This article is to establish requirements for the placement, installation, and maintenance of signs in order to protect and promote the health, safety, welfare, and general well being of the citizens of the City of Ball Ground. The zoning regulations of the placement, construction, maintenance of buildings and structures is a valid use of the police power, including the regulation of the placement, installation, and maintenance of signs. Signs must ordinarily be considered structures, and are capable of producing many of the same nuisances as are produced by buildings. The intent of this article to regulate the size, height, placement and number of signs in such a manner as to protect and preserve the aesthetic qualities of the county while promoting traffic safety without causing unsafe conditions.

The City of Ball Ground will only oversee the number of signs, height, size and placement of signs. With these objectives and purposes in mind, the intention of this article is to authorize the use of signs that:

1.

Are compatible with their surroundings in terms of zoning, existing land use, and architectural characteristics.

2.

Are legible and compatible with the type of lawful activities to which the signs pertain in such a manner as to express the identity of the individual properties and/or of the City as a whole.

3.

Maintained in good order and repair.

In addition, the regulation of signs within the City is necessary and in the public interest:

1.

To protect property values within the City.

2.

To protect the motoring public from damage or injury caused or partially attributable to distractions or obstructions from improperly designed or situated signs.

3.

To promote the economic well being of Ball Ground by creating a favorable physical image.

4.

To improve the legibility and effectiveness of all permitted signs.

5.

To allow individuals equal and fair opportunity to advertise and promote their products and services without discrimination.

6.

To eliminate excessive signage.

7.

To protect the right of citizens to enjoy Ball Ground's natural scenic beauty.

8.

To encourage the economic development within the City.

9.

To regulate the construction, erection, maintenance and size of signs that may constitute a direct danger to pedestrians and property.

10.

To preserve and promote the public health, safety and welfare in Ball Ground.

(Ord. of 9-11-2014; Ord. of 4-12-2018(2); Ord. of 7-9-2020(3))

A.

This article shall apply to all properties within the incorporated areas of Ball Ground, Georgia. This article shall not relate to the copy or message on a sign within the incorporated areas of Ball Ground.

B.

All signs and other advertising structures shall be constructed and maintained in conformance with the building and electrical codes adopted by the City of Ball Ground.

C.

If any provisions or requirements of this article are in conflict with any other provision or requirement of this ordinance or any other applicable governmental law, ordinance, resolution, rule or other governmental regulation of any kind, the more restrictive rule or standard takes precedence.

(Ord. of 9-11-2014; Ord. of 4-12-2018(2); Ord. of 7-9-2020(3))

Variances from the provisions of this article may be requested. All such variances shall be considered and decided by the City of Ball Ground Executive [Committee]. Decisions of the Executive Committee may be appealed to the Ball Ground City Council.

(Ord. of 9-11-2014; Ord. of 4-12-2018(2); Ord. of 7-9-2020(3))

Words and phrases used in this ordinance have the meanings defined in this section. In addition, words and phrases not defined in this section, but defined in the Zoning Ordinance of the county shall be given the meanings as set forth in such ordinance.

Abandoned sign: A sign and/or sign structure which no longer correctly directs or exhorts any person, or advertises a bona fide business, lessor, owner, product or service where such sign and/or sign structure is located.

Advertise: To call the attention of the public to a product, business and/or event.

Advertising device: Any structure or device situated on or attached to real property that is erected or intended for the purpose of advertising.

Air and gas filled device: Any sign using, either wholly or in part, forced air or other gas as a means of supporting its structure.

Animated sign: Any sign that all or any part thereof visibly moves or imitates movement in any fashion whatsoever. Any sign that contains or uses for illumination any light(s) or lighting device(s) that change color, flash or alternate, show movement or motion, or change the appearance of said sign or any part automatically.

Area of sign (copy area): The area within a continuous perimeter enclosing the limits of writing, representation, emblem, or any figure of similar character together with any frame, other material, open space, or color forming an integral part of the display or used to differentiate such sign from the background against which it is placed.

Artistic display: A drawing, painting or display that contains no commercial message unless such message has a historical connection to the City of Ball Ground as determined by the City of Ball Ground Executive Committee.

