Georgetown City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XXII
Signs
§ 230-164 Regulations governing signs.
In all zoning districts, no sign may be erected or maintained other than signs of the character, size and construction expressly authorized by this article and other ordinances and regulations of the Town Council of Georgetown under authority of the Town Manager of Georgetown relating to the erection, alteration or maintenance of signs and similar devices.
§ 230-164.1 Definitions.
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
To advise, announce, apprise, command, give notice of, inform, make known, publish or call to the public attention by any means whatsoever.
Any sign or part of a sign that changes physical position by any movement or rotation or that gives the visual impression of such movement.
A sign affixed to or integral with the surface of an awning or canopy, retractable or fixed shelter constructed of fabric, cloth, or plastic on a supporting framework that projects from the exterior wall of a building.
For the purpose of this article, a structure for the permanent display of off-premises advertising attached to the ground by means of poles, pylons or posts.
A sign that shows a product or service, such as fuel or hotel/motel rates as an unchanging element of the sign and only the price is changeable.
A center or campus comprised of retail, wholesale, shopping center, business, commercial, institutional or mixed-use center with two or more principal structures located on one or more contiguous properties, under common management and operation, and is interconnected by parking areas, streets, sidewalks or other means.
A self-supporting sign resting on or supported by means of poles, standards or any other type of base on the ground. A detached sign may be double faced with equal sign area on both sides as permitted by the district or use regulations for the particular sign. Detached signs may include:
A sign suspended or supported by one or more uprights or braces anchored to the ground.
A freestanding sign that is affixed to a base that is equal to or wider than the sign itself. The height of the sign is measured from the finished grade to the top of the sign. Such signs shall be situated so as to have the longer dimension oriented horizontal, and to have the shorter dimension oriented vertical.
A sign which is attached to the ground by means of one or two poles or a base which is narrower than the face of the sign.
An electrically activated sign whose message content, either in whole or in part, may be changed by means of electronic programming. These signs shall include those displaying time, temperature, and messages of a public or commercial nature.
The front of a building or any face that is given special architectural treatment.
[Added 11-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-08]
An illuminated sign on which the artificial or reflected light is not maintained stationary and constant in intensity and color. Any sign which revolves or moves, whether illuminated or not, shall be considered a "flashing sign."
A sign that is designed to be filled with air to form a three-dimensional shape which is designed to be anchored to the ground.
For the purposes of this article, an institutional use shall be a facility operated by a federal, state or local government, public or private school, or college, church, fire company or EMS station, hospital or emergency care facility, senior and community centers.
A sign conveying instructions with respect to the premises on which it is maintained, such as "entrance," "exit," "no trespassing," "danger," "no parking," "loading only," and similar signs, the total sign area not to exceed eight square feet.
A sign attached to or hung from a marquee. For the purpose of this section, a "marquee" is a covered structure projecting from and supported by the building with independent roof and drainage provisions and which is erected over a doorway or doorways as protection against the weather.
A sign consisting of letters or symbols incorporated into or attached to a large mural or form of artwork presenting a commercial message or advertisement, painted on a surface, building, canopy, awning, wall or window. For sign area calculation purposes, the area shall be considered to be the smallest rectangle or other geometric shape encompassing all of the letters or symbols.
A sign containing glass tube lighting in which a gas and phosphors are used in combination to create colored light and tubing is bent to form letters, symbols or other shapes.
A sign that directs attention to a business, commodity, service or entertainment not exclusively related to the premises where such sign is located or to which it is affixed.
A sign directing attention to a business, commodity, service or entertainment conducted, sold or offered upon the same premises as those upon which the sign is maintained.
A sign which has a permanent location on the ground or which is attached to a structure having a permanent location and which meets the structural requirements for signs as established in the Building Code. When individual letters are mounted directly on a building, square footage shall be determined by the space from the left-hand side of the first letter and ending on the right-hand side of the last letter multiplied by the height of the largest letter.
A temporary sign utilized for the purpose of proposing or opposing the election of a candidate or ballot measure in connection with an official Town, school district, county, state or federal election or referendum.
A sign attached to and projecting out from a building face or wall, generally at right angles to the building.
A freestanding temporary sign, with no moving parts or lights, displayed outside a business during business hours.
A structure, display or device, including but not limited to a flag, windblown display, or balloon, that is arranged, intended, designed or used as an advertisement, announcement, identification, description or direction.
