Sec. 4A.01. This chapter is intended to regulate the size, number, location and manner of display of signs in Dorr Township in a manner consistent with the following purposes:

a)

To protect and further the health, safety and welfare of residents, property owners and visitors.

b)

To prevent traffic hazards and pedestrian accidents cause by signs which obstruct vision, distract or confuse drivers, or are improperly secured or constructed.

c)

To conserve and enhance community character.

d)

To promote uniformity in the size, number or placement of signs within districts.

e)

To promote the economic viability of commercial areas by minimizing visual clutter, and allowing for proper placement of signs to safely direct motorists to their destination.

f)

To balance the public's right to be informed and its desire to avoid visual pollution and hazardous conditions with the rights of businesses and other non-business uses to communicate.

g)

It is further recognized that special circumstances or events may create the need for portable signage for a limited and reasonable period of time.

h)

The purpose of this Ordinance does not include the regulation of the content or any information included on a sign.

(Ord. No. 06-19O, 7-25-2019)

Sec. 4A.02.

a)

Banner sign: A temporary sign of fabric, plastic, or other non-rigid material without an enclosing structural framework.

b)

Billboard: A sign located within 500 feet of the Right of Way of US 131.

c)

Commercial Establishment: A business operating independently of any other business located in a freestanding building; in a strip mall, a business completely separated from other businesses by walls from the ground up and with a door which may be used by the public for exclusive ingress and egress to that business; in an enclosed structure with a shared climate controlled area, a business completely separated from other businesses by walls from the ground up and with a door or entrance which may regularly be used by the public for exclusive ingress and egress to that business and which may be closed to the public even while the common area is open to the public; and in an office building, a business holding itself out to the public as a single entity, independent of other businesses or persons.

d)

Electronic Changeable Message Sign: A sign or portion thereof that displays electronic, digital, pictorial, or text information in which alphanumeric characters, graphics, or symbols are defined by a small number of matrix elements using different combinations of light emitting diodes (LED's), fiber optics, light bulbs, or other illumination devices within the display area. Such signs can include computer programmable, microprocessor controlled electronic displays, and video display signs.

e)

Flag sign: A flag which is attached to a pole.

f)

Freestanding sign: A sign not attached to a building or wall which is supported by one or more poles or braces or rests on the ground or on a foundation resting on the ground.

g)

Government sign: A sign erected or required to be erected by Dorr Township, Allegan County, or state or federal government, or any agency thereof.

h)

Ground sign: A freestanding sign supported by a base which rests directly on the ground. The width of the base shall be at least fifty (50) percent of the width of the sign in order to be a ground sign.

i)

Incidental sign: Barber poles and signs under 2 square feet in size or a sign that is not visible from adjoining properties or any road Right of Way. Incidental signs may be freestanding or wall signs provided one of the two above requirements are met.

j)

Mural: A design or representation painted or drawn on a wall.

k)

Placard: An incidental sign not exceeding two (2) square feet.

l)

Pole sign: A freestanding sign which is supported by a structure or poles or braces which are less than fifty (50) percent of the width of the sign.

m)

Projecting sign: A display sign which is attached directly to a building wall, extends more than fifteen (15) inches from the face of the wall and projects in such a way that the message is not parallel to the wall to which it is attached.

n)

Reader board: A portion of a sign on which copy is changed manually.

o)

Roof line: The top of a roof or parapet wall, whichever is higher, but excluding any cupolas, chimneys, or other minor projections.

p)

Roof sign: A sign erected above the roof line of a building.

q)

Sign: A device, structure, fixture or placard which may or may not use graphics, symbols, and/or written copy designed specifically for the purpose of advertising or identifying an establishment, product, service, or activity or otherwise intended or used to advise or inform.

r)

Temporary sign: A sign that is not permanent or affixed to a building or structure and by its nature may be or is intended to be moved from one location to another, such as "A frame" signs or signs on movable trailers whether rented or owned, devices such as banners, pennants, flags (not including flags of state or organizational flags when displayed in the manner prescribed by law), twirling or sandwich type signs, sidewalk or curb signs, and balloons or other air or gas filled figures.

s)

Wall sign: A sign painted on or attached directly to and parallel to the exterior wall of a building extending no greater than twelve (12) inches from the exterior face of a wall to which it is attached.

t)

Window sign: A sign installed inside a window and intended to be viewed from the outside.

