Pittsfield Charter Township
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XV
Sign Regulations
§ 40-15.01 Purpose.
A.
The intent of this article is to regulate the location, size, construction, and manner of display of signs in order to minimize their harmful effects on the public health, safety, and welfare. While this article recognizes that signs are necessary to satisfy the needs of sign users for adequate identification and communication, failure to regulate them may lead to poor identification of individual businesses, deterioration and blight of the business and residential areas of the Township, conflicts between different types of land use, reduction in traffic safety to pedestrians and motorists, and other impacts that are contrary to the purposes, intent, and interests identified in this section.
B.
The following municipal interests are considered by the Township to be compelling government interests. Each interest is intended to be achieved under this article in a manner that represents the least restrictive means of accomplishing the stated interest, and in all events is intended to promote an important government interest that would not be effectively achieved absent the regulations in this article. Regulating the location, size, construction, and manner of display of signage in the most narrowly tailored manner represents the least restrictive means of addressing the targeted government interests of avoiding unsafe and nuisance-like conditions while maintaining and improving pedestrian and vehicular safety and efficiency; character and quality of life; economic development and property values; property identification for emergency response and wayfinding purposes; and unique character of areas of the Township.
(1)
Public safety.
(a)
Purpose.
[1]
Maintaining pedestrian and vehicular safety are predominant and compelling government interests throughout the Township, with particular emphasis on the safety of pedestrians. The safety path and sidewalk networks provide facilities for pedestrians situated between vehicular roads and private properties throughout the Township. In areas of the Township without sidewalks or safety paths, pedestrians typically travel along the edges of roadways.
[2]
Since most signage on the private properties is intended and designed to attract the attention of operators of motor vehicles, thereby creating distractions that can jeopardize traffic and pedestrian safety, this article is intended to regulate signs so as to reduce such distractions and, in turn, reduce the risk of crashes, property damage, injuries, and fatalities, particularly considering the rate of speed at which the vehicles are traveling in the districts identified in this article.
[3]
This article is also intended to protect public safety by requiring signs that are poorly maintained and/or structurally unsafe to be repaired or removed to protect against fallen signs or deteriorating sign debris from entering improved roadways, sidewalks and safety paths and causing dangerous conditions for vehicular traffic and pedestrians.
(b)
The Township encourages signage that will inform motorists and pedestrians of their desired destinations without conflicting with other structures and improvements. These interests are legitimately supported by limiting the maximum size of signage, providing setbacks, and specifying minimum-sized characters for efficient perception by motorists and pedestrians, while minimizing distractions that could put pedestrians at risk.
(c)
In some circumstances, adjusting the size, setback, and other regulations applicable to signage may be important to avoid confusion and promote clarity where vehicular speeds vary on commercial/business thoroughfares.
(d)
In multitenant buildings and centers, it is compelling and important to provide distinct treatment with a gradation of regulation for individual identification depending on base sign size, amount of road frontage, and the like, all intending to provide clarity to alleviate confusion and thus additional traffic maneuvers, provide a minimum size of characters to allow identification, and maintain maximum-sized overall signage to prevent line-of-sight issues.
(e)
Maximize size and minimum setback of signage is compelling and important to maintain clear views for both traffic and pedestrian purposes.
(2)
Character and quality of life. Achieving and maintaining attractive, orderly, and desirable places to conduct business, celebrate civic events, entertain people, and provide for housing opportunities is directly related to the stability of property values needed to provide and finance quality public services and facilities within the Township. This article intends to allow signs that are of sufficient, but not excessive, size to perform their intended function as necessary to provide and maintain the Township's character and support neighborhood stability. Signs that contribute to the visual clutter, contribute to the potential conflict between vehicular and pedestrian traffic, and distract from scenic resources and views will be prohibited in efforts to preserve the character, aesthetic qualities and unique experience within the Township. It is also the intent of this article that signs will reflect the character of unique districts as may be established by the Township's Master Plan, other adopted plans, or this article and other parts of this chapter.
(3)
Economic development and property values. The establishment of the restrictions in this article has a direct relationship to creating stability and predictability, allowing each private interest to secure reasonable exposure of signage, and thus promoting business success. The application of the restrictions in this article allows businesses to reasonably command attention to the content and substance of their messages while concurrently allowing the promotion of other visual assets, including (without limitation) landscaping and architecture, all of which contribute to economic development and property value enhancement.
(4)
Avoidance of nuisance-like conditions. Due to the concentration of people and activities, there is a potential for, and it is a compelling interest to avoid, blight, physical clutter, and visual clutter in the Township. The result of these conditions leads to diminished property values, reduced attractiveness of the community, and reduced quality of life within the districts. Minimum regulations that substantially relate to signage are important and necessary for the maintenance and well-being of positive conditions, good character and quality of life in the Township. Ultimately, these regulations are compelling and important for the protection of all police power values.
(a)
An excessive number of signs in one location creates visual blight and clutter, as well as confusion of the public. Thus, limiting the number of signs on properties, establishing setbacks from property lines, and requiring reasonable spacing between signs are compelling interests that can be pursued with minimum regulation.
(b)
Signs that are too large can lead to confusion, undermine the purposes of the signs, and ultimately lead to physical and visual clutter. Establishing maximum sizes can be the subject of clear and effective regulations that address this compelling and important interest.
