By Robert C. Solera, Community Development Director

On December 10, 2002 the City of Sunny Isles Beach passed and adopted its Land Development Regulations (LDRs) including Section 265-57 (B) (real estate freestanding signs). Once the Land Development Regulations were adopted, a “grace period” of three years was granted to allow property owners to conform by December 20, 2005. A further extension was granted by the City Commission until February 17, 2007.

After that all signs that do not conform to the City of Sunny Isles Beach Land Development Regulations or become nonconforming by amendments to §265-60, are considered to be illegal and shall be completely removed from the premises or altered to conform.

The information below is from the Land Development Regulations section that is specific to residential signs requirements:

265-57. Temporary signs.

The following temporary signs are authorized in the City:

B.  Real estate freestanding signs: No permit required. [Amended 2-16-2006 by Ord. No. 2006-244; 3-15-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-278]

(1) Residential Districts.

(a) Maximum number: one per lot, except corner lots may have two.

(b) Maximum sign area: eight square feet.

(c)  Maximum sign height: four feet.

(d) Setback: six feet from property line.

(e) Length of display: shall be removed within 10 days after closing, or in case of property for lease, within five days after all space is leased.

(f)   Other restrictions: sign copy shall be limited to:

[1]  Situation, i.e., sale, rent, lease, zoning, size of property;

[2]  Name of owner, broker or agent;

[3]  Phone number;

[4]  Designs or trademarks not comprising more than 20% of sign area; and

[5]  Sign to be located on the premises to be rented, leased or sold.

The information above is available online at www.sibfl.net by clicking on “Code of Ordinances Online” on the left hand of the site.