Hopkins Township City Zoning Code

SIGN REGULATIONS

§ 157.195 DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE.

(A) This subchapter is intended to regulate the size, number, location and manner of display of signs in the township in a manner consistent with the following purposes:

(1) To protect and further the health, safety and welfare of residents, property owners and visitors;

(2) To prevent traffic hazards and pedestrian accidents caused by signs which obstruct vision, distract or confuse drivers, or are improperly secured or constructed;

(3) To conserve and enhance community character;

(4) To promote uniformity in the size, number or placement of signs within districts;

(5) To promote the economic viability of commercial areas by minimizing visual clutter and allowing for proper placement of signs to safely direct motorists to their destination; and

(6) To balance the public’s right to be informed and its desire to avoid visual pollution and hazardous conditions with the rights of businesses and other non-business uses to communication.

(B) It is further recognized that special circumstances or events may create a need for portable signage for a limited and reasonable period of time.

(C) The purpose of this subchapter does not include the regulation of the content or any information included on the sign.

(Prior Code, Ch. XV, § 12.12.01) (Ord. 1977-1, passed 10-10-1977)

§ 157.196 DEFINITIONS.

For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

ABANDONED SIGN. Any business sign or sign structure now or hereafter existing which advertises a business conducted or product sold, which no longer exists or is no longer in business on the premises on which the sign is located. Such sign shall be considered ABANDONED and shall, within 30 days after such abandonment, be removed or modified so as to no longer advertise the previous use, by the sign owner, owner of the property where the sign is located, or other party having control over such sign.

ADVERTISING SIGN. A structure, symbol, display, device, figure, statue, painting, drawing, written or projected message or similar device located outdoors or inside a window directed to the outdoors for the purpose of advertising services or products which are produced, assembled, stored, distributed, leased, sold or serviced upon or from the premises upon which the same is located.

AIR/GAS FILLED BALLOON SIGN. A sign composed of a non-porous bag of material filled with air or gas.

BANNER SIGN. A portable sign of fabric, plastic or other non-rigid material without an enclosing structural framework.

BILLBOARD. A sign located within 500 feet of the right-of-way of U.S. 131 which advertises an establishment, product, service or activity not available or not conducted on the lot on which the sign is located.

BULLETIN BOARD SIGN. A form of “advertising sign” or “institution sign” consisting of a stationary structure used to display information which may be frequently changed in content.

CHANGEABLE MESSAGE BOARD. A sign in which any portion of the informational content of the sign is capable of being changed on a frequent basis, either automatically or by means of electronically displayed text or manually by physically removable letters attached to the surface of the sign, including LED signs.

COMMUNITY EVENT POSTER SIGN. A sign advertising a special community event open to the general public sponsored by a public, municipal or non-profit organization.

DEVELOPMENT SIGN. A sign located on the site of a construction project while the project is under active construction identifying the name of the project and developers, contractors, engineers, architects, brokers and/or financial or governmental institutions involved. To be removed within 30 days of project completion.

DIRECTIONAL AND PARKING SIGN. A structure or symbol containing no advertising text designating an entrance, exit, parking area or direction.

ELECTION SIGN. A sign promoting or opposing candidates or propositions at any general, primary, special, state, school or local public election.

GARAGE, YARD, BASEMENT AND MULTIPLE HOUSEHOLD GOODS SALE SIGNS. A sign which identifies a private, personal sale of surplus household goods of an owner at a residential location by the owner or occupant of the residence and, if desired, by neighbors, which sale complies with the provisions of the township ordinance pertaining to such sales.

HUMAN SIGN. A sign carried or displayed by a person, a person wearing clothing containing an advertising message, or a person wearing a costume for advertising purposes. A HUMAN SIGN is subject to the restrictions and provisions contained elsewhere in this subchapter.

IDENTIFICATION SIGN. A sign exclusively designed to identify the name of the owner or occupant and/or address or other similar identification of the premises on which the same is located provided no advertising is included. The foregoing shall not include a franchise or chain-operated business name or logo.

INSTITUTION SIGN. A sign used to identify an institution or organization established for the benefit or use of a public body. For purposes of this definition, this shall be deemed to include, but is not limited to, schools, hospitals for treatment of humans only, churches, libraries, golf courses, cemeteries, fire stations, parks or charitable institutions.

