The Bulloch County Board of Commissioners have determined that it is in the best interest of the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the county that a comprehensive and balanced system of control and regulation be enacted as to the placement, maintenance and removal of signs within the limits of the county, said determination having been derived from, but not limited to, the following concerns:

(a)

The safe and efficient flow of motor vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic through the county which may otherwise be impeded by the indiscriminate proliferation of signage erected to attract the attention of the traveling public, and which if left unregulated, may result in hazards to travelers through the erection of increased numbers of larger, brighter or more distracting signs by owners attempting to convey competing messages;

(b)

The protection of property values, both public and private, by assuring the compatibility of signs with surrounding land uses while balancing the community's variant interests of enhancing the commercial and economic atmosphere of the county with the desire to maintain a tranquil aesthetic environment that eliminates visual clutter and blight through the management of hardscape features, including signage;

(c)

The interference with the ability of property owners to enjoy or use their property without undue visual obstruction, distraction or hazard;

(d)

The preservation and protection of properties and areas having historic, recreational, educational, cultural, or religious values and environments, and prominent community gateways and major thoroughfares which, through orderly design and maintenance of the built environment—including signage—provide for community pride and exhibit clear community expectations that promote investment through a predictable development pattern;

(e)

The elimination of potential hazards arising during times of inclement weather or other natural disaster;

(f)

The provision of some signage that has the targeted purpose of promoting public safety but is difficult to describe without referring to its incidental function, such as address numerals or subdivision or major development entrance signage, which signage is a tool for enabling the traveling public and emergency personnel to locate point of ingress and egress during visitation or emergency call response. While such signage is referenced based upon the function it serves within the context of this ordinance, the provisions of this ordinance are unrelated to the content of the speech provided and allow maximum expressive potential to sign owners;

(g)

The control of the proliferation and placement of signs in an indiscriminate manner so as to pose a threat to the aesthetic and environmental values and qualities of life within Bulloch County;

(h)

Increasingly vibrant and distracting signs, including those incorporating LED and similar technology, cause unique and substantial hazards to traffic caused by a higher level of distractability, are inconsistent with the standards established for major community thoroughfares and gateways, and demand greater diligence and resources in enforcing proper use and display than those signs not incorporating such technology; and

(i)

In addition to the other concerns stated within this section, specific districts, thoroughfares and gateways throughout the community, due to traffic volumes, population density, proximity to major community facilities, or other similar factors, may—absent the provision of reasonable land management regulations—be more susceptible to the proliferation of signage, banners and other similar displays than other parts of the county; certain of these districts, thoroughfares and gateways that have otherwise been determined by the community to be of significant importance in maintaining an orderly, moderated and consistent development pattern and a community character free of visual clutter include, but are not limited to, the following:

(1)

Veterans Memorial Highway. The county's principal by-way alternatively serves as a community greenway, providing for areas of natural landscape; and, where flanked by development, a soft transition between the natural and built environment. With few direct vehicular access points to adjacent property, abutting properties will remain rural or develop in a residential manner. Signs on this thoroughfare must remain limited in number and scale to avoid the inadvertent placement of signage in proximity to the county's neighborhoods and greenspaces that would not otherwise be permitted in residential areas and on residential streets. The allowance for unregulated signage will further reduce the highway's function as a community parkway, contradicting the community interest of providing for an orderly visual environment.

(Amd. of 4-5-11(2); Amd. of 4-4-2023(2), § 22101)

Words and phrases used in this article shall have the meanings set forth in this section. All other words and phrases shall be given their common, ordinary meaning, unless the context clearly requires otherwise. Section headings or titles are for reference purposes only and shall not be used in the interpretation of this article.

Aggregate sign area. The combined sign area of all permanent signs on a single lot that require a permit except for billboards, including portions of any signs that are changeable copy or electronic message centers; or, where specified, all permanent permitted signs of a particular category on a single lot. For example, the aggregate sign area of all freestanding signs on a lot is the sum total of the sign areas of all freestanding signs on such lot.

Animated sign. A sign that utilizes moving structural elements, flashing or sequential lights, lighting elements, or other automated methods to create movement, the appearance of movement, or other special effects. Signs meeting the definition of and regulations governing changeable copy signs and traffic control devices and warning signs meeting the standards of the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices are not considered animated signs.

