For purposes of determining number of signs under this section, a sign shall be considered to be a single display surface or display device containing elements organized, related and composed to form a unit. Where matter is displayed in a random manner without organized relationship of elements, or where there is reasonable doubt about the relationship of the elements, each element shall be considered to be a single, separate sign.

For purposes of determining the surface area of a sign under this section, surface area shall be computed as including the entire area within a regular geometric form or combinations of regular geometric forms comprising all of the display area of the sign, and including all of the elements of the matter displayed; provided, however, that 50% of the total surface area of both sides of a freestanding sign or a projecting sign that is substantially perpendicular to the road or walkway and that contains identical content on both sides so as to permit observation of its messaging from either direction shall be excluded from such calculation. Frames and structural members not bearing letters, words, numbers, figures, emblems, logos, or pictures shall not be included in computation of surface area.

All exterior signs must be constructed of durable materials, shall be lettered in a professional and workmanlike manner and shall be maintained in good condition and repair at all times. Exterior signs and posters made of cardboard, paper or similar nonpermanent material are prohibited except for temporary signs.

All illuminated signs shall be constructed such that all transformers, wires and similar items shall be concealed. All wiring to freestanding signs shall be underground.

Excepting portable and temporary signs, all signs and their structures shall be securely anchored and constructed to prevent lateral movement that would cause wear on supporting connections.

Signs and their structures must be kept clean, neatly painted and free from all hazards, such as but not limited to faulty wiring and loose fastenings. Signs and their structures must be maintained at all times in such a safe condition as not to be detrimental to the public health or safety.

No sign shall be placed in or projected onto the public right-of-way or placed so as to impair visibility for motorists. Signs shall not project over adjoining property lines.

Wall signs shall not extend above the roof or parapet of the building, shall not extend beyond the ends or over the top of the walls to which attached and shall not extend more than nine inches from the face of the buildings to which they are attached.

The height of a freestanding sign shall not exceed 30 feet.

Monument- or masonry-type signs or bases shall not exceed four feet in height.

The following signs are permitted in any zoning district:

In addition to any other signs permitted under this chapter, a place of worship, museum, library, school or government office shall be permitted to have a bulletin board not exceeding 24 square feet.

Business signs in a General Commercial, Central Commercial, Commercial-Residential, Commercial-Recreational, or Commercial-Industrial District. In the General Commercial, Central Commercial, Commercial-Residential, Commercial-Recreational, or Commercial-Industrial zoning districts, any legally established business use not constituting a home occupation, a home-based business, a short-term rental, a boardinghouse, self-storage facility, or a business located within a multibusiness complex, shopping center, or mall, shall be permitted to have the following signs in addition to those permitted by § 205-17B(11):

Illuminated signs shall be shielded in such a way as to produce no glare, undue distraction, confusion or hazard to the surrounding area or to vehicular traffic. Illumination shall be properly focused upon or from within the sign itself.

Signs which are animated, flashing or with intermittent illumination are prohibited.

Feathered flag, tear drop flag and blade flag signs are prohibited.

No sign shall contain content that is obscene.

A multi-business complex, shopping center, or mall shall be permitted one freestanding sign not exceeding 24 square feet, plus 10 square feet for each individual business space therein; provided, however, that in no event shall the total surface area of such freestanding sign exceed 75 square feet, nor shall the total height of the freestanding sign exceed 30 feet.

Notwithstanding anything else to the contrary contained in this § 205-17, a multi-business complex, shopping center, or mall shall be permitted one sign not exceeding 24 square feet for each individual business space therein, each such sign being attached to the building and located 18 inches or less from the building face and being located in general proximity to each individual business space.

Each temporary sign shall not exceed six square feet in surface area.

Each temporary sign shall be located no closer than six feet from any roadway.

Temporary signs shall not be attached to any tree, utility pole, or road sign.

No temporary sign shall be displayed during any calendar year for more than two display periods, each of which shall not exceed 30 consecutive days and which display periods shall be at least 60 consecutive days apart.

Historical markers.

Integral decorative or architectural features of buildings, except letters, numbers, trademarks, moving parts or moving lights.

Signs not in excess of two square feet in size that identify hours of operation.

Nonilluminated signs not in excess of two square feet in size that demark a property's boundaries.

Address signs not in excess of two square feet in size on multiple dwelling units.

Nonilluminated signs on the interior sides of fences which enclose athletic fields, as well as on scoreboards contained within such athletic fields.

Window and door signs and posters, provided that such do not exceed 25% of each window/door surface.

Any existing on-premises sign which was legally constructed and erected under the sign provisions or other regulations set forth in the Zoning Code, Town Code or which was granted a variance may be continued and maintained; provided, however, that such sign may not be moved, altered, enlarged or modified unless such sign is changed to a conforming sign. Once modified or changed, such sign may not be changed back into a nonconforming sign.

All other signs in existence on the effective date of this chapter shall be made to conform to the standards herein or shall be removed within 60 days after receipt of written notice from the Zoning Enforcement Officer to the owner to comply.