(a)   It is the intent of this chapter to encourage the proper development and use of planned graphic signage systems and to regulate signs and signage systems. In addition to protection from distractions and obstructions that may contribute to traffic and pedestrian accidents, it is the contention of this chapter that signs are as much subject to control as noise, odor, debris and like characteristics of a use and that if they are not controlled and regulated, they may become a nuisance factor to adjacent properties or the community in general. To protect the general health, safety and welfare of the community, and to protect and encourage a more attractive, businesslike appearance of the community, all signs and signage systems are subject to this chapter.

   (b)   This chapter recognizes two underlying sign uses, namely on-premises and off-premises signs, and regulates each such use in accordance with community standards and the appropriate visual effect of signage in each zoning district. On-premises signs are intended primarily for identification of a land use on the same premises. In some zoning districts, on-premises signs may advertise as well. Off-premises signs advertise, promote or inform regarding products or services available primarily at locations other than the site of the off-premises sign. Off-premises signs include billboards and other signs that fit the above description. Co-op signs are a combination of on-premises and off-premises uses. Typically furnished by national or regional companies, co-op signs advertise a product on part of the face of the sign and the local business on the remainder of the sign.

   (c)   Regulation of signs is based on the concept of "visual performance." As used in this section, "visual performance" means that the way a sign functions (or will function) in the environment affects the regulations that will be applied to it. For example, a sign mounted on a pole but adjacent to a building wall could be treated as a wall sign because it functions as such.

   (d)   Signs for uses not specifically listed in this chapter, or for which the Planning and Zoning Department requires a Code interpretation, shall be brought before the Planning and Zoning Commission. These signs shall conform to the appropriate regulation or Code interpretation within the purpose and intent of this chapter. The Planning and Zoning Department shall keep a separate record of such actions for use in updating this Code.

   (e)   This chapter encourages comprehensive signage plans for a site under the control of a single owner, by permitting such plans to be used in lieu of specific regulations.

   (f)   Illuminated, neon and other artificially illuminated window signs existing prior to the adoption of this section, as amended, are hereby declared to be subject to the provisions of Section 1292.03.

(Ord. 2014-27. Passed 8-5-14.)

   The following signs shall be permitted in the Municipality subject to the following regulations. No zoning certificate shall be required for any sign constructed or erected in accordance with this section.

   (a)   Signs displaying the address and name of the occupant of the premises for a residential structure, not including designations as to employment or home occupations, and limited in size to one square foot and limited to one sign per premises.

   (b)   Signs required or authorized for a public purpose by any law, statute or ordinance, including traffic control devices.

   (c)   Signs in the nature of cornerstones, commemorative tables and historical signs, limited in size to twelve square feet and not illuminated.

   (d)   Signs clearly in the nature of decorations customarily associated with any national, local or religious holiday, limited to sixty days in any one year and to be displayed for not more than sixty consecutive days. Such signs may be illuminated or animated, provided that safety and visibility hazards are not created.

   (e)   Political signs or posters concerning candidates for election, to be removed not later than five days after such election. Such signs shall not exceed six square feet in area, shall not be illuminated, shall not create a safety or visibility hazard and shall not be located over a public right-of-way. Ballot issue signs may be permitted within the right-of-way only when specifically permitted by the City Manager or designee. No sign governed by this section shall be placed on any property without prior approval of the landowner.

   (f)   Signs that indicate the sale, rental or lease of a particular structure or land area, to be limited in size to six square feet, with one sign allowed per street front. Such signs shall not be located in a public right-of-way, nor shall they be used in lieu of permanent signs.

   (g)   Interior signs of a business use, incorporated into a window display, as permitted in Section 1292.03(a)(4), and limited to nine square feet or less. Such signs are limited to one sign per window.

   (h)   On site directional signs indicating points of entry or exit for a facility or off-street parking area, provided such signs are limited to a maximum of two square feet in area and three feet in height and do not interfere with safe vehicular or pedestrian traffic circulation and are not located within the clear sign distance triangle.

   (i)   Menu boards, provided such signs are oriented solely for the use of patrons utilizing the drive-thru and are directed toward traffic internal to the site.

