Pursuant to the authority and provision conferred in Chapter 160A-174 of the North Carolina General Statutes, the Town Council hereby ordains and enacts into law these sections. The purpose of regulating signs within the Town of Indian Trail, North Carolina, is to accomplish the following goals:

1. Establish standards for the erection, alteration and maintenance of signs that are appropriate to various zoning districts;
2. Allow for adequate and effective signs for communicating identification and other messages while preventing signs from dominating the visual appearance of the area in which they are located;
3. Protect and enhance the view of properties from public rights-of-way;
4. Ensure the safety of the local and visiting motorists on the roads in the Town by reducing the distracting influence of uncontrolled signs throughout the Town;
5. Safety of utility workers on poles;
6. Ensure that permitted signs do not become a hazard or nuisance;
7. Ensure and advance the positive visual impact and image of the Town. These regulations are designed to provide flexibility for individual needs of business identification and for general communication opportunities.

1. Except as otherwise provided in this Ordinance, it shall be unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, move, or replace any permanent or temporary sign or cause the same to be done, without first having obtained a sign permit for such sign from the Planning Director as required by this ordinance. A fee, in accordance with a fee schedule adopted by the Town Council, shall be charged for each sign permit issued.
2. Notwithstanding the above, changing or replacing the copy on an existing lawful sign shall not require a permit, provided the copy change does not change the nature of the sign such as to render the sign in violation of this ordinance.

Any sign allowed under this section may contain: any noncommercial message; a commercial message pertaining to goods, services or other commercial transactions available on the premises or that will be available on the premises when construction is complete; and/or a commercial message related to the sale, lease or rental of the premises on which the sign is located. Signs seeking employees for a business shall be considered to pertain to commercial transactions available on the premises and shall be allowed under this section.

Any sign allowed under this section or a predecessor ordinance, by sign permit, by conditional zoning, by a former special use permit (special use permits no longer a process in this ordinance), by a former conditional use permit (conditional use permits no longer an allowed process), or by variance, may contain, in lieu of any other message or copy, any lawful noncommercial message that does not direct attention to a business operated for profit, or to a product, commodity, or service for sale or lease, or to any other commercial interest or activity, so long as said sign complies with the size, height, area, and other requirements of this ordinance.

All area provisions in this DIVISION are calculated from the sign surface area dimensions defined in this Chapter.

1. Double-Faced Signs
   In case of signs mounted back-to-back, only one side of the sign is to be used for computation of the area. Back-to-back signs shall be defined as double-faced signs. Otherwise, the surface area of each sign is to be separately computed.
2. Three-Dimensional Signs
   In the case of cylindrical signs, signs in the shape of cubes, or other signs which are substantially three-dimensional with respect to their display surfaces, the entire display or surface is included in computations of area.
3. Entrance Wall or Fence Sign
   If a sign is attached to an entrance wall or fence, only that portion of that wall or fence onto which the sign face or letters are placed shall be calculated in the sign area.

The sign area will be measured by the following methods:

1. A geometric shape enclosing any message, logo, symbol, name, photograph, or display face for all sign types excluding Channel Letter Signs; and
2. The area of individually mounted or painted sign letters applied directly to the building face which are not further emphasized by an architectural or painted element of the building shall be calculated as the sum of the area within a series of rectangles which encompasses each individual letter.
   
   Figure 900-1: Sign Surface Area Calculation
   

The frame area will be measured from the dimensions of a geometric shape formed by all supports, frames, braces, bordering, and embellishments, which extend beyond the sign surface area, and that enclose the sign surface area.

The height of a sign shall be measured from the highest point of a sign to the point of ground surface beneath it. Ornamentation such as caps and spires are not included in this measurement. The use of berms or raised landscape areas is only permitted to raise the base of the sign to the mean elevation of the fronting street.

Any official public notice or warning required by a valid and applicable federal, state, or local law, regulation of chapter, by a public utility company or by order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

Traffic and regulatory signs on both public and private property, such as Stop, Yield and similar signs which meet the Department of Transportation standards.

Any sign inside a building not attached to a window or door that is not visible from off the site on which is located.

Any sign inside an athletic field or other enclosed outdoor space where the sign is not legible from more than three (3) feet beyond the lot line of the site on which it is located.

Works of art with no commercial message such as a mural.

Temporary signage erected as part of a Town-recognized event erected at Town approved locations provided that:

1. No such sign shall exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area.
2. In no case shall the sign impede the view or travel of any motorist or pedestrian.
3. Banner shall be attached to building façade or secured to freestanding post. In no case may the banners be attached to utility poles, traffic control signs, tree or other surface located within the public right-of-way.
4. All banner signs and components thereof, including supports, shall be kept in a good state of repair.

Permanent off-premises Town identification and wayfinding signs as authorized by the Indian Trail Town Council.

Government signs and logo signs.

Memorial signs, plaques or grave markers that are noncommercial in nature.

