(a)

The city commission of Brunswick finds that signs provide an important medium through which persons may convey a variety of commercial and non-commercial messages. Regulation of the size, location, placement, illumination and certain features of signs is necessary to enable the public to receive such messages without difficulty and confusion, to improve the general attractiveness of the city, to take advantage of the city's natural and historic environment, to protect property values, to facilitate sage travel through the city, to facilitate the identification and location of residences and businesses in the city in the event of police, fire, or other emergencies, and to avoid the aesthetic blight and nuisance that would occur from the proliferation of signs in the absence of reasonable controls. Accordingly, it is the intention of the city commission to establish regulations governing the display of signs so as to:

(1)

Balance the rights of persons to convey their messages through signs and the right of the public to be protected against the unrestricted proliferation of signs in the city.

(2)

Enhance the economy and the business and industry of the city by promoting the reasonable, orderly and effective display of signs;

(3)

Maximize the value of commercial signage as a means of locating and identifying commercial establishments providing goods and services while, at the same time, discouraging the use of commercial signage to sell specific goods and services;

(4)

Encourage the construction of commercial signage with high quality materials that are aesthetically pleasing and compatible with their surroundings and with the architecture of the buildings they identify;

(5)

Maintain the historical image and character of the city;

(6)

Preserve and enhance the natural environment throughout the city;

(7)

Protect property values by minimizing the possible adverse effects and visual blight caused by signs;

(8)

Promote signs which are compatible with their surroundings;

(9)

Ensure proper maintenance, for safety and structural soundness, as well as appearance and attractiveness of signs.

(b)

Inasmuch as it is generally inappropriate for government to determine the content of expression that will be allowed on signs, particularly in regard to non-commercial signs, it is the intent of the city commission that this chapter be enforced such that signs carrying non-commercial messages be approved, disapproved and regulated entirely without regard to the content to be posted on the sign.

(c)

It is the intent of this article that all signs erected in the City of Brunswick have a permit issued by the building official unless the sign is specifically excluded or exempted from the regulations contained in this article.

(Ord. No. 1081, 9-20-2023)

(a)

General definitions.

(1)

Building means any structure having a roof supported by columns or walls intended for human occupancy.

(2)

Building official means the person or persons designated as such by the city manager pursuant to chapter 5 of the City Code.

(3)

Nonconforming sign means any sign which does not conform to the provisions of this article.

(4)

Parcel means a separate tax unit of real property as reflected in Glynn County real estate records.

(5)

Sign means a device or representation for visual communication which is used for the purpose of bringing the subject thereof to the attention of others.

(6)

Sign face means that portion of a sign that is or can be used for purposed of carrying the intended message.

(b)

Type of sign definitions.

(1)

Awning sign means a sign located on a canopy, awning, or other roof-like cover extending before a doorway or window as a shelter or for beautification of the building. A canopy must be a permanent structure and non-retracting.

(2)

Banner means a sign other than a flag, made of cloth, paper, plastic or fabric or any similar material containing a message or logo.

(3)

Billboard means a self-supporting structure upon which a flat surface is placed which is used to display general advertising.

(4)

Changeable copy sign means a sign that where the message is changes either electronically, mechanically or manually.

(5)

Double-faced sign means a sign which has two display areas placed back to back to each other, or at an angle of not more than 60 percent to each other, and where one face is designed to be seen from one direction and the other face from another direction.

(6)

Freestanding sign means a sign permanently attached to the ground and that is wholly independent of any building or other structure. A freestanding sign may be mounted on a freestanding pole and the sign not in contact with the ground or mounted as a structure on the ground (referred to generally as a "monument sign."

(7)

Home occupation sign means a sign, typically a wall sign, used to identify a home occupation in compliance with the provisions of this zoning ordinance.

(8)

Identification sign means a sign used to depict the name or number of a building or tenant(s) within the building where the sign is located or otherwise identify such building.

(9)

Incidental sign means a sign, generally for informational purposes secondary to the use of the lot on which it is located, such as "no parking," "no trespassing," "entrance," "exit," "loading only," and other information and directional signs.

(10)

Mansard or marquee sign means a sign painted on, attached to or hung from a roofed structure attached to and supported by a building or independent structure. A mansard is typically a sloped roof structure extending from the roof or façade of a building; a marquee is typically a vertical roof structure extending from the façade of a building.

(11)

Mobile billboard sign means an advertising sign mounted on a vehicle or trailer capable of being towed across public streets and that can be parked at specific locations. Neither vehicles nor trailers which advertise the company of their primary use nor campaign signs are considered mobile billboards.

(12)

Monument sign means a freestanding sign mounted directly on the ground, or on a base which is directly on the ground, without use of a pole, pier, post, pylon or stanchion.

(13)

Roof sign means a sign that is mounted on and supported by the structure of the roof of a building; or a sign that is applied to the roof's surface.

(14)

Sandwich board sign means a non-illuminated portable sign consisting of two flat surfaces joined at one end, typically with hinges.

