Newtown City Zoning Code
ARTICLE VII
Signs
§ 550-38 Sign types.
Sign letter, nameplate, identification, poster, billboard, public display, object, or illustration, structure or device used for visual communication which is affixed, painted, projected, or placed upon a building, post, sidewalk, or other surface, whether inside or outside, for the purpose of bringing any subject to the attention of the public, or which advertises or identifies a business, commodity, service, product, or structure.
A.
Freestanding sign. A sign permanently supported by upright or uprights that are permanently anchored into the ground. This may have two display sides.
B.
Wall sign. A sign mounted parallel to the face of a building or wall and not projecting above the eaves of the structure and not more than 12 inches from the plane or facade of the building or wall.
C.
Window sign. A sign permanently affixed to a storefront window which can be seen through the window, containing only the name of the establishment and the type of establishment. A "storefront window" shall be defined as a ground floor or first story window which is located in the main door to an establishment or on the same side of the building where the main door to the establishment is located, or in the side of a building which faces a public street, right-of-way, or public parking lot.
D.
Directory sign. A sign advertising a group of establishments occupying one property or one building, with the name of the property or building and the names of the individual establishments located within the property or building.
E.
Projecting sign. A sign that is dependent on a building for support and which projects more than 12 inches from the building, including an awning sign. Whenever a canopy or awning is affixed with any lettering, design, symbol, or made from any special material that is intended to be or by its nature is an identification of a business, the applicable measurable area of the awning or canopy is a projecting sign.
F.
Portable sign. Any sign which is not affixed to a location on a building or structure or on the ground, including, but not limited to, sandwich boards, easels, posters and A-frame signs.
[Amended 1-4-2016 by Ord. No. 746]
§ 550-39 Procedures.
A.
The erection of a sign is regulated and requires a permit unless a sign is specifically exempt from regulation. The erection shall include any building, construction, attachment, hanging, suspension, alteration, repair, repainting, removal, relocation, and demolition of a sign of any type.
C.
The Borough Zoning Officer will provide applications for sign permits, fee information, inspection requirements, and application requirements dealing with submission of drawings and construction information.
§ 550-40 General sign regulations.
A.
Area of a sign.
(1)
The area of a sign shall include all lettering, wording, and accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background, whether open or enclosed, on which it is displayed but not to include any supporting framework, bracing, or decorative trim which is incidental to the copy content of the display itself. The height or other dimensions of the supporting framework, bracing or decorative trim shall not exceed the requirements of this chapter, and the area of the supports, bracing or trim shall not increase the total sign size by more than 10% of the allowable sign area.
(2)
In the computation of square foot area of a double-faced sign, only one side shall be considered, provided all faces are identical in size and content and are parallel to each other. No signs with more than two faces are permitted.
(3)
In any case where a sign is supported by more than one means and could be construed as being more than one sign type (projecting, wall, freestanding, or window), the area and height restrictions for the most restricted type of sign shall apply.
B.
Height of a sign.
(1)
The maximum height to the top of a freestanding sign shall be measured from the ground level where the sign is mounted. The height of an earth mound on which a sign is mounted shall be included in the allowable height.
(2)
No sign or part of a sign may extend above the eaves of a sloping roof or the roofline of a flat roof or a mansard roof.
C.
Location of signs.
(1)
No sign shall be placed in such a position as to endanger traffic on a street by obscuring view or by interfering with official street signs or signals by virtue of position, color, or reflective surface.
(2)
A sign located along the right-of-way of a state or federal highway shall comply with all requirements of the state or federal government relating thereto, in addition to all requirements of this chapter.
(3)
No sign may interfere with a clear sight area, as defined by this chapter.
(4)
Projecting signs. The lowest edge of a projecting sign shall not be less than 7 1/2 feet above the sidewalk or ground level elevation.
(5)
Signs shall be placed no less than four feet from the front lot line and no less than 20 feet from a side lot line, except in the Town Center District where signs may be placed closer to front and side lot lines. Within the Town Center District signs shall be placed on the building side of the sidewalk and not on the street side of the sidewalk, except for official governmental or Borough signs.
D.