Banner: A sign hung either with or without a frame, possessing characters, letters, illustrations, or ornamentation applied to paper, plastic, or fabric of any kind.

Beacon: Any light with one or more beams directed into the atmosphere or directed at one or more points not on the same zone lot as the light source; also, any light with one or more beams that rotate or move.

Bench sign: A sign located on any part of the surface of a bench or seat placed on or adjacent to a public right-of-way.

Billboards: Freestanding signs or structures for the display of advertisements in public places or highways. All regulations relating to freestanding signs should apply.

Building marker: Any sign indicating the name of a building, the date and incidental information about its construction and is cut into a masonry surface or made of bronze or other permanent material.

Building sign: Any sign attached to any part of a building other than a freestanding sign.

Canopy: Any permanent roof-like structure, including awnings and marquees, projecting beyond a building or extending along and projecting beyond the wall of a building, generally designed and constructed to provide protection from the weather.

Canopy sign: Any sign attached to, or made a part of the front, side, or top of a canopy.

Commemorative signs: Any sign that honors the memory of or serves as a memorial to commemorate.

Commercial message: Any wording, logo, or other representation that directly or indirectly, names, advertises, or calls attention to a business, product, service, or other commercial activity.

Commercial office center: A single parcel of land containing two or more businesses or establishments, including all forms of retail, wholesale and services.

Construction sign: A sign announcing the proposed or existing construction of a building or project.

Copy: The wording or graphics on a sign surface in either permanent or removable form.

Directional sign: An unofficial or non-standard traffic control sign, containing no commercial message except logos, intended to direct or regulate the movement of traffic and/or pedestrians. This includes, but is not limited to, 'enter', 'exit', 'drive through', and directional arrow signs. These signs may be freestanding or mounted on a building.

Directory sign: A sign, which gives the name and/or occupation of the occupants of a building or identifies the particular use of a building.

Erect: To build, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend, paint or affix.

Establishment: A commercial, industrial, institutional, educational, office, business or financial entity.

Flag: Any fabric, banner, or bunting containing distinctive colors, patterns or symbols, used as a symbol of a government, political subdivision or other entity.

Flashing sign: (See Animated sign.)

Freestanding sign: Monument sign.

Frontage, building: The length of an outside building wall facing a street.

Frontage, street: The length of the property line of any one parcel along a street on which it borders.

Ground sign: A freestanding sign which has no space between the signage copy area and the ground surface.

Historic sign: Any animated neon sign over 30 years old, any existing barber pole or any other sign so designated by the Historic Preservation Commission. Extensions, additions and embellishments are not considered part of a historic sign.

Home occupation sign: A sign for a legally permitted home occupation on a residential parcel of land, with advertising for services legally offered on the premises where the sign is located.

Identification sign: A sign depicting the name of a building and/or the address of an establishment on the premises where the sign is located. The name and/or address may be included as part of another signage type.

Illuminated sign: A sign which contains an internal source of light or which is designed or arranged to reflect light from an artificial source.

Incidental sign: A general information sign that is secondary to the use of the parcel on which it is located. This includes credit cards accepted, official notice of services as required by law, trade affiliations, business hours, "telephone," "self-service" and other related information. These signs are typically located on doors, windows or building walls.

Instructional sign: A sign that has the purpose of giving instruction, direction or an order.

Mansard sign: Any sign attached to or erected within 12 inches of an actual or simulated mansard of a building, with the sign face parallel to and within the limits of the building, not deemed to be a roof sign.

Monument sign: A permanent sign placed upon or supported by the ground independent of any other structure and constructed of stone, concrete, masonry, Stucco or equal architectural material.

Moving sign: (See Animated sign.)

Mural: (See Artistic display.)

Nonconforming sign (legal): Any advertising device or sign, including billboards, which were legally erected and maintained prior to the adoption or amendment of this ordinance, but no longer comply. Legal nonconforming signs require just compensation under the Highway Beautification Act for removal.

Off premise sign: Sign located on property that is not owned by the business, individual or entity owning the sign.

On premise sign: Sign located upon the property of the business, individual or entity who owns the sign.

Painted wall sign: Any sign that is applied with paint or similar substance on the face of a wall.

