1. Generally. The purpose of this Part of the Unified Development Ordinance is to protect the dual interest of the public and the advertiser. The regulations herein are designed to protect public safety and welfare and to ensure the maintenance of an attractive physical environment while satisfying the needs of sign users for adequate identification, communication, and advertising.
2. Specifically. Without limiting the general purpose of this Part, the following specific statements of purpose provide the framework for which these regulations balance varying interests pertaining to design, construction, and placement of signs within the jurisdiction:
   1. To protect property values within the City of Florence;
   2. To protect the general public from damage or injury caused, or partially attributable to the distractions and obstructions caused by improperly designed or situated signs;
   3. To provide a pleasing overall environmental setting and good community appearance which is deemed vital to the continued economic attractiveness of the City;
   4. To improve the legibility and effectiveness of signs through the application of predictable and uniform standards; and,
   5. To allow signs appropriate to the existing or planned character of the City of Florence's varying corridors, districts, and neighborhoods.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

1. Generally. This Part of the Unified Development Ordinance regulates the number, size, placement, and physical characteristics of signs; allows certain signs without permits; prohibits certain signs; and requires permits for certain signs.
2. Conformance to Provisions. From and after the adoption of these regulations, no sign may be erected or enlarged unless it conforms to the requirements of this Part.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

1. A.
   Signs Permitted by Zoning District. Signs shall be allowed on private property in accord with Table 5-17.2.1A, Number, Dimension, and Location of Permitted Signs, By Zoning District. If the letter "A" appears for a sign type in a column, such sign is allowed without prior permit approval in the zoning district represented by that column. If the letter "P" appears for a sign type in a column, such sign is allowed only with prior permit approval in the zoning district represented by that column. If the letters “SE” appear for a sign type in a column, such a sign is allowed only by the Board of Zoning Appeals issuing a variance for a Special Exception for the sign type on a specific parcel of land. If the letter "N" appears for a sign type in a column, such a sign is not allowed in the zoning district represented by that column under any circumstances.

2. B.
   Signs Subject to General Design Requirements. In addition to the provisions provided in Table 5-17.2.1A, Number, Dimension, and Location of Permitted Signs, By Zoning District, and Table 5-17.2.1B, Regulation of Signs By Type, Characteristics, and Zoning District, signs permitted by this Section shall also be subject to the applicable provisions of Section 5-18.2.1, General Design Standards.

Effective on: 1/15/2018

1. Generally. A common signage plan, subject to the review and approval of the Director, shall be prerequisite to the issuance of any sign permit involving:
   1. Two or more contiguous lots or parcels under the same ownership;
   2. A single lot or parcel with more than one principal use or building (not including accessory uses or buildings) or qualifying on the basis of street frontage for more than one free-standing sign; and,
   3. A PD (Planned Development District) project originally approved prior to the adoption of this Unified Development Ordinance.
2. Common Signage Plan Requirements. The plan shall contain all information required for sign permits generally (see Section 6-21.3.1, Submittal Requirements, Subsection E., Other Permits)and shall specify standards for consistency among all signs on the lot affected by the plan with regard to:
   1. Lettering or graphic style;
   2. Lighting;
   3. Location of each sign on the buildings;
   4. Material; and,
   5. Sign proportions.
3. Limitations. A common signage plan shall limit the number of free-standing signs to a total of one for each street on which there is frontage and shall provide for shared or common usage of such signs; however the maximum sign area may be increased by 25 percent.
4. Effect of Approval. Once approved by the Director, the common signage plan shall become binding on all businesses and uses occupying the affected lots, but may be amended by filing a new or revised plan in conformance with the requirements of these regulations.
5. Amendments. If any new or amended common signage plan is filed for a property on which existing signs are located, it shall include a schedule for bringing into conformance, within three years, all signs not conforming to the proposed amended plan or to the requirements of the regulations in effect on the date of submission.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

1. Generally. No sign shall be allowed in the public right-of-way or on a public property, except as set out in this Section.
2. Standards.
   1. Public signs erected by or on behalf of a governmental body to post legal notices, identify public property, convey public information, and direct or regulate pedestrian or vehicular traffic;
   2. Bus stop signs erected by a public transit company;
   3. Informational signs of a public agency or utility regarding its facilities;
   4. Awning, canopy, marquee signs, and projecting signs in the CBD and AC Districts or where a building has no setback due to highway widening or was constructed prior to the adoption of these regulations; provided such signs shall project no closer than 1 ½ feet to the street curb or pavement;
   5. Historical signs and markers; and,
   6. Emergency signs.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Temporary signs shall be allowed on private property in accord with Table 5-18.1.3, Temporary Signs.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

