Elizabethtown City Zoning Code

GENERAL SIGN

STANDARDS

§ 154.205 INTENT AND PURPOSE.

(A) The intent of this subchapter is:

(1) To encourage an attractive visual environment for business and to promote a healthy economy through informing and directing the general public;

(2) To protect and enhance the physical appearance of the city;

(3) To ensure public safety along public and private streets within the city; and

(4) To provide businesses with a format for on-premises street advertising.

(B) In order to establish these objectives, the city has determined:

(1) Without adequate regulation and design standards, signs may become a nuisance. Signs are a nuisance when they are excessive in number and are unduly distracting to motorists and pedestrians, creating a traffic hazard and in some places reduce the effectiveness of other signs needed to direct and inform the public;

(2) The appearance of the community is marred by the excessive number, oversized and poorly designed signs, so that both residential and business property values are adversely affected; and

(3) The number of such distracting signs ought to be reduced and signs that are permitted should comply with the standards of this subchapter in order to reduce the aforementioned effects; and in view of the foregoing, all signs not in conformance with the provisions of this subchapter are hereby declared a nuisance.

(Ord. 06-2008, passed 6-16-2008, § 7.0; Ord. 12-2009, passed 9-8-2009)

§ 154.206 SIGN PERMIT PROCEDURES.

(A) No sign, except as specifically exempted herein, shall be displayed, erected, relocated or altered until a permit has been issued by the Department. Applications shall include, but not be limited to the following:

(1) A completed application form;

(2) A site plan and/or building elevations showing the location of the proposed sign(s) on the lot and/or building, including setbacks;

(3) Detailed sign information including type of construction, method of illumination, dimensions, copy, method of mounting and/or erecting and other similar information. Note: The content of the message or speech displayed on the sign shall not be considered when approving or denying a sign permit. However, the content must be submitted to evaluate the sign copy area;

(4) The written consent of the owner of the underlying property or authorized agent; and

(5) A permit fee.

(B) The Department shall maintain written records of all permits issued or denied and any condition(s) attached to the approval of each permit request. Signs may be erected or constructed only in compliance with the approved permit.

(Ord. 06-2008, passed 6-16-2008, § 7.1)

§ 154.207 GENERAL PROVISIONS.

(A) No light, sign or other advertising device shall be designed or erected in such a manner or location as to imitate or resemble any official traffic sign, signal or device, or use words, phrases, symbols or characters implying the existence of danger, the need to stop or maneuver the vehicle or create an unsafe distraction for the vehicle operator.

(B) No sign shall be placed or located in or extend over a street, right-of-way, roadway, sidewalk, public or private access easement, or alley except as provided herein.

(C) No sign shall be attached to or painted on the surface of any tree, utility pole, streetlight standard or dilapidated structure.

(D) No sign shall be allowed to be illuminated except as expressly provided herein. Signs which are otherwise allowed to be illuminated are not allowed if it is determined that the lighting causes glare or otherwise interferes with the vision of persons operating motor vehicles on any public way or interferes with any adjacent property.

(E) Neon lighting and tubing and other exposed light sources may be used in signs where signs are permitted to be directly illuminated.

(F) No sign may be located or constructed so as to obstruct sight lines for persons using streets, alleys, pedestrian rights-of-way and driveways.

(G) Signs accessory to non-conforming uses shall be permitted and shall be subject to the regulations for the use.

(H) Where more than one freestanding sign is permitted on a lot, such signs shall be located and oriented to the distinct street frontage by which the signs are permitted. Signs may not be closer than 75 feet from each other as measured in a straight line.

(I) On lots with multiple street frontages, and/or where multiple freestanding signs are permitted, the total square footage in area per side of a freestanding sign may be increased by 50% over the maximum permitted square footage if only one freestanding sign is erected.

(J) Sign materials should coordinate with building materials.

(K) Wall mounted tenant signs must be placed on the wall of the tenant’s leased space.

(L) Signs placed on fences are considered to be and are counted as freestanding signs.

(M) Residential signs should use more natural or earth tones in their colors to lessen impact on the surrounding uses.

(N) All residential signs may be externally illuminated only except as expressly permitted within the zoning district regulations.

(O) All freestanding signs shall contain the numerical street address of the business on the sign. The street address shall be displayed in numbers in contrast to the sign at least six inches in height.

(P) Sign permits shall become null and void if not installed within six months from the original issue date of the permit.

(Q) Additional provisions for message boards.

(1) No more than one message board may be permitted on a property.

(2) Message boards may be electronic or manual copy change.

(3) Message boards must be accompanied by a permanent business identification sign if on a freestanding pole or monument sign.

(Ord. 06-2008, passed 6-16-2008, § 7.2; Ord. 12-2009, passed 9-8-2009; Ord. 10-2014, passed 4-7-2014; Ord. 18-2025, passed 8-18-2025)

§ 154.208 SIGNS EXEMPT FROM PERMIT.

