Lancaster City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 1145
Sign Regulations
1145.01 PURPOSE.
Signs are an important mode of communication and should be permitted where safely and appropriately integrated into the surrounding areas within the City of Lancaster. This Chapter identifies various types of signs and the Zoning Districts in which each type of sign would be suitable. This Chapter also establishes time, place, and manner standards to help appropriately integrate the signs into the intended design and character of each Zoning District. It is further the intent of this Chapter to prevent signs from becoming a distraction or obstruction to the safe and efficient flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic and to prevent signs from having an adverse impact on adjacent properties or uses to help promote the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the City of Lancaster.
(Ord. 15-23. Passed 8-14-23.)
1145.02 REGULATIONS THAT APPLY TO ALL SIGNS.
(a) The following regulations apply to all Signs within the City of Lancaster:
(1) Unless otherwise exempted, a Zoning Clearance Permit shall be obtained prior to erecting any sign in any District. The following types of signs are exempt from obtaining a Sign Permit:
A. Signs not exceeding four (4) square feet in area that are customarily associated with a residential use. Signs associated with home occupations and/or special exceptions within said residential Districts shall not be exempt from these regulations.
B. Signs erected by a governmental entity for a recognized public purpose and duly authorized by any law, statute, or ordinance. Such signs include legal notices and traffic control devices, provided such signs carry no supplementary advertising.
C. Signs that are on the inside of a structure or building that are not affixed to the window and are typically not visible from outside the window. This does not include:
D. Signs which are in the nature of cornerstones, commemorative tables and historic designation, provided such signs are less than twelve (12) square feet in size and not illuminated.
E. Signs clearly in the nature of decorations customarily associated with a national, local or religious holiday. Such signs shall be of any illumination or animation provided that a safety and/or visibility hazard is not clearly created.
F. Flags or insignias of any governmental entity when not displayed as an advertising device or in connection with any commercial promotion.
(2) In all Districts, except the AG, RE, R-LD, and R-MD, a Comprehensive Sign Package, as defined in Chapter 1161
, shall be provided prior to the issuance of any Sign Permit. A sign shall comply with the Comprehensive Sign Package for said parcel(s) and these regulations in order for a Sign Permit to be issued.
(3) All signage and graphics shall be carefully coordinated with the building and architecture.
(4) Each building and unit, if applicable, shall have an address number that is clearly visible from the public right-of-way. Such signs shall not require a permit.
(5) No sign shall extend into the right-of-way, unless the City Engineer determines, upon demonstration from the applicant, that due to the location of the building or other physical characteristics of the lot, the erection of an alternate sign outside the right-of-way is not feasible. In such cases, said signs shall comply with the City of Lancaster Right-of-Way Ordinance - Chapter 901
Management, Administration, and Control Ordinance Governing the Use of Public Rights-of-Way - and a right-of-way permit shall be obtained.
(7) All signs and parts thereof, including any electrical wiring, shall be erected, constructed, and maintained so as to not constitute a safety hazard. The construction and installation of all signs shall be subject to inspection by the City and/or State of Ohio.
(8) Signs shall be maintained in good repair. Such maintenance and repair including, changes of copy, shall be permitted provided the size and structural shape of the sign is not changed or altered.
(9) Non-conforming signs shall be governed as a non-conforming structure subject to Section 1153
of this Ordinance.
(10) If any sign is found, upon inspection by the City Planner or designee, to constitute a hazard to public safety, such sign shall be subject to immediate removal by order of the City Planner or designee.
(11) No person or company shall install a sign requiring a permit unless the sign installer is a Registered Contractor with the City of Lancaster. The City may revoke a registration for failure to conform to all parts of this chapter. A registration fee shall be required of persons or companies installing a sign that requires a permit.
(12) Enforcement and Penalty - The enforcement and penalty of this Article shall be subject to Chapter 1155
of this Ordinance.
(Ord. 15-23. Passed 8-14-23.)
1145.03 PROHIBITED SIGNS.
(a) Any sign painted directly on the surface of a fence.
(b) Roof signs or roof mounted signs shall be prohibited. No part of any sign shall extend higher than the eave of any building, except when placed on the parapet of a building.
