HomeMy WebLinkAboutORD677ORDINANCE NO.677
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,AMENDING THE APACHE JUNCTION
CITY CODE,CHAPTER 7 BUILDING,BY ADDING SECTION 7-1-12
UNIFORM SIGN CODE;ADOPTING THE UNIFORM SIGN CODE,1982
EDITION,BY REFERENCE;REPEALING ANY CONFLICTING PROVISIONS;
AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I IN GENERAL
That Chapter 7 BUILDING,of the Apache Junction City Code be amended by adding
Section 7-1-12 UNIFORM SIGN CODE,to read as follows:
Section 7-1-12 UNIFORM SIGN CODE
That certain publication entitled UNIFORM SIGN CODE,1982 EDITION,
that was declared public record by Resolution No.89-14,i s
hereby adopted by reference as the "Uniform Sign Code of the
City of Apache Junction"and made a part of this chapter the
same as though said publication was specifically set forth i n
full herein.
SECTION I I REPEALING ANY CONFLICTING PROVISIONS
All ordinances and parts of ordinances i n conflict with the provisions of this
ordinance or any part of the code adopted herein by reference are hereby
repealed.
SECTION III PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY
I f any section,subsection,sentence,phrase,clause or portion of this ordinance
or any part of the code adopted herein by reference is,for any reason,held to
be invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction,such
decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions thereof.
PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,THIS 16TH DAY OF MAY ,1989.
SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS 18TH DAY OF
ORDINANCE NO.677
PAGE ONE OF TWO
MAY ,1989.
7 J e e -
ENNETH BLUNTSCHC
Mayo
ATTEST:
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_C.41DAAF7—TEXAND
City Attorney
ORDINANCE NO.677
PAGE TWO OF TWO
UNIFORM
SIGN
CODE
1982 Edition
First Printing
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number 81-86615
COPYRIGHT 1982
by
International Conference of Building Officials
5360 SOUTH WORKMAN MILL ROAD •WHITTIER,CALIFORNIA 90601
PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.
Preface
The Uniform Sign Code is dedicated to the development of better sign con-
struction and to provide minimum standards to safeguard life, health, property
and public welfare by regulating structural requirements for all signs and sign
structures located outside of buildings.
In the preparation of the Uniform Sign Code, the International Conference of
Building Officials has had the assistance of representatives of industry interested
in this type of construction, and the Sign Code Committee of building officials
has developed this code which sets forth requirements for effective control.
The Uniform Sign Code is published as a separate document, and is based on
the provisions of the Uniform Building Code, 1982 Edition, with certain refer-
ences made to the Uniform Building Code in order to eliminate duplication and
conflict.
Vertical lines in margins indicate a change in the text from the 1979 edition. An
analysis of changes between editions is published in pamphlet form by the
Conference.
Deletion indicators (ft) are provided in the margin where a paragraph or item
listing has been deleted.
RELATED PUBLICATIONS
Known widely for its Uniform Building Code, the International Conference of
Building Officials publishes other related codes as well as textbooks to enable the
user to improve his knowledge of code enforcement and the administration of a
building inspection program. Publications are continually being added, so inquir-
ies should be directed to Conference headquarters for a list of those available. At
the time of this publication, the following publications were available:
Uniform Building Code.Covers the fire, life and structural safety aspects of
all buildings and related structures.
Uniform Building Code Standards.Presents in a compact and concise man-
ner national test, material and special design standards referred to in the Uniform
Building Code.
Uniform Mechanical Code.Contains requirements for the installation and
maintenance of heating,ventilating,cooling and refrigeration systems.This
publication is sponsored jointly by the the International Conference of Building
Officials and the Internatignal Association of Plumbing and Mechanical
Officials.
Uniform Plumbing Code.Published by the International Association of
Plumbing and Mechanical Officials,the Uniform Plumbing Code covers all
aspects of plumbing,including requirements for plumbing materials,and
IAPM0 installation standards. It is endorsed by the Conference as a companion
document to ICBO's model codes and is available from either organization.
Uniform Housing Code.Provides for the conservation and rehabilitation of
housing compatible with the Uniform Building Code. Meets federal Workable
Program requirements.
Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings.Sets forth
orderly procedures for remedying dangerous buildings.Follows due process
provisions which reflect the latest court decisions in such matters. This code
covers all structures and may be used to supplement the Uniform Housing Code
and the Uniform Building Code.
Uniform Sign Code.Dedicated to the development of better sign regulation.
Its requirements pertain to all signs and sign construction attached to buildings.
Dwelling Construction under the Uniform Building Code.Designed to
acquaint the home builder with basic Building Code requirements relating to
dwelling construction. A useful text for apprentice training programs.