(c)
Requiring maintenance specifications for signs can minimize the creation of blight and clutter due to the deterioration of signs that are not durable or otherwise well-constructed, and such regulations would be consistent with construction codes for other structures.
(d)
There is a compelling governmental interest that signs avoid glare, light trespass, safety, and skyglow. The selection of proper fixture type(s) and location, use of supportive lighting technology, and control of light levels in a reasonable fashion is consistent with regulations that are narrowly tailored to achieve the Township's interests.
(5)
Property identification for emergency response and wayfinding purposes. Locating a business or residence by police, fire, and other emergency responders can be a matter of life and death, and thus it is a compelling interest to ensure that proper, understandable, unambiguous, and coordinated signage be permitted and required, and specifications for such purposes can be accomplished in a simple and narrow manner. Wayfinding for vehicular and pedestrian purposes is also a compelling interest to avoid confusion in public rights-of-way, and unnecessary intrusions on private property. Sign specifications for such wayfinding can be coordinated with property identification for such emergency and other purposes.
(6)
Maintaining unique character of areas of the Township. Acknowledge the unique character of certain areas and districts, and establishing special time, place, and manner regulations that reflect the unique aesthetic, historical, and/or cultural characteristics of these areas/districts.
(7)
Protection of the right to receive and convey messages. The important governmental interests and regulations contained in this article are not intended to target the content of messages to be displayed on signs, but instead seek to achieve nonspeech objectives. In no respect do the regulations of signage prohibit a property owner or occupant from an effective means of conveying the desired message. Nothing in this article is intended to prohibit the right to convey and receive messages protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.
§ 40-15.02 General sign regulations.
The following regulations shall apply to all signs in Pittsfield Township.
A.
Construction standards.
(1)
General requirements. All permanent signs shall be designed and constructed in a safe and stable manner in accordance with the Township's adopted Building and Electrical Codes. All electrical wiring associated with a freestanding sign shall be installed underground.
(2)
Building Code compliance. All permanent signs shall be designed to comply with minimum wind pressure and other requirements set forth in the adopted Building Code.
(3)
Framework. All signs attached to a structure shall be designed so that the supporting framework, other than the supporting elements on a freestanding sign, is contained within or behind the face of the sign or within the building to which the sign is attached so as to be totally screened from view.
B.
Illuminated signs.
(1)
Only indirectly illuminated signs shall be allowed in Recreation-Conservation, Agricultural, and Residential Districts, provided that such sign is shielded so as to prevent direct light rays from being visible from the public right-of-way or any adjacent residential property.
(2)
Indirectly or internally illuminated signs are permitted in Neighborhood Commercial, Regional Commercial, Industrial, Business, Planned Unit Development, Public Facilities, and Form-Based Districts. Indirectly illuminated signs are shielded so as to prevent direct light rays from being visible from the public right-of-way or any adjacent residential property.
(3)
No sign shall have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights or other illuminating devices which have a changing light intensity, brightness, or color, or which are so constructed and operating as to create an appearance of writing or printing. Nothing contained in this article shall be construed as preventing use of lights or decorations related to religious and patriotic festivities.
(4)
Lighting of off-premises signs must be turned off after 11:00 p.m. Lighting of on-premises signs shall be turned off upon closing.
(5)
Neon signs are permitted in districts which permit internally illuminated signs. Neon lighting is prohibited outside of the sign structure and shall not be permitted as accent lighting along a building wall or window, unless as allowed during the building and lighting review as part of site plan review as set forth in Article IX.
(6)
The backlighting of awnings and signs is prohibited.
C.
Measurement of sign area.
(1)
The area of a sign shall be computed as including the entire area within the regular geometric form of a square, rectangle, triangle, or circle. If the sign utilizes more than one separate geometric form, a square or rectangle may be combined with a contiguous circle or triangle. The form(s) shall encompass all the display area of the sign including all elements of the matter displayed.
(2)
Where a sign has two or more faces, the area of all faces shall be included in determining the area of the sign, except that where two such faces are placed back to back, parallel to one another and less than 24 inches apart, the area of the sign shall equal the area of one face.
(3)
Frames and structural members not bearing copy or display material shall not be included in the computation of sign area.
D.
Height of ground sign.
(1)
A ground sign shall not exceed a total height of eight feet including the sign pedestal.
(2)
Sign measurement. Sign height shall be measured to the top edge of the sign, from the adjacent grade. The total height of a ground sign, including the sign pedestal and adjacent grade, shall be no higher than 11 feet from the adjacent street grade.
E.
All signs shall meet the minimum yard requirements for the district where located, as set forth herein. In addition, all ground signs shall be located a minimum of five feet from any private driveway on or adjacent to the property containing the ground sign, and 15 feet from any right-of-way or property line.
[Amended 11-18-2020 by Ord. No. ZOA 20-211]
F.
Flags.
(1)
In all single-family residential zoning districts, on developed residential lots, flags shall be permitted without restriction.
(2)
In all other districts, flags shall be subject to the following regulations:
(a)
Flags shall meet yard requirements for signs.
(b)
Flagpoles shall not exceed the height point of the roofline of the structure on the same lot.
(d)
No flag may exceed the height of the roof of the principal building on the same lot.
