Chapter 6 - Signs - ADOPTED Second ReadingChapter 6 – Signs 1
MIAMI BEACH RESILIENCY CODE
As Adopted at City Commission Second Reading
Chapter 6
SIGNS
Contents
ARTICLE I – IN GENERAL ......................................................................................................................................... 2
6.1.1 Intent ................................................................................................................................................................ 2
6.1.2 Applicability and severability ........................................................................................................................... 2
6.1.3 General requirements ...................................................................................................................................... 3
6.1.4 Exempt signs ..................................................................................................................................................... 3
6.1.5 Signs in the public right of way ........................................................................................................................ 4
6.1.6 Prohibited signs ................................................................................................................................................ 4
6.1.7 Removal required ............................................................................................................................................. 5
6.1.8 Display of signs or advertisement on vehicles ................................................................................................. 5
6.1.9 Noncommercial graphics and images .............................................................................................................. 6
ARTICLE II – DESIGN STANDARDS ........................................................................................................................... 6
6.2.1 General sign requirements and design standards ............................................................................................ 6
6.2.2 Window signs ................................................................................................................................................... 7
6.2.3 Hanging signs .................................................................................................................................................... 8
6.2.4 Awning signs ..................................................................................................................................................... 8
6.2.5 Wall signs.......................................................................................................................................................... 8
6.2.6 Projecting signs .............................................................................................................................................. 10
6.2.7 Detached signs ............................................................................................................................................... 12
6.2.8 Directory signs ................................................................................................................................................ 13
6.2.9 Flags and flagpoles ......................................................................................................................................... 13
6.2.10 Non-commercial graphics and images – non-electronic .............................................................................. 14
6.2.11 Non-commercial graphics and images – electronic ..................................................................................... 14
ARTICLE III – TEMPORARY SIGNS.......................................................................................................................... 14
6.3.1 Generally ........................................................................................................................................................ 14
6.3.2 Design standards ........................................................................................................................................... 15
6.3.3 Election headquarter signs ............................................................................................................................. 16
6.3.4 Balloon signs ................................................................................................................................................... 16
6.3.5 Banners .......................................................................................................................................................... 16
MIAMI BEACH RESILIENCY CODE
Chapter 6 – Signs 2
6.3.6 Garage sale signs ............................................................................................................................................ 16
6.3.7 Cultural institutions temporary advertising ................................................................................................... 16
6.3.8 Vacant storefront covers and signs ................................................................................................................ 17
6.3.9 Signage for temporary businesses ................................................................................................................. 19
ARTICLE IV – SPECIFIC LOCATION SIGN REGULATIONS ......................................................................................... 19
6.4.1 Lincoln Road signage district .......................................................................................................................... 19
6.4.2 Signs for oceanfront and bayfront buildings .................................................................................................. 21
ARTICLE V – SPECIFIC USE SIGNS .......................................................................................................................... 21
6.5.1 Signs for shopping centers ............................................................................................................................. 21
6.5.2 Signs for interconnected retail ....................................................................................................................... 22
6.5.3 Signs for vertical retail centers ....................................................................................................................... 22
6.5.4 Signs for schools and religious institutions .................................................................................................... 23
6.5.5 Signs for filling stations and other uses selling gasoline ................................................................................ 23
6.5.6 Signs for major cultural institutions ............................................................................................................... 24
ARTICLE VI – LEGAL NONCONFORMING SIGNS..................................................................................................... 25
6.6.1 Generally ........................................................................................................................................................ 25
6.6.2 Legal nonconforming signs located within a local or National Register historic district or local historic site25
6.6.3 Legal nonconforming signs located outside a local or National Register historic district or local historic site
................................................................................................................................................................................. 26
6.6.4 Legal nonconforming use signage—Residential district ................................................................................. 27
ARTICLE I – IN GENERAL
6.1.1 INTENT
The intent of this chapter is to provide comprehensive regulations for signage within the city. The following
regulations and standards are intended to permit signs that through their design, location, numeration, and
construction, will optimize communication, promote a sound healthy environment for housing and commerce, as
well as preserve the architectural character of the city.
6.1.2 APPLICABILITY AND SEVERABILITY
The regulations in this chapter apply to all signs and are in addition to the regulations contained elsewhere in these
land development regulations. Except for signs exempted in section 6.1.4 all signs shall require permits. For the
purposes of this chapter, "sign" or "signs" will include all associated supporting structures.
Pursuant to the procedures and standards set forth in chapter 2. article VIII, the board of adjustment, historic
preservation board, or design review board, as applicable, may grant a variance permitting the erection and
MIAMI BEACH RESILIENCY CODE
Chapter 6 – Signs 3
maintenance of a sign which does not conform to the regulations set forth for maximum size, location or graphics,
illustrations, and other criteria set forth in these land development regulations.
6.1.3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
The following requirements shall apply to signs, in addition to provisions appearing elsewhere in these land
development regulations:
a. Unless otherwise exempted in section 6.1.4, no sign shall be erected, constructed, posted, painted, altered,
or relocated without the issuance of a building permit or planning permit.
b. Building permit applications shall be filed together with such drawing and specification as may be necessary
to fully advise the city with the location, construction, materials, illumination, structure, numeration,
design, and copy of the sign.
c. Structural features and electrical systems shall be in accordance with the requirements of the Florida
Building Code.
d. No sign, portable or fixed, shall conflict with the corner visibility clearance requirements of section 7.5.3.5.
e. All signs, unless otherwise stipulated in this chapter, shall be located only upon the lot on which the
business, residence special use, activity, service, product or sale is located.
f. Unless otherwise specified in these regulations, all signs shall comply with the yard requirements of the
district in which they are located.
g. All signs shall be maintained in good condition and appearance.
h. Any persons responsible for the erection or maintenance of a sign which fails to comply with the
regulations of this chapter shall be subject to enforcement procedures as set forth in section 1.3.8.
i. No sign shall be approved for use unless it has been inspected and found to be in compliance with all the
requirements of these land development regulations and applicable technical codes.
6.1.4 EXEMPT SIGNS
The following signs may be erected, posted or constructed without a permit but in accordance with the structural
and safety requirements of the South Florida Building Code and all other requirements of these land development
regulations:
a. Official traffic signs or sign structures, or governmental information signs and provisional warning signs or sign
structures, when erected or required to be erected by a governmental agency, and temporary signs indicating
danger.
b. Historical markers approved by the historic preservation board.
c. Signs directing and guiding pedestrians and traffic and parking on private property, but bearing no advertising
matter and not exceeding two square feet in area.
d. Changing of the copy on a bulletin board, poster board, display encasement, directory sign or marquee.
e. Signage on vehicles as authorized in section 6.1.8.
MIAMI BEACH RESILIENCY CODE
Chapter 6 – Signs 4
f. Temporary signs authorized by section 6.3.1, which are composed of paper, cardboard, plastic film or other
similar material and are affixed directly to a window.
g. Address signs, not to exceed the minimum required by the fire code, maximum two square feet in area. Copy
shall be limited to the address of the property.
6.1.5 SIGNS IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY
Signs erected, posted or constructed in the public right of way are subject to the review and approval of the Public
Works Department.