1. Generally. All signs not expressly permitted under this Ordinance are prohibited. Such signs include, but are not limited to:
   1. Signs painted on or attached to trees, fence posts, telephone or other utility poles, stationary vehicles, or natural features.
   2. Signs displaying intermittent lights resembling the flashing lights customarily used in traffic signals or in police, fire, ambulance, rescue vehicles or other warning signals, and signs using the words "stop," "danger," or any other word, phrase, symbol, or character in a manner that might mislead or confuse motorist.
   3. Signs which have been abandoned, and no longer correctly direct or exhort any person, advertises a bona fide business, lessor, owner, product, or activity conducted or product available.
   4. Signs which have fallen into disrepair (dilapidated), are not properly maintained, are insecure or otherwise structurally unsound, have defective parts in the support, guys and/or anchors, or which are unable to meet minimum safety requirements of the Standard Building Code.
   5. Signs which contain or consist of spinners or strings of light bulbs with the exception that this restriction shall not apply to the holiday season from November 1st to January 2nd of the next year, nor shall it prohibit indirect illumination of buildings or portions thereof.
2. Removal of Prohibited Signs. Prohibited signs shall be deemed illegal due to a lack of conformance to the provisions of Part 5, Sign Regulations, of this Ordinance, and shall be subject to removal in accordance with Division 5-18.4, Abandoned, Unsafe and Non-conforming Signs.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

1. Generally. A business may use one of the signs permitted as provided in Table 5-17.2.1A, Number, Dimension, and Location of Permitted Signs, By Zoning District, to be located off of, but within 1,500 feet of the zoning lot for the purpose of directing the motoring public to the out-of-the-way location. No business hall have more than one such sign per business location. The off-premises sign shall be located within a non-residential district, off of the public right-of-way, and the location must meet all of the other requirements for a business sign specified in this Ordinance.
2. Owner Consent. Off-premises signage shall only be permitted with a written letter of consent between the sign owner and the landowner, signed and submitted to the Director before the issuance of the applicable permit. Such signs shall be free-standing and not exceed a height of 20 feet, nor a display area of 30 square feet, unless the regulations of the applicable district require a lesser height and/or square footage of display area. The off-premises sign shall also be counted against the allowable sign area and number of signs of the zoning lot on which it is located.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

1. Generally. All signs shall comply with the design, structure, and wind load requirements of the City's Standard Building Code of current adoption and/or any additional structural requirements specified by a registered engineer. In the event that any sign requirement of the Standard Building Code conflicts with the requirements of the Unified Development Ordinance, the Ordinance requirements shall take precedence over the Building Code, except specific construction requirements which shall be governed by the Standard Building Code.
2. Obstructions. No sign or advertising display shall be attached to or placed against the outside of a building in such a manner as to prevent ingress and egress through any door or window, nor shall any sign or advertising display obstruct or be attached to a fire escape or interfere with any opening required for legal ventilation.
3. Height.  Within the maximum height limit identified for a free-standing sign in Table 5-17.2.1B, Regulation of Signs By Type, Characteristics, and Zoning Districts, the actual height of a ground sign shall not exceed an equal distance measured from the center line of the street on which it fronts to the foundation of the supporting structure nearest the street.
4. Signs on Awnings, Canopies  or Marquees. Signs may be placed on the vertical face of an awning, canopy, or marquee or may project below the lower edge not more than 24 inches, provided that a bottom of such sign shall be no less than eight feet above the sidewalk or grade at any point . No part of a sign shall project above the top of the vertical face of a marquee.
5. Roof Signs. Roof signs shall adhere to the following:
   1. Signs or individual letters may be mounted directly against roof surfaces which can be seen from the street.
   2. Roof sign structures may not exceed a height of thirty feet above the building.
   3. The Board of Zoning Appeals may grant variances for certain other roof signs designed as part of the original building to meet the wind load standards of the Standard Building Code and when a registered architect or engineer certifies the building is designed to safely hold said sign provided the provisions of subparagraph 5 are met.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

1. Materials.  Permanent and temporary identification signs must be constructed in accord with all applicable provisions of the Building Code and National Electrical Code, and consist of durable all-weather materials.
2. Graphics.  Images, logos, graphics, etc. painted on permanent signs or buildings must be performed in a professional and workmanlike manner. Permits for painted signs will only be issued to companies who are engaged as sign painters.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

