The purpose of this Article is to permit signs that will not by reason of size, location, construction, or manner of display, endanger the public safety of individuals, confuse, mislead, or obstruct the vision necessary for traffic safety, or otherwise endanger the public health, safety, and welfare of the community; and to permit and regulate signs in such a way as to protect the significant natural visual assets of the community, create orderly, uncluttered, commercial corridors and commercial districts, and otherwise support and complement the land use objectives set forth in the comprehensive plan and this zoning Ordinance. The regulations set forth below shall apply to and govern the maintenance of existing and erection of future signs in all zoning districts in the City of Cordele.

For the purposes of this Article, the following terms have the meanings set forth below:

(1)

Area of sign: The area within a continuous perimeter enclosing the limits of writing, representation, emblems or any figure of similar character together with any frame, other material, open space, or color forming an integral part of the display or used to differentiate such sign from the background against which it is placed. The sign area of painted or affixed wall signs when composed of letters only is the sum of the areas of the smallest contiguous rectangles each capable of containing such letter.

(2)

Banner: A sign with or without characters, letters, illustrations, or ornamentations applied to cloth, paper or fabric of any kind with only such material for a backing.

(3)

Business sign: Any notice or advertisement, pictorial or otherwise, that directs attention to goods, commodities, products, services, or entertainment sold or offered upon the premises where such sign is located.

(4)

Construction sign: A sign erector and maintained on premises announcing the proposed or existing construction of a building(s) or project.

(5)

Directory, mall, arcade sign: A sign that aggregates and identifies the names of businesses, offices or other entities on the premises.

(6)

Display surface: The area of the sign structure used for the purpose of displaying a message, also known as the "sign face".

(7)

Double-face sign: A sign that has two (2) display areas against each other or where the interior angle formed by the display area is sixty (60) degrees or less, where [one] face is designed to be seen from one direction and the other face from another direction.

(8)

Flashing sign: A sign, the illumination of which is not kept constant in intensity at all times when in use, and which exhibits marked changes in lighting effects. Illuminated signs that indicate only the time, temperature, or date shall not be considered as flashing signs.

(9)

Freestanding sign: A sign attached to, erected on, or supported by a structure whose primary purpose is to support a sign and which is not itself an integral part of a building or other structure.

(10)

Ground sign: A free-standing sign attached to a contiguous structural base or planter box, which base or box shall be of the same width as, or greater width than, the message portion of the sign, and is permanently affixed to the ground. Ground signs do not include free-standing signs supported by poles.

(11)

Height of sign: The distance in vertical feet from the ground to the highest point of the sign face in accordance with Section 950.2 below.

(12)

Off-premises advertising sign: A sign that is not located upon the premises of the business or entity indicated or advertised by said sign. This includes products advertised in conjunction with a business entity.

(13)

Off-premises directional sign: A sign that is not located upon the premises of the business or entity indicated on the sign and only for the purpose of directing traffic to the facility. The advertising of products and/or services shall not be allowed on the sign structure.

(14)

On-premises sign: A sign that directs attention to anything on the same lot as the sign.

(15)

Portable sign: A sign that is not permanently affixed and is designed to be transported periodically from place to place, including but not limited to signs mounted or painted on vehicles that are parked in such a manner as to serve the purpose of an advertising device.

(16)

Political sign: A sign identifying or urging voter support for a particular election issue, political party, or candidate for public office.

(17)

Projecting sign: A sign attached to and supported by a building extending beyond the building to which it is attached at an angle.

(18)

Real estate sign: A temporary sign erected by the owner, or his agent, advertising the real property upon which the sign is located for rent, lease, or for sale.

(19)

Roof signs: A sign projecting over the coping of a flat roof, or over the ridge of a gable, hip or gamble roof, and supported by or attached to said roof.

(20)

Sign: A device or representation for visual communication that is used for the purpose of bringing the subject thereof to the attention of others.

