(A)

The purpose of this chapter is to promote and protect the public health, welfare and safety by regulating existing and proposed outdoor advertising, outdoor advertising signs, and outdoor signs of all types. It is intended to protect property values, create a more attractive economic and business climate, enhance and protect the physical appearance of the community, and preserve the scenic and natural beauty of designated areas.

(B)

It is further intended to reduce sign or advertising distraction and obstructions that may contribute to traffic accidents, reduce hazards that may be caused by signs overhanging or projecting over public rights-of-way, provide more open space, and curb the deterioration of the natural environment and enhance community development.

(A)

No sign of any type nor any part thereof shall be erected, painted, repainted, posted, reposted, placed, replaced or hung in any zoning district except in compliance with these regulations and the issuance of a permit.

(B)

Each application for a sign permit shall be accompanied by plans drawn to approximate scale that shall:

(1)

Indicate the proposed site by identifying the owner by name, address and telephone number, and if applicable, the lessee by name, address and telephone number; and

(2)

Show the location of the sign on the lot in relation to the property lines and building, zoning district boundaries, right-of-way lines, utility and drainage easements and lines, and existing signs.

(C)

The fee, based on the fee schedule in effect, shall be paid prior to the issuance of a sign permit.

(D)

If work authorized under the permit issued hereunder has not been completed within six months after the date of issuance, the permit shall become null and void.

(1997 Code, § 30-3)

(A)

Generally. Only signs as described in this section and as may be permitted otherwise in this chapter will be allowed. No sign described herein shall be erected unless a permit for the same has been issued. All signs erected under the requirements of this chapter may be illuminated in accordance with Section 14.16.9 unless provided otherwise herein.

(B)

Residential districts, R-10, R-10M, R-13, R-20, R-30. The only signs permitted are as follows:

(1)

One sign per lot only pertaining to the lease, rent or sale of the property upon which displayed. The sign shall not exceed six square feet in area for lots less than or equal to three-fourths of one acre. Signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area for lots greater than three-fourths of one acre. No sign shall be illuminated.

(2)

Signs announcing clubs and other recreation facilities and schools. The signs shall be limited to one per lot and 24 square feet in area. The signs may be illuminated subject to regulations prescribed in Section 14.16.9.

(3)

Directional signs indicating location of churches, clubs, recreation facilities, schools and nonprofit organizations. These signs shall be limited to one per organization or facility and to 18 inches by 18 inches in area. The signs may be two-faced to be viewable from either side and erected at the intersection of a state highway and a feeder street to the churches, clubs, recreation facilities, schools and nonprofit organizations. The signs must be erected so as not to obstruct or interfere with passing vehicular traffic. The signs are subject to and must conform to all state highway regulations.

(4)

One identification sign per lot describing the location and the owner's name. The signs shall not exceed four square feet in area and may be illuminated subject to regulations prescribed in Section 14.16.9.

(5)

Permanent identification signs for planned subdivisions not exceeding 16 square feet in area. A maximum of two freestanding signs, to be located only at major entrances to the subdivision shall be permitted. Signs may be illuminated subject to regulations prescribed in Section 14.16.9 and shall be located on private property no closer than ten feet to any property line. No sign shall exceed six feet in height above the ground.

(6)

Signs for churches. Not more than 24 square feet may be used as a bulletin board and the total free-standing sign area shall not exceed 48 square feet. The square footage of any sign permitted under Section 14.16.3(B)(3) shall be included in this total.

(C)

Business district B-10. The only signs permitted are as follows:

(1)

One sign per lot pertaining only to the lease, rent or sale of the property upon which displayed. The signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and may be illuminated subject to regulations prescribed in § 16.9.

(2)

Signs announcing clubs and other recreation facilities. The signs shall be limited to one per lot and 24 square feet in area. The signs may be illuminated subject to regulations prescribed in Section 14.16.9.

