Canfield City Zoning Code
TITLE NINE
Sign Control
1183.01 PURPOSE.
The intent of the standards for sign control of Canfield is to provide an attractive visual environment for business, while at the same time protecting and enhancing the physical appearance of the community and ensuring public safety. All signs not specifically allowed herein shall be prohibited.
(Ord. 1997-11. Passed 3-19-97.)
1183.02 GENERAL REGULATIONS.
Except as specifically provided in this Chapter 1183, the following general regulations apply to all signs located within the Municipality.
(Ord. 2017-22. Passed 8-2-17.)
(a) Structure, Type and Location.
(1) Portable signs shall not be permitted.
(2) Billboards shall not be permitted.
(3) All signs shall be permanently fixed to the ground or be attached to a building by means of adequate wood, aluminum, steel or masonry supports designed to carry the weight of the sign.
(4) All signs shall be secured in such a manner as to prevent swinging or other significantly noticeable movement resulting from the wind.
(5) No sign may be attached to or supported by a tree, utility pole or trash receptacle.
(6) Any sign utilizing or containing glass in its construction shall use safety or wire reinforced glass.
(7) No sign shall contain words, statements or graphic descriptions of an obscene, indecent or immoral nature.
(8) No pennants, banners, streamers, spinning or similar moving devices shall be permitted.
(Ord. 1997-11. Passed 3-19-97.)
(9) No sign advertising or promoting an activity, service or product no longer available shall be permitted.
(10) No sign shall be located in such a manner as to hinder or prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window or fire escape.
(11) No sign shall be located at or near an intersection of two or more streets in such a manner as to hinder or obstruct free and clear vision; and no sign shall be of a shape or color that may be confused with traffic control signs or devices.
(12) No sign shall be located on a vacant lot unless used for the purpose of advertising the lot for sale or lease.
(13) No signs shall be located nearer than eight feet vertically or four feet horizontally from any overhead electric wires or conductors.
(14) Signs not located on the same site as the advertised business shall not be permitted.
(15) Signs and sign structures that project above the building line or are placed on the top of a building structure shall be prohibited.
(16) Fire or other emergency or public signs shall not be included in the calculation of permitted sign area.
(17) Advertising signs identifying give-a-ways, stamps and/or optional purchases secondary to the primary goods or services sold on the premises shall not be permitted.
(18) All free-standing signs shall be located a minimum of five (5) feet from all property lines. (Ord. 1997-11. Passed 3-19-97.)
(19) Signs mounted on, painted on or affixed in any manner to a vehicle of any kind, or a trailer, parked on private property for the primary purpose of attracting public attention or directing the public to a use, business, event, product on the same property, or service are prohibited.
(Ord. 2020-22. Passed 5-20-20; Ord. 2020-29. Passed 7-15-20.)
(b) Lighting.
(1) Where permitted, all lighting used in the illumination of signs shall be adequately shielded or shaded, and properly directed so as to not be objectionable to adjacent and surrounding properties.
(2) All lighting shall be internal to the sign or of indirect illumination.
(3) All lighting shall consist of constant illumination which is uniform in intensity.
(4) No colored lights shall be used in a location or manner in which they might be confused with traffic control devices or vehicular traffic.
(5) All wiring materials used in the construction and operation of electrically illuminated signs shall be installed and maintained in accordance with local electrical codes.
(Ord. 1997-11. Passed 3-19-97.)
1183.03 DESIGN STANDARDS.
(a) Permanent Signs.
(1) Location and type. The following types of signs shall be permitted in the R/O, O, B-1, B-2, B-3, M-1 and S Zoning Districts, subject to the provisions specified in these sign regulations.
A. No wall sign shall project more than twenty-four inches from the face of the building or structure upon which it is located.
B. Free-standing signs must be located a minimum of five (5) feet off the adjacent property line.
(2) Maximum number. Except as provided for within subsection (b) hereof, a maximum number of three signs shall be permitted per business and not more than one sign shall be a free-standing sign having not more than two individual sign faces.
(3) Maximum size. Except as provided for within a shopping center development and office complex development, a maximum total of 100 square feet of sign area shall be permitted per business; and in no case shall any individual sign contain more than fifty square feet per sign face, further provided that:
A. The total sign area permitted per establishment shall not exceed two square feet of sign area per lineal foot of width of the building occupied by the establishment. Width shall be measured along the building face which is nearest parallel to the street line. In the case of a corner lot, either frontage may be used in determining the maximum permitted sign area.