Banner. Any sign printed or displayed on lightweight fabric or other flexible material with or without frames and that is mounted to a pole or building at more than one edge. When mounted, banners shall remain stationary and not flap or wave in a manner similar to a flag or pennant. Flags and pennants shall not be considered banners.

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

Billboard. A freestanding sign having a sign area of greater than 150 square feet.

Building sign. Any sign attached to any part of a building.

Bulloch County. As used in this article, the term Bulloch County means the unincorporated areas of Bulloch County, Georgia.

Canopy or awning. A structure made of cloth, metal, or other material affixed to a building and/or supported by the ground.

Canopy sign. Any sign that is part of or attached to an awning, canopy, or other fabric, plastic, or other structural protective cover over a door, entrance, window, or outdoor service area. A marquee is not a canopy.

Changeable copy sign. A sign designed to allow the changing of letters, words, logos, or symbols through manual means without altering the face or surface of the sign, or creating movement or the appearance of movement.

Electronic message center sign. A sign capable of displaying words, symbols, figures or images that can be electronically or mechanically changed by remote or automatic means.

Flag. Any fabric, banner or bunting containing distinctive colors, patterns, or symbols.

Flashing sign. A sign utilizing a pattern of changing light illumination where the sign illumination alternates suddenly between illuminated and non-illuminated for the purpose of drawing attention to the sign.

Frame effect. The use of movement or some element thereof, to depict action or create a special effect or scene.

Freestanding sign. A sign which is attached to, or part of, a completely self-supporting structure. The supporting structure shall be set firmly in or below the ground surface and shall not be attached to any building or any other structure. Freestanding signs may take the form of either monument or stanchion signs as defined herein.

Incidental sign. A sign of no more than two square feet that serves the purpose of guiding safe traffic movements onto, from or on property, and without which there is an increased risk of incompatible traffic movements or obstructions. Examples of incidental signs include, but are not limited to, "stop," "no parking," "entrance," "loading zone" and other similar traffic related directives.

LED sign. Any sign or portion thereof that utilizes light emitting diode technology or other similar semi-conductor technology to produce an illuminated image, picture, or message of any kind whether the image, picture, or message is moving or stationary. This type of sign includes any sign that uses LED technology of any kind whether conventional (using discrete LEDs), surface mounted (otherwise known as individually mounted LEDs), transmissive, organic light emitting diodes (OLED), light emitting polymer (LEP), organic electro polymer (OEL), or any other similar technology. For purposes of this article, a LED sign is not considered to be a form of changeable copy sign.

Lot. Any piece or parcel of land, the boundaries of which have been established by a legal instrument of record, and that meets the requirements of the zoning ordinance.

Marquee. A permanent roof-like structure projecting beyond a building or extending along and projecting beyond the wall of the building, but not supported by the ground, and constructed of durable material to provide protection from the weather.

Monument sign. A freestanding sign which forms a solid structure from the ground to the top of the sign.

Nonconforming sign. Any sign which, while legal at the time of erection, does not comply with the requirements of this article.

Normal grade. The lower of existing grade prior to construction or the newly established grade after construction, exclusive of any filling, berming, mounding, or excavating for the purpose of locating the sign.

Pennant. Any lightweight fabric or other similar material, message or no message, suspended from a rope, wire, or string, usually in a series, designed to move in the wind.

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

Pole sign. See stanchion sign.

Portable sign. Any sign which because of its design or construction was originally intended to be portable, whether or not such sign has been attached or affixed to the ground or other permanent structure. The term portable sign includes, but is not limited to, portable changeable copy signs, signs designed to be transported by means of wheels, signs converted to A- or T-frames, menu and sandwich board signs, and signs attached to or painted on vehicles or trailers parked and visible from the public right-of-way unless said vehicle or trailer is regularly used for some other significant purpose consistent with the purposes for which it was designed in the normal day-to-day operations of the business.

Principal building. The main or principal building located upon a lot; the building in which the principal use of the premises is conducted. Lots with multiple principal uses may have multiple principal buildings. However, storage buildings, garages, and other clearly additional uses shall not be considered principal buildings.