(e)
Up to three flags of any combination shall be permitted on each public street frontage of any lot, shopping center, or business center.
(f)
All flags shall be displayed from a pole or other mounting which is permanently affixed to the ground or a building and dedicated to that purpose. A flagpole may not be roof-mounted. A flag shall not be attached to any structure or on a separate lot which is designed for an alternative use.
§ 40-15.03 Prohibited signs.
A.
Swinging signs. Signs which swing or otherwise noticeably move as a result of wind pressure because of the manner of suspension or attachment are prohibited.
B.
Moving signs. Except as otherwise provided in this section, any sign or portion thereof which moves or assumes any motion constituting a nonstationary or fixed condition is prohibited, including banners, pennants, searchlights, twirling signs, balloons, or other gas-filled figures.
C.
Unlawful motor vehicle signs. It shall be unlawful to park, place, or store a vehicle or trailer on which there is a motor vehicle sign on private property where an on-premises ground or wall sign is located if:
(1)
The motor vehicle sign is attached to a vehicle or trailer that is unregistered or not operable;
(2)
The motor vehicle sign is larger in any dimension than or extends beyond any surface of the vehicle or trailer to which it is attached;
(3)
The motor vehicle sign is attached to a vehicle or trailer that is parked or stored in a public right-of-way or an area not designed, designated, or commonly used for parking;
(4)
The motor vehicle sign is attached to a vehicle or trailer that is regularly parked or stored in a front yard or side yard, as such terms are defined by this chapter, that abuts a street, when there are other areas of the property designed, designated, or available for the parking or storage of the vehicle or trailer that are not visible from the street or do not abut streets; or
(5)
The motor vehicle sign is attached to a vehicle or trailer that is regularly parked or stored within 50 feet of a street, when there are other areas of the property designed, designated, or available for the parking or storage of the vehicle or trailer that are more distant from the street or not visible from the street.
(6)
The foregoing prohibition shall not apply if:
(a)
The vehicle is temporarily parked in a particular location in the course of conducting personal activities or business activities that involve the loading or unloading of goods for customers, providing services to off-site customers, conducting off-site business, or engaging in work breaks;
(b)
The activities in Subsection C(6)(a), above, are being actively undertaken during the period of such parking;
D.
Portable signs. Portable signs, including sandwich board signs, and sidewalk, curb signs, or banners are prohibited.
E.
Painted wall signs. Signs which are painted directly onto the wall, or any other structural part of a building are prohibited.
F.
Roof signs. Signs which are erected or constructed wholly on and over the roof of a building, supported by the roof structure, and extending vertically above the highest portion of the roof are prohibited.
G.
Fence signs. Signs which are pasted or attached to utility poles or placed upon trees, fences, rocks, or in an unauthorized manner to walls or other signs are prohibited.
H.
Projecting signs. Signs located in, or which project into or overhang any public right-of-way are prohibited, except as allowed by local, state, or federal law or regulation, as otherwise permitted in a form-based district.
I.
Electronic message signs. EMS including LED signs, except as otherwise permitted by this chapter, are prohibited.
J.
Miscellaneous signs.
(1)
Tacking, pasting, or otherwise affixing of signs or posters visible from a public way except "no trespassing," "no hunting," "beware of animal," warning of danger signs, and other legal postings as required by law, located on the walls of buildings, barns, sheds, on trees, poles, posts, or fences is prohibited.
(2)
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 or by other applicable law.
(3)
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 which hide from view any traffic or street sign or street signal or which obstruct the view in any direction at a street or road intersection, are prohibited.
(4)
Signs which contain statements, words, or pictures of an obscene or pornographic nature, are prohibited.
(5)
Signs which emit audible sound, odor, or visible matter are prohibited.
§ 40-15.04 Signs permitted in all districts without sign permit.
Subject to the other conditions of this chapter, the following signs shall be permitted anywhere within Pittsfield Township without a permit:
A.
Directional signs.
[Amended 11-18-2020 by Ord. No. ZOA 20-211]
(1)
A directional sign shall be located on the property to which it is directing traffic and shall be located behind the front right-of-way line and shall not exceed six square feet in area for each sign and four feet in height.
(2)
A directional sign may bear the logo of a business for which it directs entering and exiting traffic if it is the determination of the Zoning Administrator that such logo is reasonably necessary for the effectiveness of the directional sign on which it is located.
B.
Garage, yard, and estate sales. Garage sale, yard, and estate sale signs in residential zoning districts, provided that such signs:
[Amended 11-18-2020 by Ord. No. ZOA 20-211]
(1)
Are not attached to utility poles;
(2)
Do not exceed six square feet in area; a maximum of three feet in height.
(3)
Are erected no more than three days before and are removed within one business day after the announced sale.
(4)
Temporary directional signs, not exceeding three square feet in area and three feet in height, shall be permitted on approach routes to a private garage, yard, or estate sale, for a period not to exceed 72 hours. Said signs shall contain the address and dates of the sale and shall be removed within four hours of the end of the sale.
C.
Signs exempt from regulations.
(1)
Signs not exceeding one square foot in area bearing only property numbers, post box numbers, names of occupants or premises, or other identification of premises not having commercial connections.
