Hancock County Unincorporated
City Zoning Code

SIGN STANDARDS

§ 156.085 GENERAL SIGN STANDARDS.

(A) Intent. The intent of this subchapter is to further the goals of the Comprehensive Plan; avoid the proliferation of signage; encourage signs to be compatible with the scale of buildings and the surrounding features; maintain and enhance the aesthetic environment of the County; eliminate potential hazards to motorists and pedestrians resulting from signs; and promote the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of Hancock County.

(B) General sign standards applicable to all zoning districts.

(1) General requirements. Except as otherwise provided in this subchapter, it shall be unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, move or convert any sign within the jurisdiction of the Hancock County Area Plan Commission, or cause the same to be done without first obtaining a sign permit. The following general sign standards apply to all signs within the jurisdiction of the Hancock County Area Plan Commission.

(a) Sign permit review for permanent signs. The following procedure applies to permanent sign/improvement location permit review.

1. Application. Application for a sign permit shall be filed with the Planning Director and shall be accompanied by any information the Planning Director determines is necessary to assure compliance with this chapter, including but not limited to:

a. Clear and legible drawings with descriptions showing the location of the sign which is the subject of the permit.

b. An indication of all existing and anticipated signs on the same property and for the same business use.

c. A dimensioned drawing showing the size of the sign area and the height of the sign.

d. Description of sign materials and colors.

e. Type of illumination.

f. Mounting details.

2. Effect of sign permit issuance. A sign permit issued under the provisions of this section shall not be deemed to constitute permission or authorization to maintain an unlawful sign nor shall it be deemed as a defense in an action to remove an unlawful sign.

3. Expiration. A sign permit shall become null and void if work has not been started within 30 days of the date the permit is issued or completed within 180 days of the date the permit is issued.

(b) Measurement. The sign area shall be calculated by multiplying the maximum vertical dimension by the maximum horizontal dimension including the extreme limits of characters, lettering or figures. The sign height shall be measured from the grade at the edge of the adjacent right-of-way to the highest point of the sign, and include any poles or other supports unless otherwise specified in this subchapter. In no case shall sign height be measured from the top of any berm or other artificial grade.

(c) Double-faced signs. For all signs permitted by this subchapter, a double-sided sign may be erected. Only the sign area of one of the two sides shall be considered the sign area of the entire sign. However, the two sides shall be identical and shall be placed back-to-back, and the maximum distance between the two sides shall not exceed two feet at any point.

Sign Area Measurement Examples

Sign Height Measurement Examples

(d) Inspection. Signs for which a permit is required may be inspected periodically by the Planning Director for compliance with this subchapter.

(e) Removal of sign. The Planning Director may order the removal of any sign erected or maintained in violation of this subchapter, at the cost of the property owner, consistent with the provisions of §§ 156.115 et seq. regarding enforcement and penalties.

(f) Maintenance. All signs and their components shall be kept in good repair and in safe, neat, clean, attractive, and structurally sound condition. Owners shall patch and paint damaged areas when signs are removed within 30 days.

(g) Abandoned sign structures. A sign structure, including all poles, frames, supports, and other structural, electrical, mechanical, and other elements, shall be removed by the owner of the premises upon which it is located if it is unused for a period of six months or greater.

(h) Illuminated signs. All illuminated signs must meet the exterior lighting standards of § 156.077.

(i) Enforcement. The enforcement of violations of the provisions of this subchapter shall be as provided by §§ 156.115 et seq.

(j) Ground/monument sign structure. Sign structure shall be constructed of decorative brick, stone, or other masonry, wood or metal.

(2) Exempt signs. The following signs are exempt from all provisions of this subchapter if in compliance with the conditions specified for each. No permit shall be required.

(a) Integral identification features. Names of buildings, date of erection, monumental citations, commemorative tablets and the like when carved into stone, concrete or similar material or made of bronze, aluminum, or other permanent type construction and made an integral part of the structure.

(b) Public signs. Public signs erected by or on the order of public officer(s) in the performance of public duty, such as signs to promote safety, no trespassing, or traffic signs; memorial plaques; signs of historical interest; and signs directing people to public facilities.

(c) Utility marker signs. Utility signs necessary to mark cables and lines for public and private utilities unless such signs are determined to be a hazard by the Planning Director.

