Lyme City Zoning Code
ARTICLE 22
Signs
§ 315-22.1 Sign permit required.
No sign shall be established, constructed, reconstructed, enlarged, extended, moved, or structurally altered unless and until a sign permit therefor shall have been issued.
§ 315-22.2 Definitions.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
A freestanding sign larger than 20 square feet.
A self-supporting sign not attached to other structure, wall or fence and in a fixed location.
Any sign which is artificially illuminated, either externally or internally.
A sign which is attached to a wall or a building in such a manner that its leading edge extends more than six inches beyond the surface to which it is attached.
Any display of lettering, logos, colors, lights, luminous tubes or other graphic representation visible to the public from outside the property and which intends to draw the public's attention thereby, including sign, illustration, insignia, lettering, picture, display, banner, pennant, flag, painting or other device.
Any sign which is not permanently affixed to a structure or ground and is intended to be displayed for a limited period of time.
§ 315-22.3 Exempt signs.
The following signs do not require a permit under this article. Exempt signs are subject to the limitations of § 315-22.4 regarding prohibited signs.
A.
Public signs. Signs of a noncommercial nature and in the public interest, required under state or federal law, authorized by a public officer, such as traffic signs, safety signs, directional signs, memorial plaques, signs of historical nature and the like.
B.
The flags, pennants or insignia of any nation, or nonprofit organization, provided that they may be subject to review by the Commission relative to public safety hazards.
C.
Posting of "No Trespassing" and "No Hunting" signs and ownership identification signs such as land trust properties. These signs are exempt from the provisions prohibiting attachment to trees and fences.
§ 315-22.4 Prohibited signs.
The following signs are prohibited:
A.
No sign shall be attached to a tree, fence or utility pole, or painted or drawn on a rock or other natural features, or painted upon the wall or roof of a building.
B.
No sign, including its support structure, shall protrude above the building peak or the maximum prescribed building height.
C.
Projecting sign. No sign shall project beyond any property line or intrude into yard setbacks, excluding the following: projection up to 15 inches into a driveway or pedestrianway provided the height exceeds 10 feet and presents no hazard.
D.
No sign shall have a pulsating, rotating or intermittent illuminating device and including moving signs such as banners, streamers, ribbons, spinners, pennants, and strings of lights, except emergency lights.
E.
Continuous strip lighting of structures.
F.
Any sign that presents a hazard to public health or safety.
G.
Billboards and inflatable signs.
H.
Any vehicle or trailer exhibiting any sign and parked in such a manner as to be an advertisement device for products or activities related to the same or nearby property or premises. This subsection is not intended to prohibit a normal form of signage or lettering attached to a bus or commercial vehicle.
I.
Off-premises real estate signs are not permitted.
§ 315-22.5 Temporary signs.
No more than two temporary signs advertising special sales or events, not exceeding three square feet each, may be displayed on the premises; temporary signs shall not be illuminated; temporary signs may be attached to a window or placed so as to be seen primarily through a window subject to the restriction that the combined area of such signs shall not exceed 40% of the window area and such signs shall not be in place for more than 30 days. Temporary signs do not require a sign permit.
§ 315-22.6 Signs in Rural Districts.
A.
The following signs are permitted in Rural Districts:
(1)
One sign not exceeding three square feet in area bearing the name and occupation of the occupant.
(2)
One sign not exceeding three square feet in area advertising the premises for sale or rent, or advertising a construction or repairing operation being carried out on the premises, while such sign is on display.
B.
No sign shall be constructed, reconstructed, enlarged, extended, moved or structurally altered in such a manner so as to move or rotate mechanically or be illuminated by a light source which visibly flashes, oscillates or otherwise automatically changes in intensity or color, nor shall any sign be permitted which calls the attention of the general public to any commercial activities, services or products not available on the premises where the sign is located.
§ 315-22.7 Sign standards for Commercial and Waterfront Business Districts.
Sign illumination shall be floodlighting, or with luminous background silhouette signs with opaque letters. Direct and intense or glaring light shall not be visible at streets, adjacent properties or public watercourses. All sign lighting shall be directed downward and screened from neighboring properties. Illuminated signs associated with a business establishment shall not be lit during the hours between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. unless the establishment is legally open for business.
A.
On any lot there may be only one freestanding sign and with a combined area not exceeding 20 square feet.
B.
Any sign hanging from a wall of a building shall not exceed an area of 10 square feet.
C.
The total area of signs attached to or hanging from any wall of a building shall not exceed 10% of the area of such wall or 30 square feet, whichever is smaller.
D.
All signs shall be maintained in a secure and safe condition. Any sign which is no longer associated with a bona fide business or activity on the premises shall be removed.
E.
Other provisions respecting signs may be imposed in connection with a special permit or the approval of a development plan.
§ 315-22.8 Applications for sign permits.
Applications for sign permits shall be made to the Zoning Enforcement Officer and shall include the following: