The purpose of the Historical Preservation Area is to maintain and enhance the distinctive character of the older sections of the City by safeguarding the architectural integrity of the various period structures within it, and to prevent intrusions and alterations within the district that would be incompatible with this established character. Decisions regarding the appropriateness of alterations, demolitions and new construction within the Historical Preservation Area shall be generally guided by the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings.

(Ord. C70-86. Passed 10-20-86; Ord. C39-19. Passed 8-19-19.)

   The boundaries of the Historical Preservation Area are the properties facing on Broadway from Southwest Boulevard south to approximately 341 feet south of Woodlawn Avenue, from the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad tracks east to Haughn Road on Park Street and from Broadway east to Haughn Road on Columbus Street.

(Ord. C70-86. Passed 10-20-86.)

   In considering the appropriateness of any proposed change to the exterior surface of structures or to the other environmental features of the district, including landscaping, vegetation and exterior signage, the Planning Commission and/or Chief Building and Zoning Official shall consider the following:

   (a)   The distinguishing original qualities or character of a period building, structure or site and their environment shall not be destroyed. The removal or alteration of any historic material or distinctive architectural features should be avoided when possible.

   (b)   All buildings, structures and sites shall be recognized as products of their own time. Alterations that have no historical basis and which seek to create an earlier appearance inconsistent or inappropriate to the original integrity of the building shall be discouraged.

   (c)   Whereas changes which may have taken place in the course of time are evidence of the history and development of a building, structure or site and its environment, if these changes are deemed to have acquired significance, then this significance, if any, shall be recognized and respected.

   (d)   Distinctive stylistic features or examples of skilled craftsmanship which characterize a building, structure or site shall be treated with sensitivity.

   (e)   Significant architectural features which have deteriorated shall be repaired rather than replaced, wherever possible. In the event replacement is necessary, the new material should match the material being replaced in composition, design, color, texture, and other visual qualities. Repair or replacement of architectural features should be based on accurate duplications of features, and if possible, substantiated by historic, physical or pictorial evidence rather than on conjectural designs or the availability of different architectural elements from other buildings or structures.

   (f)   The surface cleaning of structures shall be undertaken with methods designed to minimize damage to historic building materials. Sandblasting and other cleaning methods that will damage the historic building materials should be avoided.

   (g)   Every reasonable effort shall be made to protect and preserve archeological resources affected by, or adjacent to any project.

   (h)   Contemporary design for alterations and additions to existing properties shall not be discouraged when such alterations and additions do not destroy significant historical, architectural or cultural material, and such design is compatible with the size, scale, color, material and character of the property, neighborhood or environment.

   (i)   Whenever possible, new additions or alterations to structures shall be done in such a manner that if such additions or alterations were to be removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the original structure would be unimpaired.

(Ord. C70-86. Passed 10-20-86; Ord. C49-10. Passed 8-16-10.)

   (a)   Existing Structures and Premises. Reconstruction or rehabilitation within the Historical Preservation Area shall conform to the distinguishing, original exterior qualities or character of the structure, its site and its environment.

   (b)   New Construction. The design of new structures and of additions to existing structures, including new site improvements, shall take into account the architectural style, general design, arrangement, texture, material and color of other structures and premises with the Historical Preservation Area.

   (c)   Materials.

      (1)   All new structures and all reconstruction or remodeling of existing structures within the Historical Preservation Area shall utilize natural traditional exterior materials such as brick, stone, masonry and wood.

      (2)   The use of contemporary materials, such as aluminum, other metals, fiberglass and plastics for exterior surfaces on architecturally significant structures shall be prohibited unless the use of such materials would contribute to preservation or enhancement of existing traditional materials and the overall integrity and longevity of a structure.

   (e)   Signs. All signs within the historical area shall conform to color and material standards of this section, be of such a style or design that reflects the era during which the structure was built, and shall conform to the requirements of Chapter 1138 and Section 1145.14 of the Codified Ordinances. Sign size and shape shall also respond to the existing proportions of period structures, and signs shall not be permitted to cover, “blank-out” or close existing window and doorway openings or otherwise hide important architectural features.

