This article shall be known and cited as the "sign ordinance."

(Ord. No. 23-0605, § 1(Exh. A), 6-5-2023)

The public has a legitimate interest and concern in the construction, maintenance, and regulation of outdoor advertising within the city and it is therefore desirable to describe the manner of construction, compel the use of safe materials, limit size, height, and location with reference to streets; require clean and sanitary maintenance; and prohibit illegal advertisement pursuant to and in the exercise of the public health, safety and welfare powers of the city. It is the intent of the city council to provide hereby the basis for regulation of such outdoor advertising consistent with the foregoing purposes and thereby regulate such advertising affixed to real property which is visible from any public right-of-way in order to promote public health, safety, traffic safety, welfare, and to protect aesthetic values and qualities in the city. The city council so act, finding and understanding that signs provide an important medium through which individuals may convey a variety of messages, but that left completely unregulated, signs may also become a threat to public safety as a traffic hazard and detriment to property values and the city's overall public welfare as an aesthetic nuisance. By enacting the ordinance from which this article is derived, the city council intend to balance the rights of individuals to convey messages through signs and the rights of the public to be protected against the unrestricted proliferation of signs.

(Ord. No. 23-0605, § 1(Exh. A), 6-5-2023)

(1)

The requirements of this article shall govern all signs located within the corporate limits of the city that may be viewed from a public right-of-way, private streets or adjacent property, except as otherwise exempt under this article. The provisions of this article do not apply to any sign not visible from public or private thoroughfares or adjacent properties.

(2)

Any area which is annexed into or incorporated within the corporate limits of the city shall, on the effective date of annexation, be subject to all provisions of this article. Any such annexed area shall be subject to and be governed by the signage requirements of the use zone within the city which is specified in the ordinance adopted by the city council.

(Ord. No. 23-0605, § 1(Exh. A), 6-5-2023)

(1)

Permit required. Except as exempted from obtaining a permit, all persons desiring to post, install, erect, display, expand, relocate or substantially change a sign regulated by this article within the city, shall first obtain a sign permit and all other permits required for the desired structure in accordance with city ordinances. A change in the copy of a sign shall not constitute a substantial change. However, a change in the mode of message conveyance (i.e. from screen-print panel to LED) shall be considered a substantial change requiring a sign permit.

(2)

Application requirements. Applications for sign permits shall be submitted by the sign owner or the owner's agent to the building official on the form furnished by the city. Only complete applications will be accepted. Applications shall include the following:

(a)

The street address of the property upon which the sign is to be located. In the absence of a street address, the parcel identification number as assigned by the Troup County tax assessor shall be given.

(b)

The name(s) and address(es) of all owners of the real property upon which the sign is to be located.

(c)

The name, address, contact information and occupational tax certificate number and issuing jurisdiction of the sign contractor/installer.

(d)

Written consent of the owner or owner's agent specifically granting permission for the placement of the sign as proposed.

(e)

The type of sign, height, face area and total cost of sign construction or installation.

(f)

For free-standing signs, a site plan, drawn to scale, showing the location of the proposed sign in relation to property and right-of-way lines (or edge of pavement, as appropriate), acreage of the parcel, location of driveways and parking spaces, public or private easements, and building locations.

(g)

For building signs, a to-scale drawing or photo-simulation of the building face upon which the proposed sign is to be installed showing the placement of the sign upon the building, dimensions of the wall and sign and its height from ground level.

(h)

Construction and/or fabrication details of the proposed sign, including certification as to conformance with all structural and wind-load resistive standards of the building code by a qualified structural engineer, or prepared using standard drawings prepared by a structural engineer or other qualified professional meeting, or exceeding all requirements of the building code, if applicable.

(i)

Whether or not the sign is to be illuminated and the method of illumination.

(3)

Time for consideration and issuance of permit. The city shall process all sign permit applications within 30 business days of the city's actual receipt of a complete application and application fee for a sign permit. Revisions or amendments to an application shall extend the review period to 20 business days from the date of submission of the revision or amendment. Revisions or amendments received after the issuance of a permit shall constitute a new application.

(a)

The building official shall reject any application as incomplete that does not include all items required for a sign permit application as set forth under subsection (2) of this section.

(b)

The building official shall reject any application containing false material statements or omissions. Any rejected application later resubmitted shall be deemed to have been submitted on the date of resubmission instead of the original date of submission.

(c)

Within 30 business days of receipt of a complete application, the building official shall:

(i)

Issue the permit, or

(ii)

Inform the applicant in writing of the reasons why the permit cannot be issued. Failure of the building official to act on a sign permit within 30 days shall result in a denial of the application.