The entire face of a sign including the advertising surface and any framing, trim, or molding, but not including the supporting structure.
A sign which is erected for a time limit not to exceed 30 consecutive days.
Any electronic sign with a transition frequency in excess of 8-1-8 and using multiple colors to depict images, photos, and flashes.
A sign attached to or painted on the exterior wall of a building. The total lettering on one facade of a building or structure shall constitute one wall sign.
Any temporary banner, flag, pennants, balloon or commercial flag, whether or not conveying a message through the use of words, letters and/or symbols. For the purpose of this article, any windblown display shall be considered a temporary sign.
[Amended 11-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-08]
A sign that is physically applied to or attached to the exterior or interior of a window.
§ 230-165 Signs permitted in UR1, UR2 and UR3 Districts.
[Amended 12-16-1992 by Ord. No. 93-001]
The following signs may be erected and maintained in UR1 Urban Residential District, UR2 Medium Residential District or UR3 Neighborhood Residential District.
Signs advertising the sale or rental of the premises upon which they are erected, when erected by the owner or by a broker or other like person interested in the sale or rental of such premises, may be erected and maintained, provided that the size of any such sign is not in excess of six square feet and no more than two such signs are placed upon any property held in single and separate ownership, unless such property fronts upon more than one street, in which event no more than two such signs may be erected on such frontage. Such signs shall be removed within one week after the sale or rental.
Signs advertising the sale or development of the premises upon which they are erected, when erected in connection with the development of the premises by a builder, contractor, developer or other like person interested therein, may be erected and maintained, with Town Manager approval, provided that the size of any such sign is not in excess of 20 square feet and no more than two such signs are placed upon any property, unless such property fronts upon more than one street, in which event no more than two such signs may be erected on each such frontage.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
Signs of contractors or artisans providing a service to the parcel or residence may be erected and maintained during the period such persons are performing work on the premises on which such signs are erected, provided that the size of any such sign is not in excess of six square feet and such signs are removed promptly upon completion of the work, and provided, further, that no more than one such sign may be erected or maintained by each contractor or artisan on the premises on which such work is being performed.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
Signs advertising that furnishings or other equipment have been installed or placed on the premises may be erected and maintained on such premises, provided that the size of any such sign is not in excess of six square feet and any such sign is removed promptly upon occupation of the house as a residence.[2]
Signs used for permanent advertising of a development or project at its entrance, provided that no more than one is located on either side of each entrance and the size of any such sign is not in excess of 64 square feet.
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6; amended 11-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-08]
Such signs shall be located no less than 10 feet from the public right-of-way.
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
The Town of Georgetown Development Design Standards should be reviewed for sign design criteria.
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
§ 230-166 Signs permitted in MR1 and MR2 Districts.
The following signs may be erected and maintained in MR1 Multifamily Residential District or MR2 Townhouse Residential District:
Any sign permitted in UR1 Urban Residential District, UR2 Medium Residential District or UR3 Neighborhood Residential District.
[Amended 12-16-1992 by Ord. No. 93-001]
Signs used for permanent advertising of a development or project at its entrance, provided that no more than one is located on either side of each entrance and the size of any such sign is not in excess of 64 square feet.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6; 11-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-08]
Such signs shall be located no less than 10 feet from the public right-of-way.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
The Town of Georgetown Development Design Standards should be reviewed for sign design criteria.
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
§ 230-167 Signs permitted in UB1 Districts.
The following signs may be erected and maintained in a UB1 Urban Business District:
Any sign permitted in a UR1 Urban Residential District, UR2 Medium Residential District, UR3 Neighborhood Residential District, MR1 Multifamily Residential District or MR2 Townhouse Residential District.
[Amended 12-16-1992 by Ord. No. 93-001]
Signs advertising the maintenance and conduct of a business of the kind authorized for the district, or the sale, purchase, rental or use of commodities, articles or facilities in connection with or incidental to the business or of the premises on which the business is conducted, but no others.