(Ord. C70-86. Passed 10-20-86; Ord. C55-00. Passed 7-17-00.)

   (a)   A certificate of appropriateness is required from the Planning Commission prior to any new construction, remodeling, reconstruction or demolition, unless otherwise provided in subsection (c) hereof. (Ord. C49-10. Passed 8-16-10.)

   In order to be heard by the Planning Commission, a fee of $50, payable to the City for deposit in the General Fund, shall accompany the application or petition. This fee is for the purpose of defraying the costs of plan review, legal, legislation, notices, official publications required by the City and any other incurred costs and shall not be refundable even if the application is disapproved by the Planning Commission or Council.

   (b)   A certificate of appropriateness is required prior to the erection of any sign which requires a permit pursuant to Section 1138.22 of the Codified Ordinances. (Ord. C13-15. Passed 3-2-15.)

   (c)   Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent the ordinary maintenance or repair of any property within the historical area, provided such work is limited to existing structures, and does not involve new construction and/or additions to structures. The Chief Building and Zoning Official shall determine whether the proposed changes are “significant” based upon the impact the changes will have on the property and its surrounding area and the standards set forth in this chapter. If the Chief Building and Zoning Official determines that the proposed changes are not “significant,” he may issue a Certificate of Appropriateness. Nor shall anything in this chapter be construed to prevent any change, including the construction, reconstruction, alteration or demolition of any feature which in the view of the Building Inspector is required for the public safety because of an unsafe, insecure or dangerous condition.

(Ord. C49-10. Passed 8-16-10.)

   (d)   Applications for a certificate of appropriateness shall be filed with the Building Inspector at least fifteen days before a meeting of the Commission. The applicant shall submit with his application, drawings, materials and color samples, sketches and other information that indicate or identify the proposed exterior.

   (e)   The Commission shall review and approve, approve with modification, or disapprove such applications and forward its recommendation to Council. Upon approval, or approval with modifications by Council, the Building Inspector shall issue a certificate of appropriateness to the applicant within fifteen days.

(Ord. C70-86. Passed 10-20-86; Ord. C49-01. Passed 8-6-01.)

   An inventory of all landmarks and preservation districts shall be maintained by the Development Department. The Department may use existing inventories by the Ohio Historic Preservation Office or other recognized agencies to fulfill this requirement. The inventory shall be updated periodically to reflect changes, alterations, and demolitions. All inventory materials shall be recorded on Ohio Historic Inventory and /or Ohio Archeological inventory forms and shall be available through duplicates to the Ohio Preservation Office. This inventory shall be made available to the public upon request.

(Ord. C39-19. Passed 8-19-19.)

   The purpose of this subchapter is to establish standards for the development of planned graphic signing systems which are consistent with the preservation of the historic character of the Historical Preservation Area. To protect the general health, safety and welfare, and to protect and encourage a more attractive economic and business image and improved overall physical appearance of the Historical Preservation Area, all signs and signing systems within the Historical Preservation Area are subject to the regulations contained in this subchapter.

(Ord. C85-01. Passed 12-3-01.)

   As used in this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given herein:

   (a)   “Awning” means a nonstructural hood or cover that projects from the wall of a building and which is generally intended to provide shading from direct sunlight.

   (b)   “Banner” means a nonrigid cloth, plastic or canvas sign typically related to a special event or promotion.

   (c)   “Billboard” means an outdoor sign exceeding sixty square feet in area.

   (d)   “Canopy” means a projection from a building made from any material, which is cantilevered, suspended or supported on columns intended only for shelter or ornamentation.

   (e)   “Flashing” means a sign or graphic which in any manner, as a whole or in part, physically changes in light intensity or gives the appearance of such change.

   (f)   “Ground sign” means a freestanding detached sign whose support structure is embedded in the ground.

