Electronic Changeable Copy Sign Regulations in St. Peters, MO

1. Maximum Signage Area by Zoning District

• General Regulations:
  • Changeable copy signs may not exceed 24 square feet per sign face or 48 square feet total aggregate sign area.
  • Must be permanently mounted or affixed to a structure.
  • Must advertise goods or services available only on the premises.

2. Zoning District Regulations

Each zoning district has specific regulations regarding signage, including electronic changeable copy signs.

To determine the zoning district of a specific property in St. Peters, MO, and understand the applicable signage regulations, you can utilize the city's interactive zoning map: Click here

• C-1 Neighborhood Commercial District:

  • Ground signs (including electronic changeable copy signs) are not permitted in this district.

• C-2 Community Commercial District:

  • Maximum height: 12 feet.
  • Maximum sign area: 50 square feet per face or 100 square feet total.
  • Changeable copy signs are allowed as part of a ground sign and must adhere to the maximum height and size restrictions of the district.

• C-3 General Commercial District:

  • Maximum height: 30 feet.
  • Maximum sign area: 100 square feet per face or 200 square feet total.
  • For lots directly abutting Interstate 70 or Highway 94:
    • Maximum height: 45 feet.
    • Maximum sign area: 250 square feet per face or 500 square feet total.
  • Changeable copy signs must comply with these height and size limits.

• C-4 Regional Shopping Center District:

  • Maximum height: 45 feet.
  • Maximum sign area: 900 square feet per face or 1,800 square feet total aggregate area.
  • Changeable copy signs are permitted as part of ground signs but must conform to size limits.

• I-1 Light Industrial and I-2 Heavy Industrial Districts:

  • Maximum height: 30 feet.
  • Maximum sign area: 100 square feet per face or 200 square feet total.
  • Changeable copy signs must adhere to these height and size restrictions.

3. General Requirements for Changeable Copy Signs

• Sign Location and Structure:

  • Changeable copy signs must be located on the same sign supports as the ground sign they are part of.
  • Must be placed at least 10 feet from the public right-of-way.
  • Must be located in a landscaped area.

• Illumination and Messaging:

  • Flashing or mechanical/electronic contrivances are not allowed.
  • Scrolling messages are permitted.
  • The sign must not flash or revolve but may display time and temperature if it serves the public interest.

• Combination with Ground Signs:

  • If combined with a non-electronic business sign, the electronic changeable copy sign area may be increased if the non-electronic area is proportionally reduced.

• Prohibited Uses:

  • Standalone electronic ground signs cannot coexist with separate electronic changeable copy signs unless combined into one structure.

In the C-1 Neighborhood Commercial District, ground signs, including electronic changeable copy signs, are not permitted. However, there are alternative approaches to incorporating an electronic changeable copy sign while complying with the zoning regulations:

Options for Having an Electronic Changeable Copy Sign in C-1:

1. Wall-Mounted Electronic Signs:

   • Install an electronic changeable copy sign as part of a wall sign instead of a ground sign.
   • Must comply with wall sign regulations, such as:
     • Total area cannot exceed 5% of the building facade or 32 square feet, whichever is greater.
     • Located on walls adjacent to or oriented toward a street or access drive.
     • Cannot be installed wholly above the roofline.

2. Indoor Electronic Sign Visible Through Windows:

   • Place an electronic sign inside the building, visible through windows, as these typically do not fall under ground sign restrictions.
   • Ensure compliance with window sign regulations:
     • Signage (permanent and temporary) cannot exceed 20% of the window's area.
     • Electronic window signs may change messages a maximum of 4 times in a 24-hour period.

3. Rezoning Request:

   • If the business's long-term goals require more signage flexibility, consider pursuing rezoning to a district like C-2 Community Commercial, which permits ground signs with electronic changeable copy features.