The purpose of this article is to protect the dual interest of the public and the advertiser. The regulations herein are designed to protect public safety and welfare and to ensure the maintenance of an attractive physical environment while satisfying the needs of sign users for adequate identification, communication, and advertising.

(Ord. No. 07-6-12, § 5, 6-5-07)

This article regulates the number, size, placement, and physical characteristics of signs; allows certain signs without permits; prohibits certain signs; and requires permits for certain signs.

From and after the adoption of this chapter, no sign may be erected or enlarged within the jurisdiction of this chapter unless it conforms to the requirements of this article.

(Ord. No. 07-6-12, § 5, 6-5-07)

(a)

Signs shall be allowed on private property in each zoning district in accord with Table 5. If the letter "A" appears for a sign type or a sign characteristic in a column, such sign type or sign characteristic is allowed without prior permit approval in the zoning district represented by that column. If the letter "P" appears for a sign type in a column, such sign is allowed only with prior permit approval in the zoning district represented by that column. If the letter "N" appears for a sign type or a sign characteristic in a column, such a sign or sign characteristic is not allowed in the zoning district represented by that column under any circumstances.

(b)

The number, type, size, height and location of signs on private property, in each zoning district, shall conform with the requirements on Table 6.

(c)

Although allowed without a permit in Table 5, signs designated by an "A" are subject to all applicable requirements on Table 6.

(Ord. No. 07-6-12, § 5, 6-5-07)

Table 5: Regulation of Signs by Type, Characteristics, and Zoning Districts

Notes to Table 5:

(1)

Signs identifying or announcing land subdivisions, or residential projects, including multifamily, nursing homes and group dwellings, or other uses permitted in the district.

(2)

See Section 6.6 and 2.12.

(3)

This column (INST) does not represent a zoning district. It applies to institutional and other nonresidential uses permitted in residential zoning districts i.e. churches, school, parks, etc. and includes historical markers.

(4)

See Section 5.5 Outdoor Lighting.

(5)

Off-site signs not permitted in HCO [see Section 2.12.7 (D)(i).]

(6)

See Section 2.12.7 Signs.

(7)

Including reader boards.

(8)

In the event that the standards made applicable to the HCO District by this Table 5 conflict with the standards applicable to the Districts which underlie the HCO District, the more restrictive and stringent standards shall apply.

(9)

Portable signs can be used as non-temporary freestanding on-premise signs and are subject to the following conditions:

(a)

The signs will require a permit obtained in the planning and development department. Planning and development will issue a permit decal to be affixed to the structure.

(b)

These signs shall be anchored in accord with the Aiken County Mobile Home Ordinance tie down requirement, mounted with an approved method of attachment on a pole(s) 14 feet high to provide visual clearance, or incorporated into a monument base.

(c)

Portable signs not mounted on a pole or incorporated into a monument base will have three (3) years from the adoption of this ordinance to become permanently mounted (pole or monument base) or replaced by another permanently designed sign.

(d)

Portable signs not mounted on a pole or incorporated into a monument base lose their grandfathered status 180 days after the business closes. The three-year requirement for compliance still applies regardless of the occupant of the building.

(e)

Portable signs in the HCO District must be incorporated into a monument base.

(f)

These sign will be permitted as currently shown in Section 6, Table 5, permitted in Highway Corridor Overlay Districts, and required to meet the setback requirements of Section 6, Table 6.

(g)

Portable signs will be limited to one (1) per establishment and included as part of the total square feet of permitted free-standing sign face.

(h)

Portable signs may still be used as temporary signs, except in a Highway Corridor Overlay District, providing they meet the regulations found in Section 6, Table 7.

Table 6: Number, Dimension, and Location of Permitted Signs, by Zoning District ^(K)

Notes to Table 6:

NA

= Not Applicable

sf

= square feet

(A)

One identification sign is permitted for each entrance of a subdivision or residential project, or other uses permitted in the district. However, no signs are permitted for home occupations in RC, RD, RM, and RH5 Districts, in accordance with section 3.16(4).

(B)

This column (INST) does not represent a zoning district. It applies to institutional and other nonresidential uses permitted in residential zones, i.e. churches, schools, parks, etc.

(C)

Lots fronting on two (2) or more streets are allowed one (1) additional sign for each street frontage, but signage cannot be accumulated and used on one (1) street in excess of that allowed for lots with only one (1) street frontage.

(D)

One (1) square foot of signage is allowed for each linear foot of street frontage for the first one hundred (100) feet of frontage; one-half (½) square foot of signage is allowed for each additional one (1) foot of street frontage.

