North Syracuse City Zoning Code
ARTICLE V
Supplementary Regulations
§ 240-28 Applicability of provisions.
The provisions of this chapter shall be subject to such additions, modifications or exceptions as herein provided by the following supplementary regulations.
§ 240-29 Off-street parking requirements.
A.
For every building or use hereafter erected, altered, extended, modified or changed in use there shall be provided off-street parking spaces at least as set forth below. For purposes of interpretation, uses not conforming to the current requirements shall also comply with the requirements set forth below if they are to be modified to a use with a greater parking space requirement.
B.
A parking space shall be at least nine feet by 18 feet. All driveways, access and maneuvering areas shall be at least 25 feet in width for access to ninety-degree parking or according to reference standards as approved by the Fire Marshal.
C.
Off-street parking requirements shall be as follows:
(2)
Hotel or motel: one space, plus one space for every guest room.
(3)
Nursing home or hospital: one space, plus one space for every two beds or a fraction thereof.
(4)
Places of public assembly. Every structure used as a theater, amusement facility, auditorium, community center, club, stadium, library, museum, church, lodge hall or other place of public or private assembly which provides facilities for seating people: one space for every five seats. Where there are no seats provided in the place of assembly, one space shall be provided for every 100 square feet of gross floor area or a fraction thereof.
(5)
Business and professional offices: one space, plus one space for every 200 square feet of office space or a fraction thereof.
(6)
Package food restaurant: 15 spaces, plus one space for each 300 square feet of customer area above 1,000 square feet or a fraction thereof.
(7)
Drive-in bank: one space for each 175 square feet, plus five entrance stacking spaces for each drive-in window.
(8)
Commercial, business and unspecified uses: one space for every motor vehicle used directly in the business, plus one parking space for every 120 square feet of floor area or a fraction thereof.
(9)
Restaurant, eating and drinking establishments: one space for every 100 square feet of floor space or a fraction thereof.
(10)
Wholesale, warehouse, storage, freight and trucking uses: one space for every motor vehicle used directly in the business, plus either one space for every 300 square feet of floor area or one space for every two employees on the premises at the maximum shift, whichever is the greater number. Offices associated with such uses shall comply separately with Subsection C(5) above.[1]
§ 240-30 Off-street loading requirements.
For every building or use hereafter erected, altered, extended, modified or changed in use for the purpose of business, trade or industry, there shall be provided off-street space for loading and unloading of vehicles as set forth below. A required loading space shall be at least 12 feet wide by 40 feet long.
§ 240-31 Off-street parking and loading regulations.
A.
The Planning Commission may require additional or may modify the off-street parking and loading spaces for any use if it finds that for any particular use the above-required minimum spaces are not sufficient or are excessive, provided that the safety and general welfare of the public are not jeopardized.
B.
All required parking spaces and loading spaces shall be on the same lot as the building, except that with the approval of the Planning Commission parking spaces may be provided by the applicant on other property, provided that such land lies within 400 feet of an entrance to the principal building. Any parking area not situated on the same lot as the principal use shall require an easement therefor benefiting the lot upon which the principal use is located.
C.
Parking spaces for any number of separate uses may be combined in one parking lot, but the required space assigned to one use may not be assigned to another at the same time except upon approval of the Planning Commission for churches, theaters or assembly halls.
D.
Where any nonresidential district or use abuts a residential district or use, the nonresidential parking space and loading space shall be no closer than 15 feet to the property line abutting the residential district.
E.
No required front, side or rear yard or part thereof shall be used to provide required parking or loading space except for single- and two-family dwellings.
G.
Plans for all parking areas, except for single- and two-family dwellings, shall be submitted to the Planning Commission and shall indicate space and aisle dimensions, grades, drainage, paving material, markings, bumper guards or wheel stops, lighting, screening and signs.
H.
Parking areas shall be provided with on-site space(s) contiguous to each parking area adequate to accommodate the storage of snow. The snow storage locations shall not be coincident with required screen landscaping or other site elements that would be damaged by snow storage.
I.
Handicap parking.
(1)
Handicap parking spaces shall be included in the off-street parking required in § 240-29 according to the following schedule:
Required Off-Street Parking Spaces | Number To Be Designated as Handicap Spaces |
|---|---|
1 to 25 | 1 |
26 to 50 | 2 |
51 to 75 | 3 |
76 to 100 | 4 |
Above 100 | 1 per 25 spaces |
(2)
Each handicap space shall be 13 feet wide by 18 feet long and be suitably marked by the international handicap designation. Said space shall be placed as close to the principal entrance to the building as reasonable.
§ 240-32 Driveways.
A.
All driveways are to be located at least 100 feet from a street line intersection for all uses except one- and-two family residential uses and gasoline stations.
B.
No driveway or other means of access for vehicles, other than a public street, shall be maintained or used in any residence district for the servicing of a business or commercial use.
[Amended 6-9-2005 by L.L. No. 4-2005]
§ 240-33 Signs.
A.
Legislative intent. The purpose of this section is to protect the public health, welfare and safety by regulating existing and proposed outdoor advertising. It is intended to improve communications within the community, protect property values, create a more attractive economic and business climate, enhance and protect the physical appearance of the community, preserve the scenic and natural beauty of designated areas and provide a more amiable and pleasing community. It is further intended hereby to reduce sign or advertising distractions and obstructions that may contribute to traffic accidents, reduce hazards that may be caused by signs overhanging or projecting over public rights-of-way, provide more open space and curb the deterioration of natural beauty and community environment.
B. A-FRAME SIGN AWNING SIGN BILLBOARD CONSTRUCTION SIGN DIRECTIONAL SIGN DIRECTORY SIGN DISSOLVE DOUBLE-FACED SIGN ELECTRONIC MESSAGE SIGN ELECTRONIC SIGN ERECT FADE FLASHING SIGN FREESTANDING SIGN HOME-GROWN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS SIGN HOME OCCUPATION SIGN HOUSEHOLD AND PERSONAL GOODS SALES SIGN ILLUMINATED SIGN INFORMATIONAL SIGN ITEM OF INFORMATION MONUMENT SIGN MOVING SIGN NONCONFORMING SIGN POLITICAL SIGN PORTABLE SIGN PROJECTING SIGN PUBLIC BUILDING SIGN REAL ESTATE SIGN ROOF SIGN SIGN SIGN AREA SITE SUBDIVISION SIGN TEMPORARY SIGN WALL SIGN WINDOW SIGN
Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
Any sign which could have a double face, erected on a frame in which the supports form a triangle using the ground as the third side of the triangle.
