(a)

The intent of this article is to regulate the location, size, construction, and manner of display of signs in order to minimize their harmful effects on the public health, safety, and welfare. While this article recognizes that signs are necessary to satisfy the needs of sign users for adequate identification and communication, failure to regulate them may lead to poor identification of individual businesses, deterioration and blight of the business and residential areas of the township, conflicts between different types of land use, reduction in traffic safety to pedestrians and motorists, and other impacts that are contrary to the purposes, intent, and interests identified in this section.

(b)

The principal features are the restriction of certain characteristics of signs and the restriction of the total sign area permissible per site. It is intended that the display of signs will be appropriate to the land, building, or use to which they are appurtenant. It is specifically intended, among other things, to avoid excessive competition and clutter among sign displays.

(c)

The following municipal interests are considered by the township to be compelling government interests. Each interest is intended to be achieved under this article in a manner that represents the least restrictive means of accomplishing the stated interest, and in all events is intended to promote an important government interest that would not be effectively achieved absent the regulations in this article. Regulating the location, size, construction, and manner of display of signage in the most narrowly tailored manner represents the least restrictive means of addressing the targeted government interests of avoiding unsafe and nuisance-like conditions while maintaining and improving pedestrian and vehicular safety and efficiency; character and quality of life; economic development and property values; property identification for emergency response and wayfinding purposes; and unique character of areas of the township.

(1)

Public safety. Maintaining pedestrian and vehicular safety are predominant and compelling government interests throughout the township, with particular emphasis on the safety of pedestrians. In most areas of the township pedestrians typically travel along the edge of the roadways.

Since most signage on the private properties is intended and designed to attract the attention of operators of motor vehicles, thereby creating distractions that can jeopardize traffic and pedestrian safety, this article is intended to regulate signs so as to reduce such distractions and, in turn, reduce the risk of crashes, property damage, injuries, and fatalities, particularly considering the rate of speed at which the vehicles are traveling in the districts identified in this article.

This Article is also intended to protect public safety by requiring signs that are poorly maintained and/or structurally unsafe to be repaired or removed to protect against fallen signs or deteriorating sign debris from entering improved roadways, and pedestrian areas and causing dangerous conditions for vehicular traffic and pedestrians.

a.

The township encourages signage that will inform motorists and pedestrians of their desired destinations without conflicting with other structures and improvements. These interests are legitimately supported by limiting the maximum size of signage, providing setbacks, and specifying sign area that allows for efficient perception by motorists and pedestrians, while minimizing distractions that could put pedestrians at risk.

b.

In some circumstances, adjusting the size, setback, and other regulations applicable to signage may be important to avoid confusion and promote clarity where vehicular speeds vary on commercial/business thoroughfares.

c.

In multi-tenant buildings and centers, it is compelling and important to provide distinct treatment with a gradation of regulation for individual identification depending on base sign size, amount of frontage (road and building), and the like, all intending to provide clarity to alleviate confusion and thus additional traffic maneuvers, provide a minimum size of characters to allow identification, and maintain maximum-sized overall signage to prevent line-of-sight issues.

d.

Maximum size and minimum setback of signage is compelling and important to maintain clear views for both traffic and pedestrian purposes.

(2)

Character and quality of life. Achieving and maintaining attractive, orderly, and desirable places to conduct business, celebrate civic events, entertain people, and provide for housing opportunities is directly related to the stability of property values needed to provide and finance quality public services and facilities within the township. This article intends to allow signs that are of sufficient, but not excessive, size to perform their intended function as necessary to provide and maintain the township's character and support neighborhood stability. Signs that contribute to the visual clutter, contribute to the potential conflict between vehicular and pedestrian traffic, and distract from scenic resources and views, will be prohibited in efforts to preserve the character, aesthetic qualities, and unique experience within the township. It is also the intent of this article that signs will reflect the character of unique districts as may be established by the township's master plan, other adopted plans, or this article and other parts of the zoning ordinance.

(3)

Economic development and property values. The establishment of the restrictions in this article has a direct relationship to creating stability and predictability, allowing each private interest to secure reasonable exposure of signage, and thus promoting business success. The application of the restrictions in this article allows businesses to reasonably command attention to the content and substance of their messages while concurrently allowing the promotion of other visual assets, including (without limitation) landscaping and architecture, all of which contribute to economic development and property value enhancement.