(3)

Directional signs indicating location of churches, clubs and recreation facilities. These signs shall be limited to one per organization or facility and to 18 inches by 18 inches in area. The signs may be two-faced to be viewable from either side and erected at the intersection of a state highway and a feeder street to the churches, clubs, recreation facilities, schools and nonprofit organizations. The signs must be erected so as not to obstruct or interfere with passing vehicular traffic. The signs are subject to and must conform to all state highway regulations.

(4)

One identification sign per lot describing the location and the owner's name of a noncommercial use. The signs shall not exceed four square feet in area and may be illuminated subject to requirements prescribed in Section 14.16.9.

(5)

Wall, window, canopy, awning, marquee and free-standing signs on the side of the building facing a street, provided the total sign area for all signs including accessory uses on the same premises shall not exceed three square feet for each lineal foot of building wall facing streets.

(6)

Two freestanding signs announcing the name of a planned shopping center and the tenants or occupants therein provided:

a)

The sign does not exceed 250 square feet in area; and

b)

A 5-foot setback distance from the front property line is observed.

(7)

One freestanding sign for any one business occupying a freestanding building provided:

a)

The business is not part of a planned office, shopping center or industrial development;

b)

The sign does not exceed 80 square feet in area; and

c)

A five-foot setback distance from the front property line is observed.

(8)

One freestanding sign for any one business occupying a freestanding building located within but on the periphery of any planned shopping center provided:

a)

The sign does not exceed 32 square feet in area; and

b)

A 5-foot setback distance from the front property line is observed.

(9)

One freestanding sign for any one non-profit emergency medical facility providing medical assistance to the general public provided that the sign does not exceed 32 square feet in area.

(10)

Existing signs which are maintained in good condition and new signs of any type for which a permit has been issued.

(11)

Signs for churches. Not more than 24 square feet may be used as a bulletin board and the total free-standing sign area shall not exceed 48 square feet. The square footage of any sign permitted under Section 14.16.3(C)(3) shall be included in this total.

(D)

Business district B-20. The only signs permitted are as follows:

(1)

One sign per lot pertaining only to the lease, rent or sale of the property upon which displayed. The signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and shall not be illuminated.

(2)

Signs announcing clubs and other recreation facilities. The signs shall be limited to one per lot and 24 square feet in area. The signs may be illuminated subject to regulations prescribed in Section 14.16.9.

(3)

Directional signs indicating location of churches, clubs and recreation facilities. These signs shall be limited to one per organization or facility and to 18 inches by 18 inches in area. The signs may be two-faced to be viewable from either side and erected at the intersection of a state highway and a feeder street to the churches, clubs and recreation facilities. The signs must be erected so as not to obstruct or interfere with passing vehicular traffic. The signs are subject to and must conform to all state highway regulations.

(4)

One identification sign per lot describing the location and the owner's name of a noncommercial use. The signs shall not exceed four square feet in area and may be illuminated subject to regulations prescribed in Section 14.16.9.

(5)

Wall, window, canopy, awning, marquee and freestanding signs on the side of the building facing a street, provided the total sign area for all signs, including accessory uses on the same premises, shall not exceed three square feet for each lineal foot of building wall facing streets.

(6)

Two freestanding signs announcing the name of a planned shopping center and the tenants or occupants therein provided:

a)

The sign does not exceed 250 square feet in area; and

b)

A 20-foot setback distance from the front property line is observed.

(7)

One freestanding sign for any one business occupying a freestanding building provided:

a)

The business is not part of a planned office, shopping center or industrial development;

b)

The sign does not exceed 80 square feet in area; and

c)

A 20-foot setback distance from the front property line is observed.

(8)

One freestanding sign for any one business occupying a freestanding building located within but on the periphery of any planned shopping center provided:

a)

The sign does not exceed 32 square feet in area; and

b)

A 20-foot setback distance from the front property line is observed.