Uniform Administrative Code.This code covers administration areas in
connection with adoption of the Uniform Building Code, Uniform Mechanical
Code and related codes by a jurisdiction. It contains provisions which relate to site
preparation, construction, alteration, moving, repair and use and occupancies of
buildings or structures and building service equipment including plumbing,
electrical and mechanical. The code is compatible with the administrative provi-
sions of all codes published by the Conference.
Uniform Building Security Code.This code establishes minimum standards
4
to make dwelling units resistant to unlawful entry. It regulates swinging doors,
sliding doors,windows and hardware in connection with dwelling units of
apartment houses or one- and two-family dwellings. The code gives consideration
to the concerns of police, fire and building officials in establishing requirements
for resistance to burglary which are compatible with fire and life safety.
Uniform Fire Code.Sets out provisions necessary for fire prevention while
achieving uniformity in terms and requirements with other codes published by the
Conference. This code is sponsored jointly by the Western Fire Chiefs Associa-
tion and the International Conference of Building Officials.
Uniform Fire Code Standards.This publication is a companion to the Uni-
form Fire Code. It contains standards of the American Society for Testing and
Materials and of the National Fire Protection Association referenced by the
Uniform Fire Code.
U.B.C. Supplements.Between new editions of the codes, changes approved
each year are incorporated in the supplements.
1982 Accumulative Supplement to the IOW Plumbing Code.This supple-
ment contains revisions to the 1979 ICBO Plumbing Code. It is styled so that
cities and other jurisdictions can update the 1979 ICBO Plumbing Code by
adopting the supplement by reference.
Analysis of Revisions.Discusses the changes included in the latest codes
published by the Conference as compared to the prior editions.
One and Two Family Dwelling Code.This code is jointly sponsored by the
International Conference of Building Officials,Building Officials and Code
Administrators International, Inc., and Southern Building Code Congress Inter-
national, Inc. It eliminates conflicts and duplications among the model codes to
achieve national uniformity. Covers mechanical and plumbing requirements as
well as construction and occupancy.
Code for Energy Conservation in New Building Construction.This code
sets forth minimum requirements for the design of new buildings and structures
and additions to existing buildings by regulating their exterior envelopes and
heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, service water heating, electrical distribu-
tion and illuminating systems and equipment for effective use of energy.It is
promulgated by ICBO in collaboration with the other model code agencies and the
National Conference of States on Building Codes and Standards (NCSBCS).
Recommended Provisions and Commentary for Existing High-rise Build-
ings.A booklet setting forth uniform guidelines for the building official to follow
in regulating the retrofitting of existing high-rise buildings.The booklet also
includes a commentary briefly explaining the conceptual basis of the provisions.
Uniform Disaster Mitigation Plan.A plan developed to aid building depart-
ments in coping with major disasters such as fires,floods and earthquakes.
Defines standard operating procedures for initiating disaster assessment and
mitigation and includes samples of records, reperts, entry signs, etc.
'fram ing Manual in Field Inspection of Buildings and Structures.
Designed to improve inspection skills and techniques. A fundamental important
5
text for courses of study at the community college and trade or technical school
level.
Building Department Administration.An excellent guide for improvement
of skills in departmental management and in the enforcement and application of
the Building Code and other regulations administered by a building inspection
department. Recommended for both undergraduate and advanced study.
Plan Review Manual.Provides an understanding of the extent of Building
Code provisions and illustrates application to given situations. Covers nonstruc-
tural aspects as well as providing an insight into the basic engineering considera-
tions a plan examiner or checker must utilize.
Concrete Inspection Manual. A publication on concrete to be used for
reference or as a text on concrete inspection. Of particular interest to inspectors, it
is also useful to concrete technicians and craftsmen who are more concerned with
the physical and practical aspects of concrete than the design.
Illustrated Mechanical Manual.Contains a series of illustrations with
explanatory text covering requirements in the Uniform Mechanical Code which
respond to graphic treatment. It is highly useful for code application and for
training purposes.
Installation and Operation of Solid -fuel -burning Appliances.A fully illus-
trated manual designed to provide information on the proper installation and
operation of listed solid -fuel -burning appliances.Intended to supplement the
detailed installation and operating instructions normally supplied with these types
of appliances. An aid to building officials administering ICBO codes and stan-
dards and/or utilizing research reports.
Solar Systems Code Review Manual.A completely illustrated manual to
facilitate approval of solar systems, from plan check to field inspection. Specifi-
cally addresses needs of building departments, and is equally valuable to all
departments dealing with housing and commercial structures. Developed by
California Building Officials, Inc., (CALBO) under contract with the California
Energy Commission.
Solar Swimming Pool/Spa Code Review Manual.A completely illustrated
manual to assist local officials in identifying, understanding and completing a
code analysis of solar pool and spa heating systems presented for permit approval.