(15)

Swinging or projecting sign means a sign projecting more than six inches from the outside wall or walls of any building upon which it is located either directly attached to the building or attached to a support extending from the building which may also allow the sign to swing back and forth.

(16)

Temporary sign means a sign of a non-permanent nature designed to convey a short term non-permanent message such as an event.

(17)

Wall sign means a sign fastened, placed or painted upon the exterior structural wall of the building itself, whether the front, rear or side wall of the building. It may also be a sign projecting from a building to which it is affixed.

(18)

Window sign means a sign placed inside or outside of a windowpane or glass door and intended to be viewed from outside the building. It may be a permanent sign.

(c)

Style of sign definitions.

(1)

Electronic display sign screen means a sign, or portion of a sign, that uses projection of images and letters or similar technology to form a sign message or messages and wherein the sequence of messages and the rate of change is electronically programmed and can be modified by electronic processes.

(2)

Electronic message board means a variable message sign, or portion of a sign, that uses projection or similar technology to form a sign message or messages and wherein the sequence of messages and the rate of change is electronically programmed and can be modified by electronic processes.

(3)

Flashing sign means a sign, the illumination of which is not kept constant nor in the same intensity at all times when in use, and which exhibits marked changes in lighting effects.

(4)

Illuminated sign, direct means a sign illuminated by an internal or external source.

(5)

Inflatable sign means a sign that is either expanded to its full dimensions and is physically supported by gasses contained within the sign, or sign parts, at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure.

(d)

Design and size definitions.

(1)

Aggregate sign area means the area of all signs to be placed on a building(s) and it's site excluding the area of one face of all double-faced signs.

(2)

Animated sign means a sign with action, motion, changing letters or changing colors, which requires electrical energy.

(3)

Area of a sign face/sign area means the portion of a sign which conveys the intended message, exclusive of the sign structure which is not intended to carry any message or portion of the message intended by the sign itself.

(4)

Display surface or sign face means the face or part of a sign which can be used to carry or display copy or a message.

(5)

Height of sign means the distance in vertical feet from the average ground elevation below the sign to the highest point of the sign, including any border, trim, light or structural component thereof measured from the average ground elevation.

(Ord. No. 1081, 9-20-2023)

(a)

No permit required. The following signs are not regulated by this article and do not require a permit unless duly noted.

(1)

Flags. Non-governmental flags are deemed to be signs and shall be subject to the provisions of this section. The official flags of the federal, state, county, or municipal governments are not deemed to be signs provided no such flag shall exceed 40 square feet per face. The city commission may approve a larger flag for display on public property or other appropriate noncommercial sites as determined by the city commission.

(2)

Holiday decorations. Decorations that are not internally illuminated shall not require a sign permit, provided they are displayed for no more than a total of 60 days per calendar year, excluding the time period between November 1 and January 15. Such decorations shall be maintained in a good condition at all times and shall be removed or replaced when they are overly weathered, torn, broken, or otherwise present a potential safety hazard. Windblown decorations are prohibited at all times.

(3)

Incidental signs. Addresses, building numbers, entrance and exit signs, and traffic directional signs shall not require sign permits if they do not exceed four square feet in area per sign and have no commercial copy. If such sign contains commercial copy, the sign counts toward the allowable square footage for freestanding signs.

(4)

Interior signs. Any sign that, in the official's reasonable opinion, is to be viewed from the inside of a building only.

(5)

Menus. Menus attached to the face or façade of a building with no more than four square feet of sign face area located at the entrance or service window of a business.

(6)

Parking signs. Signs that reserve parking spaces for specific uses or businesses, except that such signs are not allowed in shopping and shall not exceed 1.5 square feet in area per sign. No more than three parking signs shall be displayed at any given time on each parcel.

(7)

Public signs. Signs erected by the federal, state, or local government, or governmental entity, including interpretive signs located on publicly owned property. Signs that are required by a public entity are considered public signs.

(8)

Real estate — Residential or commercial sale or lease signs. Temporary signs offering single or two family residences for sale or lease nor exceeding six square feet in size and only one sign is allowed on the property being offered for sale or lease. The same requirements apply to off-site "open house" signs. The sign(s) must be removed within four days after the real estate transaction has been completed.

(9)

Sandwich boards and chalkboards. Freestanding, framed chalkboard or sandwich signs that comply with each of the following standards may be located in all commercial and office zones outside a permitted commercial establishment:

a.

One sign per business may be displayed during hours of operation.

b.

Signs shall be placed within ten feet of the building entrance of the business displaying the sign and not within ten feet of another business.

c.

Signs shall be placed to allow at least 36 inches of unobstructed pedestrian clearance adjacent to the sign.

d.

Signs shall be limited to a maximum of six square feet in total area and a maximum width of 24 inches.

e.

Sign face colors are limited to black or dark green with a matte finish.

f.

Plastic or dry erase boards are not permitted.

(10)

Shopping cart return. Signs identifying shopping cart return areas, provided that such signs are no larger than ten square feet.