(Ord. 2014-27. Passed 8-5-14.)

   All signs not already specifically excluded shall require a zoning certificate. Signs are classified into six types, namely wall, projected, ground, roof, interior window signs and temporary signs; and three uses, namely on-premises, off-premises and co-op signs.

   (a)   Types of Signs.

      (1)   Wall signs. A wall sign may be erected on a building wall that faces a street, parking lot or service drive, and such signs may not extend beyond any building setback lines. Letters, graphics and/or numerals mounted on a building wall shall be considered as wall signs. A wall sign shall be attached parallel to the building face and shall extend outward perpendicular from the building face a maximum of fourteen inches, except that a sign may be attached to a canopy, marquee or roof that projects beyond the building, provided that no part of such sign extends beyond such roof, canopy or marquee.

      (2)   Projected signs.

         A.   A projected sign, including the necessary mounting structure, shall project not more than four feet outward from the wall of the structure, shall not exceed ten square feet in size, shall not use a guy-wire or angle-iron type of support structure, unless such structure is erected in the plane of the sign, and shall not extend beyond any dimension of the wall to which it is attached. Projected signs shall be perpendicular to the wall to which they are attached, except at street corners where the sign may project at forty-five degree angle, and may be noninternally lighted. Internal lighting of any type shall not be used.

         B.   No projected sign shall be located less than nine feet above the sidewalk or ground level. No part of a projected sign shall be closer than six feet from the edge of the pavement or curb, whichever is appropriate. Such signs shall be of sturdy construction and shall be erected in such a manner as to protect persons who may pass underneath from possible injury. Sign users who place projected signs over the public right-of-way shall indemnify, protect and hold harmless the City from any claim, loss or damage arising in connection with the occupation of the public right-of-way with the sign. One projected sign is permitted per building, per street frontage. "Credit card" type small projected signs are regulated by this section. Except as permitted in paragraph (a)(2)C. hereof, projected signs are permitted only in the C-2 Central Business/Mixed Use District. Projected signs shall not be co-op signs.

         C.   One projected sign that displays the name and/or address of the building occupant, meets all of the criteria set forth above and does not exceed one and one-half square feet in size, may be displayed by any use in any zoning district.

      (3)   Ground signs. One ground sign per building per street frontage may be erected where permitted, provided the location, size, height and other characteristics of the sign meet the requirements of this chapter. "Ground sign" includes all on-premises, free-standing signs, regardless of type or nomenclature.

         A.   Ground signs shall have a brick or stone base with columns extending a minimum seventy-five percent up each side of the sign.

         B.   Ground signs shall be limited to two colors that advertise more than one tenant (background and lettering shall have different colors) and have a matte finish. For purposes of this section, black or white may be used for lettering and shall not count toward the two permissible colors.

         C.   Non-permanent lettering (changeable copy) shall be limited to thirty percent of the sign area.

      (4)   Window signs.

         A.   Window signs shall include temporary and permanent signs, posters, symbols and numerals and/or letters painted directly on, attached directly to and/or located in, near or around windows and oriented to the outside such that they are readable from a public right-of-way or designated driveway of a commercial center. For purposes of this section a window is defined as the glass area enclosed within a frame.

         B.   No flashing lights or raceways of any kind or type shall be permitted. Permanent window signs shall be limited to one such sign per window and shall not exceed twenty-five percent of the window area, and in no case shall such a sign exceed nine square feet. All window signs shall be limited to ground or first floor windows only. An exception is allowed in the C2 District for a business that does not occupy first-floor space. All other sections of this chapter shall apply to the sign.

         C.   Businesses shall arrange all window signs so as to permit a clear, unrestricted line of sight from the street to the inside of the business.

         D.   No flashing or animated signs shall be permitted and neon signs shall be limited to identify if a business is open or closed (no advertising).

      (5)   Roof signs. Roof signs are prohibited in all districts, except as permitted previously and now existing as nonconforming users. A roof sign is any sign erected upon the roof of a building or any portion of a sign that is above the roof of the building. The roof line shall be defined as the uppermost line of the roof of the building or, in the case of an extended building facade, the uppermost height of the facade.