(d) Real estate signs. Real estate signs, provided they are not located in the right-of-way, do not exceed more than two per property, and do not exceed a sign area of six square feet per sign in single-family residential zoning districts and 32 square feet per sign in all other zoning districts. In addition, each subdivision (defined as the area included in each primary and preliminary plat) shall be permitted one temporary sign, not exceeding 32 square feet in sign area).

(e) Sandwich board signs. One sandwich board sign for every business use located on a property. No sandwich board sign may exceed four feet in height, two feet in width, or six square feet in area. Each sign must be located within ten feet of the main entrance of the business for which it is established. The sign shall be located outside of the right-of-way unless otherwise approved by the County Highway or Town Engineer.

(f) Emergency signs. Emergency signs, such as those used by the fire or police department or those displaying employee information.

(g) Sponsorship signs. Sponsorship signs, such as those located inside little league ball diamonds and at other athletic and community facilities, provided such signs are, in the opinion of the Planning Director, oriented to those visiting and using the facility.

(h) Pennants. Pennants, streamers and any combination of such signs, provided that they are not located in a right-of-way and their use is temporary and does not exceed 30 days in any three- month period.

(i) Banners. One banner shall be permitted per business that does not exceed 24 square feet in area and shall be limited to 30 days of use in any three-month period.

(j) Construction signs. Signs posted on construction sites, provided that they are not located in the right-of-way, do not exceed more than two per property, do not exceed six square feet per sign in single-family residential zoning districts and 32 square feet per sign in all other zoning districts, and are removed upon completion of construction activity.

(k) Directional signs. On-premise directional signs provided they are no more than four feet in height or six square feet in area. They shall be setback a minimum of two feet from all public rights-of-way. Directional signage shall not incorporate corporate branding.

(l) Inflatable objects. Inflatable objects, provided that they are not located in a public right-of-way, do not exceed more than one per property or business use (whichever is greater) at any time, no single inflatable object exceeds ten feet in height, and no property or business use (whichever is greater) makes use of any inflatable sign or signs more than seven consecutive days two times per calender year.

(m) Window signs. Window signs that are less than 10% of the window area and with individual letters less than three inches in size.

(n ) Barn signs. Barn signs, provided that they are not located on more than one barn per property.

Exempt Sign Examples

(3) Prohibited signs. The following types of signs are expressly prohibited in all zoning districts.

(a) Animated signs. A sign which in its entirety or in part moves, rotates, flashes, or revolves. Such signs do not include changeable copy signs.

(b) Emissions. Signs that emit audible sound, odor or visible matter.

(c) Imitation of official signs. Signs that purport to be, are in imitation of, or resemble an official traffic sign or signal or which bear the words "Stop", "Slow", "Caution", "Danger", "Warning", or similar words.

(d) Imitation of emergency vehicles. Signs that may be construed as a light of an emergency or road equipment vehicle.

(e) Visual impairment. Signs that hide any traffic or roadway sign, signal or device from view, or that interfere with the sight visibility area as defined in § 156.072.

(f) Encroachment. Signs that are located in any right-of-way including those posted on utility poles or street signs. Projecting signs specified as permitted in this subchapter and approved by the applicable legislative body shall be permitted.

(g) Obstruction. Signs that obstruct any door, fire escape, stairway, or any opening intended to provide entrance or exit for any structure.

(h) Vehicle signs. Signs placed on vehicles or trailers parked on public or private property primarily for the purpose of displaying the sign. Prohibited signs do not include those displayed on vehicles parked for the purpose of lawfully making deliveries or random sales or service. Prohibited signs do not include vehicles which are customarily used for transporting persons or properties, and vehicles parked at a driver's place of residence during non-business hours or for incidental purposes.

(i) Poster signs. Posters, placards and other similar signs attached to light poles, gas station canopy supports, trees, and elsewhere outdoors that are not included as permitted temporary or permanent signs as described by this subchapter.

(j) Permanent roof-mounted signs. Signs that are mounted to the roof of a structure or are mounted to the wall of a structure and extend higher than that wall.

Prohibited Sign Examples

(4) Changeable copy sign standards.

