No sign shall be erected at any location, where by reason of the position, size, shape, color, movement, or illumination, it may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal, or device so as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic. Consideration of traffic visibility and injurious effects on adjacent properties is essential. All signs shall be designed, constructed, and maintained so as not to change the essential character of the area.

(Prior Code, § 748.01) Penalty, see § 10.99

   (A)   In the OAC Open Space, Agricultural, and Waterbody Conservation District, only one sign of each of the following types shall be permitted on each lot or parcel unless otherwise specified herein.

   (B)   The following signs are permitted:

      (1)   A non-illuminated sign advertising the sale or rental of the building or premises not exceeding six square feet in area and placed no nearer to the street line than one half the required yard depth;

      (2)   Non-illuminated trespassing, safety, directional, caution, or announcement signs each not exceeding two square feet in area;

      (3)   A non-illuminated sign announcing a home occupation, service, or product offered on the premises, provided that such a sign shall not exceed 12 square feet in area; and shall be located no closer to the street line than one half the required frontage yard; and

      (4)   A sign or bulletin board identifying a church, school park, or other authorized use not to exceed 12 square feet in area and placed no nearer than 15 feet to any property line. The sign may be illuminated by a non-flashing reflective light and the source of illumination shall not be visible.

(Prior Code, § 748.02) Penalty, see § 10.99

   (A)   In any residential district, only one sign of each of the following types shall be permitted on each lot or parcel unless otherwise specified herein.

   (B)   The following signs are permitted:

      (1)   A non-illuminated sign advertising the sale or rental of the building or property not exceeding six square feet in area and placed no nearer to the street line than one-half of the required front yard depth;

      (2)   A non-illuminated sign announcing a home occupation or service that is offered on the premises provided that the sign shall not exceed two square feet in area and shall be attached flat against a building wall;

      (3)   One sign advertising a recorded subdivision or development not to exceed 18 square feet in area and placed no closer to any street right-of-way than one-third the minimum authorized front yard depth, the sign shall be removed within one year after the sale of 90% of all lots or units within the subdivision or development;

      (4)   One sign identifying a multiple-family building, subdivision, or development, not having commercial connotations, not to exceed 18 square feet in area and placed no closer to any street right-of-way line than one-third the minimum authorized front yard depth; and

      (5)   A sign or bulletin board identifying a church, school, or other authorized use, not to exceed 12 square feet in area and placed no nearer than 15 feet to any property line. The sign may be illuminated by a non-flashing reflected light and the source of illumination shall not be visible.

(Prior Code, § 748.03) Penalty, see § 10.99

   (A)   A sign in any commercial or industrial district is permitted only where it advertises a business occupying the same lot of land upon which the sign is erected.

   (B)   Signs shall conform to the building setback and height requirements and, in addition, shall conform to the requirements provided below:

      (1)   In any commercial or industrial district, a sign may be affixed flat against the wall of the building, or may project therefrom not more than 48 inches, provided that the signs do not project over a sidewalk or public right-of-way. Projecting signs shall be at least 12 feet above finished grade. The total sign area shall not exceed one square foot for each foot in length or height of the wall, whichever is greater, to which it is affixed. No sign shall extend more than four feet in height above the building to which it is affixed;

      (2)   One freestanding identification sign may be erected for a shopping center or other integrated group of stores or commercial buildings. The area for the sign shall be based on one square foot for each foot of building frontage, however, it shall not exceed 200 square feet in area, not be closer to the front, side, or rear property line than one-third the distance of the required building setback;

      (3)   One freestanding identification sign may be erected for each separate enterprise situated on an individual lot not located within a shopping center. The sign shall not exceed 80 square feet in area, except in the CS Community Service Commercial District. The signs shall not exceed 36 square feet in area, nor be closer to the front, side, or rear property line, than one-third the distance of the required building setback; and

      (4)   All signs may be illuminated internally or by reflected light provided the source of light is not directly visible and is so arranged to reflect away from the adjoining premises and provided that the illumination shall not be placed as to cause confusion or a hazard to traffic or conflict with traffic control signs or light. No illumination involving movement by reason of the lighting arrangement or other devices shall be permitted.

(Prior Code, § 748.04) Penalty, see § 10.99

   Outdoor advertising signs (billboards) shall be permitted under the following conditions.

   (A)   Outdoor advertising signs (billboards) are permitted only in the commercial and industrial districts.

   (B)   Outdoor advertising signs are required to have the same setback as other principal structures or buildings in the zone in which they are situated.

   (C)   Where two or more outdoor advertising signs are along the frontage of a single street or highway, they shall not be less than 1,000 feet apart. A double face (back to back) or a V-type structure shall be considered a single sign.

   (D)   The total surface area, facing in the same direction of any outdoor advertising sign, shall not exceed 200 square feet.

   (E)   No outdoor advertising sign shall be erected on the roof of any building, nor have one sign above another sign.

   (F)   Outdoor advertising signs may be illuminated by reflected light only, provided the source of light is not directly visible and is so arranged to reflect away from the adjoining premises and provided that the illumination shall not be so placed as to cause confusion or a hazard to traffic or conflict with traffic control signs or lights. No illumination involving movement by reason of the lighting arrangement or other devices shall be permitted.

   (G)   Outdoor advertising signs shall be designed, constructed, operated, maintained, and managed so as to be harmonious and appropriate in appearance with the existing or intended character of the general vicinity and so as the use will not change the essential character of the same area.

   (H)   Outdoor name or identification signs are exempt from the provisions of this section, provided that all the signs shall be flush with the building wall or roof.

   (I)   Outdoor advertising signs located along a state primary highway shall be regulated by the provisions specified in M.C.L.A. §§ 252.301 through 252.325.

(Prior Code, § 748.05) Penalty, see § 10.99

   (A)   One permanently installed sign shall be permitted for each service station and shall be installed in such a manner that vision shall not be obstructed in any way other than by necessary supports to a height of 16 feet, but no sign shall exceed 25 feet in height or 60 square feet in area.

   (B)   All appropriate legends may be attached against the main building or on gasoline pumps.

(Prior Code, § 748.06) Penalty, see § 10.99

   All signs and billboards erected after the effective date of this chapter shall conform to the regulations as set forth in this chapter and its amendments.

(Prior Code, § 748.07) Penalty, see § 10.99