A sign that is painted, stitched, sewn, stained or otherwise attached to the exterior of an awning.
A sign that advertises a business conducted, services provided or products sold on properties other than the property on which the sign is erected.
A sign identifying individuals or companies involved in design, construction, wrecking, financing or development when placed upon the premises where work is under construction.
A sign directing traffic on private property, which includes signs identifying public walkways, parking areas and other similar facilities.
A common sign located next to a main entrance of a building used as a shopping center or for professional offices, under unified control, consisting of two or more occupants. It is designed for the pedestrian and indicates the name and/or address of the occupants and/or identification of any business or occupation which may exist at the premises.
A mode of message transition on electronic message signs accompanied by varying the light intensity or pattern, where the first message gradually appears to dissipate and lose legibility simultaneously with the gradual appearance and legibility of the second message.
[Added 11-21-2017 by L.L. No. 2-2017]
A sign with two faces back to back. The two sides cannot be viewed from the same point.
Any sign or portion of a sign that uses an electronic display screen or changing lights to form a message or messages in text, symbols or figures form wherein the sequence of messages and the rate of change is electronically or mechanically programmed and can be changed by electronic or mechanical processes; by remote or automatic means.
[Added 11-21-2017 by L.L. No. 2-2017]
A sign designed to allow changes in the sign graphics electronically. New electronic signs are subject to site plan approval as required by § 240-69 of this chapter. Replacing an existing sign with an electronic sign is exempt from site plan approval so long as the location and original size is maintained. This change shall be granted based on the permit approval of the Codes Enforcement Officer.
[Added 10-27-2016 by L.L. No. 5-2016; amended 2-13-2020 by L.L. No. 1-2020]
To build, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend or affix and shall also include the painting of wall signs.
A mode of message transition on electronic message signs accompanied by varying the light intensity, where the first message gradually reduces intensity to the point of not being legible and the subsequent message gradually increases intensity to the point of legibility.
[Added 11-21-2017 by L.L. No. 2-2017]
An illuminated sign on which the artificial source of light is not maintained stationary or constant in intensity and color at all times. Any moving illuminated sign affected by intermittent light shall be deemed to be a flashing sign.
Any sign not attached to a building. It is a sign that is erected, constructed or maintained on one or more post(s) or pole(s) or other bracing devices.
A sign displayed at any residence by the owner or other operator thereof for the purpose of identifying or advertising home-grown agricultural products for sale.
A sign permitted in association with an occupation conducted on the premises within a dwelling unit occupied by the operator of the business.
A sign advertising the sales of domestic items at a residence, garage or residential parcel.
A sign that is artificially lighted directly or through any transparent or translucent material from a source of light connected with such sign, or a sign illuminated by a source of light focused upon or chiefly directed at the surface of the sign.
A sign designed to contain information exclusively as a public service and of a noncommercial nature (e.g., telephone and rest rooms).
A word, abbreviation, a number, a symbol or a geometric shape contained in a sign.
[1]A type of freestanding sign that is located on grade rather than on a pole or similar support.
A sign which revolves, rotates, swings, undulates or otherwise attracts attention through the movement of parts.
A sign which was lawfully existing prior to the adoption, revision or amendment of this chapter but which fails to conform to the requirements of this chapter by reason of such adoption, revision or amendment.
A temporary sign identifying a political candidate, issue or party.
Any sign, whether or not supported by uprights or braces, which is not permanently inserted or anchored into the ground or not permanently attached to any structure, i.e., sign, building or motor vehicle.
Any sign which is supported by and projects at an angle from the exterior of any building.
Signs for religious, school and community centers of public or quasi-public buildings.
An on-premises sign for the purpose of advertising the sale or lease or the completion of the sale or lease of real estate.
Any sign or other object of display erected, constructed or maintained in whole or in part on, against or directly above the roof, parapet or wall and where the roof structure is a principal support of such sign.
[2]Any material, symbol, emblem, structure or device, lettered or pictorial matter, or upon which lettered or pictorial matter is placed when used or located out of doors. It may be on the exterior or next to any building, including exterior and interior window surfaces. It is for display of an advertisement, announcement, notice, directional matter or name, and includes sign frames, billboards, signboards, painted wall signs, hanging signs, illuminated signs, pennants, fluttering devices, projecting signs or ground signs, and shall also include any announcement, declaration, demonstration, display, illustration or insignia used to advertise or promote the interests of any person or business when the same is placed in view of the general public. The term "sign" includes signs related and unrelated to a business or profession or to a community service sold or offered upon the premises where such sign is located.
The surface area of a sign that is within view of a public right-of-way, visible from any one point of view. For measurement purposes, see Subsection C(3) of this section.
For the purpose of electronic message signs, a site is defined as a parcel of land wholly owned by an individual, partnership, corporation or other legal entity encompassing the legal boundaries of that parcel and shall also include any outparcels, even if such outparcels were formed subsequent to the original approval.
[Added 11-21-2017 by L.L. No. 2-2017]
A sign identifying a division or part, parcel or area of land by the owner or agent by lots.
A sign announcing or advertising a special limited-time offer not normally available on the premises.
Any sign that shall be affixed parallel to the wall or printed on the wall of any building in such manner as to read parallel to the wall on which it is mounted.
Any sign erected, constructed and internally mounted on a window or door of a building which is visible from a public area.
C.
General rules. Any sign or signs erected must not exceed the limitation of 10 items of information and the allowable sign areas as outlined below:
(1)
Items of information. Any sign or sign erected shall contain not more than 10 items of information. This shall not exclude double-faced signs with up to 10 items of information per face. However, if the name of the occupant of the premises on which the sign is to be affixed contains more than 10 items of information, the name may be displayed on each exposed face of a sign, provided that no other information is displayed on such sign.
(a)
Certain items not counted.
[1]
Street numerals will not be counted as part of the item count and, if used, should be no larger than 12 inches.
[2]
Any identification which is less than 1 1/2 inches high should not be counted as part of the item count.
[3]
Any sign or wording mandated by federal, state or local law is excluded from the item count.
