It is determined that regulation of the location, size, placement, and certain features of signs is necessary to enable the public to locate goods, services, and facilities without difficulty and confusion, to prevent wasteful use of natural resources in competition among businesses for attention, to prevent hazards of life and property, and to assure the continued attractiveness of the community and protect property values. It is further determined that signs which may lawfully be erected and maintained under the provisions of this Ordinance are consistent with customary usage, and that signs which may not lawfully be erected or maintained under the provisions hereof are not consistent with customary usage, are an abuse and are unwarranted invasions of the rights of legitimate business interests and of the public.

The following definitions apply only to words and phrases used in this article.

A.

Animated sign: A sign, other than a changeable copy sign, whereby the sign itself or the information conveyed incorporates or involves action, motion, or the appearance of action or motion, such as lights, color changes, moving parts, reflective materials, scrolling messages or video-like features. This shall include digital signs.

B.

Awning sign: A sign which is part of, hung from the underside of, or attached to, a marquee, canopy, or other covered structure projecting from and supported by a building and does not project horizontally beyond or vertically above said marquee, canopy, or covered structure.

C.

Banner: A sign made of natural, synthetic or plastic material used to call attention to a land use or product, service or activity; however, not including pennants or flags.

D.

Billboard: An off-premises sign owned by a person, corporation or the entity that engages in the business of selling the advertising space on that sign and is subject to regulation under the Highway Advertising Act, Public Act 106 of 1972.

E.

Changeable copy sign: A sign on which the message can be changed by hand, mechanically, electrically or electronically. Time and temperature displays and fuel price displays shall be considered changeable copy signs rather than animated signs regardless of the number of changes per day.

F.

Cluster sign: A sign that lists and identifies a number or group of institutions, residences, organizations, churches and/or businesses and which contain the names, locations, hours, products sold, services offered, announcement of events or similar messages.

G.

Directional sign: An on- or off-premises sign which provides no advertising display or commercial message, but is used to direct visitors or customers to a particular land use.

H.

Flag:

(a)

Governmental flag: Usually a rectangular piece of fabric of distinctive design that is used as a symbol, as of a nation or state;

(b)

Nongovernmental flag: A sign made of natural, synthetic or plastic material having a distinctive size, color and design used as a symbol or emblem. A flag of a nation or state is not a sign.

I.

Flashing sign: Any illuminated sign on which the artificial light is not maintained stationary or constant in intensity and color at all times when such sign is in use.

J.

Governmental sign: A sign authorized by a local unit of government, the county, a governmental agency, the State of Michigan, or the federal government, for street direction, destination, hazardous condition, traffic control, public notice or identification purposes.

K.

Ground or pole sign: A freestanding sign supported by one or more uprights, poles, braces or some other structure, placed in or upon the ground surface and not attached to any building.

L.

Home occupation sign: A non-illuminated sign announcing a home occupation or professional service.

M.

Identification sign: A sign containing the name of a business operating on the premises where located, the type of business, owner or resident, and/or the street address and sets forth no other advertisement display.

N.

Illuminated sign: A sign that provides artificial light by either emission (usually from inside) or reflection (usually either from light above or below the sign).

O.

Informational sign: A small, non-advertising sign used to identify architectural features of a land use such as building entrances, drop boxes, restrooms, handicapped ramps and similar features.

P.

Ingress-egress sign: A sign located adjacent to the entrance or exit drives of a development to identify the points of vehicular ingress and egress.

Q.

Marquee sign: An "identification or business" sign attached to a marquee, canopy, or awning projection from the building.

R.

Monument sign: A sign mounted on the ground.

S.

Nonconforming sign: A sign lawfully existing on the effective date of this Ordinance which does not conform to one or more of the regulations set forth in this Ordinance.

T.

On-premises advertising sign: A sign, other than a billboard as defined by this section that advertises a commodity, service, business or event lawfully conducted, sold, or offered on the premises on which the sign is located.

U.

Off-premises advertising sign: A sign, other than a billboard as defined by this section, that advertises a commodity, service, business or event lawfully conducted, sold, or offered at a location other than the premises on which the sign is located.

V.

Off-premises directional sign: A sign to provide motorist with advanced notice of a lawful cultural, historical, recreational, educational, or commercial activity.

W.

Pennant: A small, often triangular, tapering flag used in multiples as a device to call attention to a land use or activity.

X.

Pole sign: A sign located in an elevated position mounted on one or more poles.