MEMORIAL SIGN. A sign, tablet or plaque memorializing a person, event, structure or site.

NIT. A unit of visible light intensity or luminance commonly used to specify the brightness of digital displays and LCD boards and monitors. One NIT is equivalent to one candela per square meter.

OFF-PREMISES SIGN. A sign structure advertising a service, establishment, merchandise or entertainment which is not sold, produced, manufactured or furnished at the property on which said sign is located. Where permitted, each parcel shall be allowed to have one off-premises sign. Such signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area.

ON-PREMISES SIGN. A sign structure advertising an establishment, service, merchandise or entertainment which is sold, produced, manufactured or furnished at the property on which said sign is located.

PLACARD. A sign not exceeding two square feet which provides notices of a public nature, such as “No Trespassing”, “No Hunting” signs or “Gas Main” signs.

POLE SIGN. A freestanding sign which is supported by a structure, poles or braces which are less than 50% of the width of the sign.

PORTABLE SIGN. A sign which is designed to be moved from one location to another.

PROJECTING SIGN. A sign which is affixed to any building or structure including a marquee and which projects in such a way that the message is not parallel to the wall to which it is attached.

READER BOARD. A portion of a sign on which copy is changed manually.

REAL ESTATE SIGN. A sign which advertises the sale, rental or lease of properties on which it is located and includes the name, location and/or telephone number of the business office of the owner, agent or agency involved and which is removed immediately upon the confirmation of the sale, rental or lease.

RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION SIGN. A sign identifying or recognizing a platted subdivision, site condominium, multi-family or other residential development.

ROOF LINE. The top of a roof or parapet wall, whichever is higher, but excluding any cupolas, chimneys or other minor projections.

ROOF SIGN. A sign erected above the roof line of a building and attached to the building.

SIGN. A device, structure, fixture or placard which may or may not use graphics, symbols and/or written copy designed specifically for the purpose of advertising or identifying an establishment, product, service or activity or otherwise intended or used to advise or inform.

SIGN AREA. The area of a sign, for the purposes of this subchapter, shall be computed around the perimeter of its frame or border where such exists or around the perimeter of its symbols or letters or other display elements where no border or frame exists. Signs facing in opposite directions on a single frame not more than two feet apart shall only be measured for area on one side of the same. The area of all other signs facing in more than one direction shall be the total area of each side measured collectively. The AREA OF A SIGN shall not include the area of its supporting structure if the supporting structure contains no advertising or surface display lighting and is substantially less in area than the advertising display lighting and is substantially less in area than the advertising display surface of the sign. Decals or wording on a sign identifying the regional or national affiliation of a business or facility shall be included in computing the AREA OF THE SIGN.

SIGN STRUCTURE. The assembled components which make up an outdoor sign display, including, but not limited to, uprights, supports, facings and trim.

STRING LIGHTS. Exterior string lights used in connection with a commercial premises, other than holiday decorations, which shall be removed within 15 days after the holiday.

TEMPORARY SIGN. A sign, poster, banner, structure or symbol designed and intended for limited advertising, promotional information or identification purposes.

TRI-VISION SIGN. A sign composed of a series of three-sided panels lined up beside each other, which, when turned together, allow three individual sign images to be displayed.

UNSAFE SIGN. Any sign which is structurally or electronically unsafe.

UTILITY POLE MOUNTED SIGN. Any sign erected on a utility pole or directional sign post.

VEHICLE SIGN. Signs displayed on any vehicle or trailer when the subject vehicle or trailer is parked in such a manner that the obvious intent is to attract attention to a business, service or commodity on the premises.

WALL SIGN. A sign which is attached to or painted upon a building wall or other structure having a different primary purpose than a sign (such as a fence, awning, water tower or storage tank) and which does not project more than 18 inches there from. The exposed face of the sign must be in a plane parallel to the wall or structure and the sign must not extend above the height of the wall or structure.

WINDOW SIGN. A sign installed inside a window and intended to be viewed from the outside.

(Prior Code, Ch. XV, § 12.12.02) (Ord. 1977-1, passed 10-10-1977)

§ 157.197 SIGNS PROHIBITED.