Parcel (lot) - (business lot): Any standard lot or parcel of land, the boundaries of which have been established by a recorded legal instrument and is recognized and intended as a unit for the purpose of transfer of ownership. The said parcel being duly recorded with the Clerk of Superior Court, Cherokee County.

Permanent sign: A sign permanently affixed to a building or the ground.

Person: Any association, company, corporation, firm, organization, or partnership, singular or plural, of any kind.

Portable sign: Any sign supported by its own frame or trailer, with or without wheels, that is designed to move from one place to another.

Premises: An area of land with appurtenances and buildings which, because of its unity of use, may be regarded as the smallest conveyable unit of real estate.

Principal building: The building with the principal use of the parcel on which it is located. Parcels with multiple principal uses may have multiple principal buildings. However, storage buildings, garages, and other clearly accessory [buildings] are not considered principal buildings.

Projecting sign: Any sign affixed to a building or wall which horizontally extends more than 12 inches beyond the surface of a building or wall.

Public service sign: A sign designed to render a public service such as "time and temperature" and "flashing news" signs.

Residential district: Includes all land zoned R-12, R-15, R-20, R-40, RM-4, CBD and TND.

Revolving sign: (See Animated sign.)

Right-of-way: Property along any given road or highway on which the government has responsibility for care and maintenance and which the City has full authority over access.

Roof sign: Any sign erected, constructed, and maintained upon or over the roof of any building and projecting above the roof line.

Roof sign (integral): Any sign erected or constructed as an integral part of a normal roof structure of any design. No part of the sign can extend vertically above the highest portion of the roof and no part of the sign can be separated from the rest of the roof by a space of more than six inches.

Setback: The distance from the property line to the nearest part of the applicable building, structure, or sign, measured perpendicularly to the property line.

Sidewalk, sandwich or A-frame sign: A sign which is normally in the shape of an "A" or some variation, which is usually two-sided, does not exceed three feet in height, 1.5 feet in width, is moveable and temporary in nature.

Sign: Any identification, description, illustration or device, illuminated or non-illuminated, which is visible to the general public and directs attention to a product, service, place, activity, person, institution, business or any emblem, painting, flag, banner, pennant, balloon, or placard designed to advertise, identify, or convey information.

Sign face: The portion of a sign on which the copy is placed.

Sign number: For the purpose of determining the number of signs, a sign shall be construed to be a single display surface or device containing elements organized, related and composed, to form a single unit. In cases where material is displayed in a random or unconnected manner or where there is reasonable doubt as to the intended relationship of such components, each component is considered to be a single sign. A projecting sign and both sign faces being less than 42 inches apart shall be construed as a single sign.

Sign structure: Any construction used or designed to support a sign.

Snipe sign: A sign of any material that is attached in anyway to a utility pole, tree, fence, rock, or any other similar object located on public or private property. Snipe signs do not include 'keep out', 'posted' or 'no trespassing' signs.

Street: Any public or private right-of-way for automobile use. This excludes alleyways, parking lots and driveways.

Street frontage: The width in linear feet of a lot or parcel where it abuts the right-of-way of any public street.

Subdivision sign: Any sign designed to identify a subdivision, neighborhood, or residential complex.

Temporary sign: Is a sign not exceeding 30 square feet, the top of which is not more than ten feet above the ground, constructed of a temporary material such as chloroplast sign board, vinyl, cloth, nylon, cardboard etc., affixed to no more than two posts or stakes that secure it in the ground. This includes flags, banners, balloons, bunting or other similar materials. Vertical flags or flag type banners may not exceed 30 square feet in size.

Traffic control sign: A standard sign or electronic device (such as a traffic signal, stop sign, one way, handicap, no parking, fire lane, etc.) for the purpose of directing or regulating traffic and/or pedestrians.

Under canopy sign: A sign that is suspended from the underside of a canopy (including awnings and marquees), is perpendicular to the wall surface of a building, and whose copy is not clearly visible from a public right-of-way.

Unlawful sign (illegal sign): Any sign erected without a permit when a permit for the sign was otherwise required by this ordinance or previously adopted ordinance or code. A permitted sign which has not been properly erected in accordance with the permit application and approved sign permit or an otherwise lawful and permitted sign that has become hazardous or a nuisance to the public due to poor maintenance, dilapidation, or abandonment and so declared by the building official.