6.1.6 PROHIBITED SIGNS
a. No general advertising sign shall be constructed, erected, used, operated or maintained in the city.
b. Pennants, banners, streamers, balloon signs and all other fluttering, spinning or similar type signs and
advertising devices are prohibited except as provided in sections 6.3.4, 6.3.5 and 6.3.7, and subsection 82-
411(d) of General Ordinances. Any nonconforming pennant, banner, streamer, fluttering or spinning device,
flag or flagpole that is destroyed by storm or other cause, shall be removed immediately and shall not be
replaced with another such nonconforming flag, sign or device.
c. No flashing sign shall be constructed, erected, used operated or maintained in the city.
d. No sign shall be constructed, erected, used, operated or maintained which uses the word "Stop" or "Danger"
or presents or implies the need or requirement for stopping, or the existence of danger, or which is a copy or
imitation of an official sign. This provision regarding the words "Stop" and "Danger" does not apply when the
words are a part of attraction titles for a broadcast motion picture, theatre event, opera or concert, or when
they are used in descriptive lines of advertising, so long as they are not used to stimulate, copy or imply any
official traffic warning, either for vehicles or for pedestrians.
e. No sign shall be constructed, erected, used, operated or maintained so as to provide a background of colored
lights blending with the traffic signals to the extent of confusing a motorist when viewed from a normal
approaching position of a vehicle at a distance of 25 to 300 feet.
f. No sign shall be attached or otherwise applied to trees, utility poles, bus benches, trash receptacles, or any
other unapproved supporting structures.
g. No sign attached to a vehicle may be illuminated when such vehicle is parked in the public right-of-way.
h. Signs which are not securely affixed to the ground, or otherwise affixed in a permanent manner to an
approved supporting structure, shall be prohibited.
i. Except as otherwise permitted by these land development regulations, no sign indicating the presence of an
accessory commercial use in a hotel, apartment-hotel, or apartment building located in a residential district
shall be constructed, erected, used, operated, or maintained so as to be visible from a public street, walk, or
other public way.
j. Pole signs and roof signs are not permitted, except for pole signs which are associated with filling stations as
provided in section 6.5.5. Legal nonconforming roof and pole signs may be repaired only as provided in article
VI of this chapter. These provisions shall not apply to a sign which is attached to an allowable height exception.
k. Signs on umbrellas, tables, chairs and any other furniture or fixtures associated with outdoor cafes are
prohibited.
MIAMI BEACH RESILIENCY CODE
Chapter 6 – Signs 5
l. Televisions or similar devices, displaying images of any kind are not permitted to be located within the first ten
feet of a storefront.
m. Signs attached to or placed on a vehicle (including trailers) that is parked on public or private property shall be
prohibited except as permitted in section 6.1.8.
6.1.7 REMOVAL REQUIRED
a. Any sign previously associated with a vacated premises shall either be removed or altered so that the sign no
longer displays the visual aspects that pertain to the activity formerly associated with the vacated premises, by
the owner or lessee not later than six months from the time such activity ceases to exist.
b. The building official may initiate proceedings that result in the removal of any sign erected or maintained
without a permit.
c. In any district where a sign does not comply with the provisions of these land development regulations and
has not received a building permit, such sign and any supporting structures other than a building shall be
removed.
d. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the planning director, or designee, may waive the requirement for the
removal of a sign, regardless of the permit status, if the sign is determined to be historic or architecturally
significant.
e. The code compliance department shall inquire of the planning director, or designee, prior to the issuance of
any violation of this section, whether a waiver has been or will be issued pursuant to this section.
6.1.8 DISPLAY OF SIGNS OR ADVERTISEMENT ON VEHICLES
a. The prohibition of signs attached to or placed on a vehicle (including trailers) that is parked on public or
private property does not apply in the following cases:
i. Identification of a firm or its principal products on a vehicle operating during the normal hours of business
or parked at the owner's residence; provided, however, that no such vehicle shall be parked on public or
private property with signs attached or placed on such vehicle for the purpose of advertising a business or
firm or calling attention at the location of a business or firm.
ii. Vehicles carrying advertising signs dealing with the candidacy of individuals for elected office or
advertising propositions to be submitted and voted upon by the people. This exemption, however, shall
cease seven days after the date of the election in which the person was finally voted upon.
iii. Vehicles which require governmental identification, markings or insignias of a local, state or federal
government agency.
iv. Signs that are authorized under chapter [section] 10-4(b) and BA-276 of the Code of Miami-Dade County.
v. All other signs on vehicles advertising a business or firm shall be removed or covered when the vehicle is
parked on public or private property.
vi. All allowable signs on vehicles which are removable are to be removed during nonbusiness hours.
b. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate an advertising vehicle in or upon the following streets and
highways under the city's jurisdiction: all of Ocean Drive, and the residential area bounded by and including
6th Street on the south, North Lincoln Lane on the north, Lenox Avenue on the west, and Drexel Avenue and
MIAMI BEACH RESILIENCY CODE
Chapter 6 – Signs 6
Pennsylvania Avenue on the east. An advertising vehicle is any wheeled conveyance designed or used for the
primary purpose of displaying advertisements. Advertising vehicles shall not include or attach any trailers or
haul any other vehicle or trailer. This section shall not apply to:
i. Any vehicle which displays an advertisement or business notice of its owner, so long as such vehicle is
engaged in the usual business or regular work of the owner, and not used merely, mainly, or primarily to
display advertisements;
ii. Mass transit, public transportation;
iii. Taxicabs; or
iv. Any vehicle exempted under section 6.1.8.a, above.
c. Penalties. A violation of the provisions of subsection a. shall be subject to the enforcement procedures and
fines set forth in chapter 30, article III of General Ordinances. A violation of the provisions of subsection b.
shall be subject to the penalties set forth in section 1-14 of General Ordinances
6.1.9 NONCOMMERCIAL GRAPHICS AND IMAGES
a. Non-electronic graphics and images. Artistic murals, graphics and images, composed of paint, tile, stone, or
similar, non-electronic medium, which have no commercial association, may be applied to a building or
structure, if approved by the design review board or historic preservation board, as applicable, in accordance
with the applicable design review or certificate of appropriateness criteria. Additionally, such murals, graphics
and images shall comply with the design standards in section 6.2.10.
b. Electronic graphics and images. Artistic murals, graphics and images, including projected or illuminated still
images and/or neon banding, composed of an electronic medium, which have no commercial association, may
be installed on a building or structure, if approved by the design review board or historic preservation board,
as applicable, in accordance with the applicable design review or certificate of appropriateness criteria.
Additionally, such electronic graphics and images shall comply with the design standards in section 6.2.11.
ARTICLE II – DESIGN STANDARDS
6.2.1 GENERAL SIGN REQUIREMENTS AND DESIGN STANDARDS
The following standards shall apply to all signs unless otherwise exempted in this chapter or these land
development regulations:
a. Direct access to the street or waterway from the licensed establishment is required for a sign that faces a
public right-of-way or waterway.
b. Signs shall front a street or waterway. Signs may be permitted to front alleys where the alley frontage provides
a means of public entrance or is adjacent to a parking lot or garage.
c. Electrical conduit, support structures, receptacle boxes, disconnect switches or any other operational devices
associated with a sign shall be designed in such a manner as to be visually unnoticeable.
d. Sign copy for main business signs, with the exception of window signs, shall be limited to licensed permitted
uses.
MIAMI BEACH RESILIENCY CODE
Chapter 6 – Signs 7
e. All signs shall be subject to the design review or certificate of appropriateness process set forth in section
2.5.3 as applicable.
f. The framework and body of all signs shall consist of aluminum or similar alloy material. Other materials may
be used for the sign face or lettering affixed to the framework and body.
The placement and location of all signs shall be compatible with the architecture of the building, and shall not
cover or obscure architectural features, finishes or elements.
