The purpose of these sign regulations are: to encourage the effective use of signs as a means of Communication in the City; to maintain and enhance the aesthetic environment and the city's ability to attract sources of economic development and growth; to improve pedestrian and traffic safety, to minimize the possible adverse effect of signs on nearby public and private property; and to enable the fair and consistent enforcement of these regulations. This sign ordinance is adopted under the Zoning Authority of the City in furtherance of the more general purposes set forth in the Zoning Ordinance.

The following definitions are applicable to the Sign Section of this ordinance:

A.

Animated Sign. Any sign that uses movement or change in lighting to depict action or create a special effect or scheme.

B.

Banner. Any sign of light weight fabric or similar material that is temporarily mounted to a pole or a building by a permanent frame at one or more edges. National Flags, State or Municipal Flags, or the official Flag of any institution or business shall not be considered banners. (See Temporary Sign.)

C.

Bench Sign. Shall mean any sign located on any part of the surface of a bench or seat placed on, or adjacent to a public right-of-way.

D.

Billboard. A Non-Point of Sale Sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service or activity, sold or offered for sale at a location other than the premises upon which said billboard is located. (See Off-Premises Sign.)

E.

Bulletin Board. A sign which identifies an institution or organization on the premises of which it is located and which contains the name of the institution or organization, the name of individuals connected with it, and general information or announcements of events or activities occurring at the institution or similar messages.

F.

Changeable Copy Sign (Electronic). A sign board that is designed so that the characters, letters or illustrations can be electronically changed or arranged without permanently altering the face or the surface of the sign.

G.

Changeable Copy Sign (Manual). A sign that is designed so that characters, letters, or illustrations can be manually changed or arranged without permanently altering the face or surface of the sign.

H.

Construction Sign. Shall mean any sign giving the name or names of principal contractors, architects and lending institutions responsible for construction on the site where the sign is placed, together with other information included thereon. (See Temporary Sign.)

I.

Directory Sign. A sign upon which the name and location of the occupants or the use of a building is given.

J.

Erect. Shall mean to build, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend, mount, or affix and shall include the Painting of Wall Signs upon the exterior wall surface of buildings.

K.

Freestanding Sign. Any sign supported by structures or supports that are placed on, or anchored in, the ground and that are independent from any building or other structure.

L.

Ground Sign. Any sign which is supported by structures or supports in or upon the ground and independent of support from any building. (Also qualifies as freestanding sign.)

M.

Illuminated Sign. A sign lighted by or exposed to artificial lighting either by lights on or inside the sign face or directed towards the sign.

1.

Indirect Light. One reflecting light from a separate outside source aimed toward it, including silhouettes on a background or reflected light.

2.

Direct Light. One emitting light from a source within or affixed to the sign face, and beaming outward from it.

3.

Intermittent Light. Any flashing, traveling light, including arrangements that spell messages, simulate motion or form various symbols or images.

N.

Location. Any lot, premises, building, structure, wall, or any place whatsoever upon which a sign is located.

O.

Non-Conforming Sign. Any sign that does not conform to the requirements of this ordinance.

P.

Off-Premises Sign. A sign that directs attention to a business, commodity, service, entertainment or activity conducted, sold or offered for sale at a location other than the premises upon which the sign is located.

Q.

On-Premises Sign. A sign which advertises only goods, services, facilities events or attractions available on the premises where located, or identifies the owner or occupant or directs traffic on the premises.

R.

Permanent Sign. A sign which is originally designed, constructed or modified to be permanently affixed to a building, structure or to the ground.

S.

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

T.

Portable Sign. Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent structure, or a sign designed to be transported, including, but not limited to, signs designed to be transported by means of wheels; signs converted to A- or T-frames; menu and sandwich board signs; balloons used as signs; umbrellas used for advertising; and signs attached to or painted on vehicles parked and visible from the public right-of-way, unless said vehicle is used in the normal day-to-day operations of a business.

U.

Premises. A lot or tract of land upon which sign is located or is to be located.

V.

Projecting Sign. Any sign affixed to a building or wall in such a manner that its leading edge extends more than six inches beyond the surface of such building or wall.

W.

Principal Building. The building in which is conducted the principal use of the zone lot on which it is located. Zone lots with multiple principal uses may have multiple principal buildings, but storage buildings, garages, and other clearly accessory uses shall not be considered principal buildings.

X.

Roof Sign. Any sign erected and constructed wholly on and over the roof of a building, supported by the roof structure.

Y.

Roof Sign, Integral. Any sign erected or constructed as an integral or essentially integral part of a normal roof structure of any design, such that no part of the Sign extends vertically above the highest portion of the roof and such that no part of the sign is separated from the rest of the roof by a space of more than six inches.

Z.

Sign. A name, identification, image, description, display or illustration which is affixed to, painted on, or represented directly or indirectly upon a building, structure, or piece of land, and which directs attention to an object, product, place, activity, facility, service, event, attraction, person, institution, organization or business and which is visible from any street, right-of-way, sidewalk, alley, park or other public property. Customary displays of merchandise or objects and material without lettering placed behind a store window are not considered signs or parts of sign.

Z.1.

Sign Area. The area of a sign, measured as follows:

A.

Freestanding or projecting signs shall be measured as the area within a single rectangle which encompasses the extreme limits of each and every sign face, including all advertising surfaces background, framing, and ornamentation; but excluding structural members not forming an integral part of the display or pole covers which contain no advertising copy. The area of all such faces shall be totaled and such resultant area shall be divided by two (2) to determine the total sign area.

B.

