Lincoln City Zoning Code
ARTICLE VI
Signs
§ 260-34 Signs permitted in all districts.
The following signs are permitted in all zoning districts:
A.
Nameplates: One sign, no greater than 1.5 square feet in area, displaying the name and address of the occupant or identifying a permitted use or accessory use. Only one sign per use or dwelling unit is allowed.
B.
Government signs: Signs erected by or on behalf of any federal, state, or local government agency, for official traffic control, informational signs, hazard warning signs, legal notices, railroad crossing signs or other similar required signs.
C.
Temporary signs:
(1)
Political signs incidental to a Town, state, or federal election or referendum, or signs political in nature. Such signs shall not be illuminated. Also see § 260-40 for additional requirements.
[Amended 10-19-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-11]
(2)
Real estate signs for the sale, rent, or lease of the property on which they are located. The sign shall be removed within seven days of the date of occupation of the unit advertised. In residential districts, the sign shall not exceed 12 square feet; in Business, Manufacturing and Commercial Recreation Zones, the sign shall not exceed 32 square feet.
(3)
Charity signs for events by nonprofit or charitable organizations, provided that the sign is not erected for more than 30 days prior to the event and is removed within seven days of the conclusion of the event. Such signs shall be limited to 32 square feet in area. Such signs must be reviewed by the Zoning Enforcement Officer before being installed.
(4)
Seasonal sponsor signs located at athletic/recreational fields that are used for the benefit of a youth sport league, provided that such signs are only displayed from April 1 to October 31, be no larger than 24 square feet in area, be installed in a secure manner to eliminate movement from wind/weather conditions and be maintained in good condition throughout the display period, and also provided that permission is given by the Town's Recreation Department as to the installation and location of the seasonal sponsor signs.
[Added 11-24-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-15][1]; amended 11-29-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-5]
[1]
Editor’s Note: This ordinance also provided for the renumbering of former Subsection C(4) as Subsection C(5).
(5)
Other temporary signs may be permitted for no longer than 15 days, and may be no larger than 60 square feet. Such signs must be reviewed by the Zoning Enforcement Officer before being installed.
D.
Announcement boards used to announce activities or events for institutional uses listed in § 260-11, Government and institutional uses. Such signs shall be located on the premises of that listed use. The sign shall not exceed 20 square feet in area.
§ 260-35 Signs prohibited in all districts.
The following signs are prohibited in all zoning districts except as provided in § 260-35:
A.
Safety hazard: Signs determined by the Zoning Enforcement Officer to constitute a hazard to traffic or public safety by reason of size, location, or type of illumination.
B.
Flashing: Signs containing an intermittent or sequential light source. Exposed neon-type lighting shall not be allowed on exterior of buildings.
C.
Projecting over street right-of-way: Nongovernment signs erected over a street right-of-way. This would not include temporary banner-type signs allowed by the governing Highway Department.
D.
Overnight illuminated signs: Signs shall not be illuminated between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. or during the period from 1/2 hour after closing time to 1/2 hour before opening time. Written permission is required from the Zoning Enforcement Officer if between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
§ 260-36 Residential districts.
Additional permitted signs:
A.
For an allowable use, other than a dwelling [uses in § 260-9A, B, and C (three or fewer units)], one sign no greater than 20 square feet.
B.
For an allowable use, other than a dwelling [uses in § 260-9A, B, and C (three or fewer units)], one sign greater than 20 square feet, but less than 40 square feet may be granted by a special use permit. In making this determination, the Zoning Board of Review shall also consider, without limitation:
(1)
The residential nature of the surrounding lots.
(2)
The aesthetic compatibility of the sign with the surrounding lots and structures.
C.
For a lawfully maintained, nonconforming use, one sign no greater than 20 square feet.
(1)
Location. A sign in a residential district shall be placed no closer than six feet to any lot line.
(2)
Illumination. Signs in a residential district shall be illuminated only by a continuous white light. This illumination shall be placed such that it is directed away from adjacent lots. No illumination shall be allowed between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
§ 260-37 Commercial districts.
A.
Additional permitted signs.
(1)
One sign attached to the primary building, for each permitted use; or
(2)
One freestanding sign, not itself an integral part of or attached to the primary building, per lot shall be permitted.
B.
Maximum sign area.