6.2.2 WINDOW SIGNS
a. In addition to other permitted signs, licensed commercial establishments are permitted one sign on one
window or door with copy limited to the address, phone number and hours of operation, in accordance with
the following:
i. The size of the numerals for the address shall not exceed six inches in height.
ii. The numerals and letter size for the phone number and hours of operation shall not exceed two inches in
height.
iii. The name of the establishment may be repeated more than once subject to the design review or
certificate of appropriateness process set forth in section 2.5.3. The letters shall not exceed six inches in
height.
b. An "open"/"closed" sign, illuminated or non-illuminated shall be permitted. Such "open"/"closed" sign shall
not exceed two square feet, letters shall not exceed 12 inches in height, and shall be subject to the design
review or certificate of appropriateness process set forth in section 2.5.3.
c. The aggregate area of the above signs of this section shall not exceed five percent of the total glass window
area and door area measured by adding the area of each individual glass pane.
MIAMI BEACH RESILIENCY CODE
Chapter 6 – Signs 8
d. When there are no other signs associated with the use, the main permitted sign or signs may be located on
the window with a total aggregate size not to exceed 20 square feet, notwithstanding the maximum aggregate
area in c above.
e. Restaurants may also have a menu board besides other signs provided herein. When a menu board is affixed
to a window, it shall be limited to an area of three square feet. If a menu display case is affixed to the building
wall, it shall be limited to an overall area of four square feet.
f. Commercial uses may also have one establishment services identification sign located on one window or door
with letters no higher than two inches and a total area of two square feet.
g. Commercial establishments that offer for sale or lease products which are not located on the premises (e.g.,
real estate) may place up to three display board type signs on the window. Such display boards shall be limited
to six square feet each and are subject to the design review or certificate of appropriateness process set forth
in section 2.5.3.
6.2.3 HANGING SIGNS
a. In all districts except RS (1-4), and in addition to other permitted signs, one non-illuminated sign hanging from
the underside of an awning or canopy is permitted in accordance with the following:
i. The area of the sign shall not exceed three square feet per side. Area shall be calculated based on the
frame of the sign.
ii. Letters shall not exceed six inches in height.
iii. A minimum height clearance of seven feet six inches is required.
6.2.4 AWNING SIGNS
In all districts except RS (1-4), and in addition to other permitted signs, one sign on the valance of an awning or
canopy may also be permitted. For the purposes of this section, a valance is defined as that vertical portion of the
awning that hangs down from the structural brace. Signs on other surface areas of an awning, canopy or roller
curtain are not permitted. The sign shall be in accordance with the following:
a. The length of such sign shall not exceed 25 percent of the length of a single awning, or the length of that
portion of the awning or canopy associated with the establishment, up to a maximum of ten feet.
b. Letters shall not exceed eight inches in height.
c. Signs on continuous awnings shall be placed centered on the portion of the valance that corresponds to the
individual storefront and be a uniform color.
d. All awning signs shall be subject to the design review or certificate of appropriateness process set forth in
section 2.5.3.
6.2.5 WALL SIGNS
a. Wall signs shall consist of individual letters or routed out aluminum panels.
b. Wall sign individual letters shall have a minimum depth of two inches.
c. Wall sign individual letters shall be pin-mounted or flush-mounted. Raceway or wireway mounting shall only
be permitted where the structural conditions of the wall do not allow for the direct mounting of letters.
MIAMI BEACH RESILIENCY CODE
Chapter 6 – Signs 9
Raceways or wireways, if permitted, shall not exceed the width or height of the sign proposed and shall be
subject to the design review or certificate of appropriateness process.
d. Wall signs which meet the following additional design specifications may be increased in size from 0.75 square
feet per linear feet of store frontage to one square foot per linear feet of store frontage (up to the maximum
size permitted in this section:
i. The sign shall consist of individual letters and shall be pin-mounted or flush-mounted (no raceways or
wireways).
ii. Sign letters shall consist of aluminum or similar alloy, and shall have a minimum depth of two inches.
iii. Sign letters shall be open face with exposed neon or similar lighting, or reverse channel letters.
e. Wall signs shall be governed by the following chart:
WALL SIGN
Design Standards per District
Zoning Districts
CD (1-3)
C-PS (1-4)
I-1
MXE
TC (C, 1-2)
RM-3
HD
MR
RM (1-2)
R-PS (1-4)
RO
TC-3
RM-PS1
TH
WD (1-2)
RS (1-4)
SPE
GC
Maximum area
calculation
0.75 square feet for every
foot of linear frontage,
with a minimum of 15
square feet permissible,
regardless of linear
frontage
0.33 square feet for every
foot of linear frontage,
with a minimum of 20
feet permissible,
regardless of linear
frontage
Maximum area (Signs
shall not exceed this area,
regardless of the
maximum area
calculation)
100 square feet 30 square feet GC and SPE: 30 square
feet
RS (1—4): Two square
feet
Height restrictions The bottom of a sign shall not be located above the
ceiling of the ground floor. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, on buildings with two or more floors,
signage may be located above the first floor, provided
that the signs above the ground floor shall not exceed
the size limitations on the ground floor, subject to the
review and approval of the design review board or
historic preservation board, as applicable.
Maximum quantity per
frontage
Multiple signs for the
same establishment may
be permitted through the
design review or
certificate of
appropriateness process
One wall, projecting or
detached sign.
One
MIAMI BEACH RESILIENCY CODE
Chapter 6 – Signs 10
set forth in section 2.5.3
if the aggregate sign area
does not exceed the
largest maximum
permitted area.
Accessory use • Maximum 75% of main use sign, or 20 square feet,
whichever is less
• For uses located in hotel and apt. buildings, must
have direct access to street/sidewalk; follows same
regulations as main permitted use.
Not permitted
Special conditions
Building identification Hotels, apartments-
hotels, and commercial
buildings two stories or
higher may be permitted
one building
identification sign for
each façade facing a
public right-of-way or
waterway, with an area
not to exceed one
percent of the façade
area on which it is placed.
The placement and
design of the sign shall be
subject to approval
through the design
review or certificate of
appropriateness process
set forth in section 2.5.3.
Not permitted
6.2.6 PROJECTING SIGNS
Projecting signs shall be governed by the following chart:
PROJECTING SIGN
Design Standards per District
Zoning Districts
CD (1-3)
C-PS (1-4)
I-1
MXE
TC (C, 1-2)
RM-3
MR
RM (1-2)
R-PS (1-4)
RO
TC-3
RM-PS1
TH
WD (1-2)
RS (1-4)
SPE
GC
HD
Maximum area 15 square feet Not permitted
Height restrictions Minimum nine feet per
Maximum quantity per
frontage
Multiple signs for the same
establishment may be permitted
through the design review or
certificate of appropriateness process
One wall, projecting
or detached sign.
MIAMI BEACH RESILIENCY CODE
Chapter 6 – Signs 11
if the aggregate sign area does not
exceed the largest maximum
permitted area
Accessory use Permitted for accessory uses Follows same
regulations as main
permitted use.
Building identification Hotels, apartment-hotels, and
commercial buildings two stories or
higher may be permitted one
building identification sign for each
façade facing a public right-of-way or
waterway, with an area not to exceed
one percent of the façade area on
which it is placed. The placement and
design of the sign shall be subject to
approval through the design review
or certificate of appropriateness
process set forth in section 2.5.3 or
certificate of appropriateness
process, as applicable
Not permitted
Special conditions • May be illuminated by an external
lighting source through the design
review or certificate of
appropriateness process set forth in
section 2.5.3
• For buildings with horizontal
architectural projections (such as an
eyebrow or architectural awning)
immediately above the ground floor,
the size calculations for wall signs
may be utilized for the projecting
sign, provided the following
conditions are met:
a. Approval shall be subject to
approval through the design
review or certificate of
appropriateness process set forth
in section 2.5.3
or certificate of appropriateness
process, as applicable.
b. The sign shall be mounted to the
applicable projection.
c. The sign shall consist of individual
letters.
d. Raceways and wireways shall be
concealed from view of the public
right-of-way.
e. The sign shall not be located
directly in front of windows.