      (6)   Temporary signs.

         A.   Community activity signage. Such activity that is open to the general public and sponsored by a public, private nonprofit or religious organization [that is educational, cultural, or recreational in function] is permitted signage upon compliance of the following requirements: The signage shall be limited to fourteen days per event, thirty-two square feet and two signs per site. The signage shall not have changeable copy (letters). The subject community activity shall own property in the City or Violet Township to advertise. Such signage may be located off premises within a public right-of-way or on public property with the express written consent of the City Manager or designee. The denial of a zoning certificate for community activity signage may be appealed to the Planning and Zoning Commission.

         B.   Special promotions/grand openings/temporary signs. Signs (banners and pennants) identifying, promoting or advertising grand openings, special sales and/or special occasions shall be erected for a maximum of fifteen calendar days. Such signs are permitted in all Commercial, Office and Industrial Districts and in the C2 Central Business/Mixed Use District. The size of the signs shall be limited to thirty-two square feet. The total time period in which such signs shall be utilized on any lot or site or by any one user is ninety days in one calendar year (the ninety day time period can be divided into six fifteen day increments with an approved zoning certificate). All signs shall be located on a building. At no time are banners or pennants permitted over the right-of-way.

         C.   Development signs. Signs indicating and promoting the development of land are permitted, at the discretion of the Development Services Director. The signs shall be limited to thirty-two square feet, located on the subject property (one sign per lot) outside the site triangle and five feet from property line/right-of-way. An approved zoning certificate is effective for a maximum period of twelve months and may be renewed by the Development Services Director if subject development is not completed. Such signs may be located in the public right-of-way, or on public property, upon the express written consent of the City Manager or designee.

   (b)   Sign Uses.

      (1)   Permanent residential subdivision identification signage. "Permanent residential subdivision identification signage" means those signage features specifically relating to the denotation of a major entrance or entrances to a residential subdivision. Such identification shall be limited to wall-mounted signs or graphics only. For example, placement of a brick wall, railroad ties or entrance columns on each side of a street, or on a similar architectural or landscaping entrance feature, may be used. Pole-type signage is hereby prohibited. Entrance signs and features shall be in compliance with Section 1258.27 (Perimeter Mounding and Fencing; Trees).

      (2)   Joint identification signs. "Joint identification signs," subject to the following conditions, shall be permitted for two or more combined, permitted uses on the same lot, to include the identification of shopping centers or other building group complexes. A joint identification shall be limited to one wall or ground sign and shall be allowed in addition to other permitted signs and total aggregate sign area. One square foot of sign area is permitted for each two linear feet of street frontage, provided that the total sign area shall not exceed fifty square feet. A second joint identification sign may be permitted if the site fronts two streets, provided the frontage is not less than 250 feet on either street. However, there shall not be more than one ground sign per street frontage, under any circumstances.

      (3)   Off-premises signs. In addition to those off-premises signs that legally existed and that are considered to be a nonconforming use, the Planning and Zoning Commission may permit off-premises signs to be located in the C4 Highway Commercial and the M General Industrial Zoning Districts. The Commission is hereby authorized to establish additional rules for the installation, location and placement of off-premises signs. The following are the minimum criteria for the regulation of off-premises signs and are effective without additional action by the Commission:

         A.   No off-premises sign shall be closer than 1,200 feet to any other off-premises sign in any direction and along either side of any road, street or highway.

         B.   Each off-premises sign permitted for installation shall be matched with the removal of another off-premises sign of approximately the same size located within the Municipality and removed for the specific purpose of complying.

         C.   No off-premises sign shall be repaired if the repair cost exceeds fifty percent of the current depreciated value of the sign, without the sign being brought into total compliance with the rules and regulations set by this Code and by the Planning and Zoning Commission. No off-premises sign structure shall be replaced without the sign being brought into compliance.

