[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
Pine Ridge City Zoning Code
PART 9
Signs
§ 300-81 Purpose.
The purpose of this Part 9 is to promote the safety of persons and property by providing that signs:
A.
Safety.
(1)
Do not create traffic hazards by distracting or confusing motorists, impairing motorists' ability to see pedestrian traffic signs, other vehicles, obstacles, or to read traffic signs.
(2)
Do not create a hazard to collapse, fire, collision, decay or abandonment.
(3)
Do promote the aesthetics, safety, health, morals and general welfare and the assurance of protection of adequate lights and air within Pine Ridge by regulation of the posting, displaying, erection, use and maintenance of signs.
B.
Information. Promote the efficient transfer of general public and commercial information through the use of signs.
C.
Public welfare. Protect the public welfare and enhance the overall appearance and economic value of the landscape and preserve the unique natural environment that distinguishes the Town.
§ 300-82 Definitions.
[Added 8-11-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-06]
Except as specifically defined herein, each word used in this Part 9 has its customary definition in a dictionary of American English. For the purpose of this Part 9, certain words or terms used are herein defined as follows:
A permitted sign that was erected on property in conjunction with a particular use which use has been discontinued for a period of 30 days or more, or a permitted temporary sign for which the use permit has expired.
A sign constructed on a single set of supports with messages visible on any side, provided that double message boards are physically contiguous.
Any animated, rotating, fluttering of nonstationary device made of flexible materials designed to attract attention.
A permanent sign in a fixed location which meets any one or more of the following criteria:
It is used, in whole or in part, for the display of off-site commercial messages;
It constitutes principal, separate or secondary use, as opposed to an accessory, ancillary or appurtenant use, of the parcel on which it is located;
An outdoor sign used as advertising for hire or general advertising, i.e., on which display space is made available to parties other than the owner of the sign or the property on which it is placed; or
An off-site outdoor advertising sign on which space is leased or rented.
A structure constructed of rigid materials including, but not limited to metal, wood, concrete, plastic, canvas or glass, which is attached to and supported by a building or by columns, poles or braces extended to the ground.
Signs that are erected on a separate, freestanding roof-like covering.
Changeable copy signs are signs or portions thereof with characters, letters, or illustrations that can be changed or rearranged by any means [manual, electronic (digital), atmospheric, mechanical, remote, etc.] without altering the face or surface of the sign. For the purposes of this Part 9, a sign on which the message or image changes more often than once every 10 seconds shall be considered a sign employing a confusion of motion and is not allowable.
Two or more separate occupancies located within the same or adjacent buildings or building on the same commercial or industrial plat of record.
Any sign that is structurally unsound, has defective parts or is in need of painting or maintenance.
A sign, permanently erected or permitted in the public right-of-way or on private property by the Town of Pine Ridge, Lexington County, State of South Carolina, or other governmental agency to denote the name of any thoroughfare, the route to any city, town, village, educational institution, public building, historic place, religious shrine or hospital, to direct and regulate traffic to denote any railroad crossing, bridge, or other transportation or transmission company for the direction or safety of the public.
An on-premises temporary sign that contains information regarding the time and place of regular meetings of civic or religious groups.
A sign listing only the names and/or use, or location of more than one business, activity or professional office conducted within a building, group of buildings or commercial center.
A sign with two faces, which are usually, but necessarily, parallel.
A self-illuminated sign or sign structure in which electric wiring, connections and/or fixtures are used as part of the sign proper.
An electrical or electronic sign using digital technology or a pattern of lights to form static images, various words or graphics which is capable of changing copy continuously.
Any sign that was erected, mounted, or displayed prior to the adoption of this Part 9.
The vertical exterior surface of a building which faces a right-of-way or property line and includes main street wall face, parapet, fascia, windows, doors, canopy and roof.
A sign, other than a flat sign, which extends outward for more than six inches from the facade of any building and is rigidly affixed thereto.
Any lighted or electrical sign that emits light in sudden transitory bursts.
A sign erected parallel to and extending not more than 12 inches from the facade of any building to which it is attached and supported throughout its entire length by the facade of the building and not extending above the building.