(6) Sign letters shall consist of
aluminum or similar alloy and
MIAMI BEACH RESILIENCY CODE
Chapter 6 – Signs 12
shall have a minimum depth of
two inches.
f. Sign letters shall be open face
with exposed neon or similar
lighting, or reverse channel
letters.
g. Compatible signage design is
utilized for all signs on a single
building.
6.2.7 DETACHED SIGNS
Detached signs shall be governed by the following chart:
DETACHED SIGN
Design Standards per District
Zoning Districts
CD (1-3)
C-PS (1-4)
I-1
TC (C, 1-2)
RM-3
HD
MR
RM (1-2)
R-PS (1-4)
RO
TC-3
RM-PS1
TH
WD (1-2)
RS (1-4)
SPE
GC
MXE
Maximum area
(all sides of a detached
sign displaying signage
will be calculated towards
the maximum area)
• 15 square feet
• Five feet if on perimeter wall
• 15 square feet
• If sign is setback 20 feet
from property line,
maximum area may reach
30 square feet
• Five feet if on perimeter
wall
Not permitted
Height Restrictions • Five feet maximum
• Height may be permitted to exceed the maximum
through the design review or certificate of appropriateness
process set forth in section 2.5.3. However at no time shall
height exceed ten feet
Max Quantity per
Frontage
Multiple signs for the same
establishment may be
permitted through the design
review or certificate of
appropriateness process set
forth in section 2.5.3 if the
aggregate sign area does not
exceed the largest max
permitted area
One Wall, Projecting, or
Detached sign
Setback Requirements • Front yard: Five feet
• Interior side yard: Seven and one-half feet
• Side yard facing a street: Five feet
• Perimeter wall sign: Zero feet
Accessory Use Follows same regulations as main permitted use.
MIAMI BEACH RESILIENCY CODE
Chapter 6 – Signs 13
Special Conditions • In RO, maximum area is
ten square feet
6.2.8 DIRECTORY SIGNS
Commercial buildings are permitted an exterior directory sign, attached to the building, up to six square feet in
area. Sign material and placement shall be subject to approval through the design review or certificate of
appropriateness process set forth in section 2.5.3.
6.2.9 FLAGS AND FLAGPOLES
a. Only national flags and flags of political subdivisions of the United States, flags of civic, charitable, fraternal,
and welfare and organizations, and flags of nationally or internationally recognized symbols of cultural
diversity and flagpoles shall be permitted, and must meet the following requirements, except during nationally
recognized holidays:
i. Flagpoles shall be permanently affixed to the ground, building or other structure in a manner acceptable
to the building official.
ii. Flagpoles shall not exceed 50 feet in height above grade when affixed at ground level. The length of
flagpoles permanently affixed to buildings or other structures shall be approved through the design
review or certificate of appropriateness process, not to exceed 25 feet above the height of the main roof
deck.
iii. The installation of permanent flagpoles projecting over public property shall require approval from the
public works department.
iv. Attached or detached flagpoles in single-family districts shall not exceed 30 feet in height, as measured
from grade.
b. Temporary flagpoles may be affixed to buildings or other structures without requiring a building permit or
approval from the public works department. For exempt temporary flagpoles:
i. The flagpole shall be of a temporary nature, i.e., not permanently affixed to the structure.
ii. The mounting hardware must be placed at least six feet, eight inches above ground level.
iii. The flag may not exceed three feet, by five feet and must be made of flame-retardant material.
iv. No portion of any flag that extends over public property shall be less than nine feet above such property,
measured vertically directly beneath the flag to grade.
v. All temporary flags and flagpoles must be immediately removed upon the issuance of an official hurricane
warning.
c. Detached flagpoles shall have the following setback requirements:
i. Any yard facing a street: Ten feet.
ii. Interior side yard: Seven and one-half feet.
iii. Rear yard, oceanfront, bayfront: Ten feet.
MIAMI BEACH RESILIENCY CODE
Chapter 6 – Signs 14
d. The length of the flag shall be one-fourth the length of the pole when affixed to the ground and one-third the
length of the pole for flags on roofs, structures or buildings. The width of the flag shall be two-thirds of the
length.
e. The arrangement, location and number of flags and flagpoles in excess of one per property shall be
determined by the design review or certificate of appropriateness process set forth in section 2.5.3.
6.2.10 NON-COMMERCIAL GRAPHICS AND IMAGES – NON-ELECTRONIC
a. The maximum number of any combination of murals, graphics or images shall not exceed the total aggregate
of two per property.
b. The maximum aggregate size of any mural, graphic or image shall not exceed 100 square feet, unless
otherwise approved by and adopted by a majority vote of the city commission by resolution.
c. Any signature of, or attribution to, the mural designer or artist shall not exceed two square feet and shall be
located at the bottom of the image.
d. There shall be no variances from the provisions of this section 6.2.10.
6.2.11 NON-COMMERCIAL GRAPHICS AND IMAGES – ELECTRONIC
a. Unless moving images are approved by the design review board or historic preservation board, as applicable,
only still, non-moving, murals, graphics or images shall be permitted.
b. The maximum number of electronic murals, graphics or images shall not exceed two per property.
c. The maximum size of an electronic mural, graphic or image shall not exceed 100 square feet, unless approved
by resolution adopted by a majority vote of the city commission.
d. All such electronic murals, graphics or images shall only be permitted in commercial or mixed-use districts and
shall not be visible from the right-of-way.
e. A minimum distance separation of 1,500 feet shall be required from properties with electronic murals,
graphics or images.
f. All such electronic murals, graphics or images shall either be reduced in illumination to a maximum of 250 nits
or be turned off between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., seven days a week.
g. There shall be no variances from the provisions of this section 6.2.11.
ARTICLE III – TEMPORARY SIGNS
6.3.1 GENERALLY
a. Temporary signs may be erected or posted and may be maintained only as authorized by and in accordance
with the provisions of this article.
b. Temporary signs shall only be allowed for a period beginning with the temporary activity which is the subject
of the sign and must be removed within seven days from the date the temporary activity ceases. Temporary
business signs may be erected and maintained for a period not to exceed 30 days, except that the city
MIAMI BEACH RESILIENCY CODE
Chapter 6 – Signs 15
manager may approve an extension of time for the business to erect and maintain such signs beyond the 30
days to mitigate the impacts of public construction on visibility of, or access to, the business. Such extension
beyond 30 days shall terminate concurrent with the termination of the public construction.
c. Temporary signs other than those affixed directly to a window and composed of paper, cardboard, plastic film
or other similar material, shall require a permit as set forth in this chapter.
d. There shall be a maximum of two permits for the same premises within one calendar year for signs requiring
permits.
e. For temporary signs six square feet or larger, a bond shall be posted prior to erection of the sign in an amount
determined by the building official based upon the estimated cost of removal of the sign. However, no bond
shall be required in excess of the amount provided in appendix A. The bond shall be refundable upon removal
of the sign.
f. It shall be unlawful for any person to paste, glue, print, paint, or to affix or attach by any means whatsoever to
the surface of any public street, sidewalk, way or curb or to any property of any governmental body or public
utility any sign, poster, placard or automobile bumper strip.
g. When associated with a particular activity, service, product, sale or lease, temporary signs shall be located
only upon the lot in which the activity, service, product sale or lease is to occur.
h. With the exception of election/free speech signs and temporary window signs, all signs shall be reviewed
under the design review or certificate of appropriateness process set forth in section 2.5.3. Election/free
speech signs shall not require a permit.