(d)

Upon determination that the application fully complies with the provisions of this article, the building code, and all other applicable laws, regulations and chapters of the City Code, the sign permit shall be issued by the building official.

(e)

If it is determined that the application does not fully comply with the provisions of this article, the building code and all other applicable laws, regulations and chapters of the City Code, the building official shall reject the application and notify the applicant of the decision and reason(s) for the denial of the permit. The building official shall give such notice in writing by hand delivery, mail, e-mail or fax using the contact information provided on the application. The notice shall be post-marked or otherwise date-stamped on or before the 30th business day following the date of the completed application's receipt by the city. A denial pursuant to this section shall be appealable pursuant to the appeal procedures of subsection (6) below.

(4)

Permit fees. A sign permit shall not be issued unless the appropriate permit fees have been paid. No refunds of permit fees will be made for sign permits that expired due to failure to erect the subject sign. If a person desires to erect a sign in the same location as for any expired permit, a new application must first be processed, and another fee paid in accordance with the fee schedule applicable at such time.

(5)

Expiration of permit. A sign permit shall become null and void if the sign for which the permit was issued has not been completed and fully installed within six months of the date of issuance, provided, however, that a 90-day extension shall be granted if a written request for extension is received by the building official prior to the expiration date of the initial permit.

(6)

Appeals. Appeals from an administrative decision by the zoning administrator may be made by any person aggrieved, or by any officer, department, or board or bureau of the city affected by any decision of the zoning administrator or other city official based on this article. Such appeal shall be taken to the planning commission and exercised in accordance with the appeal provisions contained in section 102-B-12-10.

(Ord. No. 23-0605, § 1(Exh. A), 6-5-2023)

Each of the following types of signs is allowed, subject to the standards found in this article, without the need for a permit.

(1)

Official signs. Signs placed by or at the direction of a governmental body, governmental agency, board of education, public utility or public authority pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 32-6-50 et seq. or any other law. As provided by O.C.G.A. § 32-6-51, such signs are authorized within all rights-of-way or other properties controlled by such governmental body, agency, board of education, public utility or public authority and at such other locations as a governmental body, governmental agency, public utility or public authority may direct.

(2)

Flags. Flags must meet the following requirements:

(a)

All flags shall be displayed on flagpoles, which may be vertical or mast arm flagpoles. For non-residential properties, flagpoles shall not exceed the building height limit of the applicable zoning district, or 50 feet, whichever is less. Flagpoles on residential properties shall not exceed 25 feet in height.

(b)

Flags shall be limited to no more than 60 square feet in area.

(c)

Each single- or two-family residential lot shall be allowed one flagpole.

(d)

Each multi-family, institutional, commercial, industrial or mixed-use lot shall be allowed a maximum of three flagpoles.

(e)

A maximum of two flags shall be allowed per flagpole.

(f)

Flags and flagpoles shall be maintained in good repair, and to the extent applicable shall be in compliance with the building code. Flagpoles with broken halyards shall not be used.

(g)

On officially designated city, state, or federal holidays, there shall be no maximum flag size or number or other limitations on the display of flags.

(h)

This section shall not be construed to restrict the right to display eligible flags as banners as provided elsewhere in this article.

(3)

Street addresses. Numerals displayed for the purpose of identifying property location not to exceed ten inches in height.

(4)

Window signs. In nonresidential districts, window signs shall be allowed provided they do not exceed 20 percent of the available window area.

(5)

Noncommercial message signs. Signs designed for temporary display and not permanently affixed to the ground that do not exceed an aggregate sign area of 16 square feet per lot in nonresidential districts and eight square feet per lot in residential districts. Such signs shall have a maximum height of five feet from ground level and be set back at least two feet from any right-of-way.

(6)

Directory signs for multi-tenant developments. As defined by this article, such signs are permitted provided they do not exceed four square feet each nor six feet in height.

(7)

Display boards located next to drive-thru lanes. Such signs are permitted provided they do not exceed eight feet in height or 32 square feet in area.

(8)

Incidental signs. Small signs as defined in this article of no more than two square feet, such as signs on gasoline pumps.

(9)

Sidewalk and sandwich board signs. In the TN-MX, CR-MX, DT-MX, and G-B districts on private property or within the public right-of-way, each tenant space is permitted one sandwich board sign subject to the following requirements:

(a)

Each sign shall not exceed 30 inches wide by 45 inches tall.

(b)

Each sign must be located within ten feet of the pedestrian entrance of the premises.

(c)

Each sign shall not obstruct a continuous through pedestrian zone of at least five feet in width.

(d)

Such a sign may be utilized only during the hours of operation of the store or entity using it and shall be removed during the hours it is closed.

