The Greene County Board of Commissioners finds that signs and outdoor advertising provide an important medium for individuals or entities to convey messages if displayed in a reasonable, safe, non-distracting and orderly manner. Failure to regulate the placement, installation and maintenance of signs and outdoor advertising, which are intentionally designed to attract attention and be unavoidable, threatens the health, safety, welfare and general well-being of the citizens of Greene County. It has long been recognized that signage controls are needed to promote traffic safety and avoid traffic accidents. A 1980 Federal Highway Administration study found a positive correlation between billboards and accident rates (Scenic America. Fact Sheet (1): Billboard Control: Fighting Visual Pollution, http://www.scenic.org/blog/190-billboard-fact-sheet-available.). Unbridled placement, installation and maintenance activities create traffic hazards due to the visual distractions; infringe upon the tranquility of areas; decrease overall attractiveness and aesthetics of the topography and natural resources; and fail to protect both public and private investments in streets, roadways and property. Through this section, the Board of Commissioners regulates the placement, installation and maintenance of signs and outdoor advertising so as to:

10.1.1 Balance the rights of those desiring to convey their messages through signs and outdoor advertising with the right of the public to be protected against unrestricted proliferation of such;

10.1.2 Protect the public health, safety and welfare;

10.1.3 Avoid unnecessary traffic and pedestrian distractions and hazards;

10.1.4 Ensure compatibility among the County's scenic rural corridors, visual beauty and natural resources;

10.1.5 Protect property values throughout the County;

10.1.6 Promote economic and tourist development; and

10.1.7 Ensure fair and consistent enforcement of sign and outdoor advertising regulations.

(Ord. of 12-8-2020, § 1(Exh. A))

Except as specifically defined herein, each word used in this Article has its customary dictionary definition. For the purpose of this Article, certain words or terms used herein are defined as follows:

Abandoned sign. A structure originally intended to serve as a sign, but which no longer provides a visual communication that is used for the purpose of bringing the subject thereof to the attention of others.

Administrator. That person designated by the Greene County Board of Commissioners to administer and enforce the provisions of this Article.

Back-to-back sign. A sign constructed on a single set of supports with messages visible on any side, provided that the faces of the sign are physically contiguous.

Banners, pennants and balloons. Any animated, rotating, fluttering or non-stationary device made of flexible materials designed to attract attention.

Board of adjustment. The Planning and Zoning Commission shall serve as the duly appointed board authorized by the Board of Commissioners to hear and act upon any appeal of a decision of the Administrator or any request for a variance from any provision of this Article.

Canopy. A structure constructed of rigid materials, including, but not limited to, metal, wood, concrete, plastic, canvas or glass, which is attached to and supported by a building or by columns, poles or braces extended to the ground.

Canopy sign. A sign which is suspended from, attached to, supported from or forms a part of a canopy.

Changeable copy sign. A sign on which message copy is changed manually in the field, through the utilization of attachable letters, numbers, symbols and other similar characters or changeable pictorial panels.

Commercial or industrial center. Two (2) or more separate occupancies located within the same or adjacent building or buildings on the same commercial or industrial plat or record.

Dilapidated sign. Any sign that is structurally unsound, has defective parts or is in need of painting or maintenance.

Directional sign. A sign, permanently erected or permitted in the public right-of-way or private property by the County or any other governmental agency to denote the name of any thoroughfare, the route to any city, town, village, educational institution, public building, historic place, shrine or hospital, or other area of specific interest to the public.

Directory sign. A sign listing only the names and/or use, or location of more than one (1) business, activity or professional office conducted within a building, group of buildings or commercial center.

Double-faced sign. A sign with two (2) faces which are usually, but not necessarily, parallel.

Electrical sign. A self-illuminated sign or sign structure in which electric wiring, connections and/or fixtures are used as part of the sign proper.

Existing sign. Any sign that was legally erected, mounted, or displayed prior to the adoption of this Article.

Expression sign. A sign device, not otherwise specifically defined and permitted in this ordinance, which involves the expression of any idea. An expression sign shall not be in the form of a banner, pennant or balloon.

Facade. The entire building wall, including main street wall face, and parapet, fascia, windows, doors, canopy and roof on any complete elevation.

Fixed projecting sign. A sign, other than a flat sign, which extends outward for more than six (6) inches from the facade of any building and is rigidly affixed thereto.

Flashing sign. Any lighted or electrical sign which emits light in sudden transitory bursts.

Flag. Any fabric or bunting containing colors, patterns, or symbols.

Flat sign. A sign erected parallel to and extending not more than twelve inches (12") from the facade of any building to which it is attached and supported, throughout its entire length, by the facade of the building and not extending above the building.

Free-standing sign. A sign supported by a sign structure secured in the ground and which is wholly independent of any building, fence, vehicle or other support.

Frontage. The length of the property line of any one premises parcel serving as a public right-of-way line.

Frontage wall face. The building facade, excluding parapet, facia, soffit, mansard and roof, which faces a frontage of the premises.

Hanging sign. Synonymous with Swinging sign.

Height of free-standing sign structure. The vertical distance measured from the average elevation of natural grade or the nearest road centerline to the top of the sign face or sign structure, whichever is greater.

Illuminated sign.

1. External. Any sign that is directly lighted by an external source.
2. Internal. Any sign that transmits light through its face or any part thereof.

Incidental sign. A small sign, emblem, or decal no larger than one square foot. Such signs are normally located on doors, windows, and gas pumps and are generally not readily visible or legible from public rights-of-way.

Inflatable sign. A sign that is either expanded to its full dimensions or supported by gasses contained within the sign, or sign parts, at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure.

Ingress/egress sign. A sign which designates only the direction of ingress or egress of a parking area or driveway, such as "In," "Out," "One-Way," "Do Not Enter," or "No Exit."

Menu board sign. A sign located along the drive-through lane of an eating establishment designed to be read primarily by customers in vehicles waiting to order food as part of a drive-through ordering and pickup process.

Nonconforming sign. Any sign which has a valid permit, was erected or displayed prior to the effective date of this Article or any subsequent amendment hereto and does not conform to any provision of this Article.

Occupancy. Any use of or activity upon the premises.

Painted wall sign. A sign painted directly on any exterior building wall or door surface, exclusive of window and door glass areas on any outside wall or roof or on glass of any building.

Panel. The primary surface of a sign upon which the message of the sign is carried.

Parapel. A vertical false front or wall extension above the roof line.

Pennant. See Section 10.2 banners, pennants and balloons definition.

Permitted sign. A sign for which a valid permit has been issued.

Personal identification sign. A sign affixed to a structure with the intent of identifying the address or resident of the structure.

Portable sign. Any sign which is not permanently affixed to a building, structure or the ground, or which is attached to a mobile vehicle. Portable sign also means a sign carried by a person when that person's function is to display or convey a message as a pedestrian. Portable sign also means and includes a sign attached to, mounted on, posted on, painted or drawn on a motorized or drawn vehicle, when such vehicle is parked or placed in such a manner as to serve the purpose of an advertising device.