1. Design and Construction.  Stacked or double-decked sign faces or side by side sign faces shall not be permitted. Structures permitted after the effective date of the Unified Development Ordinance, with a 32 square foot or greater sign face, shall be designed and constructed with a single steel pole structural support design, meeting the southeastern building code, including a 90 mile per hour wind load.
2. Billboard Sign Faces. No more than two sign panels facing in the same direction may be erected on the same sign structure, and only if the total area of both panels does not exceed the maximum square footage permitted by Table 5-17.2.1B, Regulation of Signs By Type, Characteristics, and Zoning District.
3. Non-conforming Billboards.  Existing outdoor advertising structure owners may apply for rebuilding permits for legal, nonconforming structures that are constructed by means other than the single steel pole structural design, as required by these regulations. The sign face square footage must remain the same as the existing sign face. If removed, a nonconforming sign structure shall not be replaced.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

A.  Illuminated signs allowed by these regulations shall be subject to the following provisions:

1. Illuminated signs shall not directly shine on abutting properties.
2. No illumination simulating traffic control devices or emergency vehicles shall be used, nor shall lights which are intermittently switched on and off, changed in intensity or color, or otherwise displayed to create the illusion of flashing or movement be permitted.
3. No flood lights shall be utilized as a part of a sign illumination system which are not hooded or shielded so that the light source is not visible from any public right of way or adjacent property nor shall any sign otherwise reflect or emit a glaring light so as to impair driver vision.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

1. Generally.  The measurements of sign face area are set out in this Section.
2. Standards.
   1. The area of a sign enclosed in frames or cabinets is determined by measuring the outer dimensions of the frame or cabinet surrounding the sign face (see Figure 5-18.3.1, Sign Face and Measurement Illustrations, Illustration A). Sign area does not include foundations or supports. Only one side of a double-faced or V-shaped, free-standing sign is counted.
   2. For signs on a base material and attached without a frame, such as a wood board or plexi-glass panel, the dimensions of the base material are to be used in the measurement unless it is clear that part of the base contains no sign related display or decoration.
   3. For signs constructed of individual pieces attached to a building wall, sign area is determined by a perimeter drawn around all the pieces (see Figure 5-18.3.1, Sign Face and Measurement Illustrations, Illustration B).
   4. For sign structures containing multiple modules oriented in the same direction, the modules together are counted as one sign face (see Figure 5-18.3.1, Sign Face and Measurement Illustrations, Illustration C).
   5. The maximum surface area visible at one time of a round or three-dimensional sign is counted to determine sign area.
   6. For signs incorporated into awnings, the entire panel containing the sign is counted as the sign face unless it is clear that part of the panel contains no sign related display or decoration.

Figure 5-18.3.1 Sign Face Measurement Illustrations
Illustration A. Sign Face Area = (A)(B)	Illustration B. Sign Face Area = (A)(B)
Illustration C. Sign Face Area = (A)(B) + (C)(D) + (E)(F)	Illustration D. Area Clearance

Effective on: 1/1/1901

1. Vertical Clearance. The vertical clearance of a sign is measured from the grade directly below the sign to the bottom of the sign structure enclosing the sign face (see Figure 5-18.3.1, Area Clearance, Illustration D).
2. Pedestrian Area Clearance. When a sign extends over a sidewalk, walkway, or other space accessible to pedestrians, the bottom of the sign structure shall be at least eight feet above the ground. (see Figure 5-18.3.1, Area Clearance, Illustration D).
3. Vehicle Area Clearance. When a sign extends over an area where vehicles travel or park, the bottom of the sign structure shall be at least 14 feet above the ground. Vehicle areas include driveways, alleys, parking lots, and loading and maneuvering areas. (see Figure 5-18.3.1, Area Clearance, Illustration D).
4. Sight Distance. No sign shall be located within an area, or in a manner, that conflicts with the provisions of Division 4-11.3, Sight Clearance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

1. Generally.
   1. Any sign which advertises or pertains to a business, product, service, event, activity or purpose which is no longer conducted or that has not been in use for one month or any sign structure that no longer displays any sign copy shall be deemed to be an obsolete or abandoned sign after sixty calendar days (accumulative ninety days not in use).
   2. Any existing sign which is subsequently abandoned shall be removed, and any existing sign exceeding the allowable sign face area by 25 percent, and which is subsequently destroyed or damaged to the extent of 60 percent or more of its replacement cost, shall be removed or brought into conformity with this Part.
2. Compliance of Abandoned and Obsolete Signs. When any sign is to be removed, relocated, or is made inoperative for any reason, except for maintenance, the following options are available to the sign owner:
   1. Both the structure and sign face may be removed; or
   2. For free-standing signs, the structure may be maintained provided the sign face is properly maintained or blank sign face panels are installed and the electrical current is properly shut off; or
   3. For other than free-standing ground signs, the structural components shall be removed. Painted wall signs shall be properly painted over or the paint removed. When these are brought back into use they must meet all provisions of this Part.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

