Signage

(a)

Historic signs. Historic signs shall be permitted to remain and to be repaired, restored, structurally altered, reconstructed, or relocated utilizing the certificate of appropriateness process. Historic signs may possess intrinsic importance, or acquire that importance as a result of their association with the historic resource through which they have become associated.

In determining whether a sign is "historic," the HEPB shall consider whether it is:

(1)

Associated with historic figures, events, or places.

(2)

Significant as evidence of the history of the product, business, or service advertised.

(3)

Significant as reflecting the history of the building or the development of the historic district or multiple property designation (a sign may be the only evidence of a building's historic use).

(4)

Characteristic of a special historic period, such as gold leaf on glass, neon, or stainless steel lettering.

(5)

Integral to the building's design or physical fabric; as when a sign is a part of a storefront made of Carrara glass or enamel panels, or when the name of the historic firm or the date is rendered in stone, metal or tile, (in such cases, removal can cause damage to the materials; or affect the integrity of the building's original design);

(6)

Outstanding examples of the sign maker's art. Whether because of their excellent work, use of materials or design;

(7)

Recognized as a local landmark because of its prominence and popular recognition as a focal point in the community;

(8)

Assists in defining the character of a district as for example marquees in theater districts, or prominent neon signs associated with the proliferation of motels dependent on the tourism industry.

In conjunction with allowing the retention, restoration, rehabilitation, and/or reconstruction of a historic sign, the HEPB shall make specific findings establishing how the subject sign meets these established criteria.

(b)

District marker signs.

(1)

Definitions.

District marker sign is an artistic sign that has been in existence for at least 20 years which is painted on the side of a building and marks the entrance to a neighborhood, park, or other designated historic, public or geographical area that serves to identify the area, mark a historic destination for visitors, and reinforce the neighborhood's character as a destination for art, culture, dining, and entertainment.

(2)

Exemptions. In areas designated cultural specialty district, art and theater cultural specialty district pursuant to chapter 4, or historic districts or multiple property designations designated pursuant to chapter 23 of the City Code that are located in a T-5 or less restrictive zoning transect, the city manager, or his/her designee, may permit one district marker sign of not greater than 5,000 square feet in size nor greater than 80 percent of the area of a building wall oriented to face major traffic thoroughfares that serve as the entrance to the district or area.

Each district or area marker sign shall be comprised solely of "Welcome to [the district or area]," and a commercial message related to the unique character of the district or area and recognizing the district or area marker sign sponsor, whose commercial message shall be limited to no more than 15 percent of the area of the district or area marker sign. The "Welcome to [the district or area]" portion of the district or area marker sign shall not contain any point of sale signage or commercial message related to the donor or sponsor. District and area marker signs as set forth in this paragraph shall be exempt from the general provisions of chapter 62, but for uniformity, all district and area marker signs are subject to compliance with county, state and federal laws.

No district or area marker sign shall contain adult content as defined in the Miami 21 zoning ordinance.

(Ord. No. 13116, § 2, 10-22-09; Ord. No. 13518, § 2, 5-14-15; Ord. No. 13676, § 2, 4-27-17; Ord. No. 13712, § 2, 11-16-17)

ARTICLE II. - AD VALOREM TAX EXEMPTION

DIVISION 1. - GENERALLY