A sign supported by a sign structure secured in the ground and which is wholly independent of any building, fence, vehicle or other support.
The length of the property line of any one premises parcel serving as a public right-of-way line.
The building facade, excluding parapet, fascia, soffit, mansard and roof, which face a frontage of the premises.
The vertical distance measured from the top of the average elevation of the nearest road center line to the top of the sign face or sign structure, whichever is greater.
Any sign which is directly lighted by an external source.
Any sign, which transmits light through its face or any part thereof.
A sign that is either expanded to its full dimensions or supported by gasses contained within the sign, or sign parts, at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure.
A sign, which designates only the direction of ingress or egress of a parking area or driveway, such as In, Out, One-way, Do Not Enter or No Exit.
Any electrical sign having a continuous message flow across its face by use of lights or other electrical impulses forming various words or designs, such as a time and temperature sign.
Any use or activity upon the premises.
Any sign located or proposed to be located at any place other than within the same platted parcel of land on which the specific business or activity being promoted on such sign is itself located or conducted. For purposes of this Part 9, easements and other appurtenances shall be considered to be outside such platted parcel of land and any sign located or proposed to be located in an easement or other appurtenance shall be considered an off-premises sign. Sign identifying public service, religious or civic club organizations not to exceed four square feet as approved by the Planning Official are exceptions to this definition.
Any sign located or proposed to be located at any place, if otherwise permitted by this Part 9, within the plat of record for the business or their activity identified on such sign.
A sign painted directly on any exterior building wall or door surface, exclusive of window and door glass areas on any outside wall or roof or on glass of any building.
The primary surface of a sign upon which the message of the sign is carried.
A vertical false front or wall extension.
See definition for "banners, pennants and balloons" in this section.
A sign for which a valid permit has been issued.
A sign erected by a political candidate, group or agent thereof, for the purpose of advertising a candidate or stating a position regarding an issue upon which the voters of the Town shall vote.
Any sign which is not permanently affixed to a building, structure, or the ground, or which is attached to a mobile vehicle. No portable sign shall be displayed for longer than 30 days, unless extended by the Planning Official.
The plat of record, which is affected either directly or indirectly by the contents of this Part 9.
Any sign erected and maintained on the premises temporarily while undergoing construction by an architect, contractor, developer, finance organization, subcontractor or materials vendor upon which property such individual is furnishing labor, services or material.
The line where the property meets the public right-of-way at the public street or public waterway, provided that this definition shall not include unimproved alleys, easements or other similar dedicated uses.
Any street, highway, road, path or right-of-way, whether privately or publicly owned, which is designed or used for vehicular or pedestrian traffic either by public right or custom, or by initiation of two or more common owners.
A temporary sign erected by the owner, or his/her agent, advertising the real property upon which the sign is located for rent, for lease or for sale.
The exterior upper covering of the top of a building.
A sign erected over or on, and wholly or partially dependent upon the roof of any building for support, or attached to the roof in any way.
Any sign which revolves around one or more fixed areas.
A sign, used for emphasizing the celebration of a historical American holiday, which is erected for a limited period of time.
A movable sign not secured or attached to the ground or any building, structure or on a person.
Any letters, pictorial or graphic representation, symbol, insignia, emblem, flag, banner, illuminated or animated device, displayed in any manner whatsoever, which directs attention of persons to such device, and which is located within the view of the general public from a public way. Customary graphics found on vending machines, newspaper dispensers and similar machines shall not be considered as signs.
A supporting structure erected, used or intended for the purpose of identification or attracting attention, with or without a sign thereon, situated upon or attached to the premises, upon which any sign may be fastened, affixed, displayed or applied, provided, however, this definition shall not include a building, fence, wall or earthen berm.
The square foot areas enclosed by the perimeter of the sign face. With respect to signs which are composed of individual symbols, letters, figures, illustrations, message, forms or panels, sign area shall be considered to include all lettering, wording, and accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background on which they are displayed, any frame around the sign and any cutouts or extensions, but shall not include any supporting structure or bracing.