All other signs shall be measured as the area within a single rectangle which encompasses all letters, words, symbols, or other graphic elements, plus any background area which does not appear as a continuous portion of the building surface.

Z.2.

Sign Face. The surface or surfaces used for the display of a sign message as seen from any one direction.

Z.3.

Signable Wall Area. The area within a rectangle which encompasses a continuous portion of a building facade, unbroken by windows, doors, or major architectural interruptions of the building surface. For signs located completely within a gable, signable wall area may be triangular in shape.

Z.4.

Snipe Sign. Shall mean any sign of any materials whatsoever that is attached in any way to a utility pole, tree, or any object located or situated on public or private property.

Z.5.

Spacing of Signs. The distance between signs measured from points directly opposite the signs along the nearest edge of the pavement or roadway edge of the main thoroughfare or travelled way of the street or thoroughfare to which said signs are directed.

Z.6.

Temporary Sign. Any sign not originally designed, constructed or intended to permanently affixed to a building, structure or the ground. Temporary signs shall be removed by the party or parties posting or erecting them, and where stipulated, within the specified time period.

Z.7.

Temporary Subdivision Sign. A temporary sign advertising the sale of property in an approved subdivision.

Z.8.

Wall Sign. Any sign painted on or attached to and erected parallel to the face of, or erected and confined within the limits of, the outside wall of any building and supported by such wall or building and which displays only one advertising surface.

Z.9.

Window Sign. Any sign, pictures, symbol, or combination thereof designed to communicate information about an activity, business, commodity, product, event, sale or service, that is placed inside a window or upon the window panes or glass and is visible from the exterior of the window.

In any zoning district, the following general regulations shall apply:

a.

No sign shall be erected or maintained at any location where by reason of its position, working, illumination, shape, symbol, color, form or character it may obstruct, impair, obscure, interfere with the view of, or may be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device, or interfere with, mislead, confuse, or disrupt traffic safety or flow.

b.

Signs incorporating any noisy mechanical device (whistles, horns, sirens, or any other noisy audible devices) are expressly prohibited.

c.

No sign of any type or foundation or support thereof shall be placed in a public street or highway right-of-way.

d.

No sign having flashing, traveling or animated illuminated shall be permitted in any zone district of the City, except for permanent signs located in Commercial Zone Districts, giving public service information such as, but not limited to, the time, date, temperature, news or weather.

e.

No permanent or temporary sign exceeding four square feet in area shall be permitted within 25 feet of an intersection street right-of-way line (50 feet if the intersecting street is an arterial highway), within fifteen (15) feet from the front lot line, or within ten (10) feet from a private drive. This limitation may be waived if such sign does not grade level or otherwise does not interfere with traffic visibility for entrance onto and exit from the lot and adjacent lots and the visibility of traffic flow through nearby intersections, as determined by the Building Inspector. In any event, no sign, regardless of size, height, or design shall extend into any right-of-way, except for attached signs projecting over a public sidewalk or as otherwise expressly authorized.

f.

No illuminated sign, other than a permanent subdivision identification sign shall be permitted within fifty (50) feet of any residential zone district of the City.

g.

The area around all ground signs and freestanding signs shall be kept clean and clear of trash and litter and shall present a neat and clean appearance. It shall be the responsibility of the sign owner/lessor or property owner to maintain all signs in a safe and proper operating manner at all times.

h.

Signs shall not be attached to or painted onto a vehicle parked on a public street or thoroughfare for the sole purpose of advertising.

i.

Snipe signs shall not be in any district, except as may be authorized by City Ordinance.

j.

All signs shall conform with the Southern Standard Building Code, Chapter XXIII, which provides a comprehensive set of construction standards for signs. These specifications include wind loads, vibration resistance, seismic loads, acceptable supports, allowable stresses, materials, and electrical wiring.

k.

Any existing sign located on property or land which becomes vacant, unsafe, or otherwise unoccupied for six (6) months or more, shall be deemed abandoned. Any sign which pertains to a specific time, event, or purpose which no longer applies, shall be deemed abandoned. All abandoned signs are prohibited and shall be removed by the owner of the sign or owner of the premises or upon notification by the City of Clanton Building Department. If the owner of the sign refuses or neglects to remove or repair the sign within thirty (30) calendar days after service of such notice, the City of Clanton Building Official, or their designee, shall enter said premises and cause the removal of the abandoned sign. The cost of removal shall be levied against the real property owner of record.

l.

Any existing or new sign which contains language or imagery determined by the Planning Commission of the City of Clanton, Alabama, or their designee, to be offensive or obscene by contemporary community standards, is prohibited within the corporate limits of Clanton, Alabama.

m.

Only one (1) business shall be allowed to advertise on an on-premises pole or ground sign unless it is located in a shopping mall or unified business center.

n.

All signs (new and replacement) must be approved by the Planning Commission of the City of Clanton, Alabama.

(Ord. No. 2023-06, 5-22-23)

Except as otherwise provided, the following signs are exempt from sign permit requirements and from the provisions of this ordinance, subject however, to meeting all applicable regulations and codes, as well as established City policy concerning any of these signs.

a.

Permanent or temporary signs required to be posted by Law.

b.

Permanent or temporary warning signs and no trespassing signs.

c.

Permanent or temporary signs established by, or by order of any governmental agency or body.

d.

Signs indicating bus stops, taxi stands, and similar transportation facilities.

e.

Signs giving information concerning the location or use of accessory off-street parking facilities or loading or unloading facilities.

f.

Permanent or temporary signs required for the control of vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

g.