(2)
Sign setback. No freestanding sign shall be erected or maintained in such a manner as to project over or above any street. Said sign shall be set back at least 15 feet from any street right-of-way and at least 10 feet from any other lot line.
(3)
Allowable sign area.
(a)
The total of all signage shall not exceed 1 1/2 square feet for each linear foot of the structure or building frontage occupied by each business conducted on the premises. The total signage shall not exceed 200 square feet. Any sign or wording mandated by federal, state or local law is excluded.
(b)
For rectangular wall signs, allowable sign area is that area of the smallest rectangle that can be placed over the entire sign, including its lettering, devices, frame and decorative moldings along its edges and background if of a different color from the predominant color surrounding the sign.
(c)
For irregular wall signs, allowable sign area is that area defined by the edges of a sign, including all lettering, devices, frame and decorative moldings and background if of a different color from the predominant color surrounding the sign.
(d)
For letters not attached to the frame or freestanding, allowable sign area is that area defined by the smallest rectangle that can be placed over the series of letters considered as a unit. In the event that both upper- and lower-case letters are used, the area shall be defined by the smallest rectangles that can be placed over the series of lower-case letters plus the area of the smallest rectangles that can be placed over the individual upper-case letters. In the event that a letter or letters or other pictorial matter is placed as separate units on background boards, the sign area shall be calculated as the sum of the areas of the background boards.
(e)
Freestanding double-faced signs. The sign area of a flat or two-sided freestanding sign is considered to be the entire surface area of one face of the sign.
(f)
Calculation of allowable sign area on buildings facing two streets. The frontage shall be either the side fronting the street providing major access or the side to which the main structure entrance faces. For commercial uses, the frontage shall not be a primarily residential street.[3]
(g)
Calculation of allowable sign area on lots where the property has frontage on two streets that do not intersect at the subject property, both of which provide major access and are not primarily residential. The frontage shall be the total of the two streets which provide major access, provided that each sign is placed only on the frontage from which the sign area is determined. In cases where the front cannot be determined by either method, the Codes Enforcement Officer shall designate the front. On corner lots where a building or buildings face more than one street and with more than one principal use, sign area shall be allowed for frontage as indicated in the district regulations and for 1/2 the side street frontage, provided that:
(4)
Illumination of signs.
(a)
Illumination of signs in residential districts. Illuminated signs are prohibited in residential zones except for street address signs, signs indicating doctors of medicine, signs indicating churches or other places of worship, holiday lighting displays and signs necessary for public safety.
(b)
Illumination of signs in commercial districts.
[1]
Any illuminated sign or lighting device shall employ lights emitting constant intensity. In no event shall an illuminated sign or lighting device be so placed or so directed or beamed upon a public street, highway, sidewalk, air corridor or premises adjacent to any of these so as to cause glare or reflection that may constitute a traffic hazard or nuisance.
[2]
The use of unshielded lighting, including incandescent light bulbs hung or strung on poles, wires or any other type of support, to illuminate signs is prohibited.
[3]
In addition to complying with the provisions of this section, all signs in which electrical wiring and connections are to be used shall be subject to the applicable codes, rules and regulations.
[4]
Flashing signs will not be permitted, with the exception of time and temperature signs which are allowed to have intermittent lighting on the time and temperature display.
E.
Prohibited signs. The following signs are hereby expressly prohibited from erection, construction, repair, alteration or relocation within the Village except as permitted in this section:
(1)
A-frame signs, except as a temporary sign.
(2)
Banners, pennants, streamers, balloons and other gas-filled figures except as a temporary sign.
(3)
Billboards and off-premises signs.
(4)
Home occupation signs.
(5)
Moving and flashing signs which flash, revolve, rotate, swing, undulate or otherwise attract attention through the movement or flashing of parts, including automatic electronically controlled copy changes, or through the impression of movement or flashing except as a temporary sign.
(7)
Roof signs.
(8)
Signs on parked vehicles and/or trailers which are parked on a public right-of-way, public property or private property so as to be visible from a public right-of way where the apparent purpose is to advertise a product or direct people to a business or activity located on the same or nearby property. However, this subsection is not in any way intended to prohibit signs placed on or affixed to vehicles and trailers, such as lettering on motor vehicles, where the sign is incidental to the primary use of the vehicle or trailer. This subsection is not intended to prohibit "for sale" signs placed inside a vehicle in connection with the casual sale of that vehicle.
(9)
Signs on trees, when they are affixed to a tree or any other living vegetation.
(10)
Signs attached or otherwise applied to utility poles, bus shelters, benches, trash receptacles, newspaper vending machines or other unapproved supporting structures within public property or rights-of-way.
(11)
Signs which imitate traffic control devices, especially when they interfere with, obstruct the view of or can be confused with any authorized traffic control sign, signal or other device.
(12)
Signs which obstruct free ingress to or egress from a fire escape, door, window or other required exitway.
(13)
Signs which contain untruthful or misleading information.
(14)
Signs or structures which constitute a hazard to public safety or health.
F.
Signs allowed in all zoning districts. The following signs are allowed in all zoning districts with specific regulations per sign category:
(1)
Political signs. Political signs will be permitted in all zoning districts as follows:
(a)
Each face of a political sign shall not exceed 16 square feet in area.
(b)
Political signs shall not be attached to public utility poles, street sign poles, etc., and must have the approval from the occupant and/or property owner.
(c)
Political signs may be placed one month prior to the election/referendum and must be removed within three days after such election. In the event that the sign is not removed, a fee in accordance with the fee schedule established by the Board of Trustees per sign will be assessed to the responsible party.[4]
(d)
No permit shall be required for political signs.
(2)
Civic announcement signs. Signs of a civic nature shall not exceed 6 1/2 square feet in area and shall be erected no more than 30 days prior to and shall be removed within three days following the event. A permit is required.
(3)
Construction signs. Builders', architects' and engineers' signs no more than 32 square feet in area will be allowed and shall be removed within 14 days of project completion. A permit is required.
(4)
Directional signs. A sign directing traffic on private property bearing no advertising matter is allowed. Illumination by the use of an inside-the-sign lamp and logos is permitted. Directional signs are not included in the total allowable sign area, and Subsection C(1), Items of information, does not apply. A permit is required. Maximum sign area will be four square feet in any commercial zone or planned development zone and two square feet in a residential zone.