Flags, insignia, or religious symbols of any government, non-profit organization when not displayed in connection with a commercial promotion or as an advertising device.

Integral decorative or architectural features of buildings; works of art; so long as such features or works do not contain letters, trademarks, moving parts or lights.

On-premises directional and instructional signs not exceeding six (6) square feet in area and will be limited to two (2) only per premises.

1. General Requirements
   1. Bulletin boards and signs which contain information of a non-commercial nature. Such bulletin boards and signs may have a maximum area of 32 square feet.
      
   2. Incidental signs, however, in no case shall a drive-in service window menu board be oriented to a public right-of-way or greater than 32 square feet in area.
      
2. Incidental signs include the following:
   1. Directory Signs provided that:
      1. No sign is located in a road right-of-way.
         
      2. The maximum sign area shall be 32 square feet or one-half the area of the largest ground-mounted sign permitted for said use, whichever is less.
         
      3. Letters do not exceed six (6) inches in height.
         
      4. Height of sign does not exceed six (6) feet.
         
   2. Window Signs
   3. "Warning", "No Trespassing" and Similar Informational Signs
   4. Signs Within Stadium or Arena
      Signs located within a stadium or arena intended to be read only by persons seated within the stadium.
      
   5. Municipal, School, Recreational, and Civic Club Sponsored Signs
      1. Permanent municipal, schools, recreational and civic club sponsored signs, schedule of events, rules and regulations signs.
         
      2. Such signs shall not include identification signs.
         
   6. Newspaper Box Signs
      Signs placed on newspaper boxes designed for placement of delivered newspaper to a particular location.
      
   7. Historical Plaques
      Historical plaques mounted in accordance with the United States Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.
      
   8. NC Vehicle Inspection Sign
      North Carolina vehicle inspection sign so long as such sign is not located in any right-of-way.
      
   9. Gas Station Price or Service Signs
      Signs advertising price of gasoline or designating self-service or full-service pumps, so long as such signs are attached to the pump island.
      
   10. Decorative Flags
       Flags for decorative purposes only, which are attached to a dwelling and contain no message, identification or advertisement.
       
   11. Temporary Holiday Displays, Lighting and Signs
       
       1. Temporary displays, including lighting, erected in connection with the observance of holidays.
       2. Any signs associated with the display shall be removed within three (3) days following the holidays.

Campaign and election signs provided that:

1. Each sign shall not exceed 20 square feet in area.
2. All such signs may be erected no sooner than 45 days in advance of the election for which they were made.
3. All such signs shall be removed within seven (7) days after the election for which they were made.
4. No sign shall be placed on any curb, sidewalk, post, pole, hydrant, bridge, tree, or other surface located on, over, or across any public street or right-of-way.

Grand opening banners for businesses located in non-single-family residential zoning districts provided that:

1. One (1) banner per-business
2. Banner size shall not exceed 32 square feet in area
3. Banner shall be attached to the building façade for standalone businesses, above the business suite for multitenant commercial centers, or mounted within a Town approved banner display structure.
4. Banner shall be removed within 45 days of issuance of the Town zoning verification or building upfit permit associated with the opened business within existing buildings or issuance of a zoning compliance certificate for businesses opened in new buildings through a site plan permit.
5. Businesses that did not display a banner within the time period specified within UDO 940.080(D) may display a grand opening banner within the first three (3)-months of the business being open to public subject to obtaining a temporary sign permit and compliance with UDO Chapter 940.080(A) through (C).

A sign which the Planning Director determines obstructs the view of bicyclists or motorists using any street, approach to any street intersection, or which interferes with the effectiveness of or obscures any traffic sign, device, or signal shall be prohibited.

Illuminated highly reflective or unshielded signs or spotlights, which hamper or obstruct the vision of motorists or bicyclists.

Signs other than government signs which contain lights, rotating disks, words and other devices not erected by a public authority which may be erroneously construed as government signs or emergency warning signs such as traffic control signs. An example of this is a sign which contains a picture of a traffic sign plus the word “Stop”, “Yield”, etc. The signs shall not be similar in color, design, and appearance to traffic control signs.

Any sign which has been abandoned or advertises any product, business or activity which product is no longer sold, or such business or activity is no longer in existence, for at least 60 days, shall be removed with 30 days after notice from the Town.

Any sign located outdoors which interferes with free passage from or obstructs fire escape, downspout, window, door, stairway, ladder, or opening intended as a means of ingress or egress or providing light or air.

Any sign (other than government sign), banner or display placed on any curb, sidewalk, post, pole, hydrant, traffic control sign, bridge, tree, or other surface located on, over, or across any public street or right-of-way, or any banner, placed on stakes on a property, unless otherwise permitted.

Flashing signs, signs with flashing or reflective disks, signs with flashing lights or lights of changing degree of intensity or color (except government signs or signs used in connection with emergency or public announcements as exempted in Chapter 930 or 9160.040). If any LED sign alternates between messages, it shall continuously show one message a minimum of ten (10) minutes in time before switching to the other message.