Total sign area of all canopy, marquee, and wall signs shall not exceed 48 square feet or measure more than 10 feet in length, nor exceed eight feet in height. Total sign area of projecting and ground signs shall not exceed 32 square feet or measure more than 10 feet in length, nor exceed eight feet in height. Signs may be internally or externally illuminated with the exception of electronic message board signs where allowed.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6; 11-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-08]
Signs may be located on a canopy, marquee, wall, projecting or ground sign(s), but may not project from a building into the public right-of-way.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
Ground or monument signs shall have a minimum setback of 1/2 the distance from the public right-of-way line to the as-built building line.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
No more than two signs are permitted per permitted use, only one of which may be a ground sign. A corner lot may have one additional detached, on-premises sign adjacent to a second entrance or one wall sign. Such wall sign shall not exceed a maximum of 32 square feet or 10% of the wall area.
[Amended 3-11-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-4; 11-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-08]
Signs for schools, colleges, churches, hospitals and other institutions of a similar nature, relating exclusively to the institutions erecting the same, may be erected and maintained, provided that the size of any such sign is not in excess of 48 square feet and no more than two such signs are placed on a property held in single and separate ownership, unless such property fronts upon more than one street, in which event no more than two signs may be erected on each frontage. Signs may be internally or externally illuminated with the exception of electronic message board signs where allowed.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6; 11-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-08]
One sandwich board per street frontage is allowed as follows:
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
Any sandwich board sign shall not exceed two linear feet in width with a maximum height of 42 inches. Within these specified maximum dimensions, creative shapes that reflect the theme of the business are encouraged.
The sign must be constructed of materials that present a finished appearance; rough-cut plywood is not allowed. The sign frame shall be painted or stained wood or anodized aluminum or metal; plastic signs are prohibited. Stenciled or spray-painted painted signs are prohibited. Sign lettering should be professionally painted or applied. Chalkboard signs shall be permitted. Windblown devices, including balloons, may not be attached or otherwise made part of the sign. The written message of the sign should be kept to the minimum necessary to communicate the name of the business or special message, and should be small enough to not be legible from traffic on the street.
The signs may be placed on the sidewalk directly in front of the associated establishment. The sign must not interfere with or obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic; however, a minimum of five feet of passage must be maintained on the sidewalk between the street and the sign. Signs may not be anchored to the sidewalk or attached to poles, vending boxes or other structures.
Signs shall be removed at the end of the business day and only displayed during regular business hours.
Signs may be externally illuminated, but the source of illumination must be arranged so that no direct rays of light are projected into any single-family residential district or any public street.
The Town of Georgetown Development Design Standards should be reviewed for sign design criteria.
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
§ 230-168 Signs permitted in UB2 Districts.
[Amended 12-16-1992 by Ord. No. 93-001; 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6; 3-11-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-4; 11-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-08]
The following signs may be erected and maintained in a UB2 Neighborhood Business District:
Any sign permitted in a UR1 Urban Residential District, UR2 Medium Residential District or UR3 Neighborhood Residential District.
One detached on-premises sign or combination of signs, with total signage not to exceed 24 square feet of area, nor eight feet in height, identifying the permitted business uses on the premises. Said sign may be externally illuminated, but the source of illumination must be arranged so that no direct rays of light are projected into any single-family residential district or any public street. A corner lot may have one additional detached, on-premises sign adjacent to a second entrance or one wall sign. Such wall sign shall not exceed a maximum of 20 square feet or 10% of the wall area.
Ground or monument signs shall have a minimum setback of 1/2 the distance from the public right-of-way line to the as-built building line.
Signs may be located on a canopy, wall projecting or ground, but may not project from a building into the public right-of-way. Signs shall not obstruct vehicular or pedestrian visibility.
Sandwich board signs as permitted in UB1 District.
The Town of Georgetown Development Design Standards should be reviewed for sign design criteria.
§ 230-169 Signs permitted in UB3 Districts.
[Amended 12-16-1992 by Ord. No. 93-001; 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6; 11-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-08]
The following signs may be erected and maintained in a UB3 Professional Business District:
Any sign permitted in a UR1 Urban Residential District, UR2 Medium Residential District or UR3 Neighborhood Residential District.
One on-premises sign not exceeding 24 square feet of area identifying a permitted professional use on the premises and not exceeding eight feet in height shall be permitted. Said sign may be externally illuminated, but the source of illumination must be arranged so that no direct rays of light are projected into any single-family residential district or any public street. Signs shall not obstruct vehicular or pedestrian visibility.
Ground or monument signs shall have a minimum setback of 1/2 the distance from the public right-of-way line to the as-built building line.
Signs may be located on a wall or ground, and projecting signs shall not extend more than five feet into a required building setback and shall be a minimum of eight feet from the bottom of the sign to the walking surface and no part may extend beyond the roofline.
The Town of Georgetown Development Design Standards should be reviewed for sign design guidelines.
§ 230-170 Signs permitted in HC Districts.
The following signs may be erected and maintained in HC Highway Commercial District:
Any sign permitted in a UR1 Urban Residential District, UR2 Medium Residential District, UR3 Neighborhood Residential District, MR1 Multifamily Residential District, MR2 Townhouse Residential District, UB1 Urban Business District, UB2 Neighborhood Business District or UB3 Professional Business District.
[Amended 12-16-1992 by Ord. No. 93-001]
Permitted sign types are marquee, canopy, projecting, wall and detached.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
One internally or externally illuminated or unlighted detached sign, limited to a maximum of 96 square feet in area. The sign may not exceed 25 feet in height. A corner lot may have two ground signs, the combined area of those two signs not to exceed 96 square feet and 25 feet in height.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6; 11-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-08]
All detached signs shall have a minimum front setback of 25 feet if along a state-maintained roadway and 10 feet if along a non-state-maintained road or accessway. A clear sight triangle should be provided at all corner lots with signage.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
Each structure is allowed one internally illuminated or unlighted wall, awning, projecting or marquee sign not to exceed 18% of the building façade.
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6; amended 11-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-08]
[1]Detached signs located along US 113 are limited to a maximum of 150 square feet in area. The sign may not exceed 30 feet in height.
[Added 11-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-08]
[1]
Editor’s Note: Former Subsection F, regarding electronic message board signs, added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6, was repealed 6-28-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-04.
Changeable price sign. For any sign which includes a changeable price sign, the following provisions apply:
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
Each changeable price sign on a parcel shall be counted toward the total allowable signage allowed per parcel.
Changeable price signs shall be integrated into a detached on-premises sign or be placed on a canopy or wall in accordance with these regulations.
Changeable price signs shall be limited to four per detached sign structure or four per building or canopy face.
Complexes.
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
A complex may have one detached sign, internally illuminated or unlighted sign, along each arterial or collector road on which the parcel abuts. The top of such sign shall not exceed a height of 25 feet from grade; shall be set back 25 feet if along a state-maintained roadway and 10 feet if along a non-state-maintained road or accessway. A clear sight triangle should be provided at all corner lots with signage. Such detached sign shall include the street address, the name of the center, and may include the name of the anchor unit and/or a directory of included units.
Each freestanding unit on a pad site or outparcel (with its own tax parcel identification number) within such a complex may have one internally illuminated or unlighted detached sign displaying the name of the business or use, not exceeding 96 square feet, and may have one internally illuminated or unlighted wall, awning, projecting or marquee sign not to exceed 18% of the building façade.
[Amended 11-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-08]
A unit that is part of a larger structure within such a complex may have one internally illuminated or unlighted wall, awning, projecting or marquee sign not to exceed 10% of the front of the unit to a maximum of 200 square feet.
Each such structure may also have one wall, projecting, awning or marquee sign, internally illuminated or unlighted, on each facade of the structure, each of which shall not exceed 18% of the building façade.
[Amended 11-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-08]
The Town of Georgetown Development Design Standards should be reviewed for sign design criteria.
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
§ 230-171 Signs permitted in LI1 Districts.
The following signs may be erected and maintained in a LI1 Limited Industrial District:
Any sign permitted in a UR1 Urban Residential District, UR2 Medium Residential District, UR3 Neighborhood Residential District, UB1 Urban Business District, UB2 Neighborhood Business District, UB3 Professional Business District or HC Highway Commercial District.
[Amended 12-16-1992 by Ord. No. 93-001; 11-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-08]
Permitted sign locations are marquee, projecting wall and detached.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
All detached signs shall have a minimum front setback of 25 feet if along a state-maintained roadway and 10 feet if along a non-state-maintained road or accessway.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
All detached signs may be internally or externally illuminated. All wall, awning, projecting or marquee signs may be internally illuminated or unlighted.
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
The Town of Georgetown Development Design Standards should be reviewed for sign design criteria.
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
§ 230-172 Signs permitted in LI2 Districts.
The following signs may be erected and maintained in LI2 Light Industrial District:
§ 230-173 Signs permitted in HD Districts.
