Charlestown City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XI
Signs
§ 218-61 Purpose and Intent.
A.
Purpose. The purpose of this Section is to promote and protect the public health, welfare and safety by regulating existing and proposed indoor and outdoor advertising signs of all types in the Town of Charlestown. 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, preserve or enhance town character and scenic vistas by encouraging new and replacement signage which is creative and distinctive, compatible with the surroundings and appropriate to the type of activity to which it pertains. 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 unsafe signs, provide more open space, curb the deterioration of the natural environment and enhance community development.
B.
Intent. The intent is to accomplish business and residential signage that does not detract from the New England village character of Charlestown while at the same time honoring the farming, fishing, and mill town heritage of the town. Also, to recognize that today the town is primarily a residential town with a large transient population of landowners, and a large tourism trade drawn to our parks, beaches and recreation facilities, and businesses.
§ 218-62 Signs Permitted Or Prohibited.
A.
Signs Permitted In Any Zoning District. The following new signs are allowed for legally existing uses with a permit required as issued by the Building Official. Such new signs shall be neither illuminated nor indirectly illuminated, except as otherwise specified herein and meet the setback and sideline requirements for the districts in which they are located. Signs in existence prior to the effective date of this Ordinance, are waived the permit fee, but must obtain a permit number for the sign.
(1)
The following signs require a permit:
(a)
Awning signs. A legal use business may have awning signs less than ten (10) square feet in area when such awning is designed to be used for the walkway or main entrance of a business or legal use. Individual window awnings shall not contain advertising, but may have a monogram not to exceed three (3) letters which may occupy no more than 10% or six (6) square feet, whichever is less, of the window awning.
(b)
Bulletin Boards. For club/service organizations, such as libraries, churches and schools, when located on-premises, provided such signs do not exceed 15 square feet total and bear no commercial advertising. There shall be not more than one bulletin board per site. Such sign may be indirectly illuminated with downward directed lighting. Where a bulletin board has two or more faces, the area of all faces shall be included in determining the area of the bulletin board, except that where two such faces are placed back to back and are at no point more than 16 inches from one another, the area of the bulletin board shall be taken as the area of the larger face.
(c)
Analog Clocks and/or Time and Temperature Displays. Only analog clocks and/or time and temperature displays are allowed if they are on the property of a legal use. Face displays may not exceed sixteen (16) square feet and must have no advertising on the unit. The same setbacks and heights for signs in the zone must be observed and may use indirect illumination by down-lighting only. Notwithstanding, the above displays in historic districts shall be regulated by Site Plan Review.
(d)
Farm Operations. Signage must comply with all specifications and limitations of ARTICLE XI, Signs.
(e)
Kiosk. A free standing structure designed to provide advertising space for two or more businesses on a single premises or group of contiguous premises as follows:
[1]
In areas where the speed limit is less than 35 miles per hour, the upper sign board of the kiosk bearing the name of the building or business complex shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet, and each business in the complex may have one lower sign board under the kiosk top board with a maximum square footage of six (6) square feet each. In areas where the speed limit is less than 35 miles per hour, the overall width of the upper sign board shall not exceed six (6) feet. By design, the signage of the kiosk is intended to be on both sides non-cumulative.
[2]
In areas with speed limits 35 miles per hour and above, the top board may be 32 square feet and the lower sign boards may be eight (8) square feet. In areas with speed limits 35 miles per hour and above, the overall width of the upper sign board shall not exceed eight (8) feet.
[3]
These kiosks must be configured so that there is at least a 4-foot sight window from grade level to the lowest sign board and the top edge of the kiosk top sign board must not exceed a twelve (12) foot height from grade level.
[4]
It is further required that kiosks use uniform coloration and lettering styles for each kiosk allowed. It is not intended to restrict one style throughout the town, only uniformity of size is sought throughout town. It is expected that each business complex would have their own uniqueness.
[5]
It may further be required to file a building permit application and pay an appropriate fee for the sign structure. Unless otherwise required by this article, no Site Plan Review will be required as the result of the issuance of a building permit for a sign.
[6]
One kiosk may be erected at each major entrance separated by a minimum of two hundred (200) feet and shall only count as one sign.
(f)
Neighborhood or Named Development. A neighborhood or named development may have a sign at each main road entrance, denoting only the name of the development. It must be permanently affixed to the ground on property owned by the development or land donated by a property owner for such use, be architecturally and historically appropriate and meet all other specifications and limitations of ARTICLE XI. The sign shall contain no more than fifteen (15) square feet of signage, per side if free standing and be elevated no more than one (1) foot above grade.
