changes. Over the last year, a Sign Code Task Force made up of business and community members, met to review the City’s Code of Ordinances regarding signage in the City of Blue Springs. The task force was charged with updating the sign code to balance the current interests of businesses and residents of Blue Springs and to align the code with recent changes to sign law due to state and federal court decisions.
Some of the most significant changes in the newly updated sign code include:
Signs Exempt from Sign Permitting:
- Any sign that is not visible is exempt. If neighbors can’t see it, the City doesn’t regulate it.
- Residential properties are allowed one temporary 8 sq. ft. sign and any number of temporary 6 sq. ft. signs, provided they do not exceed a cumulative total of 60 sq. ft. and they maintain a 10-foot spacing when located within 10 feet of the right-of-way.
- Non-residential properties are allowed one temporary 32 sq. ft. sign and any number of temporary 8 sq. ft. signs, provided they do not exceed a cumulative total of 80 sq. ft. per property and they maintain a 25-foot spacing when located within 25 feet of the right-of-way.
- Businesses are allowed one 32 sq. ft. sign for up to 90 days after first opening to the public (e.g. the Grand Opening).
- Non-residential properties with an active Building Permit are allowed any number of signs attached to a temporary construction fence and one 32 sq. ft. sign located anywhere on a property.
Temporary Signs:
- Each individual business is allowed four (4) 30-day Building-Mounted Temporary Sign Permits per year.
- Each commercial property is allowed four (4) 30-day Ground-Mounted Temporary Sign Permits per year, which may include “feather flags” and ground-mounted banners.
Permanent Signs:
- Pylon Signs are allowed on non-residential properties larger than 4-acres.
- Wall Signs are allowed on all four sides of commercial buildings.
The following signs were, and still are, Prohibited Signs:
- Signs displayed without a permit, unless exempt from permitting.
- Signs displaying an off-premise or outdated advertising message.
- Signs in the public right-of-way or otherwise attached to public infrastructure (e.g. utility pole, park bench, etc.). Any and every sign in the right-of-way is subject to confiscation.
- Any moving or attention-attracting device, such as streamers, propellers, inflatable signs or devices, balloons, lights, and costumed persons or figures.
The Sign Code Task Force sought input from the business and citizens through surveys. To review the City’s full updated sign code, go to www.bluespringsgov.com/signcode.