The purpose of this chapter is to establish a comprehensive scheme for the regulation of signs in the city. More specifically, this chapter seeks to:

(a)

Encourage the effective use of signs as a means of communication and to facilitate navigation from place to place within the city.

(b)

Balance the need for information for motorists and pedestrians with the need for traffic safety by limiting signs or characteristics of signs that may be distracting to drivers.

(c)

Balance the desire and need of individuals to express themselves through signs with the desire to maintain a pleasing, safe, and navigable environment for residents and visitors.

(d)

Provide liberally for the display of noncommercial messages in residential areas, in recognizing the unique value of residential signage as a means of exercising constitutional freedom of expression.

(e)

Protect and enhance the value of properties in the city by providing for signage consistent with the planned character of the area in which it is located.

(Ord. 539. Passed 1-13-25.)

For the purpose of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings indicated below unless the context clearly suggests otherwise:

(a)

"Animated sign" means a sign employing actual motion or the illusion of motion, including but not limited to signs that consisting of inflatable material that are designed to move as air is pumped through them (e.g., "dancing tubeman"). The term "animated sign" does not include signs on which the copy or image changes immediately without any prolonged transition.

(b)

"Awning" or "canopy sign" means a sign affixed to retractable or fixed roof-like structure, typically constructed of non-rigid materials, such as canvas or plastic, on a supporting framework projecting from the exterior wall of a building that serves as a shelter, as over a storefront, window, door, or deck.

(c)

"Banner" means a fabric, plastic, or other sign made of non-rigid material without a supporting structural framework that is temporarily attached to the wall of a structure, in a manner so as to run parallel with the wall.

(d)

"Billboard" means a large outdoor sign elevated high off the ground so as to be seen by vehicular travelers on nearby roadways.

(e)

"Canopy sign" means a sign attached to the soffit or fascia of a canopy of a covered entrance or walkway or to a permanent awning or marquee.

(f)

"Commercial message" means a message conveyed by an economically motivated speaker, the purpose of which is to encourage a commercial transaction. Commercial speech may have artistic value or pertain to issues of public importance. Soliciting charitable donations is not commercial speech.

(g)

"Digital sign" means a sign or portion of a sign on which copy or images are displayed through the use of lamp banks, LEDs, or other electrically illuminated display, or through mechanical means.

(h)

"Entry sign" means a ground sign that identifies or otherwise states the name of a subdivision, site condominium development, apartment complex, manufactured housing community, nonresidential use in a residential zone, business or industrial park, or other similar development and containing no other commercial message.

(i)

"Flag" means a type of temporary sign made of fabric or similar material with distinctive colors, patterns or symbols that are attached to a pole or other structure at no more than two sides so that they may fly freely in the wind. Flags typically represent governmental or political bodies but are sometimes used to convey other messages.

(j)

"Freestanding sign" means a sign that is not attached to a building, including ground signs and high-rise signs.

(k)

"Government sign" means a sign erected or placed by the City of Coopersville, Ottawa County, the State of Michigan, or another governmental unit having jurisdiction and authority to place the sign. The messages on such signs are the speech of the governmental unit that placed them, even if they promote a non-government event or entity. For example, signs that the parks and recreation department places on the fences of athletic fields are considered government signs, even if they advertise local businesses.

(l)

"Ground sign" means a type of freestanding sign that is erected in the ground on a relatively short base structure, such that the sign face is no more than seven feet above finished grade. In other words, a freestanding sign is a ground sign if its pole or other supporting structure is seven feet or less in height. Freestanding signs with taller supporting structures are considered and regulated as high-rise signs.

(m)

"High-rise sign" means a type of freestanding sign that is erected on a tall structure or pole, designed to be visible to motorists from long distances. The sign face on a high-rise sign must be at least seven feet above finished grade.

(n)

"Incidental sign" means a sign of relatively small size placed on private property in a manner so as to be read by persons within the site, not by persons passing by on streets or other rights-of-way. Incidental signs may convey messages such as "no parking," "entrance," "loading only," "telephone," "handicap," "no hunting," "no trespassing," or other noncommercial messages.

(o)

"Inflatable sign" means a type of temporary sign that is either expanded to its full dimensions or supported by gases contained within the sign or sign parts at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure.

(p)

"Interchange" means a road junction that allows traffic to move between roadways without stopping, using a system of ramps and grade separations.