The following signs shall not require a permit; however, such signs are subject to applicable restrictions contained within the zoning regulations:

(A) Changing copy of off-premises signs, attraction board, marquee or electronic message display system;

(B) Church directional signs;

(D) Construction signs;

(E) Government signs, including, but not limited to, traffic signs and traffic control signs;

(F) Historic markers;

(G) Incidental signs;

(H) Nameplates;

(I) Non-commercial signs;

(J) On-site real estate signs, including auction signs;

(K) Public utility warning signs for the safety and welfare of the public, including, but not limited to, signs identifying high voltage, public telephone or underground cable;

(L) Signs not visible from the public right-of-way provided however that if the sign becomes visible from the right-of-way at any time, it shall meet all the applicable requirements of this chapter;

(M) Special events signs associated with community festivals or events of a cultural, civic or educational nature;

(N) Tract signs; and

(O) Booth (flea market and farmers market) signs.

(Ord. 06-2008, passed 6-16-2008, § 7.3; Ord. 12-2009, passed 9-8-2009; Ord. 24-2016, passed 12-19-2016)

§ 154.209 PROHIBITED SIGNS, ALL ZONES.

The following signs and/or sign features shall be prohibited in all zones:

(A) Abandoned signs;

(B) Any sign which emits any noise, odor or visible matter for the purpose of attracting attention to the sign;

(D) Mobile or portable signs;

(E) Off-site real estate signs;

(F) Rotating or moving signs;

(G) Signs attached or placed on a tent structure, where the placement of such signs adversely affects the fire resistance rating of the structure;

(H) Streamers, pennants, balloons, inflatables and similar signs or devices;

(I) Tag signs;

(J) Temporary signs; and

(K) Vehicle signs, when attached to a vehicle not normally driven daily.

(Ord. 06-2008, passed 6-16-2008, § 7.4; Ord. 12-2009, passed 9-8-2009)

§ 154.210 PERMITTED SIGNS, ALL ZONES.

The following signs shall be permitted within all zones subject to the restrictions specified:

(A) Church directional signs;

(B) Community identification signs and community beautification project signs;

(D) Government signs and historic markers;

(E) Incidental signs;

(F) Non-commercial signage, including, but not limited to, political signs;

(G) On-site real estate signs, including auction signs;

(H) Signs associated with temporary structures when the sign is permanently attached to the temporary structure and not exceeding 15% of the exposed building face of the wall to which it is attached. Each installation of a temporary structure and the associated signage shall require the issuance of all applicable permits;

(I) Special events signs associated with community festivals or events of a cultural, civic or educational nature;

(J) Subdivision identification sign/signature entrance; and

(K) Tract signs.

(Ord. 06-2008, passed 6-16-2008, § 7.5; Ord. 12-2009, passed 9-8-2009)

§ 154.211 TEMPORARY BANNER SIGNS.

(A) Temporary banners shall be allowed in all commercial, industrial and specialized use zones. Any business shall be allowed one temporary banner, not to exceed 50 square feet in area, to be placed on the premises. No person shall place a banner on his or her business premises without first receiving a permit from the Department. Permits shall be for a period not to exceed 30 consecutive days and for a cumulative period not to exceed 120 days in any calendar year. Immediately upon expiration of the permit, the applicable temporary banner shall be removed. The permit for the temporary banner shall be kept on the business premises and shall be available for inspection by the Department. Temporary banners shall be securely installed and properly maintained the entire time period of their display. Failure to properly maintain a temporary banner or if the temporary banner is determined to cause a safety hazard for pedestrians or vehicles is reason for the department to order removal of the temporary banner or to cite the property owner.

(B) Special provisions. A principal structure with a minimum height of 50 feet may be allowed a temporary banner covering a maximum of 15% of the wall area to which it is attached. The banner is restricted to a special event, announcement, or other activity of a noncommercial nature. It cannot advertise a product or sale to the general public. The banner can only be placed on the principal structure. The time period for display will be determined by the Department based on the timeliness of the message on the banner.

(Ord. 06-2008, passed 6-16-2008, § 7.6; Ord. 03-2022, passed 2-7-2022)

§ 154.212 SCENIC PARKWAY SIGNAGE.

It is the intent of this regulation to implement the goals of the comprehensive plan through the recognition that certain entryways/roadways to the city are determined to be scenic in nature and therefore should be protected from visual blight from excessive signage. To meet this community concern, no off- premises signs shall be permitted along a designated scenic parkway. Scenic parkways include Veterans Way, KY 3005 (Ring Road), KY 61 (Lincoln Parkway), KY 361 (Patriot Parkway), US 31W between Miles Street and New Glendale Road, and US 62 between Ring Road (near I-65 exit 94) and College Street Road.