Wall face: A measurement of area equal to the height of the structure from the ground to the coping or eave of the roof multiplied by the width of the wall associated with the individual business. The wall face is to be measured for each wall independently.

Wall sign: Any sign affixed or attached to a wall of a building, extending no more than 12 inches beyond the wall and which displays only one sign surface.

Weekend signs: Signage permitted upon the public right-of-way from 12:01 p.m. on Friday until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday and limited to three square feet per sign with the top of the sign being not more than three feet above the ground.

Window sign: Any sign, excluding identification and incidental signs, placed inside or upon a window, containing a commercial message, and intended to be seen from the exterior.

(Ord. of 9-11-2014; Ord. of 4-12-2018(2); Ord. of 7-9-2020(3))

112.5-1.

Permitting requirements.

A.

Except as specifically exempted from the provisions of this article, a person or firm may not legally post, display, enlarge, erect, move or substantially change a sign without first obtaining a sign permit from the Administrator or his/her designee. A change in the copy only of a sign or advertising device does not constitute a substantial change.

B.

Permit application. Applications for sign permits shall be filed by the sign owner or his agent with the Administrator or his/her designee upon forms furnished by the city. Applications shall describe and justify the following:

1.

The type and purpose of the sign as defined in this ordinance.

2.

The value of the sign.

3.

The street address and zoning designation of the property where the sign is to be located and the proposed location of the sign on the property.

4.

The square foot area per sign and the aggregate square foot area if there is more than one sign face.

5.

The name(s) and address(es) of the owner(s) of the real property upon which the subject sign is to be located.

6.

Written consent of the owner, or his/her agent, granting permission for the placement of the sign.

7.

A sketch or print drawn to scale showing all dimensions with pertinent information such as wind pressure requirements and display materials in accordance with the Standard Building Code as adopted by the City of Ball Ground. The Administrator or his/her designee may require additional information on such sketch or print to ensure compliance with this ordinance.

8.

Name, address, phone number and business license number of the sign contractor.

9.

All applicants for electrical signs must obtain an electrical permit.

10.

A written agreement to indemnify and hold the City harmless of all damages, demands or expenses of every type which may in any manner be caused by the sign or sign structure.

C.

Fees. No permit shall be issued until the appropriate application has been filed with the Administrator or his/her designee and permit fees have been paid as adopted by the Mayor and City Council and as amended from time to time.

D.

Permit expiration. A sign permit shall become null and void if construction of the sign has not begun within a period of two months from the date of issuance and completed within six months from the date of issuance. Issuance of a sign permit shall in no way prevent the city from later declaring the sign to be nonconforming or unlawful with further review of available information, the sign is found not to comply with the requirements of this ordinance.

112.5-2.

Construction, maintenance requirements.

A.

Erecting or placing any sign that does not conform to the requirements of this ordinance is unlawful.

B.

All signs for which a permit is required, together with all their supports, braces, guys and anchors shall be kept in constant repair. Signs shall be kept clean, neatly painted and maintained at all times so as not to be detrimental to public health and safety.

C.

No trash shall be allowed to accumulate in the area around a sign and all weeds shall be kept out.

D.

Removal of abandoned signs. Any structure formerly used as a sign, but not in use for any other purpose, must be removed by the owner of the property within 30 days after written notification from a designated official of the City of Ball Ground or 60 days after its use as a valid sign has ceased. After which time, the City may cause the removal of the sign at the property owner's expense.

112.5-3.

Lighting requirements.

A.

Lighted, neon or luminous signs giving off light resulting in glare, blinding or any other such adverse effect on traffic shall not be erected or maintained.

B.

The light from illuminated signs shall be established in such a way that adjacent properties and roadways are not adversely affected and that no direct light is cast upon adjacent properties and roadways. Lighting shall not be directed skyward.

C.

No illuminated signs shall be constructed or maintained within 50 feet of any residential district or dwelling.

D.

Signs with flashing, intermittent or animated illumination or effect shall be excluded from all districts provided, however, time and weather informational signs, official warning or regulatory signs shall be exempt from this requirement.

