EMC Sign Laws for the City of Palmetto Bay, Florida

General Regulations and Applicability 

 Regulates signage, exempts certain signs, prohibits others, and establishes rules for temporary and permanent signs. B. All new signs must be consistent with Village Code of Ordinances section 5-75. C. Applies to all signs and advertising devices on private property that are constructed, erected, operated, used, maintained, enlarged, illuminated, or substantially altered.

 Exemptions from Regulations 

 Government signs on government property or public rights-of-way. B. Hazard, life-safety, warning signs, and traffic control devices required or installed by a government agency. C. Notices required to be posted by law or ordinance. D. Signs wholly within the interior of a building or structure and not visible from the exterior.

Findings of Fact (Underlying Principles)  Regulations are content-neutral, focusing on secondary effects to preserve community aesthetics and ensure vehicular and pedestrian safety, consistent with the First Amendment. B. Comprehensive, reasonable, consistent, and nondiscriminatory sign standards are necessary for public health, safety, morals, and welfare. C. Sign characteristics (number, size, location, lighting, movement) affect safety by potentially distracting drivers and jeopardizing traffic. D. Uncontrolled signs can obstruct firefighting techniques and pose dangers during strong winds/hurricanes. E. Uncontrolled/unmaintained signs can degrade the village's attributes and undermine economic growth. F. Regulations prevent sign pollution, confusion, and obstruction of vision. G. Essential goal is to define and protect aesthetic resources and community character, as excessive signage impairs aesthetics.

 Purpose and Intent

. Ensure signs do not endanger public safety, create distractions, mislead, obstruct vision, or impair visual qualities. B. Create a comprehensive system of graphic controls with uniform criteria for size, height, graphic character, lighting, number, and placement, compatible with the village's scale and character. C. Place fewest possible restrictions on personal liberties, property rights, free commerce, and constitutional rights while achieving safety, health, attractiveness, and aesthetic goals.

Definitions of Sign Types (Relevant to Regulation)

Includes definitions for various sign types such as "Animated sign," "Automated changeable sign" (which explicitly includes electronic message boards, LED screens, digital screens, etc.), "Billboard," "Freestanding sign," "Illuminated sign," "Off-premises sign," "Permanent sign," "Portable sign," "Temporary sign," and many others.

 Maintenance Standards A. All signs, supports, electrical parts, and lighting must be maintained in accordance with building and electrical codes. B. Signs and structures must be safe, legible, and in good condition. C. Vegetation around freestanding signs must be maintained to prevent obstruction. D. Exposed structural members of signs visible from public areas must be concealed, painted, or decorated.

 Interpretation and Prohibitions A. Only signs specifically authorized by the division are permitted; those not listed or authorized are deemed prohibited. B. Prohibited signs include "Abandoned sign," "Copycat sign," "Emitting sign," "Human/animal sign," "Illegal sign," "Mobile sign," "Obstructing sign," "Off-premises sign" (generally), "Snipe sign," "Unauthorized sign," and "Wind sign."

 Permit Requirements 

 A permit is required for constructing, posting, painting, erecting, installing, operating, using, maintaining, enlarging, illuminating, relocating, or altering any sign, unless specifically exempted. B. Application must include drawings/specifications describing location, construction method, materials, illumination, erection type, and content. C. Separate permit applications are required for each building elevation and for sign-face changes. D. Electrically illuminated signs require a separate electrical permit. E. Written consent of the property owner and lessee (if any) is required.