(4)

Avoidance of nuisance-like conditions. Due to the concentration of people and activities, there is a potential for, and it is a compelling interest to avoid, blight, physical clutter, and visual clutter in the township. The result of these conditions leads to diminished property values, reduced attractiveness of the community, and reduced quality of life within the districts. Minimum regulations that substantially relate to signage are important and necessary for the maintenance and well-being of positive conditions, good character, and quality of life in the township. Ultimately, these regulations are compelling and important for the protection of all police power values.

a.

An excessive number of signs in one location creates visual blight and clutter, as well as confusion of the public. Thus, limiting the number of signs on properties, establishing setbacks from property lines, and requiring reasonable spacing between signs are compelling interests that can be directed with minimum regulation.

b.

Signs that are too large can lead to confusion, undermine the purposes of the signs, and ultimately lead to physical and visual clutter. Establishing maximum sizes can be the subject of clear and effective regulations that address this compelling and important interest.

c.

Requiring maintenance specifications for signs can minimize the creation of blight and clutter due to the deterioration of signs that are not durable or otherwise well-constructed, and such regulations would be consistent with construction codes for other structures.

d.

There is a compelling governmental interest that signs avoid glare, light trespass, safety, and skyglow. The selection of proper fixture type(s) and location, use of supportive lighting technology, and control of light levels in a reasonable fashion is consistent with regulations that are narrowly tailored to achieve the Township's interests.

(5)

Property identification for emergency response and wayfinding purposes. Locating a business or residence by police, fire, and other emergency responders can be a matter of life and death, and thus it is a compelling interest to ensure that proper, understandable, unambiguous, and coordinated signage be permitted and required, and specifications for such purposes can be accomplished in a simple and narrow manner. Wayfinding for vehicular and pedestrian purposes is also a compelling interest to avoid confusion in public rights-of-way, and unnecessary intrusions on private property. Sign specifications for such wayfinding can be coordinated with property identification for such emergency and other purposes.

(6)

Maintaining unique character of areas of the township. Acknowledge the unique character of certain areas and districts, and establish special time, place and manner regulations that reflect the unique aesthetic, historical, and/or cultural characteristics of these areas/districts.

Protection of the right to receive and convey messages. The important governmental interests and regulations contained in this article are not intended to target the content of messages to be displayed on signs, but instead seek to achieve non-speech objectives. In no respect do the regulations of signage prohibit a property owner or occupant from an effective means of conveying the desired message. Nothing in this article is intended to prohibit the right to convey and receive messages protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.

(Ord. No. 202-25, 1-6-2025)

(a)

General prohibitions.

(1)

In no case shall any sign be illuminated by any open spark or flame. Reflectors, lights and other forms of illumination shall be permitted but no signs or any part thereof shall move nor shall the illumination thereof be anything other than a steady, continuously burning bulb or component part thereof is prohibited. In no case shall any sign illumination exceed a level of illumination of one-tenth footcandles when measured from the nearest or adjacent residential zoned or used property line, or adjacent nonresidential zoned property line.

(2)

No sign shall be illuminated by other than electrical devices and wiring installed in accordance with the requirements of the National Electrical Code. All electrically illuminated signs shall be certified as to wiring and devices by the electrical inspector, and all wiring and accessory electrical equipment shall conform to the requirements of the National Electrical Code.

(3)

No nails, tacks, or wires shall be permitted to protrude from the front of any sign. This shall not exclude, however, the use of block letters, electrical reflectors, or other devices which may extend over the top and in front of the advertising structure.

(4)

Unless otherwise specifically provided in this chapter, no sign shall be erected or placed in the public right-of-way nor be allowed to project further than 18 inches into the public right-of-way, provided the lower edge thereof is ten feet or more above the ground level; provided further that a sign shall not extend over any part of the public right-of-way used for vehicular traffic. The owner of any sign which has been removed from the right-of-way in violation of this provision shall pay to the township a violation fee approved by the township board before recovering said sign. If any sign is not claimed within 30 days, it shall be destroyed.

(5)

No sign shall be erected at the intersection of any street in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision at any location where, by reason of the position, shape or color, it may interfere with, obstruct the view of or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device or which makes use of the words, "Stop," "Look," "Danger" or any word, phrase, symbol or character in such manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic. Nor shall any sign, signal, marking or device be placed, erected or operated in such a manner as to interfere with the necessary free and unobstructed view of vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

(6)

No sign shall be permitted to corrode, rust, peel, breakup or otherwise reach a state of disrepair that creates an unsightly or dangerous condition, and any such sign must be removed within ten days after notice thereof.