(11)

Stadium signs. Signs or banners that are located within a stadium and are not intended to be visible from outside of a stadium.

(12)

String lights for holiday decoration and for building identification. Strings of lights may be used for outside holiday lighting or tree decoration from November 1 through January 15 of each year. Because many colors are used to celebrate various holidays during this time, multi-color lights are allowed. Flashing, blinking and chasing lights are prohibited. String lighting used to permanently enhance building identification and identity likewise may be used in a tasteful and appropriate manner in the opinion of the building official.

(13)

Towing signs. Public notice required by applicable law to be displayed on a property where vehicles may be towed. Such signs shall not exceed four square feet in size and shall be limited to one sign per vehicular entrance to the property.

(14)

Traffic control signs. Any public notice or warning required by applicable federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance including, but not limited to, warning flashers and variable message signs (VMSs) deployed temporarily by a government agency to guide traffic. When such signs are located on private property, they are subject to each of the following:

a.

Sign faces shall not exceed four square feet per sign face.

b.

The city shall have authority to limit the number, location, and color of such signs.

c.

Sign faces shall meet Georgia Department of Transportation standards.

(15)

Window signs. Signs on the inside, or attached to the outside, of window glass shall comply with each of the following:

a.

Window signs shall cover no more than 25 percent of the gross area of glass on any one façade side of a building.

b.

Window signs shall not be illuminated.

c.

No single window sign shall exceed four square feet.

d.

Only one window sign per tenant or user.

(b)

Exemptions. Sign permit is not required prior to engaging in the following alterations to or maintenance of a sign:

a.

The changing of copy on a sign permitted for changeable copy.

b.

The painting or refinishing of the surface of a sign face or sign structure of a permitted sign so as to keep the appearance of such sign as permitted.

(c)

Prohibited signs. The following types of signs are prohibited throughout the city:

(1)

Roof signs;

(2)

Animated signs and flashing signs;

(3)

Signs on publicly owned or maintained right-of-way other than publicly owned or maintained signs;

(4)

Signs which contain words, pictures, or statements which are obscene, as defined by O.C.G.A. § 16-12-80;

(5)

Signs which simulate an official traffic control or warning sign or hide from view any traffic sign, signal or public service sign;

(6)

Signs which interfere with road or highway visibility or obstruct or otherwise interfere with the safe and orderly movement of traffic;

(7)

Signs which obstruct the orderly flow of pedestrian traffic on any sidewalk or public walkway;

(8)

Signs erected by nailing, fastening or affixing the sign in any manner to any tree, post, curb, utility pole, or other structure located on any public right-of-way except as may otherwise be provided herein;

(9)

Signs which emit any visible smoke, steam, vapor, particles, or odor into the air;

(10)

Signs which emit any sound which can be heard at any place outside of the parcel on which the sign is erected;

(11)

Signs which interfere with or obstruct entry or egress through any door or window required or designed for access to or egress from any building;

(12)

Use of any parked vehicle or boat as an advertising device except that held by a licensed automobile or boat dealer as stock for retail sale or for lease;

(13)

Fluttering hanging or mounted ribbons and banners;

(14)

Mobile billboard signs;

(15)

Portable signs. Commercial vehicles, other than standard passenger vehicles, shall be parked as far from the street as reasonably possible during non-business hours if such vehicles bear a commercial message; and

(16)

Inflatable signs.

(d)

Permitted signs by type, use and land use. For summary see Table 1.

(1)

Residential—Single family and two-family individual lot.

a.

No sign of any type other than a real estate for sale or lease sign (not requiring a sign permit) no greater than six square feet in sign face area and limited to one sign for each street adjacent to the lot.

(2)

Residential subdivision.

a.

One free standing sign at each major street entrance (excluding construction and emergency access). Directional signs are permitted for amenities (pool, clubhouse, office, etc.).

(3)

Residential—Multi-family.

a.

One free standing complex identification sign at each major street entrance (excluding construction and emergency access). Sign may include leasing information.

b.

One wall mounted building identification sign.

c.

Directional sign(s) as needed.

d.

Incidental sign(s) as may be required (i.e., parking limitations, emergency or fire exit, etc.).

(4)

Residential—Planned mixed use development (PUD).

a.

A signage plan shall be required as a part of the overall development plan. Any request for new, modified or replacement signs shall require a review of all existing signage for conformity or appropriate and consistent design with existing signage.

(5)

Commercial—Neighborhood (local) commercial and GC—Core commercial.

a.

No freestanding sign is permitted. One wall mounted, mansard, canopy sign or hanging sign is allowed per permitted business.

(6)

Commercial—General or highway—Individual use structure and/or lot.

a.

One free standing, wall, or mansard is permitted.

(7)

Commercial—General or highway—Multi tenant or use; single and multiple structures up to 20,000 total gross square feet of commercial retail or service floor area.

a.

One free standing sign with tenant listing at each major street entrance (excluding construction, loading/unloading or emergency access). Limit of two free standing signs per parcel.

b.