(2)
Legal notices, identification, information, or directional sign erected, or required by governmental bodies.
(3)
Integral decorative or architectural features of building, except letters, trademarks, moving parts, moving lights, or backlit areas.
§ 40-15.05 Permitted signs in Recreation-Conservation, Agricultural, and Residential Districts.
Subject to the other conditions of this chapter, the following signs shall be permitted in the Recreation-Conservation, Agricultural, and Residential Districts within Pittsfield Township with a sign permit:
B.
Residential development signs.
(1)
Number. One identification sign within the boulevard at the entrance to the development or two single-sided signs incorporated into a landscape wall as shown on an approved landscape plan shall be permitted for each public street frontage for a subdivision, multiple-family building development or mobile home park.
(2)
Size. No sign shall exceed 32 square feet in area.
(3)
Illumination. Signs shall not be illuminated.
(4)
Material. Signs shall be made of substantial building materials.
Table 15.05 Recreation-Conservation, Agricultural, and Residential Districts Signage Regulations | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Use | Number | Size (square feet) | Setback (feet) | Notes |
Ground sign for permitted use or conditional use other than residential | 1 for each public street frontage | 18; no more than 8 feet in height | Ground: 15 from the road right-of-way | |
Residential development sign | 1 for each public street frontage | 32 | Ground: 15 from the road right-of-way | 1 additional sign advertising "For Rent" or "Vacancy" may be placed on each public street frontage of a rental residential development, provided that such sign shall not exceed 3 square feet in area and is incorporated into the identification sign. |
Residential development announcement sign | 1 per entrance, with a maximum of 2 | 16; no more than 6 feet in height | Oriented towards the residential development. Set back the full distance of the front yard for the district in which it is located from any arterial or collector road right-of-way, and shall be set back 1 foot from any local or neighborhood road right-of-way, or private drive easements. | Said sign shall not be illuminated. Said sign shall be made of substantial building materials. |
Ground identification sign for permitted use other than residential | 1 for each public street frontage | 18; no more than 8 feet in height | Ground: 15 from the road right-of-way | Signs not permitted for home occupation business |
§ 40-15.06 Permitted signs in C-1 and C-2 Districts.
Subject to the other conditions of this chapter, the following signs shall be permitted in the C-1, Neighborhood Commercial District, and C-2, Regional Commercial District, with a sign permit.
A.
Signs permitted in shopping or business centers.
(2)
Wall sign.
(a)
Number. Each business in the center shall be permitted one wall sign. All occupants without ground floor frontage shall be permitted one combined exterior wall sign, in addition to the number of signs allocated to the center.
(b)
Area. The area of wall signs permitted for each business shall be determined as one square foot of sign area for each one linear foot of building frontage occupied by a business to a maximum area of 200 square feet. All businesses without ground floor frontage in a given building shall be permitted one combined exterior wall sign not more than 24 square feet in area.
(3)
Window, canopy, and awning.
(a)
Windows. Window signs must be located inside the window. There is no limit on number, but window signs cannot occupy more than 25% of the total window area.
(b)
Canopies and awnings. A canopy and awning sign is permitted in lieu of a wall sign. The area of awning and canopy signs permitted for each business shall be determined as one square foot of sign area for each one linear foot of building frontage occupied by a business to a maximum area of 200 square feet. For canopies and awnings upon which a sign is to be displayed, the entire area of such canopy and awning shall be considered to be a sign area.
(4)
Drive-through accessory sign. In addition to the signs permitted in Subsection A(1), (2), and (3) above, drive-through businesses with pickup windows may have two drive-through accessory signs per drive aisle. The total square footage for accessory signs per drive aisle shall not exceed 32 square feet in area.
B.
Signs permitted on parcels not located in shopping centers or business centers.
(2)
Wall sign.
(a)
Number. Each developed lot shall be permitted one wall sign for each public street frontage. All occupants without ground floor frontage shall be permitted one exterior wall sign.
(b)
Area. The area of wall signs permitted for each lot shall be determined as one square foot of sign area for each linear foot of building frontage occupied by a business, to a maximum area of 200 square feet. All businesses without ground floor frontage in a given building shall be permitted one space on a combined exterior wall sign not more than 24 square feet in area.
Figure 15.6.B.2-1 Wall Sign 1 |
 |
Figure 15.06.B.2-2 Wall Sign 2 |
 |
(3)
Window, canopy, and awning.
(a)
Windows. Window signs must be located inside the window. There is no limit on number, but window signs cannot occupy more than 25% of total window area.
(b)
Canopy and awning sign. A canopy and awning sign is permitted in lieu of a wall sign. The area of awning and canopy signs permitted for each business shall be determined as one square foot of sign area for each one linear foot of building frontage occupied by an occupant to a maximum area of 200 square feet.
(5)
Vehicle fueling/multi-use stations.
(a)
Canopy. A canopy and awning sign is permitted in lieu of a wall sign. The area of awning and canopy signs permitted for each business shall be determined as one square foot of sign area for each one linear foot of building frontage occupied by an occupant to a maximum area of 200 square feet.
(b)
Pump signage.
[1]
Number. One per fuel pump face.
[2]
Maximum of three square feet.