6.3.2 DESIGN STANDARDS
a. Purpose and intent. The purpose of this section is to regulate temporary signs equally, ensuring the same
setback, height, and other regulations for temporary signs. This section should be constructed consistent with
Reed v. Town of Gilbert, Arizona, 135 S.Ct. 2218 (2015).
b. Setback, height regulations for temporary signs. Unless affixed to a fence or an existing building, detached
signs shall be set back ten feet from any property line. Maximum height to the top of a detached sign affixed
to posts or a fence shall be five feet above grade in single family and multifamily residential districts and 12
feet above grade in all other districts. Maximum height to the top of a flat sign affixed to a building shall not
extend above the first floor in single-family and multifamily districts and shall not extend above the second
story of such building in all other districts.
c. Number. There shall be a maximum of one temporary sign per street frontage, with the exception of
election/free speech signs, which shall not exceed one temporary sign per residential or commercial unit.
d. Copy. Artistic murals or ornamental signs are permitted on construction fences surrounding a construction
site, subject to the provisions contained herein and the design review or certificate of appropriateness process
set forth in section 2.5.3.
e. Type. Signs may be wall signs, part of a fence, or rigid detached signs, affixed to posts or a construction fence.
f. The maximum sign area for temporary signs shall be as follows except as provided in section 6.3.9:
i. For window signs, 10% of total window area, measured by adding the area of each individual glass pane.
This area is in addition to the maximum area for permanent window signs permitted in section 6.2.2.
MIAMI BEACH RESILIENCY CODE
Chapter 6 – Signs 16
ii. For nonwindow signs:
1. In a single-family residential district, four square feet.
2. In a multi-family residential district, 16 square feet.
3. In all other districts, the sign area shall not exceed one square foot per three linear feet of street
frontage, not to exceed 75 feet.
6.3.3 ELECTION HEADQUARTER SIGNS
The sign area in commercial or industrial districts for campaign headquarters shall not have a sign area limitation.
Each candidate may have four campaign headquarters which shall be registered with the city clerk.
6.3.4 BALLOON SIGNS
Notwithstanding the prohibition of balloon signs in section 6.1.6, for special events authorized in accordance with
the requirements prescribed by the city, sponsor's cold air balloon signs and inflatables tethered to the ground
may be permitted, but only to the extent said signs and inflatables are approved pursuant to the special event
review procedures as established by the city.
6.3.5 BANNERS
Notwithstanding the prohibition of banners in section 6.1.6, banners may be permitted subject to the following:
a. One temporary banner per calendar year, per property, may be erected and maintained for a period not to
exceed 14 days.
i. Area shall not exceed 100 square feet.
ii. Design shall be subject to the design review or certificate of appropriateness process set forth in section
2.5.3.
b. A building permit shall be required. The building official shall require a performance bond in an amount
determined necessary in order to insure its removal, but not less than the amount provided in appendix A.
c. Temporary banners shall not be used for construction signs.
6.3.6 GARAGE SALE SIGNS
a. The maximum number of garage sale signs shall be one.
b. The sign area shall be 12 inches by 18 inches.
c. The garage sale signs are allowed once yearly for a maximum period of two days commencing on the first day
of the sale and ending at the close of the sale.
d. A garage sale sign may only be posted during the effective time of a valid garage sale permit issued by the city.
6.3.7 CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS TEMPORARY ADVERTISING
a. A cultural institution may have temporary banners identifying a special event, exhibit or performance.
b. There shall be a maximum of two banners per structure, no larger than 30 square feet each.
MIAMI BEACH RESILIENCY CODE
Chapter 6 – Signs 17
c. Banners may be installed up to 30 days prior to the special cultural event, exhibit or performance and shall be
removed at the end of the special event, exhibit or performance.
d. Cultural institutions may use projected images of the special event, exhibit or performance up to a maximum
of 30 days prior to the special event, exhibit or performance and shall be removed within one day of the
event.
e. Design of the banners and manner and duration (hours) of projection shall be subject to approval through the
design review or certificate of appropriateness process set forth in section 2.5.3.
f. The institution shall have an established state corporate charter for at least one year prior to the application
for approval and be maintained for duration of the approval.
6.3.8 VACANT STOREFRONT COVERS AND SIGNS
a. Purpose. Vacant storefronts create blighted economic and social conditions contrary to the viable and healthy
economic, aesthetic, and social fabric that the city has cultivated and encouraged in its commercial zoning
districts. The purpose of this section is to encourage and regulate the screening of the interior of vacant
storefronts with aesthetically compatible and attractive material, to obscure the deteriorated or
deconstructed conditions of vacant storefronts, and to allow temporary signs to be included on this material.
For purposes of this section, a vacant storefront is any ground floor business establishment that is unoccupied.
b. Applicability. The requirements of this section apply only to the ground floor windows and doors of vacant
storefronts that face a public right-of-way. If a commercial property is vacant for more than 15 days, all glass
surfaces visible to the public shall be kept clean, and the interior of such vacant store shall be screened from
public view in one of the following ways, until the property is occupied:
i. All glass surfaces visible from the public right-of-way shall be covered as provided in subsection d; or
ii. All glass surfaces visible from the public right-of-way shall be covered as provided in subsection e.
c. Storefront window cover required for vacant storefronts. Exterior windows and doors on vacant commercial
property shall be substantially screened with an opaque material obscuring the interior. The materials used to
satisfy this requirement shall be subject to the design review or certificate of appropriateness process set
forth in section 2.5.3, in accordance with applicable design review and historic preservation criteria, and shall
consist of 60-pound weight paper, or similar opaque material. Windows covered in accordance with this
section shall remain covered until issuance of a certificate of use or occupancy for the new occupant,
whichever occurs first. If the owner of vacant commercial property elects not to utilize one of the signs
identified in subsection d, the owner shall utilize the window covers identified in subsection e.
d. Temporary signs permitted. Material applied to windows in conformity with this section shall not contain
general advertising signs or other prohibited sign types. Such material may contain applicable property access
limitations, including no trespass provisions, as well as signs that comply with the regulations of this chapter,
as follows:
i. Artistic murals in accordance with section 6.1.9, which may cover 100 percent of the window; and
ii. Other types of signage allowed by this chapter, which may be incorporated into artistic murals as
referenced in (i) above; however, the text of such signage shall be limited to no more than 25 percent of
the total window area of the vacant storefront.
MIAMI BEACH RESILIENCY CODE
Chapter 6 – Signs 18
iii. The design and material of all proposed signs under this subsection d. shall be subject to the design
review or certificate of appropriateness process set forth in section 2.5.3, in accordance with applicable
design review and historic preservation criteria.
e. City-provided storefront cover. The city shall produce and provide preapproved storefront covers, for a charge,
to cover vacant storefronts not complying with subsection c above. Such covers may contain applicable
property access limitations, including no trespass provisions.
f. Penalties and enforcement. Each day of noncompliance shall constitute a separate offense. The code
compliance department is empowered and authorized to require compliance with this section within 30 days
of written notice to violators.
i. The following civil fines shall be imposed for a violation of this section:
1. First violation within a 12-month period: Warning;
2. Second violation within a 12-month period: $250.00;
3. Third violation within a 12-month period: $500.00;
4. Fourth or subsequent violation within a 12-month period: $1,000.00.
ii. Enforcement. The code compliance department shall enforce this section. The notice of violation shall
inform the violator of the nature of the violation, amount of fine for which the violator is liable,
instructions and due date for paying the fine, that the violation may be appealed by requesting an
administrative hearing before a special master within ten days after service of the notice of violation, and
that the failure to appeal the violation within ten days of service shall constitute an admission of the
violation and a waiver of the right to a hearing.
iii. Rights of violators; payment of fine; right to appear; failure to pay civil fine or to appeal; appeals from
decisions of the special master.