         D.   No off-premises sign shall exceed twenty-five feet in height to the top of the structure or sign face, whichever is higher. No sign face shall exceed 250 square feet. All structures shall be made of metal and shall be of the single-pole variety. Structures made of ferrous metals shall be totally maintained and painted at least once every three years.

         E.   No off-premises sign shall be used in lieu of an on-premises sign. Advertising messages shall advertise or promote products or inform of services which are available principally at locations other than at the site of the sign.

         F.   Sign faces shall be kept in good repair, and if poster panels are used, the face of the structure shall be scraped to metal at least once every twelve months. If painted, the paint shall be renewed at least once every twenty-four months. The area around the base of the sign shall be kept free from debris and rank growth.

         G.   Off-premises signs located along Federal and State highways shall not be sited so as to necessitate the cutting or removal of any existing trees in order to obtain visibility from the highway. In conformity with this provision, the Planning and Zoning Department shall consider the cutting or removal of trees prior to a permit application to disqualify an off-premises site. Subsequent cutting or removal of trees is a violation of this Code.

      (4)   Co-op signs. Co-op signs are permitted in the C1 Neighborhood Commercial District, subject to the schedule of sign regulations, the number and size of signs permitted and the following ratio. Messages regarding products or services that are available principally at other sites shall not exceed twenty-five percent of the total face area of the sign.

   (a)   Animated Signs. Flashing lights, blinking lights, laser lights, animated LED reader board and digital reader boards, except as permitted in this chapter, are prohibited.

   (b)   Mobile and Portable Signs; Balloons. Mobile signs, portable signs blow-up/inflatable signs and advertising balloons are prohibited, except for portable signs within the Olde Downtown Pickerington Village Area as regulated by Section 1292.08.

(Ord. 2014-27. Passed 8-5-14.)

   (a)   Sign Construction/Materials.

      (1)   All signs shall be properly constructed to withstand a wind pressure of thirty pounds per square foot. All signs shall be built in conformity with the Ohio Building Code. Ground signs require footer inspection by the Building Department.

      (2)   Sign material. The replacement of an existing sign for a new sign shall be constructed of the same or nearly the same material. Any material change shall require comprehensive sign plan approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission.

   (b)   Location in Public Right-of-Way. No sign or any part of any sign shall be placed in, over or extend into any public right-of-way. Exceptions include publicly-owned signs, such as traffic control signs or directional signs, and projected signs, which may be permitted in the C2 District.

   (c)   Illuminated Signs.

      (1)   The level of illumination emitted or reflected from a sign shall not be of an intensity sufficient to constitute a safety hazard to vehicular movement on any street from which the sign may be viewed.

      (2)   Illuminated signs shall be constructed and maintained so that the source of illumination is shielded or otherwise prevented from beaming directly onto adjacent lots or streets.

   (d)   Safety. All signs shall be properly constructed and maintained to ensure that no safety hazard is created.

   (e)   Sign Measurement.

      (1)   Sign areas shall include the face of all the display areas of the sign, including logos, graphics, stripes or combinations of colors and designs that extend the visual effect of the size of the sign, but shall not include the bracing, framing and structural supports of the sign, unless such supports are made part of the message or face of the sign.

      (2)   Where a sign has two or more display faces, the area of all faces of the sign shall be included in determining the area of the sign, unless two display faces, joined back-to-back, are parallel to each other and are not more than twenty-four inches apart, or form a V-angle of less than forty-five degrees. For spherical signs, the sphere shall be bisected by an imaginary line through the center of the sphere and the surface area of the half sphere shall be counted as the sign face.

      (3)   The area of letters, numbers, emblems, logos, stripes or combinations thereof; mounted on a building wall or wall extension, shall be computed by enclosing such a sign with the smallest single continuous perimeter around the letters, numbers or emblems.

      (4)   For structures and uses having no direct frontage on public roads, as within shopping centers, frontage shall be based upon the actual frontage of the business structure, whether or not it is on a common mall or sidewalk.

   (f)   Maximum Number, Height and Area of Signs.