E.

No sign shall be erected which simulates an official traffic control, emergency vehicle, or warning sign in such a manner as to confuse or mislead the motoring public or hide from view any traffic or street sign or signal.

112.5-4.

Height requirements.

The height requirements of a sign shall be computed as the distance from the base of the sign at normal grade to the highest attached component of the sign or sign structure, whichever is higher. Normal grade shall be construed to be the lower of: (1) existing grade prior to construction or (2) the newly established grade after construction, exclusive of any filling, beaming, mounding or excavating solely for the purpose of locating the sign. Cases in which the normal grade cannot reasonably be determined, sign height shall be computed on the assumption that the elevation of the normal grade, at the base of the sign, is equal to the elevation of the nearest point of the crown of a public road. In addition, the grade of the land at the principal entrance to the principal structure on the lot, whichever is lower. Refer to table 112.1 for specific height limits and requirements.

112.5-5.

Additional requirements.

A.

The owner shall remove any sign relating to a business or other use located on the same lot within 30 days after vacating the premises.

B.

No sign shall be erected or maintained which obstructs any fire escape, any means of escape or ventilation, or which prevents free passage from one part of a roof to any other part thereof; nor shall any sign be attached in any form, shape or manner to a fire escape.

C.

No sign shall be erected, maintained, painted, drawn or attached to any utility pole, fence, rock, tree or any other natural feature.

D.

It shall be unlawful to post any signs or advertisements on any building, fence or other property belonging to another person without the written consent of the owner thereof. Such consent shall be included with the sign permit application.

E.

Signs erected for the purpose of identifying a premise shall not also contain advertising except that of the use identified.

F.

All signs shall be located on or over private property only, except those specifically permitted by this article under the provision of weekend signs.

G.

All signs shall be erected in such a manner as to not interfere with or obstruct the view of any authorized traffic sign, signal or device.

H.

All signs shall be located in such a way that they maintain horizontal and vertical clearance from all overhead utilities in accordance with National Electrical Code specifications. In no case shall any sign be installed within five feet horizontally or vertically from an overhead utility line or utility guy wire.

I.

Corner visibility clearance. In any distance, no sign or sign structure (above the height of three feet) shall be maintained within 15 feet of the intersection of the right-of-way lines extending of two streets, or of a street intersection with a railroad right-of-way. However, a sign structure, if not more than ten inches in diameter located on a corner lot where services are provided to the motoring public, may be located within the required corner visibility area. This is provided if all other requirements of this article are met and the lowest elevation of the sign surface is at least ten feet above the ground level. The Administrator or his/her designee may grant administrative variances, or alter the requirements of this paragraph at his/her discretion to reduce/eliminate any safety issues due to decreased visibility.

(Ord. of 9-11-2014; Ord. of 4-12-2018(2); Ord. of 7-9-2020(3))

The following signs and advertising devices are prohibited within the incorporated portions of the City of Ball Ground:

1.

Signs, which advertise or encourage an illegal activity as defined by local, state or federal laws.

2.

Swinging or projecting signs that exceed eight square feet in size must clear the sidewalk by nine feet with a max height above sidewalk not to exceed 13 feet. Sign cannot extend beyond the curb of the road.

3.

Rotating or animated signs involving motion or sound including those that flash, blink, change image, or show any form of movement, excluding historic signs and those officially designated for public service.

4.

Signs that resemble any official traffic control device or emergency vehicle markings.

5.

Portable signs (mobile, trailer), with the exception of public works and public safety signs conveying a public message. Examples would include road closure information, water outages or directions to polling places.

6.

Flags, banners, streamers, tethered balloons or other inflatable signs or figures, except as authorized by this regulation.

7.

Signs that make use of the words "stop," "go," "slow," "caution," "danger," "warning" or similar words, phrases, symbols or characters in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse automobile traffic except construction signs or barricades and except when the words are incorporated in the permanent name of a business.

8.

Snipe signs.

9.

Search lights and beacons.

10.

Signs attached to or painted on vehicles of any type, which are conspicuously parked in proximity to a right-of-way and obviously parked in such a way as to advertise any business or service to motorists or pedestrians, unless such vehicle is properly licensed, insured, and in regular operation as a vehicle, not as a stationary sign.

