(a)

The intent of the zoning ordinance, in regulating signs as specified in this article and elsewhere through this document, is to:

(1)

Encourage the effective use of signs as a means of communication in the town through size and location appropriate to each district; to maintain and enhance the aesthetic environment by limiting the number and size of signs; to maintain and enhance the town's ability to attract sources of economic growth and development; to promote vehicular and pedestrian traffic safety; to minimize the possible adverse effect of signs on nearby property; to regulate the use of sign elements that detract from or are not in keeping with historic Roanoke Island, such as luminescent or iridescent paints; to ensure that locally owned businesses are not placed at an unfair advantage and to prevent homogenization of the island's landscape by regulating distinctive shapes and colors such as roofs when used as branding for franchises or chains; and to assist visitors in locating natural, historic and cultural attractions on the island through clear and consistent signage and other way-finding tools.

(2)

It is the intent in allowing and regulating murals to encourage and embrace the artistic community in Manteo. Permitted murals should embrace Manteo's heritage or Ranoke Island landscape. The murals subject should not be able to be construed as signage and should not be representative of the business where it is located.

(b)

These regulations are set forth so as to:

(1)

Maintain or enhance the public health, safety, and welfare;

(2)

Maintain or enhance the value of adjacent property or be a public necessity;

(3)

Comply with the general intent of the respective zoning district for the physical development of the area; and

(4)

Contribute to the traditional village-like atmosphere of the historic town.

(Ord. of 9-14-2005, § 18.1; Ord. No. 2009-4Z, 1-7-2009)

No sign or outdoor advertising structure shall hereafter be erected or attached to, suspended from, or supported on a building or structure nor shall any existing sign or outdoor advertising structure be structurally altered, remodeled or relocated until a zoning permit for same has been issued by the zoning administrator.

(Ord. of 9-14-2005, § 18.2)

All signs and outdoor advertising structures shall be constructed and designed according to generally accepted engineering practices, to withstand wind pressures and load distribution as specified in the North Carolina Building Code, as amended.

(Ord. of 9-14-2005, § 18.3)

Each sign or outdoor advertising structure subject to the regulations of section 18-2 may be subject to inspection by the building inspector for the purpose of assuring that the structure is maintained in a safe condition. When a sign or outdoor advertising structure becomes structurally unsafe, the building inspector shall give written notice to the owner of the sign or outdoor advertising structure that the sign or outdoor advertising structure be made safe or removed within ten days of receipt of such notice.

(Ord. of 9-14-2005, § 18.4)

All signs or outdoor advertising structures in which electrical wiring and connections are to be used shall require a permit and shall comply with the electrical code of the State of North Carolina and be approved by the building inspector. All lighting must be oriented or shielded so that light and glare reflect away from streets and adjacent property and in accordance with article XIX.

(Ord. of 9-14-2005, § 18.5)

(a)

Off-premises signs, with the exception of historic signs, are prohibited in the town.

(b)

No sign or outdoor advertising structure shall be erected or maintained which is a copy or imitation of an official highway sign and carrying the words "STOP" or "DANGER." No sign shall be erected or maintained which involves flashing or intermittent red, green, or amber illumination and is in direct line of vision with any traffic control signal or resembles a traffic control signal or sign.

(c)

Any sign or outdoor advertising structure that obstructs corner visibility or visibility at a driveway between a height of three and eight feet within the triangular area formed by the intersecting street right-of-way lines (and/or driveway entrance) and a straight line connecting points on said street lines (and/or driveway entrance) each of which is 25 feet distant from the point of intersection. Vertical elements will be allowed so long as no more than five percent of the area between three and eight feet is obstructed on all rights-of-way (and/or driveway entrances).

(d)

Any sign to be posted on any telephone, or electric light poles or on any tree along any street; provided, that this shall not apply to any street name sign.

(e)

Any sign or outdoor advertising structure that obstructs ingress and egress to any window, door, fire escape, stairway, ladder, or opening intended to provide light, air, ingress, or egress for any room or building as required by law.

(f)

Any sign or outdoor advertising structure that violates any provision of any law of the State of North Carolina relative to outdoor advertising.

(g)

No outdoor neon lighting is allowed.

(h)

No sign, business sign, or outdoor advertising structure shall be erected which contains, employs, or utilizes lights or lighting which rotates, flashes, moves, or alternates, or gives the appearance of the same.

(i)

No sign shall be located within a public right-of-way or within 30 feet of the centerline of any public thoroughfare are, except as provided in sections 18-8, and 18-9.

(j)

No advertising sign or business sign shall be located within 100 feet of any historical site or monument.

(k)

No sign shall be placed on the roof of any structure nor higher that the lowest portion of the ceiling, inside or out, and under no circumstances shall a sign be placed on a parapet or canopy.

