
(A) Location. Refer to § 153.155.
(B) Size. Sign area shall include the face of the entire display area not including the
bracing, framing and structural supports of the sign, unless su ch support members are
made part of the message or face of the sign. Where a sign has two or more display
faces, the area of all faces of the sign shall be included in determining the area of the
sign, unless the two faces are joined back to back, are parallel to each other and not
more than 24 inches apart. The area of a sign consisting of individual letters or
symbols, either freestanding or attached to or painted on a surface, building, wall, or
window, shall be considered to be that of the smallest single rectangle which
encompasses all the letters and symbols.
(C) Design. Signs shall be designed with the maximum of creativity and the highest
quality of materials and fabrication. It is strongly recommended that all signs be
designed by a professional sign designer and be installed by a qualified sign builder or
contractor. Signs shall be designed to fully integrate with the building architecture and
overall site design.
(1) Signs shall not resemble the color, shape, design or other characteristics of any
common traffic control device, directional or warning signs directed or maintained by the
state, city, or any railroad, public utility, or similar agency concerned with the protection
of the public health and safety.
(2) Signs shall display as the primary image only the name of the business in
text. Logos and any additional text, graphic, or image displayed on the sign face will be
considered a secondary image shall not exceed 20% of the maximum permitted area of
the sign face.
(3) All ground signs, including directional and temporary development signs, must
be of a rectangular shape. This requirement does not apply when individual channel
letters are used.
(4) Colors.
(a) Except as provided in division (b) below, signs shall be limited to three colors,
including black and white. The background color is considered one of the three
permissible colors, unless channel letters are used, in which case the background is not
to be considered one of the three permissible colors.
(b) A corporate trademark or symbol used as a logo or secondary image shall not
be limited in the number of colors used in a sign, but shall be considered as one of three
permissible colors. The primary image, or secondary images, and/or background shall
use one of the colors used in the corporate trademark or symbol logo.
(5) Any multifaced sign shall consistently display the same name, message and
graphics on all faces.
(6) Reverse sides of signs shall be unobtrusive and blend with the surroundings.
(7) Reverse sides of all permanent signs and structural supports must be
completely enclosed.
(D) Landscaping. The base of all permanent ground signs shall be effectively
landscaped with living plant material and maintained in good condition at all times. The
minimum landscaped area shall extend at least three feet beyond all faces or supporting
structures in all directions. Exposed foundations must be constructed with a finished
material such as brick, stone, or wood, or be screened with evergreens to the top of the
anchor bolts. The landscaped area shall include all points where sign structural
supports attach to the ground.
(E) Lighting.
(1) Signs shall be illuminated only by the following means:
(a) By a white, steady, stationary light of reasonable intensity, directed solely at
the sign and/or otherwise prevented from beaming directly onto adjacent properties or
rights-of-way. Light fixtures shall be screened from view by site grading or evergreen
shrubs. No exposed light sources are permitted.
(b) By white interior light of reasonable intensity with primary and secondary
images lit or silhouetted on an opaque background. The background must be
opaque. No additional background lighting or illuminated borders or outlines shall be
permitted.
(2) The level of illumination emitted or reflected from a sign shall not be of intensity
sufficient to constitute a demonstrable hazard to vehicular traffic on any right-of-way or
parking lot from which the sign may be viewed.
(F) Construction. All signs must be constructed to meet all current building code
regulations of the municipality. All signs and related surroundings shall be properly
maintained and shall not show signs of rust or corrosion, exposed wiring, chipped paint
or faces, cracked, broken, or missing faces, or loose materials. The structural integrity
of all sign foundations must be maintained.
('80 Code, § 1189.09) (Ord. 66-94, passed 3-20-95; Am. Ord. 103-95, passed 12-18-95;
Am. Ord. 19-12, passed 4-23-12) Penalty, see § 153.999
§ 153.159 PERMANENT SIGNS.
All permanent signs shall also comply with the following requirements and with the
height, area and setback requirements of § 153.164.
(A) Wall Signs. Wall signs are permitted for any business or use not identified by a
ground sign.
(1) Placement.
(a) Wall signs shall not protrude more than 14 inches from the wall or face of the
building to which it is attached, whether or not a raceway is used.
(b) Signs may be attached to a building wall or architecturally integrated
extension which faces a street, parking lot or service drive, or may be attached to a
canopy which projects beyond the building, provided that no part of the sign may extend
above the roof or canopy.
(2) Height. Refer to § 153.164 for height limitations according to use. The height
of a wall sign is measured from the established grade line to the top of the sign. Note
that corporate office signs along interstate districts have no height, but in no case shall
the sign extend above the roof line of the building.
(a) Signs may be attached to a building facade which faces a street, parking lot
or service drive. It may be attached to a canopy which projects beyond the building,
provided that no part of the sign extends above the roof or canopy.
(3) Size. The maximum allowable size for any wall sign shall be one square foot
for every lineal foot of width of the building face to which the sign is attached, but shall
not exceed the maximum size allowed for the use by § 153.164 unless located in the
Interstate District.
(4) Number. Wall signs shall be limited in number to one per building or use. For
buildings or uses on corner lots having at least 100 feet of lot frontage on each of two
public rights-of-way, a second wall sign is permitted facing the second right-of-
way. Each sign is limited to one square foot in area for every lineal foot of width of the
building face to which the sign is attached, not exceeding the installed maximum size
allowed for the use by § 153.164. The distance between the signs shall not be less
than two-thirds the length of the longest elevation to which the sign is attached. The
distance will be measured by two straight lines along the elevations of the building, from
edge of sign to edge of sign. In no case shall two wall signs be closer than 30 feet
apart. The provision for a second sign does not apply to individual tenants in a multi-
tenant building.
(B) Ground Signs. Ground signs shall include free-standing, pole, pylon and
monument signs. A ground sign is permitted only when all of the following conditions
are fulfilled:
(1) Placement.
(a) The sign is located on the property to which it refers;
(b) The use is free-standing on its individual lot, is accessible by automobile and
has off- street parking;
(c) The use has no wall sign visible from the public right-of-way or adjacent
property; and
(d) Such signs shall not be located in such a way that they interfere with the safe
movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
(2) Size. The maximum allowable size for any ground sign shall be in accordance
with § 153.164.
(3) Height. Refer to § 153.164 for height limitation according to use. The height
shall be measured from the established grade line to the highest point of the sign or its
frame/support. The height may not be artificially increased by the use of mounding.
(4) Setback. All ground signs must be set back a minimum of eight feet from any
public right-of-way or property boundary line unless such signs are specifically
exempted of this requirement, refer to § 153.164.
(5) Number. Ground signs shall be limited in number to one per lot or multiple lots
if devoted to one specific use or user. Buildings on corner lots having at least 100 feet
of frontage on two public rights-of-way may be entitled to two ground signs, one facing
each public right-of-way, if they meet the following criteria:
(a) The total combined height of both signs shall not exceed 1 1/3 times the
maximum permitted height of a single ground sign for that use.
(b) The total combined area of both signs shall not exceed 1 1/3 times the
maximum permitted area of a single ground sign for that use.
(c) The two signs shall be no closer than two-thirds the length of the longest
public right-of-way frontage. The distance shall be measured by drawing two straight
lines, measured from the edge of each sign, forming a 90 degree angle.
(C) Window Signs. Window signs shall be permitted for the use specified in
§ 153.164 in addition to any permitted wall sign or ground sign. The sum of the area of
the window signs and the area of the wall or ground sign may not exceed the maximum
allowable area for the wall or ground sign.
(1) Placement. Window signs shall be limited to the ground floor or first floor
windows only, unless a use is located in the second or higher stories of a building and
has no first floor occupancy.
(2) Number. Window signs shall be limited to one sign per window.
(3) Size. The total area of all such window signs is not to exceed 10% of the total
window area of the establishment or 10 square feet, whichever is less. The maximum
allowable area on the second floor may not exceed that of the first floor.
(D) Projecting Signs. Permitted only in the Old Dublin Historic District.
('80 Code, § 1189.10) (Ord. 66-94, passed 3-20-95; Am. Ord. 103-95, passed 12-18-
95) Penalty, see § 153.999
§ 153.160 TEMPORARY SIGNS.
(A) Development Signs. These shall include signs indicating or promoting the
development of land, facilities, or structures. Such signs must comply with the
provisions of § 153.158 with the exception that development signs shall not be
illuminated. Such signs must be of a rectangular shape. No more than one such sign
shall be permitted per street frontage and such signs shall be installed on the property
to which they refer. For sites having at least 100 feet of frontage on each of two public
rights-of-way, a second sign may be permitted facing the second right -of-way if both
signs comply with code requirements. Such signs shall be limited to 32 square feet in
area and eight feet in height. They shall be placed at least eight feet from any public
right-of-way. If the site is entitled to two temporary development signs, the distance
between the signs shall be not less than two-thirds the length of the longest right-of-way
frontage. The distance shall be measured by drawing two straight lines, from the edge
of each sign, forming a 90 degree angle.
Application shall be made to the Zoning Administrator or designee f or
review. Approval shall be for a period not to exceed one year. In residential
subdivisions, development signs must be removed when 75% of the lots in such
subdivision have received any certificate of occupancy.
(B) Community Activity Signs. See § 153.156
(C) For Sale/For Lease. See §§ 153.157(I) and 153.161(F)
(D) Political Signs. See § 153.157(G)
('80 Code, § 1189.11) (Ord. 66-94, passed 3-20-95; Am. Ord. 103-95, passed 12-18-
95) Penalty, see § 153.999
§ 153.161 SIGNS WITH SPECIAL CONDITIONS.
For all permanent and temporary sign types listed below, permits must be obtained in
accordance with § 153.152. In addition to the requirements and regulations previously
listed, the following special conditions shall apply:
(A) Corporate Office Signs along Interstate District.
(1) For the purposes of this chapter, the Interstate District is hereby defined to
include property with frontage on Interstate 270 that has been improved with corporate
office building(s) constructed with two or more stories above the natural grade. Such
building is entitled to a wall sign or a ground sign facing the interstate in addition to
other permitted signage. In all cases, a maximum of two signs shall be permitted. For
wall signs, the permitted sign area is based upon the number of building stories above
natural grade and the building setback from the interstate right-of-way line. Buildings
that are set back at least 50 feet from the interstate shall be entitled to 100 square feet
of signage per story, up to a maximum of 300 square feet. Multi-story buildings set
back less than 50 feet from the interstate shall be entitled to a maximum 100 square
feet of wall signage regardless of number of stories. Any such wall sign shall be
individual channel letters and shall be limited to one co lor. Wall signs may not extend
above the roof line of the building. They may not be attached to a penthouse or roof
structure including but not limited to mechanical equipment or roof screening. For
ground signs, the permitted sign size is based upon the building setback. Buildings set
back at least 100 feet from the interstate, shall be entitled to a sign no greater than 80
feet in area and not more than 12 feet in height.
(2) Buildings setback less than 100 feet from the interstate shall be en titled to a
sign no greater than 50 feet in area and not more than eight feet in height. All Interstate
District signs shall conform to all setback, design, location, and other requirements not
specifically addressed in this section.
(B) Gas-Inflatable Sign/Device. Such signs are permitted only for special events in
accordance with the restrictions set forth in § 153.156, and for holiday decorations in
accordance with the requirements of § 153.157(F). Such signs shall be located only on
the site where the special event occurs. A temporary sign permit is required for all gas-
inflatable devices. A scaled diagram of the device and a site plan showing where the
device is to be located are required. Such signs must not be inflated with helium or any
other buoyant gas. Such signs shall be securely attached/tethered to the ground so that
they will not shift more than three feet in any direction during any wind condition up to
25 miles per hour. Such signs shall not be attached to or mounted on any platform,
roof, or similar structure. Such signs must be placed so that they will be clear of all
utility lines, roads, parking lots and adjacent property incase of collapse. Such signs
may contain no commercial advertising and shall not be internally illuminated.
(C) Banners. Banners are permitted only for the promotion of special events or for
grand openings of businesses. A grand opening occurs only when there is a change of
tenant or owner that brings a new business to a site. All banners are subject to the
following regulations:
(1) All banners shall be located only on the site where the community event or
grand opening occurs. They shall not be located in any public right-of-way or in such a
way that they would interfere with the safe movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
(2) Only three colors shall be used on any banner, including black and white.
(3) All banners shall be safely secured to a building, structure, or stake. Banners
shall have ventilated faces to reduce wind load.
(4) Banners shall not be illuminated.
(5) A temporary sign permit is required for all banners. A scaled diagram of the
banner(s), a site plan showing the location of the banner(s) and a description of how the
banner(s) is to be ventilated and secured shall be submitted to the Zoning Administrator
or designee.
(6) Banners may be erected for a maximum of 14 days.
(D) Joint Identification Signs. One ground sign identifying only the name of a
shopping center or other building complex shall be permitted, if t here is a minimum of
three uses sharing the same site. Such signs shall be permitted in addition to the
permitted signs of individual occupants, but shall not list the names of these
occupants. A joint identification sign shall not exceed the maximum permitted height of
any ground sign identifying the individual occupants and the area of a joint identification
sign shall not exceed 80 square feet. A second joint identification sign of the same size
is permitted if the site has frontage on two streets, provided that the total lot frontage (on
two streets) is 1000 feet or greater. The two signs shall be no closer than 75 feet. For
all buildings or complexes designed and/or intended for multi-tenant usage, a total sign
plan conforming to all the requirements of this Code must be submitted to the Zoning
Administrator or designee before any sign permit for the complex or an individual tenant
will be issued.