(q)

"Lot" means as a tract of land, whether legally described or subdivided, which is occupied or intended to be occupied by a principal building or group of such buildings, along with any open spaces and setbacks required by this ordinance. The term "lot" includes each individual unit within a condominium development, as well as each individual site or space (including open spaces and setbacks) designated for the placement of a mobile or manufactured home in a mobile home park.

(r)

"Marquee sign" means a permanent, roof like structure projecting over an entrance, such as to a theater or hotel. A sign affixed flat against the surface of the marquee is a type of wall sign.

(s)

"Mural" means a work of art directly painted on a portion of a permanent structure.

(t)

"Nonconforming sign" means a sign that was lawfully erected prior to the adoption of this chapter or an amendment thereto, and which does not meet the standards or regulations of this chapter.

(u)

"Noncommercial message" means a message that does not qualify as a commercial message. Speech communicating the time, temperature, or other similar information shall be considered noncommercial speech even if displayed on a sign on a commercial premises.

(v)

"Obscene material" means any material that meets all of the following criteria:

(1)

The average individual, applying contemporary community standards, would find the material, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest.

(2)

The reasonable person would find the material, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.

(3)

The material depicts or describes sexual conduct in a patently offensive way.

(w)

"Off-premises commercial message" means a commercial message that refers to a property, structure, or use not located on the same zoning lot.

(x)

"On-premises commercial message" means a commercial message that refers to a property, structure, or use located on the same zoning lot.

(y)

"Projecting sign" means a sign, other than a wall sign, erected on the outside wall of a building and which projects out at an angle therefrom.

(z)

"Sidewalk sign" means a type of temporary sign designed to be placed on a sidewalk to display information to pedestrians. Sidewalk signs include, but are not limited to, the following types:

(1)

"A-Frame Sign:" A temporary double-sided sign consisting of two flat panels connected at the top by a hinge, forming an "A" shape when open.

(2)

"T-Frame Sign:" A temporary sign with a base and a vertical panel that forms a "T" shape.

(aa)

"Sign" means any device, fixture, placard, or structure that uses any color, form, graphic, illumination, symbol, or writing to communicate information of any kind to the public.

(bb)

"Temporary sign" means any sign not permanently affixed to the ground or a building that is capable of being easily moved from place to place without mechanical assistance.

(cc)

"Towable Sign." A type of temporary sign that is not attached, anchored, or secured to a fixed location, that is primarily designed to be movable and can be towed, hauled or driven, such as a portable trailer sign with changeable copy. Unlike other temporary signs, towable signs are typically constructed of durable materials and typically have a sign frame that is at least several inches thick.

(dd)

"Vehicle sign" means any motor vehicle, trailer, or other transportable device that primarily remains stationary and is purposefully utilized to communicate information of any kind to the public. This type of vehicle is not regularly used for transportation but is instead intended to function as a sign.

(ee)

"Wall sign" means a sign integral with the exterior face of an exterior wall of a building or attached to the wall or parallel with the wall and projecting not more than twelve inches therefrom. The term "wall sign" does not include signs affixed to an awning, canopy, or marque, nor does it include banners.

(ff)

"Window sign" means a sign painted, attached or affixed to the interior or exterior surface of windows or doors of a building.

(gg)

"Yard sign" means a type a temporary sign placed directly on the ground using stakes or frames that is designed for short-term use.

(Ord. 539. Passed 1-13-25.)

(a)

Permit required. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, it shall be unlawful to erect, install, create, place, relocate, or illuminate a sign within the City without first obtaining a sign permit.

(b)

Application process. To apply for a sign permit, the applicant must submit an application on a form furnished by the city, which shall include all of the following:

(1)

A site plan drawn showing the location of the sign in relation to the building or lot onto which it will be placed.

(2)

A drawing to scale showing:

(A)

The design and layout proposed, including the total area of the sign, the size, height, character, materials and color of letters, lines, and symbols.

(B)

For illuminated signs, the number and types of lamps and lens materials.

(3)

Details and specifications for construction, rection, and attachment as may be required by Part Fourteen - the Building and Housing Code.

(4)

Such other information or drawings as may be requested by the zoning administrator in order to ensure compliance with this chapter. By way of example and not limitation, the zoning administrator may require a site plan of the entire site, showing the location of every existing and/or proposed sign.

(5)

Payment of the applicable fee in an amount established by resolution of the City Council. Tax-exempt charitable organizations, as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, are exempt from the payment of sign permit fees.