Portable signs, except as permitted in Chapter 970.

Vehicular signs.

Off-premises advertising signs (i.e. Billboards) unless otherwise stated in this Ordinance except those sponsored by any government.

Rotating signs, other than on-premises rotating identification names which contain logo and/or business name on it.

Roof signs which extend above the highest point of a pitched roof, mansard roof, or parapet.

Signs placed on a piece of property without permission of its owners or agent.

Airborne signs including inflated balloons having a diameter of greater than two (2) feet.

Any sign whose sign face was initially constructed and designed to be placed and /or transported on wheels, regardless if said sign face is removed from its base and placed on or in the ground so as to otherwise classify said as a “free-standing” sign as herein defined.

All signs, including the supports, frames, and embellishments thereto, located within any public right-of-way, or attached, affixed, or painted on any utility pole, light standard, telephone or telegraph pole, any tree, rock or other natural object.

Other signs not expressly permitted in this UDO.

Flashing, fluttering (such as "feather flags"), swinging, or rotating signs with the exception of time and/or temperature signs.

A temporary sign permit, issued by the Planning Department shall be approved before the placement of a portable sign, special event sign, promotional temporary sign, or grand opening sign within any non-residential zoning districts as indicated in Section 990.040.

Temporary signs are allowed in addition to permanent signs allocations. The maximum number of Town approved portable or banner signs shall not exceed one (1) per business. However, multi-tenant commercial centers shall be limited to a maximum of one (1) promotional and one (1) grand opening banner display at any given time.

Temporary real estate signs advertising a specific property for sale, lease, rent or development shall be located as follows:

1. One (1) sign per street frontage advertising real estate (“For Sale”, “For Rent”, “For Lease”, or “For Development”) not greater than 10 square feet in area in a Residential District and 32 square feet in areas in nonresidential districts may be located on the property being advertised so long as said sign is located behind the street right-of-way line. If the property so advertised lies on a corner lot or double frontage lot, then a second (2nd) sign may be oriented along the second street so long as the two signs are at least 100 feet apart as measured by the shortest straight line.
2. In addition to the on-site real estate sign(s), a maximum of two (2) directional signs, each not exceeding four (4) square feet in area, shall be permitted off the subject premises. Such sign must be placed outside of existing right-of-ways. Such signs shall remain for a period not to exceed one (1) year. The message of said signs shall be limited to the name of the property or development being advertised, an address, a telephone number, a directional arrow, mileage to the subject property, and the terms “Lot/Home For Sale”, “For Rent”, “For Lease”, “For Development”, etc.
3. No more than three (3) temporary directional signs advertising a specific planned commercial or mixed-use development, subdivision, multi-family development, etc. may also be permitted off-site. Each sign may have a maximum area of four (4) square feet and shall be placed outside all existing right-of-ways.
4. All such temporary signs shall be removed within seven (7) days after the property has been sold, rented, leased, etc.
5. No sign allowed under this section shall be lighted.

Temporary construction signs are allowed provided that:

1. Signs in conjunction with any residential use shall not exceed 15 square feet each.
2. Signs in conjunction with all other uses shall have a maximum area of 32 square feet each.
3. Only one (1) such sign oriented per street front, per premises shall be erected.
4. Such signs shall not be illuminated.
5. Such signs shall only appear at the construction site.
6. No sign shall be located in the road right-of-way.
7. Such signs shall be removed within seven (7) days after completion of the project.
   

Temporary farm product signs advertising seasonal products produced on the site are allowed provided that:

1. One (1) on-premises sign may be used. Said sign shall be located off the street right-of-way and at least ten (10) feet away from any side lot line. Such a sign shall have a maximum area of nine (9) square feet and may not be illuminated.
2. Portable signs shall not be used except as permitted in Section Chapter 970.
   

Temporary special event or Temporary Use signs and banners for government, religious, charitable, civic, fraternal, or similar non-profit or not-for-profit organizations provided that:

1. Signs shall be erected no sooner than fourteen (14) days prior to the last day of the first. No sign shall be erected for a period that exceeds sixty (60) days per calendar year from the day of the event and removed no later than three (3) days after the event.
2. No such signs shall exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area or be internally illuminated.
3. In no such case may any such sign impede the view or travel of any motorist or pedestrians.
4. Said banner may be attached to building façade or secured to freestanding post. In no case may the banners be attached to utility poles, traffic control sign, tree or other surface located within a public right-of-way. 
5. Signs for civic organizations may be located on property other than the location of the event with written permission from the property owner.

1. One (1) on-premises and two (2) off-premises yard sale signs per yard sale.
   
2. All such signs shall be removed within twenty-four hours after the yard sale has been terminated. No such sign shall exceed four (4) square feet. All such signs shall be located off the street right-of-way.