(E) Entry Feature Signs. These shall include signs graphically identifying a
subdivision and/or multi-family development. Such signs shall be limited to monument
signs only. Pole and pylon signs are prohibited. Such signs must consist entirely of
natural materials, such as wood, brick and stone. The reverse sides of such signs shall
be finished to match the fronts. The graphic area of such signs shall not exceed 20
square feet and the height of the monument shall be limited to six feet. Such signs may
not interfere with the safe movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. If an entry
feature sign is to be located within the right-of-way it must be reviewed and approved by
City Council, the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Engineer. Such
signage must meet Dublin lighting and landscaping requirements.
(F) Commercial and Industrial For Sale/For Lease Signs. Signs indicating the sale,
rental, or lease of commercial or industrial real estate are limited to 16 square feet in
area and 4 feet in height for lots with less than 100 feet of street frontage and 32 square
feet in area and 8 feet in height for lots with street frontage of 100 feet or
more. Individual tenant spaces within a parcel are allowed a window or wall sign no
larger than 16 square feet in area. Free-standing signs must be located so that they do
not interfere with the safe movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic and must be
removed within 14 days after the sale, rental, or lease has occurred. Only one such
sign per street frontage is permitted.
(G) Signs for Model Homes. A sign permit must be obtained for model home signs.
Such signs shall be permitted in lieu of an exempt residential for sale/for lease sign as
described in § 153.157(I). Such signs must not exceed eight square feet in area and
may not be internally illuminated. See § 153.073 for additional regulation pertaining to
model homes.
(H) Signs within the Architectural Review District. Refer to the Old Dublin Signage
and Graphics Guidelines for regulations pertaining to signs in these locations.
(I) Garage/Yard Sale Signs. Three such signs may be posted no more than 24
hours immediately preceding the event and such signs must be removed no more than
two hours after the event has ended. The city provides the signs which may be
obtained when a permit has been approved. Such signs are one feet in height and two
square feet in area. They may be located in a public right-of-way so long as no safety
or visibility hazards are created.
(J) Nonconforming Signs. All pre-existing illegal nonconforming signs must be
removed in accordance with this subchapter. The Zoning Administrator shall issue an
order for the sign to be removed within 15 days. The cost of removal will be assessed
to the property owner. If the property owner refuses to pay for removal of the sign, the
cost of such removal shall be assessed to the property owner's tax records. All pre-
existing legal signs that do not conform to the standards of this subchapter must be
brought into conformity under any of the following conditions:
(1) Upon any change in the use of the property for which such property was
intended at the time this subchapter became effective.
(2) Upon the discontinuance of the present use of property for a period of more
than six months.
(3) Upon alterations to the existing sign, the following regulations shall apply:
(a) Structural. No display sign shall hereafter be altered, rebuilt, enlarged,
extended, or relocated except in conformity with the provisions of this subchapter.
(b) Repainting or Refacing. The repainting of existing nonconforming signs shall
not be considered an alteration within the meaning of this section. Refacing an existing
nonconforming sign shall not be considered an alteration as long as the refacing
constitutes an exact replica of the existing sign face. The design, color scheme,
translucency, graphics and text must exactly match those existing. If any portion of the
replacement face(s) is not an exact replica of the original sign face, the replacement
face(s) must be brought into compliance with this subchapter in so far as pra cticable.
(c) Existing Signs; continuance. Except as otherwise specifically provided,
nothing in this section shall require the removal or discontinuance of a legally existing
nonconforming permanent display sign which is attached to the proper ty, as
distinguished from a temporary or portable sign, that is not altered, rebuilt, enlarged,
extended or relocated.
(K) Seasonal Business. One sign per street frontage is allowed for a seasonal
business. Such signs are limited to 32 square feet in area and 8 feet in height. They
must be setback at least eight feet from any public right-of-way. Such signs are limited
to three colors, including black and white.
(L) Gasoline Stations. Gasoline stations, whose principal business is the sale of
motor fuel, may display signs in addition to those hereinabove authorized. Such signs
shall be limited to the following:
(1) One non-illuminated, double-faced sign not exceeding five square feet on a
side is permitted for each set of motor fuel pumps identifying “self service” or “full
service.”
(2) Price and grade information can be displayed only on the permitted sign, in
manually changeable copy. Changeable copy for these purposes shall not include
liquid crystal display (LCD), light emitting diodes (LED), or other similar
electro/mechanical displays. This is the only circumstance in which changeable copy
may be used.
(3) Signs limited to the identification of the brand name, logo or type of fuel sold
and other signs as may be required by law shall be permitted on the motor fuel
pumps. Fuel pumps shall not be illuminated. No signs projecting above the pumps may
be permitted, except as required by law.
(4) Any other such signs as may be required by law.
(M) Architectural Review District. Signs within the Architectural Review District shall
require prior review and approval by the Architectural Review Board. Signs within the
Architectural Review District shall be in conformance with the Old Dublin Sign
Guidelines, or any properly adopted successor guidelines or regulations. In no case
shall such guidelines permit signage which exceed the size, height, color, opacity, and
design requirements within this subchapter.
(N) Drive-thru menu board signs. This shall include free-standing, pole, pylon and
monument signs. A drive-thru menu board sign is permitted only when all of the
following conditions are fulfilled:
(1) The sign is located on the property to which it refers;
(2) The sign is not visible from the public right-of-way; and
(3) The sign does not exceed 32 square feet in size.
('80 Code, § 1189.12) (Ord. 66-94, passed 3-20-95; Am. Ord. 103-95, passed 12-18-95;
Am. Ord. 26-10, passed 8-9-10) Penalty, see § 153.999
§ 153.162 FEES AND MAINTENANCE.
(A) Fees. Permit and any other fees as determined by Council are posted in a fee
schedule available through the Planning Division. The application fee is payable at the
time of application and the permit fee is payable upon receipt of the sign permit.
(B) Reinspection and Maintenance. All signs for which a permit shall be issued in
accordance with this subchapter shall be subject to the following provisions:
(1) The Zoning Administrator or designee shall reinspect each sign once every 24
months following erection of such sign to determine its continued compliance with the
approved permit and plans as they were issued and to insure proper operating
conditions and maintenance in accordance with this subchapter. The sign owner shall
be solely responsible for maintaining the appearance, safety and structural integrity of
the sign at all times.
(2) Whenever the inspecting official finds a sign in need of repair, support,
replacement, cleaning, repainting, or any maintenance service necessary to maintain
reasonable and proper appearance and public safety, he or she shall issue an order to
the owner allowing 30 days to effect needed repairs or maintenance. If the inspecting
official determines that the existing condition of the sign creates an immediate hazard to
the health or safety of the general public, he or she shall issue an order to the owner
requiring the sign to be removed immediately.
(3) Failure of an owner to comply with the provisions listed above shall be cause
for the inspecting official to order the permit issued for the sign void and issue an order
for the sign to be removed. The cost of removal will be assessed to the property owner.
If the property owner refuses to pay for removal of the sign, the cost of such removal
shall be assessed to the property owner's tax records.
(C) Registration of sign contractors. It shall be unlawful for any person to construct,
install, relocate, alter, or maintain, any building mounted or ground sign within the city if
the person is not currently registered with the city as a registered sign contractor or has
not provided the bond required by division (E) of this section.
(1) A person desiring to be a registered sign contractor authorized to construct,
install, relocate, alter, maintain, or remove building mounted or ground signs within the
city shall register with the Division of Planning on a form prescribed by the Division for
such registration and pay the fee for such registration as prescribed in the city's fee
schedule.
(2) The registration form shall include the following information:
(a) Name of the registrant;
1. Name includes fictitious names or trade names (i.e., the "DBA" name) as
well as the legal name of the entity or natural person.
(b) Current address of the registrant;
(c) Current phone number of the registrant;
(d) A space or box to indicate whether the application is for a new registration, or
a renewal of an existing registration;
(e) Designation of a person who will be the primary contact between the
registrant and the city, including the address, phone number, and e-mail address for
such person;
(f) A statement, signed by a person with authority to bind the prospective
registrant, acknowledging that the erection of signs within the city is subject to the
Dublin Codified Ordinances and agreeing that the prospective registrant shall not
construct, install, relocate, alter, maintain, or remove any ground or building mounted
sign unless in compliance with the City of Dublin Codified Ordinances.
(g) Proof of general commercial liability insurance with a minimum combined
bodily and property damage coverage in the amount of $300,000, and showing the city
as a certificate holder. Liability insurance coverage shall be maintained in full force and
effect and a copy of any policy changes including renewal forwarded to the Planning
Division throughout the term of registration.
(h) Any other information as determined by the Planning Director.
(3) It shall be the duty of the registrant to provide updated information to the city if
any person listed in the registration form disassociates from the registrant or any
address, telephone number, or e-mail address changes for the registrant or its
designated contact person.
(4) If the registrant is a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, limited
liability partnership, or other entity that is not a natural person, the registrant shall
include the information listed above for all shareholders, partners, members, or other
persons holding greater than a 10% equity interest in the entity.
(5) Failure to provide all required information shall result in denial of registration.
(6) The Planning Director may revoke the registration, or deny a registration
renewal, to a person who has forfeited any portion of the bond required by division (E)
of this section within the prior three calendar years, or who installs, constructs,
relocates, or alters a sign without first obtaining a permit.
(7) No person who has outstanding fees, taxes, or judgments against said person
and in favor of the city shall be registered until every such fee, tax, or judgment is
satisfied. No person who is subject of an outstanding zoning violation shall be registered
until such violation is resolved.
(8) Registration shall not be effective until the registrant has been provided a
certificate issued by the city stating that the registrant has been registered.
(9) Registration renewals shall be due between November 1 and December 1 of
each year. Registrations will expire at 12:00 a.m. on December 31. All first -time
registrants who are registered after January 1 shall have to re-register within the
registration renewal period of the same year. Example: a first-time registrant who
registers March 1, 2019, will have to re-register during the registration renewal period in
2019.
(D) Permit applicant's acknowledgment. In conjunction with the submittal of an
application for a sign permit, the owner of the property, tenant in possession of the
property, or registered sign contractor shall comply with the following at the time of
application submittal:
(1) The owner of the property, tenant in possession of the property, or registered
sign contractor shall have acknowledged in writing that the installation of the sign(s) is
required to comply with the terms of the approved permit.
(2) The owner of the property, tenant in possession of the property, or registered
sign contractor shall have acknowledged in writing that all fabrication and installation
work and materials used in connection with the sign(s) shall conform to the
requirements of the municipality and be installed under the Chief Building Official's and
Planning Director's general supervision; that the owner of the property, tenant in
possession of the property, or registered sign contractor is required to notify the Chief
Building Official and Planning Director in writing three days or more before any
installation has begun on such sign(s) to permit inspection; that in the event of any
violation of, or noncompliance with, any of the provisions and stipulations of the
approved permit(s), the municipality shall have the right to stop the work forthwith and
complete or cause the completion of such improvements according to the approved
permit and that in such event the owner of the property, tenant in possession of the
property, or registered sign contractor shall reimburse the municipality for any and all
expenses incurred thereby. The city may draw upon the bond provided pursuant to
division (E) of this section to collect such reimbursement. Drawing upon the bond shall
not prevent the city from pursuing any other remedy available to collect reimbursement
for its expenses.
(E) Sign contractor bond required. A registered sign contractor shall maintain a bond
as described in division (F) of this section, to be applied against any bui lding mounted
or ground sign the sign contractor constructs, installs, alters, relocates, or maintains.
The registered sign contractor shall not commence work on any building mounted or
ground sign until providing the required bond. Expiration of the bond or other failure to
maintain it in good standing shall be cause for immediate revocation of the sign
contractor's registration. At the time of registration or re-registration with the city, the
sign contractor shall provide proof that the bond remains in good standing and is in the
amount that the Planning Director has established pursuant to division (F) of this
section.
(F) Form of sign contractor bond. The bond required by division (E) of this section
shall be in a form approved by the Planning Director and conditioned to save the city
harmless from all loss and damage to persons or property which may be occasioned in
any way, by accident or the want of care or skill on the part of the registered sign
contractor or any agent thereof, in the prosecut ion of the work. The bond shall also
provide for payment to the city for damages to the city or city property in the course of
performance of work, including reimbursement to the city of any expenses the city
incurs in remedying or removing a non-compliant sign constructed, installed, altered,
relocated, or maintained by the registered sign contractor. The bond shall be in an
amount to be determined and published by the Planning Director, in an amount or
amounts reasonably calculated to provide security to the city.
('80 Code, § 1189.13) (Ord. 66-94, passed 3-20-95; Am. Ord. 42-18, passed 6-25-
18) Penalty, see § 153.999
§ 153.163 ABANDONED SIGNS.
(A) A sign shall be considered abandoned:
(1) When the sign remains after the discontinuance of a use.