11.

Signs that emit visible smoke vapor particles, odors, bubbles or any particulate.

12.

Except as otherwise provided for in this ordinance, any sign which advertises or otherwise directs attention to a product, service or other activity, event, person, institution or business, which may or may not be identified by a "brand" name is not permitted.

(Ord. of 9-11-2014; Ord. of 4-12-2018(2); Ord. of 7-9-2020(3))

Except as otherwise provided, the following on-premise signs may be erected without securing a permit. Such exempt signs shall not be considered in determining the allowable number or size of signs on a zoning lot. However, the signs must comply with all other applicable sections of this article and applicable codes and regulations. The erection of any sign not listed in this section shall require a permit.

1.

One professional name plate for each establishment. Each professional nameplate shall not exceed two square feet in area.

2.

One separate identification sign for each establishment when affixed to a building wall or window and limited to a maximum size of two square feet. The purpose of this sign is to identify the establishment's property number (address), suite or unit number, post office number, etc.

3.

One informational bulletin board for public, charitable, educational or religious institutions when located on the premises of said institution and affixed to a building wall. Bulletin boards may not exceed 32 square feet in area and shall be located in such a manner that said bulletin board will satisfy the required setback requirements for the zoning district in which the bulletin board is located.

4.

Traffic, directional, warning or official notices or signs owned by any public agency or office, no hunting, no trespassing and no public access signs.

5.

Flags and insignia subject to the following provisions:

(a)

Limited to official flags of the United States, State of Georgia, Cherokee County or the City of Ball Ground.

(b)

Flagpoles shall not exceed 40 feet in height and flags must be flown in accordance with standard protocol.

6.

Integral decorative or architectural features of buildings, except letters, trademarks, moving parts or moving lights.

7.

Non-advertising directional signs or symbols not exceeding two square feet designed to direct and inform the public as to location or direction to a parcel of private property (e.g., entrance, exit, caution, slow, no trespassing, service areas or loading and unloading areas).

8.

Appearing on vending machines are limited to signs referring to the product contained within or on the device.

9.

Gasoline pump signs shall be allowed on gasoline pumps so as to provide required information, such as gallons, price, octane rating, and type of fuel. As the trade name of the business is often incorporated into the name of the different types of fuel, said trade name and any associated symbols shall be allowed on the pumps as flat signs not to exceed three square feet in area per sign face, or a total of six square feet per pump.

10.

Weekend signs (WES). WES shall be allowed in all zoning districts from 12:01 p.m. on Friday to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday. The City may take action to being removal of all signs located on the public right-of-way on Monday morning. WES do not require a permit. WES shall not exceed three square feet of sign area and shall not exceed three feet in height and may be double-faced. WES shall be mounted on independent single or double pole devices and shall not be affixed in any manner to trees, natural objects, street lights, poles, utility poles or other signs or sign structures. WES shall be made of metal, plastic, laminated cardboard or some other durable and waterproof material. No sign shall be made of paper. There shall be only one WES for any given place, activity, or event per 300 feet of road frontage. No WES shall be located within two feet of the edge of the road surface. No WES are allowed on right-of-way in residential districts where the property owner maintains the right-of-way, without permission of the home owner.

11.

Signs located on the inside of windows intended for the purpose of disseminating information about special sales or promotional campaigns, provided that such signs are temporary in nature and are constructed of such materials that clearly indicates that they are temporary.

12.

Works of art which do not contain a commercial message.

13.

Historic signs.

14.

Municipal signs.

15.

Signs on public transportation vehicles.

16.

Signs painted on or otherwise attached to motor vehicles which are not conspicuously parked in proximity to a right-of-way, and obviously not parked in such a way as to advertise any business or service to motorists or pedestrians. This may include signs for realtors, surveyors, engineers, plumbers, electricians, delivery trucks, lawn service, etc. (This section does not apply to business vehicles lettered or signed conveying information on the business, on vehicles used in the daily operations of the business.)

17.

Holiday lights, flags for decorative purposes, including small flagpoles, and other decorations, which do not require a permit and must not exceed 16 square feet.