(b)

Specifically prohibited signs.

(1)

Beacons.

(2)

Pennants.

(3)

Portable signs.

(4)

Inflatable signs and tethered balloons.

(5)

Animated signs, including signs containing flashing, intermittent or moving lights or with moving or revolving parts. This provision is not intended to exclude illuminated signs allowed under section 46-447(b).

(6)

Signs affixed to trees, rocks, shrubs or natural features, except signs denoting a site of historic significance may be allowed.

(7)

Permanent signs (other than those erected by a public agency) which are located within or overhang the public right-of-way or on public property unless specified elsewhere in these regulations.

(8)

Any strobe, flashing, or oscillating lights either from the interior or exterior of a building.

(9)

Moving signs. Except as otherwise provided in this section, no sign or any portion thereof shall be permitted which moves or assumes any motion constituting a non-stationary or fixed condition except for the rotation of barber poles, and except currently licensed vehicles and trailers which have painted upon them in a permanent manner the name of the product which they deliver and/or the name and address of the owner.

(10)

Abandoned signs.

(11)

Signs which emit audible sound, odor or visible matter.

(12)

Exterior string lights used to advertise commercial premises.

(13)

Any sign erected on a tree or utility pole except signs of any election subdivision of this state.

(14)

Awning signs with rear illumination.

(15)

Portable signs held by persons engaged for the purpose of carrying such signs on a public way or waiving such signs to attract attention from any roadway.

(Ord. No. 202-25, 1-6-2025)

(a)

Illumination.

(1)

The light from illuminated signs shall be directed in a manner that will not interfere with vehicular traffic or with the enjoyment or use of adjacent properties, nor directly shine onto adjacent or abutting properties.

(2)

No sign shall have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights or other illuminating devices which have a changing intensity, brightness or color, or which are so constructed and operated as to create an appearance or illusion of writing, printing or moving graphics, except that static message movement where the color, brightness, intensity, static message or any part of the sign changes no less than every five minutes may be permitted.

(3)

No exposed reflective type bulbs and no strobe lights or incandescent lamps shall be used on the exterior surface of any sign as to expose the face of the bulb, light or lamp to any public street or adjacent property.

(4)

The illumination provisions above shall not apply to sign lighting systems owned or controlled by any public agency for the purpose of directing traffic.

(5)

Neon exposed tube type lighting is prohibited outside of the sign structure and shall not be permitted as accent lighting along a building wall or window.

(6)

Awning signs shall not be "back lit."

(b)

Exempt from permits.

(1)

Incidental signs which are intended to direct the flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic on private property. Incidental signs shall not exceed two square feet in area per side and four feet in height, shall contain no advertising and may be illuminated.

(2)

Signs erected for traffic safety purposes by public road agencies.

(3)

Federal, state, county, or local required signs on private property.

(4)

Temporary signs in compliance with section 46-452 of this article.

(5)

Changing of advertising copy or message on a theater marquee or similar approved signs which are specifically designed for the use of replaceable copy.

(6)

Painting, repainting, cleaning, and other normal maintenance and repair of a sign or any sign structure unless a structural change is made.

(7)

Integral signs, not to exceed a maximum area of six square feet.

(8)

Authorized signs of the state or an election subdivision of the state.

(9)

Flags bearing the official design of a nation, state, municipality, educational institution, church, fraternal organization, or branch of the military. Flags bearing the official seal or emblem of a company or corporation including related graphics. Zone lots shall be limited to four of the above flags. When the site plan review is required, the location of flag poles shall be indicated on the site plan and shall meet the minimum 15-foot setback required for all signs to adjacent property lines. Flags shall be limited to 40 square feet each.

(10)

Permanent signs on vending machines or ice containers provided that such devices must be located within ten feet of the building.

(11)

Business signs containing information on credit cards, business affiliations, hours of operation, open/closed, etc. The combined area of all such signs shall not exceed four square feet and shall be included in the maximum window coverage calculation.

(Ord. No. 202-25, 1-6-2025)

(a)

General requirements.

(1)

Within all nonresidential zoning districts, only one ground sign shall be permitted per zoning lot. If a second street frontage on the same zoning lot exceeds 200 feet or a parcel of land abuts three or more streets, two such ground signs may be permitted on separate street fronts. Sign size, number of signs, and location shall be finalized during site plan review. Maximum size area is provided in "Table A" found in subsection (b) of this section.