(5)
Home-grown agricultural products. A sign displayed on a residence by the owner or other operators thereof for the purpose of identifying or advertising home-grown agricultural products for sale is allowed. A sign no larger than four square feet is allowed. A permit is required.
(6)
Household and personal goods sales signs.
(a)
No more than two off-premises and freestanding double-faced signs, each face of which shall be no larger than four square feet, may be erected 24 hours preceding the sale. Said signs shall be placed off the street and shall not be placed on any property without prior permission of the owner or tenant thereof. A permit is required.
(7)
Informational signs. A sign designed to contain information exclusively as a public service and of a noncommercial nature will not be included in the total allowable sign area, and Subsection C(1), Items of information, does not apply. A permit is required. Maximum sign area will be four square feet in any commercial zone or a planned development zone and two square feet in a residential zone.
(8)
Public building signs. Religious, school and community center signs for public or quasi-public buildings may not exceed 32 square feet in area. A permit is required.
(9)
Real estate signs.
(a)
An on-premises sign for the purpose of advertising the sale or lease or the completion of the sale or lease of real estate, when erected or displayed on the property so advertised, is permitted and must be removed within 14 days of sale or lease. No permit is required. Maximum sign area will be 6.5 square feet in a residential zone and 24 square feet in a commercial zone with a two-sign maximum.
(b)
Open-house real estate signs.
[1]
Off-premises and freestanding double-faced open-house real estate signs are permitted. Each face of the sign shall not exceed four square feet in area. No permit is required.
[2]
All such signs shall be placed off the street and shall not be placed on any property without prior permission of the owner or tenant thereof.
[3]
All such signs shall only remain erected during periods when sales personnel are present on the premises being promoted.
(10)
Awning signs.
(a)
No more than one sign per business shall be permitted on each awning.
(b)
Such sign shall indicate the name/activity conducted on the premises only. Logos or street numbers shall be permitted.
(c)
The gross area of such sign shall not exceed 50% of the gross surface area of the face of the awning to which it is affixed, and such sign area shall be part of the total allowable signage area and items of information.
(d)
The location and arrangement of all such signage shall be subject to the approval of the Codes Enforcement Officer. In no case shall the sign project higher than the top or lower than the bottom of the awning to which it is affixed.
(11)
Directory signs. A directory sign, if used, shall be located next to each main entrance of a building used as a shopping center or professional offices, under unified control, consisting of two or more occupants. The letters used for the sign shall not be larger than two inches.
(12)
Subdivision signs. Signs for housing projects must be approved by the Planning Commission and shall not exceed 32 square feet. A permit is required.
G.
Freestanding signs.
(1)
C-1 Zone. One freestanding sign not exceeding 30 square feet in area, including framework, and not exceeding 25 feet in height shall be permitted in this zone.
(2)
C-2 and PD Zones. One freestanding sign not exceeding 50 square feet in area, including framework, and not exceeding 25 feet in height shall be allowed in these zones.
(3)
C-3 Zone. Freestanding signs are not allowed in this zone, except for monument signs.
(4)
C-T Zone. One freestanding sign shall be allowed in this zone by special permit.
(5)
Freestanding time and temperature signs are allowed by special permit in C-1, C-2, C-3, PD and C-T Zones.
(6)
Monument signs are allowed in C-1, C-2, C-3, PD, CT, RM and R-SR Zones. A monument sign has a total height of no more than six feet and a viewing area of no more than 24 square feet.
[Amended 6-9-2005 by L.L. No. 4-2005]
(7)
RM and R-SR Zone. One freestanding sign not exceeding 24 square feet in area, including the framework, and not exceeding 25 feet in height shall be permitted in these zones.
(8)
Electronic message signs.
[Added 11-21-2017 by L.L. No. 2-2017]
(a)
Permitted zones. Electronic message signs shall be permitted only in the C-1, C-2, C-2A, C-3 and C-T Zoning Districts as shown on the Village's Zoning Map. Electronic message signs shall be permitted for all churches in the R-9 Zoning District as shown on the Village Zoning Map.
[Amended 2-13-2020 by L.L. No. 1-2020]
(b)
Only one electronic message sign per site is allowed.
(c)
Electronic message signs are allowed only as freestanding signs, and not as projecting, roof, awning, marquee or canopy signs.
(d)
Minimum hold time of any message shall be eight seconds. Transitions between messages is limited to one second. (Hold time should be revisited in one year once the Village has more experience with this type of sign.)
(e)
No audio- or sound-producing devices shall be installed on any message board.
(f)
Electronic message signs shall have static display with fade or dissolve transitions, or similar subtle transitions and frame effects that do not have the appearance of moving text or images, but which may otherwise not have movement, or the appearance of optical illusion of movement, of any part of the sign structure, design, or pictorial segment of the sign, including the movement of any illumination or the flashing, scintillating or varying of light intensity.
(g)
An electronic message signs shall have automatic dimming controls. Electronic message sign must be equipped with a photocell that detects ambient light and adjusts brightness levels accordingly. Full animation, flashing and video are prohibited.
(h)
No advertising will be allowed other than the information specific to the permitted business.
H.
Wall signs.
(1)
Signable wall area is a continuous portion of building unbroken by doors or by windows. It is calculated by selecting a continuous facade, then drawing an imaginary rectangle within specified height limitations and computing the square foot area of this rectangle. The size of graphic display to be located on this wall is then determined by applying the appropriate percentage of signable area. All signs shall be confined to signable wall area. Exceptions will be by variance.
(2)
There shall not be more than one wall sign placed on any wall of each principal building. Allowable signage may be split to permit a sign on more than one wall.
I.
Projecting signs.
(1)
Only one projecting sign per business shall be permitted, and a projecting sign shall not be permitted on property which has a freestanding sign.
(2)
Projecting signs shall be located on the vertical surface of a building and shall be set back from the street right-of-way at least 15 feet. A projecting sign shall not project more than four feet from the building upon which it is erected and shall be pinned at least six inches from the wall to which the sign is affixed.
(3)
Projecting signs shall clear grade level below the sign by a minimum of 10 feet and shall not be higher than the top of the wall.
(4)
The display area shall not exceed 12 square feet in C-2 and PD Zoning Districts and shall not exceed eight square feet in a C-1 Zone. Projecting signs are not allowed in a C-3, C-T or residential zone.
J.