Temporary holiday signs, banners, displays and decorations, subject to established City Policy.

h.

Routine sign maintenance and repair, including the changing of copy on changeable copy signs.

i.

Decorative flags and bunting for a Citywide celebration, conventions, and commemorations when authorized by the City for prescribed time periods.

j.

One construction sign per street frontage located on property where building is actually in progress under a current building permit. This shall be a ground sign not to exceed twenty-four (24) square feet in area, be non-illuminated, and may include the names of persons and firms performing services, labor or supplying materials to the premises. Such sign must be removed before a certificate of occupancy is issued.

k.

Flags, banners or insignias of a governmental, religious, charitable or fraternal organization subject to established City Policy.

l.

Window signs located in commercial zone districts, which identify or advertise activities, services, goods or products available within the building, and which collectively cover twenty (20) percent or less of the window glass surface area.

m.

Temporary non-illuminated political signs and campaign posters, provided they conform with Sections 3.0(e) and (i). In addition, such signs and posters shall be removed within forty-eight (48) hours after the election to which they pertain by the person or persons posting or erecting them.

n.

Signs which advertise garage or yard sales and the sale of personal property subject to the provisions of Section 3.0(i). In addition, these signs shall be removed within twenty-four (24) hours after the end of the event of sale to which they pertain by the person or persons posting or erecting them. These signs shall not be illuminated.

o.

Temporary non-illuminated signs, located in residential and agricultural districts, pertaining to agricultural products raised on the premises. (Subject to Sections 3.0(e) and (i)).

p.

Temporary non-illuminated real estate signs which are used to offer for sale, lease, or rent the property upon which said signs are located.

q.

Fuel price informational signs, in any district in which gasoline sales are permitted, signs advertising the price of motor vehicle fuel sold from a fuel dispenser located on the premises, including logos and advertising signs attached to, or painted onto, the fuel dispensers themselves.

r.

Directory signs located inside the building giving the names and locations of the occupants therein.

The following types of signs are permitted in the Residential Zone Districts of the City, subject to Specified requirements, unless otherwise provided for elsewhere in the Ordinance. Also see Sections 3.0 and 4,0 relative to Regulations Applying To All Signs and Exempt Signs.

a.

For detached or attached single-family, two-family, and multi-family dwelling districts: Nameplates, not to exceed two (2) square feet in area shall be permitted for each dwelling unit. Such nameplates shall indicate nothing more than the name and address of the premises, occupants thereof, announcements, etc. If lighted, such nameplates may be lighted with indirect illumination only.

b.

Professional signs for home occupations, where permitted, shall not exceed four (4) square feet in area. Such signs may be either wall-mounted or ground-mounted and shall not be illuminated. If such sign is ground-mounted, said sign shall not be located closer than ten (10) feet from the pavement edge or the edge of the street or thoroughfare to which said sign is directed.

c.

Temporary ground signs, non-illuminated, advertising yard sales, garage sales, or the sale of personal property. Such signs shall not exceed four (4) square feet in area and shall not be located any closer than ten (10) feet from the pavement edge or the edge of the street or thoroughfare to which said sign is directed.

d.

Temporary ground subdivision signs, which are non-illuminated. Such signs shall be limited to one (1) each at the principal entrance to the subdivision and located along the main traffic thoroughfare leading to the development. Such sign shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet in area and shall be maintained only during such time as some portion of the property is unsold. Such signs shall be located along the main traffic thoroughfare leading to the development. Such sign shall be located at least ten (10) feet from the pavement edge or edge of the street or thoroughfare to which it is directed.

e.

Permanent subdivision ground signs, (which shall not be internally illuminated) which may include a masonry wall, landscaping and other similar materials or features, designed and intended to form a display for neighborhood or subdivision identification. Such signs shall be limited to one (1) each at the principal entrance to the subdivision and located along the main traffic thoroughfare leading to the development. Such sign shall not exceed forty-two (42) square feet in area and shall be located not closer than fifteen (15) feet from the pavement edge of the street or road to which it is directed.

f.

For multiple family and group dwellings: Identification signs, not to exceed nine (9) square feet in area. Such signs shall indicate nothing more than the name and address of the premises, and name of the management. Such signs shall be attached flush with the principal building and may be indirectly illuminated.

g.

Permanent church, school or public building bulletin boards or identification signs, including manually operated changeable copy signs, not to exceed forty-two (42) square feet in area. Such signs may be illuminated and shall not be located any closer than fifteen (15) feet from the pavement edge or edge of the street or thoroughfare to which said sign is directed.

Note: Billboards, portable signs and signs containing animated, traveling or flashing lights are prohibited in all residential zone districts of the City of Clanton, while signs containing animated, traveling, or flashing lights are prohibited throughout the City.

The following signs are permitted in the B-1 Central Business District, subject to all specified requirements. Also see Sec. 3.0 for regulations applying to all signs and Sec. 4.0 for Exempt Signs.

a.

Permanent Freestanding, on-premises, pole-mounted or ground sign, limited to one such sign per street frontage of a lot, regardless of the number of business located on the lot. These may include either.

1.

A Permanent, on-premises, pole-mounted sign, either illuminated or non-illuminated, provided such sign shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet in sign face area. Such sign shall not exceed a maximum height of thirty (30) feet from ground level to the highest point on the sign. In addition, such signs shall have a minimum clearance of ten (10) feet from the ground level to the lowest point on the sign face and such sign shall be located no closer than fifteen (15) feet from the pavement edge of the street to which it is directed. However notwithstanding any of the above requirements, no such sign shall, at any time, be located on public right-of-way. (See typical illustration of sign type below.)