Illumination of signs. The only illumination permitted for signs shall be illumination from an external light focused on the sign. A light illuminating a sign shall be arranged so that the source of the light is not visible from any point off the lot and that only the sign is illuminated. No internally illuminated signs are permitted and no use of LED displays, diodes, or self-illuminating signs are permitted.
E.
Construction of signs.
(1)
Supports for a sign or sign structure shall conform to the requirements set forth in the Borough Building Code.
(2)
Signs using electricity shall be installed in conformance with the latest Newtown Borough Electric Code.
(3)
Every sign permitted in this chapter must be constructed with durable materials and must be kept on good condition and repair or must be removed.
F.
Window signs. A window sign may be painted onto the interior or exterior of a storefront window and/or made of lettering material which is permanently affixed to a storefront window and shall be first reviewed for a recommendation by the Newtown Borough Board of Historical Architectural Review and for approval by Newtown Borough Council if located with the Historic District; or if the storefront window is not in the Historic District, the window sign shall be considered for approval by Borough Council.
G.
Signs in the Historic District. In the Historic District, the following regulations shall apply in addition to all other regulations herein.
(1)
A certificate of appropriateness shall be obtained from the Borough pursuant to Chapter 314, Historic Districts, for the use, erection, structural repair, alteration, moving, removal, repainting, or demolition of any sign for any use in the Historic District.
(2)
Application shall be made to the COA Administrator and the application shall be reviewed by the Borough prior to the issuance of a sign permit.
§ 550-41 Exempt signs.
A.
No sign permit for exempt signs is needed, but an application must be made pursuant to Chapter 314, Historic Districts, for signs in the Historic District and a certificate of appropriateness is required.
B.
The following signs, to the extent indicated, are exempt from the requirement of obtaining a sign permit but shall be erected only in accordance with the standards set for these signs:
(2)
"No trespassing" sign. A sign not exceeding two square feet, indicate the prohibition or control of fishing, hunting, trespassing, etc., or a sign indicating a private road.
(3)
Residential identification sign. A sign, not exceeding two square feet bearing only the property number, street address, and/or names of the occupants of the residence, or the name of the dwelling. The sign shall be unilluminated.
(4)
Government flag or insignia. Local, state or federal government flags are permitted provided that they do not exceed a size of six feet by 10 feet and are affixed to a pole no higher than 25 feet.
[Amended 1-4-2016 by Ord. No. 746]
(5)
Legal notice, provided the notice shall be removed immediately after the legal requirement is satisfied.
(6)
Information sign. An information or public service sign indicating hours of operation, credit institutions, availability of a public telephone, or directions to an entrance or parking areas, is permitted, provided that the sign area does not exceed one square foot and that there shall be no more than two signs of this type per property. Permitted in TC, V-1, V-2, B-1 and B-2 Districts only.
(7)
Cornerstone.
(8)
Barber pole. Revolving barbershop pole sign, provided that it does not exceed 36 inches in height and that it is erected only in conjunction with a barbershop.
[Amended 11-10-2020 by Ord. No. 773]
(9)
Temporary signs of mechanics, artisans, contractors, or architects. A temporary sign erected and maintained during the period any of the above is performing work on the property. No one sign shall exceed six square feet. Only one sign may be erected for each business or contractor. There shall be no more that four such signs displayed on the property at any one time. No illumination is permitted.
(10)
Temporary window sign. A sign or signs displayed on the inside surface of a window for the purpose of advertising a sale, grand opening, new products or services. Temporary window signs may have a total combined sign area of no more than four square feet. A "grand opening" sign may be in place no longer than 15 days. The applicant shall inform the Zoning Officer of the time period during which the "grand opening" sign will be in place.
(11)
Yard sale sign. An on-site sign advertising a yard sale. Sign shall not exceed four square feet in area and remain up only during the sale but in no case longer than seven days. No more than two yard sale signs shall be permitted per year per property. One sign only shall be permitted per property. No illumination is permitted.
(12)
Official and governmental signs including safety signs, signs indicating points of interest, historical plaques, public parks or recreation facilities, private parks, signs identifying official Borough buildings or facilities. Signs identifying Borough buildings, police stations, or other Borough facilities may be illuminated by exterior lights focused on the sign.