(c) Any sign that resembles or is intended to resemble a traffic control device or is located in such a manner so as to obscure or impact the effectiveness of such traffic control device or signal, pursuant to Ohio R.C. 4522.26 and Section 313.07
of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Lancaster.
(d) Any permanent or temporary sign located on a utility pole, public signpost or otherwise displayed within the public right-of-way, pursuant to Section 541.09
of the Codified Ordinances, except as may be specifically controlled herein.
(e) Feathered flags.
(f) Any sign that obstructs any part of a direct access doorway, exit or fire escape.
(g) Portable displays or mobile signs that are not anchored or secured so as to prevent collapse or unintended movement.
(i) Gas or air-filled devices, revolving or rotating signs, exposed neon signs, exposed LED signs, signs with flashing messages or bare bulbs, flashing or high intensity lights mounted on a sign, signs on backlit awnings, signs with moving text or pictures, bench signs, and trailer signs.
(j) Off-Premises signs.
(Ord. 15-23. Passed 8-14-23.)
1145.04 TYPES OF WALL AND FREESTANDING SIGNS.
The following graphic summarizes the various types of wall displays and freestanding signs. This graphic is for illustrative purposes only. The definitions for each type of signs Chapter 1161
. The size, height, and setback requirements (time, place and manner regulations) in this Chapter also apply to each type of sign (see referenced section numbers for application regulations).
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(Ord. 15-23. Passed 8-14-23.)
1145.05 GROUND MOUNTED SIGNS.
(a) Sign Table - 1 lists all Zoning Districts in which ground mounted signs are permitted. If a Zoning District is not listed, ground mounted signs are considered prohibited in said District. All ground mounted signs shall comply with the time, place and manner regulations Sign Table - 1. A sign permit shall be obtained prior to installing said sign.
(b) The maximum square footage in Sign Table - 1 applies to each sign face, and each sign face shall count towards the maximum size of the sign and total maximum square footage of all signs. There shall be a maximum of two (2) sign faces per sign.
(c) All ground mounted signs shall have a solid base consistent with the primary building material and have a minimum of fifty (50) square feet of landscaping around all sides of the ground mounted sign. Sign shall be affixed directly to a base having a width at least equal to that of the sign.
(d) Ground mounted signs shall not be permitted along rear access roads.
(e) The architecture of the sign base and sign face shall be coordinated with the overall architecture of the building(s) on the property.
Sign Table - 1 - Ground Mounted Signs
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*The following roads are existing developed corridors where new signs should be strategically placed to fit within the existing character of the area.
1. East Main Street from intersection of Pearl Avenue to the intersection of Kanawha Road.
2. Memorial Drive from the intersection of Main Steet Road to the intersection of Ety Road.
3. West Fair Avenue from the intersection of Memorial Drive to the intersection of Pierce Avenue.
Within these corridors, the City Planner or designee may administratively approve a sign that does not meet the minimum setback requirement for the applicable Zoning District as defined in Sign Table 1, provided any of the following criteria are met:
1. The location of existing building(s) on the lot where the proposed sign will be located, prevents the proposed sign from complying with the minimum setbacks for the applicable Zoning District as defined in Sign Table 1;
2. The location of the existing signs on the immediately adjacent lots are located in a manner that is less than the minimum setback requirements for the applicable Zoning District as defined in Sign Table 1, and the proposed sign location will maintain a consistent setback with the exiting signs on said adjacent lots.
In no such case shall City Planner or designee allow a new sign within these corridors to be placed less than five feet from the right-of-way line. Such action would require a variance through the BZA.
(f) Measurement of Ground Mounted Sign Area and Height:
(Ord. 15-23. Passed 8-14-23.)
1145.06 WALL SIGNS.
(a) Sign Table - 2 lists all Zoning Districts in which wall signs are permitted. If a Zoning District is not listed, wall signs are considered prohibited in said District. All wall signs shall comply with the time, place, and manner regulations Sign Table - 2. A sign permit shall be obtained prior to installing said sign.
(b) Each wall sign shall count towards the total maximum square footage of all signs.
