Fairfield City Zoning Code

   The purpose of this subchapter is to establish sign regulations that enhance the rural character of the town, maintain aesthetic consistency, ensure public safety and minimize visual clutter while allowing appropriate signage for businesses and developments.

(Ord. 2025-03, passed 5-21-2025)

   Monument signs and wall signs are prohibited in all zones except for the Light Industrial West Zone, Light Industrial East Zone and the Commercial Overlay Zone. All signs must comply with the regulations in this chapter.

(Ord. 2025-03, passed 5-21-2025)

   For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

   BANNER. A temporary sign made of fabric, plastic or similar flexible material, typically mounted between poles, on a building or above an entrance, used to announce events, sales or grand openings.

   BILLBOARD. A large, off-site sign structure designed for long-distance visibility, typically used for commercial advertising not related to the use or activity on the property where it is located.

   DARK-SKY COMPLIANT FIXTURE. A lighting fixture that is fully shielded and designed to minimize light pollution by directing light downward and reducing glare, in compliance with dark-sky preservation practices.

   DIRECTIONAL SIGN. A small, on-site sign intended to direct vehicular or pedestrian traffic, such as “Entrance,” “Exit” or “Parking,” and not intended for advertising purposes.

   EVENT SIGN. A temporary sign used to promote a special event, seasonal activity or community gathering, and which must be removed shortly after the event has concluded.

   EXTERNALLY ILLUMINATED SIGN. A sign that is lit by a separate light source directed at the face of the sign, typically using shielded fixtures to minimize glare and light trespass.

   FLASHING SIGN. A sign that contains or uses lights, LEDs or other sources that blink, flash, scroll, change color or alternate in appearance.

   GOOSENECK LIGHTING. A style of exterior lighting fixture with a curved arm that directs light downward in a focused and controlled manner, commonly used to illuminate signage while preserving dark-sky principles.

   MONUMENT SIGN. A freestanding sign mounted on a solid base and constructed close to the ground, typically not exceeding a height of eight feet. MONUMENT SIGNS are designed to match or complement adjacent architecture using high-quality materials.

   NEON SIGN. A sign made with luminous gas-filled tubing, often brightly colored or animated. NEON SIGNS are generally prohibited except for limited, window-mounted “Open” signs.

   PORTABLE SIGN. Any sign not permanently affixed to a building, structure or the ground, including trailer-mounted signs, sandwich boards or signs on wheeled platforms.

   ROOF-MOUNTED SIGN. A sign mounted on or above the roofline of a building or structure, extending above the highest point of the roof.

   SANDWICH BOARD SIGN. A temporary, portable A-frame sign typically used on sidewalks to advertise special events, sales or business openings.

   SIGN. Any object, device, display, structure or part thereof intended to convey information visually and designed to attract public attention, including words, symbols, graphics or illumination.

   TEMPORARY SIGN. A sign intended for short-term use, including banners, event signs and promotional signage, that is not permanently installed and must be removed after a specified time period.

   WALL SIGN. A sign that is attached flat against or painted directly on the exterior wall of a building, and which does not extend above the roofline or project outward more than 12 inches.

(Prior Code, § 10.21.15)

   (A)   Monument signs.

      (1)   Each development is permitted one monument base sign per 500 feet of frontage, which must comply with the town’s aesthetic and design standards in the general plan.

      (2)   The maximum height shall not exceed eight feet, and the maximum width shall not exceed ten feet.

      (3)   Materials shall be natural or complementary to the surrounding architecture, including stone, wood or metal accents.

      (4)   Monument signs shall be externally illuminated with downward-facing lighting. Internally lit or backlit signs are prohibited.

      (5)   Placement must not obstruct visibility for traffic or pedestrians.

      (6)   No advertising signs of any kind shall be allowed in any residential zone, except signs pertaining to the sale or lease of residential property and except for name plates or signs indicating the existence of an office, a professional person or a home occupation.

      (7)   Exception: temporary signs (not posted longer than 72 hours).

   (B)   Wall signs.

      (1)   All wall signs must be included in the master development plan and reviewed as part of the site plan approval process.

      (2)   Signs shall be proportional to the building’s facade and may not exceed 10% of the wall area on which they are placed.

      (3)   Lighting shall be non-intrusive, such as gooseneck or downward-facing fixtures.

      (4)   Signs shall be made of high-quality, durable materials and must maintain a consistent aesthetic with the development.

   (C)   Directional and informational signs.

      (1)   Small directional signs, such as parking and entrance signs, shall be limited to four feet in height. Maximum of 16 square feet.

      (2)   Signs must be consistent in color, material and style with the primary monument sign.

      (3)   Internal illumination is prohibited; externally lit fixtures must be shielded to prevent light pollution.

(Ord. 2025-03, passed 5-21-2025)

   The following sign types are prohibited within the town limits:

   (A)   Digital, LED or flashing signs, including scrolling or animated messages;

   (B)   Billboards or off-site advertising signs not associated with the property;

   (C)   Roof-mounted signs extending above the highest part of the building;

   (D)   Portable or mobile signs, including trailer-mounted advertising;

   (E)   Neon signs, except for small window-mounted “Open” signs under four square feet; and

   (F)   Signs obstructing road visibility or creating safety hazards.

(Ord. 2025-03, passed 5-21-2025)

   (A)   Community event signs (e.g., town fairs, seasonal markets) may be allowed but must be removed within seven days after the event.

   (B)   Banners and sandwich boards are permitted only for special events or grand openings and must be removed within 14 days.

   (C)   Temporary signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in size and must be securely fastened to prevent wind damage.

(Ord. 2025-03, passed 5-21-2025)

   (A)   All sign lighting must use warm, non-intrusive illumination that aligns with the town’s rural character.

   (B)   No neon, backlit or excessively bright lighting is allowed.

   (C)   Dark-sky compliant fixtures are required to reduce light pollution.

(Ord. 2025-03, passed 5-21-2025)

   (A)   All new signs must be reviewed and approved as part of the site plan or master development plan process.

   (B)   Nonconforming signs must be removed or brought into compliance within 30 days of notice.

   (C)   Violations of this subchapter may result in fines, penalties or removal of the noncompliant sign at the owner’s expense.

(Ord. 2025-03, passed 5-21-2025) Penalty, see § 154.999