Fair Haven Village City Zoning Code
ARTICLE VI
Signs
[Amended 11-9-2006 by L.L. No. 1-2006]
§ 150-18 Purpose; definitions; permit requirements; regulations.
The purpose of this article is to promote and protect the public health, welfare and safety by regulating existing and proposed outdoor advertising signs, and outdoor signs of all types. It is intended to protect property values, promote economic and business climate, enhance and protect the physical appearance of the community, preserve the scenic and natural beauty and provide a more enjoyable and pleasing community. It is further intended hereby to reduce sign or advertising distractions and obstructions that may contribute to traffic accidents, reduce hazards that may be caused by signs overhanging or projecting over public rights-of-way, provide more visual open space, and curb the deterioration of the community's appearance. This article is intended to promote signs that clearly present the visual message in a manner that is compatible with their surroundings. The appearance, character and quality of a community are affected by the location, size, construction, and graphic design of its signs. Therefore, such signs should convey their messages clearly and simply to enhance their surroundings.
A.
Definitions. As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
HOME OCCUPATION SIGN
A sign which directs attention to an occupation being carried on wholly within a dwelling unit or in a building or other structure accessory to a dwelling unit.
OFF-PREMISES SIGN
A sign which directs attention to a person, business, profession, product, home occupation or activity not conducted on the same lot.
ON-PREMISES SIGN
A sign, which directs attention to a person, business, profession, product or activity conducted on the same lot. A "For Sale" or "For Rent" sign relating to the lot on which it is displayed shall be deemed an on-premise sign.
SIGN
Includes any permanent or temporary structure or part thereof or any device attached, painted or represented directly or indirectly on a structure or other outdoor surface that shall display or include any letter, word, insignia, flag or representation used as, or which is in the nature of, an advertisement, announcement, visual communication or direction or is designed to attract the eye or bring the subject to the attention of the public.
B.
Permit requirements; compliance required.
(1)
All on-premises signs over six square feet in area and all off-premises signs, regardless of size, shall require the issuance of a zoning permit before erection or replacement. Off-premises signs shall not be permitted in the Residential District. All signs must comply with all regulations contained herein, irrespective of whether a permit is required. This subsection shall not apply to governmental signs.
(2)
All on-premises signs with a total area of six square feet or less and all home occupation signs not larger than four square feet in area shall be allowed without a permit.
(3)
The total area of all on-premises and off-premises signs on the same lot shall not exceed 48 square feet.
(4)
Signs directing patrons, members or an audience to temporary exhibits, shows or events shall only be allowed upon issuance of a permit and shall be subject to the following requirements:
(a)
No sign shall exceed 24 square feet in area.
(b)
Signs shall be removed within two weeks after the date of the exhibit, show, event or election.
(c)
No permit shall be issued for the erection of such signs until a deposit shall be made with the Village Clerk in accordance with a fee schedule adopted by the Board of Trustees to guarantee removal within the time prescribed.[1] Not-for-profit organizations will receive a permit without paying a fee.
[1]
Editor's Note: The currently effective fee schedule is on file in the office of the Village Clerk, where it may be examined during regular business hours.
(d)
No such sign shall be posted earlier than two weeks before the occurrence of the event to which it relates.
(e)
All signage on state DOT rights-of-way must conform to New York State regulations. The applicant must inform the Village of Fair Haven upon state approval prior to erection of signage.
(5)
Official traffic signs and other official federal, state, county, Village or town government signs are permitted.
C.
General regulations. The following requirements shall apply to all signs unless noted otherwise:
(1)
No sign shall have visible moving or movable parts of flashing, animated or intermittent illumination.
(2)
No sign shall project over a public street or sidewalk.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: See also §§ 126-7, Signs, banners or insignia over sidewalks, of Ch. 126, Streets and Sidewalks.
(3)
In the Residential, Bay Front, and Agriculture Districts, no sign shall be located within 10 feet of any side property line.
(4)
The height of all signs in all districts shall not exceed 20 feet.
(5)
All signs shall be constructed of durable material and shall be kept in good condition and repair.
(6)
Any replacement sign shall conform to the provisions herein.