(9)

One freestanding sign for any one non-profit emergency medical facility providing medical assistance to the general public, provided that the sign does not exceed 32 square feet in area.

(10)

Existing signs which are maintained in good condition and new signs of any type for which a permit has been issued.

(11)

Signs for churches. Not more than 24 square feet may be used as a bulletin board and the total free-standing sign area shall not exceed 48 square feet. The square footage of any sign permitted under Section 14.16.3(C)(3) shall be included in this total.

(E)

Business district B-30. The only signs permitted are as follows:

(1)

One sign per lot pertaining only to the lease, rent or sale of the property upon which displayed. The signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and shall not be illuminated.

(2)

Signs announcing clubs and other recreation facilities. The signs shall be limited to one per lot and 24 square feet in area. The signs may be illuminated subject to regulations prescribed in Section 14.16.9.

(3)

Directional signs indicating location of churches, clubs and recreation facilities. These signs shall be limited to one per organization or facility and to 18 inches by 18 inches in area. The signs may be two-faced to be viewable from either side and erected at the intersection of a state highway and a feeder street to the churches, clubs and recreation facilities. The signs must be erected so as not to obstruct or interfere with passing vehicular traffic. The signs are subject to and must conform to all state highway regulations.

(4)

One identification sign per lot describing the location and the owner's name of a noncommercial use. The signs shall not exceed four square feet in area and may be illuminated subject to regulations prescribed in Section 14.16.9.

(5)

Wall, window, canopy, awning, marquee and freestanding signs on the side of the building facing a street, provided the total sign area for all signs, including accessory uses on the same premises, shall not exceed three square feet for each lineal foot of building wall facing streets.

(6)

Two freestanding signs announcing the name of a planned industrial development and the tenants or occupants therein provided:

a)

The sign does not exceed 250 square feet in area; and

b)

A 20-foot setback distance from the front property line is observed.

(7)

One freestanding sign for any one business occupying a freestanding building provided:

a)

The business is not part of a planned industrial development;

b)

The sign does not exceed 80 square feet in area; and

c)

A 20-foot setback distance from the front property line is observed.

(8)

One freestanding sign for any one business occupying a freestanding building located within but on the periphery of any planned industrial development provided:

a)

The sign does not exceed 32 square feet in area; and

b)

A 20-foot setback distance from the front property line is observed.

(9)

One freestanding sign for any one non-profit emergency medical facility providing medical assistance to the general public, provided that the sign does not exceed 32 square feet in area.

(10)

Existing signs which are maintained in good condition and new signs of any type for which a permit has been issued.

(11)

Signs for churches. Not more than 24 square feet may be used as a bulletin board and the total free-standing sign area shall not exceed 48 square feet. The square footage of any sign permitted under Section 14.16.3(C)(3) shall be included in this total.

(1997 Code, § 30-4; Am. Ord. 02-10-02, passed 10-21-2002; Am. Ord. 2009-11, passed 4-20-2009; Am. Ord. 2011-05-02, passed 5-16-2011; Am. Ord. 2013-12-03, passed 12-9-2013; Am. Ord. 2013-12-05, passed 12-9-2013; Am. Ord. 2015-04-04, passed 4-20-2015)

(Ord. of 9-9-2024, § 1)

(A)

Off-premises directional signs shall be permitted to call attention to businesses which are located off a major thoroughfare and not visible from or easily accessible to the thoroughfare.

(B)

All off-premises directional signs shall be subject to the following provisions:

(1)

Directional signs shall be limited to a maximum size of 12 square feet;

(2)

Only 1 off-premises directional sign shall be allowed for any one business;

(3)

Signs may be permitted only in business zoning districts and must meet the zoning regulations of the district in which it is located;

(4)

Each sign shall be placed off the road right-of-way. Upon selection of a site, written authorization from the landowner shall be required to permit the siting of the sign in that location;

(5)

Only 1 off premises directional sign may be located on a single lot, and the sign will not count toward the maximum square foot sign allowance of the business located on the lot; and

(6)

Directional signs may be illuminated subject to regulations prescribed in Section 14.16.9.