(a) A business is considered to have discontinued operations if it is closed to the
public for at least 90 consecutive days.
(b) A seasonal business is considered to have discontinued operations if it is
closed to the public for at least 72 hours after the expiration of an 80 -day seasonal
business permit.
(2) When the sign on its immediate premises is not adequately m aintained and the
repairs or maintenance ordered under § 153.162(B) are not effected within the 30-day
time limit.
(3) When the pre-existing legal sign does not conform to the provisions of this
subchapter and is not brought into conformity upon any change in use or design as
specified in § 153.161(J).
(B) The Director of Land Use and Long Range Planning shall determine whether a
sign shall be considered abandoned. Upon determination that the sign is abandoned,
the right to maintain and use such sign shall terminate immediately and the Director of
Land Use and Long Range Planning or designee shall issue an order for the sign to be
removed within 15 days by the property owner. Any abandoned sign still standing after
15 days following an order for removal may be removed by the city. If the property
owner refuses to pay for removal of the sign, the cost of such removal, as determined
by City Council, will be added to the owner's tax records.
('80 Code, § 1189.14) (Ord. 66-94, passed 3-20-95; Am. Ord. 28-08, passed 5-19-
08) Penalty, see § 153.999
§ 153.164 TABLE OF HEIGHT, AREA AND SETBACK REQUIREMENTS.
RESIDENTIAL
Wall
Signs
Maximu
m Area
Wall Signs
Maximum
Height
Ground
Signs
Maximu
m Area
Ground
Signs
Maximu
m Height
Ground
Signs
Minimu
m
Setback
Window
Signs
Maximum
Area
PERMANENT SIGNS
School/Church 20 8 15 6 8 not
permitte
d
Day Care
(Conditional Use)
8 8 8 6 8 not
permitte
d
Entry Feature Sign not
permitte
d
n/a 20 6 0 not
permitte
d
Sexually Oriented
Business
32 15 not
permitted
not
permitted
not
permitte
d
10
TEMPORARY SIGNS
Development not
permitte
d
n/a 32 8 0 not
permitte
d
Model Home not
permitte
d
n/a 8 6 8 not
permitte
d
Residential For
Sale/For Lease
not
permitte
d
n/a 7 3 0 7
NONRESIDENTIAL
Wall
Signs
Maximu
m Area
Wall
Signs
Maximu
m Height
Ground
Signs
Maximu
m Area
Ground
Signs
Maximu
m Height
Ground
Signs
Minimum
Setback
Window
Signs
Maximum
Area
PERMANENT SIGNS
School, Church, Library 20 8 15 6 8 not
permitted
Development 32 8 32 8 8 not
permitted
Day Care/Nursing Homes 20 8 15 6 8 not
permitted
Office (Admin., Professional) 50 15 50 1
5
8 10
General Commerce (Retail, Restaurant,
Lodging, Consumer Service, Personal
Service, Entertainment, Wholesaling,
Bank, Hospital, Manufacturing,
Research)
80 15 50 1
5
8 10
Joint Identification not
permitted
n/a 80 1
5
8 not
permitted
Service Stations see
§ 153.161(L)
see
§ 153.161(L
)
see
§ 153.161(L
)
TEMPORARY SIGNS
Banners 30 15 30 1
5
0 30
Commercial and Industrial For Sale/For
Lease
see
§ 153.161(F)
see
§ 153.161(F
)
see
§ 153.161(F
)
('80 Code, § 1189.15) (Ord. 66-94, passed 3-20-95) Penalty, see § 153.999
PLANNING 5200 Emerald Parkway Dublin, Ohio 43017 phone 614.410.4600 dublinohiousa.gov
RECORD OF ACTION
Planning & Zoning Commission
Thursday, February 4, 2021 | 6:30 pm
The Planning and Zoning Commission took the following action at this meeting:
5. Temporary Signs
20-098ADMC Administrative Request - Code Amendment
Proposal: Amendments to the City of Dublin Sign Code to comply with all
requirements of the U.S. and Ohio constitutional, statutory, and case law
decisions requiring that sign regulations remain content neutral.
Request: Review and approval of an Administrative Request for a Temporary Sign
Code Amendment under the provisions of Zoning Code Section 153.232
and 153.234.
Applicant: Dana L. McDaniel, City Manager, City of Dublin
Planning Contact: Jennifer M. Rauch, Planning Director
Contact Information: 614.410.4690, jrauch@dublin.oh.us
Case Information: www.dublinohiousa.gov/pzc/20-098
MOTION: Mr. Grimes moved, Ms. Kennedy seconded, to recommend approval to City Council for the
Administrative Request for a Temporary Sign Code Amendment.
VOTE: 7 – 0.
RESULT: The Administrative Request for a Temporary Sign Code Amendment was recommended to City
Council for approval.
RECORDED VOTES:
Jane Fox Yes
Warren Fishman Yes
Kristina Kennedy Yes
Mark Supelak Yes
Rebecca Call Yes
Leo Grimes Yes
Lance Schneier Yes
STAFF CERTIFICATION
____________________________________
Jennifer M. Rauch, Planning Director
DocuSign Envelope ID: 631D616B-A753-4F5B-90DB-4BBB096B5BAE
Planning and Zoning Commission
Meeting Minutes of February 4, 2021
Page 15 of 16
5. Temporary Signs, Administrative Request - Code Amendment, 20-098ADMC
Proposal for Amendments to the City of Dublin Sign Code to comply with all requirements of the U.S. and
Ohio constitutional, statutory, and case law decisions requirin g that temporary sign regulations remain content
neutral.
Staff Presentation
Ms. Rauch stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed and provided feedback on these draft
regulations at their October 1, 2020 meeting. The Commission supported the draft language and requested
minor amendments and additional information regarding the recommended approach to address other
temporary signs. The revised draft includes these revisions. [reviewed minor changes made.]
Commission Questions/Discussion
Ms. Kennedy stated that in Item B, under “Prohibited Sign Locations,” it is stated that they are prohibited in
any utility easement. Do property owners typically know where their utility easements are?
Ms. Rauch responded that they are shown on the property’s plat or plat plan, which are provided to a buyer
at the home purchase closing.
Ms. Kennedy stated that she does not know where hers are located, and she assumes other residents may
have a similar issue.
Ms. Rauch stated that in residential communities, the easements typically are located to the side and rear of
the property, where signs are not placed. If any issue should arise, City Code Enforcement staff would discuss
the issue with the property owner and help them understand where the signs could be placed.
Ms. Call referred to Item I-3, and inquired if eliminating the frontage restriction regarding lots with less than
100 square feet of frontage could ultimately result in an increase in sign clutter.
Mr. Boggs responded that because the restriction is one sign per parcel (Item I-2), all sites, large or small,
are permitted only one sign of the smaller sign. The proposed language will result in a reduction in clutter
based on the permitted size of the signs, if not in number of signs.
Ms. Call inquired about the enforcement of these regulations, when passed, for existing signs on these parcels.
Mr. Boggs responded that these restrictions would apply to temporary signs, and the signs that prompted the
concern about visual clutter are also temporary signs. The duration limits would be applied, along with an
educational component for the property owners regarding the revised Code. Ultimately, if there was not
compliance with the new Code, the enforcement process would be initiated.
Ms. Call inquired when would the new Duration period begin for existing signs.
Mr. Boggs responded that it would begin on the effective date of the ordinance. The reason is that the first
enforcement mechanism is a citation to the Mayor’s court, which is a criminal filing. Criminal law cannot be
applied retroactively.
Mr. Supelak referred to Item I-5 and noted that the language regarding duration needs clarification.
Ms. Rauch responded that the clarification would be made before referral to City Council.
Ms. Call inquired if a front and back sign is counted as one sign, are two sign fronts on a corner with two
frontages on a sign post counted as two signs?
Ms. Rauch responded that the Code indicates that “where a sign has two or more display faces, the area of
all signs shall be included in determining the area, unless the two faces are joined back to back and parallel
to each other and not more than 24 inches part.” The Code clarifies that situation.
Mr. Supelak stated that the 24 inches apart would be either side of a wall. The Commission previously reviewed
such a case, wherein the distance between the signs on either side of a fin wall was greater than 24 inches.
Is there merit to considering a greater distance?
Ms. Call responded that she believes there is less concern about the distance between two signs on each side
of a wall than about two, parallel signs.
Planning and Zoning Commission
Meeting Minutes of February 4, 2021
Page 16 of 16
Mr. Supelak responded that 24 inches would likely be applicable to a large monument sign.
Ms. Call stated that she would have no objection to 24 inches, as the applicant also has the option of submitting
a Master Sign Plan application for signage that exceeds Code requirements.
[Consensus of the Commission was to retain the 24-inch stipulation.]
Ms. Fox inquired if the proposed Code would address drive-thru menu boards.
Mr. Boggs responded that the proposed changes focus only on temporary signs. The signs to which she is
referring are permanent sign fixtures.
Ms. Fox stated that she understands that issue was not addressed in this revision. It is unfortunate, however,
that property owners must apply for an Amended Development Agreement, when we recognize that
technology has advanced to the point that most sites now have m enu boards incorporating higher technology.
When could that issue be addressed?
Ms. Rauch stated that this question warrants greater discussion, as in many cases, those are Development
Text requirements, not just a Code requirement. We can schedule that topic for a future discussion.
Mr. Boggs pointed out that Development Text issues could be handled as Minor Text Modifications, and be
administratively approved.
Ms. Kennedy referred to Item M-4 and inquired if simple birthday celebration signs would exceed the size
limitations.
Mr. Supelak stated that because such signs are placed for approximately 24 hours, they would be gone before
enforcement could transpire.
Mr. Boggs concurred. From a practical enforcement perspective, the City’s resources are finite, and must be
marshalled toward priority issues. In addition, the type of sign to which she refers is truly temporary. If it
were in place for a period of time and drew Code Enforcement’s attention, the Code Enforcement Officer first
would make an attempt to contact the property owner and advise them of the issue. There are multiple
opportunities to voluntarily comply before enforcement ensues.
Ms. Call stated that for clarity purposes, regardless of the content of the sign, the issue is that of a sign being
placed on a residential property for a short time duration.
Public Comments
No comments were received on the case.
Mr. Grimes moved, Ms. Kennedy seconded a recommendation for City Council approval of the Code
Amendment regarding Temporary Signs.
Vote: Mr. Fishman, yes; Ms. Fox, yes; Ms. Call, yes; Mr. Supelak, yes; Mr. Grimes, yes; Mr. Schneier, yes;
Ms. Kennedy, yes.
[Motion carried 7-0.]
COMMUNICATIONS
The next regular meeting of PZC is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Thursday, February 18, 2021.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 p.m.
Rebecca Call
Chair, Planning and Zoning Commission
Judith K. Beal
Assistant Clerk of Council
PLANNING 5200 Emerald Parkway Dublin, Ohio 43017 phone 614.410.4600 dublinohiousa.gov
RECORD OF ACTION
Planning & Zoning Commission
Thursday, October 1, 2020 | 6:30 pm
The Planning and Zoning Commission took the following action at this meeting:
2. Temporary Sign Code Update
20-098ADMC Administrative Request – Code Amendment
Proposal: Update the City of Dublin Sign Code to comply with all requirements of
the U.S. and Ohio constitutional, statutory, and case law decisions
requiring that sign regulations remain content neutral.
Request: Review and recommendation of approval to City Council for proposed
amendments to the Zoning Code under the provisions of Zoning Code
Sections 153.232 and 153.234.
Applicant: Dana L. McDaniel, City Manager, City of Dublin
Planning Contact: Jennifer M. Rauch, AICP, Planning Director
Contact Information: 614.410.4690, jrauch@dublin.oh.us
Case Information: www.dublinohiousa.gov/pzc/20-098
MOTION: Ms. Kennedy moved, Mr. Grimes seconded, to table the request.
VOTE: 7 – 0.
RESULT: The Temporary Sign Code Update was tabled.
RECORDED VOTES:
Jane Fox Yes
Warren Fishman Yes
Kristina Kennedy Yes
Mark Supelak Yes
Rebecca Call Yes
Leo Grimes Yes
Lance Schneier Yes
STAFF CERTIFICATION
_____________________________________
Jennifer M. Rauch, AICP, Planning Director
DocuSign Envelope ID: 80583730-CE56-4399-ACF5-91FE98D93D7D
Planning and Zoning Commission
Meeting Minutes of October 1, 2020
Page 3 of 12
Ms. Call referred to Item C-7a, which states, “A building under active construction/renovation and
having a valid building permit(s) at the time of initial inspection shall be exempt from enforcement
procedures until the expiration of the longest running, currently active building permit.” What are the
regulations for how long a building permit can be active or extended, and therefore, qualify for this
exemption?
Ms. Noble responded that a building permit is valid for 12 months. The intent is to be flexible with that
requirement, as long as progress is occurring.
Mr. Boggs stated that the property owner could obtain a building permit with the intention of completing
repairs, but then encounter issues causing the work to languish. Staff will provide clarity to the language
of C-7a in regard to “active construction.”
Mr. Supelak noted that the building permit process is sufficiently expensive and cumbersome to deter
this type of issue.