Temporary signs. Temporary signs, including portable signs, are allowed under the following restrictions:
(2)
Time restrictions. Temporary signs will be permitted for a calendar quarter. The permit fee will be prorated by the month. Temporary signs will be displayed only during business hours.
[Amended 10-27-2016 by L.L. No. 5-2016]
(3)
One on-premises A-frame sign is allowed as a temporary sign. Size depends upon the zone in which the property is located. Sign area shall be determined by the entire surface area of one face of the sign.
(4)
A banner up to 32 square feet may be displayed as temporary signage in any zoning district.
(5)
A permit is required.
K.
Window signs.
(1)
Permanent and temporary window signs which are visible from an exterior public area are limited in window coverage to 50% in C-1, C-2, C-3, PD and C-T Zoning Districts.
(2)
Percentage of allowable sign area is determined by measuring the area of the smallest rectangle that can be placed over the entire sign.
(3)
Window signs shall be arranged to allow visibility for police surveillance and not to interfere with their removal and/or free passage in the event of an emergency.
(4)
Permanent window signs shall be included in the total signable area.
L.
Shopping center signs.
(1)
Wall sign. There should be no more than one wall sign for each principal tenant or use contained in the shopping center. All signs shall conform to an overall scheme or arrangement design which shall be subject to approval by the Planning Commission. Sign materials, lighting, position on the building and size shall all be specified in such approval. If the shopping center should contain a mall area, each entrance to the mall may be designated by a sign no wider than the entrance.
(2)
Freestanding signs. Only one freestanding sign which bears the name of the shopping center and/or the name(s) of the tenant(s) may be erected on the lands occupied by the center. Size of the freestanding sign depends upon the zone in which the shopping center is located.
M.
Nonconforming signs.[5]
(1)
All nonconforming signs prohibited by the provisions of this chapter shall be removed or shall be altered to conform to the provisions of this chapter:
(a)
When the business conducted on the premises changes and the sign is changed or modified either in shape or size.
(b)
When the name of the business changes and the sign is changed or modified either in shape or size.
(c)
When a nonconforming sign is damaged by any means to an extent of more than 50% of its replacement cost at time of damage.
(2)
A nonconforming sign may not be enlarged, altered or replaced to continue or increase its nonconformity.
N.
Application for permit. Application for a permit shall be made to the Codes Enforcement Officer in writing, in duplicate, upon the forms provided by the Codes Enforcement Officer, and shall contain the following information:
(1)
The name, address and telephone number of both the applicant and owner of the property on which the sign is to be located.
(2)
The location of the building, structure or land upon which the sign is to be attached or erected.
(3)
A detailed drawing or blueprints showing a description of the construction details of the sign and showing the lettering and/or pictorial matter, including color scheme, composing the sign; position of lighting or other extraneous devices; and a location plan showing the position in relation to nearby buildings or structures and to any private or public street or highway.
(4)
A permit shall be applied for in the name of the tenant and/or the property owner, or a legal representative, with written consent of the owner of the building, structure, or land to which or on which the sign is to be erected.
[Amended 6-9-2005 by L.L. No. 4-2005]
(5)
A copy of any required or necessary electrical permit issued for said sign or a copy of the application therefor.
(6)
Such additional information as the Codes Enforcement Officer may reasonably require in order to carry out the intent of this section, such as wind load factor and stress analysis.
O.
Fees. A fee shall be paid to the Village of North Syracuse, New York, upon filing of an application for a sign permit.
P.
Issuance of a permit. It shall be the duty of the Codes Enforcement Officer, upon the filing of an application for a permit to erect a sign, to examine such plans, specifications and other data submitted to him with the application and, if necessary, the building or premises upon which it is proposed to erect the sign or other advertising structure. If it shall appear that the proposed sign is in compliance with all the requirements of this section and other laws and ordinances of the Village of North Syracuse, New York, the Codes Enforcement Officer shall then issue a permit for the erection of the proposed sign.
Q.
Planning Commission. When a request is made which exceeds the legal limits of this section, it shall be referred to the Planning Commission for review and recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals.[6]
[6]
Editor's Note: Original § 195-31R, Revocation of permit, which immediately followed this subsection, was deleted 6-9-2005 by L.L. No. 4-2005).
R.
Removal of certain signs.
(1)
If the Codes Enforcement Officer finds that any sign regulated by this section is unsafe or not secure or is a menace to the public, he shall cause the removal or repair of said sign in accordance with Chapter 94, Buildings, Unsafe, of this Code.
(2)
Any sign now or hereafter existing which no longer advertises a bona fide business conducted or product sold shall be taken down and removed by the owner, agent or person having the beneficial use of the building, structure or land upon which said sign shall be found within 30 days after cessation of business or product sales.
S.
Billboard and off-premises signs.
[Added 6-9-2005 by L.L. No. 3-2005]
(1)
Purpose. Notwithstanding the specific prohibitions of § 240-33E and the general prohibitions concerning billboard and off-premises signs contained in this section, the Village Board hereby recognizes that there is an outdoor advertising industry prevalent in the State of New York, representatives of which erect billboard and off-premises signs throughout the State of New York. This Board recognizes that the erection of billboards and off-premises signs has been prohibited by numerous municipalities throughout the State of New York and the industry is heavily regulated by the New York State Department of Transportation and in accordance with the Federal Highway Beautification Act. This Board is also aware of certain litigation challenging the constitutionality of prohibitions of such signs and this Board recognizes the legitimate public service offered by this industry, notwithstanding the perceived adverse aesthetic effects of such signs. As a result, it has been determined that the authorization to construct such signs, as provided in this subsection, and in certain regulated areas as provided herein, is consistent with advancing the interest of the residents of this community.
(2)
Location and placement.
(a)
Billboards and off-premises signs shall only be permitted in C-2 and PD Districts, provided that such signs shall not be erected within 500 feet of an R District, nor shall such sign be erected within 500 feet of a residence.
(b)
Billboards and off-premises signs may only be erected within 400 feet of the center line of Interstate 81 or Interstate 481. No billboard or off-premises sign shall be erected within 1,000 feet of a public or private school, public playground, park, church, or other religious institution.
(c)
Billboards and off-premises signs shall not be erected, under any circumstances, on any rooftop or wall of any building.
(d)
No billboards or off-premises signs shall be erected within 1,000 feet of any other existing or proposed billboard or off-premises sign.