Developed by the California Building Officials, Inc., (CALBO) under contract to
the California Energy Commission.
You Can Build It!Sponsored by the Council of American Building Officials
(CABO), this booklet contains information and advice to aid "do-it-yourselfers"
with building projects. Provides guidance in necessary procedures such as permit
requirements, codes, plans, cost estimation, etc.
CONTENTS
Page
CHAPTER 1—Title, Scope and Enforcement
SEC. 101.Title ..................................................9
102.Purpose and Scope .......................................9
103.Enforcement ............................................9
CHAPTER 2—Definitions and Abbreviations
SEC. 201.Definitions, General ......................................11
202-217.Definitions, A through W ................................11-13
CHAPTER 3—Permits, Fees and inspections
SEC.301.Permits Required ........................................14
302.Application for Permit ....................................14
303.Exemptions .............................................14
304.Fees ...................................................14
305.Maintenance ............................................14
306.Inspections .............................................15
CHAPTER 4—Design and Construction
SEC. 401.Design .................................................16
402.Construction ............................................16
403.Projection and Clearance ..................................18
CHAPTER 5—Fin Signs
SEC. 501.General ................................................20
502.Design .................................................20
503.Projection and Clearance ..................................20
CHAPTER 8—Pole Signs
SEC. 601.General ................................................21
602.Design .................................................21
603.Projection and Clearance ..................................21
CHAPTER 7—Ground Signs
SEC. 701.General ................................................22
702.Design .................................................22
703.Projection ..............................................22
CHAPTER 8—Roof Signs
SEC.801 .General ................................................23
802.Design .................................................23
803.Projection and Clearance ..................................23
(Continued)
6 7
CONTENTS—(Continued)
Page
CHAPTER 9—Wall Signs
SEC. 901.General ................................................24
902.Design .................................................24
903.Projection and Clearance ..................................24
CHAPTER 10—Projecting Signs
SEC. 1001.General ................................................25
1002.Design .................................................25
1003.Projection and Clearance ..................................25
CHAPTER 11—Combination Signs
SEC. 1101.General ................................................26
1102.Design .................................................26
1103.Projection and Clearance ..................................26
CHAPTER 12—Marquees .
SEC. 1201.General ................................................27
CHAPTER 13—Electric Signs
SEC. 1301.General ................................................28
1302.Regulations .............................................28
CHAPTER 14—Temporary Signs
SEC. 1401.General ................................................29
1402.Cloth Signs .............................................29
8
1982 EDITION 101-103
Chapter 1
TITLE, SCOPE AND ENFORCEMENT
Title
Sec.101.These regulations shall be known as the "Uniform Sign Code,"
may be cited as such, and will be referred to herein as "this code."
Purpose and Scope
Sec.102.The purpose of this code is to provide minimum standards to
safeguard life, health, property and public welfare by regulating and controlling
the design, quality of materials, construction, location, electrification and main-
tenance of all signs and sign structures not located within a building.
A sign shall not be erected in a manner that would confuse or obstruct the view
or interpretation of any official traffic sign, signal or device.
The regulations of this code are not intended to permit any violation of the
provisions of any other lawful ordinance.
Enforcement
Sec.103.(a)Authority.The building official is hereby authorized and
directed to enforce all the provisions of this code. For such purposes he shall have
the powers of a law enforcement officer.
(b)Right of Entry.Whenever necessary to make an inspection to enforce any
of the provisions of this code, or whenever the building official or his authorized
representative has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in any building or
upon any premises any condition or code violation which makes such building or
premises unsafe, dangerous or hazardous, the building official or his authorized
representative may enter such building or premises at all reasonable times to
inspect the same or to perform any duty imposed upon the building official by this
code, provided that if such building or premises be occupied, he shall first present
proper credentials and request entry; and if such building or premises be unoc-
cupied, he shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other persons
having charge or control of the building or premises and request entry. If such
entry is refused, the building official or his authorized representative shall have
recourse to every remedy provided by law to secure entry.
When the building official or his authorized representative shall have first
obtained a proper inspection warrant or other remedy provided by law to secure
entry, no owner or occupant or any other persons having charge, care or control of
any building or premises shall fail or neglect, after proper request is made as
herein provided, to promptly permit entry therein by the building official or his
authorized representative for the purpose of inspection and examination pursuant
to this code.
(c)Board of Appeals.In order to provide for reasonable interpretation of the
provisions of this code there is hereby established a Board of Appeals as provided
in the Building Code.
9
103 UNIFORM SIGN CODE
(d) Violations.It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect,
construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert or demolish,
equip, use or maintain any sign or sign structure in this jurisdiction, or cause or
permit the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of
this code.