Premises. The plat of record which is affected, either directly or indirectly, by the contents of this Article.

Project sign. Any sign erected and maintained on the premises temporarily while undergoing construction by an architect, contractor, developer, finance organization, subcontractor or materials vendor upon which property such individual is furnishing labor, services or material.

Public right-of-way line. The line where the property meets the public right-of-way at a public street or public waterway, provided that this definition shall not include unimproved alleys, easements or other similar dedicated uses.

Public way. Any street, highway, road, path or right-of-way, whether privately or publicly owned, which is designed or used for vehicular or pedestrian traffic, either by public right or custom, or by invitation of two (2) or more common owners.

Real estate sign. A temporary sign erected by the owner, or his/her agent, on real property which is for rent, lease or sale during the period of time when the property is offered for rent, lease or sale.

Roof. The exterior upper covering of the top of a building.

Roof sign. A sign erected over or on, and wholly or partially dependent upon, the roof of any building for support, or attached to the roof in any way.

Rotating sign. Any sign which revolves around one or more fixed areas.

Sidewalk or sandwich sign. A movable sign not secured or attached to the ground or any building or structure.

Sign. Any structure, display, or device that is used to advertise, identify, direct, or attract attention to a business, institution, organization, person, idea, product, service, event, or location by any means, including words, letters, figures, design characteristics, symbols, logos, fixtures, colors, movement, or illumination, which is visible from a public right-of-way upon a reasonable effort at viewing.

Sign distance triangle. Areas along intersection approach legs and across their included corners that should remain clear of obstructions as defined in the current edition of GDOT "Regulations for Driveway and Encroachment Control".

Sign, area of. The square feet area enclosed by the perimeter of the Sign Face. With respect to signs which are composed of individual symbols, letters, figures, illustrations, message, forms or panels, sign area shall be considered to include all lettering, wording, and accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background on which they are displayed, any frame around the sign and any "cutouts" or extensions, but shall not include any supporting structure or bracing.

Sign face. The part of the sign that is or can be used to identify, advertise or communicate information or for visual representation which attracts the attention of the public for any purpose. Sign Face includes any background material, panel, trim, color and direct or self-illumination used that differentiates the sign from the building, structure, backdrop surface or object upon which or against which it is placed. The sign structure shall not be included as a portion of the Sign Face, provided that no message, symbol or any of the aforementioned Sign Face criteria are displayed on or designed as part of the sign structure.

Sign structure. A supporting structure erected, used or intended for the purposes of identification or attracting attention, with or without a sign thereon, situated upon or attached to the premises, upon which any sign may be fastened, affixed, displayed or applied, provided however, this definition shall not include a building, fence, wall or earthen berm.

Snipe sign. A sign which is tacked, nailed, posted, pasted, glued, or otherwise attached to trees, poles, stakes, or fences, or to other objects unless otherwise permitted by this Article.

Swinging sign. A sign installed on an arm, mast or spar that is not an addition permanently fastened to an adjacent wall or upright pole, or constructed to prevent a swinging movement. Swinging sign shall also refer to a sign mounted to the underside of a beam or ceiling of a porch, gallery, arcade, breezeway or similar covered area. These signs are small, pedestrian-scaled, and easily read from both sides.

Temporary sign. Any sign or information transmitting structure intended to be erected or displayed for a limited period.

Temporary special event. An infrequent advertised and/or open to the public event having a specific duration, usually lasting for no more than a few days, that is outside of normal activities and is abnormal to the specific site at which the event is to occur which is likely to attract visitors, and is an opportunity for leisure, social, or cultural experiences by attendees. Such special events may include, but are not limited to, automobile shows, tournaments, running events, festivals, outdoor shows/concerts, craft fairs, special sales, and fund raising events for non-profit entities.

Time and temperature sign. An electrical sign utilizing lights going on and off periodically to display the current time and temperature in the community.

Traffic direction/safety sign. A sign consisting of type and/or an arrow and is designed, sized or erected solely for the purposes of vehicular or pedestrian traffic direction or safety on a particular premise.

Vehicle sign. A permanent or temporary sign affixed, painted on or placed in or upon any parked vehicle, trailer or other device capable of being towed, which is displayed in public view.

Window sign. Any sign which is painted on, applied to, attached to or projected upon or within the exterior or interior of a building glass area, including doors, or located within fifteen (15) feet of the interior of a building glass area, including doors, whose identification, message, symbol, insignia, visual representation, logotype, or any other form which communicates information, can be read from contiguous property or public right-of-way.

(Ord. of 12-8-2020, § 1(Exh. A))

1. Illegal signs. Any sign erected or existing as of the effective date of this Article which does not have a valid permit from the Board, or any sign so reclassified pursuant to 10.39(c)(1) is hereby deemed to be an illegal sign, and such sign and the person or persons responsible for such sign shall be subject to the provisions of this Article.
2. Legal signs.
   1. Any existing and permitted sign that complies with the provisions of this Article, and any subsequent amendment hereto, is hereby deemed to be a legal sign. Any proposed alteration to the sign structure or relocation of such sign shall not be undertaken until a permit is issued, unless the proposed alteration is specifically exempted from such permit requirement under this Article.
   2. Any legal sign which does not comply with the provisions of this Article solely due to the enactment of any amendment hereto subsequent to the effective date of this Article shall, upon the effective date of such amendment, becomes a nonconforming sign and subject to the provisions of Section 10.3(c).
3. Nonconforming signs.
   1. Any sign erected or existing as of the effective date of this Article which has a valid permit from the County, but which does not conform to the provisions of this Article, or any sign pursuant to 10.3.B.2, is hereby deemed to be a nonconforming sign. A nonconforming sign may be maintained only by painting or refinishing the surface of the sign face or sign structure so as to keep the appearance of the sign as it was when the prior permit was issued. Upon a determination by the Administrator and notice to the permittee that a nonconforming sign has become dilapidated or structurally unsound, such sign shall be removed within twenty (20) days, unless an appeal of such determination has been previously filed with the Board of Commissioners.
   2. Any nonconforming sign may become a legal sign if; after compliance with the provisions of Section 10.6 of this Article, it is brought into conformity with the provisions of this Article.
   3. Any nonconforming sign, (whether permanent or changeable) is considered an unnecessary and undesirable sign if for a period of thirty (30) days it meets one or more of the following conditions:
      1. Requires repainting or structural repairs.
      2. Contains no advertising message or only a message to make a contact to place an advertisement.
      3. Has an advertising message, which is badly worn and/or dilapidated.
      4. The Greene County Code Enforcement Officer will notify the owner of the sign (only if the sign is registered with the County) and the property owner where the signs located, that in thirty (30) days the sign must have the above conditions(s) corrected or the sign will be removed. If the condition is not corrected or the sign removed with thirty (30) days, the County will have the sign removed at the property owner's expense.

