(1)

Purpose: The purpose of this section of the North Myrtle Beach Zoning Ordinance is to provide fair and comprehensive regulations that will:

(a)

Provide a pleasing overall environmental setting and good community appearance which is deemed vital to tourism and to the continued economic attractiveness of the city;

(b)

Allow signs appropriate to the planned character of each zoning district;

(c)

Promote highway safety, the welfare and comfort of travelers, the convenience of the public, and the enjoyment of public travel;

(d)

Restrict private signs which overload the public's capacity to receive information and increase the probability of accidents by distracting attention or obstructing vision;

(e)

Protect property values within the City of North Myrtle Beach; and

(f)

Reduce conflict among private signs and between private and public information systems.

(2)

Scope of this article: The provisions set forth in this article shall apply and govern in all districts, except Planned Development Districts (PDD's) and Development of Regional Significance found in section 23-129.5, and shall regulate the construction, erection, alteration, use, location, size and height of all signs, regardless of their cost of construction. The provisions of this article shall not apply to:

(a)

Signs not visible beyond the boundaries of the lot or parcel upon which they are situated or from any public thoroughfare, right-of-way, or beach.

(b)

Traffic signs, and all other signs, erected or maintained by a municipal or governmental body or agency, including danger signs, and signs of businesses on governmental property. Signs of a commercial nature shall not be exempt.

(c)

Temporary signs customarily associated with the Sun Fun and Can Am Festivals and other festivals or occasions recognized by city council during the duration of these festivals.

(d)

Animated signs, except in PDD's (Planned Development Districts) with more than twenty-five (25) acres when fronting U.S. Highway 17 and approved by city council as a part of the PDD sign package.

(3)

Definitions: Except as specifically defined herein, all words used in article III have their customary dictionary definitions. For the purpose of the sign ordinance, certain words or terms used are herein defined as follows:

(a)

Administrator: That person designated by the city manager to administer and enforce the provisions of this article.

(b)

Animation: The movement, or optical illusion of movement of any part of the sign. Also included in this definition are signs having "chasing action" which is the action of a row of lights commonly used to create the appearance of motion. Automatic changeable copy boards are permitted provided that there is no running action to copy and provided that the copy does not change more than once every ten (10) seconds.

(c)

Banner: A sign or outside advertising display having the letters, illustrations or visual representation applied to cloth, paper, vinyl, fabric or similar material with or without frame. The term banner shall include flags, pennants, rafts, T-shirts, floats, balloons, spinners, streamers and kites.

(d)

Building frontage: The linear length of a building facing the principal street right-of-way.

(e)

Building identification sign: A sign bearing only the name, number(s), letter(s), and/or symbol(s) which identifies a particular building.

(f)

Building inspector: The person designated by the city manager to enforce the provisions of the Standard Building Code.

(g)

Business identification sign: A sign bearing the name, trademark, or symbol of the business located on the premises. A business identification sign contains the name of the business enterprise located on the same premises as the sign and the nature of the business conducted there.

(h)

Changeable copy sign: A sign on which message copy is changed manually as events change through the utilization of attachable letters, numbers, or symbols.

(i)

Commercial center: Two (2) or more retail stores or service establishments, professional offices or any other businesses servicing a community or neighborhood, not necessarily owned by one (1) party nor by a single land ownership, which occupy a common and adjacent building(s) on premise and utilize common parking area(s). A commercial center shall have at least fifteen thousand (15,000) square feet with the secondary unit(s) containing at least four thousand (4,000) square feet.

(j)

Decorative lighting: A string of outdoor lights suspended between two (2) points.

(k)

Directional sign: An off-premise sign whose content is limited exclusively to the identification of a use or occupancy located elsewhere and which tells the location of or route to such use or occupancy.

(l)

Double-faced sign: A sign with two (2) faces that are usually parallel, but may be V-shaped.

(m)

Electronic message sign: A sign that provides a changeable message in electronic script.

(n)

Freestanding sign: A sign supported by a sign structure placed in the ground and which is wholly independent of any building, fence, vehicle or object (other than the sign structure) for support. A freestanding sign may contain a sign or signs on one (1) side only, or it may be a V-shaped structure or one containing signs back-to-back. A freestanding sign structure is one (1) sign.

(o)

Frontage: The length of the property line of any one (1) premise serving as a public street right-of-way line. For lots with multiple frontages, the principal street frontage shall be the same as that to which the building is oriented. Should the owner wish to direct the sign solely to a frontage other than the principal frontage, the linear length of this frontage will be used to calculate the allowable area of the sign. Should the owner wish to direct the sign to both frontages, the frontage having the highest vehicular traffic volume shall be used to calculate the allowable area.

(p)

Group development: Multifamily development having multifamily units grouped within more than one (1) structure. Does not include townhouse development.

(q)

Height of sign: The vertical distance measured from the ground to the top of the sign face or sign structure, whichever is greater.