(21)

Sign face: That part of a sign that is or can be used for advertising purposes.

(22)

Temporary sign: A sign of a non-permanent nature. All such signs shall be removed within ten (10) days after the purpose for which the sign is intended to advertise has been accomplished.

(23)

Wall sign: A sign attached to or painted on a wall or building, with the exposed display surface of the sign in a plane parallel to the plane of the wall to which it is attached or painted, and including signs affixed to or otherwise on or through a facade window.

(Ord. No. 0-04-25, § 7, 9-7-04)

920.1 Sign permit required. Except as specifically excluded from the provisions of this Article, a sign permit shall be required prior to the erection, alteration, reconstruction, or display of any sign within the City of Cordele. Said permit shall be issued by the Chief Codes Official in accordance with these regulations and shall be issued by the Chief Codes Official only when the plans, specifications and intended use of the sign conform in all respects to the applicable provisions of this Article and the City Building Code.

920.2 Application contents. Sign applications shall include detailed plans, specifications, estimated cost of construction, statement of proposed use, and any other information required by this and all other provisions of this Article. Completed standard applications approved by the Chief Codes Official shall fulfill this requirement. At a minimum, all applications shall include a scale drawing specifying dimensions, materials, illumination, letter sizes, colors, support systems, and location on land or buildings, with all relevant measurements. For any sign greater than thirty (30) feet in height from ground to the topmost part of the sign, the permit application must include a complete set of plans signed, sealed, and dated by a licensed architect or professional engineer.

(a)

Indemnification required. All sign applications shall contain an agreement approved by the City Attorney wherein the applicant shall indemnify the City against all damages, demands or expenses of any kind caused by the sign or sign structure.

920.3 Sign fees. No permit shall be issued until the exact dimensions, area and estimated cost of construction of the sign have been filed with the Chief Codes Official and fees have been paid in accordance with the fee schedule established by the City Commission.

920.4 Expiration of permit for uncompleted sign. A sign permit shall become null and void if the sign for which the permit was issued has not been completed within six (6) months after the date of issuance.

920.5 Identification labels. Every sign for which a permit is required shall be plainly marked with the name of the permittee, and shall have the number of the permit affixed on the framework of the sign in the lower right hand area so that it is easily seen.

The signs enumerated in this section are exempt from sign permit requirements under this Article provided that such signs comply with the provisions of Section 950 (General Requirements) below, and further provided that all signs using electrical wiring and connections shall require an electrical permit:

(a)

Official signs of a non-commercial nature and in the public interest, erected by or on the order of a government or a public officer in the performance of his duty, such as safety signs, danger signs, trespassing signs, traffic and street signs, memorial plaques, signs of historical interest, and the like.

(b)

Signs bearing only property identification numbers and names, post office box numbers, names of occupants of the premises on which the signs are located, or other identification of premises not of a commercial nature, provided such signs are not illuminated and do not exceed two (2) signs per zoning lot nor two (2) square feet in area.

(c)

Temporary non-illuminated real estate signs pertaining only to the sale, rental, or lease of the premises on which said signs are located, provided such signs do not exceed one sign per street frontage. Said sign shall not exceed nine (9) square feet in area per display surface for property zoned residential and shall not exceed twenty (20) square feet per display surface for property zoned non-residential. Such signs shall not be located on any public right-of-way and shall be removed within the (10) days after the subject lot or building is rented, leased, or sold.

(d)

Construction site identification signs whose message is limited to project name, identification of architects, engineers, contractors, and other individuals or firms involved with the construction, the name of the building, the intended purpose of the building, and the expected completion date, provided such signs do not exceed one sign per construction site and nine (9) square feet in area in residential districts and twenty (20) square feet in non-residential districts, and further provided that such signs are not erected prior to issuance of the Building Permit for the structure on the lot, and are removed within ten (10) days of issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.

(e)

Legal notices and official notices issued by any court, public agency, or officer.