(g)
Real Estate "For Sale" Signs. Real Estate "For Sale" signs in industrial or commercial zones which advertise the sale, lease or rental of the real property on which it is located and which may not be maintained for more than six (6) months in any twelve (12) month period.
(h)
Signs Customary and Necessary to the Operation of Gasoline Filling Stations. The following signs customary and necessary to the operation of gasoline filling stations — wall-mounted signs displayed over individual entrance doors consisting of the words "wash", "lubrication", "repair" or words of similar import, provided that there shall be not more than one such sign over each entrance, and that the letters of such sign do not exceed ten (10) inches in height; signs which consist of lettering or other insignia which are a structural part of a gasoline pump, consisting only of a brand name, lead warning sign and other matter as required by law; one 2.5 square foot/side (maximum) sign indicating price per gallon of gasoline to be attached to the pump; also there may be one (1) sign no larger than eight (8) square feet per side using numbers no larger than eighteen (18) inches in height indicating price per gallon of gasoline along highways on which the legal speed limit is less than 35 mph, or one sign no larger than twelve (12) square feet per side using numbers no larger than eighteen (18) inches in height indicating price per gallon along highways on which the legal limit is 35 mph or more, which such sign shall be free-standing and shall have a clearance of at least seven (7) feet from the ground.
(i)
Portable Signs. One portable sign is permitted per road frontage, during business hours only, not to exceed nine (9) square feet per side.
(2)
Signs Permitted In Any Zoning District With No Permit Required. The following new signs are allowed for legally existing uses with no permit. Such signs shall be neither illuminated nor indirectly illuminated, except as otherwise specified herein and meet the setback and sideline requirements for the districts in which they are located.
(a)
Election Signs and Political Signs. Political signs are non-illuminated and must be incidental to a town, state or federal election or referendum. Such signs shall be constructed of durable material and shall not be affixed or attached to trees, traffic signs or utility poles and shall not be located upon any public right-of-way nor upon public property. Such signs shall be erected not more than 60 days prior to such election or referendum. Political signs relating to any election or referendum shall be removed within fourteen (14) days after said election or referendum. In all districts, such signs shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet in area per side. Signs must have permission of the property owner to be erected. However, the political party or candidate is responsible for removal.
(b)
Flags. No flag shall contain any advertising. Flags that indicate a "welcome," "open" or similar greeting are not signs. Such flags shall not exceed approximately fifteen (15) square feet. These flags shall be limited to two (2) per business and permitted to fly only during business hours. The area of the flag is the product of the hoist and fly. The flag need not be rectangular in shape. The flags of any nation, state, town, club, service or military organization are exempt from any restrictions contained in this Ordinance.
(c)
Governmental Signs. Signs erected by the Town of Charlestown, the State Of Rhode Island or the United States of America provided such signs bear no commercial advertising. Such signs may be indirectly illuminated with downward directed lighting.
(d)
Instructional, Directional and Safety Signs.
[1]
Instructional or directional signs identifying parking, or other functional activity such as bathroom facilities, telephones, entrances, offices, etc, bearing no commercial advertising. There shall be no more than one sign for each applicable activity and each sign shall not exceed two (2) square feet in area, either wall mounted or free standing. Such signs may be indirectly illuminated with downward-directed lighting.
[2]
Safety. For licensed events in town and the protection of public safety, traffic control and pedestrian control signs are permitted. The need for these signs must be approved by the Department of Public Safety (police) as a temporary measure only with the approval of the Building Official to interpret the intent of ARTICLE XI.
(e)
Lawfully Existing Non-Conforming Use. Signage that at time of erection conformed to existing Town ordinance and is for a legal use.
(f)
Memorial Signs or Tablets. Memorial signs, tablets or signs denoting the date of erection of buildings shall be wall-mounted and shall not exceed two (2) square feet in area.
(g)
Name and Address of Resident. Name and address of resident shall not include any commercial advertising. Such signs shall not exceed four (4) square feet in area in any Residential zone, shall be limited to one (1) sign per household and may be elevated as much as one (1) foot from grade.
(h)
"No Trespassing" and the Posting of Land. No Trespassing signs or other such signs regulating the use of the property on which they are located, provided such signs do not exceed three (3) square feet in area in any residential zone or five (5) square feet in any non-residential zone. Such signs must meet all setback and sideline and or rear line requirements for the zone they are in. The top of the sign must not be more than five (5) feet from grade.