(l)

Any roof or canopy of any structure designed as branding for a franchise, or so distinctive by color and/or shape as to be associated with a franchise, is considered to be a sign and is prohibited in order that local and national businesses are granted the same amount of allowable sign area.

(m)

The use of luminescent, reflective, Day-Glo, iridescent, electroluminescent, light emitting diode (LED) and similar paints and materials is prohibited on buildings, structures and signs visible from any public right-of-way. This restriction shall not apply to street identification signs, government installed signs, official traffic control signs and signs used for evacuation and emergency purposes.

(n)

Banners used in lieu of permitted signs for longer than two weeks are prohibited unless such banners are attached to the light poles at the limits of the area of a college, university or community college campus.

(o)

Sandwich boards are prohibited on sidewalks and public rights-of-way.

(Ord. of 9-14-2005, § 18.6; Ord. No. 2020-08Z, § III(Pt. IV), 11-18-2020)

(a)

An indirectly lighted nameplate or professional sign not over one square foot in area and attached flat against the building shall be permitted in association with an incidental home occupation.

(b)

Temporary real estate signs:

(1)

Off premises. Shall not exceed three square feet in area, directing the way to premises which are for sale, rent, or lease; provided such signs shall be neatly painted or printed.

(2)

On premises. One temporary real estate sign or two for a corner lot not exceeding six square feet in area, advertising the sale, rent, or lease of the premises on which located; provided, such sign shall not be less than 15 feet from any street or lot line, shall not be illuminated, shall be neatly painted and maintained, and shall be removed within 14 days after the property has been sold, leased, or rented.

(c)

Directional signs not over four square feet in area indicating the location of churches, schools, hospitals, parks, scenic or historic places, or other places of general interest. Any such sign and mounting shall not exceed three feet in total height.

(d)

One name or bulletin board not exceeding 12 square feet for any permitted church, school, or other semipublic institution, which sign or board may be indirectly lighted and shall be set back at least 15 feet from the property line.

(e)

Temporary non-illuminated signs not exceeding six square feet in area advertising the general contractor, contractor, subcontractor, architect, landscape architect, or other such professional persons or organizations engaged in or associated with the lawful construction, alteration, remodeling, or demolition of any building or use; provided, that such signs shall be limited to one to each organization involved and shall be set back from the property line at least 15 feet or the distance of the minimum front yard, whichever is the less restrictive, and provided further, that all such signs shall be removed before 14 days after the completion of the general contract.

(f)

One sign not to exceed two square feet in area announcing the owner, occupant, location, or name of a dwelling unit.

(g)

Non-illuminated signs not more than 36 square feet and not more than six feet high announcing the name of a subdivision or group housing project located on the premises at major entrances, provided that such signs are neatly constructed and maintained, limited to announcing only the name of the subdivision or group housing project, and do not obstruct corner visibility.

(h)

One sign advertising the rental of a residential structure shall be allowed. Such sign shall be affixed to only the building and not the porch of the residence and shall not exceed two square feet in area.

(Ord. of 9-14-2005, § 18.7; Ord. No. 2016-01Z, 3-2-2016)

(a)

For each lot, tract, or parcel in business use in the B-1, village business district, the following signs are permitted:

(1)

Wall signs placed against the exterior walls of a building shall not extend more than six inches beyond the building and shall not exceed 24 square feet or signs attached to any porch, porch ceiling, balcony, or railing, not to exceed 24 square feet, on each facade of the business entity;

(2)

Only one freestanding sign per lot may be located on the ground and shall not exceed 24 square feet in sign area or 12 feet in height above street grade, except that for a lot which has frontage on more and one public right-of-way, there may be two such signs, neither of which may exceed 24 square feet in sign area nor oriented toward the same right-of-way;

(3)

Roof signs or roof lighting shall not be permitted;

(4)

Window signs shall be placed only inside a commercial building and shall not exceed 25 percent of the glass areas of the window upon which the sign is displayed;

(5)

Projecting signs may not exceed 16 square feet of sign area and may project from the building over the street right-of-way, alley, or other public space, provided the sign does not extend beyond a vertical plan 24 inches inside the curb-line, and the bottom clearance of such sign shall at least eight feet above the finished grade of the sidewalk along the street;

(6)

Directional signs, when required, shall not exceed four square feet;

(7)

No internally lighted signs allowed; and

(8)

Dock signs, not exceeding two feet by two feet, may be permitted to be attached to a dock piling. One dock sign per business entity is allowed. There shall be no signs attached to the public boardwalk.

(9)

Freestanding menu signs may be placed only within the footprint of the building (including porches and decks) may be two-sided, and shall not exceed seven square feet per side including frame and support. Freestanding menu signs must be brought in at close of business.