(f)

On-premises directional signs on private property establishing safe and convenient ingress, egress and internal circulation for traffic and parking, provided there are no more than 8 such signs per site; that signs are not illuminated or are indirectly illuminated; that such signs are no more than 3 feet in height, with no more than four (4) square feet in area of display surface. Such signs shall not advertise any business, service or product and shall not be allowed on any public right-of-way.

(g)

Temporary political signs advertising candidates or issues, provided such signs do not exceed one sign per road frontage, per candidate, may be placed on any one (1) premises. Such signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet in area of display surface, may not be erected prior to sixty (60) days before the date of the appropriate election, and shall be removed within ten (10) days after the final election including runoffs which the sign is intended to influence. Before any political sign is erected, the permission of the owner and/or agent of the owner of the property upon which the sign is proposed to be erected shall be obtained.

(h)

Signs announcing yard or garage sales, provided such signs do not exceed one (1) sign per site of such sale. Such sign shall not exceed four (4) square feet in area and may be posted two (2) days prior to sale and shall be removed the day after the sale.

(i)

Memorial signs or tablets, and names and construction dates of buildings when cut into any masonry surface.

(j)

Temporary signs pertaining to drives or events of civic, philanthropic, educational, or religious organizations provided such signs do not exceed four (4) square feet in area, do not exceed one sign per intersection, are not posted within a public right-of-way and are posted not more than two (2) days before said event and removed the day after the event.

(k)

Off-premises non-illuminated school, hospital, or other quasi-public signs not exceeding four (4) square feet in area; provided that no such sign shall be allowed on any public right-of-way.

(l)

Signs stating that a business other than a home occupation is open, provided that there is no more than one such sign per business establishment, and provided that such sign does not exceed two (2) square feet in display area.

(m)

On-premises sign attached to the outside wall of any business establishment, which are designed to identify services rendered, products sold, or activities conducted on the premises, provided not more than two (2) such signs shall be affixed to any wall on the business establishment and further provided that the total of such signs shall not exceed one percent (1%) of the total area of the wall on which they are affixed.

(n)

On-premises no trespassing, no hunting, and similar public notice type signs less than six (6) square feet in area, provided no such signs shall be allowed on any public right-of-way.

(o)

Non-illuminated signs for Residential Business when affixed to the front wall of a residential structure or on a freestanding post announcing the operation of a permitted or approved Residential Business, provided that there shall be no more than one (1) sign per Residential Business, and further provided that such sign shall not exceed four (4) square foot in area and is mounted against the wall of the principal building at maximum height not to exceed the lintel of the primary entrance of the residence.

(p)

Initial Opening or Final Closing of Businesses. On-premises temporary signs relating to the initial opening or final closing of a business or service in commercial and industrial districts only, provided that such signs shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area and shall not be closer than ten (10) feet to the pavement of any street or on any public right-of-way. Such signs shall be permitted for a maximum period of two (2) weeks for initial opening signs and four (4) weeks for final closing signs, after which they shall be removed.

The following types of signs are prohibited:

(a)

Signs imitating a warning signal. No sign shall display intermittent lights resembling the flashing lights customarily used in traffic signals or in police, fire, ambulance, or rescue vehicles, nor shall any sign use the words "stop," "danger," or any other word, phrase, symbol, or character in a manner than might mislead or confuse any automobile or other vehicular driver.

(b)

Private signs within public street or highway right-of-way or other public property. No sign whatsoever, whether temporary or permanent, except traffic signs and signals and information signs erected by a public agency, are permitted within any street or highway right-of-way or on public property. No sign shall be placed so it will cause danger, either by obscuring a view, or otherwise interfer with the flow of traffic.

(c)

Obstructions. No advertising structure shall be erected, constructed or maintained so as to obstruct any fire escape, or any window, or door, or openings used as a means of ingress and/or egress for fire fighting purposes, or so as to prevent free passage from one part of a roof to any other part thereof; no roof sign shall be installed within five (5) feet of a parapet wall; no sign shall be attached in any form, shape, or manner to a fire escape or be so placed as to interfere with any opening required for legal ventilation.