Mr. Fishman inquired how the requirement for securing windows with glass would impact Code
Enforcement, if they are responsible for that securing.
Mr. Boggs responded that Code Enforcement would bill the property owner for the costs.
Mr. Schneier stated that he is concerned about attempting to limit the opportunity to take advantage of
the system, which probably would be an exception. Trying to legislate that could cause the City to over-
reach and run the risk of being arbitrary. Trying to define “active” could be subject to various
interpretations, and attempting to limit it requires too much specificity in the Code. Rather than
attempting to write it to address the current issue with the Monterey Drive duplexes, perhaps the
language should address more common situations. There are situations where well-meaning efforts can
be caught up in a regulatory morass.
Ms. Call stated that the changes that have been requested are to Item C-3a regarding materials to
secure vacant materials; Item C-3l modifying the compliance language for Accessory Structures;
clarification/tightening of the exemption language in 3-7a regarding “active” building permits; and C-7a
removal of a different duration for “for sale” and “for lease” properties.
Ms. Noble stated that she has clear direction as to the modifications the Commission has requested.
Ms. Fox inquired about the advisability of adding language that would permit the City to enter a building
in the case of numerous citations that could indicate an internal issue exists, as well.
Mr. Boggs stated that this Code amendment addresses exterior public nuisance conditions. The City
would not enter a property without the existence of an immediate emergency or obtaining a Court
warrant to do so. Although the number of citations is not germane to the issue, the City’s Code would
be helpful in pursuing authorization to enter.
Mr. Supelak moved, Mr. Grimes seconded to forward to City Council the proposed amendment to Section
153.076 of the City of Dublin Zoning Code (Property Maintenance) as revised with a recommendation of
approval.
Vote: Mr. Fishman, yes; Ms. Kennedy, yes; Mr. Grimes, yes; Ms. Fox, yes; Mr. Supelak, yes; Ms. Call, yes;
Mr. Schneier, yes.
[Motion passed 7-0]
2. Temporary Sign Code Update, 20-098ADMC, Administrative – Code Amendment
Ms. Call stated that this is a request for review and recommendation of approval to City Council for an
update to Zoning Code Section 153.150 – Temporary Signs, to comply with all requirements of the U.S.
Planning and Zoning Commission
Meeting Minutes of October 1, 2020
Page 4 of 12
and Ohio constitutional, statutory, and case law decisions requiring that sign regulations remain content
neutral.
Staff Presentation
Ms. Rauch stated the Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed and provided feedback on the draft
regulations at their August 20, 2020 meeting. The Commission requested clarification/modifications
regarding development period signs, non-residential for sale/lease signs, construction fence details,
temporary sign material standards, and removal of sandwich board signs. The revised draft includes the
following revisions: (1) language added that sign materials should be commensurate with the sign’s
duration; (2) sign inspections should occur on a regular basis based on the approval/validity timeframes;
(3 parameters added for construction fencing sign permit, timeframe and location; (4) clarification that
development period signs are limited to one per site; and (5) clarification added regarding non-residential
for sale/leasing period signs. In regard to the development period signs, a total of 13 existing signs were
identified, including 6 single-family, 2 multi-family and 5 commercial. Only one of those is within the Bridge
Street District, and only three sites have two signs on one parcel. In regard to non-residential for sale/lease
signs, 132 signs exist, the majority of which are 32 square feet.
Public Comment
No public comment was received regarding this case.
Commission Discussion
Ms. Call inquired how many non-residential for sale/lease properties have multiple signs on one parcel.
Ms. Rauch responded that she does not have that number, but the recommendation is that only sign per
parcel be permitted.
Ms. Fox suggested that the lot frontage be increased to at least 200 feet for the smaller non-residential for
sale/lease signs.
Mr. Grimes inquired if the electronic listing of available commercial properties is provided at the City’s
website.
Ms. Rauch responded that Ms. Gilger, the City’s Economic Development Director, indicates that although
there is an electronic listing, businesses and property owners need the option of a physical sign on the site,
as well.
Mr. Grimes inquired if the frontage for these signs should be increased to be greater than 200 feet before
a larger sign would be permitted.
Mr. Schneier stated if the frontage were to be increased, there should be some basis for whatever amount
is specified.
Mr. Fishman stated that there is a significant amount of sign clutter. Smaller signs of quality materials are
preferable.
Ms. Kennedy referred to the Section 153.150 Purpose statement that, “The purpose of this subchapter is
to protect the general health, safety, morals and welfare of the community by providing an instrument for
protecting the physical appearance of the community and for encouraging high quality, effective outdoor
graphics for the purposes of navigation, information and identification.” Is there another section that
addresses inappropriate sign language?
Mr. Boggs stated that swear or vulgar language is protected under the First Amendment. It is not considered
obscene unless it depicts a sexual activity. The City is legally prohibited from restricting crude language.
Ms. Kennedy referred to Section 153.55, Permanent Signs Not Requiring a Permit, (E) Residential
Information Signs, which, “…display information necessary for the safety and convenience of residents and
Planning and Zoning Commission
Meeting Minutes of October 1, 2020
Page 5 of 12
visitors, such as ‘Beware of Dog,’ and ‘No Trespassing’.” It appears there is no oversight of the language
used, and no permit is required.
Mr. Boggs responded that the Reed v. Town of Gilbert, AZ decision addressed the legality of temporary
sign regulations, not permanent signs; however, it is safe to assume the analysis would be the same in
regard to content or viewpoint.
Mr. Schneier referred to the term “morals,” used in the Purpose statement, which is probably a vestige
from a prior time. Perhaps that term should not be used in the Code update, as the City has no right to
regulate the morality of Dublin residents or their signs. He would suggest eliminating any language that
appears to regulate conduct or behavior.
Mr. Boggs agreed that the term likely is a vestige from the time in which a morality type of legislation was
permitted; however, it is not a direction that current First Amendment jurisprudence has taken. The word
can be removed without impacting the remaining language.
Mr. Supelak referred to Section 153.158(O), which states: “(7) Duration. All of the permitted signs are
limited to a period of four months.” That amount of time seems broad for this category.
Ms. Fox inquired if these regulations are for residential signs as well as commercial signs. Although the
content cannot be controlled, can the number and duration be controlled?
Mr. Boggs responded that the challenge is that even content-neutral time, place and manner restrictions
must be narrowly tailored to significant government interests and allow ample alternative avenues for
communication. Four months is a duration period; it is not content-based and applies equally; it should be
the same for number and size. All requirements must be justifiable as being in the municipality’s interest,
i.e. protecting the residential character of its neighborhoods; avoiding visual clutter; or interference with
traffic or communications. Four months could be considered an aggressive requirement. Some signs can
be dealt with under the Permanent Sign Code, rather than the Temporary Sign Code.
Ms. Call stated that the language states that there can be up to two temporary signs on a lot or parcel.
There is no differentiation for a 5-acre lot/parcel versus several .12-acre lots within a neighborhood. How
can the right of homeowners to place signs on their property be balanced against the need not to encourage
clutter?
Mr. Boggs responded that even if the requirement is based upon frontage, speech cannot be based upon
an economic variable; it could be construed as having an impact on disfavored groups. That is the reason
an absolute number has been chosen.
Mr. Supelak requested clarification regarding sign placement on trees. Section (O)(6) states: “Placement.
Are not to be affixed to any public utility, pole, tree, or natural object, are not located within a public right-
of-way, and do not create a safety or visibility hazard.” There is a need to avoid ambiguity. There are cases
within the City neighborhoods that we do not want to proliferate across the City.
Ms. Fox inquired if the Temporary Sign Code addresses political signs as an allowed use, as they should
not be limited.
Mr. Boggs responded that a political sign category is not permitted by the Reed decision. Court has stated
that political speech must be protected; however, Reed states that distinctions based on content are
prohibited. Every non-commercial sign must receive the same treatment as a political sign; therefore, no
distinction can be made for political signs.
Ms. Fox stated that if so, only two political signs would be permitted.
Mr. Boggs inquired if the number of two was carried over from the previous Code, or a new proposal.
Ms. Rauch responded that she believes it is a carryover.
Mr. Boggs responded that he would not vouch for two as being the right number, but would provide a
written opinion, which could help in determining the right number.
Ms. Call referred to (I) Non-residential Sale or Leasing Period Signs., which permits a 32-square-foot sign
for parcels with 100+ feet of frontage. Adjacent properties could object to that amount of frontage being
Planning and Zoning Commission
Meeting Minutes of October 1, 2020
Page 6 of 12
taken up by a sign and drawing attention from their business signs. She would be in favor of limiting the
sign to 16 square feet for up to 200 feet of frontage; for frontage 200 feet or greater, a 32-square foot
sign could be permitted. For a typical nonresidential parcel with 100 feet of frontage and lot coverage of
50-60 percent, what size building and permanent sign would be anticipated? A temporary sign should not
be larger than the permitted permanent sign.
Ms. Rauch stated the maximum size permitted a ground sign would be 50 square feet. That is not based
on the site frontage, so 32 square feet would be less than what a permanent ground sign is permitted.
Ms. Call stated that a for sale/lease sign would be in addition to the permanent sign for an existing building
however. She inquired fellow Commissioners’ opinions.
Ms. Fox stated that the intent is to reduce visual clutter but not to reduce the ability for a property owner
to have a for sale/lease sign. Her suggestion would be to reduce the size of the sign to 16 square feet, and
not be based upon the amount of frontage. In addition, the property owner is permitted only one of three
sign options.
Ms. Call inquired if a large parcel, such as Cardinal Health, should be limited to 16-square-foot signs.
Although that site has two frontages, 55-70 mph traffic passes it quickly.
Ms. Fox stated that the large signs on commercial sites along I-270 are not an issue; the problem is with
the commercial sites on arterial streets.
Consensus of Commission members was to reduce the size from 32 square feet to 16 square feet for
nonresidential for sale/lease signs.
Ms. Fox referred to Section 153.151 – Permit Required, which states that “…Fees may be paid by cash,
check, or money order.” That sentence should be deleted.
Ms. Rauch suggested that this item be tabled to permit staff to make the requested changes and provide
the additional information discussed; the revised amendment would be scheduled at a future meeting for
the Commission’s recommendation.
Ms. Kennedy moved, Mr. Grimes seconded to table the proposed amendment to Section 153.050 of the
City of Dublin Zoning Code (Temporary Signs).
Vote: Ms. Fox, yes; Mr. Fishman, yes; Ms. Kennedy, yes; Mr. Schneier, yes; Mr. Grimes, yes; Mr. Supelak,
yes; Ms. Call, yes.
[Motion passed 7-0]
INFORMAL DISCUSSIONS
3. Residential Development Standards, Administrative
Ms. Call stated that this is a continuation of an informal discussion regarding recent trends in residential
developments pertaining to lot sizes, side yard setbacks, lot coverage, and density.
Staff Presentation
Ms. Husak stated that this is a continuation of the Commission’s August 20 discussion on Residential
Development Standards. Staff has had difficulty finding the requested development standards for
neighboring or regional communities. Therefore, this discussion will focus on the City of Dublin. One
remaining developable area where development could occur is north of US33. There is a significant
amount of vacancy in that area, and staff frequently receives inquiries regarding the type of development
acceptable there. Several pages of the Community Plan, including a map of the Southwest Area, were
provided in the meeting packet. Development in that area is difficult, as there are plans for the future
extension of Tuttle Crossing Boulevard to the west. Although that project is not programmed in the
PLANNING 5200 Emerald Parkway Dublin, Ohio 43017 phone 614.410.4600 dublinohiousa.gov
RECORD OF ACTION
Planning & Zoning Commission
Thursday, August 20, 2020 | 6:30 pm
The Planning and Zoning Commission took the following action at this meeting:
2. Sign Code Update
20-098ADMC Administrative Review Code
Proposal: An amendment to Sections 153.150-153.164 of the City of Dublin Zoning
Code to provide regulations for temporary sign requirements.
Request: Review and recommendation of approval to City Council.
Applicant: Dana L. McDaniel, City Manager, City of Dublin
Planning Contact: Jennifer Rauch, AICP, Planning Manager
Contact Information: 614.410.4690, jrauch@dublin.oh.us
Case Information: www.dublinohiousa.gov/pzc/20-098
MOTION: Ms. Kennedy moved, Mr. Grimes seconded, to table the proposed amendment to the City of
Dublin Zoning Code Section regulations, for temporary sign requirements.
VOTE: 7 – 0.
RESULT: The Sign Code Updates were tabled.
RECORDED VOTES:
Jane Fox Yes
Warren Fishman Yes
Kristina Kennedy Yes
Mark Supelak Yes
Rebecca Call Yes
Leo Grimes Yes
Lance Schneier Yes
STAFF CERTIFICATION
_____________________________________
Jennifer Rauch, AICP, Planning Manager
DocuSign Envelope ID: 795407B2-65FA-4B60-8A00-96AC91A106B2
Planning and Zoning Commission
Meeting Minutes of August 20, 2020
Page 2 of 15
CASE
2. Sign Code Update, 20-098ADMC, Administrative Review
Ms. Call stated that this is a request for a recommendation of approval to City Council for an
amendment to Sections 153.150-153.164 of the City of Dublin Zoning Code to provide regulations
for temporary sign requirements.