(Ord. No. 06-19O, 7-25-2019)

Sec. 4A.03. A sign not expressly permitted by this Ordinance is prohibited. The following types of signs are expressly prohibited:

a)

Any sign, including window signs, which have flashing, moving, oscillating or blinking lights excluding electronic changeable message signs which are permitted in accordance with Section 4A.07 [300.246].

b)

Roof signs except such signs shall be permitted in Commercial and Industrial zones.

(Ord. No. 06-19O, 7-25-2019)

Sec. 4A.04. The following signs shall be exempted from the provisions of this Ordinance except for the regulations of Section 4A.06 [300.246].

a)

Official traffic signs erected by a government agency.

b)

Window signs.

c)

Murals.

d)

Incidental signs.

e)

Flags or insignia of any nation, state, township, community organization or educational institution.

(Ord. No. 06-19O, 7-25-2019)

Sec. 4A.05.

a)

Permits required. A sign permit shall be required for the erection, use, and construction of all permanent signs except those exempted herein.

b)

Issuance of sign permit. The building inspector or zoning administrator shall issue a sign permit if all provisions of this Ordinance and other applicable Township ordinances are met. A sign authorized by a permit shall be installed or under construction within one year of the date of issuance of the sign permit or the permit shall expire. A new permit may be issued upon filing of a new application and fee.

(Ord. No. 06-19O, 7-25-2019)

Sec. 4.A.06.

a)

All signs and supports shall be properly maintained and installed and shall not be allowed to become unsightly or unsafe through disrepair or as a result of the weather.

b)

Signs may be internally or externally illuminated. The source of the light shall be enclosed and directed to prevent the source of light from shining directly onto traffic or residential property.

c)

Signs shall not be placed in, upon or over any public right of way, or alley, except as may otherwise be permitted by the Allegan County Road Commission or Michigan Department of Transportation.

d)

A light pole, or other support structure not specifically designed as a sign support structure may not be used for the placement of any sign unless specifically approved for such use.

e)

A sign shall not be erected where by reason of its position, shape, color, or other characteristics, interfere with, obstruct or be confused with an official traffic sign, signal, or device.

f)

A sign shall not contain flashing, moving or animated parts except for automatic changeable copy signs or barber pole signs.

g)

A wall sign shall not extend beyond the edge of the wall to which it is affixed.

h)

A sign and its supporting mechanism shall not extend beyond the lot lines of the property on which it is located.

i)

Pole signs shall maintain a minimum clear space of eight feet from the bottom of the sign to the ground.

j)

All pole signs shall be set back at least five feet from all lot lines as measured to the base of the sign.

k)

All signs shall be stationary.

l)

All projecting signs, including awnings and marquees shall maintain a minimum clear space of eight feet from the bottom of the sign to the ground.

(Ord. No. 06-19O, 7-25-2019)

Sec. 4.A.07.

a)

The dwell time, defined as the interval of change between each individual message, shall be at least six seconds and a change of message must be accomplished within one second or less. The dwell time shall not include the one second or less to change the message.

b)

An electronic changeable message sign shall not have any flashing, blinking, alternating, sequentially lighted, animated, rolling, shimmering, sparkling, bursting, dissolving, twinkling, fade-in/fade-out, oscillating, or simulated movement of text or images.

c)

An electronic changeable message sign shall not exceed a maximum illumination of 6,500 nits (candelas per square meter) during daylight hours and a maximum illumination of 325 nits (candelas per square meter) between dusk to dawn as measured at the sign's face at maximum brightness. However, even if the sign complies with the illumination requirements above, the sign shall not be of such intensity or brilliance as to impair the vision of or be a distraction to a motor vehicle driver with average eyesight or to otherwise interfere with the driver's operation of a motor vehicle; or be of such intensity or brilliance that it interferes with the effectiveness of an official traffic sign, device, or signal.

d)

Prior to the issuance of a sign permit for an electronic changeable message sign, the applicant shall provide to the Township Zoning Administrator certification from the manufacturer of the sign that the illumination settings for the sign comply with the maximum illumination requirements of this Section.

e)

An electronic changeable message sign shall be equipped with a brightness control sensor that allows for the brightness to be adjusted either manually or automatically.

f)

An electronic changeable message sign shall not have a white background in order to reduce glare.

g)

An electronic changeable message sign is allowed as a window sign and shall comply with the requirements for electronic reader boards as set forth in this Article. Any flashing or strobe type lights within a building or structure which are visible from the exterior of the building or structure are prohibited.

h)

Any premises or parcel on which an electronic changeable message sign is located may also display a temporary sign in accordance with the requirements of this Section.

i)

The electronic changeable message portion of a sign shall not exceed 75% of the overall sign face.