1. Standards for Temporary Signs
   Table below provides standards under which temporary signs may be displayed. The sign areas allowed are in addition to the sign area allowed for permanent signs.
2. Permitted Types of Storefront Portable Signs
   
   
   Table 900-1: Permitted Types of Storefront Portable Signs

   Type	Illustration	Maximum Size/Height	Maximum Number	Location	Duration
   A-Frame or Sandwich Board		2 feet by 3 feet	1 per business	1. Parallel and adjacent to front of storefront or suite where pedestrian sidewalk is less than 7-feet in width. 2. Not within landscaped areas. 3. On sidewalks located directly in front of the business or suite.	Unlimited
   Swinger		2 feet by 3 feet	1 per business	Same as above.	Unlimited
   Statue/Sidewalk Sign		5 feet in height or width	1 per business	Same as above.	Unlimited
   Temporary Banner “Grand Opening”; “Going Out of Business*” *See UDO Chapter 940.080 for Grand Opening Banners		32 square feet	1 per business	1. Attached to the building façade for standalone businesses. 2. Mounted within a Town approved banner display structure or on front façade directly above the business suite for multi-tenant commercial centers.	45 days Grand Opening 30 days Going out of Business
   Promotional Banners “Sales”; “Special Events”		32 square feet for building façade or multi-tenant centers without structure; 18 square feet for placement in banner display monument sign.	1 per business but no more than one in a multi-tenant commercial center.	1. Attached to the building façade for standalone businesses. 2. Mounted on an existing monument sign within multi-tenant commercial centers.	14 days per event with no more than 6 events per year. *

   *Applications for permits must be submitted within 45 calendar days from the date of application. Applications for events more than 45 calendar days in advance will not be accepted. New applications by the same applicant shall not be accepted until the expiration of any currently valid permit and removal of the expired sign.

The allowed wall sign area for a development shall comply with the provisions of Section 920.010 of this Ordinance.

No wall sign shall project more than 18 inches from the building wall.

Canopy and awning signs may be substituted for part or all of the allowable wall signage per development. Signs may be painted or printed onto a canopy or awning. In no case shall a canopy or awning extend into the street right-of-way.

Except as authorized by this Chapter, there may be no more than one freestanding sign on a single lot. Freestanding signs must be located a minimum of 50 linear feet from any other freestanding sign.

All permitted signs on properties located within the Town of Indian Trail shall be ground mounted with the exception of properties located along Highway 74/Independence Boulevard and Old Monroe Road unless otherwise specified in Chapter 790, Off-Premises Signs (RBD District). No ground mounted sign may be higher than six (6) feet above finished grade for a single tenant sign, and ten (10) feet in height for a multi-tenant sign.

Changeable Reader or Message Boards are authorized for properties located along Highway 74/Independence Boulevard and Old Monroe Road. The message or reader boards shall be attached to the Freestanding Sign and calculated into the Freestanding Sign area subject to the following:

Table 900-2: Changeable Reader or Message Board Calculation of Maximum Board Area

1. No portion of a freestanding, monument, or ground mounted sign shall extend into the street right-of-way or sight triangle.
2. All freestanding, monument, or ground mounted signs shall observe and be located outside of all future right-of-way lines as identified in the Indian Trail Comprehensive Plan.
3. No freestanding sign shall be located on an artificially created berm.
   
4. Freestanding signs shall be placed in raised landscaped planters whenever possible. See Figure 900-2 for an example.

Figure 900-2: Freestanding sign in raised planter.

Freestanding signs for single tenant parcels located adjacent to Highway 74/Independence Boulevard or Old Monroe Road shall be calculated based on the following table:

Table 900-3: Permitted Sign Area and Height Along Highway 74/Independence Boulevard or Old Monroe Road

Freestanding signs for multi-tenant parcels located adjacent to Highway 74/Independence Boulevard or Old Monroe Road shall be calculated based on one of the following tables. If a property meets criteria from both tables, it shall be allowed to apply the most permissive set of sign regulations as described in these tables.

1. Multi-Tenant Properties with a Single-User Greater than 40,000 Square Feet
   
   Table 900-4: Allowable Sign Area and Height for Multi-Tenant Properties with Single-User Greater than 40,000 Square Feet
   

   Gross Floor Area of Single Largest Tenant	Allowable Sign Area (sq. ft.)	Maximum Height of Sign (feet)
   40,000 to 74,999	150	25
   75,000 to 99,999	200	25
   100,000 and over	240	25
   All signs defined by this table must be located a minimum of 20 feet from the boundary of the Highway 74 or Old Monroe Road right-of-way.

2. Multi-Tenant Properties
   
   Table 900-5: Allowable Sign Area and Height for Multi-Tenant Properties (by Property Size)

   Size of Property in Acres	Allowable Sign Area (sq. ft.)	Maximum Height of Sign (feet)
   Less than 1	75	20
   1.00 to 2.99	100	20
   3.00 to 4.99	125	25
   5 to 7.49	150	25
   7.5 to 14.99	200	25
   15 or over	240	25
   All signs defined by this table shall be located a minimum of 20 feet from the boundary of the Highway 74 or Old Monroe Road right-of-way.