(13)
Decorative flags. Flags that are decorative and contain designs marking seasons, holidays, or the general nature of a business are permitted. Flags shall be displayed only during hours that a business is in operation, and shall be no larger than three feet by five feet. The lowest edge of a flag shall be not less than 7 1/2 feet above the sidewalk or ground level elevation.
[Amended 1-4-2016 by Ord. No. 746]
(14)
Political signs. Signs advertising political parties or candidates for public office and signs advertising political opinions, interests, or positions may be erected or displayed and maintained, provided that:
[Amended 10-12-2021 by Ord. No. 779]
(a)
The signs are erected or displayed by the owner or lessee of the parcel of real property on the parcel or by the candidate, political party or other authorized agent of either of them, with the express permission of the owner or lessee of the parcel of real property; or in a public forum.
(b)
The erection of political signs permitted by this section by the owner or lessee of the parcel of real property, candidate, political party or other authorized agent shall not require a permit or other approval.
(c)
The erection of political signs shall not block vehicular sight triangles or interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic. Any signs that block vehicular sight triangles or interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic shall be removed by the Borough. The Borough shall not be responsible for the storage or return of any sign that is removed pursuant to this section.
(15)
Activity signs for community groups. A sign advertising a civic, social, community or fund-raising gathering or activity, provided:
(a)
A sign may be erected no earlier than 30 days prior to the activity to which the sign relates.
(b)
The sign application shall specify sign locations.
(c)
The applicant shall obtain written permission to erect such signs from all property owners involved and from the Borough.
(d)
The size of any such sign shall not exceed 24 square feet. In the historic district the size shall not exceed eight square feet.
(e)
No more than one sign shall be permitted on a single property.
(f)
The sign shall be removed within 48 hours after conclusion of the event.
§ 550-42 Prohibited signs.
The following signs are prohibited:
A.
Any sign that states that a property may be used for a nonpermitted use.
B.
Any sign which flashes, rotates, revolves or oscillates, with the exception of barber poles.
C.
Any movable message signs or letters, or signs with internally generated messages or symbols. Any sign that is illuminated by the use of neon or any form of exposed tubes or bulbs or any other internal illumination.
D.
Any novelty sign, including but not limited to an object (e.g., tire, automobile, food product, etc.), except that novelty signs may be permitted in the Historic District, provided that the applicant demonstrates to the HARB's satisfaction that such proposed novelty sign has qualities reflective of novelty signs utilized in this region historically.
E.
Any roof sign, i.e., any sign placed above the roofline of a flat roof or the lowest point of eaves of a sloping and mansard roof.
F.
Any sign placed or maintained in such a manner as to interfere with any electric light, power, telephone or cable wires or the supports thereof.
G.
Any sign which imitates any official traffic sign, signal or device.
H.
Any sign that interferes with an official highway sign.
I.
Any banner sign (cloth or plastic or other flexible material sign which is suspended on a building, window, or other supports), except for the annual display of a temporary activity sign approved by the Borough Council to identify a Borough community or public service event, or the recognition of a major award to a Borough business.
[Amended 1-4-2016 by Ord. No. 746]
J.
Any suspended or attached pennant which blows in the wind or a spinner which spins in the wind.
K.
Any signs on wheels.
[Amended 1-4-2016 by Ord. No. 746]
L.
Any vehicle or trailer which is parked on a public right-of-way or on public or private property so as to be visible from a public right-of-way, which has attached thereto or located thereon any sign or advertising device for the basic purpose of providing advertisement of products or directing people to a business or activity located on the same or on another property.
M.
Except as provided in § 550-44G of this chapter, any off-premises sign except governmental signs and directory signs for service organizations and places of worship and except temporary activity signs and political signs as permitted herein.
N.
Any sign nailed or in any way attached to a tree or utility pole, except a banner may be attached to a light pole in the Town Center District, provided that a) the banner is permitted in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and all other applicable codes of Newtown Borough, b) the proposed banner and related facilities do not violate any rules or regulations of any applicable utility, and c) the Borough Council approves in advance the request and the method of installation. Borough Council may attach any reasonable conditions to any such approval, including without limitation the length of time the banner may be attached to the light pole, to ensure compliance with this chapter.