B. The total sign area permitted in shopping center and office complex developments shall be governed by provisions specified in subsection (b) hereof.
(4) Maximum height.
A. The top edge of a wall sign shall not extend above the building on or to which it is painted, attached or supported.
(Ord. 1997-11. Passed 3-19-97.)
B. No free-standing sign shall exceed fifteen (15) feet in height. No free-standing sign shall extend without support more than eight (8) feet horizontally, nor within five (5) feet of the right-of-way edge of the street next to which it is located or placed. All free-standing signs shall be placed within an approved landscaped area which shall be at least as large as one side or face of the proposed sign. Such landscaped area shall be separated from any paved area by curbing.
Where a free-standing sign is located within a paved area which may be subject to vehicular or pedestrian traffic, the sign must be:
1. Situated so as to not unduly obstruct the normal traffic pathways; and
2. Have its bottom edge either within two (2) feet of grade or not less than nine (9) feet above grade to provide adequate and safe clearance.
No free-standing sign shall have its supporting structure located closer than fifty (50) from any R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R- PUD or R-MHP Zoning District.
(Ord. 2014-06. Passed 2-5-14.)
(b) Shopping Center, Office or Busienss Complexes and Multiple Business Buildings.
(1) Location. The following types of signs shall be permitted in shopping centers, subject to the following provisions:
A. Free-standing signs must be located a minimum of five (5) feet from the property line.
B. Wall signs.
C. Marquee signs.
(2) Maximum number.
A. One free-standing sign having not more than two individual sign faces, shall be permitted at a shopping to serve all of the businesses within the center.
B. The maximum number of wall signs and marquee signs permitted within a shopping center shall be limited by the number of establishments located within the center. One wall sign and one marquee sign having not more than two individual sign faces shall be permitted per establishment.
(3) Maximum size.
A. The maximum permitted sign area of a free-standing sign shall be 150 square feet and in no case shall any individual sign contain more than seventy-five square feet per sign face.
B. The maximum permitted sign area of the wall sign permitted per business shall not exceed two square feet of sign area per lineal foot of width of the building or part of the building occupied by the establishment. Width shall be measured along the building face which is nearest parallel to the street line. In the case of a corner lot or location, either frontage may be used in determining the maximum permitted sign area.
C. The maximum permitted sign area of the marquee sign permitted per establishment shall be four square feet and in no case shall any individual sign contain more than two square feet per sign face.
(4) Maximum height.
A. No free-standing sign shall exceed thirty feet in height.
No free-standing sign shall extend without support more than eight feet horizontally, nor within five feet of the right-of-way edge of the street next to which it is located or placed.
Where a free-standing sign is located within a paved area which may be subject to vehicular or pedestrian traffic, the sign shall be:
1. Situated so as to not duly obstruct normal traffic or pathways; and
2. Have its bottom edge either within two feet of grade, or not less than nine feet above grade to provide adequate and safe clearance.
No free-standing sign shall have its supporting structure located closer than fifty feet from any R-1, R-2, R3, R-4, R-5, or R-PUD Zoning District.
B. The top edge of a wall sign shall not extend above the building on or to which it is painted, attached or supported.
(Ord. 2022-05. Passed 2-2-22.)
(c) Business Complexes and Multiple Business Buildings.
(1) Location. The following types of signs shall be permitted in office or business complexes and multiple business buildings, subject to the provisions specified in these sign regulations.
A. Free-standing signs must be located a minimum of five (5) feet from the property line.
B. Wall signs (except that no wall signs shall be permitted in the Design Review/Historical Preservation Area)
C. Marquee signs.
(2) Maximum number.
A. One free-standing sign having not more than two individual sign faces, shall be permitted at an office or business complex and multiple business building development to serve all of the businesses within such development.
B. The maximum number of wall signs and marquee signs permitted at an office complex development shall be limited by the number of establishments located within the development. One wall sign and one marquee sign having not more than two individual sign faces shall be permitted per establishment.
(3) Maximum size.
A. The maximum permitted sign area of a free-standing sign shall be 150 square feet and in no case shall any individual sign contain more than seventy-five square feet per sign face.
B. The maximum permitted sign area of the marquee sign permitted per establishment shall be four square feet and in no case shall any individual sign contain more than two square feet per sign face.
(4) Maximum height.
A. No free-standing sign shall exceed thirty feet in height.
No free-standing sign shall extend without support more than eight feet horizontally, nor within five feet of the right-of-way edge of the street next to which it is located or placed.