All permitted signs on properties located within the Town of Indian Trail shall be ground mounted with the exception of properties located along Highway 74/Independence Boulevard and Old Monroe Road unless otherwise specified in Chapter 790, Off-Premises Signs (RBD District).

1. The additional signage allowed for a single tenant development on a corner lot shall not exceed twenty (20) square feet in area and five (5) feet in height and shall not be closer than 200 feet from the primary sign.
2. The additional signage allowed for a multi-tenant development on a corner lot shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet in area and six (6) feet in height and shall not be closer than 200 feet from the primary sign.
3. The additional signage allowed for a single tenant development located on a corner or through lot and on Hwy 74 or Old Monroe Road shall not exceed:
   1. Fifty (50) square feet in area and six (6) feet in height of secondary street is classified as a Thoroughfare or Boulevard; or
   2. Thirty-two (32) square feet in area and six (6) feet in height for all other roadway classifications.

An additional monument display structure may be permitted for multi-tenant commercial centers and shall be constructed of brick, stone, stucco or other high quality building material.

1. Range of Use
   The use of such monument signs must be limited to temporary signs announcing new stores, special events, and seasonal sales.
2. Placement
   Placement of said monument display shall be restricted to a landscape area located parallel and adjacent to the public right-of-way.
3. Size
   Monument display structures shall be limited to a maximum of four (4) feet in height and eight (8) feet in length.
4. Monument Banner Displays
   Monument banner displays shall obtain a zoning permit from the town planning department. All banners shall be secured to the display monument in such a manner to prevent flapping or other movement which may be distracting to motorist.

The Planning Director may grant an exception to the criteria in Section 9110.110 for the use of a banner display structure with an existing monument sign subject to the following:

1. The maximum banner sign area is limited to 18 square feet and shall be positioned no higher than four (4) feet above finished grade.
2. Banners are secured to the monument sign in such a manner to prevent flapping or other movement which may be distracting to motorist.
3. Existing sign is constructed of brick, stone, stucco, or other high quality building material.
4. Existing sign is not located within the existing or future sight triangle.
5. The decision of the Planning Director may be appealed to the Planning and Zoning Board in a quasi-judicial proceeding.

Off-Premises Signage for entertainment venue, sports venue, motion picture theater, theatrical playhouse, or meeting and gathering hall such as a conference center shall be authorized by zoning permit when in compliance with the following:

1. The venue can accommodate a minimum of 2,000 people or has documented annual attendance of 150,000 people through hosting regional and local completive sporting events; and
2. A maximum of two (2) freestanding signs per parcel is authorized when an off-premises sign is proposed; and
3. No off-premises sign may be located within a 1,000 radius of any other pre-existing off-premises sign.
4. Maximum height of off-premises sign shall be consistent with primary sign authorized on subject property as stated within this chapter; and
5. Maximum sign area for off-premises sign shall be 120 square feet in area; and
6. Off-premises sign is not located within the existing or future sight triangle, is a minimum of 10 feet from property line adjacent to right-of-way, and shall be a minimum of 50 feet from primary freestanding sign on the same property.

The following requirements are only for monument signs along the Indian Trail Road from Hwy 74 to Old Monroe Road and in the Downtown Overlay. Sample images are provided in Figure 900-1 below and an image summarizing the sign details are in Figure 900-2. The following requirements shall apply:

1. Allowed for businesses where the main entrance is setback at least 20 feet from the property line along Indian Trail Road.
   
2. No separate standards are provided for multitenant businesses in this downtown corridor. Also, no pole signs are permitted in this corridor.
   
3. Monument Sign Component 1 of 2: Sign Board Signs with the following specifications shall be mounted in a base and column masonry foundation structure as depicted in the examples below in Figure 900-1.
   1. Sign Width. The sign board shall have a four (4) -foot minimum and a six (6) -foot maximum width.
      
   2. Sign Height. The sign board shall have a height of three (3) feet.
      
   3. Number of Signs. One sign per street frontage with a maximum of 2 per lot. Residential subdivision entrances may have 2 per entrance.
      
   4. Signs shall have a border or molding and it shall not exceed three (3) inches in width.
      
4. Monument Sign Component 2 of 2: Structure Base and Side Border Cradling each monument sign will be a brick or flat stone base and side border meeting the following standards:
   1. The sign will have one side border (narrow column) that will be situated on the side closer to the building.
      
   2. The base and side border materials will be constructed of brick or flat stone. A side border cap, base shelf and/or banding no thicker than four (4) inches may be constructed of a second, contrasting masonry or stone color.
      
   3. The sign will be touching the side border and lower base structure with no gaps.
      
   4. The sides of the square side border will be matching dimensions on all sides with a maximum of two (2) feet wide.
      
5. Building main facades built up to the street sidewalk that is contiguous to the street curb, shall use a wall or projecting sign instead of a monument sign on the sidewalk.
   