§ 550-43 Temporary signs requiring a permit.
A.
Sign for property sale or rent. A sign advertising the sale or rental of a property upon which the sign has been erected or a sign indicating that the property has been sold or rented.
(1)
A sale or rent sign shall be erected only on the property to which it relates.
(2)
The area of the sign shall not exceed six square feet.
(3)
No more than one sign shall be placed on any one property.
(4)
The sign shall be removed promptly upon settlement or upon execution of the lease.
(5)
Only one permit shall be required of a real estate agency within any one calendar year.
(6)
Signs advertising a development of more than one dwelling unit erected by a builder or developer or real estate agent may be erected, provided that the sign is placed on the property to which it relates and that it does not exceed a size of 20 square feet.
B.
Portable signs.
[Added 1-4-2016 by Ord. No. 746]
(1)
Applicability.
(a)
Portable signs meeting the requirements of this subsection shall be permitted for businesses with individual first floor storefronts in the Town Center (TC), Village Conservation (V-1), Village Gateway (V-2), and Business Gateway (B-1) Districts.
(b)
Portable signs may be located on private property or within a public right-of-way, and shall be in compliance with the minimum clearances established by this subsection, state law, and other applicable regulations.
(c)
A single business shall be permitted use of only one portable sign.
[1]
Businesses on the first floor or above each other sharing the same storefront and public entrance may share the portable sign.
[2]
Failure to demonstrate good faith collaboration in the use of a shared portable sign may result in revocation of the portable sign permit for all the businesses affected.
(d)
Simultaneous use by a business of a portable sign, banner, fixed freestanding sign/kiosk, sales rack or table, or other means of showing or selling goods shall not be permitted. Only one of these devices may be displayed at any time.
(2)
Time of use and placement.
(a)
Portable signs shall be displayed outside only during the business's hours of operation.
(b)
Portable signs shall not be placed within the public right-of-way for the duration of a declared snow emergency.
(c)
Portable signs in the public right-of-way shall be located directly adjacent to the front wall of a building and within 10 feet of the business's public entrance.
(d)
Placement shall not impede the use of accessible ramps, or block building entrances, exits, and fire egress routes.
(e)
Placement shall allow a minimum of 48 inches of unobstructed sidewalk clearance between the sign and any fixed structure, obstruction, or the juncture of the sidewalk and curb. These include, but are not limited to, light poles, sign posts, waste receptacles, raised planters, fire hydrants, posts and bollards, steps and stoops, and tree/planting wells (measured from the outer edge of raised or flush curbing).
(3)
Design and management.
(a)
The color, fixed letter style, symbols, and materials of a portable sign's permanent design elements shall complement and be compatible with the design of the business's primary sign(s), adjacent properties, and the general streetscape in the immediate vicinity.
(b)
Height shall be a maximum of 36 inches and width shall be a maximum of 24 inches. Sign area per side shall not exceed six square feet, including legs or base components.
(d)
Attachments, such as flyers, ribbons, and balloons, shall not be affixed to portable signs.
(e)
No corporate logos or trademarks other than the business's own graphic design elements shall be displayed on a portable sign.
(g)
Display of a portable sign requires an initial sign permit application and fee and, additionally, an annual permit renewal fee thereafter to maintain the permit.
[1]
Prior to issuing the initial permit for a portable sign, the Borough Zoning Officer shall review the permit application for completeness and compliance with the requirements of this subsection.
[a]
The Borough Zoning Officer may request further review and recommendations by the Borough Planning Commission prior to issuing a portable sign permit.
[2]
Upon issuance of a portable sign permit, the applicant shall be provided a sign permit number to be displayed in two-inch high bold sans serif numerals placed in the lower left corner of each sign face.
(h)
Failure to obtain the required permit shall result in removal by Newtown Borough of any unauthorized portable sign.
(i)
Failure to maintain a portable sign in good working condition and in compliance with this chapter shall result in its removal by Newtown Borough and revocation of the permit.
