Creative Design Exception.
Orlando City Code § 64.268
in effectSec. 64.268. - Creative Design Exception.
(a) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide relief from certain sign code requirements. The intent is to encourage designs that exhibit a high degree of imagination, inventiveness, or artistic expression through a Creative Design Exception. A Creative Design Exception is an administrative approval process to allow creatively designed signs that make a positive visual contribution to the overall image of the surrounding area, while mitigating the visual, aesthetics or safety impacts.
(b) Available Relief. An applicant may request approval of a Creative Design Exception proposal in order to allow standards that differ from the provisions of this Chapter, but comply with the purpose and intent of the Sign Code. In general, relief from the sign code regulations shall be limited to 40% of any standard, approval of a prohibited sign type, or a proposal that requires a Design Variance meeting the majority of standards found in Section 65.386. Waivers of any standard greater than 40% require proof of a unique hardship, extensive mitigation or any other concerns reviewed as part of a sign variance. The following regulations may not be waived with a Creative Design Exception:
1. Billboard regulations (Chapter 65 Part 3)
2. Height of freestanding signs (e.g. pole, ground, monument, pylon, freestanding, etc.)
3. High Rise Building Signs.
4. Digital Message Centers or other digital signs.
(c) Approval Process. The proposal must receive a Zoning Official Determination. In approving the proposal, the Zoning Official must ensure the proposed sign meets all the following criteria:
1. Unique design, and exhibit a high degree of imagination, inventiveness, and quality of design; strong graphic character through the imaginative use of color, graphics, proportion, materials, scale and texture; and
2. Contain at least one of the following in the design:
a. Recreate a historic character or style of sign reflective of earlier design periods;
b. Enliven the pedestrian experience rather than primarily serving automobile visibility; or
c. Create an inventive representation of the message, use of the structure or building.
3. When placed on a building, the sign must:
a. Utilize enhanced architectural elements of the building;
b. Be placed in a location that contributes to the overall composition of the building's facade, while not covering any key architectural features and details, or requiring that the building have less detail; and
c. Designed to not cause light, glare or other visual impacts on surrounding uses, especially residential uses.
4. When the sign is freestanding, the sign must:
a. Not overpower the building in terms of size or height (e.g. not be taller than the building it serves);
b. Reduce overall sign clutter; and
c. Designed to not cause light, glare or other visual impacts on surrounding uses, especially residential uses.
5. The proposal includes removal of other non-conformities on the site, including signs; provides additional open space, streetscaping, or enhanced landscaping; saves a tree or other significant site feature; or other proportional conditions as determined by the Zoning Official.
(Ord. No. 2020-51, § 2, 10-19-2020, Doc. #2010191201)
Source: City of Orlando, Florida, City Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/fl/orlando/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TITIICICO_CH64SI_PT2TESI_2ECRDEEX_S64.268CRDEEXFetched: 11/1/2026