Projecting sign. Any sign affixed to a building or wall and its leading edge extends beyond the line of such building or wall or beyond the surface of that portion of the building or wall to which it is affixed by more than 12 inches.

Roof sign. Any sign erected, constructed, or maintained in whole or in part upon, against, or above the eave of a peaked roof or parapet line of a flat roof.

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

Sign. Any fixture, placard, structure, or device illuminated or nonilluminated that uses any color, form, graphic, symbol, or writing to convey information of any kind and which is visible to the public from streets and/or public property.

Special event sign. See temporary sign.

Spectacular sign or device. Signs or devices, whether permanent or temporary, utilizing out of the ordinary materials, configurations or devices, including, but not limited to:

(1)

Balloons;

(2)

Animated animal forms; and

(3)

Other attention-getting devices.

"Spectacular sign or device" does not include banners, flags or pennants meeting the standards of this ordinance.

Stanchion sign. A freestanding sign that is mounted on a pole or other vertical support such that the bottom of the sign face is elevated above ground level and there is no visual obstruction other than the vertical support between the ground and the bottom of the sign face.

Standard informational sign. A sign with an area not greater than four and one-half square feet, with a sign face made for short term use, containing no reflective elements, flags or projections and which, when erect, stands at a height not greater than three feet and is mounted on a stake or metal frame with a thickness or diameter not greater than one and one-half inches.

Street. A strip of land or way, subject to vehicular as well as pedestrian traffic, that provides direct or indirect access to property, including, but not limited to, alleys, avenues, lanes, highways, roads, or other thoroughfares.

Street frontage. The distance for which a lot adjoins a public street, from one lot line intersecting said street to the furthest distant lot line intersecting the same street.

Suspended sign. Any sign which is suspended from the underside of a horizontal plane surface and is supported by such surface.

Temporary sign. Any sign that by its design and construction is intended to be used only temporarily and is not permanently mounted or anchored. This definition excludes "portable signs" and "standard informational signs," which are separately defined under this article.

Tri-vision sign. A sign designed with a series of slats that mechanically rotate in sequence with one another to show multiple different sign messages in sequence. For purposes of this article, a tri-vision sign is not a changeable copy sign.

Wall sign. Any sign painted on or erected within 12 inches and parallel to an exterior wall of any building or structure, which is supported by such wall or building, and which displays only on one sign surface.

Window sign. Any writing, pictures, symbols, or combination thereof, attached to, placed upon, or painted on the interior of a door or window or upon the window panes or glass and visible from the exterior of the window or door.

(Amd. of 4-5-11(2); Amd. of 4-4-2023(2), § 2202)

(a)

Applications. All applications for sign permits of any kind shall be submitted to the zoning administrator on an application form prescribed by the county. The applicant must be the property owner or the lessee of the lot on which the sign will be located, or an agent or representative of the property owner or lessee.

(b)

Permit for new sign or for sign modification. An application for construction, creation, or installation of a new sign or for modification of an existing sign shall be accompanied by a detailed illustration of the dimensions, design, structure, and location of each sign in the format prescribed within the official application form.

(c)

Fees. Fees shall be set forth in the Bulloch County schedule of fees and charges.

(d)

Action. Within 15 business days of the submission of an application for a sign permit, including required and accompanying materials as provided in subsection 2203(b) of this ordinance, the zoning administrator shall either:

(1)

Issue the permit where it is found that such sign application is complete and the proposed sign adheres to the standards of this article and other applicable requirements of county ordinances and state law; or

(2)

Deny the permit where the application is incomplete, contains false material statements or where the proposed sign would violate standards of this ordinance or other ordinances or state laws regulating signage. Any denial of a permit shall be in writing and shall include a specification of the section(s) of the ordinance, or applicable provision of other county ordinances or state laws with which the sign is inconsistent. The denial shall be based upon and shall cite to the specific articulated standards in this article, or other law, and shall not be based upon or cited to the general concerns contained in section 2201 herein. A denied application later resubmitted in conformity with this ordinance shall be deemed to have been submitted on the date of resubmission, rather than on the date of original submission. A decision to deny a permit shall be in writing and shall be served on the permit applicant either by hand delivery or by first class mail to the address provided by the applicant no later than 15 business days after initial receipt of the application.