(a) Types. Changeable copy signs consist of two distinct types of signs: manual signs and electronic variable message signs (EVMS). Changeable copy signs shall comply with the requirements of this section in addition to all other provisions of this chapter.

(b) EVMS shall be permitted as a component of one permanent sign for individual uses or business centers per each allowable street frontage, or building frontage.

(c) Amount of a sign that can contain an EVMS. The portion of a sign dedicated for an EVMS shall not exceed 40% of the sign area.

(d) Duration. Changeable copy must have a minimum duration of one minute and must be a static display. No portion of the image may flash, scroll, twirl, change color, or in any manner imitate movement.

(e) Transition. In all districts where a sign changes by EVMS, the change sequence must be accomplished instantaneously and without special effects such as spinning, scrolling or traveling, and must be completed in no less than one second but no more than two seconds.

(f) Brightness and ambient dimmer control. Electronic graphic display signs must have an automatic dimmer control (or photo electric cell) that maintains the minimum amount of light intensity necessary for clear and adequate visibility based on the surrounding ambient light at all times. For residential districts, the illumination must not exceed a maximum brightness of three-tenths (0.3) footcandles above the ambient light. For commercial and industrial districts, the illumination must not exceed a maximum brightness of eight-tenths (0.8) footcandles above the ambient light.

(g) Brightness measurement. Illumination shall be measured from the nearest edge of the nearest street pavement at a height of four to five feet above grade. The brightness of an EVMS sign located perpendicular to the street shall be measured at a 45 degree angle. The brightness of an EVMS sign located parallel to the street shall be measured at a 90 degree angle.

(h) Static display. Fluctuating or flashing illumination shall be prohibited. No portion of any sign may fluctuate in light intensity or use intermittent, strobe or moving light or light that changes in intensity in sudden transitory bursts, streams, zooms, twinkles, sparkles or in any manner that creates the illusion of movement. No portion of any sign may change its message or background in a manner or by a method of display characterized by motion or pictorial imagery, or depict action or a special effect to imitate movement, or the presentation of pictorials or graphics displayed in a progression of frames that give the illusion of motion or the illusion of moving objects, moving patterns or bands of light or expanding or contracting shapes, etc.

(i) Color display. Electronic message boards shall exhibit a consistent background.

(j) Malfunction. In the event of a malfunction, the EVMS shall freeze in one position or shall be shut down.

(k) Off-premise use prohibited. Messages displayed on a changeable copy sign shall not direct attention to a business conducted off the premise.

(l) Public service announcements. EVMS may be used to display public emergency service announcements such as weather alerts, national and local security events, or Amber alerts and the like. In the event of a public emergency only, announcements may scroll continuously, until the message is no longer necessary according to the County Sheriff.

(m) Previously approved, non-conforming. All previously approved existing electronic message signs that contain an electronic changeable copy module which does not comply with the provisions of this section shall be exempt from the brightness and duration of copy provisions of this section.

(n) Portability. Temporary or portable changeable copy signs shall be prohibited in all districts.

(Ord. 2007-1B, passed 2-5-07; Am. Ord. 2011-3E, passed 5-31-11; Am. Ord. 2015-8B, passed 8-4- 15)

§ 156.086 RESIDENTIAL SIGN STANDARDS.

Sign standards applicable to the single-family residential, manufactured home park, and multi-family residential zoning districts.

(A) Subdivision/facility entry signs. One double-faced or two single-sided ground / monument type signs are permitted at each entrance to a subdivision, apartment complex, or other residential development. A permit shall be required.

(1) Sign area. Sign area shall not exceed 32 square feet.

(2) Height. Sign height shall not exceed six feet measured from ground level. In no case may mounding or other alterations of the natural ground level be used as a point of reference for measuring sign height.

(3) Setback. Each sign structure shall be set back a minimum of two feet from the right-of-way of any public street and shall be located outside of the sight visibility triangle per § 156.072 . Entry signs placed in the right-of-way of a public street, such as in the median of a boulevard, shall be prohibited unless approved by the County Highway or Town Engineer.

(4) Features. Ground/monument entry signs shall generally incorporate design features into the structure such as decorative brick or stone walls, lighting and landscaping.

(5) Landscaping. A minimum of two square feet of landscaping per one square foot of sign area consisting of shrubs and perennial ground cover shall be provided.

