§ 62.496. North International Drive Special Plan.

RELATIONSHIP TO THE GROWTH MANAGEMENT PLAN

The Growth Management Plan (GMP) calls for an Urban Design Plan for the North International Drive district (Urban Design Element Goal 2, Objective 2.1, and Policy 2.1.2). This Special Plan implements the recommendations from the Urban Design Plan.

OBJECTIVE

The overall purpose of the North International Drive Special Plan is to preserve, enhance, and promote the positive aspects of the district, to develop a unique identity and attractive image, and to implement the North International Drive Urban Design Plan. Because the Urban Design Plan advocates a concentration of tourist commercial land uses that generate street activity, a pedestrian-oriented development pattern is desired.

The specific objectives of this Special Plan are to:

1.

Provide an enhanced, more intensive tropical landscape; and

2.

Create a unique, urban, contemporary atmosphere that encourages pedestrian activity; and

3.

Consolidate vehicular access between adjacent properties to reduce traffic congestion; and

4.

Set minimum standards for clean, neat, well-maintained sites; and

5.

Encourage compatible tourist-commercial land uses; and

6.

Promote signs which contribute to the positive overall appearance of the district.

APPLICATION

The standards of this Special Plan apply to the area within the City of Orlando depicted in Figure 43(b).

The requirements of the Special Plan apply in addition to the requirements of the Orlando Land Development Code (LDC). If there is any conflict between the LDC and this Plan, this Plan applies.

LANDSCAPE DESIGN

The purpose of these standards is to promote the tropical character of the area, enhance the appearance of development, contribute to a comfortable pedestrian environment and improve energy efficiency, by providing shade to reduce glare and heat absorption and re-radiation from buildings, parking areas and other hard surfaces.

1.

Supplemental Plant List. A minimum of three (3) tree points per acre of the palm tree species from Figure 43(c), Supplemental Plant List, is required.

All other plant species must be selected from the Approved Plant List, as shown in Chapter 60, Part 2.

FIGURE 43(c). SUPPLEMENTAL PLANT LIST

Botanical Name	Common Name
Large palms (20′+ mature height):
Phoenix canariensis	Canary Island Date Palm
Phoenix dactylifera	Medjool Palm
Phoenix reclinata	Senegal Date Palm
Sabal palmetto	Cabbage Palm
Washingtonia robusta	Washington Palm
Small palms and cycads (6′ to 20′ mature height):
Butia capitata	Butia Palm
Chamaerops humulis	Mediterranean Fan Palm
Cycas circinalis	Queen Sago
Livistonia chinensis	Chinese Fan Palm
Trachycarpus fortunei	Windmill Palm

 

Tree Point Values: Large palm trees are worth 1 tree point for each group of three palms, and small palms shall be worth .5 tree point for each group of three.

Minimum Sizes: Large palm trees must be a minimum of 10 feet in height, and small palms must be a minimum of 4 feet in height at the time of installation.

Palm trees cannot be used to fulfill Parking Lot Landscaping requirements.

2.

The Minimum Required Landscape Score (MRLS) must be increased by 10% within the special plan area in order to promote and execute a tropical landscape. A mixture of different sized plants, varying shades of green, and leaf sizes and shapes are encouraged to create textured layers and make the area more visually interesting. Flowers are not the only source of color in a tropical landscape. Foliage provides an array of hues and leaf shapes, adds variety in a more permeate form.

3.

Street Trees. New developments, substantial enlargements or substantial improvements must contribute to the Street Tree Trust Fund in accordance with the procedures established in Section 61.226 to fulfill the requirements of Chapter 60, Part 2, Section 60.230.

4.

Landscaping of Required Pedestrian Walkways. An improved pedestrian access walkway (see SITE DESIGN, below) must have a minimum three (3) foot wide landscaped area on both sides of the walkway, except where the walkway crosses a vehicular driveway aisle. The landscaped areas must be planted with groundcover and a minimum of one-half (0.5) tree point must be installed per seventeen (17) linear feet of walkway along each side. The minimum width of planting area for trees is as indicated in Section 60.208, except for installed palm trees, which are permitted a minimum planting area of one (1) foot radius from the trunk perimeter in the landscaped area adjacent to the walkway. Proposed landscape design must not impede transportation site lines.