A sign which is tacked, nailed, posted, pasted, glued, or otherwise attached to trees, poles, stakes or fences, or to other objects, and the advertising matter appearing thereon is not applicable to the present use of the premises upon which such sign is located.
A sign that carries a message regarding a special event or function that is of general interest to the community.
A sign that is attached to a bracket, arm or mast and is not permanently fastened to a wall or pole.
An electrical sign using lights going on and off periodically to display the current time and temperature in the community.
A sign that is on-premises consisting of type and/or an arrow and is designed, sized and erected solely for the purpose of vehicular or pedestrian traffic direction or safely. Said sign shall have no advertising words or phrases.
A permanent or temporary sign affixed, painted on or placed in or upon any parked vehicle, parked trailer or other parked device capable of being towed, which is displayed in public view under such circumstances as to location on the premises, time of day, duration, availability of other parking space on the premises, and the proximity of the vehicle to the area on the premises where it is loaded, unloaded or otherwise carries out its principal function, which circumstances indicate that the primary purpose of said display is to attract the attention of the public rather than to serve the business of the owner thereof in the manner that is customary for said vehicle.
Any sign that is painted on, applied to, attached to or projected upon or within the exterior or interior of a building glass areas, including doors, or located within 15 feet of the interior of a building glass area including doors, whose identification, message, symbol, insignia, visual representation, logotype, or any other form that communicated information, can be read from off premises contiguous property or public right-of-way.
A window sign of a temporary nature used to direct attention to the sale of merchandise, or a change in the status of the business, including, but not limited to sign for sales, specials, going out of business, and grand openings.
§ 300-83 Existing signs.
A.
Illegal signs. Any sign erected or existing as of the effective date of this Part 9 which does not have a valid permit from the Town, or any sign so reclassified pursuant to Subsection C and prohibited by § 300-84, is hereby deemed to be an illegal sign and such sign and the person or persons responsible for such sign shall be subject to the provisions of § 300-89 of this chapter.
B.
Legal signs.
(1)
Any existing and permitted sign which complies with the provisions of this Part 9, and any subsequent amendment hereto, is hereby deemed to be a legal sign. Any proposed alteration to or relocation of such sign shall not be undertaken until the permit required pursuant to § 300-88 has been issued, unless the proposed alteration is specifically exempt from such permit requirement pursuant to § 300-85B.
C.
Nonconforming signs.
(1)
Any sign erected or existing as of the effective date of this Part 9 which has a valid permit from the Town, but which does not conform to the provisions of this Part 9, or any sign pursuant to § 300-84, is hereby deemed to be a nonconforming sign. A nonconforming sign may be maintained only by painting or refinishing the surface of the sign face or sign structure so as to keep the appearance of the sign as it was when the Town permit tag was affixed. Upon a determination by the Planning Official and notice to the permittee that a nonconforming sign has become dilapidated or structurally unsound, such sign shall be moved within 20 days unless an appeal of such determination has been previously filed with the Town. Any structural or other substantive maintenance to the conforming sign shall be deemed an abandonment of the nonconforming sign, shall render the prior permit void and shall result in the reclassification of such sign as an illegal sign pursuant to Subsection A. All nonconforming signs must be replaced with or made to comply with §§ 300-86 and 300-87 within five years of becoming nonconforming.
§ 300-84 Prohibited signs.
Prohibited signs. Except as may be hereinafter specifically permitted, it shall be unlawful after the effective date of this Part 9, or any amendment hereto, for any person to erect, place or use within the Town, when visible from any public way, any of the following signs:
A.
Swinging signs.
B.
Sidewalk and sandwich signs, except civic, charitable, religious or athletic organizations when first approved by the Planning Official in accordance with § 300-87B.
C.
Banners, pennants and balloons except civic, charitable, religious or athletic organizations when first approved by the Planning Official in accordance with § 300-87B.
D.
Off-premises signs.
E.
A sign which contains any moving, flashing, animated lights, visible moving or movable parts, or giving the appearance of animation.
F.
Roof signs.
G.
Vehicle signs.
H.
Any sign which emits a sound, odor or visible matter.
I.
Any sign which obstructs free ingress to or egress from a required door, window, fire escape or other required exit way.