(E)

Maximum height of signs shall not exceed thirty-five (35) feet, except where located within six hundred sixty (660) feet of any Interstate highway ROW, where maximum height of signs may extend to fifty (50) feet.

(F)

Off-premises freestanding signs must be at least two thousand (2,000) feet apart. Acknowledgements for sponsorships or sizable contributions for public projects related to recreation facilities, public buildings, or public infrastructure will not be considered off-premises advertising.

(G)

See section 24-2.12.7 Signs.

(H)

See section 24-2.12.7(6).

(I)

See section 24-2.12.7(9) and (10).

(J)

See section 24-2.12.7(5).

(K)

In the event that the standards made applicable to the HCO district by this Table 6 conflict with the standards applicable to the districts which underlie the HCO district, the more restrictive and stringent standards shall apply.

(Ord. No. 07-6-12, § 5, 6-5-07; Ord. No. 07-11-25, § 1, 11-27-07; Ord. No. 08-4-17, § 17, § 1, 4-1-08; Ord. No. 08-06-28, § 1, 6-17-08; Ord. No. 08-09-34, § 1, 9-16-08; Ord. No. 10-06-11, § 1, 6-1-10; Ord. No. 13-05-13, § 1, 5-21-13; Ord. No. 14-12-18, § 1, 12-9-14)

(a)

A Common-signage plan shall be prerequisite to the issuance of any sign permit involving:

(1)

Two (2) or more contiguous lots or parcels under the same ownership;

(2)

A single lot or parcel with more than one (1) principal use or building (not including accessory uses or buildings) or qualifying on the basis of street frontage for more than one (1) freestanding sign; or

(3)

A PUD (planned use district) project.

(b)

The plan shall contain all information required for sign permits generally (section 24-10.15.3) and shall specify standards for consistency among all signs on the lot affected by the plan with regard to:

(1)

Lettering or graphic style;

(2)

Lighting;

(3)

Location of each sign on the buildings;

(4)

Material; and

(5)

Sign proportions.

(c)

A common-signage plan shall limit the number of freestanding signs to a total of one (1) for each street on which there is frontage and shall provide for shared or common usage of such signs; however the maximum signage area permitted on each street may be increased by fifty (50) percent.

(d)

Once approved by the planning and development director, the common-signage plan shall become binding on all businesses and uses occupying the lot(s), but may be amended by filing a new or revised plan in conformance with the requirements of this chapter.

(e)

If any new or amended common signage plan is filed for a property on which existing signs are located, it shall include a schedule for bringing into conformance, within three (3) years, all on-premises signs not conforming to the proposed amended plan or to the requirements of this chapter in effect on the date of submission of the new or amended common signage plan.

(Ord. No. 07-6-12, § 5, 6-5-07; Ord. No. 14-12-18, § 1, 12-9-14)

No sign shall be allowed in the public right-of-way, except for the following:

1.

Public signs erected by or on behalf of a governmental body;

2.

Informational signs of a public agency or utility;

3.

Church signs, in accord with state and federal law;

4.

Historical signs and markers in accord with state and federal law;

5.

Emergency signs; and/or

6.

Directional signs of a temporary nature not to exceed three (3) square feet in area and twenty-fours (24) hours in duration for such events as yard sales, auctions, public gatherings, etc.; provided they are located no closer than five hundred (500) feet apart.

(Ord. No. 07-6-12, § 5, 6-5-07)

Table 7: Temporary Sign Regulations

Conditions (Notes) to Table 7:

A.

A-Frame signs, where located on sidewalks, shall be located in such a manner as not to obstruct pedestrian movement.

B.

Banners and pennants shall be properly secured and maintained at all times, and shall not interfere with pedestrian or vehicular movement.

C.

Posters shall not be allowed on any telephone or power poles or any street right-of-way, and shall be placed no closer than five (5) feet from a street or curb.

D.

Portable signs shall be limited to one per establishment, shall have no colored or flashing lights, shall not be wired so as to obstruct or hinder pedestrian or vehicular traffic or pose any potential for such hindrance (i.e. exposed drop cord), shall not exceed six (6) feet in height, shall be anchored in accord with the Building Code, and shall not be converted to a permanent sign.

E.

Inflatable signs shall be properly anchored and shall not interfere with airport traffic.

F.

Temporary subdivision and work-under-construction identification signs shall adhere to the development standards of section 24-6.8.

G.

Political signs shall be removed within seven (7) days following the election.

H.

One "For Sale" sign is allowed on each road frontage of the property for sale.

(Ord. No. 07-6-12, § 5, 6-5-07)

All signs not expressly permitted by this chapter are prohibited. Such prohibited signs include, but are not limited to:

(1)

Signs painted on or attached to trees, fence posts, telephone or other utility poles, stationary vehicles, or natural features.