(c) Wall signs may be erected on any building wall or extension of a building wall (i.e. parapet) which faces a street, parking lot, or service drive. Wall signs shall be attached parallel to the building face and may be extend outward perpendicular from the building face a maximum of fifteen (15) inches from the wall surface, however, an internally illuminated wall sign may be erected not more than twenty-four (24) inches from the wall surface, provided such distance is required for enclosure of the necessary electrical components.
Sign Table 2 - Wall Signs
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Measurement of Wall Sign Area and Height
(Ord. 15-23. Passed 8-14-23.)
1145.07 PROJECTING SIGNS.
(a) Sign Table - 3 lists all Zoning Districts in which projecting signs are permitted. If a Zoning District is not listed, projecting signs are considered prohibited in said District. All projecting signs shall comply with the time, place, and manner regulations Sign Table - 3. A sign permit shall be obtained prior to installing said sign.
(b) The maximum square footage in Sign Table - 3 applies to each sign face, and each sign face shall count towards the maximum size of the sign and total maximum square footage of all signs. There shall be a maximum of two (2) sign faces per sign.
(c) Projecting signs shall be scaled with the building design and shall blend with the architectural design of the building to which it is attached.
Sign Table - 3 - Projecting Signs
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Measurement of Projecting Sign Area and Height:
(Ord. 15-23. Passed 8-14-23.)
1145.08 AWNING SIGNS.
(a) Sign Table - 4 lists all Zoning Districts in which awning signs are permitted. If a Zoning District is not listed, awning signs are considered prohibited in said District. All awning signs shall comply with the time, place, and manner regulations Sign Table - 4. A sign permit shall be obtained prior to installing said sign.
Sign Table - 4 - Awning Signs
RT When Associated with a Special Exception | CBD, CN, CG, SI, AM | PUD | |
Maximum Number of Signs Per Business | 1 | 1 | Per Approved Development Plan |
Maximum Square Footage | 2 sf/lf of awning | 2 sf/lf of awning | Per Approved Development Plan |
Maximum Height (Feet) | 15 | 15 | Per Approved Development Plan |
Minimum Height (Feet) Section 1145.02(a)(4) will apply, if the proposed sign will project into the right-of-way | 8 | 8 | Per approved Development Plan |
Measurement of Awning Sign Area and Height:
(Ord. 15-23. Passed 8-14-23.)
1145.09 WINDOW SIGNS.
(a) Sign Table - 5 lists all Zoning Districts in which window signs are permitted. If a Zoning District is not listed, window signs are considered prohibited in said District. All window signs shall comply with the time, place, and manner regulations Sign Table - 5. A sign permit shall be obtained prior to installing said sign.
(b) Window signs do not count toward the maximum size of the sign and total maximum square footage of all signs.
Sign Table - 5 - Window Signs
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(Ord. 15-23. Passed 8-14-23.)
1145.10 PYLON SIGNS.
(a) Sign Table - 6 lists all Zoning Districts in which pylon signs are permitted. If a Zoning District is not listed, pylon signs are considered prohibited in said District. All pylon signs shall comply with the time, place, and manner regulations Sign Table - 6. A sign permit shall be obtained prior to installing said sign.
(b) The maximum square footage in Sign Table - 6 is per sign face. Each sign face shall count towards the maximum size of the sign and total maximum square footage of all signs. There shall be a maximum of two (2) Sign faces per sign.
Sign Table - 6 - Pylon Signs
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*The following roads are existing developed corridors where new signs should be strategically placed to fit within the existing character of the area.
1. East Main Street from intersection of Pearl Avenue to the intersection of Kanawha Road.
2. Memorial Drive from the intersection of Main Street to the intersection of Ety Road.
3. West Fair Avenue from the intersection of Memorial Drive to the intersection of Pierce Avenue.
Within these corridors, the City Planner or designee may administratively approve a sign that does not meet the minimum setback requirement for the applicable Zoning District as defined in Sign Table 1, provided any of the following criteria are met:
1. The location of existing building(s) on the lot where the proposed sign will be located, prevents the proposed sign from complying with the minimum setbacks for the applicable Zoning District as defined in Sign Table 1;
2. The location of the existing signs on the immediately adjacent lots are located in a manner that is less than the minimum setback requirements for the applicable Zoning District as defined in Sign Table 1, and the proposed sign location will maintain a consistent setback with the exiting signs on said adjacent lots. In no such case shall City Planner or designee allow a new sign within these corridors to be placed less than five feet from the right-of-way line. Such action would require a variance through the BZA.