[Amended 11-18-2020 by Ord. No. ZOA 20-211]
Figure 15.06.D Supplemental Ground Sign |
 |
Table 15.06 C-1 and C-2 Districts Signage Regulations | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Use | Type | Number | Size | Notes |
Shopping or business center | Ground | 1 for each public street frontage | 65 square feet | Setback: 15 feet from the road right-of-way. |
Wall | 1 | 1 square foot of sign area for each 1 linear foot of building frontage. Maximum area of 200 square feet. | ||
Window | No limit on number | Total window sign area cannot occupy more than 25% of each individual window | Must be located on inside of window | |
Canopy and awning | 1 in lieu of wall sign | 1 square foot of sign area for each 1 linear foot of building frontage occupied by a business to a maximum area of 200 square feet. | For canopies and awnings upon which a sign is to be displayed, the entire area of such canopy and awning shall be considered to be the sign area. | |
Drive-through accessory menu board sign | 2 | 32 square feet | Only applicable for businesses with pickup windows | |
Signs permitted on lots not located in a shopping center or business center | Ground | 1 for each public street frontage | 65 square feet | Setback: 15 feet from the road right-of-way |
Wall | 1 | 1 square foot of sign area for each 1 linear foot of building frontage. Maximum area of 200 square feet. | ||
Window | No limit on number | Total window sign area cannot occupy more than 25% of each individual window | Must be located on inside of window | |
Canopy and awning | 1 in lieu of wall sign | 1 square foot of sign area for each 1 linear foot of building frontage occupied by a business to a maximum area of 200 square feet | ||
Drive-through accessory menu board | 2 | 32 square feet | Only applicable for businesses with pickup windows | |
Automobile station signage | Canopy | 1 in lieu of wall sign | 1 square foot of sign area for each 1 linear foot of building frontage occupied by a business to a maximum area of 200 square feet | |
Fuel pump | 1 per fuel pump | Maximum of 1 square foot | ||
§ 40-15.07 Permitted signs in form-based zoning districts.
Subject to the other conditions of this chapter, the following signs shall be permitted in the form-based districts, with a sign permit.
A.
Intent. Recognizing that there are areas within the Township in which the Master Plan places greater emphasis on regulating urban form and character of development as well as use and intensity of use, this section is intended to focus on sign standards that:
(1)
Acknowledge the differing design concerns and needs for signs in certain specialized mixed-use areas.
(2)
Coordinate the placement and physical dimensions of signs within the different districts.
(3)
Protect property values, the local economy, and the quality of life by preserving and enhancing the appearance of the streetscapes that affect the image of the Township.
(4)
Provide for signs as an effective channel of communication, while ensuring that signs are designed and proportioned in relation to adjacent structures and structures to which they are attached.
(5)
Address the business community's need for adequate communication by improving the readability, and therefore the effectiveness, of signs by preventing improper placement, over-concentration, excessive height, area, and bulk.
B.
General regulations.
(1)
Ground signs.
(a)
Lot requirements. Ground signs are only permitted on lots that are at least 50 feet in width and for lots where the building is set back a minimum of 10 feet from the public right-of-way.
(b)
One ground sign shall be permitted for each lot.
[Amended 11-18-2020 by Ord. No. ZOA 20-211]
(e)
Setback: two feet from the right-of-way and three feet from the sidewalk.
(f)
Landscaping: one square foot of landscaping adjacent to the sign per one square foot of sign area. Landscaping shall include a decorative combination of ground cover and shrubs to provide seasonal interest.
(2)
Wall signs.
(a)
Number. Each developed lot shall be permitted one wall sign per frontage on the right-of-way and parking lot. All occupants without ground floor frontage shall be permitted one combined exterior wall sign, in addition to the number of signs allocated to the developed lot.
(b)
Area. The area of wall signs permitted for each lot shall be determined as one square foot of sign area for each one linear foot of building frontage occupied by a business to a maximum area of 100 square feet. All businesses without ground floor frontage in a given building shall be permitted one combined exterior wall sign not more than 24 square feet in area.
(3)
Window signs. Window signs must be located inside the window. There is no limit on number, but window signs cannot occupy more than 25% of the total window area.
(4)
Canopy and awning signs. A canopy and awning sign is permitted in lieu of a wall sign. The area of awning and canopy signs permitted for each business shall be determined as one square foot of sign area for each one linear foot of building frontage occupied by an occupant business to a maximum area of 100 square feet.
(5)
Blade (projecting).
(a)
Number: shall be limited to one sign with no more than two sign surfaces.
(b)
Area: shall not exceed eight square feet in sign area.
(c)
Height from grade. The lowest part of the sign shall be a minimum of eight feet above grade.
(d)
Projection distance. A sign may not project more than four feet from the attached facade.
(6)
Vehicle fueling/multi-use station signage. All vehicle fueling/multi-use station signage shall comply with § 40-15.06B(5).
D.
Comprehensive sign plans.
(1)
Intent. The intent of the sign package is to ensure that properties with multiple buildings, buildings with multiple occupants or tenants, and adjoining property owners are able to provide signage that is well designed and consistent throughout that building, property, or area, while providing some flexibility in the design of the signs that are approved through a sign package.
(2)
Process. A sign package may be submitted to the Planning Commission for its review and approval in accordance with this section for i) any property containing more than one building; ii) any multiple tenant building; iii) adjacent buildings on multiple parcels that wish to carry out sign consistency.