(r)

Historical sign: An existing free standing sign that is erected and maintained on the same property for thirty (30) years or longer and has obtained historical status by resolution of city council.

(s)

Monument sign: A freestanding sign with a supporting base and a secondary architectural element designed to contain and frame or enclose sign copy, whose width falls within a range of sixty-five (65) percent to eighty-five (85) percent of the width of the base.

(t)

Off-premises sign: A sign that identifies or communicates a message related to an activity conducted, a service rendered, or a commodity sold, which is not the primary activity, service or commodity provided on the premises where the sign is located. Signage owned and maintained by a government or agency that displays information regarding public activities available for the general public as further defined in this chapter shall be exempted from this definition.

(u)

On-premises sign: A sign that identifies or communicates a message related to the activity conducted, the service offered, or the commodity sold, on the premises upon which the sign is located.

(v)

Portable sign: Any sign designed or intended to be readily relocated whether or not it is permanently attached to a building, structures or on the ground. The term includes signs on wheels or on portable structures, tent signs, A-frame signs and similar devices and any sign not secured or securely affixed to the ground or a permanent structure.

(w)

Public agency: An agency of the local, state, or federal government.

(x)

Public informational signage: Signage owned and maintained by a municipal, county, state, or Federal government agency, located on property owned or controlled by said agency, that displays information regarding activities, products and/or services offered by said agency, whether or not a fee is charged for that activity, product or service; and any other information of general public interest, including but not limited to neighborhood identification markers, historical markers, information related to public safety and wayfinding, or similar information.

(y)

Sign: Any device, fixture, painting (excluding artistic murals with no commercial message), or visual image using words, graphics, symbols, numbers, or letters designed and used for the purpose of communicating a message or attracting attention, including structures whose purpose can be reasonably construed to communicate a message or attract attention. Customary graphics found on soft drink and newspaper dispensers and similar machines shall not be considered as signs.

(z)

Sign, projecting: Any sign other than a parallel sign, which projects from a wall or other vertical surface to which it is attached more than six (6) inches.

(aa)

Sign structure: A supporting structure erected or intended for identifying/advertising purposes, with or without a sign thereon, situated upon or attached to real property, upon which any sign is fastened, affixed, displayed, applied or a part of, provided however, said definition shall not include a building, fence, flagpole, illumination standards or sailboat masts.

(bb)

Sign, wall: Any sign attached flat to the exterior surface wall or any other vertical surface of a building. Such sign may also be painted directly onto a vertical surface; does not include inside temporary window signs.

(cc)

Theater: A building or portion of a building used for the presentation of plays, motion pictures, cultural or other dramatic performances.

(dd)

Window sign, permanent: Any sign which is painted on, or attached to the interior side of a window or glass door, or which is mounted inside a window to be visible through the window. The total of all signs displayed in any one (1) window shall not cover more than twenty-five (25) percent of the window. Such window sign aggregate area shall be included in the allowable area for wall signs. In no case shall the combined total area of permanent and temporary window signs cover more than twenty-five (25) percent of the window.

(ee)

Window sign, temporary: A window sign of a temporary nature used to direct attention to the sale of merchandise, or a change in the status of the business, including signs for sales, specials, going-out-of-business, grand openings, etc. In no case shall the combined total area of permanent and temporary window signs cover more than twenty-five (25) percent of the window. Apparel with any type of printed advertisement shall be considered as a temporary sign.

(4)

General provisions: It shall be illegal for a sign to be placed in the City of North Myrtle Beach except as provided in this article.

(a)

Traffic hazards and sign illumination:

1.

No flood lights shall be utilized as a part of a sign illumination system which are not hooded or shielded so that the light source is not visible from any public right-of-way or adjacent property nor shall any sign otherwise reflect or emit a glaring light so as to impair driver vision.

2.

No sign illumination system shall contain or utilize any beacon, spot, search or stroboscopic light or reflector which is visible from any public right-of-way or adjacent property, nor shall such lights be operated outside, under any circumstances, except by authorized public agencies.

3.

No sign shall be animated.

4.

No sign shall obstruct the view of motor vehicle operators entering a public roadway from a driveway, street or alley.

5.

No sign shall be permitted which may be confused with an official traffic sign, signal, or device or any other official sign or which uses the words, "stop," "warning," "danger," "caution" or similar words implying the existence of danger or need for stopping or maneuvering.

(b)

Design standards:

1.

All signs shall be constructed of durable materials and designed to meet all applicable requirements of the Standard Building Code.

2.

A sign shall not be erected, constructed or maintained so as to obstruct any fire escape or any window or door or opening used as a means of any fire escape or any window or door or opening used as a means of egress.

3.

All projecting signs shall be constructed entirely of metal or other noncombustible material and securely attached to a building or structure by metal supports such as bolts, anchors, supports, chains, guys or steel rods. Staples or nails shall not be used to secure any projecting sign to any building or structure.

