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M M M As recommended, the proposed sign ordinance identifies two princi- pal types of permanent signs: freestanding and facade. Generally, the proposed regulations relate allowable area of a facade sign to a building's wall area, modifying this amount based upon whether the sign faces a roadway, adjacent non-residential parcel, or a residential area. Freestanding sign area is based upon the land use, size of the parcel, linear feet of frontage on a roadway, and the number of lanes and speed limit of the roadway on which the parcel is located. Besides the general standards for allowable copy area of permanent signs, the proposed ordinance regulates height and setbacks of permanent signs. The ordinance exempts various types of signs such as small real' estate sales signs, garage sale signs, religious symbols, and -American -flags. However, the code does set standards for these types of signs. The ordinance also provides for temporary signs such as special event signs and political signs. Finally, the proposed ordinance prohibits various types of signs; these include snipe signs, flags and banners (except American flags and certain other types of flags), flashing signs, and trailer signs. ALTERNATIVES.AND-ANALYSIS In developing the proposed sign ordinance, the staff reviewed criteria and regulations employed in other communities in relation to the County's objectives. Based upon that research, various alternatives were identified and considered during the process of developing the size regulations. Among these alternatives were means of limiting number, type, location_, and size of signs. As proposed, the recommended sign ordinance represents a combination of those alternatives, basically limiting the amount of signage to that required for the message to be visible given specific roadway conditions adjacent to the site. As with any regulation, the sign ordinance will impose re- strictions and limitations on certain actions. Because of that, some of the aspects. of the proposed sign code are controversial. Among the more controversial issues in the recommended code are the regulations concerning off -premise directional signs, the prohibition on advertising flags and banners, and the limitations on the size of signs. In relation to each of these issues, the staff feels that the limitations are not only reasonable, but necessary in order to enhance the aesthetic value of the community. Throughout the sign ordinance development process, there has been extensive public input received on the ordinance and numerous changes and revisions made. A total of seven workshop meetings were held with representatives of sign companies, the development community, and the general public. Based upon those meetings and other input, substantial changes were made in the original draft of the ordinance. Among those changes were the elimination of an amortization provision for non -conforming signs, a modification of the amount of signage allowed, a revision in the criteria used to regulate facade sign size, an exemption for American flags, the allowance for directional off -premise signage under certain conditions, and a number of other changes and modifications. The proposed sign ordinance provides a mechanism to ensure that Indian River County maintains its character and avoids the clut- tered appearance produced by a proliferation of signs. Along with the tree protection ordinance, the landscape ordinance, the density limitations, and the height restrictions, the proposed sign ordinance can protect the aesthetics of the County and enhance its character and image. 37 MAY 7 196 goo 6 ?` L�__