(3)
Contents of sign package. As part of the site plan review process as set forth in Article IX, an application for approval of a sign package shall include details regarding the design and location of all proposed signs for which a sign permit is required. The sign package shall clearly define the areas of the building or property for which approval of a sign package is requested. At a minimum, the following details shall be provided in the application submittal for approval of a sign package:
(4)
Standards. No sign package shall be approved by the Planning Commission unless the Planning Commission finds that the sign package incorporates signage that is:
(a)
Unified and consistent throughout the building or property;
(b)
Of a higher quality than would be otherwise required under the applicable sign regulations; and
(c)
Compatible with the design and materials of the building or buildings, and consistent with the area surrounding the building or property.
(5)
Relief. The following relief may be granted by the Planning Commission, provided that all standards set forth in § 40-15.07D(4) are found:
(a)
To increase the sign area of a sign by no more than 33 1/3%.
(b)
To increase the height of a sign by no more than 33 1/3%.
(c)
To permit one additional sign on any lot, provided that no relief shall be granted to permit an additional ground sign.
Table 15.07 Form-Based District Signage Regulations | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Type | Number | Size | Height | Notes |
Ground (on parcel less than 1 acre) | 1 for each public street frontage | 20 square feet | 4 feet | Lot requirements: Ground sign only permitted for lots that are at least 50 feet in width and for lots where the building is set back a minimum of 10 feet from public right-of-way. Setback: 2 feet from right-of-way and 3 feet from sidewalk. Landscaping: 1 square foot of landscaping adjacent to sign per 1 square foot of sign area. Landscaping shall include a decorative combination of ground cover and shrubs to provide seasonal interest. |
Ground (on parcel 1 acre or greater) | 1 for each public street frontage | 60 square feet | 6 feet | Lot requirements: Ground sign only permitted for lots that are at least 50 feet in width and for lots where the building is set back a minimum of 10 feet from public right-of-way. Setback: Ground: 1/2 the yard requirements for the district where located. Landscaping: 1 square foot of landscaping adjacent to sign per 1 square foot of sign area. Landscaping shall include a decorative combination of ground cover and shrubs to provide seasonal interest. |
Wall | 1 per frontage on right-of-way and parking lot | 1 square foot of sign area for each 1 linear foot of building frontage, or a maximum of 100 square feet | ||
Window | No limit on number | Total window sign area cannot occupy more than 25% of each individual window. | Must be located on inside of window. | |
Canopy and awning | A canopy and awning sign is permitted in lieu of a wall sign | The area of awning and canopy signs permitted for each business shall be determined as 1 square foot of sign area for each 1 linear foot of frontage occupied by an occupant business to a maximum area of 100 square feet. | Lettering on a canopy sign shall not exceed six-inch type. | |
Blade (projecting) | Shall be limited to 1 sign with no more than 2 sign surfaces | 8 square feet | The lowest part of the sign shall be a minimum of 8 feet above grade. | Sign may not project more than 4 feet from the attached facade. |
§ 40-15.08 Permitted signs in PF, I, and BD Zoning Districts.
Subject to the other conditions of this chapter, the following signs shall be permitted in the Public Facility District, General Industrial District, and Business District, with a sign permit.
A.
Business and industrial park signs. For industrial and business park developments one ground sign shall be permitted for each public street frontage. The maximum area of each ground sign shall be 65 square feet.
C.
Wall signs.
(1)
Number. Each building shall be permitted one wall sign. All occupants without ground floor frontage shall be permitted one combined exterior wall sign, in addition to the number of signs allocated to the developed lot.
(2)
Area. The area of wall signs permitted for each lot shall be determined as one square foot of sign area for each one linear foot of building frontage occupied by a business to a maximum area of 200 square feet. All businesses without ground floor frontage in a given building shall be permitted one combined exterior wall sign not more than 24 square feet in area.
D.
Business, office, and industrial park signs.
(1)
Business park internal signs. For businesses, office, and industrial parks, an internal ground sign per park shall be permitted in addition to other signs permitted under the following regulations:
(a)
Only one internal sign per park shall be permitted.
(b)
The sign shall not exceed 24 square feet in area or six feet in height from finished grade.
(c)
The sign shall be located no closer than 50 feet to any property line, and shall be located in a manner which is observable to users once they have entered the premises.
Table 15.08 PF, I, and BD Zoning Districts Signage Regulations | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Type | Number | Size (square feet) | Notes |
Park ground sign | 1 for each public street frontage | 65 square feet | Setback: 15 feet from the road right-of-way |
Ground | 1 for each public street frontage | 65 square feet | Setback: 15 feet from the road right-of-way |
Wall | 1 | 1 for each 1 linear foot of building frontage to a maximum of 200 square feet in area | |
Internal sign | 1 | 24 square feet | Letters may be 6 inches in height |
§ 40-15.09 Permitted signs in PUD districts.
Signs shall be permitted in each use area in a PUD district in accordance with the sign regulations in the zoning district that is most similar to that use area; provided, however, that those more restrictive sign regulations in the approved area plan shall control.
§ 40-15.10 Outdoor advertising signs.
A.