(1997 Code, § 30-5)

(A)

Outdoor advertising signs shall be permitted in the business district provided they are on the premises where the business is conducted.

(B)

Outdoor advertising signs shall be subject to all building setback lines, front and side yard requirements and building height limitations applicable to buildings located in the zone in which the signs are located.

(C)

Outdoor advertising signs shall not exceed 18 square feet in area, and shall be limited to no more than three signs per business.

(D)

In no case shall an outdoor advertising sign be located closer than 100 feet to a lot zoned or developed for residential purposes.

(E)

Outdoor advertising signs may be illuminated in accordance with Section 14.16.9. However, if located within a direct line of vision of any traffic control signal, the structure shall not have red, green or amber illumination.

(F)

No outdoor advertising sign shall be erected at the intersection of streets in a manner as to obstruct clear vision.

(G)

No outdoor advertising signs shall copy or simulate official signs or signals.

(1997 Code, § 30-6) (Am. Ord. 2015-04-04, passed 4-20-2015)

The following signs of a temporary nature are permitted in all zoning districts and shall require no permit unless provided otherwise herein:

(A)

One non-illuminated sign per street frontage. One non-illuminated sign per street frontage pertaining only to the lease, rent or sale of the property upon which it is to be displayed. The maximum size of the signs shall be as follows:

(1)

In all residential districts:

(a)

Signs shall not exceed six square feet in area for lots less than or equal to three-quarters of one acre.

(b)

Signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area for lots greater than three-quarters of one acre.

(2)

In all other districts, the signs shall be limited to no more than 32 square feet.

(B)

Political signs/election campaign signs.

(1)

Sign placement.

(a)

Signs placed on private property must be approved by the property owner.

(b)

Signs may be placed within the street right-of-way, but must be approved by the immediately adjacent property owner.

(c)

No sign may be located closer than three feet from the edge of pavement of the adjacent street or road.

(d)

No sign shall obscure motorist visibility at an intersection.

(e)

No sign shall be higher than 42 inches above the edge of pavement of the adjacent street or road.

(f)

No sign shall obscure or replace another sign.

(g)

Signs shall not be placed on any utility poles.

(2)

Time limits.

(a)

Political campaign signs may be displayed beginning 30 days prior to the beginning date of one-stop early voting and shall be removed within ten days following the primary or general election date for which an individual is a candidate or a public question appears on the ballot.

(3)

Size limit.

(a)

No sign shall be larger than 864 square inches (six square feet).

(4)

Removal by the Town. Signs within the Town limits found to be located in violation of these regulations may be removed by the Town at its sole discretion.

(a)

The Town shall have no liability to any person arising out of its removal of such sign.

(b)

Such removal shall not in any manner impair the right of the Town to issue a notice of violation and/or civil citation, or to take any other enforcement action authorized by the code or any other applicable law.

(c)

Owners may retrieve signs removed by the Town within 30 days after the removal of the sign.

(d)

Signs not retrieved by the owner within 30 days after removal of the sign by the Town shall be deemed abandoned, and the Town will dispose of the signs.

(C)

One construction sign per construction site. One construction sign may be erected on a site during the period of construction or reconstruction of a building or other similar project. The sign may identify the owner and/or developer, architect, engineer, contractor and other individuals or firms and the character or purpose for which the structure or site is intended. The sign shall be non-illuminated and shall be removed within two days after the construction work has been completed. The maximum size of a construction sign shall be as follows:

(1)

In residential zones, 12 square feet; and

(2)

In all other zones, 32 square feet.

(D)

Banners, pennants and other moving devices. Banners, pennants, ribbons, posters, streamers, spinners or other similar moving devices may be displayed for a period of not more than 21 days upon the occasion of the opening of a new business and must be removed not later than 30 days after the date of the opening of the new business.