4.

All projecting signs at the intersection of building corners shall intersect at right angles to the building front.

5.

No projecting sign shall extend above the roof line or the parapet wall, nor shall they project more than four (4) feet beyond the wall face of the building.

6.

Buildings having two (2) or more stories may not locate projecting signs higher than the second story or twenty-four (24) feet above grade, whichever is less.

7.

No wall sign may extend above parapet walls.

8.

No wall sign may extend above the lower eave line of a building with a pitched roof, except if the roof is a mansard-type roof in which case the sign may be attached flat against, but not extend above, said roof.

9.

Except as provided in section 23-111(3), all signs shall be constructed to withstand the wind pressure as designated by the Southern [Standard] Building Code.

10.

Except as otherwise provided, all signs shall be permanently anchored or affixed and constructed as required in the Standard Building Code.

11.

Signs in disrepair and unsafe signs:

a.

All signs, together with all their supports, braces, guys and anchors shall be kept in good repair and perpetually maintained in safe condition, free from deterioration, defective or missing parts or peeling or faded paint and able to withstand the required wind pressure. Any sign not in compliance with this provision is hereby declared to be a nuisance.

b.

The building inspector may order the repair or removal of any such signs that are not maintained in a safe condition and in good repair in accordance with the provisions of this article. If the building inspector shall find that any sign is in violation of this subsection, then he/she shall give notice to the property owner specifying the location of the hazard or deteriorated sign, what needs to be done to render the sign safe and in good repair, and that in the event the same is not done by the owner that the city will remove the sign at the expense of the owner of the property upon which it is located. Service by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested. Service shall be deemed complete upon delivery; in the event the address of the person to be notified is unknown or the notice which has been mailed is returned, such notice may be served by posting the same on a conspicuous place on the premises on which the nuisance is located and by advertising said notice in the local newspaper, in which event service shall be deemed complete after the preceding is accomplished.

c.

The person(s) so notified shall remove or initiate alteration of such sign within fifteen (15) days of such notice and such sign condition shall be completely rectified within sixty (60) days. In the case of the unavailability of critical replacement parts, an additional thirty (30) days for compliance may be granted by the building inspector but such availability of parts shall not give reason to delay repair of the sign to the maximum extent feasible. If the person(s) so notified fail or refuse to remove or alter such sign within the time periods specified hereinabove, then the building inspector may cause such sign to be removed at the expense of the owner of the property upon which it is located.

d.

Should any sign become insecure or in danger of falling or otherwise unsafe in the opinion of the building official, the owner thereof, or the person or firm maintaining the same, shall upon written notice from the building official, forthwith in the case of immediate danger and in any case within ten (10) days, remove such sign or secure the same in a manner to be approved by the building official, in conformity with the provisions of this Code. If such order is not complied with in ten (10) days, the building official shall remove such sign at the expense of the owner or lessee thereof.

e.

The building inspector may, without notice, cause any unsafe or insecure sign to be immediately removed, if, in his/her opinion, the sign presents an immediate peril to life and limb.

f.

In the event that any sign is damaged exceeding fifty (50) percent of the replacement value according to appraisal thereof by competent appraisers, such sign may be restored, reconstructed, altered or repaired only to conform with all of the provisions of this article.

(5)

Prohibited signs:

(a)

Signs within or near the public rights-of-way:

1.

No sign, signal or other informational device shall be erected or placed within or protrude into any public right-of-way, except as otherwise permitted herein. No sign, signal or other informational device, including its supporting structures, except as provided for in subsection (5)(a)6. shall be erected or placed nearer than four (4) feet to the edge of the curb or any paved roadway, or the edge of the traveled portion of any unpaved roadway, so that a clear zone is provided for pedestrian movement.

2.

No sign, signal or other informational device shall be erected or placed within a zone of from four (4) feet to the edge of the curb to ten (10) feet to the edge of the curb or the edge of the traveled portion of any unpaved roadway, if any portion of such sign, signal or other informational device is within a zone between thirty (30) inches and nine (9) feet above the general ground level of the edge of the roadway bed (not the curb). The general ground level shall be determined without regard to any ditching or berming along the roadway. This provision shall not prohibit wall signs, nor allow any protrusion within a public right-of-way.

3.

If any supporting device for any sign is within a distance of four (4) feet to the edge of the curb to ten (10) feet from the edge of the curb or edge of the traveled portion of any unpaved street, said supporting devices shall have a width of no greater than eight and one-half (8½) inches, as measured from point (corner) to opposite point (corner). In the case of circular supports, the diameter shall not exceed eight and one-half (8½) inches. Said supporting structures shall be placed no closer than three (3) feet apart, as measured from edge to edge, or point to point, so that clear sight line is provided for vehicular traffic.

4.