(Ord. of 12-8-2020, § 1(Exh. A))

1. Prohibited signs. Unless otherwise expressly allowed by this Article, it shall be unlawful after the effective date of this Article, or any amendment hereto, for any person to erect, place or use within the County, or meant to be viewed or is easily legible or visible from any public way or Lake Oconee, any of the following signs:
   1. Swinging signs, except as permitted by 10.89(d)(1).
   2. Snipe signs.
   3. Banners, pennants and balloons, except Temporary Special Event signs.
   4. Interstate signs except as permitted by 10.7(h).
   5. A sign which contains any moving, flashing, animated lights, visible moving or moving parts, or giving the appearance of animation.
   6. Roof signs.
   7. Vehicle signs, except for vehicle signs located on operable vehicles properly registered for operation on the county roads.
   8. Any sign which emits a sound, odor or visible matter.
   9. Any sign that obstructs free ingress to or egress from a required door, window, fire escape or other required exit.
   10. Any sign and/or sign structure that obstructs the view of; may be confused with or purports to be a governmental or traffic direction/safety sign.
   11. Any sign or sign structure, other than free-standing and vertical wall extension, which any portion extends above the parapet, building roof line or canopy against which the sign is located.
   12. Signs using the words "stop," "danger," or any other word, phrase, symbol or character in a manner that misleads, confuses or distracts a vehicle driver.
   13. Except as otherwise provided, no sign, whether temporary or permanent, except by, or required by, a public agency, is permitted within any road, street or highway right-of-way. Code enforcement shall immediately remove any such signs placed in the right-of-way in violation of this Chapter.
   14. Signs painted on or attached to trees, rocks, or other natural features, telephone or utility poles or painted on the roofs of buildings visible from any public thoroughfare.
   15. Abandoned or dilapidated signs.
   16. Any sign on or towed behind a boat, raft, aircraft or helicopter.
   17. Signs or other advertising structures that contain obscene or indecent material;
       1. Material is obscene if both of the following apply:
          1. To the average person, applying contemporary community standards, taken as a whole, it predominantly appeals to the prurient interest, that is a shameful or morbid interest in nudity, sex, excretion; and
          2. The material depicts or describes, in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct specifically defined as (a) acts of sexual intercourse, heterosexual or homosexual, normal or perverted, actual or simulated; (b) acts of masturbation; (c) acts involving excretory functions or lewd exhibition of the genitals; (d) acts of bestiality or the fondling of sex organs of animals; or (e) sexual acts of flagellation, torture, or other violence indicating a sadomasochistic sexual relationship.
       2. Material is indecent if the sign depicts the following parts of the human anatomy: (1) Any portion of the female breast below the top of the areola; (2) Any portion of the male or female pubic hair, anus, cleft of the buttocks, vulva or genitals.
   18. Portable signs other than banners or allowed vehicle signs.
   19. Signs affixed to a private residence or dwelling or displayed upon the grounds thereof, except one (1) personal identification sign not exceeding two (2) square feet, and any temporary and expression signs expressly allowed in this Article.
   20. Inflatable signs, except as permitted by 10.8(e)(3).
   21. If illuminated, contains, includes, or is illuminated by any flashing, intermittent, or moving light or lights except those giving public service information such as time, date, temperature, weather, or other similar information.
   22. Any sign placed on property without the express written permission of the owner of the property.
   23. Any signs within twenty feet (20') of the Lake Oconee shoreline except for signs associated with Georgia Power approved common dock boat slip identification and commercial operations.

(Ord. of 12-8-2020, § 1(Exh. A))

1. Permit required. Unless specifically exempted pursuant to this Section, no sign or sign structure shall be erected, displayed, moved, relocated, or altered, unless specifically exempted pursuant to Section 10.5(c) until a permit fee has been paid and a sign permit issued by the Administrator pursuant to Section 10.8 of this Article.
2. Signs exempt from permit requirement. A permit is not required for the following types of signs, after proper notification is made to the Administrator:
   1. An official sign or notice issued by any court, public agency or office.
   2. A traffic directional, warning or information sign authorized by any public agency.
   3. An ingress/egress sign that does not exceed four (4) square feet per sign face.
   4. Any sign located within a private residential community, provided that the sign is not visible to the general public from areas outside the community.
   5. Expression signs.
   6. Incidental signs.
   7. Real Estate signs not exceeding five (5) square feet per side with a maximum of two sides, and not exceeding three (3) feet in height.
3. Sign alterations exempt from permit requirements. A permit is not required to engage in sign alterations if such alterations involve only:
   1. The changing of copy on a permitted changeable copy sign; or
   2. The painting or refinishing of the surface of a sign face or sign structure of a permitted sign so as to keep the appearance of such sign as it existed on the date such sign received a permit.

(Ord. of 12-8-2020, § 1(Exh. A))

1. Setback from right-of-way. In order to provide room for future or current sidewalks, all signs shall be required to be set back at least ten (10) feet from the road right-of-way. However, if a sidewalk exists or has been planned in such a manner as to make this impractical, this setback may be reduced or waived by the Administrator. Further, this setback may be increased as deemed necessary by the Administrator for the protection of the public health, safety or welfare.
2. Sign illumination.
   1. Electrical requirements. Electrical requirements pertaining to signs shall be in accordance with all applicable codes and any electrical installation shall require an electrical permit prior to any work on the sign is begun.
   2. If illuminated, signs shall be illuminated only by the following means:
      1. By a white, steady stationary light of reasonable intensity directed solely at or from within the sign.
      2. Light source(s) to illuminate signs shall be shielded from all adjacent buildings and streets and shall not be of such brightness so as to cause glare hazardous to pedestrians or auto drivers or so as to create a nuisance to adjacent property.
   3. Menu board signs. Notwithstanding the restrictions in paragraph (b)(2) above, the Building Official may permit internal illumination for menu board signs. Such signs shall not cause glare hazardous to pedestrians or vehicle drivers or so as to create a nuisance to adjacent properties. Such signs shall be placed and angled so that, to the greatest extent possible, they are not visible from public or private streets.
3. Material and style.
   1. All signs shall comply with applicable Building Code requirements.
   2. The various parts of a sign shall be constructed of compatible materials.
   3. All signs shall be standard geometric shapes.
4. Free-standing development identification signs.
   1. Area and quantity. The area and quantity of any free-standing sign located at the entrance of a platted development shall conform to Table 10.6.D.1.
      
      TABLE 10.6.D.1: FREE-STANDING SIGN STANDARDS
      
      

      RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
      Number of Dwelling Units	Number of Signs	Number of Faces Per Sign	No Single Sign Face Shall Exceed	Total Size of All Sign Faces
      ≥ 1,000 Dwelling Units	2 per entrance 3 per entrance, if the development frontage on a single street is greater than 1,000 feet	4	120 sf	360 sf
      500—999 Dwelling Units	1 per entrance	4	120 sf	240 sf
      300—499 Dwelling Units	1 per entrance	4	80 sf	160 sf
      < 300 Dwelling Units	1 per entrance	4	40 sf	80 sf

      NON-RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OR USES
      Total Square Feet of Gross Floor Area	Number of Signs	Number of Faces Per Sign	No Single Sign Face Shall Exceed	Total Size of All Sign Faces
      > 100,000	6, if the development has frontage on 4 or more streets; 4, if the development has frontage on 2 or 3 streets; 2, if the development has frontage on 1 street	4	120 sf	480 sf
      40,000—100,000	3, if the development has frontage on more than 1 street; 2, if the development has frontage on 1 street	4	80 sf	320 sf
      2,500—39,999	2	4	40 sf	160 sf
      2,499 or Less1	1	2	40 sf	80 sf
      CPUD DEVELOPMENT OR USES
      CPUD Primary Entrances	2	4	120 sf	360 sf
      CPUD Secondary Entrances	2	4	60 sf	240 sf
      NOTES:
      sf = square feet
      1 If an applicant in this category waives the right to have a freestanding sign, the applicant shall be permitted to exceed the size limitations of Section 10.7.A, Building, Wall, Window Signs, by 50 percent.