§ 230-174 Signs permitted in ED Districts.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6; 11-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-08]
The following signs may be erected and maintained in ED Education District:
Permitted sign types are canopy, projecting, wall and detached.
Athletic field fence signs no larger than 32 square feet, including advertising banners, flags, and pennants. Vehicle-mounted signs and portable signs are prohibited. No strobe lights, flashing lights, or search lights are permitted.
Signs for schools, colleges, churches, hospitals and other institutions of a similar nature, relating exclusively to the institutions erecting the same, may be erected and maintained, provided that the size of any such sign is not in excess of 48 square feet and no more than two such signs are placed on a property held in single and separate ownership, unless such property fronts upon more than one street, in which event no more than two signs may be erected on each frontage. Signs maybe internally or externally illuminated, with the exception of electronic reader board signs where allowed.
All detached signs shall have a minimum front setback of 25 feet if along a state-maintained roadway and 10 feet if along a non-state-maintained road or accessway. A clear sight triangle should be provided at all corner lots with signage.
The Town of Georgetown Development Design Standards should be reviewed for sign design criteria.
§ 230-175 Prohibited signs.
The following signs are prohibited in all districts:
Flashing signs.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
Animated signs.
Signs which produce noise or sounds, emit visible smoke, vapor, particles or odor.
Signs with intermittent lights resembling or seeming to resemble the flashing lights customarily associated with danger or such as are customarily used by police, fire, ambulance vehicles, or for navigation purposes.
Signs located and so illuminated as to provide a background of colored lights blending with traffic signal lights to the extent of confusing a motorist when viewed from normal approaching position of a vehicle at a distance of 25 feet to 300 feet.
Signs in any location which obstruct motorists' vision of traffic control signals.
Signs attached to tress or utility poles.
Signs attached to any vehicle parked primarily for display purposes.
Off-premises signs.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
Spinners, feather flags, streamers and inflatable signs.
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6; amended 11-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-08]
Billboard signs.
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
Neon tube signs.
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
Video board signs.
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
§ 230-176 Signs permitted in all districts.
The following signs are permitted in all districts:
Signs erected by any governmental agency for purposes of direction, safety or convenience of the general public.
Instructional signs, nonilluminated.
Signs in conjunction with doorbells or mailboxes, not exceeding 12 square inches in area.
Name and address signs, no more than one for each principal building or use on a premises and exceeding two square feet in area.
Signs which are attached or which are an integral part of gasoline pumps or other dispensing or servicing devices, provided that such signs do not extend beyond the area of the pump, dispensing or servicing device to which they are attached, and provided that such activities or services are legally established uses.
Signs displayed on shelters at bus stops limited to two signs per shelter, and the sign area shall not exceed 32 square feet per sign. Shelter locations shall be approved by the Town Manager and the State Department of Public Instruction.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
Signs erected by or on behalf of the Town as approved by the Town Manager.
Businesses may have one standard flag, three feet by five feet, with the word "open" or similar wording on it and mounted on a pole only during business hours. Flags must have a minimum height clearance of six feet above grade and must not block the sidewalk or right-of-way or obscure the visibility of pedestrians or vehicular traffic. Flags are not counted in the computation of permissible sign area. Display of flags from the second story is prohibited. This regulation shall not apply to display of any national, state, county or municipal flag.
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6; amended 10-8-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-9; 11-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-08]
Road and traffic control signs, as approved by Delaware Department of Transportation and the Town.
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
Electronic message board signs. For any sign which meets the definition of "electronic message board sign," the following provisions shall apply:
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6; amended 6-28-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-04]
The sign category for the zone in which the sign is proposed must allow for internal illumination of signs.
The maximum sign area for an electronic message board, which is detached, shall be no greater than 75% of the maximum total allowable sign area designated by the underlying zone.
[Amended 11-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-08]
Signs shall not operate at brightness levels of more than 200 cd/m2 (candelas per square meter). Each electronic message board shall have a light-sensing device that will adjust the brightness of the message board as the natural ambient light conditions change.
Only those changing electronic message signs utilizing monochrome colors such as white, red or amber shall be permitted. No RGB (red-green-blue) technologies or other multicolored display shall be permitted in an electronic message center sign in a manner that would create a video board. This section does not prohibit the use of color in a sign that is not a video board.