Where a free-standing sign is located within a paved area which may be subject to vehicular or pedestrian traffic, the sign shall be:
1. Situated so as to not duly obstruct normal traffic or pathways; and
2. Have its bottom edge either within two feet of grade, or not less than nine feet above grade to provide adequate and safe clearance.
No free-standing sign shall have its supporting structure located closer than fifty feet from any R-1, R-2, R3, R-4, R-5, or R-PUD Zoning District.
B. The top edge of a wall sign shall not extend above the building on or to which it is painted, attached or supported.
(Ord. 2022-06. Passed 2-2-22.)
(d) Temporary Signs. Construction signs, political signs, real estate signs, and religious, charitable and civic organization signs where permitted in all zoning districts shall be considered as temporary signs and shall only be permitted subject to the provisions specified in these regulations. (Ord. 2018-04. Passed 3-7-18.)
(1) Construction signs. Construction signs shall be permitted in any location where current, on-going construction projects are in progress.
A. Construction signs shall not be illuminated.
B. One construction sign having not more than two individual sign faces shall be permitted per construction site.
C. The maximum permitted sign area of a construction sign shall be six (6) square feet per side.
D. Construction signs may identify the name of the building or project under construction, the name of the architect, engineer, contractor, project costs, completion date and agencies associated with the project.
E. Construction signs shall be located on the same property as the specific project under construction, and shall be located (i) in the required front yard, either behind the existing sidewalk or if no sidewalk exists, fifteen feet (15') from the paved portion of the road right of way, or (ii) place on the structure being constructed or renovated. (Ord. 2021-57. Passed 11-17-21.)
(2) Religious, charitable or civic organization signs. Religious, charitable or civic organization signs shall also meet the following requirements:
A. No flashing illumination or illumination which involves movement or causes the illusion of movement resulting from the arrangement of lighting.
B. Permitted use shall not exceed two weeks.
C. The maximum permitted sign area shall be four feet by five feet or twenty square feet per sign face, with a maximum of two individual sign faces.
(Ord. 1997-11. Passed 3-19-97.)
D. Signs shall be located either behind the existing sidewalk, or if no sidewalk exists, fifteen feet (15') from the paved portion of the road right of way.
(Ord. 2018-04. Passed 3-7-18.)
E. No signs shall be placed upon utility poles or trees.
F. No sign shall be located at or near an intersection of two or more streets in such a manner as to hinder or obstruct free and clear vision; and no sign shall be of a shape or color that may be confused with traffic control signs or devices.
(Ord. 1997-11. Passed 3-19-97.)
(3) Political signs. It is the intent of this section to regulate, restrict and control the display of political signs as to duration, size and location. It is further not the intent of this section to prohibit or discourage political signs, rather, to maintain the appearance of the community before, during and after a political election, as well as to provide for the health, safety and welfare of residents of the City who may be endangered due to defective construction and/or location of the signs.
A. Political signs shall not be illuminated and shall not have more than two individual sign faces.
B. The maximum permitted area of a political sign shall be no more than twelve (12) total square feet and in no case shall any individual sign contain more than six (6) square feet per sign face. Such signs shall be permitted for the period beginning forty-five (45) days before an election to ten (10) days thereafter. Should any signs remain after this period, the Municipality may remove such signs and charge the expenses of removal to the owner of the property where such sign(s) are located. (Ord. 2009-15. Passed 4-1-09.)
C. No political signs shall be permitted upon utility poles or trees. Such signs shall be located behind the existing sidewalk, or if no sidewalk exists, fifteen feet (15') from the paved portion of the road right of way. (Ord. 2018-04. Passed 3-7-18.)
D. No more than two (2) political signs shall be placed on any lot by any candidate or issue opponent or proponent.
(Ord. 2019-59. Passed 12-18-19.)
(4) Real estate signs.
A. Real estate signs shall not be illuminated.
B. One real estate sign or similar sign, having not more than two individual sign faces, designating an individual parcel of land for sale, lease or rent shall be permitted on that particular parcel being offered for sale.
C. The maximum permitted sign area of a real estate sign shall be eight square feet, and in no case shall any individual sign contain more than four square feet per sign face.
D. No real estate signs shall be permitted upon utility poles or trees. Such signs shall be located behind the existing sidewalk, or if no sidewalks exists, fifteen feet (15') from the paved portion of the road right of way.
E. Real estate signs shall only be permitted during the duration that the subject property is actively listed for sale with a real estate agent or actively offered for sale by the owner.
(Ord. 2020-12. Passed 3-18-20.)
(e) Signs in R-PUD District.
(1) Location.