   (g)   “Interior sign” means a sign which is not in any manner physically affixed to or painted on the glass or other structural component of the window but which is on the interior of the premises and clearly visible through the window from the exterior of the premises.

   (h)   “Joint identification sign” means a sign intended to provide the identity or name, whether through logo, type, graphics or other symbols for two or more uses within one building or on the property or the name of the building or its address for property occupied by two or more businesses.

   (i)   “Marquee” means a canopy that provides additional loading for graphics.

   (j)   “Message center” means a display capable of transmitting variable information to the public, such as the date, time and temperature, public service messages or a wide variety of promotional announcements.

   (k)   “Moving signs” means any sign, all of any part of which physically moves up or down or sideways, revolves, or is animated so as to give the appearance of movement.

   (l)   “Pennant” means a triangular shaped banner.

   (m)   “Permanent sign” means a sign intended to be erected and used or in fact which is used for a time period in excess of one year.

   (n)   “Portable sign” means a sign designed or constructed in such a manner that it can be moved or relocated without involving any structural or support changes.

   (o)   “Projecting name plate” means a sign indicating only the name and/or address of an occupant which extends outward perpendicular to the building face.

   (p)   “Roof line” means the lowest point of a roof which is closest to the ground.

   (q)   “Roof sign” means a sign erected upon the roof of a building, any portion which is above the roof line of the building.

   (r)   “Sign” means a name, identification, description, display or illustration which is affixed to or upon a building, structure, parcel or lot and which directs attention to an object, product, place, activity, person, institution, organization or business. The word “sign(s)” as used throughout this chapter means sign(s) that are externally visible from adjacent properties or streets. Signage that is placed internally within a structure or building that is not externally visible shall be excluded from sign regulations.

   (s)   “Streamer” means a ribbon-shaped or cord-like rope which may have pennants and/or banners attached which is stretched or hung between two or more supports.

   (t)   “Temporary sign” means a sign intended to be used and in fact used for a time period of one year or less.

   (u)   “Wall sign” means a sign attached to a building face, with the exposed face thereof in a plane parallel to the plane of the wall. Wall signs include messages, graphics and other designs painted along with any letters or numerals mounted or painted on buildings and any extensions thereon.

   (v)   “Window sign” means a sign, graphic, poster, symbol or other identifications which is physically affixed to or painted on the glass or other structure component of the window.

(Ord. C85-01. Passed 12-3-01.)

   (a)   All applications for permanent signs within the Historical Preservation Area shall be submitted to the Chief Building and Zoning Official, who shall review the application for compliance with the provisions of this chapter, and either issue or deny the request for the Certificate of Appropriateness, as required by Section 1138.05(b). All requests for Certificate of Appropriateness submitted under this chapter shall be reviewed by the Chief Building and Zoning Official with 15 days of submission of the application.

   (b)   Any person whose application for a Certificate of Appropriateness has been denied by the Chief Building and Zoning Official may appeal such decision by filing an appeal with the Planning Commission within 30 days of such denial, and at least 14 days prior to the Planning Commission meeting date at which such appeal shall be heard. The appeal shall be in the form of a “Certificate of Appropriateness Application” to the Planning Commission and Council, which must be fully completed and contain all materials required pursuant to Section 1143.06 and a sign plan showing the sign, design, and color(s). The application, with 18 copies, along with a check for fifty dollars ($50.00) (made payable to the City of Grove City) must be submitted to the Secretary of the Planning Commission. The appeal shall be treated as an original application for approval pursuant to Chapter 1101, under which the Planning Commission shall examine, take action withing 45 days and forward its recommendation to Council for its approval, approval with modifications, or denial. The decision of Council shall be final. Upon approval or approval with modifications by Council the Chief Building and Zoning Official shall issue a Certificate of Appropriateness to the applicant within 15 days.

(Ord. C85-01. Passed 12-3-01; Ord. C24-03. Passed 4-21-03; Ord. C49-10. Passed 8-16-10; Ord. C13-15. Passed 3-2-15.)

