The purpose of this article is to regulate, classify, restrict and control the location, size, type, placement and maintenance of all signs within the Town of Griffith for the purpose of preserving the health, safety and general welfare of the town and its citizens; and, to ensure that signs are compatible with their surroundings and land uses, and that they are legible and properly maintained.

In all open space districts the following classes of signs are permitted, in accordance with the regulations set forth herein and provided that no sign shall project higher than one story or 15 feet above curb level, whichever is lower.

(a)

One nameplate, excluding flashing and illuminated signs, not exceeding two square feet in area.

(b)

One advertising sign, excluding flashing and portable signs, offering the sale of open space products grown or produced on the property, not to exceed 32 square feet in area, either single faced or double faced, and to be no closer than ten feet to the right-of-way line of the adjacent street, provided however, that no such sign shall obstruct the view or sight distance of any driveway, street or highway or any other point of ingress or egress.

(c)

One for-sale sign, excluding flashing or portable signs, advertising the sale or rental of the property on which the sign is located, not to exceed 32 square feet in area.

In all residence districts the following classes of signs are permitted, in accordance with the regulations set forth herein and provided that no sign shall project higher than one story or 15 feet above curb level, whichever is lower.

(a)

For one- and two-family dwellings, one nameplate, excluding flashing and illuminated signs, not exceeding two square feet in area, and bearing only the name of the occupant and/or the street number.

(b)

For multiple-family dwellings, for apartment hotels and buildings other than dwellings, one identification sign, excluding flashing and portable signs, not exceeding 12 square feet in area.

(c)

For apartment and condominium complexes, one identification sign for each building, excluding flashing and portable signs, bearing the name of the building and/or the name of the management firm, not exceeding four square feet in area and one identification sign for the entire complex; identifying the complex, excluding flashing and portable signs, not exceeding 24 square feet in area.

(d)

For home occupations (where permitted), one identification sign, excluding flashing and portable signs, not exceeding two square feet in area.

(e)

For public or private educational institutions, churches, libraries, hospitals, other public or quasi-public buildings, parks, playgrounds and off-street parking areas, identification signs, excluding flashing and portable signs, bearing the name and/or such other information pertaining to the premises as is reasonably necessary for the convenience of the general public, not exceeding 45 square feet of total sign area for all signs on the premises.

(Ord. No. 2016-16, 7-5-16)

In all professional business districts the following classes of signs are permitted, in accordance with the regulations set forth herein.

(a)

All signs and nameplates permitted in the residence districts.

(b)

Business signs; excluding flashing and portable signs, directing attention to a business or profession conducted or to a commodity, service or entertainment sold or offered upon the premises where such sign is located or to which it is affixed, not exceeding two in number, (one freestanding and one flush mount).

(1)

Area. All signs shall sum to 45 square feet of total sign area for all signs on the premises.

(2)

Location. All freestanding signs shall be located a minimum of ten feet from any property line.

(3)

Projection. No portion of any sign shall project over any property line.

(4)

Height. No freestanding sign shall project higher than ten feet above the curb level. No portion of any sign attached to the building shall project above the roof line of the principal building located on the same lot.

(Ord. No. 2016-16, 7-5-16)

In all business districts the following classes of signs are permitted, in accordance with the regulations set forth herein.

(a)

All signs and nameplates permitted in the residence districts.

(b)

Business signs, excluding flashing and portable signs, directing attention to a business or profession conducted or to a commodity, service or entertainment sold or offered upon the premises where such sign is located or to which it is affixed.

(c)

Advertising signs, including billboards and poster panels, directing attention to a business, commodity, service or entertainment conducted, sold or offered elsewhere than upon the premises where such sign is located or to which it is affixed permitted only as a use variance in the B-3 district. For any such advertising sign the copy area shall not exceed 600 square feet. In addition to the copy area, all trim, apron and embellishment shall not exceed 400 square feet in area.

(d)

Signs on marquees and canopies when preexisting on the date of the adoption of this chapter. Signs on marquees and canopies may extend into the public right-of-way no more than 15 feet but in no case beyond a point which is within two feet of the vertical extension of the curb line or paved portion of the street where no curb exists. Any sign on a marquee or canopy shall have a minimum vertical clearance of at least 14 feet above street level, further such sign on a marquee or canopy shall be affixed flat to the surface thereof and no such sign shall extend vertically or horizontally beyond the limits of such marquee or canopy; except, that individual free standing letters may project to a height not exceeding 24 inches above same. However, from the date of the adoption of this chapter forward, no signs on marquees or canopies shall extend into the public right-of-way.