(i)
Sale of Produce. Sale of produce raised on the premises signs shall be no larger than twelve (12) square feet or two signs no larger than six (6) square feet each and shall not be lighted in any manner. No off-site signs advertising the produce will be permitted.
(j)
Service Signs. Accessory signs incidental to a business or a profession conducted on the premises indicating hours of operation, credit cards, business affiliations and the like, provided the total area of all such signs for a single business does not exceed two (2) square feet per public entrance (non-cumulative), and is wall-mounted at or immediately adjacent to the entrance to the building on the premises.
(k)
String Lights. A business may use non-flashing holiday-type mini clear outdoor string lights to enhance landscaping; however, they must be used in such a way as to not create a public safety, health or welfare concern and must not detract from the village character of the town.
(l)
Window Signs. A legal use business may have window signs permanently erected or maintained in one window of their establishment, which is visible to any public street or highway, provided the following:
(m)
Real Estate "For Sale" Signs. Real Estate "For Sale" Signs in Residential Zones shall be permitted on the lot for sale for up to six (6) months in any twelve month period without a permit. Signs maintained in excess of six (6) months shall require a temporary sign permit issued in accordance with § 218-68 of this Ordinance.
B.
Signs Prohibited in All Zoning Districts, Unless Permitted by Special Use Permit as indicated. The following signs shall NOT be permitted in any zoning district:
(1)
Signs With Moving Parts. Signs which have any visible moving parts, including signs which are designed to achieve movement by action of wind currents, or which have mobile or revolving parts or which have animated parts are not allowed. Exceptions are time or temperature devices, barber poles ordinarily and customarily used in connection with barber shops, wind socks, Open flags, and Welcome flags which contain no advertising are allowed if they comply with all other provisions of this Ordinance.
(2)
Flashing Signs. Illuminated or indirectly illuminated signs which incorporate in any manner any flashing or moving illumination, animation or illumination which varies in color.
(3)
Hazards to Public Safety. Any sign or sign support which constitutes a hazard to public safety or health, including signs which by reason of size, location, content, coloring or manner of illumination obstruct the vision of a driver, or obstruct or detract from the visibility or effectiveness of any traffic sign or control device on public streets and roads; or which obstruct free ingress to or egress from a fire escape, door, window or other required exit way; or which make use of words such as stop, look, one way, danger, yield, or any similar words, phrases, symbols, lights or characters, in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic. No sign shall be placed so as to interfere with clear vision through a sight triangle as described by ARTICLE VI § 218-37F of this Ordinance.
(4)
Pennants. String pennants are prohibited. Except for the opening of a new business, which shall not exceed 14 days.
(5)
Search Lights. Search lights are by Special Use Permit only. They may be allowed for special events.
(6)
Projecting Signs. Projecting signs which are erected so as to project approximately perpendicular from the exterior of any building or wall, and which exceed twelve (12) square feet in area, or which project more than four (4) feet from the exterior of said building or wall. Nothing herein shall be construed to permit the erection of any projecting sign over a public right of way.
(7)
Trailer Signs. Trailer signs, including portable billboards.
(8)
Off-Site Directional Signs. Off-site directional signs, including billboards are not allowed, except by Special Use Permit.
(9)
Inflatable Signs/Devices. Not allowed in any zone.
(10)
Franchise or Licensed Trademark Signs. All licensed signs or signs required by franchise agreement as to color, shape, or other trademark features shall be prohibited unless they shall be installed in a manner consistent with the restrictions as to number, size, construction method and materials, location and placement structures as set forth in this Ordinance. Trade signs displaying corporate logotypes, trademarks, or mandated to be used under franchise or other form of license shall conform to this ordinance, or if not conforming, shall be used only upon issue of a Special Use Permit. An applicant for such a Special Use Permit for a non-conforming sign shall demonstrate to the Zoning Board that no other reasonable, conforming alternative is possible.
(11)
Roof Signs. All "signs-roof mounted" as defined in ARTICLE I § 218-5, are prohibited in all zoning districts.
(12)
Internally Illuminated Signs. All "Signs-Illuminated" as defined in ARTICLE I § 218-5, are prohibited in all zoning districts.
(13)
All other signs not specifically authorized by this Ordinance are prohibited.