In no event shall the closure of the supporting structure(s) be permitted by any means, if such supporting devices are within four (4) feet to the edge of the curb to ten (10) feet from the edge of the curb or edge of the traveled portion of any unpaved road, and such closure is above (between) thirty (30) inches above the height of the roadway to nine (9) feet above the height of the roadway.

5.

This section shall not apply to any sign, signal or other information device erected or placed by a governmental agency, nor to any mailbox or postal receptacle required and approved by the United States Federal Postal Service.

6.

Any sign excluding its main supporting device, elevated nine (9) feet above the general ground level of the roadway, may extend no closer than eighteen (18) inches to a vertical plane at the street curbline or edge of the traveled portion of the street or curb. This provision shall not allow any protrusion within a public right-of-way.

(b)

Certain attached and painted signs: Signs painted on or attached to trees, fences, or fence posts, and telephone or utility poles or signs on or attached to rocks or other natural features.

(c)

Any commercial identification or advertising signs on benches and refuse containers.

(d)

Pavement markings except those of a customary traffic-control nature.

(e)

Roof signs.

(f)

Banners, fluttering ribbons and similar devices are prohibited with the following exceptions:

1.

Flags of governments and their agencies limited to three (3) per location;

2.

Temporary uses as permitted in section 23-111(3);

3.

Flags and pennants are permitted by section 23-36(10)(e)(5); and

4.

Banners and related sponsorship signage in public park and sports complexes for uses accessory to the complex, when a comprehensive sign plan package for the use is submitted to the planning and development and parks and recreation department staff who will make a recommendation to the city manager who will approve or deny the request (cross-reference to section 23-18(5)(a)(5)(iv).

(g)

Signs attached to or painted on piers and seawalls except for one (1) on-premise building identification sign not to exceed six (6) square feet per establishment. Signs on buildings located on piers shall not be prohibited, but shall conform to the other provisions of this article.

(h)

Portable signs, except temporary, nonilluminated signs announcing any public, charitable, educational or religious event or function are allowed provided they are located entirely within the premises of the institution, set back no less than ten (10) feet from the property line, do not exceed a sign area of forty (40) square feet and do not constitute a safety hazard in the opinion of the building inspector. Such signs shall be allowed no more than thirty (30) days prior to the event and must be removed within forty-eight (48) hours after the event or function. If building mounted, these signs shall be flat wall signs and shall not project above the roof line. If ground mounted, the top shall be no more than eight (8) feet above ground level.

(i)

Any sign or outdoor advertising display which contains statements, words, or pictures of an obscene, indecent, or immoral character such as will offend public morals or decency.

(j)

The use of decorative lighting except as seasonal decorations from November first until January 7th of the following year.

(k)

Any sign located or designated so as to intentionally or effectively deny an adjoining property owner reasonable visual access to an existing sign.

(l)

Obsolete and abandoned signs that advertise or pertain to a business, product, service, event, activity or purpose which is no longer conducted or that has not been in use for three (3) months or any sign structure that no longer displays any sign copy.

1.

Signs associated with a business which is normally open on a seasonal basis shall not be considered to be obsolete or abandoned, provided there is clear intent to continue operation of the business within nine (9) months.

2.

When any sign is relocated, made inoperative, or removed for any reason, except for maintenance, all structural components including the sign face and sign structure shall be removed or relocated with the sign. All structural components of freestanding signs shall be removed to ground level.

3.

The city shall have the right to remove such sign if the owner thereof fails to remove such sign within thirty (30) days of written notification, or if the owner cannot be located; and the costs thereof shall be collected as provided for real and personal property taxes.

(m)

Vehicle signs; any sign that is attached to, painted on or pulled by any vehicle that is parked on any street or in any parking space for the primary purpose of advertising.

(n)

Animated signs, except in PUDs (planned unit developments) with more than twenty-five (25) acres when fronting Highway 17 and approved by city council as a part of the PUD sign package.

(o)

Any other type or kind of sign which does not comply with the terms, conditions and provisions contained in this chapter.

(p)

Electronic message signs in the R-4 (Resort Residential) and RC (Resort Commercial) districts located on Ocean Boulevard.

(6)

Signs for which a permit is not required:

(a)

Traffic, directional, warning, or information signs authorized by any public agency. The informational signs may have corporate sponsorship names and logos when approved by city council or other public agency when not municipal.

(b)

Real estate signs, advertising the sale, rental or lease of all or a portion of the premises on which it is displayed during the sale, rental or lease period, subject to the following restrictions:

1.

Nonresidential land uses, twenty (20) square feet maximum area, eight (8) feet maximum height and must be placed no less than ten (10) feet from the curb. One (1) such sign allowed per premise.

2.

Residential land uses "for sale" signs, six (6) square feet for the first dwelling unit plus one (1) square foot for each additional unit with twenty (20) square feet maximum area, maximum height, four (4) feet for one (1) unit, eight (8) feet for multifamily. One (1) such allowed per street upon which premise abuts and said sign shall be located no less than ten (10) [feet] from the curb or roadway.