(10)

One sign advertising the rental of a residential structure shall be allowed. Such sign shall be affixed to only the building and not the porch of the residence and shall not exceed two square feet in area.

(b)

The town may erect freestanding informational signs or kiosks on public property in the B1, village business district. A sign shall not exceed 36 free standing square feet in area (per side) and shall be pedestrian oriented. A kiosk may have up to five sides and may have a roof. The sign area of any side of the kiosk shall not exceed 24 square feet in area and shall be pedestrian oriented.

(c)

On buildings in which more than one business is located, the preceding wall signs are permitted on the portion of the facade that physically corresponds to the business inside the building. A facade is generally one of four exterior walls and its balconeis, porches and railings. Wall signage in interior courtyards and passageways is not regulated by this section.

(Ord. of 9-14-2005, § 18.8; Ord. No. 2008-1Z, 3-5-2008; Ord. No. 2011-01Z, 1-5-2011; Ord. No. 2016-01Z, 3-2-2016)

(a)

For each lot, tract, or parcel in business use in the B-2, general business district, the following signs are permitted:

(1)

Wall signs placed against the exterior walls of a building shall not be internally illuminated shall not extend more than six inches beyond the building and shall not exceed 24 square feet or signs attached to any porch, porch ceiling, balcony, or railing, not to exceed 24 square feet, on each facade for each business entity;

(2)

Only one freestanding sign per lot may be located on the ground and shall not exceed 36 square feet in sign area, including structure, or 16 feet in height above street grade, except that for a lot which has frontage on more and one public right-of-way, there may be two such signs, neither of which may exceed 36 square feet in sign area, including structure, nor oriented toward the same right-of-way;

(3)

Roof signs or roof lighting shall not be permitted. Signage on canopies, canopy walls, and canopy supports or other components of a canopy is prohibited;

(4)

Window signs shall be placed only inside a commercial building and shall not exceed 25 percent of the glass areas of the window upon which the sign is displayed;

(5)

Projecting signs, including attached flags carrying a message for each business entity, may not exceed 16 square feet of sign area and may project from the building over the street right-of-way, alley, or other public space, provided the sign does not extend beyond a vertical plan 24 inches inside the curb-line, and the bottom clearance of such sign shall at least eight feet above the finished grade of the sidewalk along the street; and

(6)

Directional signs, when required, shall not exceed four square feet.

(7)

Freestanding menu signs may be placed only within the footprint of the building to (including porches and decks) may be two-sided, and shall not exceed seven square feet per side including frame and support. Freestanding menu signs must be brought in at close of business.

(8)

College, university or community college campuses may have one sign consisting of a brick wall or other structure consistent with the architecture of the site and of appropriate size to accommodate 150 square feet of sign area. The structure of the sign shall be designed by a licensed professional engineer. Although the sign or its letters may have backlighting, such sign may not be lighted from an internal source and may not protrude from the associated structure more than six inches. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, other signs may be placed at the campus entry points in accordance with the existing zoning ordinance.

(b)

The town may erect freestanding informational signs or kiosks on public property in the B-2, general business district. A sign shall not exceed 36 square feet in area (per side) and shall be pedestrian oriented. A kiosk may have up to five sides and may have a roof. The sign area of any side of the kiosk shall not exceed 24 square feet in area and shall be pedestrian oriented.

(c)

On buildings in which more than one business is located, the preceding wall signs are permitted on the portion of the facade that physically corresponds to the business inside the building. A facade is generally one of four exterior walls and its balconeis, porches and railings. Wall signage in interior courtyards and passageways is not regulated by this section.

(Ord. of 9-14-2005, § 18.9; Ord. No. 2008-1Z, 3-5-2008; Ord. No. 2011-01Z, 1-5-2011; Ord. No. 2020-08Z, § III(Pt. V), 11-18-2020)

(a)

For each lot, tract, or parcel in business use in the B-3 and B-4 zones the following signs are permitted:

(1)

Wall signs placed against the exterior walls of a building shall not extend more than six inches beyond the building and shall not exceed 24 square feet or signs attached to any porch, porch ceiling, balcony, or railing, not to exceed 24 square feet, on each facade for each business entity;

(2)

Only one freestanding sign per lot may be located on the ground and shall not exceed 36 square feet in sign area, including structure, or 16 feet in height above street grade, except that for a lot which has frontage on more and one public right-of-way, there may be two such signs, neither of which may exceed 36 square feet in sign area, including structure, nor oriented toward the same right-of-way;

(3)

Roof signs or roof lighting shall not be permitted. Signage on canopies, canopy walls, and canopy supports or other components of a canopy is prohibited;

(4)

Window signs shall be placed only inside a commercial building and shall not exceed 25 percent of the glass areas of the window upon which the sign is displayed;

(5)

Projecting signs, for each business entity, may not exceed 16 square feet of sign area and may project from the building over the street right-of-way, alley, or other public space, provided the sign does not extend beyond a vertical plan 24 inches inside the curb-line, and the bottom clearance of such sign shall at least eight feet above the finished grade of the sidewalk along the street;

(6)

Directional signs, when required, shall not exceed four square feet;

(7)

No internally lighted signs allowed; and

(8)

It is the intent of this ordinance that all freestanding signs are externally lighted. Their height shall not exceed four feet in height, measured from average grade.