J.
Any sign and/or sign structure which obstructs the view of, may be confused with or purports to be a governmental or traffic direction/safety sign.
K.
Any sign or sign structure other than freestanding and vertical wall extension, any portion of which extends above the parapet, building roofline or canopy against which the sign is located.
L.
Signs displaying intermittent lights resembling the flashing lights customarily used in traffic signals or in police, fire, ambulance, rescue vehicles or other warning signals, and signs using the words "stop," "danger," or any other word, phrase, symbol, or character in a manner that might mislead or confuse motorist.
M.
Moving message and time and temperature signs.
N.
Except as otherwise provided, no sign whether temporary or permanent, except by a public agency, is permitted within any street or highway right-of-way.
O.
Signs painted on or attached to trees, fence posts, rocks or other natural features, telephone or utility poles or painted on the roofs of buildings visible from any public thoroughfare.
P.
Abandoned or dilapidated sign.
Q.
Any sign which exhibits statements, words or pictures of obscene or pornographic subjects.
R.
Portable signs, except civic, charitable, religious, or athletic organizations when first approved by the Planning Official in accordance with § 300-87B.
S.
Signs affixed to a private residence or dwelling or displayed upon the grounds thereof, except one personal identification sign not exceeding two square feet, and one nonilluminated "For Sale" or "For Rent" sign not exceeding six square feet.
T.
Inflatable signs.
U.
Rotating signs.
V.
Cardboard, poster board, plywood or OSB signs.
W.
Bench signs.
X.
Billboard signs.
§ 300-85 Permissible signs.
A.
Permit required. Unless specifically exempted pursuant to Subsection B, no sign or sign structure shall be extended, displayed, moved or relocated, or altered, unless specifically exempted pursuant to Subsection C, until a permit fee has been paid and a sign permit issued by the Administration pursuant to § 300-88 of this chapter.
B.
Signs exempt from permit requirement. A permit is not required for the following types of signs, after proper notification is made to the Planning Official:
(1)
An official sign or notice issued by any court, public agency or office.
(2)
A traffic directional, warning or information sign authorized by any public agency.
(3)
A private street or road name sign or a traffic directional sign which does not exceed four square feet per sign face.
(4)
A "no trespassing," "no hunting," "no fishing," "no loitering" and like signs not exceeding one square foot in area.
(5)
Any on-premises sign not exceeding one square foot in area.
(6)
A residential real estate sign not to exceed six square feet per sign face.
[Amended 4-13-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-02]
(7)
An ingress/egress sign which does not exceed four square feet per sign face.
(8)
Signs announcing candidates seeking public office or relating to any election or public referendum. Such signs shall be confined to placement on private property and not exceeding six square feet per sign face. Such signs shall be removed within seven days after the election or referendum has been decided.
[Amended 4-13-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-02]
(9)
Temporary garage sale signs in residential districts. Limitations: Advertisement contained on any garage sale sign shall be limited to "Garage Sale" and address only and shall not exceed six square feet per sign face. Sign must not be placed more than seven days before the event and removed within 24 hours after the event. In accordance with the Zoning Ordinance § 300-64, garage sales shall not be advertised by more than one off-site advertising sign and one on-site advertising sign.
[Amended 4-13-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-02]
(10)
Signs affixed to a private residence or dwelling or displayed upon the grounds including one personal identification sign not exceeding two square feet, and one nonilluminated "For Sale" or "For Rent" sign not exceeding six square feet.
[Added 4-13-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-02]
C.
Sign alterations exempt from permit requirements. A permit is not required prior to engaging in sign alterations if such alterations involve only:
§ 300-86 General sign standards.
[Amended 8-11-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-06]
A.
Setback from right-of-way. In order to provide room for future bicycle paths or sidewalks, all signs shall be required to be set back at least 10 feet from the street right-of-way. However, if a bike path or sidewalk exists or has been planned in such a manner as to make this impractical, this setback may be reduced or waived by the Planning Official. The location and width of any easement proposed for public dedication must be acceptable to the Planning Official. No sign shall be erected or maintained on any corner lot within the line connecting points on the street lot line 20 feet distance from the corner.