10
1982 EDITION 201-206
Chapter 2
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
Definitions
Sec.201. General.For the purpose of this code,certain terms, phrases,
words and their derivatives shall be construed as specified in either this chapter or
as specified in the Building Code. Where terms are not defined, they shall have
their ordinary accepted meanings within the context with which they are used.
Webster's Third New International Dictionary of the English Language,
Unabridged,copyright 1961, shall be considered as providing ordinary accepted
meanings. Words in the singular include the plural and the plural the singular.
Words used in the masculine gender include the feminine and the feminine the
masculine.
A
Sec. 202. APPROVED PLASTIC MATERIALS shall be those having a self-
ignition temperature 650°F. or greater when tested in accordance with U.B.C.
Standard No. 52-3 and a smoke -density rating not greater than 450 when tested in
accordance with U.B.C. Standard No. 42-1, in the way intended for use; or a
smoke -density rating no greater than 75 when tested in the thickness intended for
use by U.B.C. Standard No. 52-2. Approved plastics shall be classified as either
CC I or CC2 in accordance with U.B.C. Standard No. 52-4.
Sec. 203. BUILDING CODE is the Uniform Building Code promulgated by
the International Conference of Building Officials,as adopted by this
jurisdiction.•
BUILDING OFFICIAL is the officer or other designated authority charged
with the administration and enforcement of this code or his duly authorized
representative.
Sec. 204. COMBINATION SIGN is any sign incorporating any combination
of the features of pole, projecting and roof signs.
CURB LINE is the line at the face of the curb nearest to the street or roadway.
In the absence of a curb, the curb line shall be established by the city engineer.
(See Legal Setback Line.)
Sec. 205. DISPLAY SURFACE is the area made available by the sign struc-
ture for the purpose of displaying the advertising message.
Sec. 206. ELECTRIC SIGN is any sign containing electrical wiring, but not
including signs illuminated by an exterior light source.
11
207-212 UNIFORM SIGN CODE
Sec.207.FIN SIGN is a sign which is supported wholly by a one-story
building of an open-air business or by poles placed in the ground or partly by such
a pole or poles and partly by a building or structure.
Sec. 208. GROUND SIGN is a billboard or similar type of sign which is
supported by one or more uprights, poles or braces in or upon the ground other
than a combination sign, fin sign or pole sign, as defined by this code.
Sec. 209. LEGAL SETBACK LINE is a line established by ordinance beyond
which a building may not be built. A legal setback line may be a property line.
Sec. 210. MARQUEE is a permanent roofed structure attached to and sup-
ported by the building and projecting over public property.
Sec. 211. NONCOMBUSTIBLE as applied to building construction material
means a material which,in the form in which it is used, is either one of the
following:
1. Material of which no part will ignite and burn when subjected to fire. Any
material conforming to U. B. C. Standard No. 4-I shall be considered noncombus-
tible within the meaning of this section.
2. Material having a structural base of noncombustible material as defined in
Item No.1 above, with a surfacing material not over ¼ inch thick which has a
flame -spread rating of 50 or less.
"Noncombustible"does not apply to surface finish materials.Materials
required to be noncombustible for reduced clearances to flues,heating
appliances,or other sources of high temperature shall refer to material con-
forming to Item No.I. No material shall be classed as noncombustible which is
subject to increase in combustibility or flame -spread rating beyond the limits
herein established, through the effects of age, moisture or other atmospheric
condition.
Flame -spread rating as used herein refers to rating obtained according to tests
conducted as specified in U. B .C. Standard No. 42-1.
NONSTRUCTURAL TRIM is the molding, battens, caps, nailing strips,
latticing, cutouts or letters and walkways which are attached to the sign structure.
Sec. 212. POLE SIGN is a sign wholly supported by a sign structure in the
ground.
PORTABLE DISPLAY SURFACE is a display surface temporarily fixed to a
standardized advertising structure which is regularly moved from structure to
structure at periodic intervals.
1982 EDITION 212-217
PROJECTING SIGN is a sign other than a wall sign, which projects from and
is supported by a wall of a building or structure.
PROJECTION is the distance by which a sign extends over public property or
beyond the building line.
Sec. 213. ROOF SIGN is a sign erected upon or above a roof or parapet of a
building or structure.
Sec. 214. SIGN is any medium, including its structure and component parts,
which is used or intended to be used to attract attention to the subject matter for
advertising purposes other than paint on the surface of a building.
SIGN STRUCTURE is any structure which supports or is capable of support-
ing any sign as defined in this code. A sign structure may be a single pole and may
or may not be an integral part of the buildng.
STRUCTURE is that which is built or constructed, an edifice or building of
any kind, or any piece of work artificially built up or composed of parts joined
together in some definite manner.
