The provisions of this section govern the location, size, setback, and height of signs in each of the zoning districts established in these regulations so as to insure safe construction, light, air, and open space; to reduce hazards at intersections; to prevent the accumulation of trash; and to protect property values of the entire community. The building code adopted by the governing body is also a part of these regulations.

1.

General provisions.

a.

All outdoor advertising signs shall require a permit and will be permitted in only certain zoning districts.

b.

All outdoor advertising signs are subject to the same side yard and height limitations imposed upon buildings or structures in the zoning district in which the sign is located, except as otherwise provided herein.

c.

For the purpose of computing sign size, both sides of a "V-type" or double-faced outdoor advertising sign shall be considered.

d.

Rooftop outdoor advertising signs or sign structures shall not extend above the maximum building height in any zoning district. Rooftop outdoor advertising signs or sign structures shall not extend beyond or overhang any exterior wall of the building upon which secured.

e.

No outdoor advertising sign or sign structure shall be placed upon any street [or] highway right-of-way.

f.

No outdoor advertising sign or sign structure shall be located in such a manner as to impede the view of any street or highway intersection; or in such a manner as to impede the view of the intersection of a street or highway with a railroad grade crossing.

g.

No outdoor advertising sign shall be erected, relocated, or maintained so as to prevent free entrance to or exit from any door, window, or fire escape.

h.

No portion of any outdoor advertising sign shall be more than ten feet above the level of a sidewalk or other pedestrians' thoroughfare, nor shall be more than 16 feet above the level of a public driveway, alley, or street.

i.

Any established outdoor advertising signs which are nonconforming at the date of adoption of this ordinance shall either be altered to conform with these regulations or shall cease to be displayed after a period of three years from the date of adoption of this ordinance.

2.

Signs other than outdoor advertising signs as permitted uses. Signs for the purpose of conveying information, knowledge, or ideas to the public about a subject directly relating to the premises on which it is located shall be permitted in the following zoning districts provided the specified requirements are adhered to:

a.

A-1, R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-MH residential districts.

i.

One nonilluminated professional or announcement sign per lot, not exceeding two square feet in area and attached wholly to a building.

ii.

"For sale" or "for lease" signs not exceeding four square feet in size are allowed for a period of 90 days.

iii.

Permanent signs not exceeding 32 square feet in size identifying subdivisions of ten or more lots, apartment developments, or church bulletin boards.

b.

C-2 commercial district.

i.

Professional or announcement signs having not more than 12 square feet of size.

ii.

Signs pertaining to the sale or lease of property upon which it is located.

iii.

Principal use identification signs limited to 40 square feet in size.

c.

C-1 and C-3 commercial districts.

i.

Professional or announcement signs having not more than 12 square feet in size.

ii.

Signs pertaining to the sale or lease of property upon which it is located.

iii.

One sign or billboard pertaining to the principal use of a building on the lot for each lot with 100 feet or less of lot frontage with one additional sign for each additional 100 feet or less of lot frontage under single ownership, provided said sign shall not exceed 400 square feet in size per structure facing. Where two signs, each not exceeding 200 square feet, are supported by the same sign structure, they shall be considered as a single sign.

d.

I-1 industrial districts. One sign or billboard pertaining to the principal use of a building on the lot for each lot with 75 feet or less of lot frontage with one additional sign for each additional 100 feet or less of lot frontage under single ownership, provided said sign shall not exceed 400 square feet of facing. Where two signs, each not exceeding 200 square feet of facing, are supported by the same sign structure one above the other, they shall be considered as a single sign.

3.

Outdoor advertising off-premises signs as permitted uses. For the purpose of these regulations, Georgia law governing outdoor advertising adjacent to any state-aid road, which is also a part of the interstate or primary systems of highways, is made a part of these regulations to the extent permissible and governs the placement and maintenance of signs in addition to the following provisions. If these regulations are at variance with the state law, the most restrictive shall govern.

All signs permitted under this section shall be of monopole construction only, and shall not exceed 90 feet above the interstate pavement lane closest to the sign.

a.

R-1, R-2, R-3, R-MH and C-2 districts. No outdoor advertising signs are permitted.

b.

I-1 industrial district. Outdoor advertising signs such that the total sign size including the sign area of all signs other than outdoor advertising signs shall not exceed 1,500 square feet of display size per lot.

c.

A-1, C-1 and C-3 districts. Outdoor advertising "off-premises" signs will be permitted only in areas immediately adjacent to I-75 within these districts.

4.

Signs prohibited in all districts. The following signs are prohibited in all zoning districts:

a.

Any sign erected or painted upon a sloping roof, fence, tree, standpipe, fire escape, or utility pole.

b.

Any sign which uses the word "stop" or "danger" prominently displayed and/or which is a copy or imitation of official traffic control signs.

c.

Any sign which contains flashing or intermittent red, green, or amber illumination which could interfere with the effectiveness of, or obscure, an official traffic sign, device, or signal.

5.

Maintenance and removal of outdoor advertising signs and other sign structures.

a.

All outdoor advertising signs and other sign structures shall be kept in good repair and a proper state of preservation by the owner of the signs.

b.

Outdoor advertising signs and other sign structures which are no longer functional, or are abandoned, shall be removed, or relocated, at the owner's expense, in compliance with the provisions of these regulations within 30 days following disfunction.

c.

Any legally established nonconforming outdoor advertising sign or other sign structure, shall be permitted without alteration in size or location, provided that the requirements for nonconforming structures are followed.

d.

In the event of the destruction, partial or complete, of any outdoor advertising sign or other sign structure, the owner thereof shall have the right to reconstruct, rebuild, renovate, or repair said sign substantially to the same condition as before said destruction, provided the provisions for nonconforming structures are adhered to.

e.

All nonconforming outdoor advertising signs shall cease to be displayed after a period of three years from the date of adoption of this ordinance.

(Ord. No. 2003-11, 8-11-2003)