(e)

Signs on pylons, standards and separate supports. Business and advertising signs, (except billboards and poster panels), which are erected upon pylons, standards or separate supports shall be placed so as to be entirely within the property lines of the premises upon which the sign is located.

(f)

Signs on masonry pylons. Signs may be placed on the face of a masonry pylon when the pylon is constructed as an integral part of the building and such pylon does not project above the roof line more than five feet.

(g)

In all business districts, permitted signs are subject to the following:

(1)

Area. The gross area in square feet of all signs on a zoning lot shall not exceed the lineal footage of frontage of the lot, except on lots with frontages of 50 feet or less between buildings, where the gross area in square feet of all signs on such lots shall not exceed 50 square feet of frontage of the lot. (Example: a lot with a frontage of 100 feet may have a total gross area of all signs added together of no more than 1 × 100, or 100 square feet). For businesses located in B-3 or business PUD districts with building setbacks greater than 50 from a principal arterial roadway, the maximum size of the permitted signage may be increased by ten percent for every 25-foot increments of setback beyond 50 feet. In no case shall the signage due to excessive setback exceed two times the original maximum.

(2)

Location. Signs shall front on the principal street, an off-street parking area or in the case of a corner lot, on that portion of the side street within 50 feet of the principal street.

(3)

Projection. No signs may extend into the public right-of-way.

(4)

Height. In a B-1 district, no freestanding sign shall project higher than 15 feet above the curb, and no sign shall project above the principal building to which it is affixed. In the B-2 and B-3 districts no sign shall project higher than 35 feet above the curb level or where no curb exists, above the average level of the ground on which the sign exists, and in no case shall a sign project more than 12 feet above the roof line or above the parapet line should one exist.

(Ord. No. 2016-16, 7-5-16)

In all Industrial districts the following classes of signs are permitted, in accordance with the regulations set forth herein:

(a)

All signs and nameplates permitted in the business districts.

(b)

In all industrial districts, permitted signs are subject to the following:

(1)

Area. The gross area in square feet of all signs on a zoning lot shall not exceed one times the lineal feet of frontage of the lot, except on lots with frontages of 50 feet or less between buildings, where the gross area in square feet of all signs on such lots shall not exceed 50 square feet. Total signage may be increased by ten square feet for each ten feet of sign setback, up to a maximum of 200 square feet. (Example: a lot with a frontage of 100 feet and a sign setback of 30 feet may have a total gross area of all signs added together of no more than 100 + 30 = 130 square feet).

(2)

Location. Signs shall front on the principal street, an off-street parking area or in the case of a corner lot, on that portion of the side street within 50 feet of the principal street. All freestanding signs shall be setback from the property line a distance equal to it's height or a minimum of ten feet. No advertising sign erected after passage of this chapter shall be located within 300 feet of any public park of more the five acres in area, nor shall such sign be located within ten feet of any property line. Further, no advertising sign shall be located within 75 feet of a residence district.

(3)

Projection. No sign shall project into the public right-of-way.

(4)

Height. No sign shall project higher than 50 feet above the curb level or where no curb exists, above the average level of the ground on which the sign exists.

(Ord. No. 2016-16, 7-5-16)

In all zoning districts the following temporary signs are permitted, in accordance with the regulations set forth herein. Further, temporary signs shall not be placed upon public property, public easements, public utility poles, traffic poles or standards or other public structures or buildings.

(a)

For sale and for rent or lease signs. One nonilluminated sign pertaining to the sale, rent or lease of the premises upon which it is placed, not exceeding six square feet in area, provided that said sign shall be removed within seven days of the consummation of the sale, rent or lease or of the termination of the sale, rent or lease agents authority.

(b)

Open house signs. Not to exceed three nonilluminated signs and six square feet in area each, may be placed during daylight hours on the day of a real estate broker sponsored open house, to inform and direct the public to the location of the open house.

(c)

Contractors signs. One nonilluminated and nonportable sign, not exceeding 16 square feet in area, bearing the street number of a new or remodeled structure and/or the names of the general contractor, subcontractor, owner or tenant may be placed on the premises during the construction work. Said sign shall be removed within seven days of substantial completion of the work.