1. Generally. All signs and supports, braces, guys, and anchors thereof shall be kept in good repair, refurbished and repaired periodically as necessary, and perpetually maintained in safe condition, free from deterioration, defective or missing parts, or peeling or faded paint, and able to withstand the wind pressure and structural standards described in the Building Code. Any sign not in compliance with this Section is hereby declared to be a nuisance and shall be corrected or removed within 30 days from written notice.
2. Compliance of Unsafe Signs. The Director shall have any unsafe sign or sign structure in disrepair barricaded off from the public in order to protect the public against injury or damage . The Director may order the repair or removal of any such signs that are not maintained in a safe condition and in good repair. In the event the Director finds a sign to be in a state of serious disrepair and determines that a hazard to the life or limb of persons exists he may utilize the following emergency enforcement procedure:
   1. After properly barricading the hazard and/or notification of the City Manager for appropriate protective services the Director shall attempt to identify and contact the sign owner or agent by telephone and shall document said attempt as to the name and telephone number called and time of the call;
   2. In the event the owner or agent is contacted he shall remove the hazardous condition as soon as possible, but not later than four hours from the time of notification;
   3. In the event the owner or agent cannot be reached or cannot or does not correct the hazardous conditions within the four hour time period, the Director or his agent shall notify the City Manager of the emergency and they shall decide upon the appropriate remedial action to be taken;
   4. They may extend the time period for the owner to remove the hazard if the hazard can be economically and conveniently protected from the public;
   5. They may remove the hazard using the provisions of Section 5-18.4.4, Removal of Signs; or
   6. They may decide upon some combination of the regular enforcement techniques authorized by this Part.
   7. In those non-emergency situations the regular enforcement method shall be utilized as specified in Article 23, Enforcement and Remedies, of this Ordinance.
3. Repair of Unsafe Signs. In the event that any sign is damaged exceeding 50 percent of the reproduction value according to an appraisal thereof by a competent appraiser such sign may be restored, altered, or repaired only as to conform with all of the provisions of this Ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

1. Generally. The lawful use of any permanently mounted sign existing at the time of the enactment of the Unified Development Ordinance may be continued although such use does not conform with the provisions of these regulations, except those declared abandoned, obsolete, unsafe or otherwise dilapidated as provided in Section 5-18.4.1, Abandoned and Obsolete Signs, and Section 5-18.4.2, Unsafe Signs and Other Signs in Disrepair, which shall be removed or remedial action taken upon notification by the Director.
2. Compliance of Non-conforming Signs. Non-conforming permanent signs shall be removed or brought into conformity whenever the following occurs:
   1. Property changes ownership and the name of the business is to be changed, or
   2. The occupancy classification of the building is changed.
3. Compliance of Temporary Signs. Any nonconforming temporary sign shall be removed or brought into conformity no later than 60 days following the effective date of this Ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

1. Generally. Upon notification from the Director, any owner or responsible party of a sign that has been determined to be abandoned, unsafe, non-conforming, or otherwise illegal due to a lack of conformance to the provisions of this Division, or of a sign that is not otherwise in conformance to the provisions of Part 5, Sign Regulations, of this Ordinance, shall cause to have such sign removed in accordance with a written order provided by the City of Florence. An order under this Section shall be issued in writing to the owner or responsible party of any such sign, or of the building or premises on which such sign is located to comply within 30 days time. Any such owner or responsible party failing to remove such sign shall be subject to the penalties and other remedial action provided by this Ordinance.
2. Removal by Authorities. Upon failure to comply with any notice requiring the removal of a sign not in compliance with this Ordinance, the Director may cause the sign to be removed and any costs of removal incurred in the process may be collected in a manner prescribed by law. Removal of a sign by action of the City of Florence shall adhere to the following:
   1. Sign removal may occur through the use of either City department staff or a private contractor, depending upon the availability of budgeted funds and/or manpower and equipment to undertake this work.
   2. The city department doing said removal work, or the City's contractor, shall keep accurate records of the costs incurred which shall be submitted to the Director and Building Official for an inspection, verification and approval of the quality and quantity of work performed.
   3. Approved invoices shall then be submitted to the Finance Department for payment. The owner may pay the costs of the work directly to the City or the cost will become a lien against the real property upon which such cost was incurred and said costs shall be collected in the same manner as City taxes are collected. When private contractors are utilized, the lowest bidder shall be awarded the contract.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Outdoor advertising structures located on property, acquired by a governmental agency for public use, may be relocated on the original parcel of property that was not acquired. The structure must be rebuilt in accordance with the single steel pole structural design and the sign face square footage must remain the same.

Effective on: 1/1/1901