(Ord. No. 23-0605, § 1(Exh. A), 6-5-2023)

The following signs shall be prohibited in the city:

(1)

Any sign not specifically authorized by this article as a permitted sign.

(2)

Animated and flashing signs. Signs (excluding changing signs) that flash, blink, rotate, revolve, or have moving parts or visible bulbs, and signs containing reflective elements that sparkle in the sunlight or otherwise simulate illumination during daylight hours.

(3)

Dilapidated signs. Signs that are dilapidated or in such condition as to create a hazard, nuisance or to be unsafe or fail to comply with any provision of the building code.

(4)

Fringe, streamers, pennants, air or gas filled figures, search lights, beacons and other similar temporary event signs, other than as specifically authorized in this article.

(5)

Obscene signs. Obscene signs, as defined by the state at O.C.G.A. § 16-12-80, as amended.

(6)

Obstructions. No sign shall obstruct any fire escape, window, door, or opening usable for fire prevention or suppression, or prevent free passage from part of a roof to any other part thereof. No sign shall extend above a parapet wall, be affixed to a fire escape, or interfere with any opening required for ventilation. No sign shall interfere with road or highway visibility or obstruct or otherwise interfere with the orderly movement of traffic or pedestrians. No sign shall pose a hazard to traffic or pedestrians due to structural deficiencies of such sign.

(7)

Portable signs except as specifically authorized in section 102-B-10-14(1).

(8)

Private signs placed on public property. Any sign posted or erected on public rights-of-way or any other public property except as authorized by the governmental body, agency or public authority having jurisdiction over such property.

(9)

Roof signs. This prohibition does not apply to the face of a parapet wall, provided that the sign must not extend above the top of the parapet wall.

(10)

Snipe signs.

(11)

Sound or smoke emitting signs. A sign that emits or utilizes in any manner any sound capable of being detected on any traveled road or highway by a person with normal hearing, or a sign that emits smoke, vapor or odors.

(12)

Signs advertising illegal activity. Signs that advertise an activity illegal under state or federal law.

(13)

Signs imitating public warning or traffic devices.

(a)

Any sign that displays intermittent lights resembling the flashing lights customarily used in traffic signals or in police, fire, ambulance, or rescue vehicles, and any sign that uses the words "stop", "go", "slow", "caution", "danger", "warning" or other message or content in a manner that might mislead or confuse a driver.

(b)

Any sign that uses the words, slogans, dimensional shape or size, or colors of governmental traffic signs.

(c)

No red, green, and yellow illuminated sign shall be permitted within 300 feet of any traffic light.

(14)

Window signs in the following locations:

(a)

Dwellings and uses in all zoning districts.

(b)

Individual or aggregate window signs exceeding 20 percent of the window area per building elevation for all other districts and uses.

(Ord. No. 23-0605, § 1(Exh. A), 6-5-2023)

The following standards shall apply unless otherwise specified in this article:

(1)

Building signs.

(a)

A building sign may not project higher than the wall or surface to which it is attached.

(b)

A building sign may not project more than 18 inches from the wall surface unless approved as a projecting sign.

(c)

Changeable copy signs and changing signs are prohibited as building signs.

(2)

Freestanding signs.

(a)

Freestanding pole signs.

(i)

Freestanding signs shall be allowed as accessory uses only.

(ii)

Freestanding signs shall be setback at least 15 feet from the curb or edge of pavement of the roadway or two feet behind the right-of-way, whichever is greater.

(iii)

No freestanding sign shall be located within 30 feet of the nearest intersecting point of two street right-of-way lines.

(iv)

Freestanding signs shall be located at least 50 feet from other freestanding signs on the same side of the road.

(b)

Freestanding monument signs.

(i)

Monument signs located within 100 feet of a public right-of-way shall display the street address of the property, except where the sign is located on property that has more than one street frontage and the property address is assigned from a street other than the street frontage whereupon such sign is erected.

(ii)

Street numbers shall be of contrasting colors against the background, visible from both directions of travel along the street, and no less than six inches nor more than ten inches in height.

(iii)

Monument signs shall have a substantial base with stone, brick, or other compatible material to help give the sign a sense of being permanent, "anchored," and durable. The base of the monument sign shall be limited to a height equal to 50 percent or less of the total height of the monument sign.

(iv)

The design details, construction materials, color, and architectural style shall be consistent with that of the principal buildings on the site. Signs shall integrate compatible architectural elements on the sides and top to frame the sign pane(s).

(v)

Architectural lines which complement that of the building shall be incorporated, especially with respect to the top of the sign. Columns, pilaster, cornices, and similar details can provide design interest and keep the sign in scale with adjacent buildings.