(d)

Certain attached and painted signs. Signs shall not be painted on or attached to trees, fence posts, light standard, telephone, telegraph or other utility poles. Signs painted on or attached to rocks or other natural features or painted on the roof of buildings shall be prohibited.

(e)

Signs on the property of another. No sign shall be posted or placed on any property belonging to another without the written consent of the owner thereof.

(f)

Fluttering ribbons and banners. Fluttering ribbons, streamers, pennants, ribbons or other similar devices shall not be constructed, posted or erected in any district. Exceptions include flags and buntings exhibited to commemorate patriotic holidays, and banners announcing charitable or civic events.

(g)

Signs near intersections. No red, green, or yellow illuminated sign shall be permitted within three hundred (300) feet of any traffic light.

(h)

Off-premises roof and wall signs. Off-premises roof and wall signs are prohibited in all districts.

950.1 Sign area. The area of a sign shall include all lettering, wording, and accompanying designs and symbols, together with any background, open or enclosed, which is part of the display itself.

(a)

Signs affixed to buildings. The area of a sign painted or applied to a building shall include all lettering, wording, and accompanying designs or symbols together with any backing of the sign. Where the sign consists of individual letters and/or symbols attached or painted on a surface, buildings, wall or window, the area shall be considered to be the smallest rectangle or oval which encompasses all of the letters and symbols.

(b)

Double-face signs. In computing square footage of a double-face sign, all sides of the sign side shall be considered.

950.2 Measuring sign height. The height of the sign shall be measured from the average ground level beneath the sign to the highest point of the sign. The ground level shall be the lower of the ground level existing at the time of construction or the ground level existing prior to construction and prior to any earth disturbance at the site. This prior ground level shall be established by any reliable source, including, without limitation, existing lopographic maps, aerial photographs, photographs of the site, of affidavits of people who are personally familiar with the site. No persons(s) shall artificially increase the maximum height of a sign by altering the grade at the base of the sign by any means.

950.3 Construction and maintenance. Construction and erecting of signs shall be in accordance with the building code of the City of Cordele. Signs together with all their supports, braces, guys, and anchors shall be constructed of durable materials, shall be kept in constant repair and shall not be permitted to become dilapidated. Unless constructed of galvanized or non-corroding metal, signs shall be given a protective coating as reasonably necessary. The area immediately in front of all freestanding signs shall be maintained free of high weeds and debris.

950.4 Lighting requirements. All signs shall adhere to the following lighting requirements:

(a)

No exposed neon tubes. No sign that has exposed neon tubes or other exposed tubes containing luminescent gas shall be used outside a building.

(b)

No illumination of adjacent properties. The light from illuminated signs shall not illuminate adjacent properties and roadways.

(c)

No illumination within 50 ft. of residential zone. No illuminated signs are allowed within fifty (50) feet of any residential district or dwelling.

(d)

No simulation of traffic signals. No sign lighting shall simulate an official traffic control or warning sign, nor shall it hide from view any traffic or street sign or signal.

(e)

Exposed wires. No sign may be erected or maintained with exposed electrical wires.

(f)

Strings of bulbs. Strings of bulbs are not permitted, except as part of a holiday celebration. In addition, strings of clear bulbs may be permitted to decorate trees provided that such display does not interfere with neighboring land uses.

(g)

Hours of illumination. No sign shall be illuminated between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless the premises on which it is located is open for business.

(h)

No signs hazardous to pedestrians or vehicles. Illumination devices shall be so placed and so filtered or shielded so that direct rays from the light source will not be cast into the eyes of a driver of a moving vehicle. Any illuminated sign or structure shall be so designed and placed as to prevent the direct light rays from being visible from any range.