Sec.215. TEMPORARY SIGN is any sign, banner,pendant,valance or
advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, wall-
board or other light materials, with or without frames, intended to be displayed for
a limited period of time only.
Sec. 216. U.B.C. STANDARDS is the Uniform Building Code Standards,
promulgated by the International Conference of Building Officials, as adopted by
this jurisdiction.
Sec. 217. WALL SIGN is any sign attached to or erected against the wall of a
building or structure, with the exposed face of the sign in a plane parallel to the
plane of said wall.
12 13
301-305 UNIFORM SIGN CODE
Chapter 3
PERMITS, FEES AND INSPECTIONS
Permits Required
Sec. 301.A sign shall not hereafter be erected, re -erected, constructed,
altered or maintained, except as provided by this code and after a permit for the
same has been issued by the building official. A separate permit shall be required
for a sign or signs for each business entity, and a separate permit shall be required
for each group of signs on a single supporting structure. In addition, electrical
permits shall be obtained for electric signs.
Application for Permit
Sec. 302. Application for a sign permit shall be made in writing upon forms
furnished by the building official. Such application shall contain the location by
Street and number of the proposed sign structure, as well as the name and address
of the owner and the sign contractor or erector. The building official may require
the filing of plans or other pertinent information where in his opinion such
information is necessary to insure compliance with this code. Standard plans may
be filed with the building officialr
Exemptions
Sec. 303. The following signs shall not require a sign permit. These exemp-
tions shall not be construed as relieving the owner of the sign from the respon-
sibility of its erection and maintenance, and its compliance with the provisions of
this code or any other law or ordinance regulating the same.
1.The changing of the advertising copy or message on a painted or printed
sign only. Except for theater marquees and similar signs specifically
designed for the use of replaceable copy, electric signs shall not be included
in this exception.
2.Painting, repainting or cleaning of an advertising structure or the changing
of the advertising copy or message thereon shall not be considered an
erection or alteration which requires a sign permit unless a structural
change is made.
3.Signs less than 6 feet above grade.
Fees
Sec. 304.A sign permit fee and a plan -checking fee shall be paid in accordance
with the schedule established by the governing body.
Maintenance
Sec. 305.All signs and sign support structures, together with all of their
supports, braces, guys and anchors, shall be kept in repair and in proper state of
preservation. The display surfaces of all signs shall be kept neatly painted or
posted at all times.
14
1982 EDITION 306
Inspections
Sec. 306.All signs for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection
by the building official.
Footing inspections may be required by the building official for all signs having
footings.
All signs containing electrical wiring shall be subject to the provisions of the
governing electrical code, and the electrical components used shall bear the label
of an approved testing agency.
The building official may order the removal of any sign that is not maintained in
accordance with the provisions of Section 305.
All signs may be reinspected at the discretion of the building official.
15
401-402 UNIFORM SIGN CODE 1982 EDITION 402
Chapter 4
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
Design
See.401.(a)General.Signs and sign structures shall be designed and con-
structed to resist wind and seismic forces as specified in this section. All bracing
systems shall be designed and constructed to transfer lateral forces to the founda-
tions. For signs on buildings the dead and lateral loads shall be transmitted
through the structural frame of the building to the ground in such a manner as not
to overstress any of the elements thereof.
The overturning moment produced from lateral forces shall in no case exceed
two thirds of the dead -load resisting moment. Uplift due to overturning shall be
adequately resisted by proper anchorage to the ground or to the structural frame of
the building. The weight of earth superimposed over footings may be used in
determining the dead -load resisting moment. Such earth shall be carefully placed
and thoroughly compacted.
(b)Wind Loads.Signs and sign structures shall be designed and constructed to
resist wind forces as specified in Chapter 23 of the Building Code.
(c)Seismic Loads.Signs and sign structures shall be designed and constructed
to resist seismic forces as specified in Chapter 23 of the Building Code.
(d)Combined Loads.Wind and seismic loads need not be combined in the
design of signs or sign structures; only that loading producing the larger stresses
need be used.
Vertical design loads, except roof live loads, shall be assumed to be acting
simultaneously with the wind or seismic loads.
(e)Allowable Stresses.The design of wood, concrete, steel or aluminum
members shall conform to the requirements of Chapters 25. 26, 27 and 28 of the
Building Code. Loads, both vertical and horizontal, exerted on the soil shall not
produce stresses exceeding those specified in Chapter 29 of the Building Code.
The working stresses of wire rope and its fastenings shall not exceed 25 percent
of the ultimate strength of the rope or fasteners.
Working stresses for wind or seismic loads combined with dead loads may be
increased as specified in Chapter 23 of the Building Code.