(1)
The maximum area of all signs on the premises shall be limited to 64 square feet.
(2)
In calculating the sign area, the following shall be used:
(a)
The entire area within the polygon enclosing the extreme limits of the graphic or writing;
(b)
Any frame or other material forming an integral part of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the background;
(c)
Excluding necessary supports or uprights on which the sign is placed.
(3)
Larger signs may be permitted by a special use permit. The Zoning Board shall also include, without limitation, the following factors in making its decision:
(a)
The aesthetic impact of the sign on the roadside;
(b)
The total amount of sign area on the premises;
(c)
The visibility of the use.
C.
Location of signs.
(1)
Signs shall not project above the roofline of the main use.
(2)
Freestanding signs shall not project more than 20 feet above average ground level, measured within a fifteen-foot radius of the sign.
(3)
No sign shall be placed within 50 feet of a residential district boundary.
(4)
All signs for the use must be contained on the lot that the use is performed.
D.
Lighting of signs. Signs may be illuminated by any conventional method except that no revolving, moving spotlights, or exposed neon lights shall be permitted. Signs which are lit by stationary flood or spotlights shall be so oriented that the light is directed away from any adjacent properties and street rights-of-way.
§ 260-38 Commercial Recreation Zones (CR-1, CR-2).
A.
Additional permitted signs.
(1)
A sign no larger than 20 square feet.
(2)
Signs larger than 20 square feet in area may be allowed by a special use permit.
(3)
No sign shall be placed within 50 feet of a residential district boundary.
B.
Lighting of signs. Signs may be illuminated by any conventional method except that no revolving, moving spotlights, or exposed neon lights shall be permitted. Signs which are lit by stationary flood or spotlights shall be oriented so that the light is directed away from any adjacent properties and street rights-of-way.
§ 260-39 Village Commercial Mixed Use Zones (VCMU).
A.
Additional permitted signs.
(1)
One sign attached to the primary building, for each permitted use; or
(2)
One freestanding sign, not itself an integral part of or attached to the primary building, per lot shall be permitted.
B.
Maximum sign area.
(1)
The maximum area of all signs on the premises shall be limited to 32 square feet.
(2)
In calculating the sign area, the following shall be used:
(a)
The entire area within the polygon enclosing the extreme limits of the graphic or writing;
(b)
Any frame or other material forming an integral part of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the background;
(c)
Excluding necessary supports or uprights on which the sign is placed.
(3)
Larger signs may be permitted by a special use permit. The Zoning Board shall also include the following factors in making its decision:
(a)
The aesthetic impact of the sign on the roadside;
(b)
The total amount of sign area on the premises;
(c)
The visibility of the use.
C.
Location of signs.
(1)
Signs shall not project above the roofline of the main use.
(2)
Freestanding signs shall not project more than 20 feet above average ground level, measured within a fifteen-foot radius of the sign.
(3)
All signs for the use must be contained on the lot that the use is performed.
D.
Lighting of signs. Signs may be illuminated by any conventional method except that no revolving, moving spotlights, or exposed neon lights shall be permitted. Signs which are lit by stationary flood or spotlights shall be so oriented that the light is directed away from any adjacent properties and street rights-of-way.
§ 260-40 Political signs.
[Amended 10-19-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-11]
In a campaign for public or private office, the candidate for such office shall be deemed responsible for the posting of political signs. In a campaign regarding a ballot measure, the president or chief officer of the committee supporting or opposing such ballot measure shall be deemed responsible. The candidate, chief officer or committee president shall be liable to pay any fees or costs for the removal of illegal signs.
A.
All political signs shall be placed on private property with the permission of the property owner.
B.
No political signs shall be placed on public property.
§ 260-41 Enforcement.
A.
A permit shall be obtained for the erection of all signs except.
(1)
Temporary real estate signs;
(2)
Temporary political signs;
(3)
Nameplates;
(4)
Government signs.
B.
The requirements of this article shall be enforced by the Zoning Enforcement Officer. The Zoning Enforcement Officer shall provide written notice to the person and/or persons responsible. Each day that any sign remains in violation of this section shall constitute a separate violation. Failure to remedy any violation 24 hours after notification shall result in a fine not exceeding $50, and $200 for any subsequent violation. Unabated violations shall be referred to the Town Solicitor for further action as provided by law.