(Ord. 06-2008, passed 6-16-2008, § 7.7; Ord. 27-2012, passed 12-3-2012; Ord. 18-2025, passed 8-18-2025)

§ 154.213 INTERSTATE OFF-PREMISES SIGNS.

(A) In addition to other off-premises signage allowed elsewhere in the zoning regulations, there is to be the provision for off-premises signage along and adjacent to Interstate 65, within 100 feet of the right-of-way and oriented towards I 65 traffic. Signage shall be allowed in areas zoned C-3, C-4, I-1 or I-2 as of 7-1-2008.

(B) Off-premises signs may be located:

(1) Not closer than 2,000 feet from any other such sign as measured along the near curbside of any adjacent street in either direction from the sign;

(2) Not closer than 250 feet from any other such sign as measured from a point across the street from the sign along the opposite curbside in either direction; and

(3) For signs located on lots at intersections, the measurement of divisions (B)(1) and (B)(2) above shall apply to both intersection streets, regardless of sign face orientation.

(Ord. 06-2008, passed 6-16-2008, § 7.8)

§ 154.214 CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE.

Every sign shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the requirements of the state’s Building Code and standards and guidelines adopted by the Department. Every sign, including those for which a permit is not required, shall be maintained in good condition at all times. The Department shall have the authority to order the repair, repainting, alteration or removal of any sign which is a nuisance to the community by reason of dilapidation, obsolescence or inadequate maintenance.

(Ord. 06-2008, passed 6-16-2008, § 7.9)

§ 154.215 NON-CONFORMING SIGNS.

The following provisions shall apply to non-conforming signs.

(A) Continuation, off-premises signs. With the exception of those signs which are prohibited, a non-conforming off-premises sign may continue in existence and shall be properly maintained in good condition but it shall not be:

(1) Changed to another non-conforming sign;

(2) Structurally altered (except to meet safety requirements) so as to prolong the life of the sign;

(3) Altered so as to increase the degree of non-conformity of the sign;

(4) Expanded or enlarged;

(5) Reestablished after its discontinuance of 90 days;

(6) Moved to a new location on the same building lot; or

(7) Reestablished after substantial damage or destruction.

(B) Continuation, on-premises sign. With the exception of those signs which are prohibited, a non-conforming on-premises sign may continue in existence and shall be properly maintained in good condition. Should a legal non-conforming sign be replaced, the sign may not increase its degree of non- conformity, but may decrease in degree of non-conformity.

(C) Continuation, status change. When a legal on-premises sign becomes an off-premises sign due to the sale of the property on which the sign is located it may continue to exist if all the following conditions are met:

(1) The sign may only advertise a single business and it shall be the business that was formerly located on the property;

(2) The business to which the sign pertains is located within 750 feet of the sign as measured along the near curbside of the adjacent street;

(3) The sign is less than 100 square feet in area;

(4) The sign is located within a commercial zoning district;

(5) The sign is in conformance with the spacing requirements for off-premises signs as found in this chapter;

(6) The sign shall be located on the existing pole or monument; and

(7) The sign shall be properly maintained in good condition.

(Ord. 06-2008, passed 6-16-2008, § 7.10; Ord. 12-2009, passed 9-8-2009; Ord. 10-2014, passed 4-7-2014)

§ 154.216 DISCONTINUATION, NON-CONFORMING SIGNS.

Any prohibited sign as defined in the zoning chapter shall be removed within two days of notification of violation. Failure to remove the sign may result in the issuance of a citation to the town’s Code Enforcement Board (CEB) or other enforcement action that may be appropriate.

(Ord. 06-2008, passed 6-16-2008, § 7.11)

§ 154.217 SIGN TYPES.

The following sign types are permitted by this chapter.