5.

Bufferyards. Bufferyards are required pursuant to Chapter 60, except adjacent to an arterial or collector street. A Bufferyard "B" must be provided adjacent to Interstate 4 and the Florida Turnpike.

LAND USE AND INTENSITY

The purpose of the Land Use and Intensity standards is to reinforce compatible family-oriented tourist commercial uses, enhance the pedestrian atmosphere, and create a unique identity within the North International Drive district.

1.

Land Use. Permitted land uses are as shown in Chapter 58, Figure 2, except that the following land uses are prohibited:

Intensive Retailing, except automobile rentals which may be permitted as an accessory service use.

Whole Blood Facility.

In addition, the following land uses are permitted only by conditional use after a determination of compatibility with the tourist district and surrounding uses:

Ticket Booths.

Warehouse Showroom.

Warehouse or Storage Facility.

Wholesale and Distribution Facility.

Light Manufacturing and Processing.

2.

Development Intensity. Consistent with the AC-3 zoning designation, the North International Drive Special Plan area is limited to a maximum height of 200 ft. and a floor area ratio (F.A.R.) of 1.5. Properties within the Intensity Nodes, as identified on Figure 43(d), may request additional height through Conditional Use Review.

3.

Conditional Use Review. Within the Intensity Nodes, specific uses may be granted increased height when a proposed site plan, building design, intensity, and mix of uses will result in superior design and development that is compatible with surrounding uses and furthers the intent of the Special Plan.

(a)

Eligible Uses. One of the following uses is required in order to be eligible for a height increase:

(i)

Hotels. Hotels are an important component of a thriving entertainment and retail district, often providing amenities which are available to the general public, including: entertainment, restaurants, and meeting rooms. Providing these uses on the ground floor along the street frontage could qualify a development for additional height.

(ii)

Mixed Use Buildings. Mixed use buildings give people choices for what they buy, where they work and dine, how they get there, and the types of recreation and entertainment they enjoy. They enhance the pedestrian experience, reduce the number of vehicular trips and create a sense of place. Office or residential buildings that provide restaurants, retail, personal services, entertainment or other uses that activate the ground floor, and otherwise engage the public, may also be eligible for additional height.

(iii)

Outdoor Recreation. Outdoor recreation uses include outdoor amusements, sports, games and athletic facilities. These types of uses are an important entertainment component in any thriving tourist district.

(b)

Review Considerations.

(i)

Consolidated/Integrated Development. Consolidating parcels and integrating smaller development sites improves roadway, pedestrian and bicycle safety, frees up land for more development, landscaping, and public realm amenities, and results in a more efficient and attractive pedestrian environment.

(ii)

Architecture. Distinctive architectural features at the top of buildings add to the uniqueness of a skyline both during the day and at night, particularly with the inclusion of architectural lighting. Enhanced treatments and materials at the base of a building promote interaction between the building and the pedestrian zone, creating a sense of place.

(iii)

Public Spaces/Public Art. Creating interactive public spaces with plazas, art, sculptures, fountains, and multimedia screen usage encourages community gatherings by inviting people to cluster around open spaces.

(iv)

Bicycle Facilities. To encourage bicycling, developments may include locker room facilities and additional long-term bicycle parking. To qualify for additional height, the following must be met:

1)

The locker room facility must include showers, a dressing area, and lockers;

2)

All tenants of the building must be able to use the locker room facility; and

3)

Required long-term parking for the site must be increased by 10 percent.

COMPLETE STREETS

All new developments, substantial enlargements and substantial improvements and substantial redevelopment (including change of use to a higher intensity) are required to meet the objectives of the City's Complete Streets policy. The policy encourages roadways to be planned, designed, constructed, operated, and maintained to enable safe, convenient and comfortable travel and access for users of all ages and abilities regardless of their mode of transportation, be it walking, bicycling, driving or riding public transportation.

1.

Rights-of-Way and Easement Requirements. Projects fronting on roadways classified in the Major Thoroughfare Plan will be evaluated to determine if any additional right-of-way or easements are required.