§ 218-63 Standards for New Signs in Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Historic Village District and Mixed Use Zones.
A.
Standards for New Signs in Residential Zoning Districts.
(1)
Setbacks for All Signs.
(a)
The setbacks in residential zoning districts are five (5) feet from the front lot line and fifteen (15) feet to a side or rear lot line and shall conform to the following regulations.
(2)
Standards for new signs for which a permit is required.
(a)
Freestanding and Wall Mounted Signs. There shall be no more than one sign which shall not exceed six (6) square feet for each permitted commercial use or Special Use Permit granted in a residential zone. If freestanding, this sign shall not be elevated more than one (1) foot from the grade level of the site.
(b)
Illuminated Signs. Illuminated signs shall not be permitted in residential zoning districts, except as otherwise specified in this Ordinance. Indirectly illuminated signs in a residential zoning district may be lighted only by a continuous white down-light, so oriented that it shall reflect the light away from the adjoining property and away from the street(s).
(c)
Neighborhood Entrance Signs. Permanent signs at major entrances to residential developments designed only to identify such developments shall be permitted provided such signs bear no commercial advertising and do not exceed fifteen (15) square feet in area (per side, if freestanding). This sign shall not be elevated more than one (1) foot from the grade level of the site.
(3)
Standards for Which No Permit is Required.
(a)
Identification Signs. There shall be no more than one sign identifying the name and address of the occupant as specified in this Ordinance for a residential lot. See ARTICLE XI § 218-62A(2)(g).
B.
Standards for New Signs in Commercial and Industrial Districts.
(1)
Setbacks for All Signs.
(a)
Setbacks from the front lot line are fifteen (15) feet and no closer than fifteen (15) feet to a side or rear lot line and shall conform to the following regulations:
(2)
Permitted Signs in Commercial and Industrial Zones shall be:
(a)
Those sign types permitted in residential and mixed use zones.
(b)
Signs displaying the name, activity or service of a permitted business or industry located on the same lot, provided that the signs on a lot do not exceed:
[1]
If a kiosk is not being used, one (1) freestanding sign not larger than twenty four (24) square feet in area and no sign shall exceed twelve (12) feet (top of sign) above finished grade.
[2]
One (1) wall mounted, single face sign per establishment, provided that no such sign shall be higher than two (2) feet or longer than one half the length of space occupied by the establishment, but only as noted in [3] below is the square footage of said sign to exceed forty (40) square feet. No wall sign shall project more than fifteen (15) inches.
[3]
No sign shall exceed the following:
Distance of Sign From Front Lot Line (feet) | Maximum Permitted Area Of Wall Mounted Sign | |
|---|---|---|
200 - 299 | 1 sq.ft/lineal foot of building frontage- Maximum area = 100 square feet | |
300 - 399 | 1 sq.ft./lineal foot of building frontage Maximum area = 150 square feet | |
400+ | 1 sq.ft./lineal foot of building frontage Maximum area - 200 square feet |
[4]
Any building exposed to a public way and a major parking area may have two wall signs, one on each opposite face in place of the one identification sign allowed in [2] above. The second sign in the rear of the building is limited to twelve (12) square feet. Where two (2) or more wall signs are affixed to one wall, the gross display area shall not exceed the allowed total area for signs [two (2) feet high by half the length of space occupied by the establishment, but not to exceed forty (40) square feet].
[5]
No sign in a commercial or industrial zone shall be placed within forty (40) feet of a residential district boundary or within the sight triangle, described in ARTICLE VI § 218-37F of this Ordinance, or on fences, trees or accessory structures. If the lot configuration does not permit the required setback, the sign shall be placed as far as possible from the lot line and not be illuminated.
C.
Standards for New Signs in Mixed Use (MU) Zoning Districts. (Reserved)
D.
Standards for Lighting of Signs.
(1)
Signs may be lighted only by continuous white downward-directed lighting. There shall be no illumination of a flashing, intermittent or moving type. Floodlighting shall be downward directed lighted so that the source is directed away from adjacent properties and traffic arteries.
(2)
Hours of Lighting. Illumination of signs is restricted to hours of operation; security lights are excluded.
E.
Standards for Scenic Roadway. (Reserved)
F.
Standards for All Signs in Historic Village District. The setback from the front lot line is fifteen (15) feet and a sign shall be placed no closer than fifteen (15) to a side or rear lot line and shall conform to all district requirements as well as conform to the following:
(1)
Signs affixed to the exterior of a building shall be architecturally compatible with the style, composition, materials, colors, and details of the building, as well as with other signs used on the building or its vicinity.