Y.

Portable sign: A freestanding sign used to advertise activities, services, or goods directly related to the property and not permanently anchored or secured to either a building or the ground (such as a sandwich sign) and includes trailered or similarly mounted signs or signs on parked vehicles where the sign is the primary use of the vehicle or wheeled object while it is parked. Not used for temporary signs such as political or special events.

Z.

Projecting sign: A sign which is affixed to any building or structure other than a marquee and projects in such a way that the message is not parallel to the wall to which it is attached.

AA.

Residential neighborhood identification sign: A free-standing ground sign used to identify a subdivision plat, condominium project, apartment complex or residential PUD.

BB.

Roof sign: A sign erected, constructed, or maintained upon, or which projects above, the roof line of a building.

CC.

Sign: Any identification, description, illustration, display, structure or device illuminated or non-illuminated which is visible from any public place or is located on private property and exposed to the public and which directs attention to a product, service, place, activity, person, institution, business or solicitation, including any permanently installed or situated merchandise; or any emblem, painting, banner, pennant, placard or temporary sign designed to advertise, identify, convey information or to simply draw attention to a particular business, property or land use. For the purpose of removal, signs shall also include all sign poles and similar supporting structures. House or building numbers and tenant nameplates under one-square foot in size on or next to a door or on a mailbox are not considered signs.

DD.

Sign face: That part of a sign structure which is used to graphically communicate a message or announcement.

EE.

Temporary sign: A display sign, banner, or advertising device with or without a structural frame such as a portable or trailer sign, intended for a limited period of display, such as grand openings, vehicle shows, displays, craft shows, benefits, fund raisers, festivals, holidays, elections, or public demonstrations.

FF.

Tourist oriented directional sign (TODS): A sign, authorized and permitted by the state, to provide motorist with advanced notice of a lawful cultural, historical, recreational, educational, or commercial activity that is annually attended by 2,000 or more people and for which a major portion of the activity's income or visitors are derived during the normal business season for motorists not residing in the immediate area of the activity.

GG.

Wall sign: A sign which is attached directly to or painted upon a building wall which does not project more than 12 inches therefrom. The exposed face of the sign must be in a plane parallel to the building wall or structure (such as a water tower). The sign shall not extend above the height of the building, wall or structure.

Figure 10-1 illustrates many of the different types of signs defined above.

A.

Compliance required. Signs erected, altered and maintained in the City of Norway shall conform to the standards of this article.

B.

Standards of measurement. Dimensional standards and measurements for signs shall be subject to the following:

1.

Sign height. The distance from the average level of the ground or pavement directly below the sign to the highest point of the sign structure, including any supportive or decorative elements (see illustration).

2.

Sign setback. Setbacks shall be measured from the closest road right-of-way or front lot line to the nearest edge of the sign.

3.

Sign area. Measurements of permitted sign area shall be in accordance with the following standards:

a.

The surface area of a sign shall include the total area within a regular geometric figure (circle, triangle, rectangle or square) enclosing the extreme limits of letters, symbols or other materials forming an integral part of the display, plus the surface area of any board, panel, or similar sign copy area to which the letters, symbols or other materials are attached (see illustration). The surface area of a sign shall also include any border area or attached structural amenity (e.g. frame, roof, accenting feature or caricature).

b.

For an internally illuminated sign, the entire illuminated surface area of a sign face shall be included in the measurement of sign area.

c.

Where two sign faces with identical sign areas are placed back to back no more than 18 inches apart, then the sign area shall equal the area of one face.

d.

Where two sign faces with different sign areas are placed back to back no more than 18 inches apart, then the sign area shall equal the area of the larger face.

e.

Where two sign faces are placed more than 18 inches apart at any point, then the sign area shall equal the total area of all sign faces.

f.

Where a sign has more than two sign faces, then the sign area shall equal the total area of all sign faces.

4.

Signable area. The signable area of a building shall equal the area of the building's street level façade.

a.

Signable area for multi-tenant buildings. Where more than one business or use occupies space on the street level façade, the total signable area allowed for the building shall be divided among the businesses or uses in proportion to the size of each occupied space.

b.

Signable area for buildings on corner lots. Where a building has two or more street level facades (such as on a corner lot), each street level façade shall be considered as a separate signable area for purposes of this article (e.g. A building that faces two road rights-of-way shall have two signable areas).

C.

Placement requirements. The following placement standards shall apply to all signs:

1.