6. In addition to the requirements listed above, the other sections of DIVISION 900 shall apply. For example, if the site does not have the required 20 feet of frontage, the sections on wall signs or projecting signs will apply.
   

Figure 900-1: Representative Images of Downtown Indian Trail Rd Corridor Monument Signs

Figure 900-2: Detail of Indian Trail Rd Corridor Monument Sign Standards

No sign (other than a ground mounted sign) within 100 linear feet of a preexisting residential structure may be illuminated between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 6:00 a.m. A residence shall be deemed “pre-existing” for purposes of this subsection if it had received a certificate of occupancy prior to the installation of such signage or on the effective date of this Ordinance had a valid building permit in place for its construction. Any residential structure constructed prior to the effective date of this Ordinance shall also be considered “pre-existing”.

A master signage plan shall include the following in booklet form:

1. Detailed designs of all proposed signs including the size, height, copy, materials, and colors of such signs.
   
2. Proposed number and location of signs.
3. Sign illumination plans.
4. Provisions for shared usage of freestanding sign(s).

A master signage plan shall be part of any development plan; site plan or other plan required for development and shall be processed simultaneously with such plan(s). A master signage plan shall be approved prior to the issuance of sign permit(s).

A master signage plan may be amended by filing a new plan, which complies with all the requirements of this Ordinance.

After approval of a master signage plan, no sign shall be erected, affixed, placed, painted or otherwise established except in conformance with such plan and such plan may be enforced in the same way as any other provisions of this Ordinance. In case of any conflict between the provisions of such a plan and any other provisions of this Ordinance, the Ordinance shall control.

Subject to the remaining restrictions of this section, nonconforming signs, other than off-premises advertising signs, that were otherwise lawful on the effective date of this ordinance, may be continued.

No person may engage in any activity that causes an increase in the extent of nonconformity of a nonconforming sign. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, no nonconforming sign may be enlarged or altered in such a manner as to increase the degree of nonconformity. Nor may illumination be added to any nonconforming sign.

A nonconforming sign may not be moved or replaced except to bring the sign into complete conformity with this ordinance.

If a nonconforming sign is destroyed by natural causes, it may not thereafter be repaired, reconstructed, or replaced except in conformity with all the provisions of this ordinance, and the remnants of the former sign structure shall be cleared from the land. For purposes of this section, a nonconforming sign is "destroyed" if damaged to an extent that the cost of repairing the sign to its former stature or replacing it will an equivalent sign equals or exceeds the value listed for tax purposes of the sign so damaged.

The message of a nonconforming sign may be changed so long as this does not create any new nonconformity (for example, by creating an off-premises sign under circumstances where such a sign would not be allowed).

Subject to the other provisions of this section, nonconforming signs other than off-premises advertising signs may be repaired and renovated so long as the cost of such work does not exceed, within any twelve-month period, 50% of the value listed for tax purposes of such sign.

If a nonconforming sign advertises a business, service, commodity, accommodation, attraction or other enterprise or activity that is no longer operating or being offered or conducted, that sign shall be considered abandoned and shall be removed within 30 days after such abandonment by the sign owner, owner of the property where the sign is located, or other party having control over such sign.

1. Removal of Off-Premises Advertising Signs
   All off-premises advertising signs (i.e. Billboards) erected and located in the Town’s jurisdiction shall be removed within five (5) years of the effective date of this Chapter.
   
2. Nonconformity Created by Extension of Territorial Jurisdiction
   All off-premises advertising signs (i.e. Billboards) that are made nonconforming by extension of the Town’s territorial or extraterritorial jurisdiction, shall be removed within five (5) years of the effective date of the extension.
   
3. Blank Off-Premises Signs
   Notwithstanding paragraphs 9140.090 and 9140.100 above, if an off-premises advertising sign (i.e. Billboard) remains blank for a continuous period of twelve months, that billboard shall be deemed abandoned and shall, within 30 days after such abandonment, be removed by the sign owner, owner of the property where the sign is located, or other person having control over such sign. For purposes of this section, a sign is “blank” if”:
   
   1. It advertises a business, service, commodity, accommodation, attraction, or other enterprise or activity that is no longer operating or being offered or conducted; or
   2. The advertising message it displays becomes illegible in whole or substantial part; or
   3. The advertising copy paid for by a party other than the sign owner or promoting an interest other than the rental of the sign has been removed.

All signs and all components thereof, including supports, braces, anchors, etc., shall be kept in a good state of repair, in compliance with all building and electrical codes and in conformance with the requirements of this Ordinance.

A sign which is determined by the Planning Director as being insecure, in danger of falling or otherwise endangering the public safety shall be immediately removed by its owner unless it is repaired and made to otherwise comply with the requirements of this ordinance.