(A) A sign not expressly permitted by this chapter is prohibited.

(B) The following types of signs are expressly prohibited:

(1) Any sign, including window signs, which have flashing, moving, oscillating or blinking lights excluding automatic changeable copy signs and barber pole signs which are permitted;

(2) Abandoned signs;

(3) Human signs;

(4) Roof signs;

(5) Sign structures without signs;

(6) String lights;

(7) Unsafe signs;

(8) Utility pole signs; and

(9) Vehicle signs.

(Prior Code, Ch. XV, § 12.12.03) (Ord. 1977-1, passed 10-10-1977) Penalty, see § 157.999

§ 157.198 SIGNS EXEMPTED.

The following signs shall be exempted from the provisions of this subchapter:

(A) Official traffic signs erected by a government agency;

(B) Government signs two square feet or less;

(D) Window signs;

(E) Memorial signs;

(F) Murals;

(G) Signs not visible from any street;

(H) Essential service signs which are two square feet or less;

(I) Placards;

(J) Community service group or agency signs two square feet or less;

(K) Newspaper box signs;

(L) Farm identification signs;

(M) Flags or insignias of any nation, state, township, community organization or educational institution or flags of a non-commercial nature;

(N) Temporary banners or portable signs erected by a government or community service group/agency or school announcing a public or community event;

(O) Signs for residential garage and/or yard sales;

(P) Roadside stand signs less than 16 square feet in area;

(Q) Real estate signs; and

(R) On-site directional signs subject to the following restrictions.

(1) Such sign shall not exceed two square feet in area.

(2) It shall be placed no higher than three feet from the drive grade.

(3) It shall be setback at least five feet from any lot line.

(4) Directional signs shall be limited to traffic control functions only.

(Prior Code, Ch. XV, § 12.12.04) (Ord. 1977-1, passed 10-10-1977)

§ 157.199 NON-CONFORMING SIGNS.

(A) Every legal permanent sign which does not conform to the height, size, area or location requirements of this subchapter as of the date of the adoption of this chapter is hereby deemed to be non-conforming.

(B) Non-conforming signs may be maintained and repaired so as to continue the useful life of the sign, but may not be altered, expanded, enlarged or relocated.

(C) A non-conforming sign may be diminished in size or dimension or the copy of the sign amended or changed without jeopardizing the privilege of non-conforming use.

(D) A sign accessory to a non-conforming use may be erected in the township in accordance with the sign regulations for the district in which the property is located.

(Prior Code, Ch. XV, § 12.12.05) (Ord. 1977-1, passed 10-10-1977) Penalty, see § 157.999

§ 157.200 SIGN AREA.

(A) Unless otherwise specified within this subchapter for a particular type of sign, the area of a sign shall be measured as the area within a single, continuous perimeter composed of any straight line geometric figure which encloses the extreme limits of writing, representation, emblem, logo or any other figure of similar character, together with any frame or other material or color forming an integral part of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the background against which it is placed, excluding only the structure necessary to support the sign.

(B) The area of a freestanding or projecting sign that has two or more faces shall be measured by including the area of all sign faces; except, if two such faces are placed back-to-back and are of equal size and are no more than two feet apart at any point, the area of the two back-to-back faces shall be counted as one face. If the two back-to-back faces are of unequal size, the larger of the two sign faces shall be counted as the one face.

(C) The height of a sign shall be measured as the vertical distance from the highest point of the sign to the grade of the adjacent street or the average grade of the ground immediately beneath the sign, whichever is less, except for billboards as specified herein.

(Prior Code, Ch. XV, § 12.12.06) (Ord. 1977-1, passed 10-10-1977)

§ 157.201 SIGN REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO ALL ZONING DISTRICTS.

(A) Reader boards are allowed when included as part of a wall or freestanding sign.

(B) All signs shall be stationary and shall pertain only to the business or activity conducted on the premises, except for billboards, off-premises signs and signs advertising farm products or operations as permitted herein.

(C) Any pole sign, including awnings to which signs are affixed or displayed shall maintain a minimum clear space of eight feet from the bottom of the sign to the ground.