A. Sign shall be located at the main or primary entrance to the District.
B. Signs shall be situated so as not to unduly obstruct normal traffic or clear sight distance at an intersection.
(Ord. 1997-11. Passed 3-19-97.)
C. Signs shall not be permitted upon utility poles or trees. Such signs shall be located behind the existing sidewalk, or if no sidewalk exists, fifteen feet (15') from the paved portion of the private roadway in the R-PUD. (Ord. 2018-04. Passed 3-7-18.)
D. Sign shall not be within fifty feet of R-1 property.
(2) Maximum number.
A. Only one sign per individual district containing not more than two individual sign faces shall be allowed.
B. All signs must be permanently mounted and properly landscaped.
(3) Type.
A. All signs shall be ground mounted and shall not exceed six feet in height.
B. All signs must be permanently mounted and properly landscaped.
(4) Total size. Total sign area shall not exceed sixty square feet and in no case shall any individual sign face exceed thirty square feet.
(5) Lettering. The sign shall only contain the name of the development.
(6) Approval. All signs for an R-PUD shall receive the prior approval of the Planning and Zoning Commission.
(7) Lighting. All lighting shall be ground mounted and directed so as not to be objectionable to adjacent and surrounding properties.
(f) Signs at Historic Structures.
(1) Location.
A. Sign shall be located in the front yard.
(Ord. 1997-11. Passed 3-19-97.)
B. Signs shall not be permitted upon utility poles or trees. Such signs shall be located behind the existing sidewalk, or if no sidewalk exists, fifteen feet (15') from the paved portion of the road right of way. (Ord. 2018-04. Passed 3-7-18.)
C. Sign shall not obstruct the clear sight distance of any vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
D. Minimum distance with regard to location of sign from any side yard shall not be less than twenty-five percent (25%) of the total frontage measurement of property.
(2) Maximum number. Only one sign per structure, containing not more than two individual sign faces shall be allowed.
(3) Type.
A. All signs shall be ground mounted not to exceed six feet in height.
B. All signs shall be properly landscaped.
(4) Total size. Total sign area shall not exceed forty square feet and in no case should any individual sign face exceed twenty square feet.
(5) Lettering. Sign shall only contain the name of the historic structure and dates.
(6) Approval. All signs shall receive approval of the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Design Review/Historic Preservation Committee prior to being erected.
(7) Lighting. All lighting shall be ground mounted and directed so as not to be objectionable to adjacent and surrounding properties.
(g) Signs in R-la, R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 Districts.
(1) Requirements. The subdivision must be in excess of fifty acres.
(2) Location.
A. The sign(s) shall be located at only one main or primary entrance to the subdivision.
B. The sign(s) shall be situated so as not to unduly obstruct normal traffic or clear sign distance at an intersection.
C. Sign shall not be within fifty feet of any building.
(Ord. 1997-11. Passed 3-19-97.)
D. Signs shall be located behind the existing sidewalk, or if no sidewalk exists, fifteen feet (15') from the paved portion of the road right of way.
(Ord. 2018-04. Passed 3-7-18.)
(3) Maximum number.
A. One sign per individual subdivision containing not more than two individual sign faces shall be allowed, or not more than two signs having not more than one sign face shall be allowed.
B. Single-sided signs shall have the blank side obstructed from view by utilizing an ornamental wall, shrubs or trees.
(4) Type.
A. All signs shall be ground mounted and shall not exceed six feet in height. If signs are placed on earth mounds, the height of sign shall be calculated from the base of the earth mound to the top of the sign.
B. All signs must be permanently mounted and properly landscaped.
(5) Total size. Total sign area shall not exceed sixty square feet and in no case shall any individual sign face exceed thirty square feet.
(6) Lettering. The sign shall only contain the name of the development.
(7) Lighting. All lighting shall be ground mounted and directed so as not to be objectionable to adjacent and surrounding properties.
(8) Approval. All signs for an R-1a, R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 Districts shall receive the prior approval of the Planning and Zoning Commission.
(h) Signs in R-5 District.
(1) Requirements. The complex shall contain a minimum of sixteen dwelling units to qualify for a sign.
(2) Locations.
A. Sign shall be located at the main entrance to the complex.
B. Sign shall be situated so as not to unduly obstruct normal traffic or clear sight distance at an intersection.
C. Sign shall not be within fifty feet of R-1a, R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 property.
(Ord. 1997-11. Passed 3-19-97.)
D. Signs shall be located behind the existing sidewalk, or if no sidewalk exists, fifteen feet (15') from the paved portion of the road right of way.