(Ord. 15-23. Passed 8-14-23.)
1145.11 DRIVE THRU SIGNS.
(a) Signs accessory and adjacent to drive-thru food and beverage establishments, car washes, and other similar uses are subject to the following standards:
(1) One large drive-thru board shall be permitted per drive-thru lane. Said sign shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet, must be located a minimum of one (1) foot and a maximum of five (5) feet from the edge of pavement of the drive thru lane to which it serves and shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height.
(2) One medium drive thru board shall be permitted per drive thru lane. Said sign shall not exceed fifteen (15) square feet in area, must be located a minimum of one (1) foot and a maximum of five (5) feet from the edge of pavement of the drive through lane to which is serves and shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height.
(3) One small drive-thru sign board shall be permitted per drive through lane. Said sign shall not exceed two and half (2.5) square feet area, must be located on the drive thru speaker and shall not exceed five (5) feet in height.
(4) Drive thru board signs shall be permitted to have changeable copy electronic display messages provided the graphics and/or words on the sign change no more than once per car service. Video, flashing images or effects, or moving content shall be prohibited.
(b) Each sign face shall count toward the maximum size of the sign and total maximum square footage of all signs.
(Ord. 15-23. Passed 8-14-23.)
1145.12 WAY FINDING SIGNS.
There may be two way finding signs per access driveway connecting to a public or private street. Way finding signs shall be limited to a maximum height of three (3) feet, a maximum area of six (6) square feet per side and shall be located outside of the right-of-way and on the property of the user(s) of which they are identifying the entry or exit.
(Ord. 15-23. Passed 8-14-23.)
1145.13 TOTAL MAXIMUM SQUARE FOOTAGE OF ALL SIGNS.
The total maximum square footage of all signs shall not exceed the amounts listed in Sign Table - 7 below:
Sign Table - 7 - Total Maximum Square Footage for All Signs
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(Ord. 15-23. Passed 8-14-23.)
1145.14 BILLBOARDS.
Billboards shall be prohibited in all Districts except the CG and AM Districts. In the CG and AM Districts, billboards shall be considered special exceptions and shall not exceed four hundred (400) square feet in area (per sign face); shall be setback a minimum of two hundred (200) feet from the right-of-way, and a minimum one thousand five hundred (1,500) feet from any residential Zoning District or existing residential use. There shall also be a minimum of one thousand (1,000) feet between billboards. Billboards shall maintain a maximum height of forty-five (45) feet and not less than ten (10) feet above ground level of the surface directly below the sign. Notwithstanding the above, if the elevation of the roadway from which the billboard is intended to be viewed (as measured at the centerline of the roadway at the point in closest proximity to the billboard) is more than fifteen (15) feet different from the elevation of the ground level directly below the sign, then such roadway elevation shall be used for measuring the permitted height of the billboard. Billboards may be back-to-back, double faced, "V" type and/or multiple faced with not more than two (2) faces facing the same direction, and such structure shall be considered as one (1) billboard, provided that the area of all faces toward one (1) direction shall not exceed six hundred (600) square feet. In areas not adjacent to roadways on the Federal Aid Primary Highway System, billboards shall not have more than one (1) face per structure toward each direction. Nothing contained in this chapter shall prohibit the changing or alteration of the display surface of any billboard using mechanical, electronic, or other available technology.
(Ord. 15-23. Passed 8-14-23.)
1145.15 ENTRY FEATURE SIGNS.
Each development (residential or non-residential) that consists of more than one (1) lot or contains a multi-tenant building is permitted to have one Entry Feature Sign per entrance that does not exceed twenty (20) square feet (per side), fifteen (15) feet in height and setback a minimum of ten (10) feet from the right-of-way.
(Ord. 15-23. Passed 8-14-23.)