(Ord. No. 06-19O, 7-25-2019)

Sec. 4A.08. Billboards are permitted only in those areas which are within 500 feet of U.S. 131 subject to the following:

a)

Double faced billboard structures (i.e., structures having back-to-back billboard faces) and V-type billboard structures having only one face visible to traffic proceeding from any given direction on a street or highway shall be considered as one billboard. Additionally, billboard structures having tandem billboard faces (i.e. two parallel billboard faces facing the same direction and side-by-side to one another) or stacked billboard faces facing the same direction with one face being directly above the other) shall be considered as one billboard. Otherwise, billboard structures having more than one billboard face shall be considered as two billboards and shall be prohibited in accordance with the minimum spacing requirement set forth in subsection "b" below.

b)

No billboard shall be located within 1,320 feet of another billboard measured in any direction.

c)

No billboard shall be located within 250 feet of a residential zone.

d)

No billboard shall be located closer than 75 feet from a property line adjoining a public right of way or 10 feet from any interior boundary lines of the premises on which the billboard is located.

e)

Billboards may be constructed to a maximum size of 672 square feet per face provided they are located within 100 feet of a freeway right-of-way. Any billboard placed farther than 100 feet but not more than 500 feet from the freeway right of way shall not exceed 64 square feet per face.

f)

The height of a billboard shall not exceed 35 feet above:

1)

The grade of the ground on which the billboard sits, or

2)

The grade of the abutting roadway, whichever is higher.

g)

A billboard may be illuminated, provided such illumination is concentrated on the surface of the sign and is so located as to avoid glare or reflection onto any portion of an adjacent street or highway, the path of oncoming vehicles, or any adjacent premises. In no event shall any billboard have flashing or intermittent lights, nor shall the lights be permitted to rotate or oscillate.

h)

The adjacent area to U.S. 131 is the area measured from the nearest edge of the right of way of said freeway and extending 500 feet perpendicularly and then along the line parallel to the right of way line, on both sides of the freeway.

i)

Billboards are required to be positioned in a manner as to be seen primarily from US 131.

j)

Billboards are subject to and must comply with requirements of Public Act 106 of 1972, as amended, also known as the "Highway Advertising Act".

k)

The non-conforming provisions of Chapter 16 [300.760] of this Ordinance shall apply to pre-existing outdoor signs and billboards.

(Ord. No. 06-19O, 7-25-2019)

Sec. 4A.09. Reserved.

(Ord. No. 06-19O, 7-25-2019)

Sec. 4A.10.

a)

Every legal permanent sign which does not conform to the height, size, area or location requirements if this Chapter as of the date of adoption of this Ordinance is hereby deemed to be nonconforming.

b)

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

c)

A nonconforming sign may be diminished in size or dimension or the copy [of] the sign amended or changed without jeopardizing the privilege of nonconforming use.

d)

A sign accessory to a nonconforming use may be erected in the Township in accordance with the sign regulations for the District in which the property is located.

(Ord. No. 06-19O, 7-25-2019)

Sec. 4A.11.

a)

Unless otherwise specified within this ordinance for a particular type of sign, the [area] of a sign shall be measured as the area within a single, continuous perimeter composed of any straight line geometric figure 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 places, excluding only the structure necessary to support the sign.

b)

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, except if two such faces are placed back-to-back and are of equal size, and are no more than two feet apart at any point the area of the two back-to-back faces shall be counted as one face. If the two back-to-back faces are of unequal size, the larger of the two sign faces shall be counted as the one face.

c)

The height of a sign shall be measured as the vertical distance from the highest point of the sign to the grade of the adjacent street or the average grade of the ground immediately beneath the sign, whichever is less except for billboards as specified herein.

(Ord. No. 06-19O, 7-25-2019)

Sec. 4A.12. The following signs are permitted in the Agricultural, Rural Estates and Rural Agricultural Zoning Districts:

a)

Signs as permitted and regulated by Sections 4A.04, 4A.05, and 4A.06.

b)

WALL SIGNS- for permitted uses other than dwellings.

1.

One sign per street frontage to be placed on that side of the building which directly faces the street.

2.

A wall sign shall not exceed 100 square feet.

c)

GROUND SIGNS- for permitted uses other than dwellings.

1.