B.
Sign illumination.
(1)
Electrical requirements. Electrical requirements pertaining to signs shall be prescribed by the National Electrical Code, latest edition.
(2)
If externally illuminated, signs shall be illuminated only by the following means:
(a)
By a white, steady stationary light or reasonable intensity shielded and directed solely at the sign or from within the sign.
(b)
Light sources to illuminate signs shall be shielded from all adjacent residential buildings and streets and shall not be of such brightness so as to cause glare hazardous to pedestrians or auto drivers or so as to create a nuisance to adjacent residential districts.
C.
Material and style.
(1)
Signs shall not have light-reflecting backgrounds but may use nonmoving light-reflecting lettering.
(2)
The various parts of a sign shall be compatible.
(3)
Any multi-faced sign shall have the same name and same message on all used faces.
(4)
All signs shall be of standard geometric shapes.
(5)
Signs shall not be of or contain a commercial sponsor name or motif (soda bottles, hamburgers, or other figures) or other outdoor commercial displays.
D.
Dimension and quantity.
(1)
Area and quantity. The area and quantity of any sign face shall conform to the following:
(a)
Major residential development consisting of more than 301 dwelling units shall be permitted one freestanding sign per entrance with not more than 240 square feet of sign face per sign, equally divided among not more than four sign faces. No single sign face shall exceed 120 square feet.
(b)
Secondary residential development consisting of 300 dwelling units or less, but more than 101 dwelling units, shall be permitted one freestanding sign per entrance with not more than 160 square feet of sign face per sign equally divided among not more than four sign faces. No single sign face shall exceed 80 square feet.
(c)
Minor residential development consisting of 100 dwelling units or less shall be permitted one freestanding sign per entrance with not more than 80 square feet of sign face per sign equally divided among not more than four sign faces. No single sign face shall exceed 40 square feet.
(d)
Major commercial development consisting of retail and public commercial uses, either exclusively or mixed with residential uses, which contain 75,000 square feet or less, but more than 25,000 square feet, of heated floor space open to the public shall be permitted one freestanding sign per entrance but no more than two identification signs for the development. Said signs shall not have more than 160 square feet of sign face per sign equally divided among not more than four sign faces. No single sign face shall exceed 80 square feet, excepting that if the commercial use herein is mixed with residential use which exceeds 301 dwelling units, the provisions of Subsection D(1) shall apply to said development.
(e)
Minor commercial development consisting of retail and public commercial uses, either exclusively or mixed with residential uses, which contains 25,000 square feet, of heated floor space open to the public shall be permitted one freestanding sign per entrance, but no more than two identification signs for the development, with not more than 80 square feet of sign face per sign equally divided among not more than four sign faces. No single sign face shall exceed 40 square feet, excepting that if the commercial use herein is mixed with residential use which exceeds 101 dwelling units, the provisions of Subsection D(1)(a) or (b) shall apply, as the case may be.
(f)
A commercial development consisting of retail and public commercial uses which contains 2,500 square feet or less of heated floor space open to the public shall be permitted one freestanding sign. Said sign shall not have more than 40 square feet of sign face equally divided between not more than two sign faces. If an applicant in this category shall waive the right to have a freestanding sign, the applicant shall be permitted to exceed the building sign, wall graphics, and window graphics limitations of § 300-87A by 50%.
(g)
Development in the Industrial or Public and Semi-Public districts shall be permitted one freestanding sign. Said sign shall not have more than 40 square feet of sign face equally divided between not more than two sign faces. If an applicant in this category shall waive the right to have a freestanding sign, the applicant shall be permitted to exceed the building sign, wall graphics, and window graphics limitations of § 300-87A by 50%.
(h)
Developments which, because of their composition may qualify for more than one of the above categories, may select the single category that provides them with the largest sign. The above categories shall not be cumulative.
(i)
Height. The maximum height of any freestanding sign shall not exceed 12 feet above the average elevation of the nearest public highway.
(j)
The bottom edge of the sign face shall not exceed four feet in height from average grade.
(k)
Width. The maximum width of the entire sign structure shall not exceed 20 feet.