1. A violator who has been served with a notice of violation must elect to either:
a. Pay the civil fine in the manner indicated on the notice of violation; or
b. Request an administrative hearing before a special master to appeal the notice of violation,
which must be requested within ten days of the service of the notice of violation.
2. The procedures for appeal by administrative hearing of the notice of violation shall be as set forth in
sections 30-72 and 30-73 of General Ordinances. Applications for hearings must be accompanied by a
fee as approved by a resolution of the city commission, which shall be refunded if the named violator
prevails in the appeal.
3. The failure to pay the civil fine, or to timely request an administrative hearing before a special
master, shall constitute a waiver of the violator's right to an administrative hearing before the special
master, and shall be treated as an admission of the violation, for which fines and penalties shall be
assessed accordingly.
4. A certified copy of an order imposing a fine may be recorded in the public records, and thereafter
shall constitute a lien upon any real or personal property owned by the violator, which may be
enforced in the same manner as a court judgment by the sheriffs of this state, including levy against
the violator's real or personal property, but shall not be deemed to be a court judgment except for
enforcement purposes. Three months after the recording of any such lien which remains unpaid, the
MIAMI BEACH RESILIENCY CODE
Chapter 6 – Signs 19
city may foreclose or otherwise execute upon the lien, for the amount of the lien plus accrued
interest.
5. The special master shall be prohibited from hearing the merits of the notice of violation or
considering the timeliness of a request for an administrative hearing if the violator has failed to
request an administrative hearing within ten days of the service of the notice of violation.
6. The special master shall not have discretion to alter the penalties prescribed in this section.
7. Any party aggrieved by a decision of a special master may appeal that decision to a court of
competent jurisdiction.
6.3.9 SIGNAGE FOR TEMPORARY BUSINESSES
a. Signage for businesses operating with a temporary business tax receipt (BTR) or pop-up special event permit
shall be restricted to those signs permitted explicitly within this section, and may only be installed for the
duration of the term of the respective permit. For purposes of this section, the term temporary business shall
mean a business operating with a temporary BTR or pop-up special event permit.
b. Temporary businesses shall only have the following types of signs:
i. Window signage (up to a maximum coverage of 30 percent of the window storefront area, or 15 square
feet, whichever is greater).
ii. Hanging signs, pursuant to the requirements in section 6.2.3 of these land development regulations.
c. Temporary businesses shall not be permitted to erect any wall, projecting, monument, or other exterior
signage.
d. All signage related to a temporary business shall be removed upon the expiration of the respective temporary
BTR or pop-up special event permit.
i. If a temporary business transitions to operating on a permanent basis, and obtains a regular business tax
receipt, such business shall no longer be subject to the requirements of this section and shall instead be
subject to all other applicable sections of this chapter. In order to retain signage approved pursuant to
this section, such signage shall comply with all other applicable sections of this Code, including any
applicable requirement to obtain a separate planning and/or building permit.
ARTICLE IV – SPECIFIC LOCATION SIGN REGULATIONS
6.4.1 LINCOLN ROAD SIGNAGE DISTRICT
a. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to facilitate the substantial restoration of existing storefronts, facades
and buildings, in accordance with the criteria and requirements of chapter 2, article XIII of these land
development regulations, and to permit well designed, unique and proportional graphics and signage, which is
consistent with the historic period of significance and which do not detract from the architectural character of
the buildings, nor the established context of the surrounding streetscape. Additionally, this section is not
intended to allow larger signs that do not adequately address the architectural and historic character of
graphic signage that previously existed on Lincoln Road.
MIAMI BEACH RESILIENCY CODE
Chapter 6 – Signs 20
b. Regulations. For those properties fronting on Lincoln Road, and located in between the west side of Collins
Avenue and the east side of Washington Avenue, the following shall apply:
i. Wall, projecting or other building signs, which exceed the number and overall square footage permitted
under sections 6.2.5 and 6.2.6, may be permitted, subject to the issuance of a certificate of
appropriateness from the historic preservation board. The placement, design and illumination of such
signage shall be subject to the review and approval of the historic preservation board, in accordance with
the following:
1. A proportional relationship of text and graphics shall be required. All graphics must relate to the
proposed use of the store for which the sign is proposed.
2. The total square footage of permitted signage, inclusive of non-text graphics, shall not exceed 35
percent of the building facade area. For purposes of this section, the building facade area shall be
defined as the area located above the storefront and below the top of the parapet, in between the
physical confines of a specific tenant space.
3. The text portion of the sign shall be limited to the name of the establishment and related products
and services available on site only. Signage text not associated with the actual use, or incidental
signage text, shall not be permitted.
4. The text portion of the sign(s) shall be limited to no more than one per storefront. For corner
properties, the text portion of the sign(s) shall be limited to no more than one per street front. For
corner properties where historic evidence exists of more than two signs at the ground floor, including
a corner sign, at the discretion of the historic preservation board, an additional sign at the ground
floor may be permitted at the corner in a manner consistent with such historic evidence. In no
instance shall the total square footage of signs permitted under this subsection exceed the limitations
set forth in subsection 2 above.
5. For those facades facing a residential or hotel use, only back-lit signage shall be permitted.
6. For properties with frontage on both Lincoln Road and Collins Avenue, the only signage permitted on
Collins Avenue shall fall within the confines of the corner radius, with a maximum lineal frontage of
20 feet on Collins Avenue.
ii. In evaluating signage applications for a certificate of appropriateness, the historic preservation board shall
consider the following:
1. The quality of materials utilized for the sign and their appropriateness to the architecture as well as
the historic and design integrity of the structure.
2. The overall design, graphics and artistry associated with a proposed sign and its relationship to the
historic and design integrity of the structure.
3. The design detail, animation and non-text graphics proposed for the proposed sign(s).
4. The illumination, surface colors and finishes, width, depth, and overall dimensions of the proposed
sign(s).
5. Original, historic signage associated with the building and/or property.
iii. The historic preservation board may, at its discretion, place restrictions on the hours of operation for any
sign approved under this subsection.
MIAMI BEACH RESILIENCY CODE
Chapter 6 – Signs 21
iv. Signage must relate to the specific occupant(s) of the property.
v. Prior to the issuance of a building permit for any signage approved under this section, the planning
director, or designee, or, if required the historic preservation board, shall review and approve the
substantial rehabilitation or restoration of a facade, business location or storefront where new signage
under this section is proposed. Such rehabilitation or restoration shall be substantially completed, prior to
the actual installation of any signage approved under this section.
6.4.2 SIGNS FOR OCEANFRONT AND BAYFRONT BUILDINGS
a. Oceanfront signs. Signs located between the erosion control line (ECL) and the main structure shall be limited
to the following:
i. One sign identifying the main structure, sign area not to exceed one percent of the wall area facing the
ECL with a maximum size of 75 square feet.
ii. One sign per accessory use, sign area not to exceed 20 square feet.
iii. A flat sign located on a wall facing an extension of a dead-end street, municipal parking lot or park, and
within the area designated as the dune district or the required 50-foot rear yard setback at the ground
level, may be permitted with a maximum size of ten square feet of sign for only one accessory use.
iv. Illuminated signs shall only consist of flush-mounted, back-lit letters. This does not apply to the MXE
district.
b. Bayfront signs. Bayfront buildings shall have no more than one sign facing the bay, limited to the main
permitted use. Such sign shall only consist of flush-mounted, back-lit letters, with copy limited to the main
permitted use. The area of such sign shall not exceed one percent of the wall area facing the bay with a
maximum size of 50 square feet. The design and location of the sign shall be approved by the design review
process or certificate of appropriateness process as applicable.