One wall or mansard or hanging sign for building and tenant identification.

c.

Directional sign(s).

d.

Incidental sign(s) as may be required and appropriate.

(8)

Commercial—General or highway—Multi tenant/multi structures in excess of 20,000 total gross square feet but not more than 100,000 square feet of commercial retail or service floor area.

a.

One free standing sign with tenant listing at each major street entrance (excluding construction, loading/unloading or emergency access). Limit of two free standing signs.

b.

One wall or mansard sign for building and tenant identification.

c.

Directional sign(s).

d.

Incidental sign(s) as may be required or appropriate.

(9)

Commercial—General or highway—Multi tenant shopping center in excess of 100,000 square feet of commercial retail or service floor area.

a.

A signage plan shall be required as a part of a development plan. Any request for new, modified or replacement signs shall require a review of all existing signage for conformity or appropriate and consistent design with existing signage.

(10)

Commercial recreation.

a.

One free standing sign at the major street entrance.

b.

One wall or mansard mounted sign at the building entrance.

c.

Directional signs as appropriate.

(11)

Office—Single structure and use.

a.

One free standing sign at the major street entrance (freestanding sign not permitted in Neighborhood (Local) LC or GC Core commercial zoning districts).

b.

One wall or mansard mounted sign.

(12)

Office—Single structure with multiple tenants.

a.

One free standing sign at the major street entrance which may also include a building directory (freestanding sign not permitted in Neighborhood (Local) LC or GC Core commercial zoning districts).

b.

One free standing or wall mounted sign at the building entrance with a building directory (freestanding sign not permitted in neighborhood (local) LC or GC Core commercial zoning districts).

c.

Office—Multiple structures/multiple tenants—OC office commercial zone. A signage plan shall be required as a part of a development plan. Any request for new, modified or replacement signs shall require a review of all existing signage for conformity or appropriate and consistent design with existing signage.

(13)

Medical, institutional and public buildings and sites—All zoning districts where permitted.

a.

One free standing sign for the main building or site at each major street entrance for the general public or employees.

b.

One main building mounted identification sign.

c.

Parking area signage as required.

d.

Secondary building mounted or free standing identification signs as may be appropriate.

e.

Special building mounted or free standing entrance and directional signs as may be appropriate.

f.

Incidental signs a may be appropriate.

g.

A coordinated design and placement of signs at all proposed medical, institutional and public buildings or sites shall be required for issuance of a permit. Any modification or addition to existing signage shall require a thorough review of existing sign design for consistency with the design of new sign(s).

(14)

Industrial—All industrial zones.

a.

One free standing identification sign and one building mounted sign.

b.

Free standing building, parking loading and unloading and directional signs as appropriate.

(15)

Changeable copy signs (including electronic display screens).

a.

Such signs are prohibited in all zoning districts except general commercial and highway commercial.

(16)

Temporary signs in excess of six square feet of sign face area.

a.

Such signs may be permitted for all zoning districts but only for the event being shown on the sign face (sale, lease, election, yard sale) and must be removed within two days following the completion or termination of the event.

(17)

Billboards.

a.

Such signs are only permitted in GC, HC and industrial zones.

(e)

Non-conforming signs.

(1)

The owner/ground leaseholder of any nonconforming sign which was legally in place at the time of adoption of this chapter shall register the sign with the city within 90 days of the effective date of this article, registered nonconforming signs shall not be allowed to remain once deterioration of or damage to the sign renders it a hazard or unsightly and the owner/ground leaseholder fails to correct the condition after notice from the building official.

(2)

No change in the structure, size, shape, or design of a nonconforming sign shall be allowed except to bring nonconformity into conformity with this chapter.

(3)

No change may be made to a nonconforming sign that increases or enlarges or changes the nature of the nonconformity.

(4)

A nonconforming sign may not be replaced with another nonconforming sign except in the event of changed conditions beyond the control of the owner/ground leaseholder warrant the sign's replacement, in which event the building official must be notified and a new sign permit obtained prior to replacement. Nonconforming signs which have not been registered in accordance with section 23-24-3 above may not be replaced with another non-conforming sign — the new permit which is required will be controlled by the sign regulations in effect at the time of application.

(Ord. No. 1081, 9-20-2023)

(a)

General standards.

(1)

Conformance to city building and electrical codes. In addition to any sign approval required under this article, a building permit shall be required prior to the installation or placement of any sign for which a sign permit is issued. All sign shall be constructed, erected or placed in accordance with the city's building and electrical codes.

(2)

Conformance to state law. Any sign located or to be located within 660 feet of the nearest edge of the right-of-way of a US or state numbered highway or road designated as a primary highway by the State of Georgia and The US Department of Transportation or located beyond 660 feet of such highway but visible and intended to be read from such highway shall comply with all requirements of the Georgia Outdoor Advertising Act O.C.G.A. § 32-6-70.