2.

A Permanent, on-premises ground sign, either illuminated or non-illuminated, which may include a masonry wall, landscaping and similar features or materials. Such sign shall not exceed forty-eight (48) square feet in sign face area, and shall be located no closer than fifteen (15) feet from the pavement edge of the street to which it is directed. However, notwithstanding any of the above requirements, no ground sign shall at any time, be placed on public right-of-way. (See typical illustration of sign type below.)

b.

Wall or fascia sign, either illuminated or non-illuminated. Such signs shall be limited to one such sign per street frontage, provided no other signs for such establishment are located on the same building wall. Such signs shall not extend above the roof line of the building upon which it is mounted and shall not project outward from the building more than twelve (12) inches. Wall signs may also be permitted which identify the rear entrance of the principal building, provided such sign is non-illuminated and does not exceed ten (10) square feet in sign area. (See typical illustration of sign type below.)

c.

Projecting sign, either illuminated or non-illuminated which is attached to the wall of the establishment it serves, provided no other signs for such establishment are located on the same building wall. Such signs shall not extend above the roof line of the building on which it is located nor project outward from the building wall upon which it is mounted more than the greater of forty (40) inches or within eighteen (18) inches of the curb line. Projecting signs shall be located such that a clearance of nine (9) feet is maintained from finished grade to the lower edge of a projecting sign face. The area of a projecting sign shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet. (See typical illustration of sign type below.)

d.

Roof sign, either illuminated or non-illuminated, limited to one such sign per street frontage, per establishment. Each roof sign shall be located within a selected signable area. Signable wall area for a roof sign shall not extend beyond the dimensions of a mansard, penthouse, or architectural element on which the sign is located (see definition of signable area). The vertical dimensions of signable wall area shall not exceed six (6) feet. The size of such signs shall not exceed forty (40) percent of the signable wall area. (See typical illustration of sign type below.)

e.

Signs in shopping centers and other unified Business centers.

1.

There shall be an architectural harmony and unity of signs within a shopping center or unified business center on a property. Sign type, color scheme, size, and illumination within the site shall be coordinated and shall be compatible with the architecture of the center.

2.

Either a permanent, Freestanding, pole-mounted or ground sign, illuminated or non-illuminated, shall be permitted to identify such shopping center or unified business center. In addition, wall or fascia signs for each establishment within the center shall be permitted, with all signs subject to the height, dimensional requirements and restrictions of Secs. 6.0.a.1, a.2 and b. (See typical illustration of sign type below.)

f.

Billboards are prohibited in the B-1 Central Business District unless located along Interstate Highway 65. Subject to the provisions of Section 13.

g.

Portable signs are permitted in the B-1 Central Business District subject to the provisions of Section 14.0.

h.

Marquees, canopies or fixed awnings are permitted subject to the provisions of Chapter 22 of the Standard Building Code, Secs. 2201.2—2201.6.

(Ord. No. 2023-06, 5-22-23)

The following signs are permitted in the B-2 District, subject to all specified requirements. Also see Sec. 3.0 for regulations applying to all signs and Sec. 4.0 for exempt signs.

a.

Permanent, freestanding, on-premises, pole-mounted on ground signs, limited to one such sign per street frontage of a lot, regardless of the number of businesses on a lot. These may include either:

1.

A permanent pole-mounted, on-premises sign, either illuminated or non-illuminated such sign shall not exceed one hundred and fifty (150) square feet in sign face area and shall not exceed a maximum of forty (40) feet from the ground level to the highest point on the sign. In addition, such sign shall have a minimum clearance of ten (10) feet from the ground level to the lowest point on the sign face and not be located closer than fifteen (15) feet from the pavement edge or roadway edge to which it is directed. However, notwithstanding any of the above requirements, no pole-mounted sign shall, at any time, be placed on public right-of-way. (See typical illustration of sign type below.)

2.

A permanent, on-premises ground sign, either illuminated or non illuminated, which may include a masonry wall, landscaping and other similar materials or features, designed and intended to form a display for office and/or tenant identification. Such sign shall not exceed forty-eight (48) square feet in area and shall be located not closer than fifteen (15) feet from the pavement edge of the street or road to which it is directed. However, notwithstanding any of the above requirements, no ground sign shall, at any time, be placed on public right-of-way. (See typical illustration of sign type below.)

b.

Wall or fascia sign, either illuminated or non-illuminated. Such signs shall be limited to one such sign per street frontage, provided no other wall signs for such establishment are located on the same building wall. Such signs shall not extend above the roof line of the building upon which it is mounted and shall not project outward from the building more than twelve (12) inches. Wall signs may also be permitted which identify the rear entrance of the principal building, provided such sign is non-illuminated and does not exceed ten (10) square feet in sign area. (See typical illustration of sign type below.)

c.

Projecting sign, either illuminated or non-illuminated which are attached to the wall of the establishment it serves, provided no other signs for such establishment are located on the same building wall. Such signs shall not extend above the roof line of the building on which it is located nor project outward from the building wall upon which it is mounted more than the greater of forty (40) inches or within 18 inches of the curb line. Projecting signs shall be located such that a clearance of nine (9) feet is maintained from the finished grade to the lower edge of a projecting sign face. The area of a projecting sign shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet. (See typical illustration of sign type below.)

d.