Staff Presentation
Ms. Rauch stated that this discussion is for the purpose of reviewing a proposed amendment to
the Temporary Sign section of the City’s Sign Code. There is need to modify the Code to be
aligned with the recent Supreme Court decision regarding the recent Reed v. Town of Gilbert, AZ
case concerning temporary sign regulations. Per that decision, temporary sign regulations cannot
limit the particular message on a sign or differentiate between temporary noncommercial signs,
based on their content. They can focus only on time, place, and manner, such as number of signs,
height, sign location, lighting, and time restriction for a particular sign. Draft temporary sign
regulations have been developed that align with the Reed v. Gilbert decision; no changes to the
permanent Sign Code are proposed. The Community Development Committee (CDC) reviewed
an initial draft amendment on November 6, 2019 and, based on their direction, the draft was
reviewed and discussed by the Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) and Architectural Review
Board (ARB) at a joint meeting on June 4, 2020. That feedback was incorporated and an updated
draft was provided to the ARB on August 12, 2020. That draft included modifications to the non-
residential for sale or leasing period signs; clarifications to color requirements and duration
requirements added where needed; and revised regulations to permit sandwich board signs City-
wide. Research also was conducted to ascertain other communities’ regulations regarding
nonresidential signage, and input was obtained from the City’s Economic Development
Department. ARB reviewed the proposed changes, and with some minor modifications and
clarifications, made a recommendation of approval to the Commission. Ms. Rauch noted that the
first group of pages in the draft provides the complete set of Code Definitions; the Regulations
begin on page 45.
Commission Review
Commission members reviewed the modifications made to the Temporary Sign Code, and
requested the following additional modifications to Section 153.158 in the following categories:
(A) Banners – Language that has been added: that “Banners are permitted…during the time
between permanent sign permit approval and installation,” and in regard to Size and Height, that
such signs shall be limited to 30 square feet in area, and if located on the building, it cannot be
located higher than 15 feet to the top of the banner.”
(C) Construction Trailer Signs – Language added: that “Decorative inserts or wraps on
construction or site fencing are not considered a sign.”
(D) Development Period Signs – Clarification language added regarding number and timeframe.
Under the “Duration” section, as it is currently written, the time period cannot exceed one year.
For this sign type, if a longer period is needed, it would be necessary to apply for and obtain an
annual extension. This section also states that in residential subdivisions, development signs shall
be removed when 75% of the lots in the subdivision have received certificate of occupancy.
Planning and Zoning Commission
Meeting Minutes of August 20, 2020
Page 3 of 15
Mr. Fishman noted that some of these signs tend to become permanent; there is one such sign
on Avery Road.
Ms. Fox responded that if there is not an active permit authorizing it to exist in that location, such
a sign would be an enforcement matter. At what point would the City not continue to approve
renewal of the temporary sign?
Ms. Rauch responded that if the development had not reached 75%, the developer would be
permitted to have the sign.
Mr. Boggs noted that for any new types of signs that do not exist in the current Temporary Sign
Code, the enforcement component has not yet be determined. Because the City’s existing Code
is more content based, the goal is to bring it into compliance with the Reed ruling.
Ms. Call inquired if members had any feedback on the size requirements.
Ms. Rauch noted that the members had requested that this temporary sign type not be permitted
to be a greater size than the permanent sign, and this size, 32-square-feet in area and eight feet
in height, is less than the 50-square-foot threshold for a permanent ground sign.
Ms. Fox suggested that the requirements be beta tested against a condominium development in
an urban, higher density setting. In the past, these signs have been used in single-family housing
development.
Ms. Call noted that there are many streets within a condominium complex, and the Code permits
a 32-square-foot sign on each of the street frontages. If there were many streets, there could be
many signs.
Ms. Fox stated that she would advocate for beta testing in the worst-case scenario.
Mr. Fishman stated that not only the size and number, but the material quality also can be an
issue in urban areas. After a year, a fiberboard sign has been affected by the weather and is a
poor reflection of Dublin.
Ms. Rauch stated the upkeep of the signs could be considered on a case-by-case basis. Because
these signs are intended to be temporary, it would not be advisable to require the use of
expensive materials. The language regarding material quality can be revised in a balanced
manner, so as not to make the sign costs onerous for the developer.
Mr. Fishman responded that a little better sign quality would reduce the amount of Code
Enforcement required.
Ms. Call stated that if beta testing is applied here for the development period signs, staff could
identify any instances in which the proposed terms should be revised.
Mr. Schneier noted that “development period sign” is defined, but it is does not relate specifically
to residential signs. Does the definition need to be changed?
Ms. Rauch stated that the language does specify that approval is for a year in residential
subdivisions; this is consistent with the current Code.
Mr. Supelak noted that the proposed requirements seem to be app ropriate for a single commercial
parcel that has street frontages, but in a residential development with many parcels, could there
be a proliferation of signs? Is the language adequate?
Mr. Boggs responded that first there must be an active building permit for the development. This
language was designed to address a single large development on a single parcel. Is the question
Planning and Zoning Commission
Meeting Minutes of August 20, 2020
Page 4 of 15
related to whether a residential subdivision with 100 parcels would be permitted to have a sign
for each parcel?
Mr. Supelak responded that there is some confusion as to whether this requirement is addressing
a single parcel or a residential subdivision. There are many street frontages in a residential
subdivision, but it is not desirable to have a sign on every parcel with street frontage.
Mr. Boggs stated that the initial intent of this sign type was not for individual parcels within a
developing residential subdivision, but for an approved PUD. A building in the process of a
remodel also can have a temporary sign reflecting the name of the remodeling company
performing the work. The language can be revised to provide more specificity and clarification
regarding multi-unit buildings. The purpose of these regulations is to address the concerns of
visual clutter, ensuring traffic sign visibility and community aesthetics. It can also address general
quality and repair issues associated with all the temporary sign types.
Mr. Supelak inquired if the requirements could be tethered appropriately to the sign type’s
Duration period. The materials appropriate for a 30-day sign, perhaps located under awning,
would be different from those for a sign that must remain in good repair for a year in a more
exposed setting.
Ms. Call suggested altering the time period from one year to six months for this sign type with a
required inspection to renew. Having a minimum standard that ma tched the Duration would avoid
the need for a matrix.
Ms. Fox responded it is not likely six months would be sufficient time for a developer to sell all
the homes in a subdivision. The Commission’s goal is to reduce sign clutter and improve
maintenance of the signs. She would prefer to avoid additional parameters and re-inspections.
We can state the general intent and objective, and use a Code Enforcement process to ensure
the signs are not ignored. She would like to achieve the desired goal without making the Code
more complex.
Mr. Supelak stated he is not advocating for a matrix, but the Duration periods for all the temporary
sign types are different. Provid ing quality specifics for each sign type would be difficult. He would
suggest adding general language applicable to all the sign types, such as, “the materials selected
must be commensurate with the Duration associated with the sign type.” General, broad-brush
language could tether the materials and the Duration for all the temporary sign types.
Mr. Grimes stated that there could be a hybrid development, both commercial and residential.
This section should be applicable to both types of development.
Mr. Fishman stated that the number of signs permitted in a resi dential development has not been
clarified.
Ms. Call responded that the proposed Code allows one 32–square-foot sign for each 100 feet of
street frontage. The language should be applicable to dedicated streets.
Mr. Boggs stated that the language in (4) states 100 feet of fr ontage on each of two public rights-
of-way. Until the street has been dedicated and accepted, it is not a public right-of-way. As a
practical manner, the required sequence of events for construction of roads per Engineering
standards, inspection and acceptance as a public right-of-way, then home construction and
occupancy approval may prevent sign clutter. Staff will not issue sign permits until the
requirements for public streets have been met.
Staff will prepare revised language reflective of the Commission’s direction.
Planning and Zoning Commission
Meeting Minutes of August 20, 2020
Page 5 of 15
(E) Garage or Yard Sale Period Signs – Added under Size, Height that “such signs are provided
by the City and shall be limited to two square feet in area and one foot in height,” and under
Duration, that the sign must be erected within 24 hours before a garage or yard sale and removed
not later than two hours after the garage sale has ended.
[The Commission made no additional changes.]
(G) Model Home Period Sign. In (2) Location. “Shall be located only on the lot or parcel where
homes are being constructed;” and in (5) “Duration. Shall be permitted during any period when
an approved residential development is under construction, until such time as the subdivision or
development is complete or the model home is discontinued.”
[The Commission made no additional changes.]
(H) Non-residential Sale or Leasing Period Signs.
- In (2), that One sign is permitted per parcel, either ground, wall, or window;
- In (3) Size, Height, that “Ground-mounted signs are limited to 32 square feet in area and
8 feet in height. Wall signs shall be limited to 16 square feet in area with a maximum
height of 15 feet to the top of the sign; Window signs shall not exceed 10% of the total
window area of the establishment or 6 square feet, whichever is less;”
- In (5) Duration, “Such signs shall be permitted for 30 number of days contiguously and
no more than 90 total days in a calendar year;” and
- In (6) “Materials/Design, such signs shall be professionally designed and constructed.
Plywood and cardboard are not permitted materials.”
The Commission requested “contiguously” be revised to “continuously.” They also requested that
the Size and Height requirement for ground-mounted signs revert to the previous requirement,
to be based upon the amount of street frontage. Staff clarified that the enforcement aspect is
generated from a digitally maintained list of issuance/expiration dates of the sign permits.
Regarding the suggestion to place the permit issuance/expiration date on the face of the sign,
Mr. Boggs stated that it is important not to infringe upon the right of the sign holder. If only a
certain message area is permitted, it should not also be required to include a City message. In
practice, it could also look busier and detract from the desired aesthetics, which would be
counterproductive. The automated permit list should be sufficient for tracking purposes.
(I) Residential Sale or Leasing Period Sign.
A Duration period has been added indicating that such signs are permitted during any period
when any premise or part thereof is actively offered for sale or lease, and removed no later than
30 days after the premises or part thereof is occupied by a new owner or tenant.
[The Commission made no additional changes.]
(J) Sandwich Board Signs.
At PZC and ARB’s request, this new section was added under Temporary Signs. These
requirements are consistent with those proposed in the Historic District Code update.
Per discussion, Commission consensus was that permitting sandwich board signs throughout the
City would defeat the purpose of reducing sign clutter. The use of sandwich board signs should
continue to be permitted only within the Bridge Street and Historic Districts, due to their more
urban pedestrian environments. The proposed language will not be included in the Temporary
Signs section.
Planning and Zoning Commission
Meeting Minutes of August 20, 2020
Page 6 of 15
Ms. Rauch stated that no changes were made in the remaining sections of the Code.
Commission consensus was to add parameters and a permitting process to Construction Trailer
Banner Signs.
Public Comments
There were no public comments.
Commission Discussion
The Commission thanked Ms. Rauch and Planning staff for incorporating the Commission’s
feedback into the revised Temporary Sign Code section, which they believe will address the sign
clutter.
Ms. Rauch stated that the additional changes requested tonight would be incorporated into a final
draft and provided to the Commission at a future meeting for final review and recommendation
to Council.
Ms. Kennedy moved, Mr. Grimes seconded to table the proposed amendment to the City of Dublin
Zoning Code Sections 153.150-153.164 regulations for temporary sign requirements.
Vote: Ms. Call, yes; Mr. Grimes, yes; Ms. Fox, yes; Mr. Fishman, yes; Mr. Supelak, yes; Mr.
Schneier, yes; Ms. Kennedy, yes.
[Motion passed 7-0]
1. Property Maintenance Code Update, 20-097ADMC, Informal Review
Ms. Call stated that this is a request for Informal Review and feedback for an amendment to
Section 153.076 of the City of Dublin Zoning Code, which provides regulations for enforcement
procedures and additional property maintenance.
Staff Presentation
Ms. Noble provided an overview. On February 18, 2020, the Public Services Committee reviewed
the property maintenance topic, and recommended that Council approve an update of the City
Code to incorporate the 2018 International Property Maintenance Code. The Committee also
recommended that other options be considered by PZC and ARB, as they deal with property
maintenance zoning regulations. On April 13, 2020, Council passed Ordinance 09-20, adopting
the 2018 International Property Maintenance Code, and at a joint meeting on June 4, 2020, the
Planning and Zoning Commission and the Architectural Review Board discussed property
maintenance and nuisance abatement regulations. The members discussed options for improving
the City’s current property maintenance regulations and potentially adding additional methods,
such as registration requirements or bonding requirements. Members recommended that
regulations to address some continuing issues be included in a future Code modification,
specifically: a more definitive enforcement process that includes escalating enforcement
measures; a definition for vacant properties; and regulations for securing residential and
commercial properties. In response to that direction, staff has drafted Code regulations for the
Commission’s consideration.
PLANNING 5800 Shier Rings Road Dublin, Ohio 43016 phone 614.410.4600 dublinohiousa.gov
RECORD OF DISCUSSION
Planning & Zoning Commission
Architectural Review Board
Thursday, June 4, 2020 | 6:30 pm
The Planning and Zoning Commission and the Architectural Review Board took the following action at this
meeting:
2. Sign Code Update
20-098ADMC Informal Review
Proposal: Informal discussion regarding Ohio constitutional, statutory, and case
law decisions requiring that sign regulations remain content neutral.