Construction
Sec. 402.(a)General.The supports for all signs or sign structures shall be
placed in or upon private property-and shall be securely built, constructed and
erected in conformance with the requirements of this code.
(b)Materials. Materials of construction for signs and sign structures shall be of
the quality and grade as specified for buildings in the Building Code.
In all signs and sign structures the materials and details of construction shall, in
the absence of specified requirements, conform with the following:
I.Structural steel shall be of such quality as to conform with U.B.C.
Standard No. 27-1. Secondary members in contact with or directly sup-
1
porting the display surface may be formed of light gauge steel, provided
such members are designed in accordance with the specifications of the
design of light gauge steel as specified in U.B.C. Standard No. 27-9 and in
addition shall be galvanized. Secondary members, when formed integrally
with the display surface, shall be not less than No. 24 gauge in thickness.
When not formed integrally with the display surface, the minimum thick-
ness of the secondary members shall be No.12 gauge. The minimum
thickness of hot -rolled steel members furnishing structural support for
signs shall be Winch, except that, if galvanized, such members shall be not
less than ¼ inch thick. Steel pipes shall be of such quality as to conform
with U. B .C. Standard No. 27-1. Steel members may be connected with
one galvanized bolt, provided the connection is adequate to transfer the
stresses in the members.
2.Anchors and supports when of wood and embedded in the soil, or within 6
inches of the soil, shall be of all heartwood of a durable species or shall be
pressure treated with an approved preservative. Such members shall be
marked or branded by an approved agency.
(c)Restrictions on Combustible Materials.Ground signs may be constructed
of any material meeting the requirements of this code.
Combination signs,roof signs, wall signs, projecting signs and signs on
marquees shall be constructed of noncombustible materials, except as provided in
Subsection (d) of this section. No combustible materials other than approved
plastics shall be used in the construction of electric signs.
EXCEPTIONS: I. Roof signs may be constructed of unprotected combustible
materials on roofs of combustible construction.
2. Roof signs with a maximum surface area of 50 square feet and a maximum
height of 5 feet may be constructed of combustible materials on roofs of any type of 'II'
construction.
3. Nonelectric wall signs may be constructed of unprotected combustible mate- r?!
rials on walls permitted to be of unprotected combustible construction.
(d)Nonstructural 'Rim.Nonstructural trim and portable display surfaces may
be of wood, metal, approved plastics or any combination thereof.
(e)Anchorage.Members supporting unbraced signs shall be so proportioned
that the bearing loads imposed on the soil in either direction,horizontal or
vertical, shall not exceed the safe values. Braced ground signs shall be anchored
to resist the specified wind or seismic load acting in any direction ..Anchors and
supports shall be designed for safe bearing loads on the soil and for an effective
resistance to pullout amounting to a force 25 percent greater than the required
resistance to overturning. Anchors and supports shall penetrate to a depth below
ground greater than that of the frost line.
Portable ground signs supported by frames or posts rigidly attached to the base
shall be so proportioned that the weight and size of the base will be adequate to
resist the wind pressure specified in this chapter.
Signs attached to masonry, concrete or steel shall be safely and securely
16 17
402-403 UNIFORM SIGN CODE
fastened thereto by means of metal anchors, bolts or approved expansion screws
of sufficient size and anchorage to support safely the loads applied.
No wooden blocks or plugs or anchors with wood used in connection with
screws or nails shall be considered proper anchorage, except in the case of signs
attached to wood framing.
No anchor or support of any sign shall be connected to, or supported by, an
unbraced parapet wall,unless such wall is designed in accordance with the
requirements for parapet walls specified for seismic zones in the Building Code.
(f) Display Surfaces. Display surfaces in all types of signs may be made of
metal, glass or approved plastics.
Glass thickness and area limitations shall be as set forth in Table No. 4-A.
Sections of approved plastics on wall signs shall not exceed 225 square feet in
area.
EXCEPTION: Sections of approved plastics on signs other than wall signs may
be of unlimited area if approved by the building official.
Sections of approved plastics on wall signs shall be separated 3 feet laterally
and 6 feet vertically by the required exterior wall construction.
EXCEPTION: Sections orapproved plastics on signs other than wall signs may
not be required to be separated if approved by the building official.
(g)Approved Plastics.The building official shall require that sufficient
technical data be submitted to substantiate the proposed use of any plastic material
and,if it is determined that the evidence submitted is satisfactory for the use
intended,he may approve its use.
Projection and Clearance
Sec. 403. (a) General. Signs shall conform to the clearance and projection
requirements of this section and Tables Nos. 4-8 and 4-C.
(b) Clearance from High Voltage Power Lines. Signs shall be located not less
than 6 feet horizontally or 12 feet vertically from overhead electrical conductors
which are energized in excess of 750 volts. The term "overhead conductors" as
used in this section means any electrical conductor, either bare or insulated,
installed above the ground, except such conductors as are enclosed in iron pipe or
other material covering of equal strength.