(3)

Sign maintenance. All signs, including non-conforming signs, together with all their structural, mounting and/or erection elements shall be kept in good repair including replacement of damaged or deteriorated elements, re-painting or replacement of graphics, and landscape elements installed as a part of the sign.

(b)

Site and location standards by type of sign—See Table 2 for summary.

(1)

Setback and location requirements.

a.

Freestanding and monument signs.

1.

No freestanding or monument sign shall be located closer than 20 feet from any property line serving as a public street right-of-way, nor within 20 feet of any driveway or entrance road intersecting with a public street.

2.

No freestanding or monument sign shall be located closer than 30 feet from the intersecting right-of way lines adjoining the property upon which the sign is located.

3.

No freestanding or monument sign shall be located within 200 feet of another freestanding sign along the street frontage of the same property.

b.

Wall mounted projecting signs.

1.

No sign attached at an angle to a wall shall extend beyond five feet from the wall.

(2)

A projecting sign shall have a minimum of eight feet of clearance from ground level below the sign.

a.

Wall or façade sign.

1.

No wall or façade sign may extend beyond 12 inches from the building wall upon which it is mounted nor higher, at its highest point, than 20 feet measured from the nearest street grade elevation.

2.

No more than two façade signs may be located on any one building wall.

b.

Canopy (awning), mansard, marquee and parapet signs.

1.

A canopy sign may not extend above or below the canopy face on which it is located. Signs mounted under the canopy must have a minimum of eight feet of clearance from the ground elevation below the sign to the bottom face of the sign.

2.

A mansard sign may not extend above or below the face of the mansard on which it is located and shall be at least eight feet above any pedestrian walkway below the lowest part of the sign.

3.

A marquee sign may not extend above or below the marquee on which it is located, and shall be at least eight feet above any pedestrian walkway below the lowest part of the sign.

4.

A parapet sign may not extend beyond the parapet on which it is located, and shall be at least eight feet above any pedestrian walkway below the lowest part of the sign.

c.

Billboards.

1.

May be located only on parcels located in general commercial, highway commercial, or industrial zoned districts.

2.

Must be located 1,250 feet from any other off-premises sign measured along the roadway frontage where located. Measurements are to be made from the centerline of the sign structure(s) and include all off-premises signs regardless of which side of the roadway they may be located.

3.

No portion of any off-premises sign may be located within a 300-foot radius of any property zoned residential, conservation-preservation or any officially designated preservation district, historic landmark, public park, public square or playground.

4.

All Off-Premises signs, including those considered billboards, must also comply with the State of Georgia's Outdoor Advertising Act in addition to these and other requirements of this article.

5.

At interstate interchanges, no more than two off-premises sign or billboards may be located in any quadrant of the interchange and shall be restricted to an area 1,200 feet measured 500 feet from the road crossing at the interchange or beginning 500 feet from the beginning or ending of interstate pavement widening to accommodate on ramps or off ramps; whichever is furthest from the road crossing at the interchange.

d.

All other signs.

1.

Accessory freestanding signs.

i.

May be located on multi-family, commercial, office, institutional or industrial property.

ii.

Accessory freestanding signs located at entrance or exit drives from or to public streets, shall not exceed two per entrance or exit location(s).

iii.

One accessory freestanding sign may be located on each building site. Directional signs may be located on each building site as needed for customers or patrons.

2.

Outdoor recreational facility.

i.

Signs on outdoor recreation facilities like stadiums, concession stands, dugouts, press boxes, etc. may be installed with no limit other than such signs may not be visible from neighboring residential property or public rights-of-way.

3.

Multi-screen cinema.

i.

A changeable copy cinema sign is considered a principal sign and one such sign is permitted for each multi-screen cinema on each street fronting the cinema.

4.

Rear entrance signs.

i.

A rear entrance sign may be paced on the rear doors of business establishments used for ingress and egress by tenants or owners.

5.

Changeable copy sign (automatic or manual copy).

i.

May be incorporated into a freestanding or wall mounted sign.

ii.

LED message boards are not permitted anywhere except for schools, houses of worship, gasoline stations (for price boards) and cinema or performance centers.

6.

Temporary signs (in excess of four square feet) requiring a permit.

i.

May be used for the duration of an event such as the sale or lease of property, sporting event, yard or garage sale, outdoor festival or fair, etc.

ii.

Only one temporary sign shall be permitted per property at any time.

iii.

Each licensed business may apply for a temporary sign up to four times per year.

iv.

Each temporary sign may be displayed for a maximum of one week prior to an event being advertised, except for real estate sale or lease signs which may remain for as long as the property being offered for sale or lease remains unsold or not leased. All temporary signs must be removed within two days following the end of the event being advertised or the successful sale or lease of property.

v.

Temporary signs may include banners, wall mounted or free standing.

7.

Construction sign.

i.

A construction sign is considered a temporary sign and shall require a permit. A construction sign may remain on the property where construction is taking place for the duration of construction. It shall be removed once the building is occupied.

(c)

Size, height and design standards and limits — see Table 2 for Summary.

(1)

Residential subdivisions, multi-family and residential PUDs (freestanding and monument signs).

a.