(Ord. 2018-04. Passed 3-7-18.)
(3) Maximum number. Only one sign per individual complex containing not more than two individual sign faces shall be allowed.
(4) Type.
A. All signs shall be ground mounted and shall not exceed six feet in height.
B. All signs must be permanently mounted and properly landscaped.
(5) Total size. Total sign area shall not exceed sixty square feet and in no case shall any individual sign face exceed thirty square feet.
(6) Lettering. The sign shall only contain the name of the complex.
(7) Lighting. All lighting shall be ground mounted and directed so as not to be objectionable to adjacent and surrounding properties.
(8) Approval. All signs shall receive the prior approval of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Signs which were existing at the time of the adoption of these sign regulations, but which were erected in compliance with previously adopted regulations shall be considered preexisting signs which may be continued as long as they are kept in good repair and maintained in safe condition.
(Ord. 1997-11. Passed 3-19-97.)
(i) Electronic Changeable Copy Signs. Multiple message and variable message electronic or digital signs (“Changeable Copy Signs” or “Signs”) shall conform with the following requirements:
(1) Full color Electronic Changeable Copy Signs shall be allowed with a black background.
(2) Changeable Copy Signs shall be permitted in B-2, B-3, M-1, and S Zoning districts except that no signs shall be permitted in the Historical District areas as defined in Section 1129.01.
(3) Messages shall remain fixed for at least fifteen (15) seconds.
(4) Messages shall not spin, rotate, scroll, flash, or contain video displays, animation or intermittent light.
(5) Changes to messages must be accomplished instantaneously without fading or other special effects.
(6) Signs must be capable of regulating display intensity and the light intensity level of the display must automatically adjust to natural light conditions.
(7) No sign shall be of such intensity as to create a distraction to motorists, or emulate traffic control devices.
(8) Signs must contain a default design that will cause them to go dark if a malfunction occurs.
(9) The changeable copy portion of any sign shall not exceed seventy-five percent (75%) of the total allowable area of the subject sign.
(10) Electronic or digital portions of such signs must be turned off at the later of (i) when the subject business or subject owner is closed for business or (ii) 10:00 p.m.
(11) All Changeable Copy Signs shall include a photocell providing for dimmed illumination at night.
(12) One (1) Changeable Copy Sign shall be permitted per single property or unified site, i.e., a plaza.
(13) Upon (a) installation, or (b) at any time subsequent thereto upon the City’s request, the owner shall provide the City with proof of compliance with the following illuminance requirement.
Illuminance shall be measured with an illuminance meter set to measure footcandles accurate to at least two decimals and shall be measured with the sign off, and again with the sign displaying a white image for a full color-capable sign, or a solid message for a single-color sign. All measurements shall be taken perpendicular to the face of the sign at the distance determined by the total square footage of the sign as set forth in the table below. The difference between the off and solid-message measurements using the measurement criteria shall not exceed 0.3 footcandles.
Area of Sign Sq. Ft. | Measurement distance (ft.) |
10 | 32 |
15 | 39 |
20 | 45 |
25 | 50 |
30 | 55 |
35 | 59 |
40 | 63 |
45 | 67 |
50 | 71 |
55 | 74 |
60 | 77 |
65 | 81 |
70 | 84 |
75 | 87 |
80 | 89 |
85 | 92 |
90 | 95 |
95 | 97 |
100 | 100 |
110 | 105 |
120 | 110 |
130 | 114 |
140 | 118 |
150 | 122 |
160 | 126 |
170 | 130 |
180 | 134 |
190 | 138 |
Area of Sign Sq. Ft. | Measurement distance (ft.) |
200 | 141 |
220 | 148 |
240 | 155 |
260 | 161 |
280 | 167 |
300 | 173 |
(14) There shall be a minimum distance of 200 feet between any Changeable Copy Signs.
(15) At no time shall the total digital illumination area of a Sign fall below ninety-five percent (95%). If a sign falls below the ninety-five percent (95%) minimum illumination requirement, the sign shall be shut off until it is repaired and complies with the illumination requirement.
(16) Messages displayed must be static and complete in themselves, without continuation in context to another message or to another sign.
(17) Changeable Copy Signs should be limited to monument signs only.
(18) All Changeable Copy Signs must comply with all other applicable provisions contained in this Chapter 1183.
(Ord. 2020-61. Passed 12-16-20.)
(j) Sandwich Board Type Sign. In any B-1 zoning district, one (1) sandwich Board type sign per building may be displayed in the frontage area adjacent to the business, subject to the following:
(1) The sign shall be submitted to the Zoning Inspector by the Owner of the subject property for review and approval prior to use.