(3)
Size and height.
(a)
All billboard and off-premises signs shall have a maximum gross service area of 440 square feet per sign face.
(b)
All billboard and off-premises sign structures shall have no more than two independent sign faces, facing in opposite directions.
(c)
All billboard and off-premises sign structures shall be a minimum of 10 feet above the ground level, and shall not exceed 40 feet in height above the ground level.
(d)
If the billboards or off-premises signs are to be erected on property which is depressed below the roadway on which it is intended to be viewed, the required height shall be measured from a point perpendicular from curb level to the sign structure.
(4)
Construction methods.
(a)
All billboards and off-premises sign structures shall have a maximum of one vertical support, constructed of noncorrosive material, the plans for which shall be approved by the Village Engineer.
(b)
The billboard or off-premises sign structure shall be capable of sustaining a wind-load capacity of 30 pounds per square foot, or a minimum of sixty-mile-per-hour winds.
(c)
The billboard or off-premises sign faces shall be independently supported and shall have vertical supports of metal or galvanized steel or shall be otherwise treated to prevent corrosion.
(5)
Lighting. All lighting shall use indirect illumination so that it does not glare onto neighboring properties and shall have a maximum footcandle power of 1.5 upon adjoining lots.
(6)
Landscaping. All sites shall be landscaped at the base of the structure as specified by the Village of North Syracuse Planning Commission in its approving resolution.
(7)
Inspection.
(a)
By applying for and receiving a permit to erect a billboard or off-premises sign structure, the applicant grants permission to the Code Enforcement Officer and the Village Engineer to enter upon the premises whereon the sign is erected for the purpose of inspecting the sign for compliance with the New York State Building Codes and the provisions of this section of law as well as any permit conditions imposed by the Planning Commission.
(b)
The Code Enforcement Officer, without prior notice or approval, may inspect all billboard and off-premises sign structures at any time.
(8)
Liability insurance. All approvals granted by the Planning Commission shall be conditioned upon the applicant's consent to provide continuing proof of valid liability insurance.
(9)
Permit process.
(a)
All billboard and off-premises sign applications shall be submitted to the Code Enforcement Officer. All applications shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission of the Village of North Syracuse in accordance with Chapter 240 of the Village Code. The Planning Commission, after thorough review and submission to the Onondaga County Planning Board, shall make its decision in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
(b)
All approvals granted by the Planning Commission shall be conditioned upon the applicant obtaining all necessary approvals from pertinent agencies, including, without limitation, the New York State Department of Transportation. Such approvals will afford the applicant one year from the date of the Planning Commission meeting at which such approval was granted to obtain all necessary permits from the required agencies. In the event the applicant fails to secure such permits and approvals within one year from the date of the meeting at which the approval was granted by the Planning Commission, then such approval shall expire and the applicant shall be required to resubmit such application to the Planning Commission.
§ 240-34 Landscaping.
A.
The following are the minimum landscaping requirements:
[Amended 6-9-2005 by L.L. No. 4-2005]
(1)
Where any land use in a nonresidential district abuts land in any residential district, a strip of land at least 20 feet in width shall be maintained by the owner as a landscape and utility area in the front yard, side yards and rear yard which adjoin these other districts.
(2)
Where any nonresidential land use in a residential district abuts any land use in a residential district, a strip of land at least 15 feet in width shall be maintained as a landscape and utility area in the front yard, side yards and rear yard which adjoin these uses.
B.
Landscaping required under this section to be installed and maintained in front, side and rear yards shall take the form of shade trees, deciduous shrubs, evergreens, well-kept grassed areas and ground cover.
C.
One shade tree at least 10 feet in height and at least three inches in diameter measured at a point six inches above finished grade level shall be planted no nearer than five feet to any lot line for each 300 square feet of required landscaped area, and one deciduous shrub or evergreen shall be planted for each 200 square feet of required landscaped area.
D.
All such landscaping shall be maintained in a healthy growing condition, with ground cover or grassed areas. In appropriate cases, security for maintenance shall be required.
E.
The Planning Commission shall have the authority to increase or decrease the amount of required landscape area and/or the amount, type and placement of landscaping materials when it determines that the required minimums are insufficient to protect adjacent uses or are excessive.
§ 240-35 Screening devices.
A.
Permit. No screening device, except natural vegetation, shall be installed prior to the issuance of a permit by the Codes Enforcement Officer.
[Amended 6-9-2005 by L.L. No. 4-2005]
B.
Height and location.
(1)
Front yard. No screening device shall exceed 42 inches in height if placed within a required front yard. On corner lots, that portion of a lot contiguous to a public right-of-way shall be considered as front yard area for the purpose of applying the regulations herein.
(2)
Side and rear yards. No screening device shall exceed six feet in height within required side and/or rear yards.
(3)
Corner lot exception. Upon issuance of a special permit therefor in accordance with Article VI of this chapter, screening devices on corner lots in the traditional side yard may be up to four feet in height. In addition, to satisfy the criteria set forth in § 240-58 of this chapter the applicant must demonstrate to the issuing board that the height, location and composition of the proposed screening device will not interfere with vehicular or pedestrian visibility at or around the intersection or detract from the aesthetic quality of the neighborhood or community.
C.
Type.
(1)
Screening devices permitted within required front yards shall be of open design, such as chain link, ornamental iron, rail and picket, with a uniform ratio of space to fence material of at least one to one (1:1). Opaque fences, such as basket weave or stockade, are prohibited within the required front yard.
(2)
Barbed wire or electrical screening devices are prohibited.
D.
Plantings.
(1)
Plantings, except trees, shall not exceed two feet in height if placed within 10 feet of the front property line. Trees located within 10 feet of the front property line shall have all branches trimmed between a height of two and seven feet above grade.
(2)
There shall be no limit to the height of plantings if located along the side or rear property lines or more than 10 feet from the front property line.
E.
Maintenance. All screening devices and plantings shall be maintained in a sound and safe condition at all times.
F.
Accessibility.
(1)
All portions of a lot enclosed by a screening device shall be made accessible for fire-fighting purposes. Pedestrian gates not less than three feet in width shall be installed at locations providing direct access to all enclosed yard areas.
(2)
No screening device or portion thereof in excess of 2 1/2 feet in height shall be located closer than three feet to the exterior wall of a principal or accessory structure except where said screening device is connected to said exterior wall or terminated at a post or similar fixture adjacent to said exterior wall.