(3)

Miscellaneous signs as accessory uses for multi-family and nonresidential uses.

(a)

Within the area between a street right-of-way line and the minimum building setback required from that street right-of-way line on the property, the following applies:

(i)

Permanently installed miscellaneous freestanding signs may be located only within three feet of driveways or curb cuts that provide access into or from the property.

(ii)

There shall be no more than two such signs per driveway or curb cut and each such sign shall not exceed six square feet in area nor more than three feet in height.

(b)

Miscellaneous freestanding signs located farther from the street than the minimum building setback from that street right-of-way line on the property shall be allowed provided that such signs are no more than six square feet in area nor more than six feet in height.

(4)

Projecting signs.

(a)

A projecting sign shall not project more than 36 inches beyond the wall to which it is attached.

(b)

A projecting sign shall be finished on both sides.

(c)

A projecting sign shall be mounted perpendicularly to the wall.

(5)

Ground clearance under signs.

(a)

Projecting signs shall provide a minimum of eight feet of clearance from ground level to the bottom of the sign.

(b)

Under-canopy signs of greater than four square feet shall be rigidly mounted, and there shall be eight feet of clearance below the base of any rigidly mounted under-canopy sign over a pedestrian walkway. There shall be a minimum clearance of seven feet below the base of any non-rigidly mounted under-canopy sign over a pedestrian walkway. A minimum of 14 feet of clearance shall be maintained for an under-canopy sign above a vehicular driveway or service area.

(c)

Awning, mansard and marquee signs shall be no less than eight feet above the ground when erected over pedestrian walkways and 14 feet above ground over vehicular pathways at the lowest extremity of the sign.

(6)

Project entrance signs. Where permitted, project entrance signs shall meet the following standards:

(a)

Each project entrance may have no more than one such sign per entrance if double-faced or two signs if attached to symmetrical entrance structures.

(b)

The sign must be constructed of brick, stone, masonry or equivalent architectural material and be monument-style or integral to walls/fencing separating the project from the street.

(c)

The maximum face area shall not exceed 40 square feet.

(d)

The height of the structure shall not exceed eight feet including embellishments which shall not extend more than two feet above the main body of the structure.

(e)

Signs shall not be internally illuminated.

(f)

Signs shall be located a minimum of 15 feet from the edge of a street or two feet behind the right-of-way, whichever is greater.

(7)

Murals, art, other graphics.

(a)

Murals, art works, pictures, other graphics not including trademarked logos, images or words and public service items such as temperature/times diodes and clocks that are clearly separated from advertising messages are excluded from signage requirements, except that such items may not extend above the roof line of any building

(b)

Murals shall be permitted in all districts, except that in the Hogansville historic district no paint shall be applied to historic (50 years and older) unpainted brick walls. Murals shall require sign permits but no sign permit fee.

(8)

Materials. Permanent signs shall be made of high-quality durable material and shall be well-maintained. Approved materials are metal with a minimum thickness of six millimeter, high density urethane (HDU) or wood. If plywood is to be used, it must have smooth and weather resistance surfaces, such as those with medium-density overlay (MDO) board. Other high-quality materials shall be given consideration, and if of comparable quality and durability may be allowed in the discretion of the zoning administrator. Hand painted signs that are not professionally painted will not be allowed. Signs shall complement the material and color of the building.

(9)

Nothing in this article shall prohibit non-commercial speech on any sign provided for in this article, subject to size, spacing, height and other structural limitations contained herein.

(10)

Illumination. All signs that are illuminated shall be effectively shielded so as to prevent beams or rays of light from causing glare to or impairing the vision of an aircraft pilot, motor vehicle driver, or pedestrian, or otherwise interfering with the operation of an aircraft or motor vehicle. Signs in ES-R, SU-R, TN-R, CR-MR, and G-RL zoning districts shall not be internally illuminated.

(11)

Maintenance. All signs shall be regularly repaired as needed and maintained in a safe and attractive state. Broken, unsafe, or damaged signs shall be repaired by the owner as soon as practicable. The city reserves the right to compel removal of or to remove any sign that, due to damage, unsafe condition or neglect, represents an immediate danger to the general public, if the owner shall have refused to comply with a written repair order from the building official.

(12)

No message may be displayed on any portion of the structural supports of any sign.

(13)

Standard informational signs. Signs designed for temporary display and not permanently affixed to the ground that do not exceed an aggregate sign area of 16 square feet per lot in nonresidential districts and eight square feet per lot in residential districts. Such signs shall have a maximum height of five feet from ground level and be set back at least two feet from any right-of-way.