If the message portion of a sign is removed, leaving only the supporting “shell” of a sign or the supporting braces, anchors, or similar components, the owner of the sign or the owner of the property where the sign is located or other person having control over such sign shall, within 30 days of the removal of the message portion of the sign, either replace the entire message portion of the sign or remove the remaining components of the sign.

The Town Manager shall appoint an enforcement officer. The enforcement officer or his appointee shall administer and enforce all provisions of this Chapter. The sign enforcement officer shall also have the following authority:

1. To issue a violation notice. A violation notice shall be delivered by certified mail, return receipt requested, or by such other method as allowed by law, to the owner of the sign in violation of the Chapter. Whenever the owner of the sign cannot be located and notified, such notice shall be delivered to the owner of record of the real property upon which the sign is located. The time period provided herein shall commence upon receipt of such violation notice. The violation notice shall contain the following:
   1. Identify the sign;
   2. Shall describe the nature of the violation;
   3. Refer to the section of the UDO violated;
   4. Specify in detail what action must be taken to correct the violation; and
   5. Specify a reasonable time limit of up to 15 calendar days within which the violation must be corrected.
2. To issue a compliance order for any sign or sign structure not corrected within the time allotted under the violation notice or for a prohibited sign or any temporary portable sign not permitted as established by this Chapter. A compliance order shall be delivered to the sign owner and to the owner of record of the real property upon which the sign is located in the same manner as set out for a violation notice and shall not be effective until received. The compliance order recipient shall be allowed 30 calendar days to remove the subject sign at the owner’s expense. The compliance order shall identify the sign and refer to the section of the UDO violated. Any recurring temporary portable sign violation(s) that occur within a six- (6-) month time period shall be deemed, for purposes of assessing a penalty, a continued violation.
3. To issue an unsafe sign notice. Should any sign or sign structure become imminently unstable or in danger of falling or otherwise unsafe, an unsafe sign notice shall be delivered to the sign owner or to the owner of record of the real property upon which the sign is located in the same manner as set out for a violation notice, except that the recipient of the notice shall immediately, in the case of imminent danger, secure or remove the sign in a manner to be approved by the sign enforcement officer in conformity with the provisions of this Chapter. If the condition prompting the notice is not corrected within 24 hours after receipt of the notice, the sign enforcement officer shall have the authority to remove the sign at the recipient’s expense.

Violation notices and compliance orders issued by the sign enforcement officer may be appealed to the Planning and Zoning Board in a quasi-judicial proceeding within 30 working days of receipt of notice. Pending appeal, the time limits set out in the notice or order shall be suspended. If the Planning and Zoning Board finds that the action of the sign enforcement officer has been taken for good cause and in accordance with this Chapter, it shall so declare and the time period for compliance shall run from the issuance of that board’s finding. If the Planning and Zoning Board sustains the appeal of the petitioner, no further action will be taken by the sign enforcement officer.

After due notice and order as provided above for any violation of the terms of this Chapter, the sign enforcement officer or the town attorney may issue a citation imposing a penalty of not more than $100.00 on the owner of the sign in question or on the owner of the record of the real property upon which the sign is located whenever the owner of the sign cannot be located and notified of such citation. In the case of continuing violation, each 24 hour period in which the violation exists shall constitute a separate violation. In addition to the above-described penalty, the Town may enforce this Section by any one or more of the remedies authorized by Chapter 160A-1753 of the General Statutes, with the exception of 160A-175(b).

1. The signs in the table are permitted with a permit as an accessory use to a principal permitted use in the respective districts.
2. Uses not indicated shall be placed in the category having similar uses by action of the Planning and Zoning Board in a quasi-judicial proceeding. At such time, sign requirements for such uses shall be established.
3. Permitted Sign Table—Residential Districts Business or identification signs in Residential Districts are subject to the following limitations:
   
   Table 900-6: Residential Business/Identification Sign Requirements
   

   Use Classification	Maximum Number	Maximum Sign Face Area (Sq. Ft.)	Allowed Sign Type	Maximum Height of Free-Standing Sign (Feet)
   Single-Family Home, Two-Unit Dwelling	1	1.5 sq. ft.	Wall	NA
   Multi-Family	2 per frontage	18	Wall	NA
   Residential Subdivision	2 per frontage	20	Ground	7
   Manufactured Home Park	1 per frontage	18	Ground	6
   Daycare Center* (Adult or Child Care)	1 per frontage	24 square feet	Wall or ground	6
   Public Schools* Union County Public Schools see Chapter 7250		64 sq. ft. including bulletin board	Ground	6
   Churches, Synagogues or other places of Worship	1 per frontage	32 sq. ft. including bulletin board	Ground	6
   *Institutional Uses may utilize manual changeable copy sign or LED Static Message Board.