Roof sign, either illuminated or non-illuminated, limited to one such sign per street frontage, per establishment. Each roof sign shall be located within a selected signable area. Signable wall area for a roof sign shall not extend beyond the dimensions of a mansard, Penthouse, or architectural element on which the sign is located (see definition of Signable Area). The vertical dimensions of signable wall area shall not exceed six (6) feet. The size of such signs shall not exceed forty (40) percent of the signable wall area. (See typical illustration of sign type below.)

e.

Signs in Shopping Centers and Other Unified Business Centers.

1.

There shall be an architectural harmony and unity of signs within a shopping center or unified business center on a property. Sign type, color scheme, size, and illumination with the site shall be coordinated and shall be compatible with the architecture of the center.

2.

Either a freestanding, pole-mounted or ground sign, illuminated or non-illuminated, shall be permitted to identify such shopping center or business center. In addition, wall or fascia signs for each establishment within the center shall be permitted with all signs subject to the height and dimensional requirements and restrictions of Secs. 6.0.a.1, a.2 and b. (See typical illustration of sign types below.)

f.

Billboards are prohibited in the B-2 General Business District unless located along Interstate Highway 65. Subject to the provisions of Section 13.

g.

Portable signs are permitted in the B-2 General Business District subject to the provisions of sec. 14.0.

h.

Marquees, canopies, or fixed awnings are permitted subject to the provisions of Chapter 22 of the Standard Building Code, Secs. 2201.2—2201.6.

NOTE: Permanent Freestanding, Pole-mounted signs located in close proximity to Interstate Highway 65 interchanges may be allowed to exceed the size and height restrictions imposed for such signs in other areas as determined by the Zoning Board of Adjustment upon application for special exceptions.

(Ord. No. 2023-06, 5-22-23)

The following signs are permitted in the B-3 Neighborhood Business District, subject to all specified requirements. Also see 3.0 for regulations applying to all signs and sec. 4.0 for exempt signs.

a.

Permanent Freestanding, on-premises, pole-mounted, or ground signs, limited to one such sign per street frontage of a lot, regardless of the number of businesses located on the lot. These may include either.

1.

A permanent, on-premises, pole-mounted sign, either illuminated or non-illuminated, provided such sign shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet in sign face area. Such sign shall not exceed a maximum height of thirty (30) feet from ground level to the highest point on the sign. In addition, such sign shall have a minimum clearance of ten (10) feet from the ground level to the lowest point on the sign face and such sign shall be located no closer than fifteen (15) feet from the pavement edge of the street to which it is directed. However, notwithstanding any of the above requirements, no such sign shall, at any time, be located on public right-of-way. (See typical illustration of sign type below.)

2.

Permanent, on-premises ground sign, either illuminated or non-illuminated, which may include a masonry wall, landscaping and similar features or materials. Such sign shall not exceed forty-eight (48) square feet in sign face area and shall be located no closer than fifteen (15) feet from the pavement edge of the street to which it is directed. However, notwithstanding any of the above requirements, no ground sign shall at any time, be placed on public right-of-way. (See typical illustration of sign type below.)

b.

Wall or fascia sign, either illuminated or non-illuminated. Such signs shall be limited to one such sign per street frontage, provided no other signs for such establishment are located on the same building wall. Such signs shall not extend above the roof line of the building upon which it is mounted and shall not project outward from the building more than twelve (12) inches. Wall signs may also be permitted which identify the rear entrance of the principal building, provided such sign is non-illuminated and does not exceed ten (10) square feet in sign area. (See typical illustration of sign type below.)

c.

Projecting sign, either illuminated or non-illuminated, which is attached to the wall of the business establishment it serves, provided no other signs for such establishment are located on the same building wall. Such signs shall not extend above the roof line of the building on which it is located, nor project above the roof line of the building on which it is located nor project outward from the building wall upon it is mounted more than the greater of forty (40) inches or within eighteen (18) inches of the curb line. Projecting signs shall be located such that a clearance of nine (9) feet is maintained from finished grade to the lower edge of a projecting sign face. The area of a projecting sign shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet. (See typical illustration of sign type below.)

d.

Roof sign either illuminated or non-illuminated, limited to one such sign per street frontage, per establishment. Each roof sign shall be located within a selected signable area. Signable wall area for a roof sign shall not extend beyond the dimensions of a mansard, penthouse, or architectural element on which the sign is located (see definition of signable area). The vertical dimensions of signable wall area shall not exceed six (6) feet. The size of such signs shall not exceed forty (40) percent of the signable wall area. (See typical illustration of sign type below.)

e.

Signs in Shopping Centers and Unified Business Centers. (Refer to the Regulations set forth in Sec. 7.0.e of the B-2 General Business District pertaining to signs located in Shopping Centers and Unified Business Centers.)

f.

Billboards are prohibited in the B-3 Neighborhood Business District unless located along Interstate Highway 65. Subject to the provisions of Section 13.

g.

Portable signs are permitted in the B-3 Neighborhood Business District subject to the provisions of Section 14.0.

h.

Marquees, canopies, or fixed awnings subject to the provisions of Chapter 22 of the Standard Building Code, Secs. 22Q1-2—2201.6.

(Ord. No. 2023-06, 5-22-23)

The following signs are permitted in the O-1 Office Building District, subject to all specified requirements. Also see Sec. 3.0 for regulations applying to all signs and Sec. 4.0 for Exempt Signs:

a.

Permanent Freestanding, on-premises, pole-mounted or ground signs, limited to one such sign per street frontage of a lot, regardless of the number of businesses located, on the lot. These may include either:

1.