Table 1: Other Sign Types
Type	Allowed Types	Maximm Number	Maximum Sign Area	Maximum Height	Location Require- ments	Lighting Allowed	Additional Requirements
Banners	Wall	1	50 sq. ft.	N/A	Must be securely attached	No	May not be attached to light poles, flag poles, utility poles
	Pole	1
Booth (Flea Market and Farmers Market	Wall- mount	1	15 sq. ft.	3 ft.	Must be located directly adjacent to booth space	No	Cannot block pedestrian access
Canopy		1/canopy face	15% of face	N/A		Yes
Constructio n	Monument	1/street	64 sq. ft.	8 ft.	Monument: 10 ft. off paved surface	No	No permit required
	Pole				Pole: 10 ft. off paved surface
Directional , Commercial	Monument	2/ent.	6 sq. ft.	3 ft.	May not project into right-of-wa y	Yes	May contain corporate logo
	Pole
Directional , Industrial	Monument	2/ent.	50 sq. ft.	10 ft.		Yes	May only contain directional information and corporate logo
	Pole
Directional , Travelers	Monument	1	100 sq. ft.	25 ft.	At intersection of arterial and commercial collector streets	Yes	Sign erected by city; spaces on sign filled on a first come, first served basis
Incidental	Wall	N/A	10 sq. ft.	N/A	N/A	No	No permit required; maximum of two signs displayed at any time
	Monument
	Pole
Industrial Park Identification	Monument	1/ent. to ind. area	150 sq. ft.	25 ft.	10 ft. off paved surface	Yes	May contain tenant signs
	Pole
Message Board	Wall	Wall: 1	Not to exceed 50% of total allowed sign face when pole or monument, maximum of 75 sq. ft.			Yes	See § 154.207(Q) for additional requirements
	Monument	Mon.: 1			Monument: 10 ft. off paved surface
	Pole	Pole: 1			Pole: 10 ft. off paved surface
Off-Site Directional	Monume nt	1	150 sq. ft.	16 ft.	20 ft. of paved surface; in areas zoned C-3, C-4, I-1, I-2, PNC	Yes	Off-site directional signs shall count toward the total allowable signs permitted on a lot.
	Pole	1	150 sq. ft.	35 ft.		Yes
Projecting	Wall	1/wall	15% of wall face	20 ft.	Cannot project into right- of-way	Yes	Bottom of sign must be minimum 7 ft. above finish grade
Real Estate	Monument	1 per street frontage	16 sq. ft., residentia l; 32 sq. ft. comm./ ind.	6 ft.			Removed within 10 days of completion of sales or lease activity; no permit required
	Pole
	Wall
Subdivision Identificati on	Monument	2/street entrance	48 sq. ft.	16 ft.	No less than 10 ft. from paved surface of primary intersecting street	Yes, externa l only	Additional requirements are located in § 154.232
Tract Sign	Monument	1/street frontage	72 sq. ft.	12 ft.	Mon. and F.S. 10 ft. off paved surface	No	Total not to exceed 4 signs; no permit required
	Pole
Sidewalk Food Vendors	Pole	1	15 sq. ft.	5 ft.	Must be located directly adjacent to vending cart	No	Cannot block pedestrian access and must be removed each day
	Cart
Temporary Structure	Wall	1/wall	15%			No

Table 2: Off-Premises Sign
Type	Allowed Types	Maximum Sign Area	Maximum Height	Location Requirements	Lighting Allowed
Off- Premises	Mon.	300 sq. ft. excluding structural supports; may be placed back to back or in a “V” type construction	45 ft.	20 ft. off-street right of way; in areas zoned C-3, C-4, I-1, I-2	Yes
	Pole
Additional Requirements
Spacing:
1. No closer than 2,000 ft. from any other off-premises sign as measured along the near curbside of any adjacent street in either direction from the sign
2. No closer than 2,000 ft. from any other such sign as measured from a point across the street from the sign along the opposite curbside in either direction
3. For signs located at intersections, the measurements of requirements 1. and 2. above apply to both intersecting streets, regardless of sign face orientation
4. No closer than 500 ft. from any residential zone as measured in a radius from the sign

Table 3: IHSB Signs
Interstate Highway Service Business Overzone
Type	Allow ed Types	Maximum Sign Area	Maximum Height	Location Requirements	Lighting Allowed	Additional Requirements
Interstate Highway Service Business	Mon. Pole	225 sq. ft. for signs between 45 ft. and 74 ft. in height 325 sq. ft. for signs between 75 ft. and 99 ft. in height 400 sq. ft. for signs between 100 ft. and 125 ft. in height		In areas within the IHSB as found on the zoning map	Yes	1. One additional sign, at a height no greater than 45 ft. (replaces 1 permitted freestanding sign); and 2. Two adjacent parcels, either sharing a boundary line or those separated by a public or private right-of-way, may place signage on one pole, on either parcel; allowed square feet requirements remain in effect
Restricted Access Parcels	Mon. Pole	Based on use	Based on use	In areas within the IHSB as found on the zoning map (on either parcel)	Yes	When one parcel restricted to access through adjacent parcel and a) lots share ingress/egress; b) Located on commercial collector or arterial street; and c) reciprocal parking agreements are executed

(Ord. 06-2008, passed 6-16-2008, § 7.12; Ord. 12-2009, passed 9-8-2009; Ord. passed 9-6-2011; Ord. 27-2012, passed 12-3-2012; Ord. 10-2014, passed 4-7-2014; Ord. 24-2016, passed 12-19-2016; Ord. 05-2017, passed 6-5-2017; Ord. 15-2017, passed 9-18-2017; Ord. 03-2022, passed 2-7-2022; Ord. 25-2024, passed 11-18-2024; Ord. 18-2025, passed 8-18-2025)