3.

Residential land uses, "for lease, for let or for rent" signs shall be located on the subject building only, six (6) square feet for the first dwelling unit plus two (2) square feet for each rental company agent thereafter.

(c)

Temporary, nonilluminated signs^[4] announcing any public charitable, educational or religious event or function are allowed provided they are located entirely within the premises of the institution, set back no less than ten (10) feet from the property line, do not exceed a sign area of forty (40) square feet and do not constitute a safety hazard in the opinion of the building inspector. Such signs shall be allowed no more than thirty (30) days prior to the event and must be removed within forty-eight (48) hours after the event or function. If building mounted, these signs shall be flat wall signs and shall not project above the roof line. If ground mounted, the top shall be no more than eight (8) feet above ground level.

(d)

On-site private traffic directional signs provided said sign(s) shall be located within a zone of from four (4) feet to ten (10) feet from the edge of the curb or the edge of the traveled portion of any unpaved road, must be elevated no higher than thirty (30) inches above the general level of the roadway and may not exceed four (4) square feet for each sign. No business identification shall be allowed on such signs. A maximum of one (1) such sign shall be permitted at each point of ingress or egress.

1.

Noncontiguous parking signage is allowed on noncontiguous parking sites provided they comply with the aforementioned location and dimension requirements. Business identification can be included on these signs.

(e)

Private street or road name signs.

(f)

"No trespassing," "no dumping," "no loitering," and the like signs not exceeding one (1) square foot in area.

(g)

"Open house" and "garage sale" signs, provided there is not more than one (1) such sign per house, on the same premises, the maximum area is three (3) square feet, and the maximum height is four (4) feet. Such signs are permitted only at residential locations.

(h)

Holiday season decorations, from November 1 to January 2 of the following year only, provided no business identification or commercial message is contained thereon.

(i)

Construction signs, only one (1) sign shall be allowed per site. Said sign can have the name of the project as the leading announcement. All other announcements such as developer, contractors, subcontractors, architects and financing shall be included as subsection only. Overall size of sign shall not exceed forty (40) square feet. Said sign shall be located no less than ten (10) feet from the curb or edge of roadway and shall not protrude into any public right-of-way. Such sign shall be removed from site prior to issuance of final certificate of occupancy.

(j)

Flat mounted building identification signs, occupant/street number signs and multi-unit identification signs including designation of "office," "restaurant," etc., without advertising or commercial amplification provided such signs are smaller than four (4) square feet per building. Such signs may be mounted on the building, canopy or awning.

(k)

Pump sign; signs shall be allowed on gasoline pump so as to provide required information to the public such as "gallon," "octane rating," "self-service," "price," and "type of fuel."

(l)

Off-premises directional signs for churches and schools. These signs are limited to one (1) sign per intersection directional change and may only be located on Highway 17, Ocean Boulevard and Sea Mountain Highway. Should more than one (1) establishment wish to locate a directional sign at any one (1) intersection, all such signs shall be consolidated into one (1) sign structure not to exceed twenty (20) square feet in area nor six (6) feet in height. Individual signs are limited to four (4) square feet and may not be utilized when establishment abuts street on which sign is to be located. Such signage shall be submitted to the zoning administrator for approval prior to erection.

(m)

Campaign signs subject to the following:

1.

Such signs shall not be placed within a public right-of-way.

2.

Such signs shall not be attached to trees, fences or utility poles.

3.

Such signs shall be no larger than six (6) square feet in area on residentially zoned properties.

4.

Such signs shall be no larger than sixteen (16) square feet in area on commercially zoned properties excluding existing off-premises signage that is used for advertising purposes when the election is over.

5.

Such signs shall not be higher than eight (8) feet above the ground on which it is posted.

6.

Such signs shall be limited to one (1) sign per elective position and/or referendum position on residential properties, per street frontage.

7.

Such signs shall be limited to one (1) sign per candidate and/or referendum position on commercial properties.

8.

All such signs should be removed within seven (7) days after the election.

9.

No such sign shall be erected sooner than forty-five (45) days prior to an election.

10.

The city clerk shall provide written notice of these regulations to all candidates competing in the forthcoming election.

(n)

Temporary window signs.

(o)

Towing informational signs when posting property on which illegally parked vehicles are subject to be towed by the owner when no smaller than four (4) square feet and no larger than four and a half (4.5) square feet.

(7)

Required signs:

(a)

So as to provide efficient emergency vehicle operations as well as to aid in the location of homes, businesses, and other properties with addresses, this chapter requires each detached building to display its street address number in a prominent fashion so as to allow said number to be clearly readable from the street on which the building has primary frontage. Sign size shall not exceed two (2) square feet.

(8)

Application for permit:

(a)

All applications for sign permits shall be made within the City of North Myrtle Beach Zoning Department. The following information shall be submitted with an application for sign permit:

1.