   The following signs may be erected without a permit:

   (a)   Address and name of occupant of premises for a residential structure, not to include designations as to employment or home occupation and to be limited in size to two square feet.

   (b)   Signs required or authorized for a public purpose by any law, statute or ordinance, such signs to include traffic control devices provided that such signs contain no supplementary advertising.

   (c)   Signs that indicate the sale, development, rental or lease of a particular structure or land area, to be limited in size to six square feet, with one sign allowed per street front. Such signs shall not be located in a public right of way.

   (d)   Interior signs that are limited in size to twenty-five percent (25%) of the window area, or four square feet, whichever is less and which are either not illuminated or are illuminated only from a concealed light source.

(Ord. C24-03. Passed 4-21-03.)

   (e)   Posters and posters in display cases no larger than six square feet for theatres within the Historical Preservation Area.

(Ord. C85-01. Passed 12-3-01.)

   (a)   There shall be no temporary signs permitted within the Historical Preservation Area limits other than specifically set forth within this chapter and that meet all the minimum requirements therein stated.

   (b)   Community events and programs which last for a time period of fourteen days or less and which are sponsored by nonprofit, public, educational, religious and charitable organizations may display four signs during the event and for a time period of seventy-two hours immediately preceding the commencement of the event. One sign may be located at the site of the event provided it does not exceed twenty-four square feet in size. All off-site signs shall not exceed eighteen square feet in size. Each sign shall be placed at a different site and shall be removed not later than forty-eight hours after the scheduled activity. If the program or event is for a continuing period of time in excess of seven days, only one sign, not larger than ten square feet is permitted and such sign shall be located either at the site of the event or program or at the location of the sponsoring organization. At no time shall there be allowed a portable sign or sign with removable letters and numbers. A portable sign includes trailer signs, A-frame signs, self-supporting signs, streamer and air-activated attraction devices.

   (c)   Signs greater than four square feet in size which promote special business sales, promotions or occasions, shall be considered temporary signs and not permitted other than provided for within this chapter.

   (d)   Political campaign headquarters signs shall be permitted without a sign permit being issued for periods not to exceed thirty days prior to such election, nor to remain for more than forty-eight hours after such regularly-scheduled election. Such signs shall comply with size and location requirements of this Code.

(Ord. C131-88. Passed 1-16-89; Ord. C85-01. Passed 12-3-01; Ord. C24-03. Passed 4-21-03.)

   (a)   All permanent signs shall require a permit. Permitted permanent signs shall be classified as either wall signs, window signs, awnings, projection signs or ground mounted signs. However, no signs are permitted within a public right of way or easement, unless otherwise approved in this chapter.

      (1)   Wall signs may be erected on a building wall or extension of a building wall which faces a street, parking lot or service drive, and such sign may not extend beyond any building setback lines. Wall signs shall be attached parallel to the building face and extend outward perpendicular from the building face a maximum of ten inches except as follows:

         A.   Signs may be painted on an awning area or attached to a canopy, marquee or roof which projects beyond the building provided that no part of such sign may extend above the roof line, canopy or marquee.

         B.   Projecting nameplates, provided that:

      The nameplate does not exceed four square feet in size; is placed not less than ten feet above the sidewalk or ground level; and projects no more than three feet outward from the building face; and

      (2)   Permanent window signs and graphics shall be limited to signs denoting the identification of the occupant, the address of the premises and its primary use. Window signs shall be limited to one sign per window and shall not exceed one-fourth of the total area of the window, and in no case shall exceed ten square feet.

      (3)   Ground mounted signs shall be limited to signs denoting the identification of the occupant, the address of the premises and its primary use, and the business phone number. Ground mounted signs shall be limited to one sign per property, regardless of the number of buildings or business establishments on such property. The size of the sign shall not exceed eight feet in height and shall not exceed a total of twenty-five square feet. There shall be permanent landscaping planted at the base of the sign, as described in Section 1322.10(e).