Request: Review and recommendation regarding proposed amendments to the
Zoning Code under the provisions of Zoning Code Sections 153.232 and
153.234.
Applicant: Dana L. McDaniel, City Manager
Planning Contact: Jennifer M. Rauch, AICP, Planning Director
Contact Information: 614.410.4690, jrauch@dublin.oh.us
Case Information: www.dublinohiousa.gov/pzc/20-098
RESULT: The Planning and Zoning Commission and the Architectural Review Board provided feedback
on a draft Zoning Code amendment revising the temporary sign regulations. The Board and
Commission members were supportive of the draft amendments with a request for several
additional changes to the sign requirements. The members recommended more stringent
restrictions for Non-Residential Sale or Leasing Period Signs including duration, location, and
number of signs. The members requested staff also revisit the duration and color
requirements for all temporary signs to ensure consistency and appropriateness throughout
the draft ordinance. Staff will revise the draft Code based on the feedback and plan to bring
forward amendments to the Board and Commission for formal review and recommendation at
a future meeting.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Jane Fox Yes
Warren Fishman Yes
Kristina Kennedy Yes
Mark Supelak Yes
Rebecca Call Yes
Leo Grimes Yes
Lance Scheiner Yes
Gary Alexander Yes
Kathleen Bryan Yes
Amy Kramb Yes STAFF CERTIFICATION
Sean Cotter Yes
Frank Kownacki Yes
_____________________________________
Jennifer M. Rauch, AICP
Planning Director
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Joint Planning and Zoning Commission/Architectural Review Board
Meeting Minutes of June 4, 2020
Page 8 of 13
desire of the bodies, however. The Board of Health addresses number of animals and interior health and
sanitation issues, and the issue of the public peace is addressed by a section of the Ohio Revised Code. A
number of felony drug offenses and solicitation of prostitution on a property are addressed with State Code.
Several years ago, a hotel in Dublin was sued on that basis and ultimately closed down.
Ms. Fox stated that if an issue is already in the Property Maintenance Code, it would seem that it could be
pointed out in the City’s Code as specific expectations.
Mr. Jones stated that everything in the International Property Maintenance Code is for the continued
maintenance of property, such as chipped or peeling paint. It is not because of the aesthetics of paint; it is
because not having the proper coating on the exterior of the structure will cause the wood to rot. Everything
that is in the Property Maintenance Code is specific to maintenance, not aesthetics, per se. Nuisance
regulations cover issues that are for the public health, safety and welfare.
Mr. Supelak stated that during the economic downturn a few years ago, a partially completed steel structure
set back off SR 33 sat in that condition for some time. It eventually was completed and is now Sunrise of
Dublin. That type of situation should be part of this consideration.
Ms. Call inquired if the staff had sufficient input to proceed.
Ms. Noble responded that staff does have sufficient input to do so.
2. Sign Code Update, 20-098ADMC, Informal Review
Ms. Call stated that this is a request for an informal discussion regarding an Ohio constitutional, statutory
and case law decision requiring that sign regulations remain content neutral.
Staff Presentation
Ms. Rauch stated that this discussion is for the purpose of addressing only the temporary sign component
of the City’s sign code. There is need to modify the City’s Code to be aligned with a recent Supreme Court
decision regarding sign content. Mr. Boggs will provide the presentation.
Mr. Boggs stated the case to which we are referring is that of Reed versus the Town of Gilbert, a case
decided by the Supreme Court in 2015. In that case, the town was treating temporary, non-commercial
signs differently based on their content. Directional signs, ideological and political signs were regulated
differently. There were a dozen different classifications based on the content of the sign. The Supreme
Court said that under the First Amendment, the government could not make content-based distinctions,
unless they could satisfy strict scrutiny. Strict scrutiny is often referred to as being strict in theory and fatal
in fact. In the municipal law world, the consensus was that the vast majority, if not all, local sign codes
probably ran afoul of this decision. It can be difficult to address because there are classifications, even if
not content-based, that are important. For sale signs for homes are different than garage sale signage. The
proposed revisions provided for consideration tonight have been revised to not deal with content but with
time. Time, place and manner restrictions are more easily justified under the First Amendment. The Reed
v. Gilbert case probably has not been applied as expansively in the issue of signs as it has been in other
areas related to speech. For instance, First Amendment protecti on has been extended to panhandling based
on the theories espoused in the Reed case, but there have not been expansions of Reed in the sign realm
at the Supreme Court level or even in the circuit level, which has regional jurisdiction for Ohio, in the five
years since the Reed case was decided. The Community Development Committee (CDC) discussed this on
November 6, 2019 and requested that this topic be brought to PZC and ARB, because they are involved in
sign regulation. The effort has been made to remove content-based distinctions while maintaining a
framework within which to regulate signage, reserving the City’s ability to provide wayfinding, avoid visual
clutter, maintain rights-of-way free of unwanted signage and to address specific problems, such as
temporary signs that are not temporary.
Joint Planning and Zoning Commission/Architectural Review Board
Meeting Minutes of June 4, 2020
Page 9 of 13
Ms. Call stated that for clarification purposes, the discussion would focus on Code Section 153.159
exclusively.
Ms. Rauch responded that is the most applicable portion of this draft. The definitions, located at the
beginning, have been modified. There is also Section 153.157, which contains general requirements that
relate to location, design and color.
Ms. Fox stated that Council identified the need for a discussion about temporary signs during an earlier
discussion regarding the large commercial signs that remain in place indefinitely. Today, on Frantz Road,
there are 14 such signs between Rings Road and SR161. That is the primary concern today, and she believes
that is where the discussion should begin.
Ms. Rauch stated that on page 13, under “H,” non-residential sale or leasing signage is addressed. Included
are size and location limitations. They are primarily consistent with the existing Code, except that a duration
period has been added, per the CDC discussion. The proposed language is that the signage can be displayed
no more than 180 days in a calendar year, and should be removed with 14 days of sale, rental or lease.
This issue has been discussed for many years, but it is challenging to address due to the regular turnover
of tenants in a commercial building.
Ms. Kramb inquired if it is possible to strengthen the requirements about the location of the signs. Property
owners will often remove a sign for one day, and then re-locate it on the property for another 180 days. Is
it possible to require that only one sign located anywhere on a parcel be permitted only 180 days?
Ms. Call stated that it should be a total of 180 days, even if separated into two 90-day time spans; the clock
does not re-set to zero for the second time span.
Mr. Supelak stated that it is important to address this in a way in which the regulation cannot be “gamed.”
Ms. Call suggested modifying the language to, “signage may be displayed on the parcel for up to 180 days.”
Ms. Kramb responded that language would address the issue.
Ms. Fox stated that size and time periods need to be addressed for commercial leasing signs. She would
suggest no more than four occurrences in a year, and not necessarily consecutive. The proposed language
in H suggests a 16-square-foot window sign, which is larger than the Code typically permits. Another
question is if a 24-square-foot frontage sign is permitted, why is a window sign needed, as well?
Ms. Call stated that she would prefer to limit it to one sign – either a window sign or a frontage sign.
Ms. Kramb stated that she would prefer that it be limited to one sign per parcel.
Ms. Call stated that she would probably offer one sign per parcel up to a certain number of square feet. For
a property as large as Cardinal Health, an entire block of property, something larger and perhaps two signs,
should be considered. There is no reason for a single commercial property to have more than one sign.
Ms. Kennedy inquired if staff conducted a study to confirm consistency of this requirement with neighboring
communities.
Mr. Boggs responded that he does not believe many of the neighboring communities have attempted to
address these issues.
Ms. Rauch stated that she would need to check to see if benchmarking against other communities occurred,
but she believes staff modified the City’s existing Code. However, as staff proceeds with this modification
effort, they could look at the surrounding jurisdictions.
Mr. Boggs stated that due to the Reed case issue, staff has been aware of the need for modification of the
City’s temporary sign code for some time. The initial focus of this was to ensure that the regulation was
content neutral for temporary non-commercial signs; however, language regarding time restriction for
temporary commercial leasing signage was added, due to a previous discussion of Council.
Joint Planning and Zoning Commission/Architectural Review Board
Meeting Minutes of June 4, 2020
Page 10 of 13
Mr. Fishman stated that the discussion has not addressed the aesthetic of the signs. He would prefer a small
framed sign versus a large piece of plywood painted white and mounted on two poles. In addition to size,
the materials and aesthetics should be considered.
Mr. Supelak stated that the proposed modifications should not only be benchmarked against surrounding
communities but against the City’s sign code. Temporary signage should not be allowed that is larger than
the Code permits for other similar signage.
Ms. Kramb noted that previously, commercial properties experiencing the hardship of vacant space had no
other option for advertising their rental. However, you can check on the City’s Economic Development
website for a database of all available properties. The signs are no longer providing important information;
they are primarily an annoyance to the residents. Developers are using the City’s website to see what
properties are available for lease or for sale. One size-restricted for lease sign is sufficient today.
Mr. Schneier inquired if staff has sought the input of the business community. The priority is economic
development, so we do not want to hinder their ability to lease their properties. Although the members here
are in agreement, he is concerned that there could be another side to this issue.
Ms. Rauch stated that years ago, there was a similar discussion on temporary commercial leasing signs.
Economic development was a concern in the past. As this project proceeds, staff will discuss this with the
business community. The City does maintain a robust website database, and businesses are much more
technologically focused today, but they will be included in this conversation.
Ms. Call stated that she would like to take time to look at the entire temporary sign provisions to determine
if the members have any concerns.
Banners, community activity signs, construction trailer signs, development period signs
Members expressed no concerns regarding above signs.
Garage/yard sale signs
Mr. Supelak inquired if a time period should be included, as has been with the other signs.
Mr. Boggs stated that is precluded by the definition of the sign. A yard or garage sale sign is a temporary
sign erected only within 24 hours before a yard or garage sale in the vicinity of the sign and removed within
two hours of the garage sale ending.
Inflatable signs or devices.
Ms. Call stated that these signs are tied to special events, so are they addressed as such?
Ms. Rauch stated that they are not included in that definition, but would be added.
Special events
Mr. Supelak inquired what could constitute a special event – a car dealership sale? Are any additional
stipulations needed?
Ms. Call stated that it should address how many times a year a special event could occur.
Mr. Boggs stated that a special event is an activity open to the general public that is nondiscriminatory and
supported by the Office of Public Information and Public Events. It must be coordinated through that City
office.
Model home period signs.
Ms. Kramb stated that a time duration should be added.
Ms. Rauch stated that, if missing, staff would consider the duration factor for all of the sign types.
Mr. Boggs stated the duration for model homes is likewise defined in the definition section. The model home
sign is permitted only during the period when an approved residential development is permitted to maintain
a model home on the parcel.
Residential for sale or leasing period signs
No changes were requested.
Joint Planning and Zoning Commission/Architectural Review Board
Meeting Minutes of June 4, 2020
Page 11 of 13
Seasonal business period signs.
Mr. Schneier inquired the reason this sign type is the only one that addresses colors. Can colors be
considered content, and is that enforceable?
Ms. Call stated that, as it was explained to her, colors would not be considered content.
Mr. Boggs stated that color is a nuance issue. The City does have similar limitations on colors elsewhere in
the Code. Often, trademarks have multiple colors, and no restrictions are enforced against those. He will
take another look at this question from the symbolic speech perspective to see if it is enforceable in this
context. Initially, staff thought so, but they will take another look at that. This is a commercial sign, which
is a distinction that the Reed ruling has not displaced.
Ms. Fox inquired what is an example of this sign.
Ms. Kramb responded that it would be the Halloween Express store sign and Christmas tree lot sign.
Ms. Fox inquired what is the purpose of the limitation of three colors.
Ms. Rauch stated that previously, the Code has allowed only three colors, including black and white.
Temporary signs were restricted to be in line with permanent sign code requirements; however, staff would
review this provision, as well.
Seasonal decorations
Ms. Call stated that there is a restriction of not more than 60 consecutive days, but it does not address signs
that are removed, and later, re-installed.
Other
Ms. Bryan stated that political signs have not been addressed here.
Mr. Boggs responded that political signs are inherently content-based, so it is possible to regulate them by
time, place and manner. The size can be regulated, but the sign cannot be regulated in relationship to its
message. For example, a requirement restricting political signs to two months prior to an election is illegal.
Ms. Kramb stated that this sign would fall under “Other” temporary signs.
Ms. Kramb stated that, occasionally, businesses have temporary signs while their business signs are being
fabricated, and those can be up for an extended period of time; sometimes the quality is inferior. Perhaps
this should be a category.
Ms. Rauch indicated staff would consider where to address this, as well.
Non-residential sale or leasing period signs.
Consensus was to permit only one sign.
Ms. Call stated that the proposed size is 32 square feet. She would be in favor of 16 square feet for smaller
parcels, such as up to one-quarter acre. For a larger parcel, 32 square feet could be permitted, and for very
large parcels, a larger size.
Mr. Supelak inquired if the size could be consistent with the permanent sign code, which addresses street
frontage and street access.