2.

Cross Section Criteria. Each project will be evaluated to identify the type and location of required improvements. All street frontages must adhere to the City's policy on Complete Streets and include dedicated space for pedestrians, bicyclists and motor vehicles. On-street parking and appropriate landscaping must also be included. The specific configuration of all 5 of these elements within the available right-of-way will be determined as part of the project review process.

3.

Sidewalks. A minimum 10 foot wide clear pedestrian path must be provided on all street frontages.

4.

Streetscape. A minimum 5 foot wide streetscape zone must be provided between the back of curb and the required sidewalk. Street trees must be installed in accordance with the Chapter 61, Orlando City Code.

5.

Streetlights.

(a)

When a new development is proposed, new or existing streetlights within the abutting street rights-of-way or city services easements should be replaced with fixtures compatible with any existing or proposed streetscape or street lighting plans.

(b)

North International Drive should have a consistent style and theme for streetlights.

(c)

New streetlight poles may be required to be furnished with electrical outlets and arm and bracket attachments for street banners.

Due to right-of-way constraints and other physical limitations, exceptions to these standards may be granted through a Planning Official Determination (in coordination with the Director of Transportation and Director of Public Works), as long as the intent of the Special Plan is still being met.

SITE DESIGN

The site design standards are intended to enhance the pedestrian atmosphere, while continuing to foster a unique identity for the district. Even in situations where there is likely to be less pedestrian activity, a people oriented scale and character will make properties more inviting and visually appealing.

1.

Front Yard and Street Side Yard Building Setbacks.

(a)

Minimum Front Yard and Street Side Yard Setback: 10 feet.

(b)

Maximum Front Yard and Street Side Yard Setback: 40 feet, except as modified below.

(c)

Retail shopping centers with over 30,000 square feet may meet the required setbacks through the use of outparcels.

(d)

Awnings, canopies, marquees, overhangs, colonnades, open-air porches, masonry walls, or similar unenclosed open-air structures attached to a principal building may encroach into the front yard setback up to the right-of-way line.

(e)

Walls or fences located within the front yard between the building and the street must not exceed 3.5 feet in height, with the exception of the streetwall requirements as indicated below (see Vehicular Use Areas and Stormwater Retention/Detention Areas).

(f)

Chain link fences, unpainted wood fences, and unpainted concrete block walls are prohibited between a building and the front or street side right-of-way line; chain link fences are permitted abutting Interstate 4 and the Florida Turnpike.

(g)

The following pedestrian amenities are permitted to encroach into the required front yard setback to the right-of-way line: outdoor eating and/or drinking establishments (i.e. sidewalk cafes), fountains, sculpture and other visual amenities, seating for a bus stop, or pedestrian plazas.

(h)

For retailers of vehicular fuels or automobile service stations, the front and street side yard setbacks must be measured to the projected edge of the overhead canopy or gas pump island, whichever is closest to the street right-of-way line.

2.

Vehicular Use Areas and Stormwater Retention/Detention Areas. New developments must have stormwater retention/detention areas and vehicular use areas located to the side or to the rear of the principal building(s), except as permitted below:

(a)

Retail sales of vehicular fuels or Automobile service stations, drive-in facilities, and hotels are permitted a choice of one of the following within the front yard or street side yard between the principal building and the Pedestrian Street right-of-way line: a one-way drive aisle with angled parking or drop-off, or a two-way drive aisle with drop-off and no parking. Maximum width - 35 ft.

(b)

Overhead awnings, canopies, or marquees may extend over a driveway or drop-off area between the principal building and a Pedestrian Street right-of-way line. All such extensions must have a minimum vertical clearance of 14 feet.

(c)

The requirements of Section 61.312, Orlando City Code, Landscaping Adjacent to Street Right-of-Way, apply to any vehicular use area located between a building and the primary street frontage.

(d)

All stormwater retention/detention areas must be designed as site amenities per Section 60.144.

3.

Parking. All proposed parking facilities must meet the standards set forth in Chapter 61, Orlando City Code. The minimum number of required parking spaces may be reduced through Zoning Variance approval in accordance with Section 61.323, Orlando City Code.