(E)

Garage sale signs. Signs advertising garage sales, as permitted by Section 14.116.16(C).

(F)

Special event signs. Temporary signs announcing or commemorating a special event or occurrence to be displayed for not more than 30 consecutive days. Displays shall be limited to two banner style signs no larger than 16 square feet in area. The signs shall be placed on the principal structure located on the subject property or an existing freestanding sign located on the same property. Applicants shall be required to wait 30 days from the conclusion of a special event to request temporary signs advertising another special event or occurrence on the same property

(1997 Code. § 30-7; Am. Ord. 02-10-02, passed 10-21-2002; Am. Ord. 03-12-05; Am. Ord. 2006-11, passed 8-21-2006; Am. Ord. 2013-12-03, passed 12-9-2013)

(Ord. of 9-11-2023, § 1)

(A)

Intent. Signs in existence prior to the adoption of the regulations from which this chapter is derived and that do not conform to the provisions of this chapter are declared nonconforming signs. The policy of the Town is that all new signs shall conform to this chapter.

(B)

General Provisions. Nonconforming signs may be continued, provided that they:

(1)

Were erected prior to the adoption of the various sign regulations from which this chapter derives, and with which they are in violation;

(2)

Are not changed or replaced with another nonconforming sign, nor modified in any way except as noted in Section 14.16.10;

(3)

Shall not be expanded or relocated;

(4)

Shall not be modified in any way that increases their degree of nonconformity; and

(5)

Shall be removed within 90 days of the close of the business that they advertise.

(Ord. 2014-05-02, passed 5-19-2014)

Unless otherwise permitted, the following signs are prohibited:

(A)

Ribbons, streamers, strings of light bulbs, spinners or other similar moving devices when not part of any sign;

(B)

Signs advertising an activity, business, product or service no longer conducted on the premises upon which the sign is located;

(C)

Signs other than Town traffic and directional signs shall not be permitted within any street right-of-way;

(D)

Mobile signs; and

(E)

Off-premises outdoor advertising signs.

(1997 Code, § 30-9; Am. Ord. 2014-01-01, passed 1-20-2014)

Where illuminated signs are permitted they shall conform to the following requirements:

(A)

Signs that contain, include or are lighted by any flashing, intermittent or moving light are prohibited, except those giving public information such as time, temperature and date.

(B)

Illuminated signs shall be limited to:

(1)

Those lighted from behind to silhouette letters and figures or lighted internally, with glass or plastic faces bearing the advertisement; and

(2)

Exposed incandescent or other similar type bulbs, provided that the total wattage for all bulbs used for a sign shall not exceed 300 watts; and all the lighting shall be shielded so as to prevent direct rays of light from being cast into a residential area or district and/or vehicles approaching on a public right-of-way from any direction.

(3)

Changeable copy of signs and electronic message boards/digital marquee signs. Changeable copy is allowed on signs in nonresidential districts, for nonresidential uses in planned developments and for places of worship and institutional uses in any district subject to the following:

a)

No more than one sign per premises shall contain changeable copy.

b)

Electronic message boards/digital marquee signs may not scroll. Displays may change but the transition shall be a "hard cut" (immediate) with no special effects to make the transition. All displays must remain static with no movement. Displays may not change less than every eight seconds.

c)

Electronic message boards/digital marquee signs may display text with either occulting lights or fixed lighting.

d)

No oscillating, flashing, rotating, flickering, or blinking lights shall be permitted.

e)

All electronic message boards/digital marquee signs shall adjust or shall be adjusted in correlation with ambient light conditions.

f)

The sign owner shall provide written certification at installation and annually that the sign meets the following light level standards as measured in nits:

i.

Maximum daytime level at 5,000 nits or 7,500 nits if the sign is equipped with an automatic dimmer.

ii.