ARTICLE V – SPECIFIC USE SIGNS
6.5.1 SIGNS FOR SHOPPING CENTERS
Signs for shopping centers (for purposes of this article a shopping center is a main permitted use in a commercial
district with three or more individual stores) shall be subject to the following:
TYPE OF SIGN NUMBER SIGN AREA AGGREGATE
AREA SPECIAL CONDITIONS
Individual store sign: A wall
sign identifying the name
of the establishment.
One per
store front.
Ten square
feet.
N/A None.
Main shopping center sign:
Identifying the name of the
shopping center and the
names of the stores.
One sign per
street
frontage or
waterfront.
30 square
feet.
N/A Pole signs are prohibited. A
detached monument sign is
permitted as the main shopping
center sign; the height and size of
the monument shall be
MIAMI BEACH RESILIENCY CODE
Chapter 6 – Signs 22
determined under the design
review or certificate of
appropriateness process. One five
square foot directory sign per
20,000 square feet or fraction
thereof of floor area is permitted
when located on the exterior wall
of the building.
6.5.2 SIGNS FOR INTERCONNECTED RETAIL
For retail storefronts that share interior connecting openings, required bathrooms or other common facilities, the
following criteria shall be met before separate individual main use signs may be permitted for each:
a. Each of the interconnected businesses shall have a separate occupational license.
b. Each of the interconnected businesses shall have direct access from the street with its own separate, main
entrance.
c. Each of the interconnected businesses shall have a minimum storefront width of 20 linear feet.
d. The maximum width of the interconnecting opening between businesses shall not exceed 12 feet.
e. The individual sign for a storefront that interconnects with another business shall not exceed three-fourths of
the storefront where it is located.
f. The aggregate sign area for the interconnected storefronts shall not exceed the maximum sign area permitted
for the combined linear frontage under article II for CD zoning districts.
6.5.3 SIGNS FOR VERTICAL RETAIL CENTERS
a. An eligible use in a vertical retail center is a use with a minimum of 12,500 square feet that shall be retail,
restaurant, food market or personal fitness center.
b. Criteria.
i. The center may have signs on only two street frontages, the location and configuration of which shall be
subject to design review approval. The cumulative sum of the sign areas on a facade, including corners,
approved under this provision, shall be up to five percent of the building facade on which they are
located. Signs located on a building corner shall be up to five percent of the smallest adjoining building
facade, subject to design review or historic preservation board approval, whichever has jurisdiction.
ii. The center shall have no more than six business identification signs in each permitted facade or corner.
Each business identification sign shall not occupy more than one percent of the wall area.
iii. An eligible use in a vertical retail center may, subject to the limitations contained in (b)(2) above, have no
more than two business identification signs on the external walls or projections of the center, exhibiting
the name of the establishment and/or its brand identifying logo only. Individual capital letters shall not
exceed four feet six inches in height.
iv. A vertical retail center may have a roof-top project identification sign, not including the name of any
tenant of the project, in the sole discretion of the design review and/or historic preservation boards,
whichever by law has jurisdiction.
MIAMI BEACH RESILIENCY CODE
Chapter 6 – Signs 23
v. Project entrance identification signs for the center are allowed. A project entrance identification sign may
be wall mounted or projecting and may be located immediately adjacent to each vehicular or pedestrian
entry to the project. Such signs may be up to 30 square feet in total sign area and may not exceed ten feet
in overall height, subject to design review approval.
vi. Ground floor retail signage shall be as permitted in sections 6.2.5 and 6.2.6, one sign per store. In addition
to the above, any retail use greater than 40,000 square feet on the ground floor may have one additional
wall or double-faced projecting sign, not to exceed 175 square feet, subject to design review approval.
vii. Project directory signs for a vertical retail center may be located inside the center near each vehicular or
pedestrian entrance to the project, not visible from the right-of-way. These signs may be no more than 18
square feet in signage area per sign face and wall mounted or freestanding. Such project directory signs
may list all tenants on all floors within the center and have a "You are Here" type map to orientate guests
and visitors.
viii. Uses in vertical retail centers may also have business identification signs on interior walls, not visible from
the right-of-way.
ix. The design review board, or historic preservation board, whichever by law has jurisdiction, shall approve a
sign master plan for the center prior to the issuance of any sign permit. The appropriate board shall have
design review authority over all signs above ground level; building and planning staff may approve all
signs at ground level, as well as any replacement signage for new occupants within the previously
approved sign areas, provided the same are otherwise in compliance with the criteria set forth herein.
6.5.4 SIGNS FOR SCHOOLS AND RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS
a. Religious institutions and schools shall be permitted 30 square feet of aggregate signage area or the maximum
allowed for the underlying zoning district, whichever is larger.
b. A temporary sign identifying a religious event or holiday may be permitted under the following criteria:
i. A maximum of one temporary sign per street front, no larger than 30 square feet each.
ii. Temporary signs may be installed up to 30 days prior to the religious event or holiday and shall be
removed at the end of the religious event or holiday.
iii. Temporary signs may include projected images of the religious event or holiday; however projected
images shall not be permitted facing any residential building or residential zoning district.
iv. The design, projection, materials, location and installation method of temporary signs shall be subject to
the design review or certificate of appropriateness process set forth in section 2.5.3 or certificate of
appropriateness process, as applicable.
6.5.5 SIGNS FOR FILLING STATIONS AND OTHER USES SELLING GASOLINE
Signs for filling stations and any other use that sells gasoline shall be subject to the following:
TYPE OF SIGN NUMBER SIGN AREA AGGREGATE
AREA
SPECIAL
CONDITIONS
Wall signs or
hanging/marquee
sign: Identifying the
Total of one sign
per street frontage.
40 square feet
maximum.
80 square feet
maximum.
None.
MIAMI BEACH RESILIENCY CODE
Chapter 6 – Signs 24
name of the
establishment.
Detached
pole/monument
signs: Identifying
the name of the
establishment or
prices.
One fixed sign per
site.
20 square feet
maximum; in
addition, the price
sign shall be no
greater than the
minimum necessary
to meet state
requirements.
40 square feet
maximum.
Height shall not
exceed 25 feet to
the top of the sign.
Service bay
identification:
Providing direction
or instructions but
containing no
advertising
material.
One sign per service
bay located on the
premises.
Five square feet
maximum.
15 square feet
maximum.
The information
displayed by a
service bay
identification sign
shall be in
compliance with
state law and
chapter 8A of the
County Code.
Service island
identification:
Indicating type of
service offered,
prices of gasoline
and other relevant
information or
instructions but
containing no
advertising
material.
One sign per service
island located on
the premises.
Five square feet
maximum.
Ten square feet
maximum.
The information
displayed by a
service island
identification sign
shall be in
compliance with
state law and
chapter 8A of the
County Code.
Signs having copy indicating the sale of alcoholic beverages or tobacco products: The height of the letters shall
not exceed two inches.
6.5.6 SIGNS FOR MAJOR CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS
Signs for major cultural institutions, as defined in section 142-1032, shall be subject to the following:
TYPE OF SIGN NUMBER SIGN AREA SPECIAL CONDITIONS
Wall signs or
hanging/marquee sign:
Identifying the name of
the institution.