Changing electronic message signs shall maintain an 8-1-8 transition frequency. "8-1-8" means a message display time of a minimum of eight seconds, a transition time between messages of a maximum of one second, followed by a message display time of a minimum of eight seconds, with all segments of the total message to be displayed within 17 seconds.
All messages displayed on an electronic message board shall be directly related to the business for which the sign was constructed. No off-premises advertising signage is permitted.
All changing message signs shall be constructed as an integral part of a permanent sign constructed on site. "Integral" shall be considered to be incorporated into the framework and architectural design of the permanent sign. In all districts except HC, LI1 and LI2, permitted electronic message signs must be incorporated into and be integral to a monument type sign as defined in § 230-164.1, Definitions.
Video boards shall be prohibited.
Each electronic message board sign located on a state-maintained road must comply with all Delaware Department of Transportation rules and regulations applicable to electronic message board signs when not in conflict with this section.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection J(10), which stated, "There may only be one electronic message board sign per parcel or complex," and which immediately followed this subsection, was repealed 11-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-08.
A single sign noting a tenant, store, building, etc., is "coming soon," which sign shall not exceed 32 square feet. Larger signs may be approved by the Town Manager, or designee, when the project and location warrants a larger sign. Within 30 days after completion of construction or final occupancy, all such signs shall be removed.
[Added 1-23-2019 by Ord. No. 2018-06; amended 8-14-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-06]
Athletic field fence signs no larger than 32 square feet, including advertising banners, flags, and pennants.
[Added 11-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-08]
§ 230-177 Sign regulations for all districts.
The following general regulations will apply for all districts:
No sign, unless herein excepted, shall be erected, constructed, posted, painted, altered, maintained or relocated except as provided in this chapter and in these regulations until a permit has been issued by the Town Manager. Before any permit is issued, an application especially provided by the Town Manager shall be filed, together with one set of drawings and/or specifications to fully advise and acquaint the Town Manager with the location, construction, materials, manner of illuminating, securing or fastening, and number of signs applied for, and wording of the sign or advertisement to be carried on the sign.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
All signs in excess of 32 square feet will be required to be reviewed by Sussex County for building code compliance and permitting.
The application for any sign exceeding 32 square feet in any district must be made to the State of Delaware, Outdoor Advertising, Department of Highways and Transportation. This Department, under authority of Title 17 of Delaware Code, will govern all signs exceeding 32 square feet in the Town of Georgetown located along state-maintained roadways.
All signs shall be erected on or before the expiration of 90 days from the date of issuance of the permit; otherwise, the permit shall become null and void and a new permit shall be required. Fees for sign permits shall be in accordance with the adopted schedule, a copy of which is maintained in the Town office with the Town Manager.
The following signs may be erected or constructed without a permit but in accordance with structural and safety requirements:
Signs erected by or required to be erected by any governmental agency to aid traffic and pedestrian safety.
Changing of the copy on a bulletin board, display encasement, poster board or marquee.
Nonilluminated signs, no more than six square feet in area, advertising real estate for sale or lease or announcing contemplated improvements of real estate, and located on the premises, one such sign for each street frontage.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
Nonilluminated signs no more than six square feet in area, erected in connection with new construction work and displayed on the premises during such time as the actual construction work is in progress, one such sign for each street frontage.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
Instructional signs, nonilluminated.
Sign on a truck, bus or other vehicle while in use in the normal course of business. This section should not be interpreted to permit parking primarily for display purposes of a vehicle to which signs are attached.
The following signs are considered temporary signs and valid for a period of 30 consecutive days.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6[1]]
Temporary signs advertising a special civic or cultural event such as a fair, exposition, play, concert, fund-raiser or meeting sponsored by a governmental or charitable organization with approval of the sign by the Town Manager.
Special decorative displays used for holidays or public demonstrations or promotion for nonpartisan, civic purposes, not to exceed one on premises.
Special sales promotion displays in a district where such sales are permitted, including displays incidental to the opening of a new business. Only one sign per business.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former Subsection B(8), regarding special decorative displays, and former Subsection B(9), regarding special sales promotion displays, which immediately and respectively followed this subsection.
Window signs must be comprised of individual letters, logos, or design elements that are not encompassed by a solid opaque background so as not to obscure the view through the window. Window signs shall not cover more than 50% of window area, and shall be permitted in the HC-Highway Commercial and UB1-Urban Business District. The signage area of window signs shall not count towards the total signage allowed in both the HC and UB1 signage requirements specified in §§ 230-170 and 230-167.