(2)
Signs shall fit within the existing facade features, shall be confined to signable areas, and shall not interfere with floor and window openings, conceal architectural details or obscure the composition of the facade where they are located. Signs shall be placed on a facade only in a manner historically appropriate to the style of the building.
(3)
Wherever possible, signs located on buildings within the same block face shall be placed at the same height in order to create a unified sign band.
(4)
Wood and painted materials shall be used for sign construction. Flat signs shall be framed with raised edges.
(5)
Sign colors shall be compatible with the colors of the building facade.
(6)
Signs shall be downward directed lit and light reflection shall be contained within the sign frame and shall not significantly spill over to other portions of the building or site.
(7)
Signs shall be mounted so that the method of installation is concealed.
(8)
The historic village district will require the most restrictive interpretation of this Ordinance. Newly constructed signage shall require consultation with the Town Planner.
§ 218-64 Application for a Sign Permit.
For new signs requiring permits, as indicated in this article, an application for a sign permit shall be made in writing on forms prescribed and provided by the Building Official, and shall include the following information:
A.
Dimensions of the Proposed Sign. The size of the proposed sign, area, height, width, thickness, illumination and material from which it is to be constructed.
B.
Detailed Drawing of the Proposed Sign. A detailed drawing showing the description of the construction details of the sign and showing the lettering and/or pictorial matter composing the sign, position of lighting or other extraneous devices, and support structures.
C.
Plot Plan of Proposed Sign. A plot plan showing the location of the sign in relation to the building and all property lines and streets. The Building Official may require any other such information as may be reasonably necessary to administer the provisions of this Ordinance relating to signs.
D.
Based upon the above information, the Building Official may require a building permit and appropriate fee for a sign structure. Unless otherwise required by this Article, no Site Plan Review will be required as the result of the issuance of a building permit for a sign.
§ 218-65 Issuance of Permits and Related Fees.
A.
The Building Official, on finding a proposed new sign to be in compliance with this Ordinance, shall issue a permit.
B.
The permit for a new sign shall be null and void six (6) months after issue unless erection or installation of the sign has begun.
C.
Every sign shall bear the sign permit number conveniently and permanently affixed on the face or support thereof, or in such other place as authorized in writing by the Building Official. Failure to so affix the sign permit number shall constitute cause for revocation of the permit by the Building Official in addition to any other penalties or remedies provided in this Ordinance.
D.
Prior to the initial or re-issuance of business licenses, existing signs must obtain a permit and are waived the fee upon providing the Building Official with signed and dated photos or whatever documentation is otherwise required by the Building Official.
§ 218-66 Special Use Permit.
The following signs shall require a Special Use Permit:
A.
Off-Site Directional Signs. Off-site directional signs may be authorized by Special Use Permit upon application to the Zoning Board, where the location of a legal use requires such signs in order to avoid confusion, traffic congestion or similar inconveniences, and to facilitate travel to such location. No more than two such signs shall be permitted for any one use. The area of any such sign shall be no more than four (4) square feet. The use of sign plazas is preferred and, in all cases, only the minimum number of signs necessary to accomplish any of these objectives may be authorized by the Zoning Board. Off-site directional signs may only be indirectly illuminated with downward directed lighting.
B.
Franchise or Licensed Trademark Signs. Trade signs displaying corporate logotypes, trademarks, or mandated to be used under franchise or other form of license shall conform to this Ordinance, or if not conforming, shall be used only upon issue of a Special Use Permit. An applicant for such a Special Use Permit for a non-conforming sign shall demonstrate to the Zoning Board that no other reasonable, conforming alternative is possible. No more than one (1) such sign shall be permitted for each such use, and may be permitted only in commercial or industrial zoning districts. The area of any such sign may not exceed twenty four (24) square feet.
§ 218-67 Fees.
A.
An applicant for a sign permit or temporary sign permit shall, when filing an application, pay to the Town of Charlestown the appropriate fee. The fee shall be waived until such time as established by Resolution of the Town Council.
B.
In addition to the filing fee, an applicant shall also, where applicable (e.g., sign plaza), pay a fee for the Town to erect a sign structure. The fee shall be waived until such time as established by Resolution of the Town Council.
§ 218-68 Temporary Signs.
A.