Maximum nighttime level at 500 nits.

g)

Upon notification that the city has received a complaint, the sign owner shall provide written certification that the light level standards in Section 14.16.9(B)(3)(f) are being met.

h)

Electronic message boards/digital marquee signs may contain non-animated images with changes alternating on not less than an eight-second interval.

i)

Changeable copy signs shall not be installed parallel to a right-of-way except in the case of a corner lot when the sign may be parallel to the secondary street.

j)

Changeable copy and electronic message boards/digital marquee signs shall not exceed 60 square feet in size or 50 percent of the total sign area of the allowable square footages as specified in Section 14.16.3, and may be used as wall signs subject to the requirements of Section 14.16.3 (C)(5), (D)(5), or (E)(5), whichever is smaller.

k)

Electronic message boards/digital marquee signs shall contain a working default design that will freeze the display in one position or power off the display if a malfunction occurs.

(1997 Code, § 30-10; Am. Ord. 2009-16, passed 12-14-2009; Am. Ord. 2015-04-04, passed 4-20-2015)

(A)

It shall be the duty of the UDO Administrator or his or her designated agent to inspect every free-standing sign, wall sign and outdoor advertising structure at least once every year to determine that the same are in a safe condition and meet the requirements as set forth in this chapter.

(B)

All signs and outdoor advertising signs shall be maintained in a state of good repair. No sign or outdoor advertising sign shall be allowed to remain that becomes structurally unsafe or hazardous, or endangers the safety of the public or property, or becomes weathered or tattered. Upon determining that a sign or outdoor advertising sign is structurally unsafe or hazardous or dangerous to the safety of the public or property, or becomes weathered or tattered, the UDO Administrator shall order the sign to be made safe or removed, subject to the following provisions:

(1)

The owner of the sign or outdoor advertising sign, the occupant of the premises on which the sign or structure is located, or the person maintaining the sign or out-door advertising sign shall, upon written notice by certified mail from the UDO Administrator, forthwith in the case of immediate danger and in any case within ten days, secure or repair the sign or structure in a manner approved by the UDO Administrator or shall remove the sign or structure.

(2)

If such is not complied with in ten days:

a)

The Town shall have authority, pursuant to G.S. 160A-193, to summarily remove the sign or structure. The expense of the removal shall be paid by the person in default and, if not paid, shall be a lien upon the land or premises where the trouble arose, and shall be collected as unpaid taxes.

b)

The UDO Administrator may order the same to be made safe or removed following the procedure set forth in G.S. 160A-426 through and including G.S. 160A-432.

c)

The Town may elect to proceed under any provision of Section 10.99 of this Code.

(C)

Whenever a sign or outdoor advertising structure has been abandoned or advertises an activity, business, product or service no longer conducted on the premises, the UDO Administrator shall cause the sign or structure to be removed within 30 days after notification to the owner in accordance with the method prescribed for non-conforming signs in Section 14.16.7(D).

(1997 Code, § 30-11; Am. Ord. 00-12-10, passed 12-18-2000; Am. Ord. 2015-04-04, passed 4-20-2015)

Editor's note— Section 1 of an ord. adopted Oct. 9, 2023, repealed § 14.16.11, which pertained to street numbers and derived from § 30-12 of the 1997 Code; Ord. 00-09-06, adopted Sep. 18, 2000; Ord. 2013-12-05, adopted Dec. 9, 2013; and Ord. 2015-04-04, adopted April 20, 2015.