(e)

Lapse of permit. If construction of a sign for which a permit has been issued has not begun within six months of the issuance of the permit, the permit shall lapse and become null and void. Thereafter, the applicant shall be required to obtain another permit prior to constructing or modifying the sign.

(f)

Inspections. Upon substantial completion of the construction or modification of a billboard or other permanent sign for which a permit has been issued, the permittee shall notify the developmental services division and request an inspection. If the construction is substantially complete, but not in full compliance with this ordinance and other applicable codes, the zoning administrator or his designee shall give the owner or applicant notice of the deficiencies and shall allow an additional 30 days from the date of such inspection for the deficiencies to be corrected. If deficiencies are not corrected by such date, the permit shall lapse. If the permit lapses, the zoning administrator may require the owner or applicant to remove the sign or obtain another permit to correct the deficiencies.

(g)

Appeals. In the event of denial of an application for a permit, the applicant may appeal the decision in accordance with the procedures set forth in section 409 of this appendix.

(h)

Work without permit issuance. If any person, owner, authorized agent or contractor commences any work before securing permits required by this article, fees upon application shall be doubled.

(i)

Revocation. In the event it is determined that a permit was issued in violation of this ordinance or other ordinance or law regulating the sign at issue or where the sign has been erected in violation of such standards, the zoning administrator may issue the permit holder a written notice of revocation of the permit, stating the grounds for such revocation action. The zoning administrator's decision to revoke a permit may be appealed in accordance with the procedures set forth in section 409 of this appendix.

(j)

Multiple lots. If several lots of record which are contiguous and adjacent have been combined for a single purpose, then the lots shall be considered as a single lot in determining the size, height and use requirements as set forth by this ordinance.

(k)

Display of permit. The permit holder shall be responsible for maintaining the permit for every sign constructed, erected or maintained for which a permit is required by this article. Such permit shall be kept on the premises served by the sign and shall be exhibited promptly upon request of county officers and employees.

(l)

Assignment of sign permits. A current and valid sign permit shall be freely assignable to a successor as owner of the property or holder of a business license for the same premises, subject to any filing of such applications as the zoning administrator may require; no fees shall be charged for filing an assignment with the county. The assignment shall not require county approval. However, a modification of the sign by an assignee shall require a permit and payment of fee as for a new sign.

(Amd. of 4-5-11(2); Amd. of 4-4-2023(2), § 2203)

The following signs shall be exempt from the permit requirements of this article, provided that such signs or devices erected or placed are located on property of the person who erects such signs or on property whose owner has given permission for such placement, and provided further that all other standards of this ordinance concerning the physical placement or dimensions of the sign are observed:

(a)

Any public notice or warning required by a valid applicable law, regulation, or ordinance.

(b)

Official traffic control signs and devices meeting the standards of the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

(c)

Address numerals not exceeding four inches in height on residential properties or eight inches in height on nonresidential properties.

(d)

Incidental signs and other signs on private property directing traffic, such as "Stop" or "Yield," that meet state department of transportation standards.

(e)

Signs on the same premises as the business to which they relate; provided, however, that the sign is completed prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy for the building in which the business is located.

(f)

Flags are limited to 24 square feet and, if attached to a flag pole, shall be flown on a pole not exceeding 25 feet in height in sign districts 1 and 3. Flags in sign district 2 shall not exceed 60 square feet in size nor be flown on poles higher than 40 feet. Two flags per property are permitted without permit. Additional flags are subject to permitting as "banners" under section 2207 of this appendix.

(g)

Window signs are allowed in all sign districts. Window signs shall cover no more than 50 percent of any window or door pane area.

(h)

Individual businesses are allowed one non-illuminated portable sidewalk sign of an A-frame or easel construction per public street frontage during business hours. Such signs shall be located within three feet of the entrance to the business. Such signs shall not impede pedestrian or vehicular traffic or obstruct the view of drivers entering or existing property or intersecting streets. Such signs shall further not exceed five feet in height or two feet in width and shall be removed by the owner at the end of each business day.