   2. Developments that, because of their composition, may qualify for more than one (1) of the above categories, may select the single category that provides them with the largest sign. The above categories shall not be cumulative. Because of their development size, and because they may contain more than one category of use, the Building Official shall apply the appropriate use category to each building or development in a CPUD or PUD to calculate the total area and quantity of freestanding signs allowed.
   3. Height. The maximum height of any free-standing sign or structure above the natural ground average elevation of the nearest public highway as measured from the highest part or portion of the sign structure shall not exceed the following:
      1. Eight (8) feet where the sign face does not exceed 40 square feet;
      2. Ten (10) feet where the sign face exceeds 40 square feet but does not exceed 80 square feet; or
      3. Twelve (12) feet where the sign face exceeds 80 square feet.
   4. The bottom edge of the sign face shall not exceed four (4) feet in height from the natural ground average elevation of the nearest public highway, as measured from the lowest part or portion of the sign face.
   5. Width. The maximum width of the combined free-standing sign and sign structure shall not exceed the following:
      1. Fifteen (15) feet where the sign face does not exceed 40 square feet;
      2. Twenty (20) feet where the sign face does not exceed 80 square feet; or
      3. Twenty-five (25) feet where the sign face exceeds 80 square feet.
   6. Structure size. Unless the primary purposes of the support structure is other than sign support (i.e. fences or walls), the size of the support structure for any free standing sign shall not exceed the sign face by more than 100%.

(Ord. of 12-8-2020, § 1(Exh. A))