(2)

Signs displaying intermittent lights resembling the flashing lights customarily used in traffic signals or in police, fire, ambulance, rescue vehicles or other warning signals, and signs using the words "stop", "danger", or any other word, phrase, symbol, or character in a manner that might mislead or confuse motorist.

(3)

Animated signs.

(4)

Signs which have been abandoned and no longer correctly direct or exhort any person or advertise a bona-fide business, lessor, owner, product, or activity.

(5)

Signs which have fallen into disrepair (dilapidated), are not properly maintained, are insecure or otherwise structurally unsound, have defective parts in the support, guys and/or anchors, or which are unable to meet minimum safety requirements of the International Building Code.

(Ord. No. 07-6-12, § 5, 6-5-07)

No sign shall be located within a vision-clearance area as defined in section 24-8.5.

(Ord. No. 07-6-12, § 5, 6-5-07)

When a sign extends over an area where vehicles travel or park, the bottom of the sign structure shall be at least fourteen (14) feet above the ground. Vehicle areas include driveways, alleys, parking lots, and loading and maneuvering areas.

When a sign extends over a sidewalk, walkway, or other space accessible to pedestrians, the bottom of the sign structure shall be at least eight (8) feet above the ground.

(Ord. No. 07-6-12, § 5, 6-5-07)

Permanent and temporary identification signs must be constructed in accord with all applicable provisions of the Building Code and National Electrical Code, and consist of durable all-weather materials.

Images, logos, graphics, etc., painted on permanent signs or buildings must be performed in a professional and workmanlike manner.

(Ord. No. 07-6-12, § 5, 6-5-07)

Off-premise freestanding stacked or double-decked sign faces or side-by-side sign faces shall not be permitted.

(Ord. No. 07-6-12, § 5, 6-5-07)

Illuminated signs shall not directly shine on abutting properties. No illumination which simulates traffic control devices or emergency vehicles shall be used, nor shall lights which are intermittently switched on and off, changed in intensity or color, or otherwise displayed to create the illusion of flashing or movement be permitted.

(Ord. No. 07-6-12, § 5, 6-5-07)

(1)

The area of a sign enclosed in frames or cabinets is determined by measuring the outer dimensions of the frame or cabinet surrounding the sign face. Sign area does not include foundations or supports. Only one (1) side of a double-faced or V-shaped freestanding sign is counted.

(2)

For signs on a base material and attached without a frame, such as a wood board or plexiglas panel, the dimensions of the base material are to be used in the measurement unless it is clear that part of the base contains no sign-related display or decoration.

(3)

For signs constructed of individual pieces attached to a building wall, sign area is determined by a perimeter drawn around all the pieces.

(4)

For sign structures containing multiple modules oriented in the same direction, the modules together are counted as one (1) sign face.

(5)

The maximum surface area visible at one (1) time of a round or three-dimensional sign is counted to determine sign area.

(6)

For signs incorporated into awnings, the entire panel containing the sign is counted as the sign face unless it is clear that part of the panel contains no sign-related display or decoration.

(Ord. No. 07-6-12, § 5, 6-5-07)

Clearances are measured from the grade directly below the sign to the bottom of the sign structure enclosing the sign face.

(Ord. No. 07-6-12, § 5, 6-5-07)

(1)

The lawful use of any permanently mounted sign existing at the time of the enactment of this chapter may be continued, even though such use does not conform with the provisions of this chapter, except those signs declared abandoned or dilapidated; such signs shall be removed, or appropriate remedial action shall be taken for such signs upon notification by and as specified by the planning and development director.

(2)

Nonconforming permanent off-premises signs shall be removed or brought into conformity before an application for any additional sign on the same property may be approved.

(3)

Any sign which exists as of the date of adoption of this chapter and which is subsequently abandoned shall be removed. Any existing sign which exceeds the allowable face area by twenty-five (25) percent and which is subsequently destroyed or damaged to the extent of fifty (50) percent or more of its replacement cost shall be removed or brought into conformity with these regulations as directed by the planning and development director.

(4)

Any nonconforming temporary sign shall be removed or brought into conformity no later than sixty (60) days following the effective date of this chapter.

(5)

An order under this section shall be issued in writing to the owner or responsible party of any such sign, or of the building or premises on which such sign is located, to comply within thirty (30) days' time. Upon failure to comply with such order, the planning and development director may cause the sign to be removed and any costs of removal incurred in the process may be collected in a manner prescribed by law.

(Ord. No. 07-6-12, § 5, 6-5-07; Ord. No. 14-12-18, § 1, 12-9-14)