No sign may extend above any parapet or be placed upon, cantilevered over or otherwise suspended above any roof surface. For purposes of this article, roof surfaces constructed at an angle of 75 degrees or more from horizontal (such as mansard roofs) shall be regarded as wall space.

2.

No sign attached to a building, other than a permitted awning sign, shall project more than one foot from the building wall.

3.

Signs shall not be located within nor extend over any road right-of-way or corner clearance area, except where specifically authorized by this article. This restriction shall include any future planned rights-of-way, as defined by the master transportation plans for the city, county, or state road authorities.

4.

All signs shall be set back at least ten feet horizontal distance from any utility pole, overhead wire, transformer or streetlight.

D.

Hazards and obstructions. Signs shall not be designed or maintained in a manner that would confuse or mislead motorists or pedestrians, create traffic or pedestrian hazards, obstruct free and clear vision or interfere with any traffic control device. No sign shall be erected or maintained so as to prevent ingress or egress from any door, window or fire escape. No sign of any kind shall be attached to a standpipe, fire escape or other means of ingress or egress.

E.

Use. Signs shall not impair the use of adjacent properties. Any sign permitted by this article may contain a non-commercial message.

Within all districts allowing residential uses as a permitted principal use, the following signs shall be permitted as follows:

A.

Places of assembly shall be permitted a sign structure with a face on both sides, with each side having a maximum sign area of 40 square feet. The total sign area may be divided into one or more signs. The maximum height of the sign shall be eight feet above grade.

B.

One sign, not exceeding 36 square feet and eight feet in height above grade, shall be permitted at each vehicle entrance to a platted subdivision development or manufactured housing communities.

C.

Multiple dwellings and nursing homes shall be permitted one identification sign not to exceed 36 square feet and eight feet in height above grade.

D.

One sign, not to exceed four square feet, shall be permitted to advertise a home occupation. The sign shall not be illuminated, have working parts or be animated. The sign must be attractive and compatible with a neighborhood setting and designed so as not to detract from the visual appearance of the neighborhood.

E.

One temporary sign, not to exceed four square feet, shall be permitted per parcel or lot. Temporary signs also have the following restrictions or regulations:

1.

From a time 45 days prior to an election date until ten days after, one extra temporary yard sign per issue or candidate on the ballot.

2.

One temporary yard sign from the time a property is listed for sale or rent until 30 days after closing of sale/lease.

3.

One temporary yard sign from the time a building permit is issued for a structure on the subject parcel or lot to a time 14 days after the issuance of an occupancy permit.

4.

Signs which are for one day special events such as a garage sale, rummage sale, estate sale, or other one-time special event held on private property. One temporary special event sign shall only be allowed one day prior, the day of, and shall be removed within one day after the event. The address of the property hosting the event shall be clearly labeled and identified on the sign.

F.

Signs permitted by this section are exempt from the setback requirements of section 401. Signs shall not be located on the road right-of-way (boulevard) or interfere with traffic visibility. Signs shall not be permitted in a vision triangle.

Within commercial and industrial districts, freestanding ground on-premises signs shall be permitted for non-residential land use as follows:

A.

One freestanding monument or pole sign is permitted per property, regardless of the number of businesses there, except that one additional freestanding sign may be erected if the property has frontage that exceeds 300 linear feet.

B.

The on-premises sign shall be subject to the following requirements:

1.

Size.

a.

A monument or pole sign shall be limited to 50 square feet in a B-1, B-2, or B-3 zoning district. For B2 and B3 zoning districts, properties with lineal footage over 100 feet can increase allowable sign area by 0.5 square feet per lineal foot of allocated lot frontage or 150 square feet whichever is less. Properties with two road frontages (corner lots) must select a primary roadway and cannot combine both frontages.

b.

A monument or pole sign shall be limited to 100 square feet in a B-4 or I zoning district. For properties with lineal footage over 100 feet can increase allowable sign area by 0.5 square feet per lineal foot of allocated lot frontage or 150 square feet whichever is less. Properties with two road frontages (corner lots) must select a primary roadway and cannot combine both frontages.

2.

Setback.

a.

A minimum five foot setback is required when the road right-of-way width from the centerline of the road to the property is less than 50 feet, or may be located at the lot line when the road right-of-way width from the centerline of the road to the property line is greater than 50 feet.

b.

Setback measurement shall be from the road right-of-way to the closest part of the sign, whether it be at or above grade.