(d)

Lot signs. One nonilluminated and nonportable sign, not exceeding 16 square feet, bearing the name of the owner, and the fact that the lot is for sale. Said sign shall be placed only on the lot it is advertising, and only until the lot is sold.

(e)

Special event signs. Excluding flashing signs, announcing and/or promoting any educational, charitable, philanthropic, civic or religious campaign drive, or event, may be placed upon the approval of the town council, on the premises where the event is to take place, not exceeding 32 square feet in area. Said signs may be located for a period not to exceed 30 days preceding the event and shall be removed within five days after the event.

(f)

Special event banners. All weather banners, announcing and/or promoting any educational, charitable, philanthropic, civic or religious campaign drive, movement or event, may be hung upon approval of the town council. Said signs may be located for a period not to exceed 30 days preceding the event and shall be removed within five days after the event.

(g)

Political signs. One nonilluminated political campaign sign, not to exceed a total of 32 square feet in area, intended to be viewed from the public sidewalk or streets, in support of a candidate or candidates for office or urging action on any other matter on the ballot of a primary, general or special election, may be placed on private property in any zoning district. Said signs may be located for a period not to exceed 30 days preceding each election for which the sign was installed. The owner of the property upon which such signs are displayed is liable for the removal of said signs within five days after the election of which it refers.

(h)

Public expression signs. Signs expressing a political, social, or religious position are permitted subject to the following:

(1)

The content of said sign shall not contain profanity, indecency, or gross displays.

(2)

The size of said sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in area, and shall not be located any closer than ten feet from any property line.

(3)

The anchoring and structure of said sign shall be adequate to prevent the sign from becoming a projectile during high winds.

(4)

The face of said sign shall be properly maintained to avoid cracking, pealing, or fading to the point of being a blighting influence.

(5)

Said signs shall not contain neon, flashing lights, or be portable in nature. If illuminated, the power supply and transmission must satisfy town electrical code to avoid danger to the public.

(i)

Subdivision signs—On-premises. A maximum of two, nonilluminated and nonportable signs, not exceeding 64 square feet each, bearing the name of the development, developers, and builders associated with said development. Said sign shall be placed no longer than 24 months after granting final subdivision approval, or so long as some portion of the property remains unsold, whichever period is shorter. The building commissioner shall have the power to grant reasonable extensions after the expiration of the 24-month period. The signs must be located within the development for which they advertise. In any subdivision larger than five acres in size, one additional 64 square foot sign may be placed for each five-acre increment.

(j)

Subdivision signs—Off-premises. A maximum of two, nonilluminated and nonportable signs, not exceeding 64 square feet each, bearing the name of the development, developers, and builders associated with said development, intended to direct potential buyers. Said sign shall be placed no longer than 24 months after granting final subdivision approval, or so long as some portion of the property remains unsold, whichever period is shorter. The building commissioner shall have the power to grant reasonable extensions after the expiration of the 24-month period. The signs must be located on private property, a minimum of eight feet from the front property line, and shall not obstruct traffic sight distance. In any subdivision larger than five acres in size, one additional 64 square foot sign may be placed for each five acre increment.

(a)

Prior to the issuance of any sign permit for a self-supported ground sign, a landscaping treatment plan shall be submitted to the building department showing the location of the sign and landscape treatment to be provided. Should the building department disapprove the design, then the board of zoning appeals shall made the final decision with no public hearing being necessary.

(b)

Each sign shall have at least 36 square feet of landscaping treatment encircling the sign.

(c)

Landscaping shall not be allowed to project higher than or obstruct the view of the sign.

(d)

Landscaping shall not encroach on public sidewalks, vehicular access ways, or public street or alley rights-of-way.

(e)

Landscaping shall be continuously maintained.