950.5 Removal of signs. Any on-premises sign shall be removed by the owner within thirty (30) days after the owner vacates the premises. Obsolete signs must be removed by the property owner, developer, or former lessee of property upon which the sign is located within 30 days after receipt of written notice from the Chief Codes Officer. A sign becomes obsolete when it conveys advertising or identification of non-existent services or uses, or when it is allowed to become dilapidated or is not maintained.

960.1 Generally. Except as otherwise provided for under this Article, any sign not specifically permitted in a zoning district as provided under this section, shall be prohibited in that district.

960.2 Tables of Allowable Signs. The following tables set forth the types of signs that are allowed upon issuance of a sign permit in accordance with section 920 above. Signs that require a conditional use permit are denoted in the footnotes.

Allowable Signs in Residential and Mixed Use Zones
(R-12, R-7.5S, R-7.5, R-4, MU)

(1)

Signs exceeding sixteen (16) square feet in area require a Conditional Use Permit from the Board of Zoning Appeals.

(2)

There is no setback required for the construction of a double face sign in a median unless the Chief Codes Official determines such sign will constitute a traffic hazard in which case a Conditional Use Permit must be approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals.

(3)

Temporary signs on the lot of a permitted non-residential use may be issued for a maximum of four (4) weeks. Such signs require a Conditional Use Permit to be used for a period longer than four (4) weeks.

Allowable Signs in Central Business District, Neighborhood Commercial,
and Office/Professional District
(CBD, NC, & OI)

(1)

Projecting signs can not project more than six and one-half (6½) feet from the wall and may be located not closer than eighteen (18) inches to a vertical plane at the street curb line.

(2)

Wall signs shall not project more than twenty-four (24) inches beyond the wall.

(3)

Signs that do not comply with these limits must obtain a Conditional Use Permit. Free-standing signs that are closer than one hundred (100) feet from another free-standing sign must obtain a Conditional Use Permit.

(4)

Total area of signs on the exterior front surface of a building shall not exceed twenty (20) percent of the front surface of the building. The total area of signs on a side or rear surface of a building shall not exceed twenty-five (25) percent of the exterior, side, or rear surface of the building. The combined sign area on the front, side and rear surface of a building shall not exceed six hundred (600) square feet.

(5)

Projecting signs shall not extend above the roofline a distance greater than the height of the roof above ground level. In no case shall signs project beyond property lines. The minimum height above grade of sidewalk level of projecting signs shall be no more than ten (10) feet.

Allowable Signs in General Commercial; Highway Commercial; Light Industrial;
Heavy Industrial; Parks, Education, & Health, and Public Works Districts
(GC, HC, LI, HI, PEH, PW)

(1)

Projecting signs must not project more than six and one-half (6½) feet from the wall and may be located not closer than eighteen (18) inches to the vertical plane at the street curb line.

(2)

Wall signs shall not project more than twenty-four (24) inches beyond the wall.

(3)

Signs exceeding these limits must obtain a Conditional Use Permit. Freestanding signs that are closer than one hundred (100) feet from another freestanding sign must obtain a Conditional Use Permit.

(4)

Total area of signs on the exterior surface of a building shall not exceed twenty (20) percent of the front surface of the building. The total area of signs on a side or rear surface of a building shall not exceed twenty-five (25) percent of the exterior side, or rear surface of the building. The combined sign area on the front, side and rear surface of a building shall not exceed six hundred (600) square feet.

(5)

Projecting signs shall not extend above the roofline a distance greater than the height of the roof above ground level. In no case shall signs project beyond property lines. The minimum height above grade of sidewalk level of projecting signs shall be no less than ten (10) feet.

(6)

Sign structures shall not be spaced closer than three hundred (300) feet to any other advertising sign on the same side of any street except when back to back or end to end. Sign structures on state and interstate highways shall comply with the Department of Transportation requirements.

(7)

Permits for temporary promotional signs may be approved for a maximum of four (4) weeks. A Conditional Use Permit is required for use of such signs for a period of greater than four (4) weeks.