4. Permitted Sign Table—Institutional Uses/Districts The following identification signs are permitted for Institutional Uses/Districts:
   
   Table 900-7: Institutional Sign Requirements (for Institutional Use or in Institutional District)
   

   Use Classification	Maximum Number	Maximum Sign Area (Sign Face)	Allowed Sign Type	Maximum Height of Free-Standing Sign (Feet)
   - Cemetery or Mausoleum - College or University* - Community Service Use or Center* - Convalescent and Nursing Home	3 total which includes any freestanding sign	Wall -10% of the front building façade square footage area not to exceed 250 square feet Freestanding – 32 square feet	Wall, Free-standing	6
   - Convention Facilities*	3 total which includes any freestanding sign	Wall -10% of the front building façade square footage area Freestanding – 64 square feet	Wall, Free-standing	15
   - Day Care Facility* (Adult or Child Care Centers)	3 total which includes any freestanding sign	Wall -10% of the front building façade square footage area not to exceed 250 square feet Freestanding – 32 square feet	Wall, Free-standing	6
   - Hospital*	3 total which includes any freestanding sign	Wall -10% of the front building façade square footage area not to exceed 250 square feet Freestanding – 64 square feet	Wall, Free-standing	10
   - Laboratory - Library* - Medical Facilities - Museums* - Non-profit Agency/Office - Offices - Public Parks/Open Spaces* - Public Utility, Major or Minor	1 per frontage	0.5 sq. ft. per linear foot of frontage not to exceed 100 sq. ft.	Wall, Ground, Free-standing	6
   - Recreation Facilities* (private golf courses and country clubs)	3 total which includes any freestanding sign	Wall -10% of the front building façade square footage area not to exceed 250 square feet Freestanding – 32 square feet	Wall, Free-standing	10
   - Religious Assembly* - Schools, Public or Private* (Union Co. Public Schools see Chapter 7250) - Social Service Agency	3 total which includes any freestanding sign	Wall -10% of the front building façade square footage area not to exceed 250 square feet Freestanding 64 sq. ft.	Wall, Free-standing	6
   - Government Buildings*	3 total which includes any freestanding sign	Wall -10% of the front building façade square footage area not to exceed 250 square feet Freestanding 64 sq. ft.	Wall, Free-standing	10
   - Emergency Response Facilities (Fire Department, Law Enforcement, etc.)	3 total which includes any freestanding sign	Wall -10% of the front building façade square footage area not to exceed 250 square feet Freestanding - 64 sq. ft	Wall and Freestanding	6 10 – in RBD
   *These Institutional Uses may utilize manual changeable copy sign or LED Static Message Board.

5. Permitted Signs for Business, Commercial, Industrial, Downtown Districts, and Certain Overlays The following signs are permitted in Business, Commercial, Industrial, and Downtown zoning districts; and certain overlays:
   
   Table 900-8: Sign Requirements for Business, Commercial, Industrial, and Downtown Districts; and Certain Overlays
   

   Standard	NBD, GBD Districts	Downtown Districts1, Mixed Use Activity Center Overlays, and Sub-Regional Activity Center Overlay		RBD District	L-I, H-I District
   Type of Signs	Freestanding, wall, or projecting signs
   Maximum Sign Area per business	Wall signs- 10% of front building or suite façade with primary building entrance for each business not to exceed 250 square feet in area for wall signs. Freestanding Signs- 32 square feet for freestanding signs or otherwise authorized in Chapter 9110.
   Institutional Uses	Refer to 9160.040D, Permitted Sign Table - Institutional Uses/Districts
   Maximum number of signs per business	Wall Signs- unlimited (not to exceed 10% of wall area for any given wall) Freestanding Signs- One per lot unless otherwise authorized in Chapter 9110.
   Maximum Freestanding Sign Height	10 multi-tenant centers 6 single tenant parcels	6 single tenant 10 multi-tenant center		6 ft., 20ft., or 25 ft. pursuant to Chapter 9110	6; 10 multi-tenant
   Internal Illumination	Yes, Allowed	Sign Type	Illumination	Y	Y
   		Monument/Freestanding	Internally- Back lit channel letters, open face channel letters, routed and backed panel.
   		Monument/Freestanding	Externally- Lighting fixtures shall be directed towards the sign.
   		Wall Signs and Projecting Signs	No- for signs approved after June 9, 2009.
   Commercial or Industrial Center Standards	Centers located outside of the RBD district are entitled to one multi-tenant center sign with a maximum of 100 sq. ft. One additional ground sign is permissible in accordance with Section 9110.080B. Each business within a center is authorized unlimited wall signs not to exceed 10% of any given wall area as indicated in the table above and a place on a multi-tenant sign consistent therewith the approved Sign Program for said Center. Centers located along Hwy 74/Independence Boulevard shall comply with Chapter 9110.
   Planned Industrial Parks or Office Parks	Two (2) freestanding Park Identification signs per entrance located behind right-of-way. Maximum height 7 feet. Maximum area of sign per monument 18 sq. ft.

   
   ¹ See "9110.020" for Downtown monument sign requirements.