(i)

Each owner and/or occupant of a lot in the county shall be allowed to erect two standard informational signs on that owner/occupant's property without first obtaining a permit.

(j)

Political campaign signs shall be allowed in accordance with the provisions of O.C.G.A. § 16-7-58.

(k)

Spectacular signs or devices are allowed in sign districts 2 and 3; provided, however, that the zoning administrator may require the removal and discontinuance of any spectacular sign or device if he determines that such spectacular sign or device is endangering the health, safety, or welfare of the public.

(Amd. of 4-5-11(2); Amd. of 4-4-2023(2), § 2204)

The following types of signs are prohibited in all zoning districts of Bulloch County:

(a)

No sign shall be constructed, erected or maintained that uses the words, "Stop," "Emergency" or "Danger," or uses emergency colors of red, blue or amber, in such a manner as to imply danger or emergency, or which is a copy or imitation of an official traffic-control sign or device.

(b)

No signs are permitted within any street or highway right-of-way, except for traffic signs and signals, informational signs erected by a public agency, and approved signs identifying subdivisions or commercial/industrial developments.

(c)

Signs attached to, drawn or painted on trees, rocks, or utility poles.

(d)

Beacons; animated signs.

(e)

Signs within 300 feet of any officially designated historical site or monument, except signs pertaining to that particular site or monument.

(f)

Fluttering ribbons or pennants (excluding flags permitted under subsection 2204(f) or banners permitted on a temporary basis under section 2207).

(g)

Roof signs, except on the facings of mansard roofs where the slope of the roof does not terminate in a unified ridge line, and when no other space is available for the mounting of signs. Supports for roof signs on such mansard roofs shall be attached to the structural supports of the roof, and shall not project above the peak of the roof.

(h)

Illuminated signs from which direct rays of light are projected onto a lot other than on the lot where the illumination occurs.

(i)

Signs displaying any obscene message or obscenity as defined by U.S. Supreme Court decisions.

(j)

Portable signs, except as allowed under subsection 2204(h) of this article.

(k)

Projecting signs.

(l)

Suspended signs.

(Amd. of 4-5-11(2); Amd. of 4-4-2023(2), § 2205)

(a)

Existing nonconforming signs. Any permanent sign existing as of the date of the adoption of this article (April 5, 2011), which sign was legal when erected but does not comply with all the requirements of this article, shall be exempt from the requirements of this article so long as it remains in continuous use without any renovation or modification other than routine maintenance and repair. The mere changing of the advertisement or message on an existing nonconforming sign, without any structural alteration to the sign, shall not be considered a renovation or modification that results in the loss of exempt status.

(b)

Maintenance of nonconforming signs. Nonconforming signs that are exempt from the requirements of this article must nonetheless be maintained in good condition and not allowed to become dilapidated or structurally unsafe. If the zoning administrator or his designee determines that a nonconforming sign has been allowed to deteriorate to the point that it is structurally unsafe, the sign must be removed and cannot be replaced unless it is with a sign that complies with the requirements of this article.

(c)

Conforming and nonconforming signs. No conforming sign or advertising device shall be erected on a lot if the permit holder or applicant maintains an existing nonconforming sign on the lot until the nonconforming sign has been removed.

(d)

Incentives for removal of nonconforming signs. In the event a nonconforming sign is removed and replaced with a sign in conformance with this ordinance, the owner of the property on which the sign is placed shall be allowed a waiver of all permit fees associated with the new conforming sign.

(Amd. of 4-5-11(2); Amd. of 4-4-2023(2), § 2206)

Permits for temporary signs or banners on private property shall be allowed upon issuance of a temporary sign permit, which shall be subject to the application procedures required by section 2203 of this ordinance, and the following additional requirements:

(1)

A temporary sign permit shall be permitted for a period up to 90 days.

(2)

No more than three permits shall be issued for a lot in any calendar year.

(3)

The application shall specifically describe the sign and device as to construction and/or composition and location on the property.

(4)

Permitted temporary signs or banners shall adhere to the applicable standards of this ordinance which would otherwise apply to a sign intended to be erected on a permanent basis, including, but not limited to, size, height, setback, placement on a building elevation, etc.