(Ord. No. 23-0605, § 1(Exh. A), 6-5-2023; Ord. No. 25-0505, § 19, 5-5-2025)

In the ES-R, SU-R, TN-R, CR-MR, and G-RL zoning districts, the following signs are permitted:

(1)

Project entrance signs subject to subsection 102-B-10-7(6).

(2)

Properties developed with a nonresidential use, excluding home occupations, such as a school, church, library or other similar nonresidential use are allowed the following:

(a)

In lieu of a project entrance sign, one monument sign per street frontage. Monument signs shall be limited to no more than 36 square feet in area and six feet in height. Up to a maximum of 25 percent of the face area may be changeable copy.

(b)

Building signs. One building sign per street facing wall, totaling no more than 24 square feet, provided that if a projecting sign is used it shall be no more than 16 square feet and subject to the requirements of subsection 102-B-10-7(4) and subsection 102-B-10-7(5).

(3)

Changeable copy (except as otherwise regulated in subsection (2) above, changing and internally illuminated signs are not permitted.

(4)

Miscellaneous signs subject to subsection 102-B-10-7(3).

(5)

Standard information signs as provided for in section 102-B-10-9.

ES-R, SU-R, TN-R, CR-MR, and G-RL District Signage Table

(Ord. No. 23-0605, § 1(Exh. A), 6-5-2023)

In addition to any other sign authorized by this section, each lot zoned residential may contain no more than three standard informational signs. Provided, however, to the extent said sign is a commercial sign, the copy of the commercial sign shall be limited to commercial activities lawfully occurring on the premises as zoned. Examples of this allowed commercial sign category include real estate signs and signs regarding on-going home renovation or repair. Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to prohibit non-commercial speech to be included on such standard informational signs, wholly or partially, at the discretion of the sign owner.

(Ord. No. 23-0605, § 1(Exh. A), 6-5-2023; Ord. No. 25-0505, § 20, 5-5-2025)

In TN-MX districts, the following signs are permitted:

(1)

For residential uses, the regulations of section 102-B-10-8 for ES-R, SU-R, TN-R, and G-RL zoning districts shall apply.

(2)

Freestanding signs.

(a)

One monument sign per street frontage, but in no case more than two per lot. Monument signs shall be limited to no more than 72 square feet in area and 12 feet in height. Up to a maximum of 25 percent of the face area may be changeable copy; or

(b)

One pole sign per street frontage, but in no case more than two per lot. Pole signs shall be limited to no more than 50 square feet in area and 15 feet in height. Up to a maximum of 25 percent of the face area may be changeable copy.

(3)

Building signs. Building signs subject to the following restrictions:

(a)

The maximum sign area allowed on each building elevation visible from a public or private street is as follows:

(i)

For single-occupant buildings (or multiple tenants sharing common space through a common entrance), the maximum allowable area for building signage is ten percent of the area of the wall (including windows and doors) up to a maximum of 200 square feet, whichever is more restrictive.

(ii)

For multi-tenant buildings where each tenant possesses a separate exterior entrance, the maximum allowable area for building signage is ten percent of the front façade of each individual business, including windows and doors, up to a maximum of 200 square feet whichever is more restrictive.

(b)

In addition to the building signage permitted above, not more than one projecting sign per storefront facing a public street. Projecting signs shall not exceed 16 square feet and shall comply with subsections 102-B-10-7(4) and section 102-B-10-7(5)(a).

(4)

Temporary sigs as provided for in section 102-B-10-14.

(5)

Miscellaneous signs as provided for in subsection 102-B-10-7(3).

TN-MX District Signage Table

(Ord. No. 23-0605, § 1(Exh. A), 6-5-2023)

In the CR-MX, G-B, and G-LI zoning districts, the following signs are permitted:

(1)

For residential uses, the regulations of section 102-B-10-8 for ES-R, SU-R, TN-R, CR-MR, and G-RL zoning districts shall apply.

(2)

Freestanding signs are permitted on individual parcels subject to the following:

(a)

One freestanding sign per street frontage.

(b)

Maximum height. In CR-MX, G-B, and G-LI zoning districts, the maximum height is 15 feet.

(c)

Maximum freestanding sign face area. In CR-MX, G-B, and G-LI zoning districts, the freestanding sign face area is 100 square feet.

(d)

Properties upon which more than one independently owned and operated business use is located shall be allowed five feet of additional sign height for a maximum of 20 feet and granted an additional 25 square feet of sign area for each additional independently owned and operated business up to a maximum of 200 square feet provided the freestanding sign meets the definition of a monument sign.

(e)

Freestanding signs may be internally or externally illuminated.

(f)

In the CR-MX zoning districts, a changing sign may be permitted subject to section 102-B-10-15 as a portion of a freestanding sign. Up to a maximum of 50 percent of the face of a freestanding sign may be changeable copy or a changing sign.