(l)
Structure size. The size of the support structure for any freestanding sign shall not exceed the sign face by more than 100%.
§ 300-87 Special sign standards.
A.
On-premises sign standards.
(1)
Building and wall graphics signs shall not occupy more than 10% of the signable space on any one facade of a building, with a maximum size of the sign limited to 40 square feet.
(2)
Window graphics, which otherwise comply with this Part 9, may be displayed, provided no more than 25% of the area of a window may be occupied by signage.
(3)
Freestanding signs on any premises shall be spaced at minimum 200-foot intervals along each public way that views the premises. In the event that less than 200 feet of any premises is visible from any one public way, only one sign shall be permitted along that public way, notwithstanding that a greater number of signs may be permitted by § 300-86D and Subsections C and E herein.
(4)
Obstruction. An on-premises sign shall be erected so as to not obstruct or impair driver vision at business ingress/egress points and intersections.
B.
Temporary signs and standards.
(1)
Types. The following types of signs are classified as temporary signs:
(2)
Area; height; location.
(a)
Area. The total area of temporary signs shall not exceed 64 square feet or 32 square feet per sign face. Exceptions:
[Amended 4-13-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-02]
[1]
Real estate signs for residential property, which shall not exceed the limitations of § 300-85B(6).
[2]
Election or public referendum signs, which shall not exceed the limitation of § 300-85B(8).
[3]
Garage sale signs, which shall not exceed the limitations of § 300-85B(9).
[4]
Property, which shall not exceed the limitations of § 300-85B(6).
(b)
Height. The lower edge of the sign face shall not exceed four feet in height from the average grade. The maximum height of temporary signs shall not exceed eight feet.
(c)
Location.
[1]
No temporary sign shall be located so as to obstruct or impair driver vision at business ingress/egress points and at intersections.
[2]
No temporary sign shall be located nearer than 100 feet to any church, cemetery, public building, historic site or district, and intersection of two or more public streets or highways.
[3]
Temporary signs are not to be located any closer than 100 feet from any other sign on the same premises.
(d)
Time limits:
[1]
Special event signs. Special event sings may be erected no sooner than 14 days preceding a special event and shall be removed within 48 hours following the special event. The same or similar special event shall not be advertised more frequently than four times a year.
[2]
Grand opening signs. Temporary grand opening signs shall be erected for a period not to exceed 14 days.
[3]
Going-out-of-business and sale signs. Going-out-of-business and sale signs may be erected for a period not to exceed 30 days for going-out-of-business signs and 14 days for sale signs.
[4]
Project signs. Signs for work under construction may be erected upon the issuance of a final development permit on the construction site during the construction and shall be removed within seven days following the issuance of the certificate of occupancy.
[5]
Signs announcing the subdivision of land. Temporary signs announcing the subdivision of land may be erected on the land being developed and shall be removed when 100% of the development lots are conveyed, or for a term not to exceed six months, whichever comes sooner. An extension may be permitted by the Planning Official.
[6]
Removal. Signs advertising the sale or lease of property shall be removed at the completion of the transaction advertised or for a term not to exceed six months, whichever comes sooner. An extension may be permitted by the Planning Official.
C.
Real estate signs.
[Amended 4-13-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-02]
(1)
One nonilluminated commercial real estate sign, not exceeding six square feet in sign area per face and, if freestanding, not exceeding four feet in height shall be permitted. Property with two or more on-premises frontages shall be permitted one additional sign per frontage.
(2)
One nonilluminated residential real estate sign, not exceeding six square feet in sign area per face and, if freestanding, not exceeding four feet in height shall be permitted.
D.
Canopy signs. A commercial center shall be permitted one canopy sign per occupancy, not to exceed six feet in length and 18 inches in height, placed entirely under a canopy (marquee) directly in front of said location, identifying the occupancy.
E.