Allowable Signs in the Planned Development District (PD)

(1)

To place a double faced sign in a median at an entrance of a planned Development there will be no set back requirement if the Chief Codes Official determines such sign will not constitute a traffic hazard.

(Ord. No. 0-04-25, § 9, 9-7-04)

970.1 Boundaries of special sign overlay district. A special sign overlay district is hereby created within the boundaries described as follows:

Beginning at a point 100 feet from the East right-of-way of 5 ^th Street and 5 ½ alley; thence southerly 100 l.f. East of 5 ^th Street right-of-way to the South right-of-way of 17 ½ alley; thence westerly along the South right-of-way of 17 ½ alley to its intersection with the East right-of-way of 6 ^th Street; thence southerly along the East right-of-way of 6 ^th Street to its intersection with the North right-of-way of 18 ^th Avenue; thence westerly along the North right-of-way of 18 ^th Avenue to the West right-of-way of Norfolk and Southern Railroad; thence northwesterly along the West right-of-way of Norfolk and Southern Railroad to the South right-of-way of 10 ^th Avenue; thence westerly along the South right-of-way of 10 ^th Avenue to the East right-of-way of 10 ^th Street; thence northerly along the East right-of-way of 10 ^th Street to the South right-of-way of 9 ^th Avenue; thence easterly along the South right-of-way of 9 ^th Avenue to the West right-of-way of 9 ^th Street; thence northerly along the west right-of-way of 9 ^th Street to a point at the South right-of-way of 8 ^th Avenue and the East right-of-way of 9 ^th Street; thence easterly to the South right-of-way of the 6th/8 ^th Avenue Connector; thence easterly along the South right-of-way of the 6 ^th /8 ^th Avenue Connector to the East right-of-way of 6 ^th Street; thence northerly along the East right-of-way of 6 ^th Street to a point 100 l. f. north of the North right-of-way of 6 ^th Avenue; thence Easterly to the point of beginning.

970.2 District regulations. Except as provided in this section, the types of signs (e.g., off-premises, freestanding, etc.) permitted or conditionally permitted within this sign district are determined by the sign regulations for the underlying zoning district. Signs within this overlay district are subject to the following restrictions:

(a)

Signs within this district shall not exceed a maximum of 100 square feet in area;

(b)

Signs within this district shall not exceed a maximum overall height of twenty (20) feet from ground elevation to the topmost part of the sign;

(c)

Portable signs and flashing or blinking signs are prohibited within this district.

980.1 Intent. It is the intent of these regulations to encourage the elimination of signs that exist as of the effective date of this ordinance that do not conform to the provisions of this Article. Any sign or portion thereof that exists at the time of the enactment of this ordinance but does not conform to the requirements of this Article may only be continued in compliance with this section.

980.2 Unsafe signs. Any sign or portion thereof that is declared to be unsafe or dangerous by the Chief Codes Official may be restored to a safe condition, provided that the requirements of this Article are met.

980.3 Changes to non-conforming signs. Any change in a non-conforming sign or portion thereof is subject to the following regulations:

(a)

Improvements. No non-conforming sign or portion thereof can be improved in an amount exceeding fifty (50) percent of the replacement cost of the structure. Replacement cost is the cost to build an identical non-conforming sign or portion thereof.

(b)

Repair. A non-conforming sign or portion thereof that is damaged or destroyed to an extent requiring repair costs exceeding fifty (50) percent of its reasonable replacement cost at time of damage shall not be reconstructed or restored to its non-conforming use.

(c)

Abandonment. A non-conforming sign that becomes such due to the adoption of this Ordinance, and which has been discontinued for a continuous period of one (1) year, shall not be re-established. Any future use shall be in conformity with the provisions of this Article.

980.4 Transfer of ownership. If a non-conforming sign is transferred to a new owner, the non-conforming sign shall be altered to conform to these regulations or removed and replaced with a new sign that conforms to these regulations.