(9)

Freestanding menu signs may be placed only within the footprint of the building to (including porches and decks) may be two-sided, and shall not exceed seven square feet per side including frame and support. Freestanding menu signs must be brought in at close of business.

(b)

The town may erect freestanding informational signs or kiosks on public property in B-3 and B-4. A sign shall not exceed 36 square feet in area (per side) and shall be pedestrian oriented. A kiosk may have up to five sides and may have a roof. The sign area of any side of the kiosk shall not exceed 24 square feet in area and shall be pedestrian oriented.

(c)

On buildings in which more than one business is located, the preceding wall signs are permitted on the portion of the facade that physically corresponds to the business inside the building. A facade is generally one of four exterior walls and its balconeis, porches and railings. Wall signage in interior courtyards and passageways is not regulated by this section.

(Ord. of 9-14-2005, § 18.10; Ord. No. 2008-1Z, 3-5-2008; Ord. No. 2011-01Z, 1-5-2011)

(a)

The United States flag shall be exempted from these restrictions but the length of the flag shall not exceed one-quarter the height of the flagpole in size.

(b)

Colorful festive flags that are attached to the structure and carry a message are exempted from these restrictions in R-2, R-2M, R-5, B-1, and B-4. In B-2 and B-3 flags are considered part of the signage.

(c)

Flags and signs that are exempt from these restrictions shall not exceed 20 square feet in area.

(d)

Municipal holiday decorations are exempt from these restrictions.

(e)

Building cornerstones and tablatures, which are not business oriented are exempt from these regulations.

(f)

Murals approved by the planning and zoning board and the board of commissioners. Murals may not have images representative of the business. Murals shall reflect Manteo's heritage or Roanoke Island landscape and may be representational or nonrepresentational.

(g)

Political campaign signs are allowed without a permit, on private property and in the right-of-way of state-maintained roads, in all districts subject to the following standards:

(1)

For purposes of this section, "political campaign sign" means any sign that advocates for political action and does not include commercial signs.

(2)

Political campaign signs may not exceed six square feet in total size.

(3)

Political campaign signs may be located on private property with prior permission of the owner.

(4)

Political campaign signs may be erected within specified proximity of polling places, under rules established by the Dare County Board of Elections.

(5)

Political campaign signs placed in the right-of-way of state-maintained roads must comply with N.C. Gen. Stat. § 136-32.

(6)

Placement of political campaign signs in the right-of-way of town maintained roads is permitted subject to the following conditions:

a.

Permission from any property owner fronting the right-of-way must be obtained prior to placing a sign;

b.

No sign shall be closer than three feet from the edge of the pavement of the road;

c.

No sign shall obscure motorist visibility at an intersection;

d.

No sign shall be higher than 42 inches above the edge of the pavement of the road;

e.

No sign shall obscure or replace another sign.

(7)

All political campaign signs may only be erected during the period 30 days before early voting begins, and must be removed within ten calendar days following the election or referendum to which such signs pertain.

(Ord. of 9-14-2005, § 18.11; Ord. No. 2009-4Z, 1-7-2009; Ord. No. 2015-01Z, 4-1-2015)

(a)

Temporary banners promoting specific activities of nonprofit organizations within the town or of primary interest to the town may be located within a right-of-way, provided:

(1)

At any given time no more than two banners are placed on US 64/264 and no more than one banner is placed within the B-1 district.

(2)

Placement time to be limited to 14-day intervals. An applicant may succeed himself for an additional two weeks provided no other organization has requested the same time and location (not to exceed 28 days).

(3)

Banner length shall be determined by the Roanoke Island Commission Standards.

(4)

All applications are subject to review by the planning and zoning board and said board shall act as the approval authority on all applications, reserving the right of denial of any application for good and sufficient reasons.

(5)

Permit applications will be reviewed and permits issued in the order in which they are received.

(b)

The zoning administrator may delegate this responsibility to the Roanoke Island Commission.

(c)

The town may erect vertical banners that are attached to poles, not to exceed 30 inches wide and 90 inches long, with the approval of the town commissioners. The vertical banners must be installed at least eight feet above grade and may not project over the curb line.

(Ord. of 9-14-2005, § 18.12)