1145.16 SIGN LIGHTING.
(a) Sign lighting shall be consistent, understated, and properly disguised. One (1) of the following methods of lighting may be employed:
(1) A white, steady, stationary light that does not glare onto surrounding areas, is directed solely at the sign, and is otherwise prevented from beaming directly onto adjacent properties or rights-of-way.
(2) A white interior light with primary and secondary images lit or silhouetted on an opaque background. The background must be opaque. No additional background lighting or illuminated borders or outlines shall be permitted.
A. The color temperature of the sign lighting shall not exceed 4,000K.
B. The level of illumination emitted or reflected from a sign shall not be of an intensity sufficient to constitute a demonstrable hazard to vehicular traffic on any right - of - way or parking lot from which the sign can be viewed.
C. Light fixtures shall be screened from view by site grading or landscaping.
(Ord. 15-23. Passed 8-14-23.)
1145.17 TEMPORARY SIGNS.
(a) The following Temporary Sign regulations apply to all uses within all Zoning Districts:
(1) All temporary signs shall be prohibited within the right-of-way.
(2) Small Temporary Signs:
A. In residential Zoning Districts, two (2) small temporary signs shall be permitted per parcel per street frontage without a permit.
B. In all other Zoning Districts, the following small temporary signs shall be permitted:
1. Up to six (6) small temporary signs shall be permitted per parcel per street frontage without a permit. Each small temporary sign shall be eight (8) square feet in area or less and three (3) feet in height or less.
2. Temporary freestanding changeable copy signs shall be permitted only through the granting of a special exception permit. Said signs shall count toward the maximum number of temporary signs permitted on said property.
3. On all properties within the CN, CG and CBD Districts, folding portable A-frame signs shall be permitted provided such signs are secured and/or anchored so as to prevent accidental collapse or unintended movement, are eight (8) square feet in area or less, and are three (3) feet in height or less. Such signs shall count toward the maximum number of temporary signs permitted on said lot.
(3) Two (2) large temporary signs, including banners, shall be permitted per parcel provided a sign permit is issued in accordance with the following regulations. Large temporary signs and banners shall be subject to the following restrictions:
A. Shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height.
B. Shall not exceed forty (40) square feet in area (per sign face).
C. Banners shall be secured to prevent movement which would allow any portion of the banner to extend into the right-of-way. Pennants and streamers are only as temporary signs. Each banner shall count toward the maximum number of temporary signs permitted for said lot.
D. On parcels of five (5) acres or less, such signs shall be displayed for no more than thirty (30) consecutive days and no more than three (3) times per calendar year. A new permit must be obtained for each thirty (30) day or less period. After said permits have been exhausted, the City Planner or designee may grant one (1) extension for up to ninety (90) days per sign. No other extensions may be administratively approved and must be approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals. On parcels that are greater than five (5) acres, such signs may be displayed for up to three-hundred and sixty-five (365) days. Upon the expiration of this permit, the City Planner or designee may grant one (1) extension up to an additional one-hundred eighty (180) days. No other extensions may be administratively approved and must be approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals.
E. The sign permit number for large temporary signs must be printed on the sign in a visible location.
(4) Small and large temporary signs shall not count toward the total maximum square footage of signs permitted on a lot as designated in Section 1145.13.
(Ord. 15-23. Passed 8-14-23.)
1145.18 CHANGEABLE COPY AND ELECTRONIC MESSAGE DISPLAY.
(a) These Changeable Copy and Electronic Message Display standards are applicable to all signs, except as follows:
(1) Drive thru menu boards since the purpose of these boards is to service those utilizing the drive through lane, and cars are typically stopped to view said sign.
(2) Video screens on individual gas pumps since the purpose of these devices is to service those outside of a stopped vehicle; and
(3) Any sign that is located along a state or federal highway and is regulated by the state of Ohio.
(b) All other changeable copy and electronic messaging displays shall:
(1) Be limited to fifty percent (50%) of the overall sign area.
(2) The electronic display shall comply with the following requirements:
A. Any digital display containing animation, streaming video, or text or images that flash, pulsate, move or scroll is prohibited.
B. The digital display may change, but it must transition by changing instantly with no transition graphics (e.g., no fade in/no fade out).