Identification of ownership of property on which sign is to be erected or written authorization by the owner of the property and tax map number of property.

2.

Name and address of the owner of the sign.

3.

Site plan sketch showing the location of the sign with respect to the property and right-of-way lines and any buildings, parking areas, and other improvements to the property.

4.

Exact size, shape, configuration, design, area, height, nature, number and type of sign to be erected.

5.

The value of the sign or sign structure.

6.

Any other information, specifications, photographs, or the like deemed necessary by the building inspector or zoning administrator in order to assure compliance with city ordinances and building codes.

(b)

Fees: Before issuing a permit, the fees as established shall be collected.

(c)

Double fees: Should any person, firm or corporation actually begin any work for which a permit is required by this chapter without taking out a permit therefor, he shall pay, in addition to the fees above described and provided, an additional amount equal to one hundred (100) percent of the fees above prescribed and shall be subject to all the penalty provisions of this chapter.

(d)

Inspection: The building inspector may make or require any inspections of any construction work to ascertain compliance with the provisions of this chapter and other laws which are in force and to ascertain that the sign is erected or displayed as indicated on the approved sign permit application.

(e)

Labels required on signs: It shall be the duty of the sign owner, or his/her agent, to affix permanently and maintain a permanent label or marker bearing the permit number, owner and date of erection on any sign or sign structure erected after the effective date of this chapter. Such label or marker shall be placed so it can be easily seen, but not necessarily as to be viewed as part of the identifying/advertising message on the sign face.

(f)

Labels on existing signs: It shall be the duty of the sign owner, or his/her agent to register all existing signs with the Zoning Department of the City of North Myrtle Beach and maintain a permanent label or marker on such signs bearing the registration/permit number and owner's name. Such label shall be placed so it can be easily seen.

(9)

Sign area computation:

(a)

The sign area of a wall sign which consists of individual letters that are erected directly onto a wall exclusive of any sign surface, is measured by finding the area of the minimum imaginary rectangle or square of vertical and horizontal lines which fully enclose all sign words, copy, or message with eight (8) lines or less.

(b)

The sign area of signs with three (3) or more sides (multiside signs) containing copy, message, decoration, or announcement is measured by the sum of sides visible from a public way.

(c)

Only one (1) side of a double-faced or V-shaped sign shall be counted in determining area when the angle of the V is no greater than forty-five (45) degrees.

(d)

The sign area of any other sign is measured by finding the area of the minimum imaginary rectangle or square of vertical or horizontal lines which fully enclose all extremities of the sign.

(10)

Zoning district sign regulations:

(a)

Signs permitted in R-I, R-IA, R-2, R-2A, R-3, R-4, and R-4I Districts:

1.

In subdivisions with more than ten (10) lots, two (2) subdivision entrance signs per principal entrance are allowed. Such signs shall designate the subdivision by name or symbol only and shall be placed on the face of a masonry entrance wall to said subdivision or residential district. Such signs shall not exceed twenty (20) square feet per sign face and an aggregate area of forty (40) square feet per entrance, nor shall they exceed a height of seven (7) feet. If a double-faced sign is used without the entrance walls, only one such sign is allowed per entrance.

2.

In subdivisions with ten (10) or fewer lots, one (1) subdivision identification sign is allowed. Such sign shall not exceed twenty (20) feet in area nor five (5) feet in height.

3.

One (1) identification sign for each principal use allowed for religious, public, educational and public recreational uses provided it shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet in area per sign face. The maximum height of the sign shall be ten (10) feet if freestanding.

4.

Multifamily structures and group developments are permitted building or development identification sign(s) not to exceed sixty-four (64) square feet in area. Only one (1) freestanding sign per street frontage is allowed not to exceed ten (10) feet in height.

5.

Hotels, motels, inns and lodges shall be permitted business identification signs, which signs shall not exceed a combined area of one hundred (100) square feet. Only one (1) freestanding sign per street frontage is allowed not to exceed thirty (30) feet in height. Wall signs existing prior to February 1, 1989, within the R-4 District only, shall not be included in the combined area calculation.

(b)

Signs permitted in OC Districts:

1.

One (1) freestanding sign per location not to exceed seven (7) feet in height and forty (40) square feet in surface area.

(c)

Signs permitted in NC Districts:

1.

All signs permitted in residential districts shall be permitted in NC Districts, subject to the requirements of section 23-36(10)(a).

2.

Signs for commercial uses:

a.

There shall be permitted only one (1) freestanding sign per location not exceeding ten (10) feet in height.

b.

Total signage area per location shall not exceed forty (40) square feet.

c.

Window signs not to exceed twenty-five (25) percent of glazed area.

(d)

Signs permitted in LI, RC and BC Districts:

1.

All signs permitted in residential districts shall be permitted in RC or BC, subject to the requirements of section 23-36(10)(a).