4.

Building Orientation. The following standards apply upon substantial enlargement, substantial improvement, or new construction.

(a)

The principal façade of all buildings must front the public right(s)-of-way or may be located off a public plaza adjacent to and connected with the public sidewalk located adjacent to the street.

(b)

At least one public entrance to the principal use or structure facing the primary street must be provided.

(c)

Mixed-use and commercial buildings located on corner lots must locate entrances at the corner to anchor the intersection and create a seamless transition that captures pedestrian activity from both street frontages. Through a Planning Official Determination, an alternative public plaza that activates both street frontages, includes pedestrian amenities and provides direct pedestrian access to a primary entrance of the building may be approved.

(d)

The ground floor exterior building wall area fronting and visible from a public right-of-way must contain a minimum of 30% transparent or translucent materials.

(e)

Reflective or mirrored glass windows is prohibited.

5.

Vehicular Site Access. The following standards apply in addition to the requirements of Chapter 61, Roadway Design and Access Management:

(a)

The driveway spacing criteria shown in Chapter 61, Orlando City Code, or a minimum of 200 feet, whichever is greater, for all arterial and collector streets (Grand National Drive, International Drive, Kirkman Road, Oak Ridge Road, Universal Boulevard, and Sand Lake Road). For existing developments, the 200 foot minimum spacing criteria may be administratively modified as provided in Chapter 65.

(b)

Development sites with less than 400 feet of street frontage are permitted a maximum of one (1) curb cut per street frontage. Two (2) curb cuts may be permitted on sites with a minimum of 400 feet of street frontage, if the 200 foot minimum spacing requirement is met.

(c)

Development sites with less than 200 feet of street frontage must conform to the driveway consolidation and cross access easements required by Chapter 61, Orlando City Code.

(d)

On collector or arterial streets, median opening spacing must conform to the Major Thoroughfare Plan per Chapter 61, Orlando City Code, and must have a minimum width of 15.5 ft.

(e)

On local streets, median opening spacing must be a minimum of 200 ft. and must have a minimum width of 10 ft.

6.

Pedestrian-Oriented Design Features.

(a)

A direct pedestrian access walkway or pedestrian circulation system must be provided connecting the public entrance(s) of all principal building(s), or the entrance gate of an outdoor recreation use, to the public sidewalk. The pedestrian access or circulation system must be paved and at least six (6) feet in width.

(b)

The pedestrian access may pass through the required parking lot landscaped areas adjacent to the street right-of-way or streetwall.

(c)

If a building site is adjacent to Sandy Lake or Lake Pat, a minimum of one (1) improved pedestrian access must be provided from a principal structure or on-site pedestrian circulation system to the water's edge (at average annual high water level), terminating in the form of a deck, dock, terrace, beach, gazebo, or overlook with visual access to the lake.

(d)

Any substantial development, change of use or redevelopment of a property with more than two hundred fifty (250) feet of property frontage on an arterial roadway must provide at least one pedestrian amenity adjacent to the clear path of the existing sidewalk. Pedestrian amenities include but are not limited to the following: bench, pedestrian waiting area protected from the weather, or public art feature.

(e)

Site furnishings must be constructed of materials that are durable and easy to maintain and blend or compliment the exterior color of the surrounding principal architecture and building(s). Site furnishings encompass a wide variety of individual elements. Site furnishings may be functional on a literal level (trash receptacles and benches) or on a symbolic level (memorial displays and flagpoles). Proposed site furnishings must receive an Appearance Review determination from the Planning Official prior to installation.

(f)

Public Art features, including outdoor sculptures, art work, and special architectural and landscape features, are encouraged in the development of individual sites and parcels. Such pieces and features help establish strong visual identities for individual facilities and greatly enhance the special character of North International Drive in general. All proposed art features must receive an Appearance Review determination from the Planning Official prior to installation. Review considerations will include:

(i)

Relevance of the piece to the building or I-Drive area;

(ii)

Suitability of the work for outdoor display, including its maintenance;

(iii)

How the work serves to activate or enhance public space;

(iv)

Appropriateness of the scale of the artwork;

(v)

How closely the proposed artwork meets the intent of the Special Plan.