(5)

Permitted temporary signs or banners shall not include any illumination or any feature or characteristic which would also meet the definition of a changeable copy sign.

(6)

Permitted temporary signs or banners shall pose no significant threat to person or property in the event of inclement weather.

(7)

Each temporary sign and banner shall not exceed 32 square feet.

(Amd. of 4-5-11(2); Amd. of 4-4-2023(2), § 2207)

Changeable copy signs and electronic message center signs are permitted as an integral part of any permanent signs which meet all other requirements of this article, and further subject to the following restrictions:

(1)

The changeable copy or electronic message center portion of the sign shall not exceed 50 percent of the overall display surface area of the sign.

(2)

The total display area of any sign containing changeable copy panels shall not exceed the size limitations imposed elsewhere in this article.

(3)

Changeable copy signs and electronic message center signs will only be allowed as part of the original construction and erection of a sign which complies with the specifications required by this article or as part of a significant structural alteration to an existing sign.

(4)

Electronic message center signs may only display static images lasting for at least eight seconds before transitioning to another static image. Transitions from one static image to the next may utilize frame effects so long as animation and flashing is prohibited.

(5)

All electronic message center signs shall come equipped with automatic dimming technology that automatically adjusts the sign's brightness in direct correlation with natural ambient light conditions.

(6)

No electronic message center sign shall exceed a brightness level of 0.3 foot candles above ambient light as measured using a foot candle (Lux) meter at a preset distance depending on sign area, measured as follows:

(Amd. of 4-5-11(2); Amd. of 4-4-2023(2), § 2208)

Where internal or external illumination of signs is permitted within this article, no lighting arrangement shall impair the vision of the traveling public in any way.

(Amd. of 4-5-11(2); Amd. of 4-4-2023(2), § 2209)

Sign faces shall not incorporate reflective surface materials, which may obstruct, impair or interfere with the vision of the traveling public in any way.

(Amd. of 4-5-11(2); Amd. of 4-4-2023(2), § 2210)

(a)

Sign districts. Signs of certain types, characteristics, numbers and dimensions are permitted in specific locations, and according to standards established by this section and other applicable sections of this article. For the purposes of categorizing suitable signs by location in the county, the following sign districts are established:

(1)

Sign district 1 includes the AG-5 district and any residential district (AG-5, R-80, R-40, R-25, R-15, R-2, R-3, & MHP).

(2)

Sign district 2 is the HC, GC, NC, PUD, HI, and LI zoning districts on state and federal highway systems, except for those specific state and federal highway segments identified and included within sign district 3.

(3)

Sign district 3 is the HC, GC, NC, PUD, HI, and LI zoning districts on thoroughfares not part of the state or federal highway system.

(b)

Exempt and prohibited signs. Certain signs are exempt from permit requirements pursuant to section 2204 of this article, and certain signs are prohibited pursuant to section 2205 of this article. These exempt and prohibited signs are not listed in table 1, and any exempt signs on a lot should not be included in computing the maximum sign areas in tables 2, 3, and 4.

(c)

Type, number, and maximum area of signs. The type, number, and maximum area of signs shall be as set forth in tables 1, 2, 3, and 4 as follows:

Table 1: Permitted Signs by Type and Sign District

¹  Roof signs, where permitted, shall be subject to the provisions of subsection 2205(f).

²  Signs listed as "miscellaneous" within this Table do not form part of the "aggregate sign area" for a parcel as defined in section 2202, or tables 2, 3, and 4 as provided within this article.

Table 2: Sign District 1—Residential District (AG-5, R-80, R-40, R-25, R-15, R-2, R-3, MHP)

¹  Per the purposes of this article, "residences on an individual lot" refers to any individual lot principally serving as a single-family residential dwelling [attached, detached, townhouse, etc.] or a duplex.

²  Per the purposes of this article signage related to a "residential development or subdivision" includes all common entry signage into the development, and all signage related to common areas and facilities.

³  As provided in section 2202 and table 1 herein, "aggregate sign area" includes the combined sign area of all permanent signs that require a permit except for billboards, including portions of any signs that are changeable copy or electronic message centers.

⁴  Excludes billboards. Billboards shall be subject to the provisions of section 2212 of this article.