One per parcel not to exceed 32 square feet in area.

2.

The height of a ground sign shall not exceed six (6) feet above grade.

3.

Ground signs shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from the front lot line and a minimum of 25 feet from all other lot lines.

d)

TEMPORARY SIGNS. Temporary signs shall be set back a minimum of five (5) feet from the front lot line and ten (10) feet from all other lot lines and are subject to the following provisions:

1.

One temporary sign is permitted for each whole increment of 50 feet of road frontage.

2.

The maximum area permitted for each sign is 16 square feet.

3.

The total combined maximum area of temporary signs shall not exceed 64 square feet.

e)

BILLBOARDS- as regulated by Section 4A.08 [300.248] herein.

f)

The Planning Commission may allow by Special Use Permit the installation of Electronic Changeable Message Signs, subject to the regulations in 4.A.07 and size and location requirements of this zoning district based on sign type, as well as the standards for Special Use in Section 4.32 [300.222]

(Ord. No. 06-19O, 7-25-2019)

Sec. 4A.13. The following signs are permitted in the A, B1, B2, and B3 Zoning Districts.

a)

Signs as permitted and regulated by Sections 4A.04, 4A.05, and 4A.07.

b)

WALL SIGNS- For non-residential uses only:

1.

One sign per street frontage to be placed on that side of the building which directly faces the street.

2.

A wall sign shall not exceed 100 square feet.

c)

GROUND SIGNS- On properties used for residential subdivisions or site condominiums, multiple family developments, elderly housing, mobile or manufactured home parks, schools, places of worship or other permitted non-residential uses:

1.

One per parcel not to exceed 32 square feet in area.

2.

The height of a ground sign shall not exceed six (6) feet above grade.

3.

Ground signs shall be setback a minimum of 10 feet from the front lot line and a minimum of 25 feet from all other lot lines.

d)

TEMPORARY SIGNS. Temporary signs shall be set back a minimum of five (5) feet from the front lot line and ten (10) feet from all other lot lines and are subject to the following provisions:

1.

One temporary sign is permitted for each whole increment of 50 feet of road frontage.

2.

The maximum area permitted for each sign is 8 square feet.

3.

The total combined maximum area of temporary signs shall not exceed 32 square feet.

e)

BILLBOARDS- as regulated by Section 4A.08 [300.248] herein.

f)

The Planning Commission may allow by Special Use Permit the installation of Electronic Changeable Message Signs, subject to the regulations in 4.A.07 and size and location requirements of this zoning district based on sign type, as well as the standards for Special Use in Section 4.32 [300.222].

(Ord. No. 06-19O, 7-25-2019)

Sec. 4A.14. The following signs are permitted in the C/D Local Business and the E Commercial Districts.

a)

Signs as permitted and regulated by Sections 4A.04, 4A.05, and 4A.07.

b)

WALL SIGNS-

1.

Each commercial establishment shall be permitted to have one wall sign. For each commercial establishment on a corner lot, one wall sign per public or private street frontage is permitted. Each commercial establishment shall have no more than one sign per wall. Wall signs shall not exceed 100 square feet in area.

2.

Wall signs shall not face a residential zoning district unless the district and the building are separated by a public or private street or other non-residential zoning district.

3.

Each commercial establishment may be allowed an additional two square feet of wall sign for every one square foot reduction in the amount of the permitted pole sign area. This additional wall sign area may be added to a permitted wall sign to increase its size or may be a separate sign. However, no wall may contain more than one sign.

c)

FREESTANDING SIGNS- One ground or pole sign shall be permitted for each lot and shall also be subject to the following:

1.

Pole Signs- A sign of at least 64 square feet shall be permitted for each lot and shall also be subject to the following:

i.

The size of a sign may be increased by two square feet for every five feet of lineal lot frontage over 100 feet up to a maximum sign area of 100 square feet. (See Schedule A [300.256]).

ii.

In addition to the above, for each foot that a sign is set back from the minimum sign setback requirement of this section, the size of a sign may be increased by one additional foot. In no case shall a sign exceed 120 square feet.

iii.

For those lots with more than one commercial establishment, the size of the pole sign may be increased by 50 percent of the size allowed by Section (c)(1)(a) above up to a maximum size of 160 square feet.

iv.

Pole signs shall not exceed 35 feet in height.

v.

The support structure(s) for a pole sign shall not be more than two feet wide on any one side.

vi.