(j)
Any person or business entity, including, but not limited to, a property owner, renter, user, and/or possessor, who shall violate any of the provisions of this chapter shall, upon summary conviction thereof, be punishable by a minimum fine of an amount equal to the sign permit application fee then in effect for the Borough of Newtown. Each violation of any of the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed to be a separate and distinct offense. Every day that a violation of this chapter continues shall constitute a separate and distinct offense. When second and/or subsequent violations are committed by the same person or entity within a twelve-month period, the fine shall be double the amount of the then current sign permit application fee in effect in Newtown Borough for each separate and distinct offense.
(k)
Proof of adequate liability insurance coverage with a minimum limit of $1,000,000 for each occurrence shall be provided when applying for a permit to display a portable sign, and shall be resubmitted annually with the permit maintenance fee to ensure that the policy remains in effect.
§ 550-44 Permanent signs requiring a permit.
A.
Residential uses.
(1)
Individual dwelling unit. A sign that identifies an individual dwelling unit does not require a permit and shall be erected in accordance with the provisions of exempt signs - residential identification sign.
(2)
Individual buildings containing multiple dwelling units. A sign that identifies an individual building containing multiple dwelling units. The sign may identify only the property number, street address and/or the name of the building for a multiple-family dwelling development.
(a)
Number. No more than one sign shall be placed on any one building unless the building is located on a corner lot in which case a sign may be erected on each street frontage.
(b)
Type: awning, freestanding, projecting, or wall.
(c)
Size: maximum of eight square feet.
(d)
Height of freestanding sign: maximum of five feet.
B.
Religious, educational, recreational, and institutional uses.
(2)
Number. No more than one sign except for corner properties where one sign is permitted along each street frontage.
(3)
Type: freestanding, projecting, or wall.
(4)
Size: 16 square feet maximum for buildings located 35 feet or more from the cartway of the street at the street line; 12 square feet maximum for buildings located less than 35 feet from the cartway of the street at the street line.
(5)
Height of freestanding sign: five feet maximum.
(6)
Announcement board. In addition to the provisions for signs above, one announcement board may be placed on the property for the purpose of announcing events. An announcement board is permitted for the following uses only: place of worship, school, library or museum, emergency services. Size shall not exceed 12 square feet.
C.
Office, retail, service, and other commercial uses - individual use of property.
(1)
Uses. A sign that identifies an individual use that does not share occupancy of a property with any other use listed in this subsection and which does not share a common building entrance with any other use.
(a)
Office.
(b)
Medical office.
(c)
Community center.
(d)
Day care service.
(e)
Retail or service business.
(f)
Financial establishment.
(g)
Commercial recreation and entertainment.
(h)
Restaurant.
(i)
Restaurant with drive-through.
(j)
Repair shop.
(k)
Inn.
(l)
Motor vehicle service station.
(m)
Motor vehicle repairs.
(n)
Funeral home.
(2)
Sign options for the uses listed above. In addition to temporary window signs not requiring a permit [§ 550-41B(10)] and one information sign not requiring a permit [§ 550-41B(6)], only one of the following sign options is permitted:
(a)
One wall sign with a total sign area equal to no more than one square foot of sign area for each linear foot of building length measured along the front of the building, but not exceeding a maximum of 30 square feet; or
(b)
One wall sign plus one projecting sign. The projecting sign shall not exceed 12 square feet. The total area of both signs together shall not exceed a total of one square foot for each linear foot of building length measured along the front of the building. No wall sign shall exceed 30 square feet; or
(c)
One freestanding sign plus one wall sign. The maximum area of a freestanding sign is 12 square feet; maximum height of a freestanding sign is five feet. Maximum size of the wall sign under this option is 12 square feet; or
(d)
One freestanding sign plus window sign. The maximum area of the freestanding sign is 12 square feet; maximum height is five feet. Maximum size of a window sign or of two window signs combined if the window signs are split between two windows, is 12 square feet. Window signs shall be painted on the window and shall contain only the name of the establishment and type of establishment. The area devoted to window signs may be split evenly between two storefront windows; or
(e)
One projecting sign plus window sign. The maximum size of a projecting sign is 12 square feet. Maximum size of a window sign or of two window signs combined if the window signs are split between two windows, is 12 square feet. Window signs shall be painted on the window and shall contain only the name of the establishment and type of establishment. The area devoted to window signs may be split evenly between two storefront windows; or
(f)
One wall sign plus window sign. No wall sign shall exceed 30 square feet. The window sign shall not exceed 12 square feet. If window signage is split between two windows, the total square footage on both windows combined shall not exceed 12 square feet. The total area of all signs together shall not exceed a total of one square foot for each linear foot of building length measured along the front of the building. Window signs shall be painted on the window and shall contain only the name of the establishment and type of establishment. The area devoted to window signs may be split evenly between two storefront windows.