Subdivision Entry Sign

(B) General signs. Every property shall be permitted signs that meet the following standards. No permit shall be required.

(1) Dimensions. Signs with the exception of "yard cards" shall be no greater than six square feet in area or four feet in height.

(2) Setback. No sign shall be located in a public right-of-way or closer than ten feet to any other property line.

(3) Political advertisement. Political signs may be erected no more than 30 days prior to the election and are to be removed within five days after the election.

(C) Identification/home occupation signs. No displays, signs, and/or advertisements associated with the home occupation shall be permitted.

(D) Model home/temporary sales facility signs. Wall, awning, or ground signs shall be permitted on the lot of the sales facility and limited to an aggregate square footage not exceeding 32 square feet of sign area. In addition, individual model homes may have one sign not to exceed four square feet. Such signs shall be placed a minimum of ten feet from the right-of-way and ten feet from adjacent property lines, and in a manner consistent with the sight visibility standards of § 156.072.

(E) GENERAL SIGN NOTE. The general sign provisions are intended to accommodate political signs, contractor signs, "yard cards" and other similar types of signs. See Sign Standards Table in § 156.087.

(Ord. 2007-1B, passed 2-5-07)

§ 156.087 NON-RESIDENTIAL SIGN STANDARDS.

PROJECTING SIGN NOTE. Signs that project into the right-of-way of a public street shall require the approval of the applicable legislative body.

(A) Sign standards applicable to the commercial: neighborhood and village overlay zoning districts.

(1) Signs for ground floor uses. The signs for ground floor uses shall meet the following standards. These standards shall also apply to any business use occupying multiple floors, including the ground floor. A permit shall be required unless otherwise specified in this chapter.

(a) Sign area. The aggregate sign area shall be equivalent to one and one-half square feet of for every one linear foot per tenant frontage on a public right-of-way or private street.

1. In no instance shall the aggregate sign area for any tenant/ business use exceed 100 square feet in area.

2. The number of graphic elements shall be held to the minimum needed to convey the sign's primary message and shall be composed in proportion to the overall sign area.

(b) Number of signs. No more than one of each sign permitted below shall be allowed per street frontage for ground floor uses. The total sign area shall not exceed the aggregate square footage.

(c) Sign types permitted. Any combination of the following signs may be used for each use as long as they are consistent with the total area allowed per use, the total number of signs permitted per use, and the other development standards listed in this section:

1. Wall signs,

2. Awning signs;

3. Projecting signs;

4. Window signs;

5. Time and temperature signs; and

6. Ground/monument signs.

(d) Development standards by sign type. Development standards for each type of sign are as follows:

1. Wall sign. Wall signs shall be located on the facade of the primary structure facing a public or private street. Signs shall not exceed 50% of the signable area. Signs shall not project more than 12 inches from the wall.

2. Awning sign. Awning signs shall not exceed 50% of the principal face of the awning. The lowest point of the awning shall not be closer than 8½ feet above the adjacent grade.

3. Projecting sign. No projecting sign shall, at its lowest point (except for the supporting building, structure, or column), be less than 8½ feet above grade level. A maximum of one sign per frontage on a public or private street shall be permitted per business. Projecting signs shall not exceed 24 square feet, nor project more than four feet from the building. Proof of insurance may be required.

4. Window signs. Window signs shall not exceed 25% of the window area.

5. Time and temperature signs. Time/temperature signs shall be counted toward the aggregate sign area, and shall meet the development standards that are consistent with the manner in which they are mounted. The illumination of the copy shall not cause glare to be inflicted upon adjacent property owners or the traveling public.

6. Ground/monument signs. One ground sign per lot is permitted and shall not exceed 32 square feet in sign area and shall not exceed six feet in height. Ground signs shall be no closer than 150 feet. An increase in square footage may be allowed for multiple tenant usage.

(2) Signs for upper floor uses.

(a) Signage for upper-floor uses shall be permitted in addition to ground floor uses, subject to the following standards. In addition to the provisions below, upper-floor uses are permitted window signs consistent with division (A)(1)(d)4. above. This applies to multi-tenant uses.