The following temporary signs are allowed in any zoning district provided that they conform to the following provisions, further provided that they are granted a temporary sign permit. Such temporary signs shall not be illuminated nor indirectly illuminated. These signs shall meet the restrictions and limitations as to lot placement for the designated district in which they are placed.
(1)
Construction Signs on Buildings or Other Significant Work. Temporary signs, customary and necessary in connection with the erection of buildings or other significant construction work shall be limited to one (1) sign for each construction project to include only the identification of the project, architect, sponsor or builder. Such signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet in any residential district, twenty (20) square feet in any commercial district, or thirty (30) square feet in any industrial district, and shall be removed before issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. No sign may be affixed to a tree or telephone pole.
(2)
Auctions and Special Events Conducted by Non-Profit Organizations. A temporary sign, no larger than twenty (20) square feet, which advertises an auction or special event conducted by a non-profit organization, provided such sign shall not be in place more than thirty (30) days. No more than ten (10) signs advertising any such event shall be erected or maintained at any one time within the Town of Charlestown.
(3)
Real Estate "For Sale" Signs.
(a)
Temporary "For Sale" signs which are in place for more than six (6) months, and which advertise in any way the sale of the property upon which they are located, shall not exceed six (6) square feet in any residential zone and twenty four (24) square feet in any commercial zone. No such temporary sign shall be maintained for more than ten (10) days after the completion of the sale of property.
(b)
For subdivisions of ten (10) or more lots, in lieu of individual lot "For Sale" signs, there may be one (1) common sign, not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet per side, advertising the property for sale, and not to be in place for more than two (2) years. These signs should be the customary signs used in the real estate industry and be made of durable materials.
B.
Temporary Sign Permits and Fees.
(1)
Any temporary sign will require a cash deposit, amount to be set by Town Council from time to time. No temporary sign, as described in this Ordinance, shall be erected, installed or maintained without first obtaining a permit thereof. Any such permit may be issued for a period not to exceed six (6) months and shall provide that any sign authorized by such permit shall be removed at the expiration of said six (6) months period, or within ten (10) days after the completion of the activity advertised, whichever shall be sooner.
(2)
No permit for a temporary sign may be extended or renewed, and any temporary sign which remains in place for more than six (6) months shall be deemed a permanent sign and shall be so regulated, unless otherwise specified herein.
(3)
If the applicant shall fail to remove such sign, the Building Official, after a ten (10) days written notice to the applicant to remove such sign(s), and after the failure of the applicant to do so, shall cause said signs to be removed and the cash deposit shall be forfeited to help defray the cost of the removal and a fee (set by the Town Council from time to time) will be assessed to the violator.
§ 218-69 Hazardous, Obsolete, and Non-Conforming Signs.
A.
No sign deemed hazardous shall be maintained or erected in the Town of Charlestown. Signs must be kept clean, neatly painted and free from all hazards such as, but not limited to, faulty wiring, loose fastenings and must be maintained at all times in such safe condition so as not to be detrimental to the public health and safety.
B.
No sign deemed obsolete shall be erected or maintained which advertises a product, use or activity no longer available, for sale, or in use on the premises. Such obsolete signs shall be removed within thirty (30) days after the date they become obsolete. This provision does not apply to seasonal activities and uses that are closed during regular periods. Any sign must be located on the premises on which the business or service is located; except one sign may be erected on a previous site of a business or service which is relocated for reasons of an unforeseen disaster (e.g., fire, flood) for a period of fifteen (15) months.
C.
Non-conforming signs which are relocated or replaced, shall comply with the provisions of this Ordinance.
§ 218-70 Violations and Removal of Unlawful or Unsafe Signs.
A.
In the event of a violation of any of the foregoing provisions of this Ordinance, the Building Official shall give written notice, specifying the violation, to the named owner of the sign and to the named owner of the land upon which the sign is erected. Said notice will be sent to the owners' last known address as set forth in the records of the Town of Charlestown directing them to cause such sign to conform to the provisions of this Ordinance, or to remove any such sign within thirty (30) days from the date of said notice.
B.
Upon failure to comply with the provisions of said notice specified in Subsection A, above, the Building Official shall notify the Town Solicitor of such violation of the Ordinance and request appropriate legal action to be taken to obtain conformance or removal of such sign. When any sign is in such condition as to be an immediate hazard and peril to the safety of the public or to property, the Building Official is hereby authorized to cause any such sign to be removed summarily without notice.