Message boards for institutional use. Message board signs are digital or manual changeable copy signs that are permitted only for institutional uses and are intended to provide schedules of events, rules, regulations, announcements, or similar messages, excluding commercial advertisement or promotional messages (refer to regulations for changeable copy signs below). Institutional uses are nonprofit and quasi-public organizations and government-owned or government-operated uses. Institutional uses include public and private schools, religious institutions, hospitals, libraries, recreational, civic, municipal, and other institutional uses including historic markers that are allowable in any zoning district under the zoning district regulations. Message boards for institutional use are permitted as follows:
(1)
One such sign oriented per street frontage per premise may be erected. The maximum sign surface area of an institutional use message board sign that contains no facility identification or logo shall be no greater than 20 square feet. If the principal identification sign and the message board are combined to serve as one sign, the maximum surface area shall be 45 square feet.
(2)
The maximum height is 12 feet. Where additional height is required to raise the base of the sign to mean elevation (average street level) of the fronting street, the Planning Official may allow greater heights.
(3)
Message board signs shall be set back from the right-of-way per the setback requirements of these regulations.
(4)
Signs shall be illuminated as specified in the illumination provisions of these regulations.
(5)
Such signs may not include commercial advertisement or promotional messages of any sort.
(6)
Locations with permanent message board signs shall not employ the use of temporary signs of any type.
F.
Changeable copy signs. Changeable copy signs are signs or portions thereof with characters, letters, or illustrations that can be changed or rearranged by any means [manual, electronic (digital), atmospheric, mechanical, remote, etc.] without altering the face or surface of the sign. For the purposes of this Part 9, a sign on which the message or image changes more often than once every 10 seconds shall be considered a sign employing a confusion of motion and is not allowable. Digital changeable copy signs are permitted as follows:
(1)
Digital changeable copy is permitted only on permanent principal freestanding signs and marquees and shall comply with all the regulations of freestanding and marquee signs as applicable.
(2)
Sign copy or image shall maintain a static message or image for at least 15 seconds.
(3)
The actual change between sign message and/or image shall be instantaneous.
(4)
Changeable copy signs shall not employ motion or the illusion of motion by any means to depict action or create a special effect or scene.
(5)
Such signs are not permitted to create the illusion of blinking, alternating, chasing, contracting or expanding, flashing, fading, repeating, oscillating, pulsating, rotating, rolling, running, scrolling, strobing, or twinkling, or to simulate moving video images, etc.
(6)
Signs shall not employ flashing lights or lights of changing degree or intensity of color.
(7)
Signs containing changeable copy produced by light emitting diodes (LEDs), incandescent or low voltage lamps or bulbs, or cathode ray tubes (CRTs) shall include automatic brightness compensation features to adjust brightness to compensate for sun angle and ambient light conditions and to ensure that the sign is visible but not necessarily radiant.
(8)
Digital changeable copy signs, including digital message board signs, shall not be operated between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. if located 300 feet of a residential dwelling unless the sign face is visually obscured from the residence.
G.
Multiple-use shopping, business, office and professional centers; freestanding directory signs.
(1)
Any multiple-use shopping, business, office and professional center or mall shall be allowed to have not more than two freestanding directory signs for individual businesses, provided they meet the following requirements:
H.
Petroleum service stations.
(1)
Petroleum products pumps and dispensers which are within view of a public way shall be permitted to display only information required by law and in addition, the brand name and type of product being dispensed.
(2)
Premises which dispense retail bulk petroleum products by pump shall be permitted one additional sign on the premises announcing the price per gallon of no more than four products with characters not exceeding 12 inches in height. In lieu of the one additional sign permitted above, the price per gallon may be displayed on each individual pump structure with characters not exceeding six inches in height.
I.
Flags.
(1)
Nongovernmental flags are deemed to be signs and shall be subject to the provisions of this Part 9, except that no such flag shall exceed 40 square feet per face.
(2)
Governmental flags must be displayed in a dignified noncommercial manner. No such flag shall exceed 40 square feet per face.
(3)
Flagstaff shall not exceed 30 feet above grade.
§ 300-88 Administration.
[Amended 8-11-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-06; 9-13-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-12]
A.
Application for permit.
(1)
Where to apply. Any application for a sign permit shall be submitted to the Planning Official on a form supplied by the Town.