The following types of signs are exempted from the application of this chapter:

(A)

Signs, unlighted, not exceeding one square foot in area and bearing only property numbers of occupants of premises, or other identification of premises not having commercial connotations, except as provided in Section 14.16.11;

(B)

Flags and insignia of any government except when displayed in connection with commercial promotion;

(C)

Legal notices and identification, informational or directional signs erected or required by governmental bodies;

(D)

Integral decorative or architectural features of buildings except letters, trademarks, moving parts, or flashing and moving lights;

(E)

Signs, not to exceed four square feet, directing and guiding traffic and parking on private property but bearing no advertising matter;

(F)

One freestanding sign displaying time and temperature information only and bearing no advertising matter shall be permitted in addition to other freestanding signs, provided the area requirements for free-standing signs are not exceeded and all sign height and setback requirements are followed;

(G)

Price signs at automobile service stations or other establishments engaged in the retail sale of gasoline, provided the sign does not exceed 24 square feet. Any such sign shall be affixed to a permanent free-standing identification sign, to a canopy support in the vicinity of the gasoline pumps or flat-mounted against the side of a building.

(H)

Temporary signs and banners for special events for non-profit organizations and community events. These signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts. Non-profit organizations conducting a fundraising event and organizations which sponsor community events within the planning jurisdiction of the Town may be issued a no charge permit for a temporary sign to identify the event. Such non-profit organization temporary signs shall conform to the following:

(1)

Only one sign per premises with no more than two sign faces.

(2)

Any single sign face shall not exceed 16 square feet.

(3)

Unless authorized by the Town Board of Commissioners to be displayed longer, the non-profit organization or community event temporary sign is to be displayed not more than 14 days prior to the event and for the duration of the event. Immediately following the event, the sign shall be removed within two days.

(4)

Non-profit organization and community event temporary signs shall not be illuminated.

(5)

Non-profit organization and community event signs and banners may be located off-site.

(6)

Non-profit organization and community event signs and banners may announce only events that are sponsored by a non-profit or public entity or events that are considered community events.

(1997 Code, § 30-13; Am. Ord. 2015-04-04, passed 4-20-2015)

(Ord. of 9-9-2024, § 2)

(A)

Any property owner wishing to request a modification to the regulations outlined within this chapter, or request a review of an action taken by a Town official in the interpretation and enforcement of the provisions of this chapter, shall make an application to the Town of Cape Carteret Board of Adjustment requesting either a variance or an administrative review of a Town official's decision.

(B)

Any and all applications submitted under this section shall be processed, reviewed, and acted upon in accordance with all established regulations outlined within Section 14.7.3 of this UDO, Zoning Board of Adjustment.

(Ord. 01-08-03, passed 8-20-2001)

(A)

Any violation of any provision of this chapter shall subject the violator to a civil penalty in the sum of $50.00 per day. A citation for the civil penalty shall be issued by the Police Department or the UDO Administrator. Each citation for a civil penalty must be paid within 72 hours of issuance.

(B)

Every day that the violator continues in violation shall be a separate and distinct offense.

(C)

The Town of Cape Carteret reserves the right to confiscate and remove signs prohibited by this chapter. All signs confiscated by Town staff shall be stored at a location determined by the Town Board. Owners of the sign may retrieve the illegal sign from Town Hall during posted business hours and shall be required to pay a retrieval fee of $25.00 per illegal sign.

(D)

Habitual offenders.

(1)

Any individual who is declared a habitual offender of the sign ordinance, as defined within Chapter 16 of this UDO, shall be required to abate the identified violation in a timely manner. A timely manner shall be determined by the Town of Cape Carteret, as being the least amount of time deemed necessary to remove the offending sign and bring the property into conformity.

(2)

The Town shall hand deliver a letter of violation informing the individual that he or she has been designated as a habitual offender and specifically indicate the time period allotted to abate the identified violation.

(3)

If the individual does not abate the identified violation within the allotted time frame, the individual will be subject to immediate issuance of a civil citation in the sum of $50.00 per day. The issuance and payment of civil citations shall be in accordance with the provisions contained herein.

(Ord. 02-10-03, passed 10-21-2002; Am. Ord. 03-09-02, passed 9-15-2003; Am. Ord. passed 5-10-2004; Am. Ord. 2012-03-01, passed 3-19-2012)