A permanent, on-premises, pole-mounted sign, either illuminated or non-illuminated, provided such sign shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet in sign face area, such sign shall not exceed a maximum height of thirty (30) feet from ground level to the highest point on the sign. In addition, such sign shall have a minimum clearance of ten (10) feet from the ground level to the lowest point on the sign face and such sign shall be located no closer than fifteen (15) feet from the pavement edge of the street to which it is directed. However, notwithstanding any of the above requirements, no such sign shall, at any time, be located on public right-of-way. (See typical illustration of sign type below.)

2.

A permanent, on-premises ground sign, either illuminated or non-illuminated, which may include a masonry wall, landscaping and similar features or materials. Such sign shall not exceed forty-eight (48) square feet in sign face area, and shall be located no closer than fifteen (15) feet from the pavement edge of the street to which it is directed. However, notwithstanding any of the above requirements, no ground sign shall at any time, be placed on public right-of-way. (See typical illustration of sign type below.)

b.

Wall or fascia sign, either illuminated or non-illuminated. Such signs shall be limited to one such sign per street frontage, provided no other signs for such establishment are located on the same wall. Such signs shall not extend above the roof line of the building upon which it is mounted and shall not project outward from the building more than twelve (12) inches. Wall signs may also be permitted which identify the rear entrance of the principal building, provided such sign does not exceed ten (10) square feet in sign area. (See typical illustration of sign type below.)

c.

Signs in Unified Business Centers (Office Parks).

1.

There shall be an architectural harmony and unity of signs within a Unified Business Center on a property. Sign type, size and illumination within the site shall be coordinated and compatible with the architecture of the center.

2.

Either a permanent freestanding, pole-mounted or a ground sign, illuminated or non-illuminated, shall be permitted to identify such unified business center. In addition, wall or fascia signs for each establishment within the establishment within the center may be permitted, with all signs subject to the height and dimensional requirements for such signs in Secs. a.1, a.2 and a.3 of this section.

d.

Billboards are prohibited in the O-1 Office Building District unless located along Interstate Highway 65. Subject to the provisions of Section 13.

e.

Portable signs are permitted in the O-1 Office Building District subject to the provisions of section 14.0.

f.

Marquees, canopies, or fixed awnings subject to the provisions of Chapter 22 of the Standard Building Code, Secs. 2201-2—2201-6.

(Ord. No. 2023-06, 5-22-23)

The following signs are permitted in the M-1 and M-2 Industrial Districts, subject to Specified Requirements. Also see sec. 3.0 for regulations applying to all signs and sec. 4.0 for Exempt Signs:

a.

Permanent freestanding, on-premises, pole-mounted or ground signs, limited to one such sign per street frontage of a lot, regardless of the number of businesses located on the lot. Unless otherwise stipulated, these may include either:

1.

A permanent, on-premises, pole-mounted sign, either illuminated or non-illuminated, provided such sign shall not exceed one hundred and fifty (150) square feet in sign area and shall not exceed a maximum height of forty (40) feet from ground level to the highest point on the sign. In addition, such sign shall have a minimum clearance of ten (10) feet from the ground level to the lowest point on the sign face. Such sign shall be located no closer than fifteen (15) feet from the pavement edge or roadway edge to which it is directed. However, notwithstanding any of the above requirements, no such sign shall at any time be located on public right-of-way. (See typical illustration of sign type below.)

2.

A permanent, on-premises ground sign, either illuminated or non-illuminated, which may include a masonry wall, landscaping and similar features or materials, such sign shall not exceed sixty (60) square feet in sign face area and shall be located no closer than fifteen (15) feet from the pavement edge or roadway edge to which it is directed. However, notwithstanding any of the above requirements, no ground sign shall, at any time, be placed on public right-of-way. (See typical illustration of sign type below.)

b.

Wall or fascia sign, either illuminated or non-illuminated. Such signs shall be limited to one such sign per street frontage. No other signs for such establishment are located on the same wall. Such signs shall not extend above the roof line of the building upon which it is mounted and shall not project outward from the building more than twelve (12) inches. Wall signs may also be permitted which identify the rear entrance of the principal building, provided such sign does not exceed ten (10) square feet in sign area. (See typical illustration of sign type below.)

c.

Signs in Unified Business Centers (Industrial Parks).

1.

There shall be an architectural harmony and unity of signs within a Unified Business Center on a property. Sign type, size, and illumination within the site shall be coordinated and compatible with the architecture of the Center.

2.

Either a permanent freestanding, pole-mounted or a ground sign, illuminated or non-illuminated, shall be permitted to identify such unified business center (Industrial Park). In addition, wall or fascia signs for each establishment within the establishment within the park may be permitted, with all signs subject to the height and dimensional requirements for such signs in Secs. a.1, a.2, and b. of this section.

d.

Billboards are prohibited in the M-1 Light Industrial and M-2 Heavy Industrial Districts unless located along Interstate Highway 65. Subject to the provisions of Section 13.

e.

Portable signs are permitted in the M-1 and M-2 Industrial Districts subject to the provisions of sec. 14.0.

f.

Marquees, canopies, or fixed awnings subject to the provisions of Chapter 22 of the Standard Building Code, Secs. 1101.1—1201-6.

(Ord. No. 2023-06, 5-22-23)

The following signs are permitted in the AG Agriculture District:

a.

Those signs permitted in Residential areas listed in sec. 5.0;

b.

Signs customarily incidental to uses permitted in the Agriculture District.

NOTE: Also, see sec. 3.0 for regulations pertaining to all signs and sec. 4.0 for Exempt Signs.