(2)

Within all residential zoning districts, only one ground sign shall be permitted at the primary entrance for the purpose of identifying a subdivision, site condominium, multiple family development, or mobile home park.

(3)

Within all residential zoning districts, only one ground sign shall be permitted per zoning lot when a nonresidential special land use is present. One additional ground sign may be permitted at a secondary entrance if it is not located on the same street as the primary entrance. Size and location shall be determined during site plan review. Maximum area is provided in "Table A" in subsection (b) of this section.

(4)

One freestanding identification sign may be erected for a shopping center, office park, industrial park or other integrated group of stores, commercial buildings, office buildings or industrial buildings. The sign area shall not exceed one square foot per front foot of building or buildings for which it is erected; however, such signs shall not exceed 100 square feet in area. Such signs may be up to eight feet in height. If the lot fronts on three or more collector or arterial streets one additional sign may be permitted.

(5)

Within all PUD districts, the number and size and location of ground signs shall be determined by the intended use of the premises, subject to the review and approval of the township during PUD plan review.

(6)

All ground signs shall be set back a minimum of 15 feet from all road rights-of-way and shall be located no closer than 15 feet from the edge of the principal entrance driveway and all property lines.

(7)

The support structure for a ground sign shall not exceed 25 percent of the maximum permissible area of the sign measured by viewing the elevation of the sign perpendicular to the sign face, unless otherwise approved during the site plan review process.

(8)

Up to two additional signs shall be permitted for businesses with a drive-through component. Such signs shall not exceed 15 square feet in the area per sign, per face or six feet in height and shall be located only on internal drives to serve the drive-through portion of the development.

(b)

Maximum height and area. Maximum height and area requirements for ground signs shall be applied within each zoning district according to the following schedule. The maximum height and area for ground signs within business centers are pursuant to subsection (4) of this section:

Table A—Ground Signs

(Ord. No. 202-25, 1-6-2025)

(a)

General requirements.

(1)

Within all nonresidential zoning districts, a combination of building signs may be established not to exceed the maximum sign area per "Table B" for each zoning lot (for a single business). Signs for multiple-tenant shopping centers or multitenant buildings shall not exceed one square foot of sign area per one lineal foot of building frontage per tenant. In addition, multiple-tenant buildings shall be permitted an external one wall directory sign. The total area of this directory sign shall not exceed 12 square feet, with each tenant limited to one square foot. This sign shall be nonilluminated and shall be mounted on the entrance door or on the wall next to the entrance.

(2)

Within all PUD districts, the number and size of wall signs shall be determined by the intended use of the premises, subject to the review and approval of the township, during PUD plan review.

(3)

One projecting sign may be permitted for each first-floor business within the township. The projecting sign may be a maximum of 32 square feet in area (each side) and shall be included in the total number of signs permitted for the subject building. Changeable copy shall not be permitted as a part of projecting signs. Projecting signs must provide a clear distance of eight feet from the sidewalk or private drive or parking lot to the bottom edge of the sign. Projecting signs may extend over abutting sidewalks, but shall not extend over public or private roadways or parking areas unless approved by the township as a part of the sign permit. The leading edge of a projecting sign shall not extend more than 12 inches from the face of the building that it is attached to. The maximum height of a projecting sign shall be 15 feet from the street to the highest part of the sign.

(4)

Placement limitations. No wall sign shall cover wholly or partially any wall opening. No wall sign shall be erected to extend above the top of the wall to which it is attached, nor extend beyond the ends of the wall to which it is attached unless it complies with all of the requirements for roof signs, projecting signs, or ground signs as the case may be.

(b)

Maximum area. Maximum area requirements for building signs shall be applied within each zoning district according to the following schedule:

Table B—Building Signs

(Ord. No. 202-25, 1-6-2025)

(a)

Outdoor advertising signs are permitted only on undeveloped and vacant unimproved lots in the C-4 district and shall be considered the principal use of such lots. Such signs shall not be placed on a lot with any other building thereon, and no structure shall be placed on a lot on which such sign is located.

(1)

One outdoor advertising sign shall be permitted per lot.

(2)

No such sign shall have a total area in excess of 300 square feet per sign face.

(3)

It shall have a minimum clearance of ten feet and a maximum clearance height of 22 feet, from average grade as calculated within a 60-foot radius from the base of the sign.