(b) If the upper floors of any structure is occupied by a single use that is separate and distinct from any that is located on the ground floor, that use shall be permitted wall signs not exceeding one square foot of sign area for every one linear foot of building frontage, with a maximum square footage of 50 square feet. The wall sign shall be located on the structure between the eaves, cornice or other roof element and the top of windows on the uppermost floor.

(3) Signs for residential uses. Residential uses located within a Commercial: Neighborhood zoning district shall be permitted signs consistent with the provisions of § 156.086. Suspended, awning and projecting signs are encouraged and shall not exceed six square feet in area.

(4) Illumination. External, internal or indirect illumination is permitted.

(B) Sign standards applicable to the agriculture, commercial: community; commercial :regional; and industrial zoning districts.

(1) Signs permitted. The sign standards provided in the Sign Standards Table at the end of this section shall apply to all signs and properties as indicated. A permit for each sign shall be required unless otherwise specified by this section.

(a) Sign area.

1. Aggregate sign area per tenant shall be two square feet per one lineal foot of building frontage on a public right-of-way or private street. Sign area shall not exceed 200 square feet.

2. The number of graphic elements on a sign shall be held to the minimum needed to convey the sign's primary message and shall be composed in proportion to the overall sign area.

(b) Sign types permitted. Any combination of the signs indicated in the Sign Standards Table at the end of this section may be used as long as the aggregate area does not exceed the total allowed per use and the sign is consistent with the other development standards provided by the table or listed in this section.

1. Wall sign. The aggregate sign area shall not exceed two square feet per one lineal foot of tenant frontage on a public right-of-way or private street. Signs for secondary frontages shall be calculated at a rate of one square foot per one lineal foot of the facade and shall not be deducted from the aggregate sign area. Wall sign shall not exceed 75% of the signable area. For purposes of this section, a wall sign is not a barn sign.

2. Awning sign. Awning signs shall not exceed 50% of the principal face of the awning which at its lowest point shall not be closer than 8½ feet above the adjacent grade. Awning signs shall be deducted from the aggregate sign area.

3. Projecting sign. No projecting sign shall, at its lowest point (except for the supporting building, structure, or column), not be less than 8½ feet above grade level. A maximum of one sign per frontage on a public or private street shall be permitted per tenant. Projecting signs shall not exceed 24 square feet nor project more than four feet from the building. These signs shall be deducted from the aggregate sign area. Proof of insurance may be required.

4. Ground/monument sign. Single and multi-tenant ground signs shall be placed a minimum of ten feet from the public right-of way. Ground sign area is based on he total area of the face used to display the signage not including the supporting structure. Ground signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area or eight feet in height. Signs greater that 25 square feet shall be setback a minimum of 20 feet. Landscaping consisting of shrubs and perennial groundcover shall be provided at a rate of two square feet per one square foot of sign area.

5. Changeable copy/time and temperature signs. Signs with changeable copy shall comply with the changeable copy sign standards of this chapter. Time/temperature signs shall be counted toward the aggregate sign area, and shall meet the development standards that are consistent with the manner in which they are mounted. The illumination of the copy shall not cause glare to be inflicted upon adjacent property owners or the traveling public.

6. Multi-tenant joint signs. Structures and/or centers under one ownership containing multiple businesses may be allowed by special exception one monument or freestanding pole sign for the structure or center for the joint use of all tenants for which the facility is designed, including any outlots. Multi-tenant signs may be permitted an increase in maximum square footage up to 25%. The sign shall be setback a minimum of ten feet from all public rights-of-way.

7. Window signs. Window signs that do not exceed 25% of the ground floor window area shall be permitted. Window sign area shall be counted toward the aggregate.

8. Off-premise and billboard signs. Off-premise and billboard signs may be permitted only in the CC, CR, IL, and IG districts. For purposes of this section, neither an off-premises sign nor a billboard sign is a barn sign.

9. Freestanding pole signs. Pole signs may be allowed by special exception within 1,000 feet of an interstate interchange.

(d) Illumination. Signs may be internally, indirectly or externally illuminated unless otherwise specified in this chapter.

(2) Signs for residential uses. Residential uses located within a commercial: community; commercial: regional; or industrial zoning district shall be permitted signs consistent with the provisions of § 156.086.