Due to the temporary nature of this District, all signs existing at the time of annexation shall be allowed to remain except for those signs which represent a hazard to the public either by virtue of placement or sub-standard condition. However, once City Zoning has been determined (or MR Districts) those applicable provisions for those specific zoning districts shall apply to signs proposed after Zoning Designation.

A.

Billboards shall not be located within the corporate limits of Clanton, Alabama. However, an exception shall exist for billboards located along futerstate Highway 65 in Clanton, Alabama. All billboards must be approved by the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), the Planning Commission of the City of Clanton, Alabama, and shall comply with the following provisions:

1.

No billboard shall be permitted on any lot which has two (2) or more on-premises signs pertaining to the establishment(s) located on the same lot.

2.

No billboard shall be erected closer than two hundred (200) feet from any residence or residential zone district in Clanton, Alabama.

3.

Billboard illumination shall be from an indirect beam of light and shall be directed toward the face of the sign and away from adjacent areas and thoroughfares.

4.

No flashing, blinking, traveling, animated, or intermittent illumination shall be permitted.

5.

No portion of a billboard shall project over or be located on public property or public rights-of-way.

6.

Where permitted, no billboard shall be erected closer to another billboard or off-premises pole sign than the following prescribed distances:

i.

Interstate Highway 65. Five hundred (500) feet between sign structures located on the same side of said thoroughfare.

7.

The copy (viewing) area of the billboard shall not exceed 672 square feet; typically, 14 feet by 48 feet.

8.

The total height of the billboard, including the pole and/or other attachments, shall not exceed 65 feet.

9.

All billboards must meet State of Alabama provisions, requirements, or other regulations; including, Alabama Administrative Code Section 450-10-1-.13.

(Ord. No. 2023-06, 5-22-23)

Where permitted, portable signs shall conform with the following requirements:

a.

No portable sign shall contain flashing or traveling lights;

b.

No portable sign shall contain lights that consist of those colors used by fire department vehicles, law enforcement vehicles, emergency medical vehicles, or other official vehicles. This shall include the following colors: Red, blue, and orange;

c.

All portable signs shall be set back at least ten (10) feet from the pavement edge of a public road, street or thoroughfare to which it is directed; and no portable sign shall be permitted within thirty-five (35) feet of the intersection of the pavement edge lines of two streets or the right-of-way line of a railroad. Under no circumstances, shall these signs be placed on public right-of-way;

d.

Where permitted, no more than one (1) portable sign shall be allowed per street frontage of a lot regardless of the number of businesses on a lot;

e.

Portable signs shall be situated in a manner which will not impede with or interfere with motorists' vision at points of ingress and egress; and

f.

No portable sign shall exceed one hundred (100) square feet in sign area. (See illustration of typical sign type below.)

(a)

Permits required.

(1)

Except where this article explicitly exempts a sign, all signs erected shall be required a sign permit issued by the Building Inspector.

(2)

Whether a sign is exempt or not, an electrical permit shall be required for all illuminated signs.

(3)

All outdoor advertising signs to be located within six hundred sixty (660) feet of the nearest edge of the right-of-way of a highway on the Interstate or Federal Aid Primary Highway System shall file an application for a permit with the State of Alabama Highway Department, as required by the Highway Beautification Act—Outdoor Advertising.

(b)

Application. Each application for a sign permit shall include the following items:

(1)

Name, signature, and address of the property owner, authorized agent of the property owner, if any, and sign contractor.

(2)

Address of the property where the sign is to be erected.

(3)

Lot area, sign district, zoning district, and principal land use(s) on the lot subject to erection of a sign.

(4)

A complete description of the sign(s) to be erected, including, but not limited to, number, type, freestanding or attached, method of illumination, on or off-premises display, and setbacks.

(5)

A dimensioned sketch of the sign and a plot plan showing the location of each sign on the lot.

(6)

Other details sufficient for the Building Inspector to determine compliance with the requirements of this article, which may include a building elevation, survey, or other drawings or documentation satisfactory to assess a permit for an attached sign.

(7)

Application fees.

(c)

Fees.

(1)

A $20.00 permit fee shall accompany each application for a sign permit. Additional building and electrical permit and inspection fees shall be established by the City.

(d)

Inspection. The Building Inspector shall inspect each sign authorized by permit to determine compliance with the permit application and the terms of this article.

(e)

Nullification. A sign permit shall become null and void if:

(1)

The work for which the permit was issued has not been completed within a period of six months after the date of the permit.

(2)

The sign varies in any respect from the approved design or location.

(f)

Permit exceptions. The repainting, cleaning, and other normal maintenance to prolong the life of a sign shall not require a sign permit. Also see sec. 4.0 Exempt Signs, Permit Exemptions.

All signs shall comply with the following construction and maintenance requirements:

(1)

All signs shall conform with city building and technical codes which provide a comprehensive set of construction standards for signs. These specifications include wind loads, vibration resistance, seismic loads, acceptable supports, allowable stresses, materials, and electrical wiring.

(2)

All signs and all components thereof, including structural supports, shall be kept in a state of good repair.

(3)

The area surrounding the base of any freestanding sign shall be kept clear of all debris and undergrowth.

(4)

No person may, for the purpose of increasing or enhancing the visibility of any sign, damage, trim, destroy, or remove any trees, shrubs, or other vegetation within any right-of-way (unless express written authorization is obtained from the agency having jurisdiction over the right-of-way) or on any area where landscaping is required by city regulations.

It is the intent of this Ordinance to eventually eliminate all non-conforming signs within the City either through measures designed to eventually bring them into compliance with the provisions of the sign ordinance or by their removal. The following provisions shall apply to all non-conforming signs and/or advertising structures:

a.