G.
Nonconforming screening devices. Where a lawful screening device exists at the effective date of adoption or amendment of this chapter that could not be constructed under the terms contained herein by reason of restrictions on height, visibility characteristics, location or any other requirement concerning said screening device, such screening device may be continued so long as it remains otherwise lawful, subject to the following provisions:
(1)
No such screening device may be enlarged or altered in a way which increases its nonconformity, but any such screening device or portion thereof may be altered to decrease its nonconformity.
(2)
Where a screening device is damaged due to any cause, including deterioration due to the elements, or is declared unsafe and the cost of restoration or correction exceeds 50% of the replacement cost of the entire screening device, the same shall not be so corrected or restored except in compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
(3)
Should such a screening device or portion thereof be relocated within a lot, that portion as relocated shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter.
(4)
The Planning Commission shall have the authority to increase or decrease the amount of required screening devices or areas as appropriate and/or the amount, type and placement of screening device materials or areas as appropriate when it determines that the required minimums are insufficient to protect adjacent uses or are excessive.
§ 240-36 Screened service area requirements.
In any district, all side or rear lot areas designated, used or intended to be used as service areas for any building or land use, other than one-family and two-family dwelling units, shall be screened from view with either a wall, a solid fence or a fence and evergreens installed at a height of four feet and maintained to a height of six feet above grade level, contiguous to the property line between properties where the adjacent land is in a residential district or residential use.
§ 240-37 Prohibited uses.
In all districts, the following uses are not permitted:
A.
Junkyards and machinery wrecking yards.
B.
Bulk storage of fuel oil, butane, propane and gasoline.
C.
Smelters.
D.
Blast furnaces.
E.
Slaughterhouses.
F.
Rendering plants.
G.
Hide tanning or curing plants.
H.
Manufacture or processing of fertilizer, bone, rubber, asphalt, ammonia or chlorine.
I.
Manufacture or refining of petroleum, gas or explosives.
J.
Bulk storage of explosives.
K.
Dumps, except municipally operated sanitary landfills.
§ 240-38 Performance standards.
A.
In all districts, uses are not permitted which exceed any of the following standards measured at the individual property line:
(1)
Emit noise in excess of 70 decibels.
(2)
Emit any odor which is considered offensive.
(3)
Emit any noxious gases which endanger the health, comfort, safety or welfare of any person or which have a tendency to cause injury or damage to property, business or vegetation.
(4)
Cause, as a result of normal operations, a vibration which creates displacement of 0.003 of one inch.
(5)
Lighting or signs which create glare, which could impair the vision of a driver of any motor vehicle.
(6)
Cause a fire, explosion or safety hazard.
B.
All uses shall comply with the New York State Air Pollution Control Act.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: See § 19-0101 et seq. of the Environmental Conservation Law.
§ 240-39 Storage of flammable liquids.
The storage of any highly flammable liquid in tanks above ground with unit capacity greater than 550 gallons shall be prohibited unless such tanks up to and including 10,000 gallons' capacity are placed not less than 80 feet from all property lines and unless all such tanks of more than 10,000 gallons' capacity are placed not less than 200 feet from all property lines. All tanks having a capacity greater than 550 gallons shall be properly retained with dikes having a capacity not less than 1 1/2 times the capacity of the tank or tanks surrounded.
§ 240-40 Livestock and pets.
The raising or harboring of livestock, including but not limited to horses, cattle, hogs, fowl or fur-bearing animals, shall be prohibited. Common household pets are excepted from these provisions, provided that there are not more than four cats and/or dogs over six months old.
§ 240-41 Extractive operations.
In any district, the removal of trees, soil, sand, gravel or quarried stone, except when incidental to construction of a building or the establishment of a use on the same premises, shall be permitted only upon approval by the Planning Commission and after issuance of a special permit by the Village Board. In any district, the following provisions shall apply:
A.
Before approval of any new or extension of a sand, gravel or stone quarrying operation by the Planning Commission, a performance bond shall be secured from the applicant sufficient to ensure that, upon completion of the extraction operations, the abandoned quarry will be left in a safe, attractive and useful condition in the interest of public safety and general welfare. The owner shall submit a plan of proposed improvements to accomplish this end. The bond shall be sufficient to cover the cost of redevelopment of the quarry as a park, recreation area or other usable open space.
B.
The removal of all material shall be conducted so as to result in the improvement of the land, having due regard to the contours in the vicinity, such as leveling slopes and removing hills. The digging or creating of pits or steep slopes shall not be permitted unless provision is made to refill such pit.
C.
The excavation operation site shall be graded smooth and left in a neat condition. Cut slopes and spoil banks shall not be allowed to remain. The operation site shall be fertilized, mulched and reseeded so as to establish a firm cover of grass or other vegetation sufficient to prevent erosion, under the supervision and to the satisfaction of the Zoning Enforcement Officer.
D.
All surface drainage existing or developing by or through the excavation operations shall be controlled by the owner to prevent erosion debris and other loose materials from filling any drainage course, street or private property. All provisions to control natural drainage water shall meet with the approval of the Zoning Enforcement Officer.
E.
No excavation, blasting or stockpiling of materials shall be located within 200 feet of any street or other property line.
F.
No power-activated sorting machinery or equipment shall be located within 300 feet of any street or other property line, and all such machinery shall be equipped with satisfactory dust-elimination devices.
G.
All excavation slopes in excess of one to two (1:2) shall be adequately fenced as determined by the Zoning Enforcement Officer.
H.
Extension of an existing nonconforming operation shall not be permitted.
I.
Stripping of topsoil for sale or for use on other premises, except as may be incidental to a construction project, shall be prohibited.
§ 240-42 Grading.
No grading, cut or fill shall be carried out in any district which leaves the slope of the finished grade in excess of one to two (1:2).
§ 240-43 Temporary uses incidental to construction projects.
Temporary permits may be issued by the Zoning Enforcement Officer for a period not exceeding six months for nonconforming uses incidental to construction projects, provided that such permits are conditioned upon agreement by the owner to remove the structure or use upon expiration of the permit. Such permits may be renewed upon application for an additional period not exceeding six months.
§ 240-44 Abandonment of building sites.