3.

Height.

a.

The maximum height of a monument sign shall be 15 feet above grade.

b.

The maximum height of a pole sign shall be 30 feet above grade.

(Ord. No. 455, 8-21-2023)

The intent of this section is to establish consistent and reasonable standards for the location, size and range of permitted types of signs located on buildings in the City of Norway. The following standards shall apply to building-mounted signs in any zoning district:

A.

Certificate approval. Approval of a sign permit per section 1016 shall be required to erect, alter or relocate a wall, awning or projecting sign in the City of Norway.

B.

Window signs. Window signs shall be restricted to interior window surfaces. A sign permit shall not be required for permitted window signs under this section.

C.

Location. All building-mounted signs shall be located entirely within the street level façade(s).

D.

Rear public entrance sign. One additional building-mounted sign not exceeding four square feet in area shall be permitted for each rear public entrance. This sign area shall be in addition to the building-mounted sign area otherwise permitted under this section.

E.

Painted wall signs. Signs applied with paint or similar substance on an exterior surface of a structure shall be considered a building-mounted sign subject to the standards of this section. Prior to painting a sign on a wall, the wall surface shall be freshly painted with a continuous base color.

F.

Awning signs. Awning signs shall be restricted to the surface area of the awning's valance, which is the band of material hanging perpendicular to the ground (see illustration). Awning materials for an internally illuminated awning sign shall be opaque, except for any permitted sign area.

G.

Residential uses. Building-mounted signs shall be a prohibited accessory to single and two-family residential uses in any zoning district.

H.

Projecting signs. Projecting signs shall be further subject to the following:

1.

Such signs shall project from the wall at an angle of 90 degrees.

2.

A maximum of one projecting sign shall be permitted per use, with a maximum sign area of 24 square feet per sign face.

3.

Such signs shall be secured to the building by metal anchors, bolts, supports, rods or braces.

4.

Projecting signs may extend out from the building wall a maximum of five feet, and shall be pinned away from the building wall at least six inches.

5.

No part of the sign shall extend into or over a road right-of-way.

6.

Must comply with applicable building codes.

Changeable copy signs, as defined in this ordinance, are permitted, subject to the following limitations:

A.

Such sign shall be subject to the area, height, and placement requirements for a business ground sign in such location as otherwise permitted under this Ordinance.

B.

Such signs shall be permitted in the B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4, I and HC-O Districts, subject to any other applicable requirements for such uses in this Ordinance.

C.

The changeable copy portion of such sign shall not exceed two-thirds of the sign area; the remainder of the sign shall be of a permanent character as otherwise required under this ordinance.

D.

In addition to the general requirements for sign maintenance, all changeable copy signs shall bear a legible message, other suitable display or be left blank. Electronic devices when not in use may be left blank and unlighted. Any lighted or electronic changeable copy sign in which the electrical or lighting components are operating in an erratic, broken or damaged fashion shall be turned off or removed.

E.

For drivers' safety, the copy or message displayed on a changeable copy sign, may change one time per 30 seconds.

Portable signs, except those located on a vehicle as regulated under subsection C. below, as defined in this ordinance, are permitted in the B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4, I and HC-O Districts, subject to the following limitations:

A.

In the B-1, Essential Central Business District and B-2, Central Business District, portable signs shall be subject to the following requirements:

1.

One sign is allowed per business.

2.

Portable signs shall not exceed eight square feet of surface display area per side.

3.

Portable signs shall not exceed four feet in height.

4.

Portable signs on private property shall not obstruct doorways.

5.

Portable signs on a public right-of-way/sidewalk in the B-1 District shall be kept within 36 inches of the building face and within six feet of the building entrance for the business to which the sign pertains and shall not obstruct pedestrian traffic or impede maintenance and/or snow and ice removal.

6.

In the B-1 District, portable signs shall be displayed only during the business hours of the business displaying the sign.

B.

In the B-3, B-4, I and HC-O Districts, portable signs shall be subject to the following requirements:

1.

One sign is allowed per business.

2.

Portable signs shall not exceed 12 square feet of surface display area per side.

3.

Portable signs shall not exceed four feet in height.

4.

Portable signs on private property shall not obstruct doorways.

5.

Portable signs shall not be on a public right-of-way/sidewalk.

C.

A sign located on a vehicle shall be regulated as follows:

1.

One property owner vehicle sign is permitted subject to the following regulations.

a.