2.

Signs for commercial and industrial uses:

a.

There shall be permitted one (1) on-premises freestanding sign per location not to exceed thirty (30) feet in height.

b.

Total signage area per location shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet per location.

c.

Wall signs with an area of one and one-half (1.5) square feet per linear foot of building frontage are allowed provided area does not exceed total allowable area. When an encroachment permit has been obtained to erect a canopy or awning over the right-of-way in the zero lot line overlay zone, signs on the awning shall be regulated as wall signs.

d.

Window signs not to exceed twenty-five (25) percent of glazed area.

3.

Additional sign area for changeable copy shall be allowed for theaters, auditoriums and convention centers subject to the requirements of section 23-36(10)(e)4.

(e)

Signs permitted in HC district:

1.

All signs permitted in residential districts shall be permitted in HC, subject to the requirements of section 23-36(10)(a).

2.

Signs for commercial uses:

a.

There shall be permitted one (1) freestanding sign per location not exceeding forty (40) feet in height.

b.

Total sign area per location shall not exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet, except for designated historical signs between one hundred fifty (150) and three hundred (300) square feet where no other signage is located on the property.

c.

Wall signs with an area of one (1) square foot per linear foot of building frontage are allowed provided area does not exceed total allowable area.

d.

Window signs not to exceed twenty-five (25) percent of glazed area.

3.

Signs for commercial centers, except development of regional significance found in section 23-129.5:

a.

Commercial centers shall be allowed one (1) freestanding commercial center identification sign per location, except for commercial centers with more than fifty thousand (50,000) square feet of floor area, more than one (1) principal structure on site, and more than (1) street frontage shall be allowed an additional freestanding sign which shall be separate from the primary commercial center sign by no less than one hundred (100) feet and be no greater than twenty-five (25) feet high.

b.

Allowable area for one (1) freestanding identification sign shall not be greater than one (1) square foot per linear foot or principal frontage and shall not exceed three hundred (300) square feet, except for the larger commercial centers with two (2) freestanding signs as referenced above, allowable square footage for combined freestanding signs shall not exceed three hundred and fifty (350) square feet.

c.

Individual businesses within a commercial center shall be allowed one (1) business identification sign attached to the structure in which the business is located. Such signs shall:

(1)

Not exceed one (1) square foot per linear foot of building frontage for each business; or

(2)

Excluding anchor store(s) (establishment(s) greater than twice the size of the average of the adjacent establishments) which shall use the above requirement for area calculation, support establishments may use an average building frontage should uniform wall signs wish to be utilized.

d.

Window signs not to exceed twenty-five (25) percent of glazed area.

e.

Individual business within a commercial center shall be allowed one (1) business identification sign attached to the commercial center identification sign provided total area of freestanding sign does not exceed the allowable area.

4.

Additional sign area for changeable copy signage shall be allowed for theaters, auditoriums and convention centers for the purpose of advertising legitimate or cinema theater, entertainment, and cultural events; provided however, that such signs conform to the following:

a.

On a building, such signage shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet per theater screen or four hundred (400) auditorium seats. An additional two (2) square feet per linear foot of building setback area may also be allowed. Only one (1) property line to which signage is directed in closest proximity to the building may be used in this calculation. Maximum area for changeable copy shall not exceed three hundred (300) square feet.

b.

As a freestanding changeable sign, such sign shall not exceed thirty (30) square feet per theater screen or four hundred (400) auditorium seats up to a maximum area of one hundred fifty (150) square feet. Such sign shall not coexist with a changeable copy sign on the building nor with any other freestanding sign.

5.

Flags and pennants: It is the intent to allow flags and pennants as an integral part of the use at batting cages, miniature golf courses, and amusement parks with rides in the Highway Commercial District according to the following standards:

a.

A plan shall be submitted showing the location of all proposed flags and pennants.

b.

Individual flags and pennants shall reflect no commercial identification or lettering.

c.

Individual flags or pennants shall not exceed fifteen (15) square feet in size.

d.

The appearance of the flags shall be maintained. Torn, faded and tattered flags or pennants as determined by the zoning department shall be immediately removed or replaced.

e.

No flags or pennants shall be placed within forty (40) feet of the roadway of a public street or within parking areas.

f.

Individual flags and pennants at amusement parks with rides shall be limited to one (1) per four thousand (4,000) square feet not to exceed one hundred (100) per location. Such shall be equally dispensed throughout the use with not more than three (3) flags within twenty-five (25) feet of each other.

g.

Individual flags and pennants at batting cages shall be located on the main supports no closer than fifteen (15) feet to each other.

h.

Individual flags and pennants at miniature golf courses shall not exceed one (1) per hole.

i.

Section 23-12(d) and other applicable zoning regulations shall be complied with.

6.

Public information signage not to exceed two hundred (200) square feet in size.