(c)

Approval. The zoning administrator shall approve an application for a sign permit upon determining that all requirements of this chapter are met. Alternatively, the zoning administrator may refer an application for a sign permit to the Planning Commission for review and approval in accordance with the requirements of this chapter.

(d)

Binding Effect. Upon approval of a sign permit, no sign shall be erected, installed, created, placed, relocated, or illuminated except as shown on the plans submitted with the permit application. A violation of the terms and conditions of a permit may be enforced in the same manner as any provision of this zoning ordinance.

(e)

Valid for 1-Year. Sign permit approval shall be valid for a period of one year. If the approved sign is not installed within that period, a new application must be submitted.

(f)

Enforcement of Sign Regulations. The zoning administrator shall be responsible for enforcing the provisions of this chapter. In doing so, the zoning administrator may:

(1)

Issue notices and removal orders;

(2)

Institute ordinance prosecutions or public nuisance lawsuits to abate non-compliant signs;

(3)

Remove signs located in rights-of-way or on other public property;

(4)

Remove dangerous signs from private property in emergency situations, pursuant to processes provided in the building code or other applicable codes.

The zoning administrator's decisions regarding the application of this chapter are appealable to the ZBA.

(Ord. 539. Passed 1-13-25.)

Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the following signs are exempt from the regulations of this chapter regarding height, area, and permits:

(a)

Incidental freestanding signs not exceeding four square feet in area per side. Such signs may contain a business logo, business name, or other on-premises commercial message not exceeding three-fourths (¾) of a square foot.

(b)

Incidental signs in the windows of commercial premises, so long as the combined area of all such signs shall not exceed 30% of the total ground-floor window area of the premises. Such signs may contain information regarding credit cards, business affiliations, hours of operation, whether the premises is open or closed, or other noncommercial or on-premises commercial messages.

(c)

In residential districts, signs totaling no more than two (2) square feet in area that are placed upon a mailbox, garage or on the front façade of the home, near the primary entrance. The intention of this exemption is to allow homeowners to display their names, address, or other identifying information. When such signs are placed on a garage or on the front façade, they may be internally or externally illuminated.

(d)

A repaired or re-faced sign within an existing sign structure, provided that the repaired or re-faced sign does not display off-premises commercial speech and provided that the location and dimensions of the sign are not changed.

(e)

Government signs.

(Ord. 539. Passed 1-13-25.)

The following signs are prohibited unless specifically permitted in particular circumstance by another section of this chapter:

(a)

A sign erected in any place where it may, by reason of its position, shape, color, or other characteristic, interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic signs, signal, or device, or constitute a nuisance per se.

(b)

Animated signs.

(c)

Any sign on a fence, screening wall, or natural feature.

(d)

Any sign placed or erected in a public street, alley, right-of-way or other public place unless otherwise allowed by this chapter. Any sign illegally placed within these areas may be removed by the City without written or other notice to the owner, lessee or person of the property adjacent to the public street, alley or right-of-way, or other public place upon which the sign is located.

(e)

Any sign which is not specifically permitted by, or does not conform, to the provisions of this chapter.

(f)

Murals.

(g)

Sidewalk signs, except in the C-2 district as permitted pursuant to section 1282.09.

(h)

Signs displaying an off-premise commercial message, except for billboards permitted pursuant to section 1282.13.

(i)

Signs displaying obscene material.

(j)

Signs on a light pole, utility pole, flag pole, the pole or base of a freestanding sign, tree or other portion of a building or natural feature.

(k)

Signs that employ flashing, oscillating, blinking, or variable intensity light.

(l)

Spotlights, searchlights, blinking lights, flashing lights, lasers or other high intensity lights sources to light the night sky.

(m)

Vehicle signs.

(Ord. 539. Passed 1-13-25.)

(a)

Measurement of signs shall be in accordance with the following:

(1)

The area of a sign shall be measured as the area within a single, continuous perimeter composed of either the smallest square, rectangle, or circle which encloses the extreme limits of writing, representation, emblem, logo, or any other figure of similar character, together with any frame or other material or color forming an integral part of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the background against which it is placed, excluding only the structure necessary to support the sign.

(2)

The area of a freestanding or projecting sign that has two or more faces shall be measured by including the area of all sign faces. However, if two faces are placed back-to-back twelve inches or less apart, and are of equal size, only the area of one face shall be counted.

(3)

The height of a sign shall be measured as the vertical distance from the highest point of the sign to the lowest natural grade of the ground immediately beneath the sign.

