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Memo- Window SignageMEMO To: City Council From: Nancy Anderson Date: September 3, 1998 Subject: Window Signage L INTRODUCTION There has been a concern expressed regarding the amount of signage in windows throughout the City. This signage can make buildings look unattractive. This memo will discuss the background to the issue and give examples of language that will regulate signs if that is the policy decision of the City Council. H. BACKGROUND Approximately 13 -14 years ago language was proposed to regulate window signage. The business community was strongly opposed to any regulating of window signage and an ordinance was never passed. If it is determined that window signage should be regulated, below are several examples of definitions for window signs and language to regulate window signage. The City currently does not regulate any window signage. The City does regulate other commercial signs, such as wall and pylon signs. M. DEFINITIONS Temporary Window or Building Sign A sign painted on the interior of a window or constructed of paper, cloth, or other like material and attached to the interior side of a window or displayed on the exterior of a building wall in order to direct attention of persons outside the building to a sale of merchandise of a change in the status of the business. Window Sign A sign installed inside a window for purposes of viewing from outside the premises. This term does not include merchandise located in a window. Burnsville — Window Sign A sign affixed to or inside of a window in view of the general public. This does not include merchandise on display. IV. EXAMPLES OF ORDINANCE LANGUAGE Permanent Window Signs Except in residential zones, for each ground floor occupancy of a building not more than two permanent signs may be painted on or otherwise displayed from the inside surface of any window, showcase or other similar facility. Said signs shall be in addition to those signs permitted under the other provision of the code. The total copy area of such signs, however, shall not exceed a maximum of 25 percent of the total window area or one square foot per lineal front foot of the premises occupied whichever is the lesser. Signs in the Display Window. Signs in the display window of a business use which are incorporated with a display of merchandise or a display relating to services offered which comply with the sub- paragraph above. Temporary Sign Requirements Temporary window shall not occupy more than 40 percent of any one window, inclusive of all permanent window signs. Signs painted on window or doors Signs painted on, or affixed to, glass surfaces of window or doors and pertaining to the lawful business conducted herein. These signs are allowed with a permit. Exempt from permit Signs attached to the inside of a window and not exceeding four square feet in area, which do not exceed twenty -five percent of the area of the window pane. Coon Rapids Window Signs Temporary window signs shall only be permitted in a commercial district, provided that they do not occupy over 40 percent of the window area on any building frontage. Burnsville Window signage shall not exceed twenty five percent of the total area of the window in which they are displayed. Lettering used in window signage exceeding three and one - half inches in height shall be debited against the total signage permitted. V. OTHER ISSUES One issue that was discussed if window signage can be regulated for only cigarettes and liquor. In discussing this with the City Attorney, he indicated that there maybe a problem with a violation of equal protection if only cigarettes and liquor signs are regulated. VI. CONCLUSIONS Window signage can be regulated. The discussion for the City Council is if they want to regulate window signs and if it is determined that window signage should be regulated, should they be totally banned or can a business have a percentage of their windows used for signage. The normal course of business would call for this issue to be referred to the staff for drafting of an ordinance and for the Planning Commission to review the issue, hold a public hears and recommend action to the City Council.