1. Sign standards (building, wall, window, freestanding).
   1. Building and wall graphics signs shall not occupy more than ten percent (10%) of the signable space on any facade of a building with a maximum size of the sign limited to forty (40) square feet.
   2. Window signs, which otherwise comply with this Article, may be displayed, provided no more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the area of a window may be occupied by signage.
   3. Free-standing signs on any premises, other than those visible from the main traveled way of Interstate 20 and within six hundred sixty (660) feet of the nearest edge of the right-of-way in Greene County, Georgia, shall be spaced at a minimum two hundred (200) feet interval along each public way which views the premises. In the event that less than two hundred (200) feet of any premises is visible from any one public way, only one (1) sign shall be permitted along that public way.
   4. Any sign shall be erected so as to not obstruct or impair driver vision, or encroach into sight distance triangles at business ingress/egress points and intersections.
   5. Sidewalk sandwich signs.
      1. One (1) free-standing, framed sidewalk sandwich sign per business may be displayed during hours of operation.
      2. Maximum size of the sidewalk sandwich sign shall be six (6) square feet and the dimensions shall not exceed 24-inches wide and 36-inches high.
      3. Sidewalk sandwich signs shall be placed within ten feet of the building entrance of the business displaying the sign.
      4. Sidewalk sandwich signs shall be placed on or adjacent to a sidewalk and shall not interfere with pedestrian travel or encroach upon the required accessible path for the entrance to the building.
      5. Sidewalk sandwich signs shall be limited to a maximum of six square feet in total area.
      6. Sidewalk sandwich sign frame colors are limited to earth tones.
      7. Sidewalk sandwich sign faces shall be limited to black or dark green chalkboard material with a matte finish. Plastic or dry erase boards shall not be allowed.
      8. The total area of the sidewalk sandwich sign shall be counted against the allowable building and wall graphics area allocation.
2. Temporary signs and standards.
   1. Area, height, location.
      1. Area. The total area of temporary signs on a single parcel shall not exceed forty-eight (48) square feet and twenty-four (24) square feet per sign face, except for temporary signs described in subsection (b)(2)d below ("Real Estate" Signs) for residential property, which shall not count toward this limit but shall not exceed the limitations of 10.7(b)(2)d.
      2. Height. The maximum height of temporary signs or sign structures shall not exceed eight (8) feet, while the lower edge shall not exceed four (4) feet in height from the average grade.
      3. Location.
         1. No temporary sign shall be located so as to obstruct or impair driver vision, or encroach into sight distance triangles at business ingress/egress points and at intersections.
         2. No temporary sign shall be located nearer than one hundred (100) feet to any church property (unless placed by the church), cemetery, public building, historic site or district, and intersection of two (2) or more public streets or highways.
         3. No temporary sign shall be permitted in the public right-of-way.
   2. Time limits.
      1. "Grand opening" signs. Temporary signs may be erected for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days after the initial opening of a commercial operation on the property on which the temporary sign is located.
      2. "Project" signs. Temporary signs may be placed on property on which construction is to be conducted upon the issuance of a final development permit on the construction site and shall be removed within seven (7) days following the issuance of the certificate of occupancy.
      3. "Land subdivision" signs. Temporary signs may be erected on land being subdivided and developed upon approval of the Final Plat and shall be removed when ninety percent (90%) of the development lots are conveyed.
      4. "Real estate" signs. One (1) temporary sign not exceeding five (5) square feet in sign area per face and, if free-standing, not exceeding three (3) feet in height may be erected on any lot. Property with two (2) or more frontages shall be permitted one (1) additional such temporary sign per frontage. These temporary signs shall be removed once the property on which the sign is located is no longer offered for lease, rent or sale, or for a term not to exceed six (6) months, whichever comes sooner. An extension may be permitted.
      5. Temporary special event signs for non-profit organizations. Temporary special event signs may be erected on any property with the permission of the owner of the lot on which the sign is located including properties located in the Lake Corridor Sign Overlay District as defined in Section 10.8, excluding public rights-of-way, for a period beginning fourteen (14) days prior to the event within Greene County organized by, and for the direct benefit of, a non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation. Only one such sign shall be allowed per property per event with no more than four (4) total such signs per event, and shall be limited to forty-two (42) inches in height and sixteen (16) square feet in area per side. Such signs may be attached to the exterior wall or walls of a building provided that such sign shall be limited to thirty-two (32) square feet in total area. These temporary signs must be removed within twenty-four (24) hours of the termination of the event.
      6. Temporary signs. Temporary signs conveying public safety messages or recruiting volunteer firefighters displayed by organized fire departments having current contracts with Greene County may be erected for so long as the circumstances that necessitate the posting of the sign remain in place.
   3. Display. No parcel shall be allowed to erect temporary signs in conjunction with this Section 10.7(b) more than two (2) times per year.
3. Expression signs.
   1. Expression signs shall be allowed without the necessity of obtaining a permit.
   2. Expression signs shall be no larger than four (4) square feet
   3. No more than one expression sign shall be allowed on any lot, except as provided in sub-section D, below;
   4. The sign area for a double-sided expression sign shall be calculated based on a single sign face provided that both sides of the sign are identical.
4. Campaign signs.
   1. During a political election or referendum, within sixty (60) days prior to any local, state or federal primary, special or general election or ballot initiative wherein citizens of Greene County are entitled to vote, lots located in the A1, A2, PUD, R1, R2, RM, LR1, LR2, LP and AP zoning districts may display up to five (5) additional expression signs ("campaign signs") with the permission of the lot on which the campaign sign is located. Campaign signs shall be no larger than sixteen (16) square feet unless located on a parcel directly adjacent to a Georgia State Route, in which case signs shall be no larger than thirty-two (32) square feet, but may be double sided. Campaign signs shall be removed within seventy-two (72) hours after a final determination on that election item or referendum that triggered the right to erect the sign.
   2. Expression signs erected pursuant to this subsection shall be located no closer than 100 feet from another expression sign erected on the same parcel, and may be attached to existing fences so long as the fence is not on public right-of-way.
   3. The placement of campaign signs in accordance with this section shall not require that such signs contain a message related to said election or ballot initiative, and such signs may display any lawful non-obscene copy;
   4. To the extent a numerical, durational, or locational limitation on placement of campaign signs conflicts with O.C.G.A. § 16-7-58(a)(2), then the provisions of O.C.G.A. § 16-7-58 shall control;
5. Canopy signs. A commercial center shall be permitted one (1) canopy sign per occupancy, not to exceed six (6) feet in length and eighteen (18) inches in height, placed entirely upon or under a canopy or marquee directly in front of said location.
6. Multiple-use shopping, business, office and professional centers; free-standing directory signs.
   1. Any multiple-use shopping, business, office and professional center or mall shall be allowed to have not more the two (2) free-standing directory signs for individual business, provided they meet the following requirements:
      1. Information. Signs shall be for directory information purposes only.
      2. Location. Either the area of the directory sign shall be contained within the limits for total signage area at said center or mall or the sign shall not be visible from any public way.
   2. Free-standing signs on outlying parcels that do not have direct traffic access to the adjacent roadway will be permitted a sign at one-half (1/2) the size authorized in Section 10.6(d).
7. Gasoline filling areas.
   1. Travel center or truck stop. This section shall apply to establishments that are located at an interchange of an Interstate Highway where such Interstate intersects with a State Route with at least one of the establishment's parcel boundaries adjoining the Interstate Right-of-Way and at least one of the establishment's boundaries adjoining the State Route's Right-of-Way, and such establishment includes all of the following:
      1. A minimum of eight (8) double-sided diesel pumps.
      2. A minimum of six (6) double-sided gas pumps.
      3. The primary building footprint must be at least 15,000 square feet.
      4. A convenience store, and a fast-food restaurant must be located within the primary building.
      5. Showers, laundry area, phone booth area, lockers, driver's lounge, and a game room must be located and available on the premises.
      6. A minimum of parking to accommodate 150 tractor trailer trucks, 100 cars and light trucks, and 8 recreational vehicles must be available on the premises.
   2. Signage allowed.
      1. Free-standing signs. A total of three (3) free-standing signs shall be allowed per Travel Center or Truck Stop establishment. The total aggregate area of all free-standing signs shall not exceed thirteen hundred (1,300) square feet with the maximum for any one sign not to exceed one thousand (1,000) square feet. One free-standing sign may be erected up to a maximum of one hundred fifty (150) feet. Any additional free-standing signs shall have a maximum height of seventy (70) feet.
      2. Building and/or wall signs. A maximum of 400 square feet of building or wall signage is allowed. No single building or wall sign shall exceed 200 square feet in aggregate area, and if one such sign is used, all other building and wall signs shall not exceed 100 square feet. There is no maximum number of building or wall signs provided the total aggregate area does not exceed the 400 square feet maximum.
      3. Electronic message center. This sign displays a message which scrolls across the screen to provide information, including, but not limited to, information related to the time, weather, public service message, and/or advertisement of products, pricing, and services. A maximum of two (2) electronic message centers are allowed provided that the total aggregate area does not exceed 320 square feet, and any single such sign shall not exceed 220 square feet.
      4. Other. Safety, traffic movement, and directional, signs shall be allowed. The size, location, and content must be approved by the Building Official.
   3. All other fuel facilities. Any facility not meeting the criteria of a Travel Center or Truck Stop but offering the sale of fuel as a principle component of the business shall be governed by the commercial signage regulations of this Ordinance, and by (a) and (b) below:
      1. Petroleum products pumps and dispensers which are within view of a public way shall be permitted to display only information required by law in addition to the type of product being dispensed.
      2. Premises which dispense retail bulk petroleum products by pump shall be permitted one (1) additional sign, with characters not exceeding twelve (12) inches in height. In lieu of the one (1) additional sign permitted above, a sign with characters not exceeding six (6) inches in height may be placed on each individual pump structure.
8. Flags.
   1. No flag shall exceed forty (40) square feet in size.
   2. No property shall display more than three (3) flags.
   3. Flags shall be displayed on purpose-built, professionally fabricated flagpoles, which may be vertical or mast-arm flagpoles.
   4. The maximum dimensions of any flag shall be proportional to the flagpole height. The hoist side of the flag shall not exceed 20 percent of the vertical height of the flagpole. In addition, flags are subject to the limitations defined in Table 10.G.#.
      
      

      Table 10.G.#
      Pole height or length	Maximum flag area
      Up to 20 feet	15 square feet (3' x 5')
      Up to 25 feet	24 square feet (4' x 6')
      Up to 30 feet	40 square feet (5' x 8')
      Up to 35 feet	60 square feet (6' x 10')
      Up to 40 feet	72 square feet (8' x 12')

   5. Flags and flagpoles shall be maintained in good repair, and shall be in compliance with the building code. Flagpoles with broken halyards shall not be used and flags which are torn or frayed shall not be displayed.
      1. Interstate signs. This section shall apply to all outdoor advertising signs visible from the main traveled way of Interstate 20 and within six hundred sixty (660) feet of its nearest edge of the right-of-way in Greene County, Georgia.
         1. No sign shall be erected or maintained unless it is in compliance with the regulations of this Article and State laws, rules and regulations.
         2. All signs located on sites adjacent to or visible from the main traveled way of Interstate 20 shall conform with O.C.G.A. § 32-6-70, et seq., as amended, (the Georgia Outdoor Advertising Control Section) and shall meet all Federal and State requirements necessary to obtain a permit under said Code Section. In instances where the sign controls of this Article are stricter, these regulations shall apply.
         3. Interstate signs shall meet the following requirements:
            1. Uniform size. The outside measurements of all such signs shall be fourteen (14) feet in height and forty-eight (48) feet in length, with or without trim.
            2. Height. No sign shall be erected which exceeds seventy (70) feet above the natural ground or the main traveled way of the roadway, whichever is the least restrictive, as measured from the highest part or portion of the sign structure.
            3. Extrusions prohibited. Extrusions beyond the face of the sign, excluding aprons, are prohibited.
            4. Spacing. Sign locations shall be no less than five hundred (500) feet apart, as measured from the two (2) closest points.
            5. Number. No more than six (6) interstate signs shall be permitted at each interchange adjacent to the Interstate highway, with a maximum of three signs visible to be read by traffic travelling in each direction of travel.
            6. Location. Interstate signs must be located on property zoned B-2 and shall be located in an area twelve hundred (1,200) feet long, beginning five hundred (500) feet from the furthest point where the pavement widens or ceases to widen on the main traveled way at entrances to or exits from the main traveled way.
            7. Minimum lot size. The minimum lot size for the construction of an interstate sign is 150 feet by 150 feet.