(b)

Whenever the gross area of the sign is related to the size of the building or lot or portion thereof:

(1)

The frontage of a building shall be the width of the façade of the building, store, service or office unit which faces the principal street or the façade containing the main entrance of a store, office, and service or manufacturing building.

(2)

The frontage of a lot not occupied by a building shall be the number of linear feet the lot abuts on the principal street.

(Ord. 539. Passed 1-13-25.)

(a)

Signs, as permitted in the various zoning districts, shall be designed so as to be similar in character, with regard to materials, color and size, to signs designed or located on the same building and on adjoining buildings in order to equalize the attention they are meant to attract and to produce an overall unified effect and in accordance with the standards set forth in this section.

(b)

Signs are permitted to display on-premises commercial messages or non-commercial messages only, except as otherwise expressly provided.

(c)

Wall signs shall not project more than twelve inches from the building wall to which they are attached and shall be set back from the end of the building and party wall lines for a distance of at least three feet and shall not project beyond any corner or above the coping or eaves of any building.

(d)

Projecting signs may be attached to the building wall or canopy and project at an angle of approximately ninety degrees for a distance of not more than four feet or project over the cornice line more than one-third of the total height of the sign. Projecting signs shall be located not less than five feet from a party wall line and the lowest member of a projecting sign shall be at least eight feet above a public sidewalk and fifteen feet above any drive or pavement used for vehicular traffic. Signs shall not project into any dedicated right-of-way.

(f)

Signs shall not project over or obstruct the required windows or doors of any building, shall not be attached to or obstruct a fire escape and shall not interfere with other safety provisions as may be further regulated in Part Fourteen - Building and Housing Code.

(g)

Signs shall not be erected so as to obstruct lights, street name signs at intersections or street sight lines or signals at railroad grade crossings. Flashing or moving illumination shall not be permitted.

(h)

In addition to the setback requirements for signs specified in this chapter for each zoning district, no sign shall be allowed within the clear vision area on either side of a lot driveway, access road or road easement. Additionally, no sign on a corner lot shall be located within the clear vision area of the adjacent street intersection. The clear vision area shall be determined by the following formula: The clear vision area for a corner lot or for any other lot is the triangle formed by connecting a point located on the side lot line for a corner lot or on the edge of the lot driveway, access road or road easement for other lots, which point is thirty-five feet from the front lot line, with a point located on the front lot line which is thirty-five feet from the side lot line for a corner lot or from the edge of the lot driveway, access road or road easement for other lots.

(Ord. 539. Passed 1-13-25.)

(a)

Signs may be internally or externally illuminated except where prohibited by this chapter, subject to the following:

(1)

If externally illuminated, the source of the light shall be enclosed and directed to prevent the source of light from shining directly on traffic or adjoining property. Any external lighting fixtures used to illuminate a sign shall be mounted on top of the sign structure.

(2)

All lighting shall be directed downward to protect the night sky.

(b)

Digital signs are permissible only in the areas specifically designated in this chapter. Where allowed, the following regulations apply:

(1)

There shall be no less than seven seconds between message or copy changes.

(2)

The slat, panel, or blade twirl time of a tri-vision sign shall be two seconds or less and the blade dwell time (i.e., stationary and able to be read) shall be no less than seven seconds.

(3)

The rate of change between two static messages shall be one second or less.

(4)

Transition from one message to the next shall be instantaneous and shall not fade, scroll or otherwise be animated.

(5)

The face of the sign shall be dimmed automatically from thirty minutes before sunset to thirty minutes before sunrise down to five percent of its daylight brightness setting.

(6)

The maximum brightness levels for digital signs shall not exceed two-tenths foot-candles over ambient light levels measured at a distance of 150 feet from the face of the sign.

(Ord. 539. Passed 1-13-25.)

(a)

Yard Signs. Yard signs are allowed in the City subject to the following regulations:

(1)

Residential Lots. On any lot used as a single-family or two-family dwelling, up to four yard signs shall be generally permitted to be displayed on a stake or frame affixed to the ground. Such signs shall:

(A)

Be setback at least five feet from the right-of-way line;

(B)

Not exceed six square feet in area per side;

(C)

Be placed such that the top of the sign shall be no more than six feet from ground level;

(D)

Be permitted to display only noncommercial messages or on-premises commercial messages (including, but not limited to, messages conveying that the dwelling is for sale, that work is being performed on the dwelling by a particular individual or business, or that a garage sale will be held).

(E)

Not require a sign permit.