(c) Clearance from Fire Escapes, Exits or Standpipes.No sign or sign
structure shall be erected in such a manner that any portion of its surface or
supports will interfere in any way with the free use of any fire escape, exit or
standpipe.
(d) Obstruction of Openings. No sign shall obstruct any openings to such an
extent that light or ventilation is reduced to a point below that required by this
code.
Signs erected within 5 feet of an exterior wall in which there are openings
within the area of the sign shall be constructed of noncombustible material or
approved plastics.
18
1982 EDITION 403,4-A, 4.8,4-C
(e) Projection over Alleys. No sign or sign structure shall project into any
public alley below a height of 14 feet above grade, nor project more than 12 inches
where the sign structure is located 14 feet to 16 feet above grade. The sign or sign
structure may project not more than 36 inches into the public alley where the sign
or sign structure is located more than 16 feet above grade.
(f) Clearance from Streets. Signs shall not project within 2 feet of the curb
line.
TABLE NO. 4-A—SIZE, THICKNESS AND TYPE OF GLASS PANELS IN SIGNS
MAXIMUM SIZE OF EXPOSED
GLASS PANEL MINIMUM
THICKNESS
OF GLASS
(In Inches)
TYPE OF GLASS
ANY DIMENSION
(In Inches)
AREA
(In Square
Inches)
30 500 IA,Plain, Plate or Wired
45 700 3/16 Plain, Plate or Wired
144 3600 1/4 Plain, Plate or Wired
Over 144 Over 3600 Ws Wired Glass
TABLE NO. 4-B—PROJECTION OF SIGNS
CLEARANCE MAXIMUM PROJECTION
Less than 8'Not permitted
8'l'
8' to 16'l' plus 6" for each foot of
clearance in excess of 8'
Over 16'5'
TABLE NO. 4-C—THICKNESS OF PROJECTING SIGN
PROJECTION MAXIMUM PROJECTION
5'2'
4'2'6"
3'3'
2'3'6"
1'4'
19
501-503 UNIFORM SIGN CODE 1982 EDITION 601403
Chapter 5
FIN SIGNS
General
Sec. 501.Fin signs shall be constructed of noncombustible material, except as
provided in Chapter 4.
Design
Sec. 502. All supports of fin signs shall be placed upon private property and
shall be securely built, constructed and erected to conform with requirements
specified in Chapter 4.
Projection and Clearance
Sec. 503. (a)General.Fin signs may project beyond the property or legal
setback line in accordance with projections specified in Section 403.
(b)Thickness Limitation.The thickness of that portion of a tin sign which
projects over public property shall not exceed the maximum set forth in Table No.
4-C.
(c)Clearance.No sign or sign structure shall be erected in such a manner that
any portion of its surface or supports will interfere in any way with the free use of
any fire escape, exit or standpipe. No sign shall obstruct any window to such an
extent that any light or ventilation is reduced to a point below that required by any
law or ordinance.
20
Chapter 6
POLE SIGNS
General
Sec.601.Pole signs shall be constructed of noncombustible material, except
as provided in Chapter 4.
Design
Sec.602.All supports of pole signs shall be placed upon private property and
shall be securely built, constructed and erected to conform with requirements
specified in Chapter 4.
Projection and Clearance
Sec.603.Projection of pole signs shall conform to the requirements of Section
403.
21
701-703 UNIFORM SIGN CODE
Chapter 7
GROUND SIGNS
General
Sec. 701. Ground signs shall be constructed of any material meeting the
requirements of this code, except as provided in Chapter 4.
Design
Sec. 702. Ground signs shall be designed in accordance with the requirements
specified in Chapter 4.
Projection
Sec. 703. Ground signs shall not project over public property or beyond a legal
setback.
1982 EDITION
Chapter 8
ROOF SIGNS
801-803
General
Sec. 801. Roof signs shall be constructed of noncombustible materials, except
as provided in Chapter 4.
Design
Sec. 802. Roof signs shall be thoroughly secured and anchored to the frame of
the building over which they are constructed and erected and shall be designed in
accordance with the requirements specified in Chapter 4.
Projection and Clearance
Sec. 803. (a) Projection. Roof signs may project over public property or
beyond a legal setback line complying with the requirements specified in Section
403.
(b) Clearance and Access. Passage clear of all obstructions shall be left under
or around, and immediately adjacent to, all signs exceeding a height of 4 feet
above the roof thereunder. Such passages shall be not less than 3 feet wide and 4
feet high and shall be at parapet or roof level.
There shall be one such passage or access opening as follows:
I.For each roof sign upon a building.