(f)

Off-Premises Overlay Zone per section 23-31(3).

(g)

Signs Permitted in the GC and R-4I Districts:

1.

Signs regulations for commercial uses not in shopping centers:

(a)

There shall be one (1) permitted freestanding sign per location not exceeding twelve (12) feet in height.

(b)

Total sign area per location shall not exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet.

(c)

Wall signs with an area of one (1) square foot per linear foot of building frontage are allowed provided area does not exceed total allowable area.

(d)

Window signs not to exceed twenty-five (25) percent of glazed area.

2.

Signs for commercial shopping centers, except Developments of Regional Significance found in section 23-129.5:

(a)

There shall be one (1) permitted freestanding sign per location not exceeding twenty-two (22) feet in height.

(b)

Total sign area per freestanding sign shall be one (1) square foot of signage for each one (1) linear foot of property frontage on the primary street frontage not to exceed three hundred (300) square feet.

(c)

Individual businesses within the shopping center shall be allowed one (1) business identification sign attached to the shopping center identification sign provided the total area for the freestanding sign does not exceed the allowable area.

(d)

Individual businesses within a shopping center shall be allowed one (1) business identification sign attached to the structure in which the business is located. Such sign shall not exceed one (1) square foot per linear foot of commercial unit frontage for each business.

(e)

Window signs not to exceed twenty-five (25) percent of glazed area.

(11)

Penalties and remedies.

(a)

Any person who erects any sign in violation of the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof, be punished as provided in section 1-6. Each day such violation continues shall be considered a separate offense.

(b)

In case any sign shall be installed, erected, or constructed in violation of any of the terms of the Southern [Standard] Building Code or terms of this section, the owner or lessee thereof shall be notified to alter such sign so as to comply with the building code or sign ordinance, or to remove the sign. If such order is not complied with within ten (10) days, the city may remove such sign at the expense of the owner or lessee thereof. Such notice shall not prevent any other action authorized by this chapter.

(c)

The city has the right to immediately remove any off-premise sign under twenty (20) square feet in area and without owner identification in violation of this section without previous notification.

(d)

The city has the right to remove without notice any authorized, permanent, temporary, or portable sign erected or situated upon public property.

(12)

Application of section:

(a)

The provisions of this section shall have immediate application to all signs erected hereafter or to which repairs are necessary which exceed fifty (50) percent of the actual value of the sign immediately prior to the making of the repairs. The term "actual value" shall mean true present value and shall not mean original cost or book value or replacement value, nor shall the actual value include any allowance for goodwill.

(b)

The provisions of subsections (1), (2),1 (3), (4)(a)4., (4)(b)(10)., and (4)(b)11. shall have immediate application to all existing signs.

(c)

No existing sign which fails to meet the standards of this section shall be enlarged or replaced.

(d)

No permits for additional signs shall be issued for any location on which there is any nonconforming sign.

(e)

Any sign authorized in this chapter is allowed to contain non-commercial copy in lieu of commercial or other copy.

(Ord. No. 88-35, 11-1-88; Ord. No. 89-16, §§ 2—4, 4-18-89; Ord. No. 90-1, § 1, 2-6-90; Ord. No. 91-13, § 1, 4-1-91; Ord. No. 91-16, § 1, 4-15-91; Ord. No. 92-4, §§ 1, 2, 1-6-92; Ord. No. 93-27, § 12, 8-2-93; Ord. No. 94-18, §§ 1, 2, 6-6-94; Ord. No. 94-33, § 1, 10-17-94; Ord. No. 95-49, § 6, 10-16-95; Ord. No. 99-47, § 1, 11-15-99; Ord. No. 00-41, § 1, 10-2-00; Ord. No. 02-15, §§ 1, 2, 4-15-02; Ord. No. 02-33, § 1, 8-19-02; Ord. No. 04-07, § 1, 4-15-04; Ord. No. 04-24, §§ 1, 2, 6-7-04; Ord. No. 04-43, § 1, 9-20-04; Ord. No. 05-05, § 1, 1-17-05; Ord. No. 05-13, §§ 1, 2, 3-7-05; Ord. No. 06-24, § 1, 4-17-06; Ord. No. 07-13, § 4, 3-5-07; Ord. No. 09-24, § 1, 8-3-09; Ord. No. 11-06, §§ 1, 2, 4-4-11; Ord. No. 11-25, § 1, 9-20-11; Ord. No. 11-30, §§ 4, 5, 11-21-11; Ord. No. 12-12, § 1, 7-2-12; Ord. No. 14-09, § 1, 4-21-14; Ord. No. 16-09, § 2, 4-4-16; Ord. No. 16-14, § 1, 5-16-16; Ord. No. 17-07, § 1, 5-1-17; Ord. No. 20-04, § 1, 1-6-20; Ord. No. 21-02, § 2, 3-1-21; Ord. No. 25-38 , § 1, 9-15-25)