7.

Bicycle Parking. Bicycle parking regulations within the International Drive special plan must comply with Chapter 61, Part 3D, Orlando City Code.

8.

Bike Share. Bike share stations may be located throughout the North I-Drive Special Plan Area.

(a)

The location of bike share stations within the public right-of-way must be approved through a Right-of-Way use agreement.

(b)

Bike share stations located on private property do not count toward the total required public bicycle parking spaces, but may count toward required pedestrian oriented design features.

(c)

Bike share signs associated with bike share stations located within the I-Drive Special Plan must comply with the maximum allowable signage for a Transit Shelter.

BUILDING DESIGN

In order to avoid a generic appearance and establish a true sense of place, building designs should reflect the unique characteristics of the I-Drive area rather than chain or franchise designs.

1.

Building Facades. A building's volume, massing and articulation should be designed in a way that is inviting to passers-by and makes visitors feel comfortable walking along the street. Buildings should be designed to relate to and complement nearby structures, should include the use of high quality materials, and should blur the line between public and private spaces with transparent and accessible ground floors, while allowing for bold and creative architecture.

(a)

Buildings must be finished with durable, high quality materials that are authentic to the style of architecture proposed for the building. All facades must be finished with the same materials and architectural details. Durable materials such as stone, brick, pre-cast, or limestone must be utilized at the base of the building up to at least 3—4 feet in height.

(b)

Not more than 60 linear feet of the principal building façade(s) can be unarticulated by architectural details. Such details may include windows, canopies, awnings, changes in parapet height, material changes, projections, recesses, or similar features.

(c)

Commercial lobbies and larger retail units should be designed with prominent entries that provide visual interest, orientation, and a sense of invitation and welcome from adjacent streets.

(d)

A building's corner location must be accentuated with architectural features that actively engage the public realm and create a visual presence at the corner. Features may include: chamfered or rounded corners, projecting and recessed balconies and entrances, embellished doorways and volumetric manipulations (e.g. corner towers) and enhanced window designs (floor-to-ceiling windows, display windows, clerestory windows or distinctive glass design or colors).

(e)

The ground floor exterior building wall area fronting on a public right-of-way must contain a minimum of 30% transparent or translucent materials. The minimum transparency on all other ground floor building wall areas must be 15%.

(f)

Reflective or mirrored glass windows are prohibited.

(g)

For parapets that conceal flat roofs and rooftop equipment, such as HVAC units, the average height of such parapets must not exceed an average of 15% of the height of the supporting wall. All parapets must incorporate a three dimensional cornice or other architectural treatment.

(h)

The requirements will not exclude the possibility of buildings that are unique, noteworthy, and add to the overall character and experience in the I-Drive Special Plan area. Such architectural departures may be approved by the Planning Official.

2.

Novelty Architecture. Buildings that incorporate novelty architecture, include the use of innovative building forms or involve the creative application of quality building materials may be eligible for relief from transparency, setbacks, landscaping and other requirements via an Appearance Review Determination from the Planning Official. Review considerations will include:

(a)

Relevance of the building to the I-Drive area;

(b)

How the building activates or enhances public space;

(c)

How closely the proposed building and site design meets the intent of the Special Plan.

3.

Parking Garage Facades. Where structured parking must be exposed to the street, exceptionally creative design solutions should be implemented as follows:

(a)

Architectural articulation must occur on all sides of the parking structure.

(b)

The ground level of the parking structure must include a durable water table or base element around the entire structure at least 3-4 feet in height.

(c)

Rooftop elevator and stair tower elements must include architectural features, such as pitched roofs, that compliment the overall design of the parking structure.

(d)

The use of awnings or canopies is encouraged over ground level pedestrian access points to enhance the visual appearance of the openings and as a practical method for rain and sun protection.

(e)

Vehicular ramping must be architecturally integrated into the structure or not be visible from public-rights-of-way.

SIGNS

The purpose of these sign standards is to create an uncluttered and unified appearance to the district, and permit sufficient identification of businesses while allowing expression of an individual business's identity in a creative manner. The standards are intended to encourage a festive and pedestrian-oriented, yet cohesive, image for the district. Signs must be secondary in visual importance to building architecture. This Special Plan applies standards for the design and location of various types of signs to achieve these objectives.