[Amended 1-8-1992 by Ord. No. 92-001; 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
Applications for unusual signs or displays which give rise to questions of interpretation of these regulations may be referred by the Town Manager to the Board of Adjustment for the purpose of interpretation by the Board and recommendation for action on the application by the Town Manager.
Except as otherwise provided, these regulations shall be interpreted to permit one sign of each permitted type, in accordance with applicable regulations for each road frontage, for each permitted use on the premises.
Signs of permitted types and sign area are permitted on side or rear walls unless said wall(s) are closer than 100 feet to any single-family residential district.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
The owner and/or tenant of the premises and the owner and/or erector of the sign shall be held responsible for any violation of these regulations. Where a sign has been erected in accordance with these regulations, the sign company shall be relieved of further responsibility under these regulations after final approval of the sign by the Town Manager.
All signs shall be maintained in good condition and appearance at all times. All signs shall be kept free of holes or tears or fraying and neatly painted, including all metal parts and supports that are not galvanized or of rust-resistant materials. After due notice has been given as provided below, the Town Manager may order the painting, repair, alteration or cause to be removed at the owner's expense any sign which shows gross neglect or becomes dilapidated, damaged or defective and has not been brought into compliance. The Town Manager shall remove or cause to be removed at the owner's expense any sign erected or maintained in conflict with these regulations, if the owner or lessee of either the site or the sign fails to correct the violation within 15 days after receiving written notice of violation from the Town Manager. Removal of a sign by the Town Manager shall not affect any proceedings instituted prior to removal of such sign.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
Any on-site sign remaining on a premises 180 days or more after the permanent closing and/or relocation of the business establishment shall be deemed an abandoned sign. The owner, lessee or person in control of any premises, upon which an on-site sign is present, shall be responsible for the removal of any sign which refers to a business or establishment which has permanently closed and/or relocated or which otherwise no longer operates from the location, together with all supports, braces, guys, anchors or other fastening devices, within 180 days of such permanent closing, relocation or cessation of operation. A business or establishment will be considered permanently closed and/or relocated by written or posted notice to the Town and/or the public of such closing or relocating, or upon such other indication, including but not limited to:
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
No sign which is not an integral part of the building design shall be placed on the roof of a building, and no projecting sign shall extend over or above the roofline or parapet wall of a building.
[Amended 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
Political signs.
[Added 8-26-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-12]
A "political sign" is any display utilized for the purpose of proposing or opposing the election of a candidate or ballot measure.
Prohibition of political signs on public property and in the public right-of-way.
No person shall paint, mark or write on, post, attach, or otherwise affix, any sign to or upon any public property, including but not limited to any public building, sidewalk, crosswalk, curb, fence, wall, public playground equipment, and/or facilities, streetlamp post, utility pole, hydrant, tree, street or traffic signs.
Additionally, no political sign shall be placed, posted, or otherwise affixed in the public right-of-way, including parkways (e.g., the area between curb and sidewalk) or medians.
Exceptions. Political signs may be displayed for the purpose of a campaign stop, candidacy announcement, rally, etc.; however, these shall be removed within two hours after said event.
Political signs on private property. Political signs may be placed on private property with the consent of the property owner (or person entitled to possession) or his/her authorized agent, if any, subject to the following:
They will not be placed in a manner that obstructs either vehicular traffic (either by physical obstruction or obstruction of sight lines) or pedestrian traffic. They shall not present a physical danger to persons or property.
Time period for display and removal.
A political sign shall not be erected more than 60 days prior to any contested election and shall be removed within one week (seven days) after the election or referendum date.
Any sign which is an immediate peril or menace to the public or any person or is posted on public property or in any public right-of-way may be removed summarily (without notice) by the Town.
Windblown displays regulations. Windblown displays shall be limited to one sign per business license. Signs shall be secured and should not obscure the visibility of pedestrians or vehicular traffic. Windblown displays shall not be placed in sidewalks or rights-of-way, or on roofs. All signs shall be maintained in good condition.
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]
Windblown displays used to draw attention to the promotion and sales of products or special events. Such sign may be displayed for no longer than 30 days.
The Town of Georgetown Development Design Standards should be reviewed for sign design criteria.
[Added 6-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-6]