(D) Development signs are permitted in any district, but shall be no larger than 32 square feet and not exceed eight feet in height.

(E) No sign (or any pole or support cable of any nature), except those established and maintained by the township, county, state or federal governments, shall be located in, project into or overhang a public right-of-way or dedicated public easement, unless otherwise authorized in this subchapter.

(F) No advertising device shall be erected or maintained which simulates or imitates in size, color, lettering or design any traffic sign or signal or other word, phrase, symbol or character in such manner as to interfere with, mislead, confuse or create a visual impediment or safety hazard to pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

(G) No sign above a height of 36 inches from the road surface shall be located within, project into, or overhang the triangular area formed at the intersection of any two street right-of-way lines (existing or proposed) by a straight line drawn between said right-of-way lines at a distance along each line of 25 feet from their point of intersection, unless vision under clearance can be assured on the plans.

(H) No sign shall be illuminated by other than approved devices and in no case shall any open spark or flame be used for display purposes unless specifically approved by the Township Board. All illuminated signs shall be so arranged or shielded so as not to interfere with the vision of persons on adjacent thoroughfares. In no event shall light from an illuminated sign shine on adjacent property.

(I) No wall sign shall project beyond or overhang the wall or any permanent architectural feature and shall not project above or beyond the highest point of the roof or parapet.

(J) No sign shall contain flashing, moving or animated parts, except for automatic changeable copy signs or barber pole signs.

(K) All signs shall be located a minimum of ten feet from the edge of any street right-of-way and not less than 20 feet from side and rear lot lines.

(Prior Code, Ch. XV, § 12.12.07) (Ord. 1977-1, passed 10-10-1977) Penalty, see § 157.999

§ 157.202 SIGN PERMITS AND APPLICATION.

(A) Permits required. A sign permit shall be required for the erection, use and construction of all permanent signs, except those exempted herein.

(B) Application. An application for a sign permit shall be made to the Township Zoning Administrator along with a fee as required by Township Board resolution. The application form shall be furnished by the Zoning Administrator.

(C) Issuance of sign permit. The Building Inspector/Zoning Administrator shall issue a sign permit if all provisions of this subchapter and other applicable township ordinances are met. A sign authorized by a permit shall be installed or under construction within one year of the date of issuance of the sign permit or the permit shall expire. A new permit may be issued upon filing of a new application and fee.

(Prior Code, Ch. XV, § 12.12.08) (Ord. 1977-1, passed 10-10-1977)

§ 157.203 SIGNS PERMITTED WITHIN THE AGRICULTURAL (AG) DISTRICT.

All signs are subject to regulations set forth in § 157.201 of this chapter:

(A) Advertising signs, identification signs and on-premises signs: one per permitted principal non-residential use excluding home occupations not to exceed 12 square feet in area and six feet above ground level;

(B) Off-premises signs: one per property not to exceed 12 square feet in area and six feet above ground level;

(D) Wall signs: total sign area not to exceed 15% of area of face of building to which sign is attached, or two square feet for each linear foot of front building face, whichever is less.

(Prior Code, Ch. XV, § 12.12.09) (Ord. 1977-1, passed 10-10-1977)

§ 157.204 SIGNS PERMITTED WITHIN THE RURAL ESTATE RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT R-1.

All signs are subject to regulations set forth in § 157.201 of this chapter:

(B) Development signs: one per project not to exceed 32 square feet in area and six feet above ground level;

(D) Off-premises signs: one per property not to exceed 12 square feet in area;

(E) Residential and subdivision signs: one per vehicle entrance not to exceed 32 square feet in area and six feet above ground level;

(F) Temporary signs; and

(G) Wall signs: one per street frontage to be placed directly facing the street permitted on the principal or accessory non-residential buildings. The total sign area shall not exceed 15% of area of face of building to which sign is attached, or two square feet for each linear foot of front building face, whichever is less.

(Prior Code, Ch. XV, § 12.12.10) (Ord. 1977-1, passed 10-10-1977)

§ 157.205 SIGNS PERMITTED WITHIN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS R-1A, R-2, R-3.