1.

Permitted and Prohibited Signs.

Permitted Signs. In addition to the signs permitted in Chapter 64, Orlando City Code, the following on-site signs are permitted: backlit awning, digital and interactive store fronts. Any other signs are prohibited.

2.

General standards. Maximum total on-site sign copy area allotments must be as per Chapter 64, Orlando City Code. Outdoor recreation uses are permitted one-half (½) square foot of copy area for each one (1) linear foot of street frontage. Figure 43(d), The Sign Standards Chart, displays additional standards for specific types of on-site signs.

FIGURE 43(e). THE SIGN STANDARDS CHART

Sign Type	Minimum Setback*	Maximum Size	Maximum Height	Maximum Width
Directional	4 feet	3 s.f.	3 feet	3 feet
Ground	5 feet	No max.	8 feet	No max.
Menu Tablet	1 foot	6 s.f.	5 feet	3 feet
Pole Sign Facing Arterial or Collector (Retail Sales of Vehicular Fuels or Automobile Service Stations only)	10 feet	No max.	18 feet	No max.
Pole Sign Facing Limited Access Highway	15 feet	No max.	30 feet	No max.
Projecting	0 feet	No max.	30 feet	6 feet
Window	10 feet	25% total area	Ground floor only.	No max.

 

*Minimum setback from street right-of-way line. Side yard setback must be a minimum of 7 feet for all on-site signs.

3.

Management Control. Management control of signs per Chapter 64, Part 2 must be required for development sites containing multiple rental spaces under single management.

4.

Illuminated Outlining. Illuminated building graphics, outlining, or architectural detailing on exterior building walls or roofs which do not convey a business message, business logo, or other such business identification or advertisement must be permitted and must not be counted toward the sign area allotment. If neon tubing, fiber optic tubing, or other illumination is used within six (6) inches of a sign copy area, it is be counted as sign copy area. The illuminating lights must be stationary, not running or flashing. Exposed incandescent bulbs must not exceed 60 watts unless a screen or diffuser is placed around the bulb. Any illumination must not cause a glare or excessive brightness that adversely affects the vision of pedestrians or motor vehicle operators on public or private property.

5.

Specific Sign Standards. All signs must meet the standards of Chapter 64, in addition to the following:

(a)

Changeable Copy Signs. The changeable copy sign area must be included within the same plane or geometric shape as the remainder of the sign. Changeable copy is be permitted on any sign type.

(b)

Digital Signs. Digital signs are permitted as ground signs only. The following standards apply:

(i)

Digital display area must be accessory to the primary sign.

(ii)

No more than two (2) messaging elements must be permitted within the allowable sign face area: (1) primary business/location identification, and (2) digital message display area.

(iii)

Digital display area must be mounted or located below the primary business/location identification area on the sign.

(iv)

Digital display area must be no more than 40% of the allowable sign face area.

(v)

May be full color.

(vi)

Must not change more than once every 8 seconds.

(vii)

Must incorporate photocell/light sensors, with automatic dimming technology that appropriately adjusts to ambient light conditions.

(viii)

Must have a brightness display not greater than 0.3 foot candles above ambient light conditions as measures by foot candle meter at a present distance, depending on the size of the sign.

(ix)

No off-site advertising.

(x)

No words, phrases, or characters that may interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic (ex. "stop", "look", "dive-in", "danger", "slow down", etc.)

(xi)

No flashing or blinking, incandescent or stroboscopic lights that may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device.

(xii)

If a sign malfunctions, fails, or ceases to operate in its usual or normal programmed manner, said sign must be repaired or disconnected within forty-eight (48) hours by the owner/operate of sign.

(c)

Flags. Flag poles must not exceed 35 feet in height. Flag poles must be set back from the street right-of-way so that the flag does not extend over the right-of-way line at a height of less than 15 feet.

(d)

Ground (Monument) Signs. Ground signs are permitted only on consolidated development or mixed use development sites. Ground sign copy must be contained within the perimeter of one plane or geometric shape. Ground signs must not be V-shaped or stacked horizontally or vertically.