⁵  Unless incorporated into the street right-of-way as part of landscaped entryway feature—in which case only one sign structure may be located at the entrance.

(NOTE: Illumination of freestanding or building signs is prohibited on any individual lot principally serving as single-family residential dwelling [attached, detached, townhouse, etc.] or a duplex. Land uses within Sign District 1 which may otherwise utilize illumination shall not incorporate internal illumination.)

_____

Table 3: Sign District 2—HC, GC, NC, HI, LI, PUD Zoning Districts on
State and Federal Highway Systems

¹  As provided in section 2202 and table 1 herein, "aggregate sign area" includes the combined sign area of all permanent signs that require a permit except for billboards, including portions of any signs that are changeable copy or electronic message centers.

²  Excludes billboards. Billboards shall be subject to the provisions of section 2212 of this article.

Table 4: Sign District 3—HC, GC, NC, HI, LI, PUD Zoning Districts Not on State and Federal Highway Systems

¹  As provided in section 2202 and table 1 herein, "aggregate sign area" includes the combined sign area of all permanent signs that require a permit except for billboards, including portions of any signs that are changeable copy or electronic message centers.

²  Excludes billboards. Billboards shall be subject to the provisions of section 2212 of this article.

(d)

Dimensional standards by sign district. Signs may be erected in those districts where the applicable sign type is allowed as provided within the tables 2, 3, and 4 contained in this section. The following principles shall control when computing the sign area, height and other miscellaneous provisions provided in tables 2, 3, and 4:

(1)

Computation of area of individual signs. The area of a sign face shall be calculated by means of the smallest shape (i.e., square, circle, rectangle) that surrounds the extreme limits of writing or other 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 or structure against which it is placed, but not including any supporting framework.

(2)

Computation of area of multifaced signs. The area of a sign with more than one face shall be calculated by totaling the areas of all sign faces visible from any one point. When two faces are identical and back-to-back, so that both faces cannot be viewed from any one point at the same time, the sign shall be computed by the measurement of one of the faces.

(3)

Computation of height. The height of a sign shall be calculated as the distance from the base of the sign at normal grade to the top of the highest attached component of the sign.

(4)

Computation of aggregate sign area for a lot. The aggregate sign area for a lot shall be computed by adding together the area of all permanent signs on the lot that require a permit except for billboards, including portions of any signs that are changeable copy or electronic message centers.

(Amd. of 4-5-11(2); Amd. of 3-6-1; Amd. of 4-4-2023(2), § 2211)

(a)

The following standards shall apply to billboards:

(1)

All signs located on sites abutting or visible from the right-of-way of roads in the state highway system shall meet all federal and state requirements necessary to obtain a permit. In the event that the provisions of this article are more restrictive than the provisions of state and federal law, then this article shall prevail and control. Billboards shall be permitted only in sign district 2 as established in subsection 2211(a)(2) and table 3 under subsection 2211(c) of this article.

(2)

No billboard shall exceed 378 square feet in sign area, excluding architectural trim and structural support, unless such sign is adjacent to the right-of-way of and visible from Interstate 16, in which case the sign shall not exceed 672 square feet in sign area. For purposes of computing sign area, only one side of a V-type or double-faced sign shall be considered.

(3)

No more than one billboard per sign structure will be allowed to face the same direction. This provision prohibits double side-by-side or stacked signs, but allows V-type or back-to-back double-faced signs.

(4)

Billboards shall be a minimum of ten feet above normal grade, measuring from the bottom of the sign. Billboards adjacent to and visible from Interstate 16 shall not exceed 70 feet in total height. Billboards adjacent to and visible from all other roads shall not exceed 45 feet in total height.

(5)

All billboard structures must be designed to withstand a minimum 25 psf wind load (100 mph). Certification from an engineer licensed in the State of Georgia that the proposed sign will meet this requirement must be submitted with the permit application.

(6)

Except as otherwise provided in this ordinance, no billboard shall be permitted to be erected within 3,000 feet of another billboard on the same side of the road as measured along a line parallel to such road; provided, however, that this distance shall be reduced to 1,500 feet if the applicant removes two existing nonconforming billboards.