Only one free standing or monument sign, single face or double faced is permitted for each entrance to a subdivision or PUD community.

b.

The area of each sign face for a single family subdivision or community shall be limited to 64 square feet; 32 square feet per sign face if a double faced sign.

c.

The area of each sign face for a multi-family or mixed use residential community shall be limited to 100 square feet; 50 square feet for each sign face if a double faced sign.

d.

The maximum height shall not exceed eight feet above the average ground grade within a 20 foot radius of the sign. The lower edge of the sign shall not exceed four feet above the lowest grade at the base of the sign.

e.

The sign may be illuminated internally or externally.

f.

Building signs are not permitted for single family subdivisions, multi-family communities or residential PUDs.

(2)

Commercial and office (freestanding or monument signs/building signs).

a.

Neighborhood commercial, general core commercial and office/commercial zoning districts (one use on property).

1.

Freestanding sign (not allowed in a neighborhood or general core commercial zoning districts.

i.

One sign per frontage on a public street.

ii.

The maximum area of each sign shall be 64 square feet; 32 square feet for each sign face if a double faced sign.

iii.

The maximum height of the sign shall be ten feet.

iv.

The sign may not be internally or externally illuminated.

2.

Building sign if in lieu of a freestanding sign.

i.

One sign per building.

ii.

The maximum area shall be 32 square feet.

iii.

The maximum height of the sign shall be 20 feet above the building grade.

iv.

The sign may be internally or externally illuminated.

b.

Neighborhood commercial, general core commercial and office/commercial zoning districts (multiple use on property).

1.

Freestanding sign (not permitted in a neighborhood or general core commercial zoning district).

i.

One sign per frontage on a public street.

ii.

The maximum area of each sign shall be 128 square feet; 64 square feet for each sign face if a double faced sign.

iii.

The maximum height of the sign shall be not more than ten feet.

iv.

The sign may be internally or externally illuminated.

2.

Building sign(s) if in lieu of a freestanding sign.

i.

One sign per tenant or user with a maximum of two signs per building face.

ii.

The maximum area of each sign shall be 32 square feet.

iii.

The maximum height of each sign shall be not more than ten feet.

iv.

The sign may be internally or externally illuminated.

c.

General commercial, highway commercial, commercial recreation or industrial (one use on property).

1.

Freestanding sign.

i.

One sign per frontage on a public street.

ii.

The maximum sign area shall be 200 square feet; 100 square feet for each sign face if a double faced sign.

iii.

The maximum height of the sign shall not exceed 35 feet.

iv.

The sign may be internally or externally illuminated.

2.

Building sign(s).

i.

One sign per building.

ii.

The maximum sign area shall be 100 square feet if in lieu of a freestanding sign; otherwise 64 square feet.

iii.

The maximum height of the sign shall not exceed 35 feet.

iv.

The sign may be internally or externally illuminated.

Signs located in the U.S. 17 corridor should follow the guidelines in that overlay district.

d.

General commercial, highway commercial, commercial recreation or industrial (multiple use on property/planned center).

1.

Freestanding sign(s).

i.

One sign per 300 feet of public street frontage.

ii.

The maximum sign area shall be 300 square feet; 150 square feet for each sign face if a double-faced sign.

iii.

The maximum height of the sign shall be 35 feet.

iv.

The sign may be internally or externally illuminated.

2.

Building sign(s) (in addition to freestanding sign).

i.

One sign per tenant or user.

ii.

The maximum sign area shall be 100 square feet.

iii.

The maximum height of the sign shall not exceed 35 feet.

iv.

The sign may be internally or externally illuminated.

e.

Highway commercial (one use on property).

1.

Freestanding sign.

i.

One sign per 300 feet of public street frontage.

ii.

The maximum sign area shall be 200 square feet; 100 square feet for each sign face if a double faced sign.

iii.

The maximum height of the sign shall be 80 feet.

iv.

The sign may be internally or externally illuminated.

2.

Building sign.

i.

Maximum of two signs per building — Four signs if for a planned shopping center.

ii.

The maximum area for each sign shall be 100 square.

iii.

The maximum height of the sign shall not exceed 35 feet.

iv.

The sign may be internally or externally illuminated.

f.

Highway commercial (multiple use on property/planned development).

1.

Freestanding sign(s).

i.

One sign per 300 feet of public street frontage.

ii.

The maximum sign area shall be 300 square feet; 150 square feet for each sign face if a double faced sign.

iii.

The maximum height of the sign shall be 35 feet.

iv.

The sign may be internally or externally illuminated.

2.

Building sign(s).

i.

Two signs per building.

ii.

The maximum sign area shall be 100 square feet.

iii.

The maximum height of the sign shall not exceed 35 feet.

iv.

The sign may be internally or externally illuminated.

(3)

Billboards.

a.

Billboards shall not exceed 600 square feet of sign face; 300 square feet for each sign face if a double faced sign and shall be of uniform size 12 feet in height and 50 feet in width.

b.