(3)
If a property is on a corner lot or has frontage on a street and a public parking lot, one additional wall sign may be erected on the side street frontage or the building facade facing the parking lot. The size shall not exceed 12 square feet.
(4)
Menu board. One additional wall sign shall be available only to restaurants that meet the definition of restaurant established in § 550-14B(36) and shall be limited to only restaurants where food is cooked on the premises and sold to customers primarily for consumption on the premises. The wall sign may be affixed to a facade of the building at a height whereby the top of the sign shall not be more than five feet from grade. The total size of the menu board may not exceed four square feet, shall not be illuminated internally, and shall be used to display only the restaurant's standard bill of fare, daily specials, special events on the premises, and features of the establishment.
[Added 4-14-2009 by Ord. No. 694]
D.
Office, retail, service, and other commercial uses - joint use of property.
(1)
Uses. A sign for a use listed below which shares occupancy of an individual property or combination of properties, but which does not have its own individual entrance directly to a public street, public right-of-way, or public parking lot, shall only be permitted to have a directory sign, as regulated by Subsection D(3) below and no other sign.
(a)
Office.
(b)
Medical office.
(c)
Community center.
(d)
Day care service.
(e)
Retail or service business.
(f)
Financial establishment.
(g)
Commercial recreation and entertainment.
(h)
Restaurant.
(i)
Restaurant with drive-through.
(j)
Repair shop.
(k)
Inn.
(l)
Motor vehicle service center.
(m)
Motor vehicle repair center.
(n)
Funeral home.
(2)
Sign options for the uses listed above. In addition to temporary window signs not requiring a permit [§ 550-41B(10)] and one information sign not requiring a permit [§ 550-41B(6)], only one of the following sign options is permitted:
(a)
One wall sign with a total sign area equal to no more than one square foot of sign area for each linear foot of building length measured along the front of the building, but not exceeding a maximum of 30 square feet; or
(b)
One wall sign plus one projecting sign. The projecting sign shall not exceed 12 square feet. The total area of both signs together shall not exceed a total of one square foot for each linear foot of building length measured along the front of the building. No wall sign shall exceed 30 square feet; or
(c)
One projecting sign plus window sign. The maximum size of a projecting sign is 12 square feet. The maximum size of a window sign or of two window signs combined if the window signs are split between two windows, is 12 square feet. Window signs shall be painted on the window and shall contain only the name of the establishment and type of establishment. The area devoted to window signs may be split evenly between two storefront windows; or
(d)
One wall sign plus window sign. No wall sign shall exceed 30 square feet. The window sign shall not exceed 12 square feet. If window signage is split between two windows, the total square footage on both windows combined shall not exceed 12 square feet. The total area of all signs together shall not exceed a total of one square foot for each linear foot of building length measured along the front of the building. Window signs shall be painted on the window and shall contain only the name of the establishment and type of establishment. The area devoted to window signs may be split evenly between two storefront windows.
(3)
Directory sign for group of establishments.
(a)
Number. No more than one directory sign shall be placed for the joint use, unless it fronts on a corner lot or parking lot, in which case one additional sign may be erected on the public parking lot side.
(b)
Type: freestanding or wall.
(c)
Size: 20 square feet maximum for the sign, to be divided among the businesses occupying the building or property jointly.
(d)
Height of freestanding sign: five feet maximum.
(e)
Uniformity. The dimensions of each of the establishments' directory listings shall be exactly the same as the dimensions of each of the other establishments' listings within the directory sign and shall be the same color and style.