(Ord. of 9-11-2014; Ord. of 4-12-2018(2); Ord. of 7-9-2020(3))

1.

Commercial District. Each commercial/retail property shall be permitted one monument style sign that shall not exceed 80 square foot. In cases where a commercial/retail park is serviced by a common entrance, the park shall be entitled to two monument signs, one on each side of the common entrance. Each building or suite in the commercial district shall be entitled to a building mounted sign that shall not exceed one square foot of sign for each linear foot of building/suite space. This is not a cumulative number, but the amount of sign that may be applied to each wall of the building. (Front of building is 80 foot long - the front can have an 80 square foot sign.)

A.

Each property in the commercial/retail district shall be entitled to a maximum of 30 square foot of temporary signage contained in a maximum of three signs. For example, an entity could place two each five square foot signs and one 20 square foot sign to make up three signs and stay within the 30 square foot limit. On premise temporary signs shall be permitted for a period of 60 days. Off premise temporary signs shall be permitted for a period of 30 days.

B.

Window signs in this district shall be allowed permitting at least 50 percent of the window maintains the ability to see in or out of the building.

2.

Industrial Districts. Each industrial property shall be permitted one monument style sign that shall not exceed 50 square feet. In cases where an industrial park is serviced by a common entrance, the park shall be entitled to two monument signs, one on each side of the common entrance. Each building or suite in the industrial district shall be entitled to a building mounted sign that shall not exceed one square foot of sign for each linear foot of building/suite space. This is not a cumulative number, but the amount of sign that may be applied to each wall of the building (front of building is 80 feet long - the front can have an 80 square foot sign).

A.

Each property in the industrial district shall be entitled to a maximum of 20 square feet of temporary signage contained in a maximum of two signs.

B.

Each property in the industrial district shall be entitled to a maximum of 36 square feet of ground mounted sign at their entrance off a public/private roadway when that building has its own dedicated entrance/exit off such public/private roadway.

C.

Window signs in this district shall be allowed permitting at least 50 percent of the window maintains the ability to see in or out of the building.

D.

Each property in the industrial district shall be entitled to a maximum of 30 square feet of temporary signage contained in a maximum of three signs. For example, a entity could place two each five square feet signs and one 20 square foot sign to make up three signs and stay within the 30 square foot limit. On premise temporary signs shall be permitted for a period of 60 days. Off premise temporary signs shall be permitted for a period of 30 days.

3.

Residential Districts.

A.

Dwellings in the residential districts shall be entitled to one temporary sign not exceeding three square feet in size. Such temporary signs shall not remain for a continuous duration in excess of 14 days unless such sign is directly connected to an on-premise event in which case such temporary sign may stay in place for the duration of the event. Examples would include "Home for Sale," "Creekview Senior," "State Champion" or a "For Sale" sign posted on a vehicle owned by the occupant of the dwelling.

B.

Property located in residential districts that are not part of platted subdivisions may allow the placement of one off premise temporary sign for a period not to exceed 30 days. Corner lots may be permitted two off premise temporary signs for a period not to exceed 30 days.

4.

Central Business District.

A.

Entities within the district shall be entitled to one on premise monument sign not exceeding 50 square feet.

B.

Entities within the district where sufficient property does not exist for the construction of a monument sign may be entitled to two square feet of building mounted signage for each liner foot of wall space on which the sign is to be mounted.

C.

Entities with a monument sign in this district shall be entitled to one square foot of building mounted signage for each linear foot of wall space on which the sign is to be mounted.

D.

Where each building occupied with a business fronts the public right-of-way, they shall be entitled to one portable/temporary sign that may be placed on the sidewalk during hours when the business is actually open. Signage shall not be placed in a manner which creates a significant impediment to pedestrian traffic. The judgement of any officer of the Ball Ground Police Department or Public Works Department shall be the final word on significant impediment.

E.

Window signs in this district shall be allowed providing at least 50 percent of the window maintains the ability to see in or out of the building.

TABLE 112.1

COMMERCIAL

INDUSTRIAL

CENTRAL BUSINESS

RESIDENTIAL

(Ord. of 9-11-2014; Ord. of 4-12-2018(2); Ord. of 7-9-2020(3))