(4)

It shall not be closer than 1,000 feet to any other billboard signs on the same side of the right-of-way.

(5)

The setback of the outdoor advertising sign shall be 50 feet from the edge of the right-of-way.

(6)

Any outdoor advertising sign shall be situated on the property so as to:

a.

Maximize motor vehicle sight distance, clear view, and traffic safety in general, in relation to other vehicles, pedestrians, and to other signage which is, or is anticipated to be, nearby; and

b.

Minimize the destruction of trees, the visibility of the billboard and illuminations thereof by and from residences, and any dangerous distraction and thus, hazard, of and to motorists, as determined in the discretion of the planning commission.

(b)

An outdoor advertising sign may be illuminated, if it is located at least 500 feet from any residential zoning district or residential use. The illumination shall be directed away from all residential uses. No internal illumination shall be permitted.

(Ord. No. 202-25, 1-6-2025)

The following principles shall control the computation of sign area and sign height:

(1)

Computation of area. The area of sign face (which is also the sign area of a wall sign or other sign with only one face) shall be computed by means of the smallest square, circle, rectangle, triangle, or combination thereof that will encompass the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem, or other display, together with any material or color forming an integral part of the background of the display, together with any material or color forming an integral part of the background of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop of structure against which it is placed, but not including any supporting framework, bracing, or decorative fence or wall when such fence or wall otherwise meets the zoning ordinance regulations and is clearly incidental to the display itself. Where a sign has two or more faces, the area of the all faces shall be included in determining the total area of the sign.

(2)

Computation of height. The height of a sign shall be computed as the distance from the base of the sign at normal grade to the top of the highest attached component of the sign. 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, berming, mounding, or excavating solely for the purpose of locating the sign. In cases where 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 street or the grade of the land at the principal entrance to the principal structure when allowed on the zoning lot, whichever is lower.

(Ord. No. 202-25, 1-6-2025)

Temporary signs shall be permitted in accordance with the regulations herein:

(1)

Permit required. Unless specified elsewhere in this chapter, a permit shall be required to display any temporary sign described by these regulations. Such permit shall be issued by the township building official or designee and shall clearly specify the name, address and telephone number of the applicant as well as the title and dates of the event advertised and authorized location for placement of the sign. The permit number shall be clearly displayed on the sign. The permit fee, if any, is to be established by resolution of the township board.

(2)

Property owner permission required. No temporary sign may be placed on private property without the permission of the property owner. Temporary signs placed upon property in the township in violation of this section may be removed by the township, the owner of the sign, or the owner of the property where a sign has been placed, or their designee. A temporary sign that has been removed by the township will be kept for five days, at which time the sign may be destroyed or disposed of by the township.

(3)

Temporary signs during a designated election period. In recognition that there is a need for additional expression of speech prior to a scheduled election, for a period of 30 days prior to until two days after a township-designated election day on which there is at least one ballot item, the maximum allowable height and area of temporary ground signs shall increase in all zoning districts subject to the following conditions.

a.

Maximum height of any temporary sign shall not exceed eight feet.

b.

Maximum area of each individual temporary sign shall not exceed 32 square feet.

c.

There shall be no limit to the maximum number of temporary signs on a single zoning lot.

d.

No permits are required for these types of signs.

(4)

Temporary signs on private property.

a.

Ground signs that meet the following conditions shall be allowed in any zoning district, subject to the following conditions.

1.

Maximum height of any sign shall not exceed five feet.

2.

Maximum area of all signs on a single zoning lot shall not exceed 12 square feet.

b.

Window signs shall be limited to no more than 25 percent of the total window area of the side of the building facing the front lot line, or in the case of a corner lot, one of the sides. In a building occupied by more than one individual unit, establishment, or space is limited to 25 percent of the total window area for that unit, establishment or space facing the front lot line or, in the case of a corner unit, one of the sides.

c.

Flags shall be allowed in residential and non-residential districts subject to the following conditions.

1.

Residential districts. Flags displayed within residential districts shall be maintained in good repair so as to prevent tearing, fraying or other deterioration. The failure to replace or repair a deteriorated flag within 30 days' notice of such condition shall constitute a violation of this Code.

2.

Nonresidential districts. Except as otherwise provided in chapter 46, Zoning, flags in nonresidential zoning districts may be displayed as follows:

i.