Ms. Kramb stated that in her opinion, nothing greater in terms of number or size should be permitted for a
temporary sign than would be permitted for a permanent sign.
Mr. Fishman stated that he would like consistency to be required in regard to aesthetics.
The majority of members considered a duration of 180 days in a calendar year is too vague; more specificity
is needed.
Ms. Call stated that she believes 180 days is too much; 90 days is sufficient.
Mr. Fishman inquired if the days could be tied to the days the property is actually vacant, not before or
after.
Mr. Supelak stated that often, spaces can remain vacant for the entire year.
Ms. Call stated that those properties could be listed in the economic development database provided at the
website. The City does a good job partnering with its businesses to ensure their success.
Joint Planning and Zoning Commission/Architectural Review Board
Meeting Minutes of June 4, 2020
Page 12 of 13
Mr. Supelak stated that this is a conversation that staff needs to have with the Economic Development
department. Should it be possible for the property owner to pay a fee to have the 90-day timeframe
extended?
Mr. Boggs stated that, even with commercial leasing signs, First Amendment considerations exist for
commercial speech. Even though this would not be a content-based distinction, because signs are a form
of speech, there is need to meet an intermediate level of scrutiny. Justification would need to be provided
that shows it is related to significant government interest, and that there are ample alternative means for
them to communicate their message. To the point made earlier about other available avenues, that is a
good inquiry as we consider a better way to remove the visual clutter that comes with temporary signs.
There are more means of communicating their message today than there ever have been. He would caution
against a fee to extend the timeframe.
Ms. Kramb stated that as staff is looking into additional modifications of the proposal, she would request
that they attempt to achieve consistency. For instance, if a development sign is permitted to be in place for
a year, should rental properties be limited to signage for only 180 days or less? There should be a
consistency in the duration and in the size of signs. Otherwise, it would appear we are regulating content.
Mr. Fishman stated that this aspect is difficult. We do not want to penalize developers. On the other hand,
the size of signs should be aesthetically pleasing and there should be reasonable duration periods.
Ms. Kennedy stated that she would like to reiterate her earlier point, which is that the changes in the sign
code should not negatively impact economic development. If it is possible, obtain feedback from the
marketing teams of business owners who are using this type of signage, and feedback on other methods of
advertising they are using.
Public Comment
No public comments were received.
Mr. Fishman stated that the discussion did not address A-frame signs, which are proliferating throughout
the City.
Ms. Call inquired if A-frame signs are considered temporary signs.
Ms. Rauch responded that they are not. They are a permanent sign type permitted within the Bridge Street
District, including the Historic District.
Mr. Fishman stated that he believes these signs are located outside the Bridge Street District; they are in
many other areas.
Ms. Rauch stated that staff would look into the matter and see if the sign type is increasing elsewhere.
Ms. Fox stated that last year the large banner located on the AC Marriott Hotel in the Bridge Street District
came before Council for consideration. Council struggled with that. Is that type of sign addressed as a
special event sign?
Ms. Rauch responded that approval was a special Council action. That type of sign is not accounted for in
this Code amendment. It is a unique scenario for that sign to be permitted in that location by Council.
Ms. Fox responded that although Council can make certain unique decisions, is it possible to include some
general suggestions to assist when considering special circumstances. It was difficult for Council to
determine if it would be a good idea to permit the sign. Although it turned out to be a great idea,
consideration of that banner created significant angst for Council. It would be beneficial for future Councils
to have guidelines for permitting special circumstance signs if certain factors are present, including a
significant benefit to the community.
Mr. Supelak stated that would fall under Special Event Signs, because it is not necessarily a City event.
There was a partnership involved.
Ms. Rauch stated that the banner suited that site because the large building elevation could accommodate
it. However, there is an issue in opening up the opportunity to others. Staff would discuss the pros and
cons and provide those thoughts for the Board and Commission to consider.
Joint Planning and Zoning Commission/Architectural Review Board
Meeting Minutes of June 4, 2020
Page 13 of 13
Ms. Call inquired about the A-frame signs that are being proliferated throughout the City. Would the “Other”
category of temporary signs address that? Sections 153.154 and 155 require a permit, but the permit would
not be issued because that sign type is not allowed in areas other than the Bridge Street District. If that is
the case, then the Code addresses A-frame signs. If there are concerns that sign clutter is being proliferated
in the City, perhaps Code Enforcement could be asked to look into that.
Ms. Rauch inquired if that is a sign that the Commission and Board would like to allow elsewhere. That was
not part of the direction for this discussion, but it could be proposed.
Ms. Call stated that she would prefer that Ms. Fox leverage her position on Council to suggest that. The
current direction from Council is to address the sign clutter, so we would probably not want to allow more
signs. That would not be her first approach. However, in order to be a good business partner and ensure a
sense of fairness, the Commission and Board could recommend modifications to the Code regarding
temporary leasing signs, duration periods, and also to permit A-frame signs in other non-Bridge Street
District commercial districts. Perhaps Ms. Fox could gauge Council’s interest in entertaining such a
recommendation while staff is working on this further.
Ms. Fox stated that Council would want to hear the level of Board and Commissioners’ interest in permitting
A-frame signs in other commercial districts. Their concern has been the quality of the signs, not so much
the signs themselves. She requested members’ interest.
Ms. Rauch clarified that A-frame signs are permitted in the Bridge Street District with only a certificate,
without approval of the Commission.
Feedback from the members reflected a split opinion. However, if A-frame signs were to be permitted in
other commercial districts, there would need to be certain restrictions.
Ms. Call stated that perhaps as we are considering recommendati ons for the temporary signs, we could also
add some quality controls for different signs.
Ms. Rauch responded that staff would prepare modifications for consideration.
COMMUNICATIONS
Ms. Husak reminded Commissioners that the June 18 PZC meeting had been canceled, as there were no
cases ready for consideration.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Rebecca Call [Approved 7-09-2020]
Chair, Planning and Zoning Commission
Kathleen Bryan [Approved 07-22-2020]
Chair, Architectural Review Board
Judith K. Beal
Deputy Clerk of Council
Committee Development Committee Minutes
November 6, 2019
Page 3 of 6
Temporary and Commercial Signs
Ms. Readler stated that the case Reed v. Town of Gilbert, Arizona, changed the way that
municipalities can regulate temporary signs.
Mr. Boggs stated that regulating temporary signs is necessary to:
minimize distraction to motorist and pedestrians in the right-of-way;
reduce visual clutter in neighborhoods and commercial areas; and
encourage high quality, effective graphics for navigation, information and identification.
Temporary signs are currently regulated by what is being communicated by the sign (political,
directional, information, etc.). Mr. Boggs reviewed the Reed case and the majority opinion as a
result. The majority opinion concluded:
the distinctions between temporary directional, ideological, and political signs are
content-based distinctions
content-based distinctions are subject to a “strict scrutiny” review
the Town did not show that its regulation of temporary directional signs as opposed to
ideological or political signs was narrowly tailored to a compelling governmental interest.
There were two concurring opinions that:
Clarifies that regulations based on size, location, lighting, movement, animation, “on-
premises and off-premises,” would be permissible
Advocated a more flexible approach
The problem with the Town of Gilbert’s code was that these signs were regulated differently.
Mr. Boggs noted the difference with commercial speech is that it is subject to greater potential
restriction under the First Amendment. None of the discussion at this meeting concerned
traditional commercial signage.
Ms. Readler stated that there is a temporary sign section that deals with more permanent
commercial signs.
Mr. Reiner asked about sandwich board signs. Mr. Boggs stated that those are not as highly
regulated because what is being advertising is a commercial message.
Ms. Readler stated that billboards are prohibited under Dublin’s code.
Ms. De Rosa asked if it were correct to say that this focuses more on form and time than on
content. Mr. Boggs stated that was correct.
Mr. Reiner asked about new development announcing a project and whether or not it is
allowed. Ms. Readler stated that there is a “development period” sign that this addressed. Mr.
Committee Development Committee Minutes
November 6, 2019
Page 4 of 6
Reiner stated that legal is recommending that this issue go to PZC for review and then on to
Council for consideration.
Vice Mayor Amorose Groomes asked if this will help with the lease and for sale signs that are
throughout the City.
Ms. Readler stated that, currently, the language addresses this as a sales or leasing period sign.
This type of sign is defined as a temporary sign erected only during any period when a
premises or part thereof is actively offered for sale or lease and removed no later than 14 days
after the premises or part thereof are occupied by a new owner or tenant.
Ms. De Rosa and Vice Mayor Amorose Groomes both expressed concern over the wording “part
thereof.”
Mr. Boggs stated that perhaps they could place time limits on it.
Ms. Readler stated that including a maximum days per year would be the best way to resolve
that.
Ms. De Rosa stated that she didn’t see political signs mentioned. Mr. Boggs stated that is the
consequence of the Reed case. Ms. Readler stated that political speech is one of the most
protected levels of speech under the First Amendment.
Mr. Boggs stated that political signs disappear from the code because they all fall under a
blanket regulation regardless of the content.
Mr. Reiner moved to advance this topic to Planning and Zoning Commission for consideration.
Vice Mayor Amorose Groomes seconded.
Vote on the motion: Vice Mayor Amorose Groomes, yes; Ms. De Rosa, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes.
Motion carried.
Streetscape/Tree Selection in Historic Dublin
Mr. Earman introduced Mr. Goodall the new City Forester to present the criteria that was used
to make some of the decisions about tree plantings on South High Street. Mr. Earman reviewed
some of the site limitations that exist on South High Street. Some he mentioned were:
Compacted clay soils
Signage
Light poles
Narrow tree lawn
Low soil volume
Underground utility lines
Historical relics and others.
Mr. Goodall stated that the landscape architects and Forestry staff worked together to
determine what tree species would work well in the area. The Royal Raindrop Crabapple was
chosen because of the pink flowering and leaf shape. It would be aesthetically pleasing. There
are currently several of these trees planted along Muirfield Drive. The Adirondack Crabapple is
very similar to the Royal Raindrop but has a white flower. Both of these species are disease
resistant. The other ornamental tree options that staff felt would be good options are the Spring
Snow Crabapple and the Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac. They were looking for an option that
was the right size and aesthetic due to the power lines and soil volume.
Mr. Reiner stated it is important to trim the limbs so the pedestrian traffic is able to get
Non Residential Sale/Lease Sign Requirements
Community Number Size Location Height Duration
Dublin - Previous 1 per frontage 16SF (Ground, 100’ frontage)
32 SF (Ground, 100’+ frontage)
16SF (Wall or Window)
4’ (Ground, 100’
frontage)
8’ (Ground, 100’+
frontage)
Removed within 14
days of sale/lease
Dublin - Revised 1 per parcel
(either
ground, wall
or window)
16SF (Ground and Wall)
10% or 6SF (window)
8’ from ROW 4’ (Ground)
15’
30 days, no more
than 90 days in a
year total
Upper Arlington 4 40SF (Free standing)
80SF (Building mounted)
On premise 6’ Removed no later
than 5 days after
sale/lease
Hilliard 1/property 16SF (100’ frontage)
32SF (>100’ frontage
10’ from curb 4’ (100’ frontage)
8’ (>100’ frontage
Removed no later
than 7 days after
sale/lease
Marysville 32SF 10’ from property
line
12’ Displayed while for
sale/lease
Westerville 1/frontage 16SF 10’ from ROW 8’
New Albany 16SF (100’ frontage)
36 SF (Ground, 100’+ frontage)
32 SF (Ground, 100’+ frontage)
120SF (Ground, 200’+ freeway
frontage)
16SF (Wall and window –
tenant)
5' (100’ frontage)
8' (100’+ frontage)
10' (200’+ frontage)
Removed within 10
days after sale/lease
Hilton Head,
SC
whole
building
1/frontage 20SF (building mounted)
40SF (ground)
On premise 10’ (building)
8’ (ground)
Removed no later
than 2 days after
sale/lease
tenant
space
1/frontage 4SF tenant panel Removed no later
than 2 days after
sale/lease
Carmel, IN 1/frontage 20SF (Non highway)
32SF (Highway)
5’ from ROW 5’ (<5acres)
8’ (>5acres)
Removed no later
than 15 days after
sale/lease
Scottsdale, AZ 1 (<1200’
frontage)
2 (>1200’
frontage)
16SF
32SF (scenic)
On premise 5’
10’ (scenic)
Removed no later
than 7 days after
sale/lease
signage restrictions are valuable to business owners
Joseph Wisne <jwisne@roto.com>
Tue 12/7/2021 11:02 AM
To: Dana McDaniel <dmcdaniel@dublin.oh.us>; Chris Amorose Groomes <cagroomes@dublin.oh.us>; Cathy DeRosa
<CDeRosa@dublin.oh.us>; Christina Alutto <calutto@dublin.oh.us>; Jane Fox <jfox@dublin.oh.us>; Andrew Keeler
<AKeeler@dublin.oh.us>; Greg Peterson <gpeterson@dublin.oh.us>; John Reiner <JReiner@dublin.oh.us>; Jennifer Rauch
<jrauch@dublin.oh.us>; Lindsay Weisenauer <lweisenauer@dublin.oh.us>
Cc: Bridgette Mariea <bmariea@roto.com>
⚠This message is from an external source. Please exercise caution when opening attachments or
opening web links from external senders, especially if the message is unsolicited or unexpected.