(Ord. of 12-8-2020, § 1(Exh. A))

1. Purpose and delineation.
   1. The purpose of establishing this Lake Corridor Sign Overlay (LCSO) is to protect the aesthetic and visual character of lands along major roads leading to Lake Oconee and along the Lake Oconee shoreline. In particular, the purpose of the LCSO District is to:
      1. Encourage the construction of commercial signs of high-quality materials that are aesthetically pleasing and are compatible with their natural surroundings and with the buildings in the district;
      2. Avoid the creation of a distracting atmosphere that can result when businesses compete for attention through the use of commercial advertising signs; and
      3. Protect, preserve, and enhance the unique aesthetic character, beauty, and charm of the Lake Oconee area of the County, and thereby encourage the continued economic development and tourism within the County.
   2. The LCSO District shall include:
      1. The rights-of-way and all parcels lying in whole or in part within 300 feet of each side of the rights-of-way of the following road sections:
         1. Lake Oconee Parkway from Richland Connector south to the County line at Putnam County,
         2. Carey Station Road from Askew Road south to the intersection with Lake Oconee Parkway; and
      2. All parcels lying in whole or in part within 200 feet landward of the Lake Oconee shoreline.
2. General applicability.
   1. All development proposed within the LCSO District shall be subject to the procedures, standards and guidelines specified in this Section 10.8, in addition to those standards pertaining to the particular base district in which the development occurs. Unless otherwise indicated herein, conflicts between this Section 10.8 and any other provision of Article X shall be resolved in favor of the provisions of this Section 10.8.
   2. There shall be no erection or alteration of the existing signage, except maintenance, within the LCSO District, except in accordance with the requirements of this section and all other relevant provisions of this Ordinance.
   3. All proposed new signs and changes to existing signs (including sign structures) located in the LCSO District that will be visible from the right-of-way or shoreline shall be reviewed by the Building Official and receive approval before proceeding with installation or alteration of the sign or sign structure. If a proposed new sign or changes to existing sign or sign structure are determined by the Building Official to be not visible from the right-of-way or shoreline upon completion, the project shall comply with the standards defined elsewhere in this ordinance.
   4. All signs shall comply with applicable building code requirements.
3. General permanent sign standards in LCSO district.
   1. Sign sizes and the maximum number of signs stated shall be as set forth in Section 10.6 and 10.7 unless specifically stated otherwise in this Section 10.8.
   2. Materials, colors, and shapes of proposed signs shall be complementary to the buildings, structures and signs on the same property.
   3. Signs must provide strong visual interest and include three dimensional design. Only high quality, durable materials such as wood, sign foam, and masonry shall be used.
   4. Colors.
      1. Bright colors and reflective surfaces should be avoided or very limited in size and used as accents rather than predominant design elements. Sign colors shall be non-reflective and shall not contain fluorescent colors.
      2. Signs shall not have light-reflecting backgrounds but may use light-reflecting lettering or halo lighting.
   5. The visual impact of freestanding signs shall be softened with landscaping appropriate to the site as determined by the Building Official.
   6. Signs shall be maintained in good condition at all times and shall be kept free of cracked or peeling paint, missing or damaged sign panels or supports, and weeds, grass or vegetation that obscures the view of the sign message.
4. Special permanent sign standards in LCSO district.
   1. Swinging signs.
      1. Swinging signs shall be hung so that, once hung, the bottom edge of the sign is a minimum of eight feet (8') above grade immediately below the sign. All exposed edges of the sign must be finished.
      2. Swinging signs shall comply with Section 10.8(d).
      3. Each business in a commercial district shall be permitted one (1) swinging sign per facade with a maximum of two swinging signs.
      4. Maximum size of a swinging sign shall be six (6) square feet and the dimensions shall not exceed 36-inches wide and 24-inches high. The size shall have a clear height of eight (8) feet.
   2. Sidewalk sandwich signs.
      1. One (1) free-standing, framed sidewalk sandwich sign per business may be displayed during hours of operation.
      2. Maximum size of the sidewalk sandwich sign shall be six (6) square feet and the dimensions shall not exceed 24-inches wide and 36-inches high.
      3. Sidewalk sandwich signs shall be placed within ten feet of the building entrance of the business displaying the sign.
      4. Sidewalk sandwich signs shall be placed on or adjacent to a sidewalk and shall not interfere with pedestrian travel or encroach upon the required accessible path for the entrance to the building.
      5. Sidewalk sandwich signs shall be limited to a maximum of six square feet in total area.
      6. Sidewalk sandwich sign frame colors are limited to earth tones. Sidewalk sandwich sign faces shall be limited to black or dark green chalkboard material with a matte finish. Plastic or dry erase boards shall not be allowed.
   3. Planned unit development (PUD) directional signs.
      1. PUDs may erect freestanding directional signs for the purpose of directing vehicle traffic and emergency vehicles to destinations within the development.
      2. Location.
         1. PUD Directional signs may be placed on any premises where the placement of commercial signs are allowed.
         2. No portion of any PUD Directional sign shall be located within 300 feet of any other PUD Directional sign on the same side of the street or highway, or any residence (single-family or multi-family).
         3. PUD Directional signs shall be located within one mile of the intersection where vehicles must turn to reach the PUD. No more than two signs shall be placed in any one direction from such intersection with no more than three signs for any one development.
      3. PUD Directional signs shall meet the standards in Section 10.6(d).
      4. The amount of information on signs shall be no more than is necessary to provide reasonable identification of the destination(s) and direction thereto.
5. Temporary sign standards in LCSO district.
   1. Free-standing temporary signs larger than four (4) square feet shall meet the requirements of Section 10.8(c).
   2. Temporary Special Event Signs for other than non-profit organizations.
      1. The organizer of a special event shall obtain a Temporary Special Event Sign Permit prior to displaying temporary signs at a special event. The application shall state the location and dates of the event, the expected number of attendees, and the types and number of proposed temporary signs. The following temporary special event signs may be used as specified:
         1. Temporary special event signs may be erected for a period beginning fourteen (14) days prior to a special event. These temporary signs must be removed within twenty-four (24) hours of the termination of the event.
         2. Special event traffic sign. Signs directing traffic to the site of an event may be used for special events at which more than 1,000 attendees are expected. Signs shall meet GDOT standards.
            1. Such signs may be displayed one day prior to the special event, during the duration of the special event, and one day after the special event.
            2. No advertising or logos will be allowed on the sign or the sign structure.
            3. All signs not frangible and crashworthy must be located outside the clear zone as defined by the Federal Highway Administration. In no circumstance will the sign be placed in an area where new roadside safety hardware would be required.
            4. All signs/structures located in the clear zone must be frangible and crashworthy.
         3. Race route signs. Signs intended to direct pedestrians, runners, and bicyclists on race routes are subject to the following standards:
            1. Such signs shall be no larger than two square feet each.
            2. Such signs may be displayed one day prior to the special event, during the duration of the special event, and one day after the special event.
            3. No advertising or logos will be allowed on the sign or the sign structure.
            4. All signs not frangible and crashworthy must be located outside the clear zone as defined by the Federal Highway Administration. In no circumstance will the sign be placed in an area where new roadside safety hardware would be required.
            5. All signs/structures located in the clear zone must be frangible and crashworthy.
         4. Post mounted banners.
            1. Post mounted banners may be displayed no sooner than one day prior to the special event, during the duration of the special event, and one day after the special event.
            2. Post mounted banners may only be used for special events which are multi-day and at which more than 2,000 attendees are expected during the course of the special event.
            3. The banners shall be no larger than 60" in width and 48" in height.
         5. Special event entrance signs. Signs located at the entrances of special events are subject to the following standards:
            1. No more than two signs shall be displayed per event, with no more than four sign faces. Any single sign face shall not exceed 16 square feet.
            2. Signs shall be constructed of 1/2-inch MDO, or a material of equal durability, mounted on four-by-four wood posts.
            3. Signs shall be displayed no sooner than one day prior to the event, during the duration of the event, and one day after the event.
            4. Signs shall not be illuminated by artificial light.
         6. Internal special event signs. Signs displayed on property on which a special event is held are subject to the following standards:
            1. Signs shall be displayed no sooner than one day prior to the special event, during the duration of the special event, and one day after the special event.
            2. Banners and pennants are permitted within the area where the special event takes place.
            3. No more than four (4) such signs shall be allowed.
6. Inflatable signs.
   1. Inflatable signs will only be permitted during the course of a special event which is multi-day and at which more than 1,000 attendees are expected during the course of the special event.
   2. Inflatable signs shall be displayed no sooner than one day prior to the special event, during the duration of the special event, and one day after the special event.
   3. Inflatable signs shall not be mounted on, or anchored to, any roof surface.
   4. Inflatable signs shall be securely anchored to the ground or to a suitable structure.
   5. An inflatable sign shall not be more than twelve (12) feet in height, as measured from the point where the sign rests on a surface or from the point of tie-down if it does not rest on a surface.
   6. An inflatable sign shall not be animated or create movement distracting to vehicular traffic.
   7. Any electrical motor, pump or similar device used to inflate an inflatable sign shall be installed in accordance with all applicable electrical codes.
   8. Inflatable signs shall be setback a minimum distance of one and one-half (1 1/2) times its height from all property lines or public rights-of-way.
   9. Inflatable signs shall not interfere with traffic or pedestrian circulation or visibility.
   10. Inflatable signs shall not interfere with or obstruct fire lanes or utility lines.
   11. Inflatable signs shall not result in a reduction of the number of parking spaces required for the site on which the inflatable sign is located.
   12. All inflatable signs shall be equipped with a quick deflation system so that the inflatable sign will deflate if it breaks loose from its anchor.
   13. All inflatable signs shall be taken down if wind speeds exceed thirty (30) knots (35 mph). The installer of the inflatable sign shall be responsible for monitoring weather conditions.
   14. Inflatable signs shall not have any flashing, colored or blinking lights.
   15. An inflatable sign installer shall carry at least one million dollars in liability insurance coverage and shall provide proof of this to the Building Official prior to the issuance of the temporary sign permit.