(2)

Non-Residential Lots. On any lot used for a use not covered by subsection (a)(1), one yard sign may be displayed up to four times per calendar year for a period of not more than thirty days per display, provided that each display shall be separated by at least fifteen days. Such signs shall not exceed thirty-two square feet. The top shall be no more than six feet above ground level and the sign shall be placed at leastfive feet from the right-of-way line and other property lines. No sign permit is required to place a sign pursuant to this subsection that displays a noncommercial message. A sign permit is required to place a sign pursuant to this subsection that displays an on-premises commercial message.

(3)

Interim signs. Yard signs intended to be utilized until a permanent sign may be obtained and erected can be approved by the zoning administrator for a period not to exceed sixty days. Such signs shall not exceed sign area permitted within the appropriate zones. A sign permit is required to place a sign pursuant to this subsection.

(b)

Banner Signs. Banner signs are allowed in the City subject to the following regulations:

(1)

Residential lots. On any lot used as a single-family or two-family dwelling, banner signs are allowed subject to the following regulations:

(2)

Non-Residential Lots. On any lot used for a use not covered by subsection (b)(1), banner signs are allowed subject to the following regulations:

(c)

Sidewalk Signs. Sidewalk signs are allowed in the C-1, C-2, and C-3 Districts, subject to the following regulations:

(d)

Towable Signs. Towable signs are allowed in all zoning districts subject to the following regulations:

(e)

Inflatable Signs.

(1)

Residential Lots. On any lot used as a single-family or two-family dwelling, inflatable signs that convey non-commercial messages are allowed without restriction, except that such signs must be setback at least five feet from property lines. No sign permit is required. Inflatable signs conveying commercial messages are prohibited.

(2)

Non-Residential Lots. On any lot with use not covered by subsection (d)(1), inflatable signs are allowed subject to the following regulations:

(f)

Flags.

(1)

Residential Lots. On any lot used as a single-family or two-family dwelling, flags are allowed subject to the following regulations:

(2)

Non-Residential Lots. On any lot used for a use not covered by subsection (e)(1), flags are allowed subject to the following regulations:

(Ord. 539. Passed 1-13-25.)

Permanent signs in the agricultural and residential districts are permitted only to the extent indicated in the tables below. Except as otherwise noted, permanent signs require a sign permit.

(Ord. 539. Passed 1-13-25.)

Permanent signs in the C-1, C-3 and MSD Districts are permitted only to the extent indicated in the tables below. Except as otherwise noted, permanent signs require a sign permit:

(Ord. 539. Passed 1-13-25.)

Permanent signs in the C-2 District are permitted only to the extent indicated in the tables below. Except as otherwise noted, permanent signs require a sign permit:

(Ord. 539. Passed 1-13-25.)

Permanent signs in the I-1 and I-2 Districts are permitted only to the extent indicated in the tables below. Except as otherwise noted, permanent signs require a sign permit:

(Ord. 539. Passed 1-13-25.)

(a)

For planned unit developments (PUDs) that were approved as independent zoning districts, permanent signs shall be subject to the regulations that apply in the zoning district where the use in question would most naturally fit, as determined in the discretion of the zoning administrator. In a mixed-use PUD, the zoning administrator may determine that it appropriate to apply the sign regulations from one district to one portion of the PUD, and to apply the sign regulations from a different district to a different portion of the PUD.

(b)

For PUDs that are approved as special uses within an underlying zoning district, the sign regulations for the underlying zoning district apply.

(c)

Sign regulations are subject to waiver or modification by the Planning Commission as part of the plan approval or amendment process.

(Ord. 539. Passed 1-13-25.)

(a)

Every permanent legally existing sign which does not conform to the height, size, area, or location requirements of any provision of this chapter, as of the date when such provision was adopted in its current form, is hereby deemed to be nonconforming.

(b)

Nonconforming signs may not be expanded, enlarged, or extended, but may be maintained and repaired so as to continue the useful life of the sign.

(c)

For purposes of this Section, a nonconforming sign may be diminished in size or dimension or the copy of the sign amended or changed to come closer to compliance without jeopardizing its nonconforming status.

(d)

Any nonconforming sign, sign structure, or frame substantially destroyed by fire, accident or other casualty loss shall not be restored or rebuilt except in conformance with this chapter.

(e)

When a nonconforming sign, or portion thereof, is removed, it shall not be replaced except in conformance with this chapter.

(Ord. 539. Passed 1-13-25.)