(3) Temporary signs. In addition to the signs permitted by division (B)(1) above, one temporary sign for each business shall be permitted for no more than seven consecutive days, a maximum of four times per calendar year. A permit shall be required each time a temporary sign is to be used, and the sign shall meet the following requirements:

(a) Illumination. The sign may be illuminated consistent with the exterior lighting standards of § 156.077. In no instance shall any temporary sign use any flashing or blinking lights or other effect prohibited by this chapter.

(b) Height and area. The sign shall not exceed 12 square feet in area or four feet in height from ground level.

(d) Types of temporary signs. In no instance shall this provision be interpreted as temporarily or permanently permitting any sign prohibited by § 156.085(D).

(e) Conversion to a permanent sign. No sign manufactured, designed, and otherwise intended for use as a temporary sign shall be used as a permanent sign.

(C) Institutional permanent sign standards applicable to the institutional zoning district. The following sign regulations shall apply. All signs require a permit unless otherwise specified.

(1) Freestanding signs.

(a) Location. No more than one sign shall be placed at any one entrance.

(b) Setback. No such sign shall be located closer than ten feet to a public right-of-way or private street.

(c) Height and area. The primary sign area shall be calculated based on ten square feet per 10,000 square feet of building area. No such sign shall exceed eight feet in height or 50 square feet in area. Secondary signs at other entrances shall be calculated at a rate of five square feet per 10,000 square feet of building area not to exceed 25 square feet.

(2) Wall signs. Signs identifying individual structures at the facility shall be two square feet per lineal foot of building frontage on a public right-of-way or private street. No sign shall exceed 100 square feet in area.

(3) Illumination. Internal illumination shall be restricted within 500 feet of a residential use or residential district as measured to the closest point of the sign.

Downtown Sign Examples Ground Sign

Projecting Signs

Non-Residential Sign Standards
Sign Standards	Zoning District
Sign Standards	A	R	CN/OL	CC	CR	IN	IBP	Il	IG
Step 1 - Sign Area Calculations by District
Building Frontage/Wall Sign Size Ratio (the total sign area permitted per use)	2 sq. ft. of signage permitted for every 1 lin. ft. of building coverage	Ground or Monument	1.5 sq. ft. of sign area permitted per 1 lin. ft. of building frontage	2 sq. ft. of signage permitted for every 1 lin. ft. of building frontage	2 sq. ft. of signage permitted for every 1 lin. ft. of building frontage	2 sq. ft. of signage permitted for every 1 lin. ft. of building frontage	2 sq. ft. of signage permitted for every 1 lin. ft. of building frontage	2 sq. ft. of signage permitted for every 1 lin. ft. of building frontage	2 sq. ft. of signage permitted for every 1 lin. ft. of building frontage
Aggregate sign area - maximum	200	32	200	200	200	200	200	200	200
Step 2 - Identify Permitted Sign Types (P = Permitted S = Special Exception)
Wall			P	P	P	P	P	P	P
Awning			P	P	P	P	P	P	P
Projecting (limited to 1 per business use)			P	P	P		P	P	P
Ground/Monument		P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P
Freestanding/Pole	S			S	S		S	S	S
Changeable Copy	P			P	P	P	P	P	P
Time and Temperature			P	P	P	P	P	P	P
Off-Premise/Billboard				P	P			P	P
Window			P	P	P	P	P	P	P
Internal Illumination				P	P	P	P	P	P
Step 3 - Review the General Sign Standards
Maximum wall sign size			100	200	200	100	200	200	200
Maximum projecting sign size			24	24	24		24	24	24
Maximum ground/monument sign height		6	6	6	8	8	8	8	8
Maximum free-standing/pole sign area		32	32		50	50/25	50	50	50
Maximum multi-tenant joint sign area				+25%	+25%		+25
Maximum multiple-floor sign area - separate tenant 1 sq. ft. per 1 lin. ft. of frontage			50	50	50	50	NA	NA	NA
Maximum window sign area coverage			25%	25%	25%	25%	25%	25%	25%
See § 156.086(D) for Model Home Sales Facility Sign Standards

(Ord. 2007-1B, passed 2-5-07; Am. Ord. 2007-6A, passed 6-4-07; Am. Ord. 2011-3E, passed 5-31- 11; Am. Ord. 2015-8B, passed 8-4-15)