      (1)   In addition to placement of signs, the height, area and number of permitted signs allowed per use or lot shall be allowed as specifically regulated in the schedule of regulations in Section 1292.07. The height of the sign shall be measured from the established grade, which shall be defined as that point where the grade line intersects the fronting wall of the building. The height of a sign may not be artificially increased beyond the permitted height by placement of signage on earth mounds that are created during site development.

      (2)   The replacement of an existing sign for a new sign shall encompass the same amount of area or less. Any area increase shall require comprehensive sign plan approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission.

   (g)   Colors. No individual sign shall be limited to a number of colors. All signs shall have a matte finish. Ground signs with more than one tenant shall meet the requirements of Section 1292.03(a)(3).

   (h)   Comprehensive Sign Plans.

      (1)   In any district, except the AGR District and all Residential Districts, the owner of the property may submit a comprehensive sign plan which includes all sign uses for the entire site. If any variance to the Sign Code is requested, then the property owner must apply for comprehensive sign plan.

      (2)   Prohibited signs shall not be included in the comprehensive sign plan. Off-premises signs and co-op signs are prohibited in comprehensive sign plans. After review and approval, the comprehensive plan shall become the sign regulations for the subject site.

      (3)   All plans shall be reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Department for completeness and attention to detail. The Planning and Zoning Department shall submit the plan with their comments to the Planning and Zoning Commission at the next scheduled meeting. The Planning and Zoning Department's comments shall be carefully considered by the Commission in its review of the plan. The Commission may approve, modify or reject a plan.

      (4)   Comprehensive sign plans shall include all signs, permanent and temporary, which are proposed for use on the site. Exterior and window signs which are not visible from the public right-of-way shall be included in such plans for information purposes, but are generally exempt from regulation.

      (5)   A comprehensive sign plan shall not restrict the number of colors for individual signs. All signs shall have a matte finish. The owner has the authority to restrict the number of colors per tenant and building. Ground signs with more than one tenant shall meet the requirements of Section 1292.03(a)(3).

   (i)   Setbacks. All ground signs shall be set back from the right-of-way line at least five feet and be located outside the site triangle (20 ft. by 20 ft.).

   (j)   Sign Materials. Channel letters shall be required with face, trim and return uniformity. The channel letter cabinet shall be located behind the wall and internally illuminated. However, non-channel letter comprehensive sign plans can be considered in circumstances deemed special by staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission (office, industrial uses, etc.).

   (k)   High-Rise Signs. Any sign on top of a building that exceeds thirty-five feet in height is considered a high-rise sign. High-rise signs shall only be considered by the Planning and Zoning Commission when:

      (1)   The product or service to be advertised or identified is the principal product or service available on the site.

      (2)   The site contains a property line of not less than fifty feet in length which is contiguous to an interstate highway right-of-way. Contiguity may be established where a public street or service road is parallel and contiguous to the interstate highway right-of-way and where the subject site is contiguous to such street or service road.

(Ord. 2014-27. Passed 8-5-14.)

 

* Property owner may submit a comprehensive sign plan for the entire site to Planning and Zoning Commission in these zoning districts in lieu of above.

** "Setback from R.O.W." applies to ground signs only.

*** Where two or more businesses occupy the same building, a comprehensive sign plan is required if more than fifty square feet of total sign face is requested.

Name Plate (NP): Signs of a permanent nature, including lettering to indicate only the street number and/or the name of the business service or facility on the premises and lettering that is part of a trademark.

Business Promotion: Signs including lettering to indicate the street number, the name and type of business, service or facility on the premises and/or the name of products which are related to the primary facility or service conducted on the premises.

Home Occupation Identification (HO): Permanent advertisement signs for businesses located within a residential property, including lettering to indicate the street number and the name and/or type of business, service, or facility on the premises.

Project Identification (PID): Permanent development signs located at the entrance to a particular subdivision.

Co-op:  An on-premises graphic that both identifies and promotes an establishment on the site and promotes a specific product or service that is not the principal product or service available at the site. These are permitted in C-1 districts where no more than twenty-five percent of the total sign face promotes a specific product or service that is not the principal product of the site (See Section 1292.09(b)(4)).

   (a)   Continuance.