Districts. Outdoor advertising signs shall be permitted only on parcels abutting interstate highways, freeways, and other primary highways in C-2 and I Districts, provided that such a sign shall not be placed on a parcel having any other structure within 100 feet of the sign, and no other structure shall be placed on the parcel within 100 feet of the sign, except that minimum distances from other outdoor advertising signs shall be regulated as set forth in § 40-15.10B and that sign shall not be located within 50 feet of any boundary of such parcel.
B.
Number. Where two or more outdoor advertising signs are located along the frontage of any freeway, they shall not be less than 2,500 feet apart. When two or more outdoor advertising signs are located along the frontage of any primary highway other than freeways, they shall be not less than 1,700 feet apart. A double-face (back-to-back) or a V-type structure shall be considered a single sign, provided that the two faces are not separated by more than two feet, or the interior angle does not exceed 20°, whichever is applicable.
C.
Area. The total surface area, facing in the same direction, of any outdoor advertising sign shall not exceed 300 square feet. Signs may be single- or double-faced and shall contain no more than two faces or panels.
D.
Height. Outdoor advertising signs shall not exceed 20 feet in height from ground level. The permitted height may be increased to 40 feet by the Zoning Administrator if it can be shown that excessive grades, building interference, bridge obstruction, and similar conditions obstruct views of the sign.
E.
No signs on roof. Outdoor advertising signs shall not be erected on the roof of any building, nor have one sign above another.
F.
Interchange distance. A sign structure shall not be permitted adjacent to or within 500 feet of an interchange, an intersection at grade, or a safety roadside rest area. The 500 feet shall be measured from the point of beginning or ending of pavement widening at the exit from, or entrance to, the main traveled way.
§ 40-15.11 Electronic message signs.
Electronic message signs (EMS) shall be permitted within all commercial, form-based, industrial, business, or public facility zoning districts, as either a freestanding or a wall-mounted sign subject to the sign regulations for each zoning district, and subject to the following additional regulations:
A.
An electronic message sign (EMS) shall only be permitted as part of a static sign and shall not exceed 50% of the total sign area of the static sign.
B.
Frequency of message change shall be no more than once every 30 seconds.
C.
Scrolling words or images are prohibited.
D.
The rate of change between two messages shall be one second or less.
E.
EMS owners shall permit Township, state, and federal governments to post messages in the event of an emergency.
F.
The electronic message sign may not display light of such intensity or brilliance as to cause glare, impair the vision of an ordinary driver, or constitute a nuisance. Maximum sign luminance shall not exceed 0.3 footcandle above ambient light measurement based upon the size of the sign (in square feet) and distance measured perpendicular to the sign face in accordance with the following table:
Maximum Allowed Ambient Light Level (footcandles) | Area of Sign (square feet) | Measurement of Distance (feet)1 |
|---|---|---|
0.3 | 10 | 32 |
0.3 | 15 | 39 |
0.3 | 20 | 45 |
0.3 | 25 | 50 |
0.3 | 30 | 55 |
0.3 | 35 | 59 |
0.3 | 40 | 63 |
0.3 | 45 | 67 |
0.3 | 50 | 71 |
0.3 | 55 | 74 |
0.3 | 60 | 77 |
NOTES: | |
Source: Model Code, Illuminating Engineering Society of North America | |
1 | Measured in feet, perpendicular to the face of the sign. |
G.
Prior to the issuance of a sign permit, the applicant shall provide written certification from the sign manufacturer that the light intensity has been factory-programmed not to exceed the above listed light levels.
H.
In no case shall EMS luminance exceed 0.1 footcandle above ambient light along any adjacent property line that is zoned or used for residential purposes.
§ 40-15.12 Temporary signs.
Nonilluminated temporary exterior signs may be erected in accordance with the regulations of this section.
B.
Permits required. All permitted temporary signs that are 12 square feet or greater, except those signs where additional sign area is permitted during the time frame and conditions specified in this section, shall require a permit from the Zoning Administrator. Banners meeting the requirements of this section shall require a permit from the Zoning Administrator.
C.
Temporary ground signs. The setback, height and area of temporary ground signs are set forth in Table 15.12.C-1.
Table 15.12.C-1 Setback, Height, and Area for Temporary Ground Signs Per Premises | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Sign Zone | Minimum Setback (feet)1 | Maximum Height (feet) | Maximum Area (square feet) | Maximum Area of Individual Sign2 |
RC, AG, and residential zoning districts | 5 | 6 | 32 | 16 |
All nonresidential zoning districts | 15 | 6 | 32 | 16 |
NOTES: | |
1 | Front yard. |
2 | Either on same or adjacent properties. |
D.
Temporary wall signs. The maximum area of temporary wall signs is set forth in Table 15.12.D-1.
Table 15.12.D-1 Setback, Height, and Area for Temporary Wall Signs Per Premises | ||
|---|---|---|
Sign Zone | Total Maximum Area (square feet) | Maximum Area of Individual Sign |
RC, AG, and residential zoning districts | 16 | 8 |
All nonresidential zoning districts | 24 | 12 |
E.
Standards for all temporary signs.
(1)
Temporary signs shall be constructed of durable, all-weather materials and designed to remain in place and in good repair so long as they remain on display.