Billboards may not exceed 60 feet in height measured from the lowest portion of the sign face structure to the lowest point of the site elevation below the sign.

c.

No extensions or extrusions beyond the face of the sign, other than an apron at the base of the sign face for servicing and repairs, is permitted.

d.

Automatic changeable copy at intervals of not less than 15 seconds are permitted on billboards are permitted. Animated signs are not permitted on any type of sign.

e.

Other billboards may only have exterior illumination using sign base mounted lighting equipped with photocells for switching on and off. No other form of illumination is permitted.

(4)

Accessory free-standing signs.

a.

Principal accessory free-standing signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in total sign face area nor eight feet in height.

b.

Other miscellaneous accessory free-standing signs are permitted provided they do not exceed six square feet in sign face area nor more than three feet in height, except for handicapped parking signs which may be five feet in height.

c.

Accessory free-standing signs may not be illuminated.

(5)

Multi-screen cinema signs.

a.

Such sign(s) shall not exceed ten feet in width nor 20 feet in height. The sign face(s) shall not exceed eight feet in width not 15 feet in height.

b.

The sign may be illuminated internally or externally.

(6)

All other signs.

a.

Changeable copy signs (automatic or manual copy change).

1.

Changeable copy signs are limited to one per street frontage and only one per parcel regardless of additional street frontage.

b.

Flags.

1.

No more than three flags may be displayed on property zoned and used for agriculture, single family, two-family or multi family use. No one flag may exceed 24 square feet in size, and if more than one flag is displayed, the total for all flags shall not exceed 45 square feet.

c.

Rear entrance signs.

1.

Rear entrance signs may not exceed 18 inches in width and 12 inches in height.

d.

Temporary signs (including construction signs).

1.

No temporary sign face may exceed 32 square feet; 16 square feet total for each side if double faced.

2.

May be used for the duration of an event such as the sale or lease of property, sporting event, yard or garage sale, outdoor festival or fair, etc.

3.

Only one temporary sign shall be permitted per property at any time.

4.

Each licensed business may apply for a temporary sign up to four times per year.

5.

Each temporary sign may be displayed for a maximum of one week prior to an event being advertised, except for real estate sale or lease signs which may remain for as long as the property being offered for sale or lease remains unsold or not leased. All temporary signs must be removed within two days following the end of the event being advertised or the successful sale or lease of property.

6.

Temporary signs may include banners, wall mounted or free standing.

7.

A construction sign is considered a temporary sign and shall require a permit. A construction sign may remain on the property where construction is taking place for the duration of construction. It shall be removed once the building is occupied.

e.

Illumination standards.

1.

Illuminated signs shall not be located so as to cast light directly into the eyes of drivers or pedestrians; hide from view or distract from any traffic light or street sign; cast light directly into any residential district.

2.

No sign located in any zoning district other than highway commercial shall be illuminated between the daily hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

3.

Externally illuminated signs shall have concealed wiring and controls as well as shielded and visually screened light sources.

4.

Internally illuminated signs must completely shield the source of light from direct view.

f.

Construction standards.

1.

All signs for which a permit is required under this article shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with all applicable building codes.

2.

Signs for which a permit is not required under this article and which are constructed of degradable material may be posted for a maximum of 60 days unless replaced with another sign of the same material. Any such replacement signs may be posted for a maximum of 60 beyond the original 60-day period.

3.

All freestanding signs with a display area greater than 100 square feet must be constructed to withstand winds of at least 120 miles per hour; in the event any other applicable code or regulation calls for wind tolerance in a greater amount, then such greater amount shall apply as the standard under this chapter as well.

(Ord. No. 1081, 9-20-2023)

The provisions of this sign ordinance may be enforced by the building official or his or her designee. Additionally, it may be enforced by civil court action brought by the city manager or city attorney in the name of the City of Brunswick. Citations may be issued for violations of this chapter by the building official or his or her designee as well as by such other city employees as the city manager may from time to time designate.

(1)

Permits required.

a.

Except as specifically excluded from the provision of this chapter, it shall be unlawful for any person to post, construct, enlarge, replace, display, substantially change, or erect a sign in the city without having first obtained a sign permit.

b.

Existing signs which are legal immediately prior to adoption of this chapter and which would be required to obtain a permit under this article if they had been newly erected after enactment of this article may not alter such sign until it become in compliance with this article.

(2)

Permit application information.

a.

Applications for sign permits required by this chapter shall be filed, on a form provided by the city, by the sign owner or the owner's agent with the city building official. The application shall not be considered unless all information requested on the form or by the city's building official is provided by the applicant.

(3)

Time for consideration.

a.

The city shall process all permit applications within 30 business days of the building official's actual receipt of a fully completed and appropriately signed application and payment such sign permit fee as may be established from time to time by vote of the city commission.

b.

The building official shall give notice to the applicant/owner of the decision of the city by hand delivery or by mailing a copy of the notice to the applicant at the address shown on the permit application. If mailed, notice shall be deemed to have been given upon the date of mailing in conformity with this section.

c.