(Ord. C-16-99. Passed 5-3-99; Ord. C24-03. Passed 4-21-03.)

   (b)   The following general requirements shall apply for characteristics of permanent signs:

      (1)   Illumination. Illumination shall be from a concealed or indirect light source and shall not flash, blink, fluctuate, travel, move or in any way fail to provide constant illumination and shall not create a hazard or visibility problem or interfere with or impair vehicular traffic. The level of illumination emitted from a sign shall not be of any intensity to constitute a demonstrable safety hazard to vehicular movement on any street from which the sign may be viewed. Illuminated signs shall be constructed and maintained so that the source of illumination is shielded or otherwise prevented from beaming directly onto adjacent properties or streets.

      (2)   Animation, Message Centers and Moving Signs. Message centers, flashing signs, moving signs and the animation of signs are prohibited.

      (3)   Construction. The construction of all signs, including any electrical wiring necessary for the operation of illuminated signs shall conform to the specifications of the City Building Code. All signs shall be adequately maintained and shall not constitute a safety hazard.

      (4)   Location.

         A.   All permanent signs shall be located on the site being promoted, identified or advertised.

         B.   In no case shall any part of a sign be placed in, over, or extend onto any public right of way except for projecting nameplates on lots where no front yard exists and for publicly owned signs such as traffic control and directional signs. In no case shall any part of a sign be placed in, over or extend above the roof line of any structure.

      (5)   Maximum number, height and area of signs. In addition to placement of signs, the height, area and number of permitted signs allowed per use or lot shall be regulated by Section 1138.28 entitled Schedule of Sign Regulations. The height of the sign shall be measured from the established grade which shall be defined as that point where the grade line intersects the front wall of the building. The height of a sign shall not be artificially increased beyond the permitted height by placement of signage on earth mounds that are created during site development. The maximum height is eight feet.

      (6)   Joint identification signs. Joint identification signs shall be limited to wall or ground signs and to premises where there are two or more uses located within the same building on a property having frontage on at least one public street. A second joint identification sign is permitted if the premises has pedestrian access open to the public from parking facilities both in the front and in the rear of the property. The size of a joint identification sign shall not exceed a total of twenty-five square feet.

(Ord. C24-03. Passed 4-21-03.)

      (7)   Billboards. Billboards are prohibited.

      (8)   Roof signs. Roof signs are prohibited.

(Ord. C85-01. Passed 12-3-01.)

   (a)   The continuance of an existing sign which does not meet the regulations and requirements of this chapter shall be deemed a nonconforming sign which shall terminate by abandonment. A sign shall be considered abandoned:

      (1)   When the sign is associated with an abandoned use.

      (2)   When the sign remains after the termination of a business. A business has ceased operations if it is closed to the public for at least ninety consecutive days. Seasonal businesses are exempt from this determination.

      (3)   When the sign, together with all supports, braces, guys and anchors is not kept in repair and in proper state of preservation. The display surfaces of all signs shall be subject to periodic inspection in accordance with the Building Code.

      (4)   Abandonment shall be determined based upon the above definitions by the Building Division and/or any appropriate court of jurisdiction. Upon a finding that the sign is abandoned, the right to maintain and use such sign shall terminate immediately.

(Ord. C24-03. Passed 4-21-03.)

   (b)   A nonconforming sign shall not be structurally relocated or replaced unless it is brought into compliance with the provisions of this chapter. Should any replacement or relocation take place without being brought into compliance, the sign shall be existing illegally.

   (c)   A nonconforming sign shall be maintained or repaired in accordance with the following provisions:

      (1)   The size and structural shape shall not be changed or altered. The copy may be changed provided that the change applies to the original nonconforming use associated with the sign and that the change is made by the owner of the sign at the time the sign became nonconforming; the copy area shall not be enlarged. Any subsequent owner or user shall bring the sign into compliance within thirty days.