The vehicle which bears a sign must be owned by the property owner of the property on which the vehicle is located.

b.

The sign may only advertise the services or products of the property owner.

c.

In the B-1 and B-2 districts a vehicle sign shall be limited to eight square feet.

d.

In the B-3, B-4, I and HC-O Districts a vehicle sign shall be limited to 12 square feet.

2.

Signage that happens to be on miscellaneous vehicles, not owned by the property owner, and temporarily (24 hours or less) located in a parking lot(s), are exempt from the regulations under this subsection C.

3.

Signs on vehicles used by contractors at a building project or at a construction site are regulated under section 1015.

Animated signs, as defined in this ordinance, are permitted in the B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4, I and HC-O Districts, subject to the following limitations:

A.

For signs adjacent to residential districts or uses, the face of the sign shall be dimmed automatically from 30 minutes before sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise down to five percent of its daylight brightness setting.

B.

Animated signs shall not exceed an illumination of 50 foot candles as measured from a two foot distance.

C.

The owner(s) of an animated sign must coordinate with relevant public agencies to allow for the display of real-time emergency information such as Amber Alerts or natural disaster directives.

D.

For drivers' safety, the copy, message or display on an animated sign, may change one time per 30 seconds.

A.

Billboards may be permitted in the B-4 District only.

B.

Billboards shall be subject to the following regulations:

1.

The maximum sign area for any one face of a billboard shall not exceed 300 square feet, excluding the base or apron, trim supports, and other structural elements. Temporary embellishments shall not exceed 20 percent of the maximum sign area allowed.

2.

Signs may be back-to-back or V-type style and such structure shall be considered as one sign.

3.

The top of the billboard shall not exceed 30 feet above the average grade. Average grade shall be determined by; the ground on which the billboard sits or; the grade of the abutting roadway, whichever is higher.

4.

No billboard may be established within 500 feet of any other billboard, measured along either side of the street or highway to which the sign is oriented. Spacing from directional and official signs, on-premises signs or any other sign which does not constitute an off-premises sign shall not be counted nor shall measurements be made from such signs for the purpose of determining compliance with these spacing requirements.

5.

Off-premises signs shall be located a minimum of 50 feet from the intersection of public road rights-of-way.

6.

All required permits from the Michigan Department of Transportation shall also be obtained prior to erecting the billboard adjacent to any state highway.

C.

Off premise advertising signs and tourist oriented directional signs are otherwise permitted by the Michigan Department of Transportation pursuant to PA 299 of 1996, as amended, and that meet the following restrictions:

1.

An operator of an advertising or tourist oriented activity who wishes to participate in a directional sign program under the Act, and is applying for a sign that would reside within the boundaries of the city of Norway in accordance with the provisions of the Act, shall submit the application for review by the planning commission.

2.

The City of Norway may limit the number of advertising or TODS signs allowed within its jurisdiction.

3.

Private off premise advertising and tourist oriented direction signs shall be limited to private property provided there exists a written agreement between the property owner and the business/industry. Said agreement shall be filed with the City of Norway.

a.

Off-premise directional signs shall no greater than six square feet.

b.

Sign lettering may display the off-premise business name, address, and an arrow indicating direction.

c.

Off-premise directional signs may only be located on property adjacent to primary highways or major streets.

4.

Directional signs required for the purpose of orientation, when established by the city, county, state, or federal governments shall be permitted in all zoning districts and permitted in the public right-of-way.

5.

Private A-frame or flag type signs may be allowed in the public right-of-way. The following restrictions apply:

a.

Signs and flags shall only be allowed in the B1 Central Business Districts.

b.

Signs and flags shall be approved by the city council.

c.

Signs and flags shall be removed each night.

d.

Maximum size two feet wide by four feet in total height for each panel with a maximum of two panels per sign. Maximum spread between the two panels at the base shall be two feet six inches.

e.

Signs and flags under this provision shall only be allowed by property owners directly adjacent to the right-of-way requested.

D.

No off-premises sign shall be constructed which resembles any official marker erected by a governmental entity, or which by reason of position, shape, or color would conflict with the proper functioning of any official traffic control device.

A.

Where a farm or other agricultural operation is permitted within a zoning district, the total sign area shall not exceed 32 square feet to advertise agricultural goods or other items for sale at that location.

B.

Individual signs not exceeding six square feet are permitted to advertise seeds that are planted at a specific field.

C.