      (1)   The continuance of an existing sign that does not meet the requirements of this chapter shall be deemed a nonconforming sign which shall terminate by abandonment. A sign shall be considered abandoned when:

         A.   The sign is associated with an abandoned use.

         B.   The sign remains after the termination of a business. A business has ceased operations if it is closed to the public for at least ninety consecutive days. Seasonal businesses are exempt from this determination.

         C.   The sign is not maintained or does not conform to the following:

            1.   All signs, together with all supports, braces, guys and anchors, shall be kept in repair and in a proper state of preservation.

            2.   Every sign and the immediately surrounding premises shall be maintained by the owner or person in charge thereof in a clean, sanitary and inoffensive condition, free and clear of all obnoxious substances, rubbish and weeds.

      (2)   Abandonment shall be determined by the City Manager or his or her designee, based upon the above criteria or at a public hearing or meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Upon a finding that the signage is abandoned, the right to maintain and use such a sign shall terminate immediately.

      (3)   Physical removal of a sign may be accomplished pursuant to the nuisance abatement ordinance of the Municipality.

   (b)   Relocation; Replacement.

      (1)   A nonconforming sign shall not be structurally relocated or replaced, unless it is brought into compliance with this chapter. Should any replacement or relocation take place without being brought into compliance, the sign shall be existing illegally.

      (2)   A nonconforming sign shall be maintained or repaired in accordance with the following:

         A.   The size and structural shape shall not be changed or altered. The copy may be changed, provided that the change applies to the original nonconforming use associated with the sign and that the change is made by the owner of the sign at the time the sign became nonconforming. The copy shall not be enlarged. Any subsequent owner or user shall bring the sign into compliance within thirty days.

         B.   If damage occurs to a sign to the extent of fifty percent of more of either the structure or the depreciated value of the sign, the sign shall be brought into compliance. Where damage to the sign is less than fifty percent of the structure or its depreciated value, the sign shall be repaired within sixty days.

(Ord. 2014-27. Passed 8-5-14.)

   (a)   (1)   For purposes of this chapter, the Olde Downtown Pickerington Village Area shall consist of those properties located within the area being: south of the railroad; north of Park Alley between Hill Road South and East Street; fronting on East Columbus Street between the railroad and East Street; and those properties fronting on the west side of Hill Road North and South, from the railroad to Park Alley.

      (2)   For purposes of this chapter, "portable (sandwich board) sign" means a sign usually hinged at the top, consisting of two self-supporting, equal panels.

   (b)   Portable (sandwich board) signs and its supports are permitted in the area described in subsection (a) above. There is a limit of one such sign per business. The portable (sandwich board) sign shall be located on such business's property or the sidewalk of tree lawn area immediately adjacent to the business's property. The minimum clear width of the sidewalk shall comply with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

   (c)   A portable (sandwich board) sign shall not exceed three feet in height or two feet in width. The total sign area shall not exceed six square feet. The sign shall be constructed of wood or plastic and constructed in such a manner as to not create a safety hazard to pedestrians or vehicle traffic. Plastic or wood signs shall be an earth tone color or white with a textured finish. A restaurant business may have a chalkboard area on the sign for editable copy. Portable (sandwich board) signs shall not have lights attached to the sign.

   (d)   A portable (sandwich board) sign shall be displayed no earlier than one-half hour before the opening of the business and shall be removed no later than one-half hour after the closing of the business.

   (e)   Portable (sandwich board) signs shall be approved administratively if they comply with the regulations in this section and all other City regulations. The applicant shall submit a zoning application with an elevation and site plan for staff review.

   (f)   Community activities.(i.e., schools, Chamber of Commerce, churches, charities, youth sports, non-profits, etc.) upon application and approval as provided in subsection (e) above, except that the zoning certificate fee shall not be imposed, may display up to two portable (sandwich board) signs off-premises in the area described in this section. Such sign may be displayed continually for a period not to exceed fourteen days.

   (g)   No portable (sandwich board) sign shall be located in the sight triangle of any intersection.

(Ord. 2014-27. Passed 8-5-14.)