Flags which bear the official designation of the United States of America, the official design of a nation, state, educational institution, religious institution, or municipality, or an on-premises flag which displays an official business or corporate emblem or seal;

ii.

Each parcel of land may display not more than six flags each not exceeding 24 square feet; and

iii.

All flags shall be maintained in good repair so as to prevent tearing, fraying or other deterioration. The failure to replace or repair a deteriorated flag within 30 days' notice of such condition shall constitute a violation of this Code.

d.

No permits are required for these types of signs.

(5)

Temporary civic/public signs.

a.

Temporary civic, cultural, and public service window posters shall be exempt when posted inside commercial establishments, provided they do not, individually or combined, occupy more than 30 percent of the total area of said window or five square feet, whichever is less. Temporary window signs are permitted on ground floor windows only. These types of signs shall not be posted outside on windows, doors, light posts, street furniture, etc.

b.

Municipal signs on public property.

c.

Traffic or other municipal signs such as legal notices, railroad crossing, danger, and other emergency signs as may be approved by the township board or the township supervisor.

d.

Incidental signs which are intended to direct, eliminate, or restrict the flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic on private property. The sign shall not exceed two square feet in area and four feet in height, shall contain no advertising, and may be illuminated.

e.

Federal, state, county, or local required signs on private property, not to exceed six square feet.

f.

No permits are required for these types of signs.

(6)

Placement and duration of temporary signs. Unless specified elsewhere in this chapter, the placement and duration of temporary signs shall be regulated as follows:

a.

No temporary sign shall be placed on public property or public rights-of-way unless it is advertising an event to be held on public property unless specified elsewhere in these regulations.

b.

No temporary sign shall be placed on public property other than the location of the event unless permission is granted by the property owner.

c.

Temporary signs on private property must meet the minimum 15-foot sign setback requirements of this chapter.

d.

Duration of display. Unless noted otherwise in these regulations, temporary signs are of a transitory or temporary nature and shall not be placed more than ten days prior and removed within seven days after the reason of their use.

e.

Any sign placed in violation of this section shall be considered a violation of this chapter and may be removed by the Township at the expense of the owner.

(Ord. No. 202-25, 1-6-2025)

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

(1)

Signs erected by or on behalf of a governmental or other public agency to post legal notices, identify public property, convey public information, and direct or regulate pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

(2)

Projecting signs pursuant to the provisions of these regulations.

(3)

The director of planning and building has the authority to remove signs within the public road right-of-way (R.O.W.).

(Ord. No. 202-25, 1-6-2025)

(a)

Intent. It is the intent of this section to encourage eventual elimination of signs that, as a result of the adoption of this article, become nonconforming, and to administer this article to realize the removal of illegal nonconforming signs and to avoid any unreasonable invasion of established private property rights, thereof:

(1)

No person shall be required to remove a sign which was erected in compliance with previous regulations of this article if said sign becomes nonconforming due to a change occurring in the location of buildings, streets or other signs, which change is beyond the control of the owner of the sign and the premises on which it is located.

(2)

If the owner of a sign or the premises on which a sign is located changes, the location of a building, property line, or sign, or changes the use of a building so that any sign on the premises is rendered nonconforming, such signs must be removed or made to conform to this article.

(b)

Lawful existing signs. Any sign lawfully existing at the time of adoption of the ordinance from which this article is derived, which does not fully comply with all the provisions shall be considered a nonconforming sign and may be permitted to remain as long as the sign is properly maintained and not detrimental to the health, safety, and welfare of the community except as hereafter provided.

(c)

Continuance.

(1)

Any lawful nonconforming sign shall be permitted to continue to exist, so long as the nonconforming sign:

a.

Is not physically expanded or changed to another nonconforming sign.

b.

Is not relocated or structurally altered so as to prolong the life of the sign, or so as to change the shape, size, type, placement, or design of the sign. The term "altered" shall not include normal maintenance or maintenance to protect public safety. The term "normal maintenance" shall include painting of chipped or faded signs, replacement of faded or damaged surface panels, or repair and replacement of electrical wiring and devices.

c.

Is not reestablished or maintained after the activity, business or usage to which it relates has been discontinued for 90 days or longer.

d.

Is not repaired or re-erected after being damaged, if the repair or re-erection of the sign would cost more than 50 percent of the replacement cost of an identical new sign.

(2)

In the case of a legal nonconforming sign without a defined background (such as individual letters or symbols mounted directly on a building, or lettering on an awning), changes may be made to the letters on symbols, so long as the overall area of the sign is not increased. In such situations, a new sign permit application shall be filed with the zoning administrator.