(3)

Project entrance signs. Commercial and industrial subdivisions may construct a project entrance sign subject to the standards contained in subsection 102-B-10-7(6).

(4)

Building signs. Building signs subject to the following restrictions:

(a)

The maximum sign area allowed on each building elevation visible from a public or private street is as follows:

(i)

For single-occupant buildings (or multiple tenants sharing common space through a common entrance), the maximum allowable area for building signage is ten percent of the area of the wall (including windows and doors) up to a maximum of 200 square feet, whichever is more restrictive.

(ii)

For multi-tenant buildings where each tenant possesses a separate exterior entrance, the maximum allowable area for building signage is ten percent of the front façade of each individual business, including windows and doors.

(b)

Projecting signs shall not exceed 16 square feet and shall comply with the requirements of subsection 102-B-10-7(4) and subsection 102-B-10-7(5)(a).

(5)

Canopy signs on a freestanding or attached canopy that covers and protects pumps that dispense gasoline or diesel fuels for retail customers. One sign is allowed on each of three sides and each sign is limited to no more than 20 percent of the area of the canopy wall to which it is attached. All signage must be provided only upon the canopy surface and shall not be located beyond the canopy surface.

(6)

Temporary sigs as provided for in section 102-B-10-14.

(7)

Miscellaneous signs as provided for in subsection 102-B-10-7(3).

(8)

Special freestanding interstate signs. Properties located within CR-MX zoning districts and adjacent to Interstate 85 right-of-way shall be permitted to have freestanding interstate signs. The following additional regulations shall apply to such signs.

(a)

Regulations regarding billboards set forth by the GDOT shall be complied with.

(b)

The property shall be at least 0.75 of an acre in size.

(c)

The maximum sign height shall be 75 feet from the elevation of the ground at the base of the sign.

(d)

The surface area of the sign shall not exceed 400 square feet per sign face, and not more than 800 square feet of total sign area when all sign faces are combined.

(e)

The location of each interstate sign shall be set back not more than 100 feet from I-85, but at least ten feet from I-85 and 40 feet from all other property lines.

(f)

No freestanding interstate sign shall be located within 1,000 feet of another freestanding sign.

(g)

The face of each sign shall be perpendicular to the centerline of the interstate nearest to its location. No sign shall have more than two faces.

(h)

Interstate signs shall not be changing signs.

CR-MX, G-B, and G-LI Districts Signage Table

(Ord. No. 23-0605, § 1(Exh. A), 6-5-2023; Ord. No. 25-0505, § 21, 5-5-2025)

(1)

General signage requirements.

(a)

Portable signs are prohibited.

(b)

Roof signs (signs affixed flush to or extended above building roof) are prohibited.

(c)

Roof line. No advertising device of any kind, including but not limited to signs, pennants, banners, balloons, flags or other displays used to attract attention, shall extend above the roof line of any building.

(d)

Internal and external lighting.

(i)

Lighting is permitted when effectively shielded to prevent glare which may impair the vision of drivers, pedestrians in the public right-of-way and parking areas, and occupants of adjacent properties.

(ii)

No sign shall be flashing or intermittently lit except time and temperature displays.

(2)

Specific regulations for the DT-MX zoning district.

(a)

Each storefront and each ground floor entrance to upper story businesses in the town center shall be allowed a maximum of 75 square feet of signage for each street frontage. A storefront is the ground floor portion of a building which provides pedestrian access to, and usually display area for, the business or businesses located within.

(b)

Each storefront and entrance shall be allowed a maximum of three signs for each street frontage.

(c)

The following types of signs shall be allowed:

(i)

Freestanding signs (pole signs and monument signs).

(A)

Maximum number. One pole sign or monument sign per principal building.

(B)

Maximum size. 40 square feet per sign face.

(C)

Maximum height. 12 feet.

(D)

Minimum distance. 15 feet from adjoining lot line.

(ii)

Pole signs. Where pole signs are provided, businesses may be permitted to attach one sign to the bar of the pole closest to their entrance as follows:

(A)

Maximum size. 12 square feet per sign face;

(B)

Maximum height. Eight feet above sidewalk;

(C)

Maximum width. Three feet;

(D)

The sign may not extend above the bottom of the glass globe on poles with pedestrian lights;

(E)

The sign may be of rigid material or fabric material as long as the fabric is fastened securely and maintained in good condition. Attachment shall be with standard bar and on the building side of the bar.

(iii)

Wall signs.

(A)

Maximum size. 50 square feet;

(B)

Maximum number. One wall sign per storefront or entrance;

(C)

Signs may not extend more than 18 inches from the façade. However, where a sign extends more than six inches from the façade, it must be a minimum of eight feet above the sidewalk.