(e)

Interactive Storefronts. Interactive storefronts are subject to the following conditions:

(i)

Must be designed, installed, and maintained to function as a computer generated interactive display that responds to the physical activity of engaged pedestrians passing along on the adjacent sidewalk.

(ii)

Do not count towards the calculation of maximum allowable copy area.

(iii)

May display on-site and off-site messages.

(iv)

Messages must be oriented towards the pedestrian, not passing motorists.

(v)

Only allowed in storefronts that meet the site design requirements of the Special Plan Overlay, including transparency requirements.

(f)

Menu Tablet. Eating and drinking establishments are permitted one (1) menu tablet per building site. The menu tablet must be placed a minimum of one (1) foot behind the right-of-way or centerline setback line, oriented towards pedestrians on the public sidewalk. The menu must be encased in a permanent box or frame and be visible under clear glass, clear acrylic, or similar transparent material. The name or logo of the establishment may be incorporated into the menu tablet frame or support with a maximum letter height of four (4) inches. The menu tablet must display only the current hours of operation, menu, and price list offered at that establishment. All other advertising messages or sign copy are prohibited.

(g)

Pole Signs. Pole signs must meet one of the following criteria:

•

Frontage Criteria: Building sites adjacent to Interstate 4 or the Florida Turnpike may have one pole sign by right facing those expressways.

Pole sign copy must be included within the perimeter of one (1) plane or geometric shape.

•

Retail Sales of Vehicular Fuels or Automobile Service Stations: Businesses selling retail vehicular fuels may have one (1) pole sign per street frontage. However, these pole signs must meet the requirements of Section 64.202.

(h)

Windows and Window Signs. Window sign area is limited to 25% of the window area of the first two stories of any building facade facing a street. Window signs are be prohibited above the second floor or 24 feet up from ground level, whichever is less. Window signs include those affixed to or within 12 inches from the window surface. Window signs are be prohibited between four (4) feet and six (6) feet from ground level to allow visibility for security reasons.

6.

Creative Design Exception. The purpose of this section is to encourage signs of unique design that exhibit a high degree of imagination, inventiveness, and thoughtfulness and to provide a process for the application of sign regulations in ways that will allow creatively designed signs that make a positive visual contribution to the overall image of the Special Plan area, while mitigating the visual impacts.

(a)

An applicant may request approval of a Creative Design Exception in order to allow standards that differ from the provisions of this section, but comply with the purpose and intent of the Special Plan overlay. At no point may the maximum sign copy area be exceeded. The request must receive an Appearance Review determination from the Planning Official. In approving the request, the Planning Official must ensure the proposed sign meets the following design criteria:

(i)

Constitute a substantial aesthetic improvement to the site and must have a positive visual impact on the surrounding area;

(ii)

Be of unique design, and exhibit a high degree of imagination, inventiveness, and thoughtfulness; and

(iii)

Provide strong graphic character through the imaginative use of color, graphics, proportion, quality materials, scale and texture.

(b)

Contextual Criteria. The sign must contain at least one of the following elements:

(i)

Classic historical design style;

(ii)

Creative image reflecting current or historical character of the tourist area, the City or the region; or

(iii)

Inventive representation of the logo, name, or use of the structure or business.

(c)

Architectural Criteria. The sign must:

(i)

Utilize enhanced architectural elements of the building; and

(ii)

Be place in a logical location in relation to the overall composition of the building's façade and not cover any key architectural features and details of the façade.

(d)

Impacts on Surrounding Uses. The sign must be located and designed not to cause light and glare impacts on surrounding uses, especially residential uses.

(Ord. of 9-16-1991, Doc. #25099; Ord. of 2-22-1993, Doc. #26392; Ord. of 12-12-1994, Doc. #28103; Ord. of 1-11-1999, Doc. #31802; Ord. of 9-11-2000, § 4, Doc. #33225; Ord. No. 2010-33, § 5, 8-30-2010, Doc. #1008301102; Ord. No. 2019-25 , § 1, 4-22-2019, Doc. #1904221202)