(4)
Menu board. One additional wall sign shall be available only to restaurants that meet the definition of restaurant established in § 550-14B(36) and shall be limited to only restaurants where food is cooked on the premises and sold to customers primarily for consumption on the premises. The wall sign may be affixed to a facade of the building at a height whereby the top of the sign shall not be more than five feet from grade. The total size of the menu board may not exceed four square feet, shall not be illuminated internally, and shall be used to display only the restaurant's standard bill of fare, daily specials, special events on the premises, and features of the establishment.
[Added 4-14-2009 by Ord. No. 694]
E.
Industrial, automobile sales, and utility uses - individual use of property.
(1)
Uses. A sign that identifies an individual use that does not share occupancy of a property with another use listed in this subsection.
(2)
Sign options for the uses listed above. In addition to temporary window signs not requiring a permit [§ 550-41B(10)] and one information sign not requiring a permit [§ 550-41B(6)], only one of the following sign options is permitted:
(a)
One wall sign with a total sign area equal to no more than one square foot of sign area for each linear foot of building length measured along the front of the building, but not exceeding a maximum of 40 square feet; or
(b)
A combination of no more than two signs, the total combined area of which does not exceed one square foot of sign area for each linear foot of building length measured along the front of the building, but not exceeding a maximum of 40 square feet.
F.
Industrial, automobile sales, and utility uses - joint use of property.
(1)
Uses. A sign that identifies a combination of individual use which share occupancy of a property or combination of properties with other establishments or uses.
(2)
Directory sign.
(a)
Number. No more than one sign that identifies the complex shall be erected at each vehicular entrance along a public street; however, no more than one sign per street frontage shall be permitted.
(b)
Type: freestanding or wall.
(c)
Size: total sign area shall not exceed 24 square feet. Each establishment shall have a sign area on the directory sign.
(d)
Maximum height of freestanding sign: six feet.
(e)
Illumination. Signs may be illuminated, except in the Historic District where they shall be unilluminated.
(3)
Individual establishment signs.
G.
Off-premises signs.
(1)
An off-premises sign is a sign that directs attention to an activity or use not conducted on the same premises. An off-premises advertising sign is an off-premises sign that advertises or otherwise directs attention to a commodity, business, industry, home occupation or other similar activity which is sold, offered or conducted elsewhere than on the lot upon which the sign is located.
(3)
Off-premises signs may exist instead of, but not in addition to, another permitted freestanding sign on a given premises. Where a premise is allowed two or more freestanding signs, an off-premises sign may be used to substitute for one of the freestanding signs.
(4)
Only one off-premises sign may be erected on any property.
(5)
Off-premises signs shall be nonilluminated signs; and shall be either freestanding, wall or window signs.
(6)
Placement of off-premises signs.
(a)
No off-premises sign shall be erected or maintained within 25 feet of the future right-of-way of any public or private street.
(b)
No off-premises sign or any part thereof shall be erected or maintained within 50 feet of any side or rear property line.
(c)
No off-premises sign shall be erected within 250 feet of any other such sign or other freestanding sign or residential dwelling unit.
(7)
Area of off-premises signs. No off-premises sign, advertising or otherwise, shall be permitted to exceed a maximum area of 12 square feet, including border but excluding supports and decorative trim which is not part of the copy content of the display.
(8)
Any off-premises sign shall not exceed a maximum height of five feet.
H.
Accessory uses.
(2)
Number. No more than one sign shall be placed on a property containing an accessory office or a bed-and-breakfast, in addition to a permitted residential identification sign.
(3)
Type: freestanding, projecting, or wall.
(4)
Size: three square feet maximum.
(5)
Maximum height of freestanding sign: three feet maximum.
§ 550-45 Nonconforming signs.
The following regulations shall apply to signs legally existing at the time of passage of this chapter that do not conform in use, location, type, height or size with the regulations of the district in which the sign is located.
A.
Any sign existing at the time of the passage of this chapter that does not conform in use, location, height or size with the regulations of the district in which the sign is located shall be considered a nonconforming sign and may continue in such use in its present location. Any replacement sign for the same use may be erected, upon issuance of a sign permit, so long as no changes are made to a nonconforming sign which would increase the extent of the nonconformity.
B.
A sign not complying with this chapter may continue if a building or structure is renovated. If a building or structure is demolished and rebuilt, signs must be made to conform to this chapter.