(Ord. No. 2014-03, 3-18-14)

The following signs are prohibited in any zoning district whatsoever, unless specifically allowed by another provision of law or of the Town of Griffith's ordinances. Determinations as to prohibited signs will be made by the Town of Griffith's Building Department. All appeals from an adverse determination by the building department may be brought before the board of zoning appeals:

(a)

Roof signs;

(b)

Signs on vehicles or trailers or those that are placed or parked on a premises for purposes of advertising;

(c)

Signs that, by their wording, color or location, resemble or conflict with traffic control signs or devices;

(d)

Signs that create a safety hazard;

(e)

Signs that obstruct any door, window, fire escape, or other emergency exit;

(f)

Signs erected in the public right-of-way or on any public pole, bench, bus shelter, or other public structure, except when posted by a public officer in the performance of a public duty;

(g)

Signs on fences;

(h)

Portable electric signs;

(i)

Beacons;

(j)

Flashing signs, except flashing signs which give safety warnings or public service information;

(k)

Signs which rotate, move or give the visual impression of rotation or movement, except rotating signs which give safety warnings or public service information;

(l)

Signs that emit audible sound, odor or visible matter;

(m)

Obscene signs, including signs depicting or containing graphics or content of an adult nature as defined in Ordinance No. 86-7, et seq.;

(n)

Signs identifying past services performed on a building or to a premises;

(o)

Signs on trees or flag poles, including painted signs;

(p)

Signs using reflecting material, except governmental signs and name plate signs displaying the address of the occupant;

(q)

Signs which are confusingly similar or in any way imitate any official marker erected by the town, state, or other governmental unit or agency, or which by reason of position, shape, or color would confuse or conflict with the proper functioning of any traffic sign or signal or railroad device;

(r)

Signs on any property, without the consent of the property owner;

(s)

Vehicle-mounted signs, or other similar signs placed on vehicles parked on public or private property primarily for the purpose of displaying advertising, except for the following:

(1)

Business identification signs mounted on vehicles for the purpose of lawfully making deliveries, sales or service calls, or transporting persons or goods;

(2)

Vehicles parked at a driver's place of residence or place of business;

(t)

Neon signs in any residential district or open space district;

(u)

Signs not specifically allowed by the provisions of this article or any other ordinance;

(v)

Abandoned signs advertising a use, facility, product or event that is no longer sold, conducted or available on the premises, which sign shall be removed within 90 days of the discontinuance. Signs remaining after 90 days shall be considered abandoned signs and may be removed by the town, with the cost of such removal charged to the property owner(s). In the event that the property owner(s) fails to pay for the expense of removing any abandoned sign, the town may place a lien on the property for the amount due in the same manner as work performed by the town on an unsafe building;

(w)

Signs that use string lights or any unshielded light within public view if used in connection with commercial premises for commercial purposes except that this shall not include:

(1)

Holiday decorations at holiday time; or

(2)

Non-flashing neon window signs;

(x)

Any business that dispenses gasoline products at the pump to the public for motor vehicles may display, in addition to all other signs permitted in its zoning district, not more than two additional signs. Each of these signs shall not exceed eight square feet in surface area and shall be for the purpose of indicating the pump price of fuel sold or the announcement of special offers. Said sign or signs may be attached to an existing ground sign, lighting standard, the pump, or the wall of a building. The area of such signs shall not be counted against the total sign area limit;

(y)

Signs which swing, inflate or move as a result of wind (natural or manmade), i.e. banners, posters, pennants, ribbons, streamers, strings of light bulbs, spinners or similar devices;

(z)

Signs which are located in such a manner as to obstruct the view of the intersection of a street, highway, or trail crossing;

(aa)

Signs which are established on trees, utility poles and fences;

(bb)

A business or other venture commencing its activities on a site shall be, for a period of one week prior to such opening and for two weeks after such opening, if such business applies to the town council for an exemption, and is granted an exemption from the prohibitions in subsections (h), (i), (j), (o), (p), (w), (y) and (aa) above. Such signs shall not be counted toward the maximum sign surface area permitted, nor subject to any height regulation.

(Ord. No. 2016-16, 7-5-16)

A legal nonconforming sign shall immediately lose its legal nonconforming designation if:

(a)

The sign is not kept in good repair and in a safe condition and the state of disrepair or unsafe condition continues for six months;

(b)

The sign is relocated;

(c)

The complete sign and sign structure are replaced; or

(d)

The variance under which the sign was allowed or permitted expires.

On the happening of any one of the above conditions the sign shall be immediately brought into conformance with this article, or else it will be removed immediately. Nothing in this article shall relieve the owner or user of a legal nonconforming sign or owner of the property on which the legal nonconforming sign is located from the provisions of this ordinance regarding safety, maintenance and repair of signs.

(Ord. No. 2016-16, 7-5-16)

The below graphic is intended to serve as a visual guide and reference to assist in the interpretation of the various sign regulations contained in this article.

(Ord. No. 2016-16, 7-5-16)