(Ord. of 12-8-2020, § 1(Exh. A))

1. Application for permit.
   1. Where to apply. Applications for a sign permit shall be submitted to the Building and Zoning Office.
   2. Temporary sign permit. Applications for a Temporary Sign shall be submitted at least two (2) weeks prior to the event for which it is meant. Charitable events within Greene County organized by and for the direct benefit of, a non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation shall be exempt from permit fees.
   3. Information required. The following information shall be submitted with an application for a sign permit:
      1. Name, address, telephone number and signature of the owner or duly authorized lessee of the premises granting permission for the construction, operation, maintenance, or displaying of sign or sign structure.
      2. Name, address and telephone number of Greene County contractor, if any, including such contractor's Greene County business license number.
      3. Legal description and/or street address of premises or property upon which the sign is to be located.
      4. The approximate value of the sign to be installed, including the installation cost.
      5. Type of sign for which a permit is being sought.
      6. Two (2) copies of a sketch, blueprint, blue line print or similar presentation drawn to scale and dimensioned, showing elevations of the sign as proposed on a building facade, awning or canopy; provided, further, the relationship to other existing adjacent signs shall also be shown. In the case of a free-standing sign' said sketch shall include a site plan showing the sign location and any existing or proposed landscaping which is affected by such sign.
      7. If requested by the Building Inspector, copy of stress sheets and calculations indicating that the sign is properly designed for dead load and wind pressure in any direction.
      8. If applicable, the appropriate Greene County development permit number.
      9. Such other information as the Building Inspector may require which is necessary to verify full compliance with all applicable provisions contained in the Code of Greene County, Georgia.
2. Free-standing signs: location identification. The proposed location for a new free-standing sign shall be clearly identified by a white stake(s) visible above the ground line at each location at which a support pole will be embedded in the ground. This location will be reviewed by the Building Inspector prior to the issuance of the sign permit.
3. Fees.
   1. Regular fees. In order to defray some of the administrative costs associated with processing permit applications and inspections of signs, at the time of submission of an application for a sign permit, a non-refundable fee shall be paid. Temporary Special Event Signs for charitable events within Greene County organized by and for the direct benefit of, a non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation shall be exempt from permit fees. When application for a permit is approved, and before a permit is issued, a permit fee shall be paid based on the fee schedule maintained by the Zoning Administrator.
   2. Re-inspection fee. When re-inspection is required, a re-inspection fee shall be charged.
   3. Penalty fee. A double fee will be charged for sign(s) posted without prior permit.
4. Contents of permit. Upon compliance with the provisions of this Article, the Building Inspector shall make a decision to issue, deny or issue with conditions a permit for such sign or sign structure within forty-five (45) days of receipt of a complete permit application. Permits shall be numbered and shall contain the following information:
   1. The type of sign as defined in this Article;
   2. The street address of the property upon which said sign is proposed to be located and the proposed location of the sign on said property; in the absence of a street address, an acceptable method of location shall be used;
   3. The amount of the fee paid for such permit;
   4. The date of issuance; and
   5. In the case of a temporary sign, the date of expiration of the permit.
5. Expiration of permit. A sign permit shall expire ninety (90) days from the date of its issuance as noted on the permit unless construction of the sign is completed prior to the expiration date. A thirty (30) day extension of the expiration date may be granted for good cause by the Building Inspector.
6. Sign inspection.
   1. Within ten (10) working days of completion of approved work related to a permitted sign, the permittee or sign contractor shall notify the Building Inspector that such sign is ready for a final inspection. The Building Inspector conducts the final inspection for the purpose of verifying that the sign is in compliance with the requirements of the permit and all other provisions of this Article.
   2. Failure to notify the Building Inspector within ten (10) working days of work completion that the sign is ready for inspection shall render the permit invalid and the applicant shall be required to reapply for a permit or remove the sign or sign structure.
   3. Failure to obtain a satisfactory inspection result shall render the permit invalid and the applicant shall be required to modify the sign to be in compliance with this Article, or remove the sign or sign structure.
7. Display of permit for temporary signs.
   1. Display of permit tag. Following completion of a satisfactory final inspection of a temporary sign, the Building Inspector shall issue and affix a permit tag to the sign.
   2. Relocation of permit tag or sign. Under no circumstances may the permit tag be moved from one sign to another, nor may the sign to which it is attached be relocated to another location.
   3. Transfer of ownership: dismantling or removal of sign. In the case of ownership transfer, provided no changes are made to the sign, or, if a permitted sign is dismantled or removed, the Administrator shall be notified.
   4. Lost or illegible permit tag. If a permit tag is lost, defaced, destroyed or otherwise becomes illegible through normal wear or an act of vandalism, a renewal application shall be submitted to the Building Inspector.
8. Procedure for when notification is required. For signs that do not require permits, but require prior notification, the sign owner shall provide proper notification by submitting written correspondence via email, fax, or mail to the Greene County Building Official.