(2) The sign shall advertise only goods and/or services offered by a business in the building whose frontage the sign occupies.
(3) The sign shall have no moving parts.
(4) The sign shall not be illuminated.
(5) The sign may have no more than two sides.
(6) The sign and supporting structure’s overall dimensions shall not exceed a height of four (4) feet, or a width of three (3) feet when open, and the sign’s advertising space shall not exceed nine (9) square feet.
(7) The sign shall not block pedestrian or vehicular traffic or be placed in a loading area or fire or emergency vehicle area.
(8) The sign shall not hinder the ability of persons to exit or enter vehicles parked along the curb and shall not hinder exit from or entry to a building.
(9) The sign shall be constructed of finished all-weather materials.
(10) The sign shall not be secured, tethered, or installed on traffic devices, utility equipment, street trees, street lights, or any other public fixture.
(11) The sign may be on display only during those hours during which the subject business is open to the public.
(12) The sign shall be well maintained.
(13) Applicant shall execute a Hold Harmless Agreement with the City as adopted from time to time by the City.
(14) Sandwich board type signs permitted by this section are not be considered when determining other signage allowed by other provisions in this Chapter 1183.
(15) If the sign is to be located in the right of way, the Owner must (i) add the City as an additional insured to the comprehensive general liability policy of the Owner in an amount of at least one hundred thousand and no/100 dollars ($100,000.00), and (ii) provide proof of such coverage.
The placement of a Sandwich Board sign in accordance with this section shall not require approved by the Design Review Historical Preservation Committee, the Planning and Zoning Commission, or the Board of Zoning Appeals.
There shall be an administrative processing fee of twenty dollars ($20.00) as a permanent fee for the use of a sandwich board sign in accordance with Section 1183.03.
(Ord. 2020-29. Passed 7-15-20.)
(k) Window Signs. Window signs placed within four (4) feet of a window, or directly on the window and visible to the outside shall not cover more than thirty percent (30%) of the window space between 4 feet and 7 feet above grade and shall not block views to any cashier area if one exists. Only seventy-five percent (75%) of the total area(s) where letters are placed directly on windows shall count toward the maximum amount of allowable window coverage.
(Ord. 2020-23. Passed 5-20-20.)
1183.04 PRE-EXISTING OR NONCONFORMING SIGNS.
Any sign which exists at the time of adoption of these sign regulations which does not conform to the provisions specified herein shall be regarded as a pre-existing or nonconforming sign.
All pre-existing or nonconforming signs are considered by these sign regulations to be incompatible with the intent and specifications of these sign regulations. Such nonconforming signs may be continued subject to the following provisions:
(a) All pre-existing and nonconforming signs shall be kept in good repair and be maintained in safe condition.
(b) Any pre-existing or nonconforming signs which are structurally altered, enlarged, relocated, replaced, reprinted, excluding normal touch-up, repainting or routine maintenance repainting, or involved in converting the sign through the replacing or changing of removable sign panels, shall thereafter comply with all of the requirements and provisions specified in these regulations.
(c) However, nothing contained in this section shall require the obtaining of a permit for, or prohibit the ordinary maintenance of a sign such as repainting a sign to contain the same general content and the same color(s), or the replacing or repairing of removable panels with panels of similar size, color(s) and general content. Such changes or maintenance of a sign which does not require a permit under this chapter shall not be required to be approved or considered by the Design Review/Historical Preservation Area Review Committee. Nothing in this section shall alleviate the requirements imposed by other sections within this chapter.
(d) Any pre-existing or nonconforming signs which are part of an establishment which discontinues its operation for a period of ninety consecutive days shall thereafter comply with these sign regulations.
(e) (EDITOR'S NOTE: Former subsection (e) hereof was repealed by Ordinance 1979-58, passed November 7, 1979.)
(Ord. 1997-11. Passed 3-19-97.)
1183.05 EXEMPT SIGNS.
The following signs are exempt and therefore are not subject to the provisions of these regulations:
(a) Municipal signs, legal notices, warning or street signs or other similar signs used for traffic control purposes; public service company or temporary emergency signs as may be approved by the Zoning Inspector.
(b) Monuments, markers, emblems, flags or insignia of any local governmental entity.
(c) Bulletin boards not larger than twenty square feet in size for public, religious or charitable institutions when located on the premises of such institutions.