(2)
The maximum display time of temporary signs is 30 days unless additional time is granted under Subsection E(3) or (4) below. After this time expires, the sign shall be removed. Once the temporary sign is removed, there shall be a gap of at least 30 days between displays of a temporary sign on the same property.
(3)
In recognition that there is a need for additional expression of speech prior to a scheduled election, the following applies for a period of 30 days prior to the three days after a Township-designated election day on which there is at least one ballot item: the maximum allowable area of temporary signs shall be increased to 64 square feet per premises in all districts. The maximum area of an individual sign remains as stated in the table above during this period.
(4)
When all or a portion of a building or land area is listed for lease, the maximum display time of freestanding temporary signs and temporary signs mounted on buildings shall be 90 days. When all or a portion of a building or land area is listed for sale, the maximum display time of freestanding temporary signs for all uses and temporary signs mounted on buildings for all uses except residential uses shall be the duration the building, building unit or land is listed for sale. In all cases, the sign area limits in Table 12.07.B-2 apply.
(5)
Display of temporary banners and temporary signs mounted on building walls (temporary wall signs) shall be limited to a total of 28 days per calendar year. Such signs shall not be displayed for any continuous period greater than 14 days.
§ 40-15.13 Nonconforming signs.
Nonconforming signs shall not:
A.
Be reestablished after the related activity, business, or usage has been discontinued for 90 days or longer.
B.
Be structurally altered so as to prolong the life of the sign or so as to change the shape, size, type, or design of the sign.
C.
Be reestablished after damage or destruction, if the estimated expense of reconstruction exceeds 50% of the replacement cost as determined by the Building Inspector.
§ 40-15.14 Permits and fees.
A.
Application. Application for a permit to erect or replace a sign, or to change copy, shall be made by the owner of the property, or an authorized agent, to the Township Zoning Administrator, by submitting the required forms, fees, exhibits, and information.
B.
Application requirements. An application for a sign permit shall contain the following:
(1)
The applicant's name and address in full, and a complete description of his/her relationship to the property owner.
(2)
The property owner's written consent to the application.
(3)
The address of the property.
(4)
An accurate scale drawing of the property showing location of all buildings and structures and their uses, and location of the proposed sign.
(5)
A complete description and scale drawings of the sign, including all dimensions and the area in square feet.
(6)
English translation if sign copy is in another language.
C.
Inspection.
(1)
All signs must be inspected and approved by the Township Zoning Administrator or designee for conformance with this chapter prior to placement on the site. The foundation must be approved by the Building Inspector prior to pouring of the concrete for the sign support structure.
(2)
Signs for which a permit is required shall be inspected periodically by the Zoning Administrator or designee for compliance with this chapter and other laws.
D.
Expiration. A sign permit shall become null and void if work for which the permit was issued has not been completed six months after the date of the permit. Sign permits may be extended for a period of 30 days upon request by the applicant and approval of the Zoning Administrator or designee.
E.
Maintenance. Painting, repainting, cleaning, and other normal maintenance and repair of a sign or a sign structure, unless a structural or size change is made, shall not require a sign permit.
§ 40-15.15 Removal of signs.
A.
Legal nonconforming. The Zoning Administrator shall order the removal of any sign erected or maintained in violation of this chapter except for legal nonconforming signs. In the case of permanent signs, written notice shall be given to the owner of the sign or of the building, structure or premises on which said sign is located ordering removal of the sign or such action as is necessary to bring the sign into compliance with this chapter and specifying a reasonable period of time for removal and/or compliance. Upon failure to remove the sign or to comply with this notice within the specific time, the Township may remove the sign immediately and without further notice, at its discretion. Any sign deemed a safety hazard, signs prohibited under the provision of § 40-15.03, and signs improperly erected in any public right-of-way, may be removed without notice. Any cost of removal incurred by the Township may be assessed to the owner of the property on which such sign is located, and such charge shall be a lien on the property.
B.
Expiration. A sign shall be removed by the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is located within 30 days after the business which it advertises is no longer conducted on the premises. If the owner or lessee fails to remove the sign, the Township may remove it in accordance with the provision stated in § 40-15.15A preceding. These removal provisions shall not apply where a subsequent owner or lessee conducts the same type of business and agrees to maintain the signs to advertise the type of business being conducted on the premises and provided that the signs comply with the other provision of this chapter.
§ 40-15.16 Violations.
A.
It is a violation of this chapter to:
(1)
Install, authorize installation, create, erect, or maintain any sign in a way inconsistent with the terms of this chapter or that is inconsistent with any plan or permit governing such sign or the zoning lot on which the sign is located.
(2)
Install, authorize installation, create, erect, or maintain any sign requiring a permit without such a permit.
B.
Separate violation. Each sign installed, created, erected, or maintained in violation of this chapter shall be considered a separate violation.
C.
Right-of-way. Unless specified elsewhere in this chapter, any signs placed within a road right-of-way (ROW) and on utility poles will be considered a violation of this chapter and may be removed by the Township at the expense of the owner.
§ 40-15.17 Enforcement.
Knowing and willful violation of the provisions of this article shall be a municipal civil infraction. Enforcement of this article may proceed through the municipal civil infraction process. Each day that such violation continues after receipt of written notice to remove a sign shall be deemed a separate offense. Violation of these regulations shall result in a revocation of the subject sign permit.