Pole signs over 35 feet in height may be permitted by the Planning Commission as a Special Use on properties on that within 500 feet of the US 131 and 142 ^nd Avenue intersection as measured from the edge of the right of way of the US 131 access ramp subject to the following criteria:

a.

The General Standards for Special Use in Section 4.30 [300.220].

b.

The ability of highway travelers to locate the use without the proposed increased sign height.

c.

The topography of the highway or adjacent lands, or existence of trees or other natural or manmade features which may obscure a sign of lesser height.

d.

Whether the identification of the use can be accomplished by some other means.

e.

Whether such sign is necessary for the safety or convenience of highway travelers.

f.

The impact of such sign on the occupants or owners of nearby lands.

g.

Whether the proposed height is the minimum necessary to serve its intended purpose.

2.

Ground signs- One sign of not more than 64 square feet shall be permitted for each lot and shall also be subject to the following:

i.

The height of a ground sign shall not exceed six feet above ground.

ii.

Ground signs shall be set back a minimum of five feet from the front and side lot lines. In addition, the placement of ground signs shall conform to the requirements of Section 4A.06 herein.

d)

PROJECTING SIGNS- One sign per building not to exceed 35 square feet. The sign shall be a minimum of eight feet above the ground and not project more than five feet from the building nor shall it be closer than be two feet from the edge of the street.

e)

ROOF SIGNS- One per building not to exceed one and one-half square feet of sign area per one lineal foot of ground floor building frontage. Such sign shall not be more than 10 feet above the roof nor exceed the maximum building height permitted in the zoning district.

f)

TEMPORARY SIGNS. Temporary signs shall be set back a minimum of five (5) feet from the front lot line and ten (10) feet from all other lot lines and are subject to the following provisions:

1.

One temporary sign is permitted for each whole increment of 50 feet of road frontage.

2.

The maximum area permitted for each sign is 32 square feet.

3.

The total combined maximum area of temporary signs shall not exceed 64 square feet.

f)

BILLBOARDS- As regulated by Section 4A.08 herein.

g)

ELECTRONIC CHANGEABLE MESSAGE SIGNS, subject to the regulations in 4.A.07 and size and location requirements of this zoning district based on sign type. Electronic changeable message signs shall not be placed closer than twenty-five (25) feet to any property which is used or zoned as Residential.

(Ord. No. 06-19O, 7-25-2019)

Sec. 4A.15. The following signs are permitted in the "I" Industrial Zoning District.

a)

Signs as permitted and regulated by Sections 4A.04, 4A.05, and 4A.07.

b)

WALL SIGNS-

1.

Each industrial establishment shall be permitted to have one wall sign. For each industrial establishment on a corner lot, one wall sign per public or private street frontage is permitted. Each establishment shall have no more than one sign per wall.

2.

The size of the wall sign shall not exceed 100 square feet in area.

3.

Wall signs shall not face a residential zoning district unless the district and the building are separated by a public or private street or other non-residential zoning district.

c)

GROUND SIGNS- One ground sign per lot is permitted subject to the following regulations:

1.

The sign shall not exceed 64 square feet in area.

2.

The height of a ground sign shall not exceed six feet in height.

3.

Ground signs shall be set back a minimum of five feet from the front lot line and five feet from side lot lines.

d)

SIGNS PLACED AT INDUSTRIAL PARK ENTRANCES- One sign may be erected at each industrial park entrance in accordance with the requirements for ground signs. Such signs may be ground signs or attached to a wall and shall be constructed primarily with carved wood, brick, stone, wrought iron, glazed tile or other similar decorative material. Such signs shall be appropriately landscaped with low level lighting.

e)

TEMPORARY SIGNS. Temporary signs shall be set back a minimum of five (5) feet from the front lot line and ten (10) feet from all other lot lines and are subject to the following provisions:

1.

One temporary sign is permitted for each whole increment of 50 feet of road frontage.

2.

The maximum area permitted for each sign is 32 square feet.

3.

The total combined maximum area of temporary signs shall not exceed 64 square feet.

f)

BILLBOARDS- As regulated under the provisions of Section 4A.08 [300.248]

g)

ELECTRONIC CHANGEABLE MESSAGE SIGNS, subject to the regulations in 4.A.07 and size and location requirements of this zoning district based on sign type. Electronic changeable message signs shall not be placed closer than twenty-five (25) feet to any property which is used or zoned as Residential.

(Ord. No. 06-19O, 7-25-2019)

(Ord. No. 06-19O, 7-25-2019)