C. The duration of the digital display shall not be less than (8) seconds.
D. The brightness of all digital signs shall be reduced to sixty percent (60%) at dusk. In no case shall the brightness of the sign, that abuts a residential Zoning District, exceed a maximum of 0.3 footcandles above ambient light levels, as measured from the base of the sign.
(3) Signs shall be maintained in good repair. Such maintenance and repair, including changes of copy, shall be permitted, provided the size and structural shape of the sign is not changed or altered.
(Ord. 15-23. Passed 8-14-23.)
1145.19 MURALS AND WALLSCAPES.
(a) Original Art Mural Requirements ("Mural"). Original art murals and wallscapes that meet all of the following requirements shall be issued a Special Exception permit by the Board of Zoning Appeals:
(1) Original Art Murals ("mural") and wallscapes are permitted as Special Exception only in the CBD, CN, CG, SI, and AM. Original Art Murals and wallscapes are also permitted as part of an approved development plan in a PUD.
(2) A mural or wallscape shall not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the wall area to which it is painted or attached.
(3) The mural or wallscape shall remain in place without alteration, for a period of five (5) years. The applicant shall certify in the permit application that the applicant agrees to maintain the mural or wallscape in accordance with this regulation.
(4) The applicant, if different from the property owner, must obtain an affidavit from the building's owner giving permission for the applicant to adhere the mural or wallscape to the building.
(5) There shall be no more than one mural or wallscape per parcel or per building, whichever is more restrictive.
(6) Murals and wallscapes shall only be permitted on sides and rear elevations and shall be prohibited on front elevations of buildings.
(7) No part of the mural or wallscape shall exceed the height of the structure to which it is tiled or painted.
(8) The materials or paint utilized to create the mural or wallscape shall be weatherproofed or resistant to wear.
(9) The mural or wallscape shall be properly maintained through repair and paint, or any necessary treatment so as to prevent decay. Defective or insufficient weather protection for exterior treatments and facades, including fading paint or materials or graffiti shall be promptly repaired or shall otherwise be subject to the violation provisions in this Ordinance.
(10) Murals or wallscapes on properties within the Historic Overlay District must obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Review Board prior to the Board of Zoning Appeals issuing a Special Exception permit for a mural or wallscape.
(11) Murals or wallscapes that would result in a property becoming out of compliance with any other City Ordinance shall be prohibited.
(12) Ghost and Vintage Art Murals. All murals created prior to the date of adoption of this Ordinance shall be considered existing non-conforming and may be maintained in accordance with Chapter 1153
of this Ordinance.
(Ord. 15-23. Passed 8-14-23.)
1145.20 SIGN PERMITS AND ADMINISTRATION.
(a) Permit Required. No sign, except as exempted in Section 1145.02(
a)(1) shall hereafter be erected, constructed, or maintained within the City of Lancaster unless a permit for the same has been issued by the City Planner or designee. Application for a permit to construct or erect a sign shall be made by the owner of sign or the property upon which the sign is proposed, or their agent. An application for a permit to erect a sign shall contain, at a minimum and drawn to scale;
(1) The dimensions and weight of the sign, and where applicable, the dimension of the wall surface of the building to which it is to be attached.
(2) The dimension and weight of the sign's supporting members.
(3) The maximum and minimum height of the sign.
(4) The proposed location of the sign in relation to the face of the building, in front of or above which it is to be erected.
(5) Where the sign is to be attached to an existing building, a diagram of the face of the building to which the sign is to be attached.
(6) A color rendering of the proposed sign image.
(7) The name and address of the user, or owner of the sign and the location of the sign.
(8) The name and address of the sign installer. In addition, if the proposed sign requires an installation permit from the State of Ohio, a copy of such permit shall be provided prior to erection of the sign.
(b) Action on Sign Permit. The City Planner or designee shall issue a sign permit upon submittal of a completed application and payment of applicable fees if he/she determines that the provisions of this chapter have been met. If the application for a sign permit is denied, the applicant shall be given written notice of such denial, along with the reasons, therefore.
(c) Appeals. Any decision made by the City Planner or designee under the terms of this chapter may be appealed to the Board of Zoning Appeals in the manner set forth in Chapter 1157
of the Codified Ordinances.
(Ord. 15-23. Passed 8-14-23.)