(Ord. of 12-8-2020, § 1(Exh. A))

1. Violation notice. The Building Inspector and duly authorized staff shall have the authority to issue a sign violation notice and shall be empowered to enter upon the premises of any person subject to this Article for the purposes of enforcing the provisions herein.
2. Violation sticker. When a sign requiring a permit under the terms of this Article is erected without a sign permit, the Building Inspector and his/her staff shall use the following procedure:
   1. Violation sticker. The inspector shall attach a highly visible sticker of at least forty (40) square inches reading "VIOLATION" to the face of the sign. The sticker shall include the date that it was attached to the sign and instructions to call the Building Inspector to obtain a permit application for the sign. It shall be unlawful for any person other than the Building Inspector or his/her designee to remove the sign violation sticker attached to the sign.
   2. Failure to obtain permit. Within fourteen (14) days of attachment of the violation sticker, the owner of the sign shall bring the sign into conformity with this Article or submit a completed application for a permit for the sign. If the application for a sign is not submitted on time or if the application is denied, or if the sign is not brought into conformity with this Article in a timely manner, the Building Inspector shall have the sign removed and impounded without any further notice, unless the Building Inspector files a written statement with the County Manager stating why removal and impoundment will be deferred.
3. Impoundment of signs.
   1. The Building Inspector and his/her staff shall have the authority to remove all non-permitted signs placed within any street or highway right-of-way, signs attached to trees, fence posts, telephone and utility poles, other natural features, or signs otherwise prohibited by this Article, and to impound them without notice to the owner.
   2. The owner of an impounded sign may recover same upon the payment of fifty dollars ($50.00) for each sign within ten (10) days of impoundment. In the event an impounded sign is not claimed within ten (10) days, the Building Inspector shall have authority to dispose of such sign.
4. Penalties. Any person who violates the provisions of this Article, upon conviction, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall forfeit and pay such penalties as the court may decide, not to exceed two hundred dollars ($200.00) or thirty (30) days imprisonment, or both, at the discretion of the court for each violation. Each day's continued violation shall constitute a separate offense.

(Ord. of 12-8-2020, § 1(Exh. A))

1. Appeal. Appeals of decisions and interpretations made pursuant to this Article shall be governed by section 15.7.
2. Variance. Recognizing that the strict application of the requirements of this Article may work an undue hardship on certain applicants, variances from the strict application of the provisions of this Article may be granted by the Board of Commissioners. Each application for a variance under this Section shall be in writing and shall state the reasons for the request for a variance in accordance with rules and fee schedules established by the Board of Commissioners. The application shall be signed by the applicant and the sign company, if any, responsible for the sign for which the variance is being sought. The Board of Commissioners shall grant the variance, grant the variance with conditions, or deny the application within sixty (60) days after the variance application is filed unless the Board of Commissioners votes within the sixty (60) day period to postpone its decision or the applicant consents to waiver of the sixty (60) day requirement. Any applicant aggrieved by a decision of the Board may appeal as provided by the laws of the State of Georgia.

(Ord. of 12-8-2020, § 1(Exh. A))

1. Minimum requirements. The standards and provisions of this Article shall be interpreted as being the minimum requirements necessary to uphold the purposes of this Article.
2. Other county requirements. Whenever this Article imposes a higher standard than required by any other County ordinance or requirement, the provisions of this Article shall govern. Whenever any other County ordinance or requirement imposes a higher standard than required by this Article, the provisions of such Ordinance or requirement shall govern.
3. Private restrictions. Whenever this Article imposes a higher standard than required by easements, covenants or agreements, the provisions of this Article shall govern.
4. Statutes. When the provisions of any applicable state or federal statute impose a higher standard than required by this Article, the provisions of such statute shall govern.

(Ord. of 12-8-2020, § 1(Exh. A))

1. Appeal. Please see Section 15.7.
2. Variance. Recognizing that the strict application of the requirements of this Article may work an undue hardship on certain applicants, variances from the strict application of the provisions of this Chapter may be granted by the Board of Commissioners. Each application for a variance under this Section shall be in writing and shall state the reasons for the request for a variance in accordance with rules and fee schedules established by the Board of Commissioners. The application shall be signed by the applicant and the sign company, if any, responsible for the sign for which the variance is being sought. The Board of Commissioners shall grant the variance, grant the variance with conditions, or deny the application within sixty (60) days after the appeal is filed. Any applicant aggrieved by a decision of the Board may appeal as provided by the laws of the State of Georgia.

(Ord. of 12-8-2020, § 1(Exh. A))

1. Minimum requirements. The standards and provisions of this Article shall be interpreted as being the minimum requirements necessary to uphold the purposes of this Article.
2. Other county requirements. Whenever this Article imposes a higher standard than required by any other County ordinance or requirement, the provisions of this Article shall govern. Whenever any other County ordinance or requirement imposes a higher standard than required by this Article, the provisions of such Ordinance or requirement shall govern.
3. Private restrictions. Whenever this Article imposes a higher standard than required by easements, covenants or agreements, the provisions of this Article shall govern.
4. Statutes. When the provisions of any applicable state or federal statute impose a higher standard than required by this Article, the provisions of such statute shall govern.

(Ord. of 12-8-2020, § 1(Exh. A))