2.An access opening for every 50 lineal feet of horizontal roof sign
extension.
3.Within 20 feet of walls and parapets when roof signs are at right angles to a
face of the building.
22 23
901-903 UNIFORM SIGN CODE 1982 EDITION 1001-1003
Chapter 9
WALL SIGNS
General
Sec. 901. Wall signs shall be constructed of noncombustible material, except
as provided in Chapter 4.
Design
Sec.902.Wall signs shall be designed in conformance with the requirements
specified in Chapter 4.
Projection and Clearance
Sec.903.(a)Projection. No wall sign shall have a projection over public
property or beyond a legal setback line greater than the distances specified in
Section 403 nor shall extend above any adjacent parapet or roof of the supporting
building.
(b)Thickness.The thickness of that portion of a wall sign which projects over
public property or a legal setback line shall not exceed the maximum as set forth in
Table No. 4-C.
24
Chapter 10
PROJECTING SIGNS
General
Sec.1001.Projecting signs shall be constructed of noncombustible materials,
except as specified in Chapter 4.
Design
Sec.1002.Projecting signs shall be designed in accordance with the require-
ments specified in Chapter 4.
Projection and Clearance
Sec.1003. (a) Projection.Signs may project over public property or a legal
setback line a distance determined by the clearance of the bottoms thereof above
the level of the sidewalk or grade immediately below, as set forth in Section 403
and Table No. 4-B.
(b)Thickness.The thickness of a projecting sign exclusive of letters and trim
shall not exceed that set forth in Table No. 4-C.
25
1001 -1 003 UNIFORM SIGN CODE
Chapter 11
COMBINATION SIGNS
General
Sec. 1101. Combination signs shall be constructed of noncombustible mate-
rials, except as specified -in Chapter 4.
The individual requirements of roof, projecting and pole signs shall be applied
for combination signs incorporating any or all of the requirements specified in this
chapter.
Design
Sec.1102.All supports of combination signs shall be placed in or upon private
property and shall be securely built, constructed and erected to conform with the
requirements specified in Chapter 4.
Projection and Clearance
Sec.1103.(a)Projection.Combination signs may project beyond over public
property or beyond a legal setback line as specified in Section 403.
(b)Thickness.The thickness of that portion of a combination sign which
projects over public property shall not exceed the maximum set forth in Table No.
4-C.
26
1982 EDITION
Chapter 12
MARQUEES
1201
General
Sec. 1201.Signs may be placed on. attached to, or constructed in a marquee.
Such signs shall, for the purpose of determining projection, clearance, height and
material, be considered a part of and shall meet the requirements for a marquee as
specified in Chapter 45 of the Building Code.
27
4
1301-1302 UNIFORM SIGN CODE 1982 EDMON 1401-1402
Chapter 13
ELECTRIC SIGNS
General
Sec.1301.Electric signs shall be constructed of noncombustible material,
except as provided in Chapter 4.
The enclosed shell of electric signs shall be watertight, except that service holes
fitted with covers shall be provided into each compartment of such signs.
Regulations
Sec.1302.(a)Installation.Electrical equipment used in connection with
display signs shall be installed in accordance with local ordinances regulating
electrical installations.
(b)Erector's Name.Every electric sign projecting over any street or alley or
public place shall have painted on the surface of the sign the name of the sign
erector and date of erection. Such name and date shall be of sufficient size and
contrast to be readable from a reasonable distance. Failure to provide such name
and date shall be grounds for rejection of the sign by the building official.
Chapter 14
TEMPORARY SIGNS
General
Sec.1401.No temporary sign shall exceed 100 square feet in area. Temporary
signs of rigid material shall not exceed 24 square feet in area, or 6 feet in height,
nor shall any such sign be fastened to, the ground.
Temporary signs may remain in place for a period not exceeding 60 days.
Cloth Signs
Sec.1402.(a)Support.Every temporary cloth sign shall be supported and
attached with wire rope of 3/s -inch minimum diameter. No strings, fiber ropes or
wood slats shall be permitted for support or anchorage purposes. Cloth signs and
panels shall be perforated over at least 10 percent of their area to reduce wind
resistance.
EXCEPTION:Temporary cloth sign over private property not exceeding 60
square feet shall be supported and attached with wire rope which will meet the
requirements of Chapter 4 of this code.
(b)Projection.Cloth signs may extend over public property. Such signs, when
extended over a public street, shall maintain a minimum clearance of 20 feet.
(c)Clearance.Cloth signs may extend across a public street only by permis-
sion of the governing body and shall be subject to all related laws and ordinances.
Temporary signs, other than cloth, when 8 feet or more above the ground, may
project not more than 6 inches over public property or beyond the legal setback
line.
28 29