If you feel this may be a phishing attempt, please report by using the Phish Alert Button.
I am a Dublin business owner, opera ng for the last decade out of 60,000 2 of leased space in a visible spot off
Perimeter Drive. I want to thank Dublin leadership for its support of restricted real estate signage, per this week’s
ar cle in Business First.
h ps://www.nbc4i.com/news/columbus-business-first/dublin-sign-ordinance-receives-pushback-from-
commercial-real-estate-community/
While I am sure the commercial brokers would prefer their billboards to be as large as possible, they represent a
ny frac on of the concerned business community in this ma er. FOR SALE OR LEASE signs are not only blights
on the landscape that Dublin has established such exemplary standards to maintain, they also signal an economy
or neighborhood in poten al decline. I have long detested their presence as direct assaults on our brand
whenever clients (e.g. Disney, who is in town this week) show up for visits.
I have also been an ac ve customer of leased commercial property, and can easily confirm the signage to be
nearly irrelevant to that search process. Every competent broker knows every available property well before the
signage goes up, including proper es where no signs yet exist. It costs nothing to consult one of them—the
signage may be more instruments of their compe ve egos than anything cri cal to landing deals.
Dublin has once again demonstrated its foresight in curtailing this sort of prac ce, and the fact that “Dublin is the
only Central Ohio market with such an ordinance in place” is one of the reasons our business prefers to remain
located here!
Well done and thank you,
Joseph
_____________________________________
Joseph Wisne
President & CEO
Roto
7001 Discovery Boulevard
Dublin, Ohio 43017 USA
+1 614 760 8690 x 233
roto.com
From: Brent Swander <bswander@columbusrealtors.com>
Sent: Monday, July 26, 2021 9:34 AM
To: Dana McDaniel <dmcdaniel@dublin.oh.us>
Subject: Signs
⚠
This message is from an external source. Please exercise caution when opening attachments or
opening web links from external senders, especially if the message is unsolicited or unexpected. If
you feel this may be a phishing attempt, please forward the message to Support Services for
assistance.
Good morning Dana,
Many of our commercial members have started reaching out, with great concern, regarding Dublin’s recent sign
ordinance changes. Do you have a minute to talk thru these? When Columbus modified their sign ordinance, we
played a pre y significant role; I was unaware these were coming in Dublin.
Would welcome the opportunity to talk about them at your convenience.
Thanks,
Brent
BRENT SWANDER, RCE
Vice President of Government Affairs
COLUMBUS REALTORS®
2700 Airport Drive | Columbus, OH 43219
(614) 475-4000 ext. 252 | Office: (614) 528-1100
Cell: (614) 940-5060 | Fax: (614) 475-4091
website | facebook | twi er | linkedin | pinterest
From: Doug Sladoje <doug@cswcolpa.com>
Sent: Friday, August 27, 2021 11:35 AM
To: Dana McDaniel <dmcdaniel@dublin.oh.us>
Cc: 'Brad Kitchen' <bkitchen@alterrare.com>; Cathy Grose <cathy@cswcolpa.com>; Alisa Argust
<aargust@alterrare.com>
Subject: Dublin - new signage ordinance to eliminate real estate signs
⚠
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opening web links from external senders, especially if the message is unsolicited or unexpected. If
you feel this may be a phishing attempt, please forward the message to Support Services for
assistance.
Dear Dublin City Manager McDaniel,
I have been made aware of a new signage limita on in Dublin that seems to be a bit excessive while trying to
solve a problem that doesn’t exist. I’m not sure how this new limita on is prac cal or business friendly.
Apparently City Council decided the local government should take a more prominent role because of a problem
with too many signs iden fying available buildings/spaces in commercial office buildings. I was unaware this was a
problem worthy of the change. I certainly heard no complaints from residents of Dublin on this issue even though
I have been a resident since 1997 and a business owner in Dublin since 2006.
The limita on is probably unnecessary, excessive, and of course will most likely result in the dreaded “unintended
consequences” (as well-described by Thomas Sowell). The immediate result that comes to mind is BMW Financial
when I first heard of this new regula on.
I respec ully request you take ac on with Council to arrive at a more sensible solu on.
If you made it this far in my email, thank you for your considera on in this ma er.
Douglas Sladoje
5131 Post Road, Suite 100
Dublin, Ohio 43017
614-230-0670
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This email communication is intended only for the use of the addressee and it
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From: Brad Kitchen <bkitchen@alterrare.com>
Sent: Friday, August 27, 2021 10:39 AM
To: Doug Sladoje <doug@cswcolpa.com>
Subject: FW: Dublin - new signage ordinance to eliminate real estate signs
Doug
I don’t know if you are aware of the new signage regula ons in Dublin which is intended to “eliminate the signage
clu er” in Dublin, referring to our real estate signs as clu er, per my conversa on with Dana McDaniel (city
manager). This new regula on will effec vely eliminate all commercial real estate signs in Dublin. He said this
was a city council enacted ordinance, and Dublin economic development is not very happy with it because they
realize it will make it harder for them to do their job, and for building owners to lease our buildings with no
leasing signs. Dana said the best thing to do at this point is to send him an email expressing our concerns. The
more people that reach out the be er.
Below is Dana’s email address and the email that I sent to them which outlines the new code changes and the
issues caused by this code. Please send an email and encourage any of your clients who own buildings in Dublin
to do the same.
Dana McDaniel
Dublin City Manager
(614) 410-4402 office
(614) 206-3311 cell
dmcdaniel@dublin.oh.us
On behalf of our company as well as the property owners/tenants/clients we serve, we would like to make some
comments regarding the recent change to the signage regula ons, specifically for the Non-residen al Sale and
Leasing signs which most affect our clients.
Below is summary of the new ordinance as it relates to Non-residen al Sale or Leasing Signs as we understand it:
(1) General. A sign permit must be obtained in accordance with § 153.151, and informa on verifying the
availability of space for lease or sale shall be required with the permit submission.
(2) Number. One such sign is permi ed per parcel, either ground, wall, or window.
(3) Size, Height. (a) Ground-mounted signs. Ground-mounted signs are limited to 16 square feet in area and 4 feet
in height. (b) Wall signs. Wall signs shall be limited to 16 square feet in area with a maximum height of 15 feet to
the top of the sign. (c) Window signs. Window signs shall not to exceed 10% of the total window area of the
establishment or 6 square feet, whichever is less.
(4) Placement. Signs must be located so that they do not interfere with the safe movement of vehicular and
pedestrian traffic.
(5) Dura on. Such signs shall be permi ed for 30 days, Removed for 30 days and then can be reinstalled in 30
days, but no more than 90 total days in a calendar year, and must be removed within 14 days a er the sale, rental,
or lease has occurred.
(6) Materials/Design. Such signs shall be professionally designed and constructed. Plywood and cardboard are not
permi ed materials.
Comments with regard to the above that affect what I am sure is a shared goal for property owners who have
invested in Dublin and, the City of Dublin, which is to keep buildings full of people and companies.
1.Dura on – a permit every 30 days, with a max me limit total 90 days in a calendar year – a mul -tenant
building may constantly have space coming on and off the market and 90 days is not really very long for a
commercial property for sale or for lease regardless if single or mul -occupancy. It typically takes 12
months or more to lease or sell most commercial spaces. Also the way I read it is a permit every 30 days,
REMOVE THE SIGN, and then reinstall it in 30 days? Commercial signs cost $500 - $700 and installing,
removing and reinstalling like this would be cost prohibi ve.
2.Size – 16 square feet total so double sided signs are almost impossible – it basically allows a 2x4 Double
Sided sign, a 2x8 Single Sided sign or a 4x4 Single sided Sign. The State of Ohio requires the Brokerage
name to be larger than other names on the sign which does not allow for much more info on the sign that
can be easily read other than Brokerage Name, For Lease or Sale, Phone Number.
3.Height – If the sign can only be 4 feet to top of sign, the sign would have to sit on the ground and not on
posts if it is a 4x4 sign. Wall signs allowed only 15 feet max height but with tree heights and posi on of
building to road, that could be too low for any visibility.
4.This is a real detriment to the property owners in Dublin – it eliminates one more avenue of marke ng for
the property owners who invested in the City, pay the real estate taxes, etc. and will translate into more
vacancy in commercial real estate in Dublin. As much as 25% of our prospects come from a call on a real
estate sign. How else will people now what spaces are available for their business to move into? I wish
that it was easy to just use the internet, but naviga ng the internet to search for commercial space in
Dublin is not as easy as we would like it to be because Loopnet.com, the major on line source of marke ng
of commercial real estate, restricts which proper es prospects can be seen if the prospect is not a paid
subscriber. With a free log in that most prospects use to search for proper es, Loopnet.com will only
show the “Premium” lis ngs which a few building owners have paid extra for the added visibility. This will
make most buildings invisible to these prospects and they may be more likely to find a property to lease or
purchase in another community that makes it easier to market their proper es. Other communi es will
be the beneficiaries of your new signage regula on because they will likely receive more new prospects.
We urge you to modify or eliminate this new signage ordinance so that we can maintain our current commercial
real estate signs which will help fill our buildings in Dublin. Without this modifica on/elimina on to the signage
code, you will certainly see more vacancy in Dublin, lower values due to the vacancy, and fewer investors
purchasing in Dublin. As a commercial real estate broker and owner of commercial proper es in Dublin, I will
think twice about any further investment in this community if this is how the city is going to work against it’s
commercial property owners, especially in this challenging me for commercial real estate leasing. We would
appreciate your considera on of this request.
Brad Kitchen, SIOR
President
Alterra Real Estate Advisors
300 Spruce Street, Suite 110, Columbus, OH 43215
P: 614.545.2155 | C: 614.327.4366 | 614.365.9000 | F: 614.474.1711
www.AlterraRE.com | Facebook | Twitter | Alterra Property Brochures
Reduce Rent | Build Equity | Find New Space | Sell or Manage Your Property | Identify Investment Opportunities
We're On It.
DAN TRITTSCHUH
Dublin sign ordinance receives
pushback from commercial real
estate community
Dec 6, 2021, 6:00am EST Updated: Dec 6, 2021, 9:05am EST
Commercial real estate agents say a
new Dublin sign policy could
negatively impact their ability to
market and sell properties.
In April, Dublin City Council approved
an ordinance putting new limits on
the size, location, lighting and time
restrictions on all signage within the
city. Under the new policy, non-
residential signs can only be
displayed for 30 continuous days and
no more than 90 per year. The policy
also limits the size of signs to no more
than 16 square feet in area, among
other restrictions to protect
"community aesthetics."
Those restrictions are a problem from
the commercial real estate industry,
Columbus Realtors CEO Brent
FOR THE EXCLUSIVE USE OF CPI@DUBLIN.OH.US
From the Columbus Business First:
https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2021/12/06/dublin-
sign-ordinance-receives-pushback.html
The city of Dublin’s efforts to
improve aesthetics through
regulating temporary signs have
drawn criticism from local
commercial realtors and brokers.
Swander told Columbus Business
First, because signage plays a larger
role in leasing commercial properties
than it does for residential ones.
The commercial side of the industry
doesn't have a centralized database like the one used by residential
agents. Because of the lack of a centralized database, brokers,
realtors and others must "use all the tools in their toolkits," said
Scott Hrabcak, Columbus Realtors executive vice president of HER
Commercial Real Estate Services.
Hrabcak said a lot of business owners drive around looking at
properties, and if the signs aren't large enough, or are not there
long enough, they are likely to miss them.
The time limits may pose a particular challenge for multi-tenant
buildings. For example, if a building has 30 tenants, Hrabcak said,
it is difficult to leave a sign up for only 90 days throughout the
year, because tenancy will be turning over multiple times a year.
"You lose the ability to capture possible users that frankly may be
interested in the structure if you fall out of the 90-day ordinance
window," Hrabcak said.
Available office spaces are typically listed as available for about six
months prior to vacancy and, in Dublin, generally take about 14
months to lease, Swander said.
“A sign is used to market a property long before it’s vacant,”
Swander said. “It's almost like a coming soon status in the
residential market, and that's why a 90-day limit just doesn't work."
Lindsay Weisenauer, Dublin's director of communications and
public information, said city staff members have met with
representatives from the commercial business community
following the policy's adoption and are continuing a dialogue with
them.
She said the amendment did not include restrictions on a broker's
name or phone number, instead focusing on the temporary sign
provisions that "address time, place, and manner, such as number
of signs, height, sign location, lighting, and time restriction for a
particular sign."
"City Council’s goal is improve aesthetics," Weisenauer said in an
email.
Swander said Dublin is the only Central Ohio market with such an
ordinance in place.
Swander and Hrabcak said they are continuing to work with the
city to provide a business-friendly solution and address its
concerns. Swander and other industry representatives met with
staff before Thanksgiving, as they continue to make their case for
solutions and compromises to the ordinance.
Swander said one of the solutions they brought to the city was to
tie sign size to property lot size and allow for highway signage to
remain "much larger."
“We want to work collaboratively with the city,” Swander said.
Owen Milnes
Staff reporter
Columbus Business First