(7)

Billboards adjacent to the right-of-way of and visible from Interstate 16 shall be limited to three signs per roadway frontage per interchange quadrant with said signs being restricted to an area 1,200 feet long, beginning 500 feet from the point where the pavement commences or ceases to widen at exits from or entrances to the main traveled way, as measured to accommodate the longest entrance or exit ramp. Further, such signs shall be a minimum of 500 feet apart at their nearest point. No other billboard shall be permitted adjacent to or along the right-of-way of Interstate 16.

(8)

Except as otherwise provided in this ordinance, billboard structures shall be set back no less than ten feet from any public right-of-way and shall maintain a minimum of 15 feet of clearance from any power lines.

(9)

No billboard shall be located within 250 feet of any residential zoning district nor within 1,000 feet of the property line of any public or private schools, public parks, playgrounds or recreation areas, cemeteries, public forests, public buildings, or historical sites listed in the state or national register.

(10)

All illuminated billboards shall use base mounted lights and shall be activated by photo-electric cells. Additional lighting including, but not limited to, neon, animation and running lights is prohibited. No lighting shall impair the vision of the traveling public in any way.

(11)

No billboard shall be located within 1,000 feet of the right-of-way of the State Route 67 Bypass or the State Route 73 (U.S. Highway 301) Bypass, collectively also known as the Veterans Memorial Parkway.

(12)

No billboard shall be located within 1,000 feet of the right-of-way of any road officially designated as a scenic byway by federal, state, or local authorities.

(13)

Extrusions beyond the face of the sign, excluding aprons, are prohibited.

(14)

The approval for the placement of a billboard shall be void if the applicant fails to obtain a building permit within six months from the date of authorization thereof or to complete erection of the billboard within six months of obtaining a permit.

(b)

Distances, when required by this section, shall be established by a survey performed by a surveyor licensed in the State of Georgia. Said survey shall be submitted as part of the application for a sign permit.

(Amd. of 4-5-11(2); Amd. of 4-4-2023(2), § 2212)

(a)

All signs shall be designed, constructed, and maintained in accordance with applicable provisions of the Standard Building Code and National Electrical Code as adopted by the county. All signs must be designed to withstand winds of 100 miles per hour.

(b)

Except as otherwise permitted in this article, all signs shall be constructed of permanent materials and permanently attached to the ground, building or any other structure.

(c)

All signs shall be maintained in good structural condition, aesthetically pleasing in appearance, and in compliance with all building and electrical codes. The following are some examples of deficiencies which reflect a lack of care: rust spots; loose boards; paint or lettering faded; paint chipping or peeling; lights not working or burned out; colored or transparent panels used with backlighting which are missing, broken, faded or damaged; inspection plates loose or missing; or overall sign appearance not consistent with the other signs in the general area.

(Amd. of 4-5-11(2); Amd. of 4-4-2023(2), § 2213)

(a)

A violation of any provision of this article shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000.00.

(b)

Each day of a continuing violation of this article shall be considered a separate offense.

(c)

Citations for violations of this article shall be prosecuted in the Magistrate Court of Bulloch County.

(d)

In addition to any other remedy provided by law, the county may seek equitable relief in a court of competent jurisdiction to remedy any violation of this article.

(Amd. of 4-5-11(2); Amd. of 4-4-2023(2), § 2214)

(a)

No liability. This article is remedial in nature and shall be construed to secure such beneficial interests and purposes thereof, which include public safety, health, and general welfare. This article shall not be construed as imposing upon the governing authority or any of its employees or agents any liability or responsibility for damages to any person or property in any way caused by or connected with any signage governed by this article. Nor shall the governing authority or any of its employees or agents be held as assuming any such liability or responsibility by reason of inspections, denials, approvals, or permits conducted or issued pursuant to this article.

(b)

Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this article is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct and independent provision and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions hereof.

(c)

Conflicting provisions. In the event of a conflict between the provisions of this article and any other provisions of the Bulloch County Code of Ordinances, including appendix C, the provisions of this article shall govern and the other conflicting provisions shall be deemed repealed insofar as they would otherwise apply to the subject of this article.

(d)

Effective date. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption.

(Amd. of 4-5-11(2); Amd. of 4-4-2023(2), § 2215)