Within six months after work on an excavation for a building has begun or within six months after a permanent or temporary building or structure has been destroyed, demolished or abandoned, all structural materials shall be removed from the site, and the excavation thus remaining shall be covered over or filled to the normal grade by the owner.
§ 240-45 Fencing required for certain excavations.
Excavations with slopes exceeding one to two (1:2) shall be protected from encroachment by a fence at least five feet in height.
§ 240-46 Obstruction of vision at street intersections.
In all districts on a corner lot, within the triangular area formed by the intersection of two street property lines and a third line joining them at points 25 feet away from their intersection, there shall be no obstruction to vision between the height of three feet and 10 feet above the average grade of each street.
§ 240-47 Swimming pools.
[Amended 8-28-2025 by L.L. No. 4-2025]
A swimming pool may be maintained as an accessory use in any district, subject to the following regulations:
A.
No swimming pool shall be constructed or erected until a building permit is granted. The fee therefor shall be in the amount specified from time to time by resolution of the Village Board. Application for a building permit shall be accompanied by a plan showing the exact location and construction of the pool, filtering system, power supply, existing buildings, and water, sewer, power and gas lines, the method of disposal of wastewater, and the type, size and location of fencing to be used.
B.
Yards. A swimming pool shall not be located in a front yard, and the pool and the appurtenances thereto shall be located so as to have a yard not less than five feet in width on all sides except where the pool is attached to a principal structure.
C.
Fences. Pools shall be surrounded by a fence or barrier at least four feet in height, strong enough to make the pool inaccessible to small children, and which shall have a gate equipped with self-closing, self-locking devices.
D.
Lighting. Pool lighting shall not shine or reflect onto adjoining property.
E.
Overhead power lines. No overhead power lines shall pass over the pool or be maintained within 20 feet of the pool.
F.
Maintenance equipment. All heating, filtering, disinfectant and recirculating equipment shall be located at least five feet away from the property lines and shall be effectively enclosed or screened from view from adjacent properties.
H.
Abandonment. Abandoned pools shall be removed and the land returned to its original grade; aboveground pools shall be removed entirely from the premises.
I.
Modifications. The Codes Enforcement Officer may make modifications to these requirements in individual cases with respect to the nature or location of pools, fences, gates or locking devices, provided that the protection as sought hereunder is not reduced.
J.
An abandoned pool becomes abandoned when it is no longer maintained and kept sanitary.
§ 240-48 Public utility substations.
Public utility substations and similar utility structures, where permitted, shall comply with the following:
§ 240-49 Recreational vehicles.
A.
It shall be unlawful for any person to park any recreational vehicle on any street or other public place between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
B.
The owner of a recreational vehicle may park the same on his own property, provided that the recreational vehicle is parked no closer than six feet to any lot line. A recreational vehicle so parked shall not be used for living quarters and shall not be hooked up to any utilities.
§ 240-50 Multiple-family dwelling units below grade.
The finished floor level of all habitable rooms in every multiple-family dwelling unit shall be not more than one foot below finished grade level measured at a point 10 feet outside and at right angles to each window lighting each habitable room. With the Board of Trustees' approval, this standard may be modified.
§ 240-51 Household and personal goods sales.
The sale of goods or products, whether new or used, from a residence, garage or residential parcel shall constitute a business and is prohibited in any residential district except in conformance with the following conditions:
A.
The sale of such goods or products shall be completely contained upon the premises occupied as a residence by the person conducting the sale.
B.
There shall be no more than two such sales in a six-month period. No such sale shall last for more than three days, and such sales shall be conducted only during daylight hours. No permit is required for said sale.
C.
If desired, a permit for no more than two off-premises and freestanding double-faced signs, each of which shall be no larger than four square feet, may be obtained by making application to the Codes Enforcement Officer at least one week in advance of the proposed sale. Failure to do so shall cause said sign or signs to be removed.
D.
Signs may be erected by the applicant 24 hours preceding the sale and shall be removed within 24 hours of the conclusion of the sale.
E.
The application for a sign permit shall consist of a signed document stating the name and address of the applicant, the address of the proposed sale, the dates of the sale and the location of any proposed signs.
§ 240-52 Flea markets and outdoor sale or display of goods.
Flea markets and/or the outdoor sale or display of any goods and/or products is hereby prohibited in any district within the Village except after the issuance of a permit therefor by the Codes Enforcement Officer in accordance with the following:
A.
No such permit shall be issued to any applicant authorizing such sales for longer than a continuous fourteen-day period, and no more than one such permit shall be issued within any four-month period, except that permits for religious and/or charitable nonprofit organizations shall not be subject to such time limitations.
B.
No such permit shall be issued until the Codes Enforcement Officer is satisfied that the following criteria have been met:
(1)
The location of the proposed sale is appropriate with respect to vehicular and pedestrian traffic, minimal interference with adjacent or nearby land uses and the normal conduct thereof.
(2)
The conduct of said sale will not be unduly disruptive to adjacent or nearby land uses, considering such elements as unsightliness, noise, trash and refuse disposal, hours of operation, traffic ingress and egress, illumination of other property, noxious or unpleasant odors, etc.
C.
No such permit shall be issued until the applicant therefor has submitted an application to the Codes Enforcement Officer, which application shall contain sufficient information to allow the Codes Enforcement Officer to determine compliance with the above criteria. Such application shall include at least the following:
(1)
The name, address and telephone number of the person responsible for the conduct of the sale.
(2)
The exact address of the sale premises, the name and address of the owner of the premises and a drawing of the site of the proposed sale showing the location of all buildings, structures, shelters, displays, tables and storage areas, the vehicular and pedestrian traffic circulation patterns, all adjacent land uses and their proximity thereto.
(3)
A description of the nature of the goods and/or products to be sold, hours of operation and manner of the conduct of such sale.
(4)
A fee for such permit in the amount designated in the fee schedule established by the Board of Trustees.
D.
For purposes of this section, sales conducted inside tents or other temporary shelters shall be considered outside sales.
§ 240-53 Junk peddling and dealing.
No person shall, within the limits of the Village, engage in or carry on the business of junk peddler or junk dealer or otherwise engage in or carry on the business of collecting, buying, selling or otherwise dealing in junk, rags, old rope, bones, old carton boxes, bottles, rubber or any other article or thing, except a business engaged in recycling in accordance with all other applicable codes for the district in which it is located and all other laws of the Village.