(2)
Information required. The following information shall be submitted with an application for a sign permit:
(a)
Name, address, telephone number, and signature of the owner or duly authorized lessee of the premises granting permission for the construction, operation, maintenance, or displaying of sign or sign structure.
(b)
Name, address, telephone numbers, Town of Pine Ridge business license number and signature of sign contractor, if any.
(c)
Legal description and/or street address of premises or property upon which the sign is to be located.
(d)
The approximate value of the sign to be installed, including the installation cost.
(e)
Type of sign for which a permit is being sought.
(f)
One copy of a sketch, blueprint, blue line print or similar presentation drawn to scale and dimensioned, showing elevations of the sign as proposed on a building facade, awning or canopy; provided, further, the relationship to other existing adjacent signs shall also be shown. In the case of a freestanding sign, said sketches shall include a site plan showing the sign location and any existing or proposed landscaping which is affected by such sign.
(3)
If requested by the Planning Official, copy of stress sheets and calculations indicating that the sign is properly designed for dead load and wind pressure in any direction, as required in Chapter 12 of the Standard Building Code.
(4)
If applicable, the appropriate Town of Pine Ridge zoning permit number.
(5)
Such other information as the Planning Official may require which is necessary to verify full compliance with all applicable provisions contained in the Town of Pine Ridge Code of Laws.
B.
(Reserved)
C.
D.
Contents of permit. Upon compliance with the provisions of this Part 9, the Planning Official shall make a decision to issue, deny or issue with conditions a permit for such sign structure within 30 days of receipt of a complete permit application. Permits shall contain the following information:
(2)
The street address of the property upon which said sign is proposed to be located and the proposed location of the sign on said property; in the absence of a street address, an acceptable method of location shall be used.
(3)
The amount of the fee paid for such permit.
(4)
The date of issuance.
(5)
In the case of a temporary sign, the date of expiration of permit.
E.
Expiration of permit. If the work described in the permit has not begun within six months from the date of the permit, or within the time specified in a special exception, the permit shall expire and be void upon written notice by the Planning Official.
F.
Changes in ownership or removal. Transfer of ownership; dismantling or removal of sign: In the case of ownership transfer, provided no changes are made to the sign, or, if a permitted sign is dismantled or removed, the Planning Official shall be notified.
§ 300-89 Enforcement; violations and penalties.
[Amended 8-11-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-06]
A.
Violation notice.
(1)
The Planning Official and duly authorized staff shall have the authority to issue a sign violation notice and shall be empowered to enter upon the premises of any person subject to this Part 9 for the purpose of enforcing the provisions herein.
(2)
The Planning Official shall serve written notice by mail upon the owner, or his/her agent, and the occupant of property upon which conditions exist in violation of this Part 9 requiring that the conditions be corrected or removed within 30 days. The notice shall state the appeals and variance guidelines stated in § 300-90.
B.
(Reserved)
C.
Impoundment of signs.
(1)
The Planning Official and staff shall have the authority to remove all signs, without notice to the owners thereof, placed within any street or highway right-of-way, signs attached to trees, fence posts, telephone and utility poles, other natural features, or signs otherwise prohibited by this Part 9, and to impound them for a period of 10 days.
(2)
The owner of a sign impounded may recover same upon the payment of $50 for each sign, prior to the expiration of the ten-day impoundment period; in the event it is not claimed within the 10 days, the Planning Official shall have authority to dispose of such sign.
D.
Penalties. Any person violating any provision of this ordinance shall be deemed guilty of an offense and shall be subject to a fine of up to $500 plus any applicable court assessments mandated by S.C. state law or imprisonment for not more than 30 days or both, upon conviction. Each day of violation shall be considered a separate offense.
§ 300-90 Appeals.
A.
Appeal. Any person aggrieved, sign owner or applicant, or any officer, department, board or bureau of the municipality who alleges that the Administrative Official acted erroneously in enforcing this Part 9 may appeal the decision of that Administrative Official to the Board of Zoning Appeals. Such appeal, including any appeal fee, shall be filed within 20 days of receipt of an official notice of decision.
B.
Appeal fee. A fee of $100 shall be paid for each appeal filed. If the decision of the appeal is in favor of the appellant, the fee shall be refunded.