Signs permitted by this section are exempt from the setback requirements of section 401 and shall not be located on the road right-of-way nor interfere with traffic visibility.

A.

A sign that lists and identifies a number or group of institutions, residences, organizations, churches and/or businesses and which contain the names, locations, hours, products sold, services offered, announcement of events or similar messages is permitted in all zoning districts. A cluster sign at one location shall have a maximum sign area of 60 square feet. The cluster sign must be maintained by the owner or owners of the sign.

B.

A cluster sign is exempt from the setback requirements of section 401 and shall not be located on the road right-of-way nor interfere with traffic visibility. A cluster sign shall not be located in a vision triangle.

A.

Signs which are intended to identify or advertise an annual or one-time event or occurrence, such as a fair, public election, or other event of general public interest, shall be permitted provided that the sign is not contrary to the spirit and purpose of this Ordinance and shall conform to all size limitations of this Ordinance. Signs shall not be located in a vision triangle or interfere with traffic. Signs mounted on a mobile base shall all conform to setbacks and conform to ground or monument sign regulations.

B.

A temporary sign may be placed for a period not to exceed 30 days preceding the event. The applicant is responsible for both the erection and removal of all signs. All signs must be removed no later than five days after the end of the event.

C.

Temporary signs shall be limited to private property only, with the property owner's permission, unless otherwise permitted by this article.

D.

The following standards shall be applied to temporary signs:

A.

No more than six individual contractor signs are permitted per building project or site. At residential sites, the total combined sign area shall not exceed 16 square feet. At non-residential projects the total combined sign area shall not exceed 32 square feet.

B.

Signs shall be erected no more than five days prior to the beginning of construction for which a valid building permit has been issued, shall be confined to the site of construction, and shall be removed no later than five days following occupancy or completion of the project.

[A.]

The following signs are exempt from requiring a zoning compliance permit but must follow all other size and placement requirements of the City of Norway Zoning Code.

1.

Signs for a noncommercial nature and in the public interest, erected by, or on the order of a public officer in the performance of official duty.

2.

Those signs which are intended to advertise a public election, individual actively participating in such an election, or public ballot issue, or express personal opinions. All political campaign signs must not be erected 45 days prior to the election to which the sign pertains and shall be removed within ten days after the election date. Political signs shall not be placed closer than 100 feet from any polling place whether private or public property. Such signs shall conform to state and federal election laws.

3.

Signs which announce no hunting or no trespassing.

4.

Those signs which have an occupant's name and/or house number or emergency identification number.

5.

Signs which indicate a garage sale or directions to a garage sale.

6.

Advertising signs such as banners, balloons, blimps, inflated characterizations of animals or movie figures, flags, pennants, pinwheels, robots, searchlights or other devices with similar characteristics.

B.

Signs which identify the name of a farm or farming operation shall not exceed a total sign area of 32 square feet.

C.

One sign, whose area shall not exceed four square feet, shall be permitted to announce the sale, lease, or rental of the residential or commercial property on which the sign is maintained provided that the sign is removed within 15 days after sale, lease, or rental of the property. More than one sign, whose total area shall not exceed 24 square feet, shall be permitted to announce the sale or rent of the commercial or industrial property on which the sign is maintained. Signs shall not be permitted in a vision triangle. Provided clear vision corners are maintained, temporary unlighted real estate signs may be located on premises other than those being offered for sale, rental or lease.

A.

No strobe, blinking or other pulsating lights shall be permitted in any district. No sign shall be lighted so as to create a traffic hazard or to adversely affect neighboring land uses. No sign may be lighted to such intensity or in such a manner that it creates a public nuisance or adversely affects the public health, safety, or general welfare.

B.

All outdoor illumination of signs shall be shielded, shaded, designed and/or directed away from adjacent residential districts and uses. It shall not glare upon or interfere with persons and vehicles using public streets.

C.

Changeable copy signs and animated signs located on property adjacent to residential districts and uses shall possess automatic dimming capabilities and shall be situated to minimize glare to a residential district or use.

D.

Materials for internally lighted signs shall be opaque.

A.

No signs shall be located on any street corner which would obscure the vision of drivers using the streets or conflict with traffic control signals at the intersections of any streets. No signs shall obstruct the vision of drivers at any driveway, parking lot or other route providing ingress and egress to any premises. No sign shall be placed in a vision triangle.

B.