(d) Informational or directional signs such as "Parking", "Entrance", "Exit", "Service", "Parts", "Shipping", "Receiving" and the like, provided that they meet the requirements of these sign regulations, and further provided that:
(1) The number of informational or directional signs used shall be the minimum number necessary to provide information and/or direction as approved and authorized on the Sign Permit.
(2) All such signs shall be free-standing which do not exceed three feet in height.
(3) The maximum permitted sign area shall be the minimum necessary to provide the information and/or direction, and in no case shall be more than eight square feet per individual sign face.
(4) All informational or directional signs shall be set back a minimum of ten feet from any property line.
(5) All informational or directional signs shall not be located in a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision at an intersection or a point of ingress or egress to the establishment or any adjacent property.
(e) Product identification signs identifying the brand name, logo or type of gasoline sold in approved automobile service station or service station and repair garage shall be permitted on the gasoline pumps. Such signs may be used to indicate the type of gasoline dispensed from each pump located on the premises.
(Ord. 1997-11. Passed 3-19-97.)
(f) Incidental signs not exceeding two square feet in area per side.
(Ord. 2007-05. Passed 1-17-07.)
1183.06 ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT.
The administration of these regulations shall be under the jurisdiction of Council. Enforcement shall be the responsibility of the Zoning Inspector as designated by the Manager. No person, business or organization shall erect, alter or otherwise change an existing sign without first obtaining a Sign Permit from the Zoning Inspector.
However, nothing contained in this section shall require the obtaining of a permit for, or prohibit, the ordinary maintenance of a sign such as repainting a sign to contain the same general content and the same color(s), or the replacing or repairing of removable panels with panels of similar size, color(s) and general content. Such changes or maintenance of a sign which does not require a permit under this chapter shall not be required to be approved or considered by the Design Review/Historical Preservation Area Review Committee. Nothing in this section shall alleviate the requirements imposed by other sections within this chapter.
(Ord. 1997-11. Passed 3-19-97.)
1183.07 PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING A SIGN PERMIT.
Application for a Sign Permit shall be made through the Zoning Inspector, on a standard form which shall contain the following information:
(a) The name, address and telephone number of the applicant.
(b) Signed authorization of the owner of the property on which the sign is to be located, if the applicant is not the owner.
(c) The location of the sign and/or a scale drawing of the building showing the dimensions of all walls on which a sign is to be placed, including the building and signs in relation to adjacent property.
(d) A scale drawing of the sign in ink on reproducible base showing the size, height, construction details, type of materials to be used and information to be included on the sign.
(e) The name and address of the person, firm, association or corporation responsible for the construction, erection and maintenance of the sign.
(f) Written authorization permitting the Zoning Inspector or his duly authorized representative, to inspect the property, building or structure upon which the sign is to be located, supported or attached to.
(g) Any other information deemed necessary by the Zoning Inspector to ensure that the sign will be in full compliance with these regulations.
(Ord. 1997-11. Passed 3-19-97.)
1183.08 D-DESIGN AREA AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION AREA REGULATIONS.
In addition to the provisions and requirements specified in these Sign Regulations, any sign which is to be placed on a property located within the D-Design Area and Historic Preservation Area, shall be approved by the Design Review and Historic Preservation Committee prior to the issuing of the required Sign Permit.
The Zoning Inspector shall review the application for the Sign Permit and prior to issuing the Sign Permit shall forward the application to the Design Review and Historic Preservation Committee for review.
(a) The Committee shall review the application and shall approve, disapprove, modify or request additional information concerning the application within thirty days of the date which such application was referred to the Committee by the Inspector. If additional information is requested, the Committee shall have an additional thirty days to further review the application from the date which the additional information is submitted to the Committee by the applicant.
(b) The Committee shall certify their decision in writing to the Inspector. If the decision is favorable, the Inspector shall issue the Sign Permit.
(Ord. 1997-11. Passed 3-19-97.)
1183.09 SIGN PERMIT; FEE.
(a) It shall be the responsibility of the Zoning Inspector to fully examine the application for a Sign Permit, and upon approval, issue a Sign Permit to the applicant.
(b) The Sign Permit shall become void 120 days from the date it is issued if construction has not commenced, unless the time to commence construction is extended to a maximum period of six months for cause as approved by the Zoning Inspector.
(c) Any individual who constructs, alters, replaces or relocates a sign without first obtaining the required Sign Permit from the Zoning Inspector, in accordance with this chapter, shall pay two times the amount of the fee as calculated in subsection (d) hereof.