(3)

The words or symbols on a nonconforming sign may be changed if a new sign permit application is filed with the zoning administrator. In such cases, the message may be changed without affecting the legal nonconforming status, as long as neither the sign structure nor frame is changed.

(Ord. No. 202-25, 1-6-2025)

(a)

It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, repair, alter, or relocate on the same or another premises or maintain within the township any sign as defined in this chapter, without first complying with this section:

(b)

Except where exempted below, permits are required for all signs hereunder. Applications, therefore, shall be made upon blanks provided by the director of planning and building, and shall contain all required information.

(c)

It shall be the duty of the building inspector, upon the filing of an application for a permit, to examine such plans and specifications and other data and the premises upon which it is proposed to erect the sign or other advertising.

(d)

Appeal. Any person filing an application for permit who feels that he has been aggrieved by the decisions of the building inspector may have his application reviewed by the township board of appeals.

(e)

Permit revocable at any time. All rights and privileges acquired under the provisions of this chapter or any amendment thereto, and may be revoked by the township by letter to the permit holder upon the violation of any of the conditions herein, whereupon the planning and building department may remove the sign with costs of removal charged to the permit holder. If the work authorized under an erection permit has not been completed within six months after date of issuance, the permit shall become null and void.

(f)

Exemption from permit requirement. Signs for which a permit is not required are as follows:

(1)

Professional nameplates not exceeding two square feet in area.

(2)

The changing of advertising material or copy on a properly licensed sign and the maintenance or repair thereof shall not require the issuance of a permit.

(3)

Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and date of erection when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or aluminum.

(4)

Traffic or other municipal signs, legal notices, danger and such temporary emergency or non-advertising by the building inspector.

(g)

Conflict with state statute. To the extent that a provision of this chapter conflicts with statutes enacted by the state, but only in those instances where enforcement hereof would be prohibited by state statute, such provision shall be null and void; such nullity and invalidity shall apply only as it concerns sections thereafter of this chapter which are specifically not enforceable in accordance with state law, and should said section be subsequently rendered valid by amendment to state act, said sections shall become fully enforceable and be considered a part hereof in all respects.

(Ord. No. 202-25, 1-6-2025)

All signs must be constructed to meet the current state construction code.

(Ord. No. 202-25, 1-6-2025)

(a)

Removal. The township building official or designee shall order the removal of any sign erected or maintained in violation of this chapter except for valid nonconforming signs. Notice in writing shall be given to the owner of such sign or of the building, structure, or premises on which such sign is located, to remove the sign or bring it into compliance with the ordinance within 14 days of the notice for non-temporary signs. Illegal temporary signs shall be removed within 24 hours. Failure to remove the sign or to comply with this notice shall be considered a zoning violation. The township shall also remove the sign immediately and without notice if it reasonably appears that the condition of the sign is such as to present an immediate threat to the safety of the public. Any cost of removal incurred by the township shall be assessed to the owner of the property on which such sign is located in the manner of taxes and such charge shall be a lien on the property.

(b)

Renewal requirements.A sign shall be removed by the owner or the lessee of the premises upon which the sign is located within 30 days after the business which it advertises is no longer conducted on the premises. If the owner or lessee fails to remove the sign, the township shall remove it in accordance with the provisions stated in subsection (a) of this section. These removal provisions shall not apply where a subsequent owner or lessee conducts the same type of business and agrees to maintain the signs to advertise the type of business being conducted on the premises and provided the signs comply with the other provisions of this chapter.

(Ord. No. 202-25, 1-6-2025)

(a)

Any of the following shall be a violation of this chapter:

(1)

To install, create, erect, or maintain any sign in a way inconsistent with the terms of this chapter or that is inconsistent with any plan or permit governing such sign or the zoning lot on which the sign is located;

(2)

To install, create, erect, or maintain any sign requiring a permit without such a permit.

(b)

Each sign installed, created, erected, or maintained in violation of this chapter shall be considered a separate violation.

(c)

Unless specified elsewhere in this chapter, any signs placed within a road right-of-way (R.O.W.) and on utility poles will be considered a violation of this chapter and may be removed by the township at the expense of the owner.

(Ord. No. 202-25, 1-6-2025)

This article shall be administered and enforced by the director of planning and building.

(Ord. No. 202-25, 1-6-2025)