All signs are subject to regulations set forth in § 157.201 of this chapter:

(A) Advertising signs, on-premises signs: one per permitted principal non-residential use excluding home occupations not to exceed 12 square feet in area and six feet above ground level;

(B) Development signs: one per project not to exceed 32 square feet in area and six feet above ground level;

(D) Institution signs: one per permitted principal non-residential use not to exceed 32 square feet in area and six feet above ground level;

(E) Residential and subdivision signs: one per vehicle entrance not to exceed 32 square feet in area and six feet above ground level;

(F) Temporary signs; and

(G) Wall signs: one per street frontage to be placed directly facing the street permitted on principal or accessory non-residential buildings. The total sign area not to exceed 15% of area of face of building to which sign is attached, or two square feet for each linear foot of front building face, whichever is less.

(Prior Code, Ch. XV, § 12.12.11) (Ord. 1977-1, passed 10-10-1977)

§ 157.206 SIGNS PERMITTED WITHIN COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS C-1 AND C-2 AND INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS I-1.

All signs are subject to regulations set forth in § 157.201 of this chapter:

(A) Advertising signs, identification signs, on-premises signs and pole signs: no lot or parcel shall have more than one advertising sign, identification sign, on-premises sign or pole sign; corner lots shall have no more than one sign per road frontage. Where two or more uses are located within the same building or lot, signage for each business shall be combined on one sign, not to exceed a total of 100 square feet;

(B) Regulations for advertising signs, identification signs and on-premises signs: no sign shall exceed 48 square feet and eight feet in height measured from ground level;

(C) Regulations for pole signs: no sign shall exceed 100 square feet. Pole signs shall not exceed 25 feet in height and have a minimum height of eight feet between the bottom of the sign and the ground. The supports for any pole sign shall not be more than three feet wide on any one side. Design plans for any pole sign 20 feet or higher shall be sealed by a professional engineer to ensure structural integrity of such signs for the safety of the public;

(D) Temporary signs; and

(E) Wall signs: one per street frontage to be placed directly facing the street permitted on any building, not to exceed 15% of area of the face of the building to which the sign is attached.

(Prior Code, Ch. XV, § 12.12.12) (Ord. 1977-1, passed 10-10-1977)

§ 157.207 BILLBOARDS.

Billboards are permitted only in those areas which are within 500 feet of U.S. 131 Expressway (defined as the area measured from the nearest edge of the right-of-way of said freeway and extending 500 feet perpendicularly and then along the line parallel to the right-of-way line on both sides of the freeway) subject to the following conditions:

(A) Parcel must be zoned commercial or industrial;

(B) Double-faced billboard structures (i.e., structures having back to back billboard faces) and V-type billboard structures having only one face visible to traffic, proceeding from any given direction on a street or highway shall be considered as one billboard. Additionally, billboard structures having tandem billboard faces (i.e., two parallel billboard faces facing the same direction and side by side to each other) or stacked billboard faces (i.e., two parallel billboard faces facing the same direction with one face being directly above the other) shall be considered as one billboard. Otherwise, billboard structures having more than one billboard face shall be considered as two billboards and shall be prohibited in accordance with the minimum spacing requirement set forth in division (C) below;

(D) No billboard shall be located within 250 feet of a residential zone;

(E) No billboard shall be located within 50 feet from the property line adjoining a public right-of-way, or ten feet from any interior boundary lines of the premises upon which the billboard is located;

(F) Billboards may be constructed to a maximum size of 672 square feet per face; provided, they are located within 100 feet of a freeway right-of-way. Any billboard placed farther than 100 feet, but not more than 500 feet, from the freeway right-of-way, shall not exceed 64 square feet per face;

(G) The height of a billboard shall not exceed 35 feet above:

(1) Grade of the ground on which the billboard sits; or

(2) The grade of the abutting roadway, whichever is higher.

(H) A billboard may be illuminated provided such illumination is concentrated on the surface of the sign and is located to avoid glare or reflection onto any portion of an adjacent street or highway, the path of on-coming vehicles or any adjacent premises; and

(I) The non-conforming use provisions of §§ 157.300 through 157.304 of this chapter shall apply to pre-existing billboards.

(Prior Code, Ch. XV, § 12.12.13) (Ord. 2011-9, passed 11-14-2011) Penalty, see § 157.999