If the city fails to respond in writing within the 30-day period, the permit shall be deemed to have been granted.

d.

If the building official finds that conditions or stipulations are required to make the sign legally acceptable, the permit shall only be approved subject to the applicant's written agreement to such conditions.

(4)

Denial and revocation.

a.

The city shall deny permits to applicants who submit applications for signs that do not comply with the provisions of this chapter, or which fail to comply with applicable building codes (including, but not limited to, any wind or hurricane resistance requirements) or other applicable local, state, or federal laws.

b.

Any applicants who submit incomplete applications or applications containing any false material statements.

c.

Violations of any provisions of this chapter will be grounds for terminating a permit granted by the city for the erection of a sign. Should it be determined that a sign permit was issued pursuant to an incomplete application or an application containing a false material statement, or that a permit has been erroneously issued in violation of this chapter, or that a sign has been erected contrary to the terms of the permit, the building official shall revoke the permit.

d.

Should the city deny a permit application, the reasons for denial shall be stated in the notice provided for by subsection (3)b. above. Any application denied and later re-submitted shall be deemed to have been submitted on the re-submittal date.

(5)

Hearing officer review. No permit shall be revoked or denied except for "due cause" as herein defined. In the event of a denial or a revocation, the applicant/permittee shall be granted an opportunity for review before a hearing officer to be designated by the city. If applicant desires such a hearing, applicant must deliver a written request for such review with the building official no later than ten business days following mailing of the decision to be reviewed. The applicant will be given at least ten business days' written notice of the time, place, and purpose of the hearing, with a statement of the reason for the denial of the application or revocation of the permit. "Due cause" is any of the following: violation of the provision of this chapter or any other city ordinance or any state or federal law; or erroneous issuance of a permit which should not have been issued under the terms of this chapter; or erecting or building a sign which does not conform to the information contained in the application; or failure to maintain the sign as required by this chapter; or submission of an incomplete application or an application containing false material statements. The hearing officer may reschedule the hearing by agreement of the parties or for good cause shown. The hearing officer shall render a decision in writing within ten business days of the hearing, and a notice of the decision shall be forwarded to the applicant/owner as provided above.

(6)

Appeal process. An individual whose permit application has been denied or whose permit has been revoked may appeal the decision of the hearing officer to the city manager provided they file written notice of an appeal with the city manager within ten business days of the date that written notice of the hearing officer's decision is either hand delivered to the permittee or mailed to the address shown for the applicant/owner on the application or such other address as permittee advises the department in writing to send notices pursuant to this chapter.

a.

Such appeal shall be considered by the city manager at a hearing within 20 business days of the date the city manager received the notice of appeal, with applicant to be mailed notice of the time, date and place of hearing at least ten business days prior to the date initially set for the hearing. By agreement of the parties or for good cause shown, as determined by the city manager, and upon reasonable notice, the appeal hearing may be re-scheduled for a later date at the earliest time convenient to appellant and the city. The city manager shall cause any decision he/she reaches on the appeal to be memorialized in writing and a copy hand delivered or mailed to the applicant at applicant's address of record within ten business days of the hearing.

(7)

Review by city manager. In the event an applicant/permittee whose permit has been denied or revoked is dissatisfied with the decision of the city manager, they may petition for writ of certiorari as provided by law.

(8)

Review at request of city. The building official shall have the right to request that the city manager review any decision by the hearing officer under subsection (5) above by following the same procedure for requesting review as would an applicant/permittee as set forth in subsection (4), above.

(9)

Permit expiration. A sign permit shall become null and void if the sign for which the permit was issued has not been completed and installed within six months after the date of issuance. No refunds will be made for permits that so expired. If a person desires to erect a sign after the permit is expired, a new application will be required and will be subject to the regulations in effect at the time of the new application. A new application fee will be required.

(10)

Fees. The cost of a sign permit shall be established from time to time by vote of the city commission and shall be payable in addition to any building permit or historic preservation certificate of appropriateness fees required. Differing fees for different categories of signs may be so established. A written list of applicable fees shall be maintained in the building official's office.

(11)

Variances. An applicant may request a variance from the requirements of this sign ordinance by following the same procedure for a zoning variance found in division 6, article 26 of this chapter.

(12)

Coordination of provisions. The provisions of this chapter shall be in addition to and cumulative of the City of Brunswick's Historic Preservation Ordinance. In the event the Historic Preservation Ordinance requires any action with respect to a proposed sign, such as obtaining a certificate of appropriateness from the historic preservation board, then separate compliance with those requirements must be had in addition to obtaining any permit required hereunder. Approval of a sign permit application by the building official does not constitute approval by the historic preservation board. Further, the provisions of this chapter and the U.S. 17 overlay and planned development—traditional neighborhood district articles of the City Zoning Ordinance shall be read together to give effect to all where possible; in the event of conflict, provisions of those articles control over the provisions of this article.

(Ord. No. 1081, 9-20-2023)