No sign shall be located or designed to materially block or obstruct a passing motorist's view of an existing sign or business.

C.

Permission from the property owner or representative must be obtained prior to placement of any sign.

D.

An on-premise sign shall be located a minimum of 30 feet from the lot line of a lot in a residentially zoned district.

A.

Dilapidated sign structures such as those which are likely to cause injury or degrade the surrounding area, and signs which advertise a closed business, past event or political election, are no longer legible, or are otherwise untimely or unsafe, are a nuisance or danger to the public. Dilapidated sign structures are those which have, but are not limited to, structural defects or supports with broken or rotten wood.

B.

The planning commission is authorized to have all dangerous or nuisance signs removed, the cost of which is to be borne by the sign owner and/or property owner. The owner of the sign and/or property owner shall be notified and given two months to rectify the situation. The planning commission may grant a reasonable extension of time following a meeting with the property owner or sign owner.

A.

It is the intent and purpose of this section to permit the continuance of all permanent signs existing at the effective date of this article. It is also the intent that nonconforming signs shall not be enlarged upon, expanded or extended. Further, it is the intent that nonconforming signs shall be gradually eliminated and terminated upon their natural deterioration, destruction, removal or replacement. Sections 702 and 705 of article VII shall not be applicable to signs. The continuation of all nonconforming signs within the Norway Area shall be subject to the conditions and requirements set forth below.

B.

No nonconforming sign:

1.

Shall be structurally altered so as to prolong the life of the sign, nor shall the shape, size, type, or design of the sign structure be altered;

2.

Shall be continued after the activity, business, or usage to which it relates has been discontinued for one year; or

3.

Shall be reestablished after damage or destruction, if the estimated expense of reconstruction exceeds 50 percent of the replacement value of the original structure of the sign in size, type and nature of construction materials.

C.

A conforming sign shall not be changed to a nonconforming sign.

D.

Nonconforming signs may have their face or message updated but not structurally altered.

The following limitations, obligations and prohibitions apply to all signs:

A.

Any sign installed prior to the effective date of this Ordinance is considered legal.

B.

Any sign, unlawfully installed, erected or maintained after the effective date of this Ordinance is prohibited.

C.

No portion of a privately owned sign, or its supported structures, such as poles or cables, shall be placed on, or within the air space above, publicly owned property, a public right-of-way (such as a street or sidewalk), a proposed public right-of-way or boulevard, except within the B-1 District.

D.

Signs which imitate an official traffic sign or signal which contains the words "stop", "go", "slow", "caution", "danger", "warning", or similar words except as otherwise provided in this section are prohibited.

E.

Signs which are of a size, location, content, coloring or manner of illumination which may be confused with or construed as a traffic control device or which hide from view any traffic or street sign or signal or which obstruct the view in any direction at a street or road intersection are prohibited.

F.

Signs affixed to trees, rocks, shrubs, fences, utility poles (except utility company signs) or other similar features are prohibited.

G.

Billboards, except in the permitted areas specified in section 1010, are prohibited.

H.

Signs erected on a roof of a building above the roofline are prohibited.

I.

Signs that emit sound are prohibited.

A.

All signs, except those specified in sections 1004 shall require the issuance of a sign permit by the zoning administrator. Each sign permit issued shall remain valid upon the condition the sign meets the requirements contained in this article. The zoning administrator shall have permission to inspect the signs at any time. The application shall contain the following information unless a site plan meeting the requirements of article XI has already been submitted and the following information is included on it:

1.

The property owner's name and address in full.

2.

Applicant's name and address, phone, fax and email address.

3.

Address of property on which sign is to be situated.

4.

Business to which sign belongs or relates.

5.

Total display area in square feet.

6.

Proposed setback from right-of-way.

7.

A scale drawing of the property, showing the location of all buildings/structures and their uses and the location of the proposed sign on the lot, building or structure.

8.

Sign type and purpose.

9.

Sign height.

10.

Drawing of proposed sign indicating the area of the proposed copy or message.

B.

Each applicant for a sign permit must be accompanied by the payment of a fee to defray the cost of processing the application.

C.

The zoning administrator shall maintain a record of all sign permits issued. Upon installation of the sign, a photograph shall be taken of the sign by the zoning administrator (including time/date of photograph) and shall become part of the record. Said record shall be open for public inspection.

D.

Sign permit fees shall be established by the Norway City Council.

E.

A sign permit may be revoked at anytime for non-compliance with the Ordinance.