Total number of signs to
be determined under the
design review or
certificate of
appropriateness process
set forth in section 2.5.3.
Total sign area to be
determined under the
design review
procedures.
None.
Detached monument
signs: Identifying the
name of the institution.
One fixed sign per site. 15 square feet maximum. Height and size of
monument shall be
determined under the
design review or
certificate of
MIAMI BEACH RESILIENCY CODE
Chapter 6 – Signs 25
appropriateness process
set forth in section 2.5.3.
ARTICLE VI – LEGAL NONCONFORMING SIGNS
6.6.1 GENERALLY
a. Nonconforming signs which are damaged by any cause may be repaired if the cost of repair does not exceed
50 percent of the current replacement value of the sign, except as otherwise provided herein. Such repairs
shall be limited to routine painting, repair and replacement of electrical components; change of copy shall not
be permitted. Notwithstanding this provision, signs painted directly on the surface of a building or painted
directly on a flat surface affixed to a building may only be repainted to conform to all requirements of these
land development regulations.
b. The copy or content of existing nonconforming roof signs and pole signs may not be altered, except as
otherwise provided herein.
c. Existing nonconforming roof signs and pole signs shall be removed if ownership or use of the advertised
building or business changes, except as otherwise provided herein.
6.6.2 LEGAL NONCONFORMING SIGNS LOCATED WITHIN A LOCAL OR NATIONAL
REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICT OR LOCAL HISTORIC SITE
a. Existing legal nonconforming signs, including roof and pole signs located within a site containing at least one
contributing structure, or within a local historic site, may be repaired or restored regardless of cost and may
be retained regardless of change in ownership if all of the following criteria are met:
i. The sign was installed within 30 years of the associated structure's initial construction according to the
City of Miami Beach Building Permit Records. If no city building permit record exists, the applicant shall
submit historical documentation which demonstrates the sign was installed within approximately 30 years
of the structure's initial construction.
ii. The sign shall retain its existing content and copy, or the original content and copy may be restored
consistent with historical documentation.
iii. The location and design of the existing sign is consistent with the architectural style of the existing
structure and does not detract from the character of the existing structure, or the established context of
the surrounding streetscape.
b. Signs, including roof and pole signs, which were installed on a building or site located within a local or National
Register historic district containing at least one contributing building, or within a local historic site but were
subsequently removed or altered, may be reconstructed subject to the certificate of appropriateness criteria
or design review criteria as applicable, in chapter 2 and herein, if all of the following criteria are met:
i. The sign was permitted within 30 years of the associated structure's initial construction according to the
City of Miami Beach Building Permit Records. If no city building permit record exists, the applicant shall
submit historical documentation which demonstrates the sign was installed within approximately 30 years
of the structure's initial construction.
MIAMI BEACH RESILIENCY CODE
Chapter 6 – Signs 26
ii. Substantial historical evidence of the original configuration of the sign is available.
iii. The original content, design, dimensions and copy of the sign shall be reconstructed consistent with
substantial historical documentation, and the sign shall be located in close proximity to the original
location on the building or site.
iv. The location and design of the sign is consistent with a historical period of significance and does not
detract from the architectural character of the structure on which it is located, or the established context
of the surrounding streetscape.
c. Signs, including roof and pole signs which were installed on a noncontributing building or site located within a
local historic district but were subsequently removed or altered, may be reconstructed subject to certificate of
appropriateness approval by the historic preservation board based on the criteria in chapter 2 and herein, if all
of the following criteria are met:
i. The noncontributing building or structure was initially constructed prior to 1966.
ii. The sign was permitted within ten years of the associated structure's initial construction according to the
City of Miami Beach Building Permit Records. If no city building permit record exists, the applicant shall
submit historical documentation which demonstrates the sign was installed within approximately ten
years of the structure's initial construction.
iii. Substantial historical evidence of the original configuration of the sign is available.
iv. The original content, design, dimensions and copy of the sign shall be reconstructed consistent with
substantial historical documentation, and the sign shall be located in close proximity to the original
location on the building or site.
v. The location and design of the sign is consistent with a historical period of significance and does not
detract from the architectural character of the structure on which it is located, or the established context
of the surrounding streetscape.
d. The renovation or reconstruction of an eligible sign(s) shall be reviewed in accordance with the certificate of
appropriateness criteria as set forth in section 2.13.7.d. of these land development regulations or the design
review criteria as set forth is section 2.5.3.1 as applicable, and shall not be required to meet existing sign
regulations as it pertains to the overall size, location and number of signs. The renovated or reconstructed sign
shall not be construed as additional signage, but rather the retention of original historic elements of a building
or structure.
e. A change of copy may be approved by the historic preservation board or design review board as applicable,
provided the sign meets the criteria in a., b. or c above.
6.6.3 LEGAL NONCONFORMING SIGNS LOCATED OUTSIDE A LOCAL OR
NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICT OR LOCAL HISTORIC SITE
a. Existing nonconforming signs, including roof and pole signs, located outside of a local historic district or local
historic site, may be repaired or restored regardless of cost and may be retained regardless of change in
ownership if all of the following criteria are met and subject to the design review or certificate of
appropriateness process:
MIAMI BEACH RESILIENCY CODE
Chapter 6 – Signs 27
i. The existing structure, to which the sign is associated, is characteristic of a specific architectural style
constructed in the city prior to 1966, including, but not limited to, Vernacular, Mediterranean Revival, Art
Deco, Streamline Moderne, Post War Modern or variations thereof.
ii. The sign was installed within approximately ten years of the associated structure's initial construction
according to the City of Miami Beach Building Permit Records. If no city building permit record exists, the
applicant shall submit historical documentation which demonstrates the approximate date of installation.
iii. The sign shall retain its existing content and copy or the original content and copy may be restored
consistent with substantial historical documentation.
iv. The location and design of the existing sign is consistent with the architectural style of the existing
structure and does not detract from the character of the existing structure, or the established context of
the surrounding streetscape.
b. Signs, including roof and pole signs which were installed on a building or site but were subsequently removed
or altered, may be reconstructed subject to the design review criteria in chapter 2 and herein, if all of the
following criteria are met:
i. The existing structure, to which the sign is associated, is characteristic of a specific architectural style
constructed in the city prior to 1966, including, but not limited to, Vernacular. Mediterranean Revival, Art
Deco. Streamline Moderne, Post War Modern or variations thereof.
ii. The sign was permitted within approximately ten years of the associated structure's initial construction
according to the City of Miami Beach Building Permit Records. If no city building permit record exists, the
applicant shall submit historical documentation which demonstrates the sign was installed within
approximately ten years of the structure's initial construction.
iii. Substantial historical evidence of the original configuration of the sign is available.
iv. The original content, design, dimensions and copy of the sign shall be reconstructed consistent with
substantial historical documentation, and the sign shall be located in close proximity to the original
location on the building or site.
v. The location and design of the sign is consistent with a historical period of significance and does not
detract from the architectural character of the structure on which it is located, or the established context
of the surrounding streetscape.
c. Such renovation or reconstruction shall be subject to the design review or certificate of appropriateness
process set forth in section 2.5.3 and shall not be required to meet existing sign regulations as it pertains to
overall size, location and number of signs. The renovated or reconstructed sign shall not be construed as
additional signage, but rather the retention of original architecturally significant elements of a building or
structure.
d. A change of copy may be approved by the design review board, provided the sign meets the criteria in a. or b.
above.
6.6.4 LEGAL NONCONFORMING USE SIGNAGE—RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
Signage regulations for legal nonconforming use in a residential district shall be the regulations for CD-1 zoning
district.