      (2)   In case damage occurs to the sign to the extent of fifty percent (50%) or more of either the structure or the replacement value of the sign, the sign shall be brought into compliance. Where damage to the sign is less than fifty percent (50%) of the structure or its replacement value, the sign shall be repaired within thirty days.

(Ord. C85-01. Passed 12-3-01.)

   An owner shall display the numerical address of the building in arabic numbers not less than four inches in height.

   (a)   The color of the numbers shall contrast to the color of the surface on which they are mounted and the numbers shall be clearly visible from the street on which the building is numbered.

   (b)   The numbers shall be placed on the front of the building facing the street on which the building is numbered.

   (c)   For buildings not having entrance doors facing the street on which the buildings are numbered, numbers of all units within such building shall be placed either on the wall of the building facing the street on which the building is numbered or on a sign in compliance with this chapter.

(Ord. C85-01. Passed 12-3-01.)

      Permitted Contents      Address

                  Name of Business

                  Primary Use

                  Graphics

                  Phone Number

      Permitted Types      Wall, window, joint identification and ground

      Maximum Number of Signs   Two per building (excluding directional signs and projecting nameplates and except as otherwise provided for in buildings with multiple business occupancy.)

      Maximum Sign Area (Sq. Ft.)   1 sq. ft. of signage per 4 linear feet of frontage; 25 maximum total on all signs. A minimum sign area of 4 sq. ft. required for all signs.

      Projecting Signs      No sign shall project more than 36-inches from the face of a building and shall not advertise a name brand product.

(Ord. C85-01. Passed 12-3-01; Ord. C131-88. Passed 1-16-89; Ord. C83-94. Passed 11-21-94; Ord. C24-03. Passed 4-21-03.)

   (a)   Second Floor. Window or wall signs may be used to indicate upper floor usage. Window signs shall cover no more than fifteen percent (15%) of the window. Both window and wall signs shall be no higher than twenty feet above the floor level of the first story.

   (b)   Maximum Sign Area. Second floor signs shall comprise no more than thirty-three percent (33%) of the total sign area allowed. Where second floors are in use the permitted sign area may be increased by one square foot per six and one-half lineal feet of frontage; fifteen square feet maximum additional square footage; one additional sign per building.

   (c)   Buildings With Multiple Business Occupants. Buildings with two or more occupants which have individual and separate entries shall be permitted one ground or wall sign the maximum area shall not exceed twenty-five square feet and the maximum per individual sign is fifteen square feet. Buildings with multiple business occupants sharing a common entry shall refer to joint identification signage (1138.25 (6)).

   (d)   Property Frontage Within the Historical Preservation Area. Property frontage within the Historical Preservation Area shall include frontage on parking lots, alleys and secondary streets.

   (e)   Sign Landscaping. All ground signs shall be landscaped at their base with acceptable ground cover material in accordance with Chapter 1136 of the Codified Ordinances. The landscape plan shall accompany, and be presented simultaneously, with the related sign plan. However, the landscape plan may be accepted or rejected independent of the sign plan.

(Ord. C85-01. Passed 12-3-01.)

   The fee shall be fifteen dollars ($15.00) per sign application.

(Ord. C85-01. Passed 12-3-01; Ord. C131-88. Passed 1-16-89; Ord. C24-03. Passed 4-21-03.)

   Portable Signs for all Historical Preservation Area structures located in the Central Business District, as defined in Section 1135.12, shall conform to the requirements of Section 1145.14.

(Ord. C85-01. Passed 12-3-01.)

   Any person, firm or corporation who violates or fails to comply with any provision of this chapter for which no other penalty has been provided, or fails to comply with any order or regulation made thereunder, or erects such structure in violation of a sign permit or certificate issued thereunder shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree for each and every violation and noncompliance. A separate offense shall be deemed committed each day during or on which an offense occurs or continues. The imposition of a penalty shall not excuse the violation or permit it to continue and the application of such penalty shall not be held to prevent the enforced removal of prohibited conditions.

(Ord. C85-01. Passed 12-3-01.)