(iv)

Awning and canopies.

(A)

Awnings and canopies may extend over the public right-of-way but shall reach no closer than four feet to the face of the street curb or to areas where there is vehicular traffic;

(B)

Awnings and canopies shall be at least eight feet above the ground at all points;

(C)

Awnings or canopies that have lighting, including neon, attached shall be allowed only after approval of the Historic Preservation Commission.

(v)

Projecting signs.

(A)

Projecting signs may not be used on any building which has a freestanding sign;

(B)

Maximum number. One projecting sign per tenant;

(C)

Maximum size. 12 square feet per sign face;

(D)

Maximum width. Three feet;

(E)

Height. Signs must be a minimum of eight feet above the sidewalk and may not reach above the bottom of second story windows;

(F)

Projecting signs may extend over the public right-of-way but shall reach no closer than four feet to the face of the street curb or to areas where there is vehicular traffic.

DT-MX District Signage Table

(Ord. No. 23-0605, § 1(Exh. A), 6-5-2023)

For signs in overlay zoning districts, the regulations governing signage for the underlying zoning districts shall apply.

(Ord. No. 23-0605, § 1(Exh. A), 6-5-2023)

In addition to other signs allowed on a non-residentially zoned property, signage is allowed for the duration of a temporary event. Such additional signs shall not be restricted as to the message displayed on the sign, but they must comply with the provisions of this section. Temporary event signs must comply with all requirements of this article, except as modified by the provisions of this section, including prohibitions listed in section 102-B-10-6. One temporary event sign is allowed on a non-residentially zoned lot subject to the following requirements:

(1)

Size requirements and type.

(a)

Freestanding signs.

(i)

Area of sign. 32 non-illuminated square feet.

(ii)

Height of sign. Six feet in height.

(b)

Wall sign area. Six non-illuminated square feet.

(c)

Banners area. 24 square feet.

(d)

Portable signs area. 32 square feet and permitted only within CR-MX zoning districts.

(2)

Duration. Temporary event signs may be placed on any property upon initiation of a temporary event and must be removed upon termination of the event. Banners and portable signs must follow the duration period as set forth in subsection 102-B-10-14(3). Initiation and termination of particular events shall be interpreted as follows:

(a)

Sale or lease of a building or premises. Initiation upon the availability of the building or premises for sale or lease, and termination upon the closing of the sale or execution of the rental agreement.

(b)

Construction. Initiation upon commencement of construction for which a land disturbance permit has been issued, and termination upon the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, installation of a permanent sign, or expiration/termination of the land development permit, whichever is to occur first.

(c)

Special business promotions. Initiation upon the announcement of the special sale or sales event and termination upon its completion or 30 days after initiation, whichever occurs first. Business promotion signs 16 square feet or greater in size may not be approved more often than four times each calendar year on the same property.

(d)

Public announcement. Initiation upon the placement of the sign and termination within 30 days after placement.

(3)

Number of signs. Only one sign related to each temporary event may be located on a lot at any one time and only one temporary event at a time is allowed on a lot, in addition to the following:

(a)

Sale or lease of a lot, building or premises. One freestanding temporary event sign per lot that is available for sale or lease. For a planned center or a storefront development, one additional temporary event wall sign may be placed on the wall façade of the space that is available for sale or lease.

(b)

Banners. One banner per street frontage, not to exceed 30 days per calendar quarter.

(c)

Portable signs. One portable sign per lot, not to exceed 30 days per calendar quarter.

(d)

Multi-tenant developments with tenant spaces possessing separate entrances. Each business conducting a special business promotion event is allowed one temporary event wall sign, subject to the duration requirements in subsection 102-B-10-14(2).

(4)

Location.

(a)

All temporary event signs must be set back at least 15 feet from the edge of the street pavement or two feet behind the right-of-way, whichever is greater.

(b)

A temporary event sign must be located at least ten feet from any other sign.

(c)

A temporary event sign shall be erected and maintained only with the permission of the owner of the property on which the sign is to be located.

(d)

Permits and sign approval. A temporary sign permit shall be required for the following signs. Upon expiration of the permit, the sign and any supporting structures shall be removed:

(i)

Banners.

(ii)

Portable signs.

(iii)

Special business promotion signs that are 16 square feet and larger.

(Ord. No. 23-0605, § 1(Exh. A), 6-5-2023)

Changing signs or signs employing changing sign technology shall be allowed only within the CR-MX zoning districts as a portion of a conforming, freestanding sign and are further subject to the following requirements:

(1)

For residential uses, the regulations of section 102-B-10-8 for ES-R, SU-R, TN-R, and G-RL zoning districts shall apply.