All permanent-type non-conforming signs that existed at the time of the adoption of this ordinance shall be allowed to remain as they were at the time of the adoption of this ordinance subject to the following:

1.

No sign and/or advertising structure that had been erected in violation of any previously existing sign ordinance shall by virtue of the adoption of this ordinance, become conforming. Moreover, no non-conforming sign, shall by virtue of its non-conforming status, be allowed to remain in an unsafe condition, either in terms of placement or operating conditions.

2.

No non-conforming sign shall be reestablished after damage or destruction if the estimated expense for reconstruction exceeds fifty (50) percent of the reproduction cost, without meeting the requirements for signs located in the district in which said sign is located.

3.

A non-conforming sign may not be moved or replaced except to bring the sign into complete conformity with these sign regulations.

4.

No non-conforming sign shall be replaced with another non-conforming sign when such sign deteriorates due to age and use to the point where replacement of the sign is needed.

5.

Illumination may not be added to a non-conforming sign.

b.

Notification of Non-Conforming Sign Status.

As soon as possible, after the effective date of this article, the Building Inspector shall make a reasonable effort to notify the person responsible for each such sign and inform such person of the nonconformity, required corrections to bring such sign into conformity, by what date the corrections need to be completed, and the consequences of failure to make the necessary corrections.

c.

Confiscation of Signs in Public Right-of-Way.

Any sign installed or placed on a public right-of-way, except in conformance with the requirements of this article, shall be forfeited to the public and subject to confiscation. In addition to other remedies provided under this article, the city shall have the right to recover from the owner or person placing such a sign the full costs of removal and disposal.

d.

Violations and Penalties.

(1)

Citation for Violations. The Building Inspector or any Police Officer of the City shall serve upon the contractor responsible for the sign permit or owner of the sign which is in violation of this article, a citation to appear in the Municipal Court of the City of Clanton at a time and date specified thereon to answer the charge of such violation(s) of this article. Provided however, that prior to 12:00 noon on the date this matter is to be set before the Municipal Court, such person, firm or corporation charged in such citation, if he has not previously settled or been convicted of three or more such violations within twelve months of the date of such citation, may dispose of the citation by settlement in the following manner: pay the clerk of the Municipal Court a fine for the offenses charged in the amount of $100.00 plus any and all charges otherwise payable to the City pursuant to the terms and conditions of the article. If the offense charged is the third such offense by the owner or person charged within twelve months from the date of such citations, settlement cannot be voluntarily made to the clerk of the Municipal Court as referred to above. If the settlement of the charges set out in the citation is not made prior to 12:00 noon of the date the case is set for trial in Municipal Court and if the party charged fails to appear and answer such charge in the Municipal Court at the time or place set out in such citation or if the citation is not otherwise been disposed of by such court, a warrant shall be issued charging such party with the violation set out in the citation, which warrant shall be obtained, served and tried as provided by law for the arrest and trial of the offenses involving violations of the Ordinances of the City. If a person receiving a citation as herein provided has within the prescribing twelve months from the date of such citation settled or been convicted of three or more such violations, he shall not be permitted to settle the instant alleged offense, but shall be required to stand trial in the Municipal Court.

(2)

Penalty for violation. Once the warrant has been issued and tried before the Municipal Court, a person found guilty of such violations shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished as provided for in Applicable Ordinances of the City of Clanton, which shall include the payment of any fines levied by the Court plus any court costs as therein provided and issued by the court. Each day such offense continues shall constitute a separate offense.

e.

Issuance of citation.

(1)

All citations shall be signed by the enforcement officer finding such violations and shall be sent by certified mail to the contractor responsible for the permit or to the owner of sign for which the violation is found.

(2)

A warning of violation may be issued to the contractor or sign owner in writing, personal appearance, or telephone by the enforcement officer finding such violations. The warning shall give an opportunity for correction of any violations within 30 or less days before a citation is sent, as provided in Sec. e.(1) above.

Variances to the terms of these sign regulations may be granted individual cases upon a finding by the Zoning Board of Adjustment that the variance will not be contrary to the public interest, where, owing to special conditions, a literal enforcement of the provision of this article subject to a variance will result in unnecessary hardship and so that the spirit of this article shall be observed and substantial justice done. A written request for a variance shall be filed in accordance with the Zoning Board of Adjustment rules of procedure.

All signs located in the City of Clanton Arts and Entertainment District shall be approved by the City of Clanton Architectural and Beautification Committee(s) and the City of Clanton Planning Commission. Proposed signs shall meet the following requirements:

A.

Signs shall not occupy more than 10% of the building's façade and shall not exceed 100 square feet in size. The same shall apply for multi-story buildings containing more than one (1) business.

B.

Professionally painted/drawn/etc. signs are permissible.

C.

Accent lighting is permissible to highlight the sign, so long as it does not interfere with or adversely clash with the surrounding street lighting.

D.

Metal LED light boxes, or similar, are prohibited.

E.

Awning signage is permissible, so long as the sign does not exceed the front of the building.

F.

Temporary signage promoting local events are permissible, so long as the signage is removed as soon as practically possible following the conclusion of the event. Signage must be relevant to the local event and in good taste. The City of Clanton retains the right to remove temporary signage solely at its discretion.

G.

All tenants must obtain approval by the owner/landlord of the building prior to the installation of any/all signage.

H.

Permanent signage must be installed within 90 calendar days following the issuance of a signage permit by the City of Clanton Building Department.

(Ord. No. 2023-08, 6-26-23)