(d) A non-refundable fee of ten dollars ($10.00) for the first twenty square feet of sign plus two dollars ($2.00) for each additional square foot of sign area shall accompany each application for a Sign Permit, except as stated herein.
(e) Temporary signs are exempt from this section.
(Ord. 1997-11. Passed 3-19-97.)
1183.10 APPEALS.
Appeals from these Sign Regulations shall be made to the Planning and Zoning Commission as the Board of Appeals.
(Ord. 1997-11. Passed 3-19-97.)
1183.11 DEFINITIONS.
As used in these Sign Regulations, the following words and phrases shall have the meaning ascribed to them herein.
(a) "Animated sign" means a sign with action or motion, flashing, color changes requiring electrical energy, electronic or manufactured sources of supply, but not including wind activated elements.
(b) "Billboard" or "signboard" means any sign situated on private property on which the written or graphic information is not directly related to the principal use of the land on which the sign is located.
(c) "Bulletin board sign" means any sign or structure located on the property of a public, institutional, religious or charitable organization which is used to announce their activities.
(d) “Business sign" means any sign, advertisement, announcement, logo or symbol attached to, painted or illuminated directly or indirectly, upon any land or building which directs attention to any business, professional service or similar activity which is conducted on the premises where the sign is located. A business sign shall not include the flag,
(e) "Construction sign" means a sign which is located on a lot where current on-going construction is in progress which indicates the name of the project, architect, engineer, contractor or other similar information concerning the project.
(f) "Folding portable sign" means any sign which is supported by an A frame or T-frame base which is designed to be easily moveable and is intended for advertising price and/or incidental goods or services.
(g) "Free standing sign" means a sign which is supported by one or more columns, in or upon the ground.
(h) “Incidental sign” means signs which are by their nature temporary and minor, and do not have a material adverse affect on the surrounding neighborhood. For example, a sign showing support for a certain school sport or other event on a temporary basis would be considered an “Incidental Sign”.
(i) "Marquee sign" means a sign which is attached to the underside of a marquee or canopy which extends from a building and covers the walkway, which identifies the entrance to an establishment.
(j) "Political sign" means a sign which announces the candidacy of a person, or slate of persons running for elective office, a political party or issue or slate of issues.
(k) "Portable sign" means any sign which is attached to, supported by a part of a structure which is designed to be moved on wheels, runners, casters, trailers, skids or other similar device; or transported, pushed or pulled by a motor vehicle.
(l) "Projection sign" means a sign which is suspended from, attached to or supported by a building or structure extending away from such building or structure a distance of more than eighteen inches.
(m) "Real estate sign" means any sign which advertises or announces the sale, rental or lease of the premises upon which lot the sign is located.
(n) "Revolving sign" means a sign which rotates.
(o) "Sign" means any arrangement of letters, writing, name, identification, description, display, flag, symbols, emblem, insignia, graphic representation, or devices which are contained on a structure or part thereof, or attached to or painted on a building or structure; to advertise, direct attention to, or announce an object, place, product, person, activity, organization or business. This definition shall not include any flag, pennant or insignia of any nation, state, city or other political unit, as well as any sign, board or surface used to display or announce official notice of such political units, shall not be included. The word "sign" shall be interpreted to include the structure of such sign.
(p) The area of a sign shall be computed as the maximum area of a square or rectangle described by two pairs of parallel lines tangent to the extremities of the sign face and totally enclosing every portion thereof. (Refer to figures 1 through 4).
1. 2. 3. 4. |
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(q) "Sign face" or "individual sign face" means the surface upon which or through which the word or graphic message of the sign is displayed. Each such surface shall be construed as an individual sign face and the area included as a part of that sign face shall be computed into the total permitted sign area.
(r) "Temporary sign" means a sign which is intended to advertise construction projects, real estate sales, civic, religious or charitable events, leases or rentals, political candidates, parties or issues, where the duration of such sign is not permanent, and the sign structure is not affixed in a lasting or permanent manner to the ground or a structure.
(s) "Wall sign" means a sign which is affixed to any exterior wall which carries the name of the business, person, firm or corporation occupying the premises and the principal goods sold or services rendered.
(t) "Zoning Inspector" means the Municipal Zoning Inspector.
(Ord. 2007-05. Passed 1-17-07.)
1183.99 PENALTY.
Any person, firm, association or corporation who neglects or refuses to comply with these Sign Regulations in placing a sign upon a building, structure or other property shall be notified in writing via certified mail by the Zoning Inspector of such offense, and shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars ($100.00) for each day the violation continues following receipt of written notification.
CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF CANFIELD