(2)

Each message displayed on any changing sign display shall remain static for at least 30 seconds following the completion of its transition from the previous message. As used in this subsection "static" shall mean a display that is fixed in one position with no portion of the display being in motion or changing in color or light intensity.

(3)

When a message is changed mechanically, the transition between a complete static display of the previous message and a complete static display of the next message shall be accomplished in three seconds or less. The transition period shall be measured as that period between any movement of any part of the display of the previous message and the time that the display of the next message is fully static.

(4)

When a message is changed electronically, the transition between a complete static display of the previous message and a complete static display of the next message shall be accomplished in two seconds or less. The transition period shall be measured as that period between the time that the previous message is static and fully illuminated and the next message is static and fully illuminated.

(5)

No changing sign may include animated, flashing, full-motion video or other intermittent elements. The transition period between two fully illuminated static messages displayed in an electronically changed sign shall not be considered an intermittent element so long as the purpose of the changing light intensity is to fade or dissolve into the next message.

(6)

No changing sign may have any type of changing effect on the border of the sign that is not fully integrated with a static message display and which does not transition to the next static message display in the same manner as the rest of the display.

(7)

No display or other effect from any electronically changed sign shall cause a glare or other condition that impairs the vision of the driver of any motor vehicle or which otherwise interferes with the safe operation of a motor vehicle.

(8)

Message transitions achieved by means of the scrolling of the letters, numbers or symbols shall be completed within two seconds and shall remain static for at least 60 seconds following the completion of the transition from the previous message.

(9)

All signs shall appropriately adjust display brightness as ambient light levels change so that the brightness of the display does not cause a glare or other condition that impairs the vision of the driver of any motor vehicle or which otherwise interferes with the safe operation of a motor vehicle. The maximum illumination, intensity, or brightness of electronic signs shall not exceed 5,000 nits (candelas per square meter) during daylight hours, or 500 nits (candelas per square meter) between dusk to dawn. The sign must have an automatic phased proportional dimmer control, photocell or other light sensing device, or a scheduled dimming timer, or another approved device, which produces a distinct illumination change that reduce nighttime brightness levels (compared to daytime brightness levels). The applicant shall provide written certification from the sign manufacturer that the light intensity has been factory pre-set or can be programmed not to exceed the levels specified in this subsection; end-user manipulation of pre-set levels or to exceed those specifications herein shall not be permitted. Unless another industry standard is accepted, the measurement for purposes of this paragraph shall be at any point 10 feet from the surface of the changing sign.

(10)

No malfunction of a changing sign shall cause a glare or other condition that impairs the vision of the driver of any motor vehicle or which otherwise interferes with the safe operation of a motor vehicle.

(11)

Any changing sign currently in existence shall comply with the regulations of this part. If a changing sign currently in existence cannot meet these requirements due to the limitation of the technology being employed, the owner of the sign shall be allowed to continue the existing use upon a showing, satisfactory to the zoning administrator, that the requirements of this part cannot be met.

(Ord. No. 23-0605, § 1(Exh. A), 6-5-2023)

Signs that were approved and legally erected under previous sign restrictions and have become non-conforming with respect to the requirements of this article, including amendments, may continue in existence subject to the following provisions of this section.

(1)

Signs shall not be repaired, rebuilt, replaced or altered except in conformity with this article after damage exceeding 50 percent of the signs' replacement cost at the time of damage.

(2)

Signs shall not be enlarged or altered in a way that would increase the degree of nonconformity of the sign.

(3)

A non-conforming sign shall not be replaced by another non-conforming sign, except that the substitution or interchange of poster panels, painted boards or de-mountable material on non-conforming signs shall be permitted. A change in the mode of message conveyance (i.e. from screen-print panel to LED) shall not be permitted on a non-conforming sign.

(4)

Minor repairs and maintenance of non-conforming signs such as electrical repairs or lettering repair shall be allowed. However, no structural repairs or changes in the size or shape of the signs shall be permitted except to make the sign comply with the requirements of this article.

(5)

Portable signs, banners, and other signs allowed under this article which are not fixtures or freestanding signs are considered personal property, unattached to the real property on which they are placed, and thus have no nonconforming or grandfather rights under this section.

(6)

In all zoning districts, signs shall be removed which:

(a)

Were illegally erected or maintained with respect to prior ordinances.

(b)

Are made of paper, cloth or non-durable materials, except as otherwise permitted by this article.

(c)

Are located in the public right-of-way, except as otherwise permitted by this article.

(Ord. No. 23-0605, § 1(Exh. A), 6-5-2023)