§ 18-307. Courtesy bench signs or bus shelters.

Bus stops are designated by an annual contract between the transit provider (CART) and the City of Norman. This section only allows one (1) bench or shelter per designated bus stop. Shelters are allowed in areas zoned for industrial, commercial, office, institutional, or multi-family use, while benches are more appropriate in low-density residential or agricultural areas. Benches or shelters, with advertising, shall not be located in front of a single-family or two-family dwelling, but may be erected adjacent to a neighborhood comprised of such dwellings, provided the bench/shelter is located on an arterial roadway at the perimeter of the subdivision. Once designated, a construction permit must be approved by the Public Works Department and Planning Department, subject to compliance with this section and the Administrative Guidelines approved with the annual contract. Advertising on benches or shelters is allowed after an annually renewable sign permit is issued at locations which have received a construction permit issued by the Public Works Department.

(a)

One (1) bench or bus shelter may be constructed at each designated bus stop indicated by contract with the City. It must be a minimum of six (6) feet away from the curb or edge of pavement, and must be within one (1) foot to three (3) feet of a public sidewalk (if present). It may not be placed within any sight triangle, nor restrict access to aboveground or underground utilities.

(b)

All signage for benches must be contained within one (1) single-faced area no larger than two (2) feet high by six (6) feet long. All signage for shelters must be contained within one (1) double-faced area no larger than fifty (50) inches wide by seventy (70) inches high, with no projections or space extensions allowed on either benches or shelters.

(c)

Such signs may be on benches or shelters located within the public right-of-way, or on private property, subject to the issuance of a construction permit issued by the Public Works Department. The written consent of the abutting property owner shall be obtained when the proposed bench or shelter is located within an area that is zoned R-1, Single-Family Dwelling District.

(d)

All construction must comply with either the "Prototype Bench Design," dated January, 1993, or the "Prototype Shelter Design," dated January, 1993, or an alternate design approved by the Public Works Director. An emergency phone number must be submitted indicating the individual or agency responsible for maintenance of the bench, shelter, and advertisements. Bus shelters may be lighted from within providing that all lighting and electrical connections are made in accordance with all construction requirements as approved by the Public Works Director.

(Ord. No. 0-9293-23; Ord. No. O-0809-43, § 1)