This chapter shall be known and be cited as the "Rockdale County Sign Ordinance."

(Ord. No. 0-2012-11, § 1, 11-27-2012)

Rockdale County finds that the number, size, design characteristics, and locations of signs in the county directly affect the public health, safety, and general welfare. The county finds that many signs are distracting and dangerous to motorists and pedestrians, are confusing to the public, and can substantially detract from the beauty and appearance of the county. The county finds that there is a substantial need directly related to the public health, safety and welfare to comprehensively address those concerns through the adoption of the following regulations. The purpose and intent of the governing authority of Rockdale County in enacting this chapter are as follows:

(a)

To protect the health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of Rockdale County and to implement the policies and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan through the enactment of a comprehensive set of regulations governing signs in Rockdale County.

(b)

To regulate the placement of signs within Rockdale County in order to provide safe operating conditions for pedestrian and vehicular traffic without unnecessary and unsafe distraction to drivers or pedestrians.

(c)

To regulate the placement of signs in windows to allow emergency services and the public in general to see inside an establishment.

(d)

To maintain an aesthetically attractive county in which signs are compatible with the use patterns of established zoning districts.

(e)

To preserve the value of property on which signs are located and from which signs may be viewed.

(f)

To establish comprehensive sign regulations which effectively balance legitimate business and development needs with a safe and aesthetically attractive environment for residents, workers and visitors of the county.

(g)

To provide fair and reasonable opportunities for the identification of legitimate businesses which are located in Rockdale County, and to provide for the identification of the availability of products, goods or services so as to promote the economic vitality of businesses and industries which are located within the county.

(h)

To ensure the protection of free speech and property rights under the Georgia and United States Constitutions.

(i)

To establish a permit system to allow specific types of signs in zoning districts consistent with the uses, intent and aesthetic characteristics of those districts.

(j)

To address the needs of certain uses that are specific and do not apply to other uses.

(k)

To allow certain signs that are small, safe, unobtrusive or incidental to the principal use of the respective lot on which they are located, subject to the substantive requirements of this chapter but exempt from permitting.

(l)

To provide fair and reasonable regulations in governing the time, place and manner in which signs are permissible.

(m)

To reflect changes in the practices and the availability of new technologies in the sign industry.

(Ord. No. 0-2012-11, § 1, 11-27-2012)

This sign chapter shall be a part of the zoning ordinance and shall be administered and enforced by the director of [the] department or his/her designee. The enforcing officer's duties shall include issuing permits required by this chapter for signs that meet the requirements of this chapter and are otherwise lawful.

(Ord. No. 0-2012-11, § 1, 11-27-2012)

(a)

Except as specifically defined herein and in section 106-1, all words used in this article shall be as defined in a recent edition of the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Words not defined herein or in the above book shall be construed to have the meaning given by common and ordinary use, and shall be interpreted within the context of the sentence, section and article in which they occur.

(b)

For the purpose of this article, certain words or terms used herein shall be defined as follows:

(1)

Words used in the singular include the plural and words used in the plural include the singular.

(2)

Words used in the present tense include the future tense.

(3)

The word "erected" includes the words "constructed", "moved", "located" or "relocated".

(4)

The word "lot" includes the word "plot" or "parcel".

(5)

The word "map" or "zoning map" means the Zoning Map of Rockdale County, Georgia.

(6)

The word "person" includes the words "individuals", "firms", "partnerships", "corporations", "associations", "governmental bodies" and all other legal entities.

(7)

The word "shall" is always mandatory and never discretionary.

(8)

The words "used" or "occupied" include the words "intended, arranged or designed to be used or occupied."

(c)

Definitions specific to this chapter.

(1)

Accessory ground sign: A ground sign which is secondary and subordinate in size and appearance to a primary ground sign.

(2)

Air or gas filled device: An inflatable sign using forced air or other gas to support its structure. Air or gas filled devices may require the use of a power source to remain inflated.

(3)

Animated sign: A sign or portion of a sign which changes physical position by any movement including rotation; or which gives the visual impression of movement; or which displays blinking, flashing or varying intensity of light.

(4)

Balloon: An inflatable device typically made of latex, vinyl or mylar using forced air or other gas to support its structure.

(5)

Banner: A type of temporary sign made of fabric or similar material, intended to be hung either with or without a frame.

(6)

Barber pole, traditional: A type of wall sign utilized by a licensed barber, made of a striped vertical cylinder which may rotate and may have a ball on top.

(7)

Billboard: A ground sign with a sign area of between 401 and 672 square feet intended for the public traveling on the interstate highway. Synonym of "oversized sign."

(8)

Canopy sign: A type of wall sign affixed to, superimposed on or painted on any canopy, which is a roof-like structure extended over a sidewalk or walkway or vehicle access area.

(9)

Double-faced sign: A sign which has two display areas against each other or where the interior angle formed by the display areas is 60 degrees or less, where one face is designed to be seen from one direction and the other face from another direction.

(10)

Drive-through board: A ground or wall sign that informs on the products or services offered at a drive-through facility.

(11)

Electronic sign: A type of sign whose message may be changed at intervals by electronic process or by remote control. Electronic signs are generally internally illuminated.

(12)

External illumination: Illumination device or system, independent of the sign face, projecting light primarily toward the sign.

(13)

Flag: A piece of fabric or other flexible material intended to be attached to a flagpole or similar device.

(14)

Free speech sign: A sign intended to be displayed for a finite period of time, such as a real estate for sale sign, a campaign sign, a political sign, or a yard sale sign, by way of examples.

(15)

Ground sign: A permanent, non-movable sign affixed to a structure attached to the ground and independent from a building for support.

(16)

Interior project directional sign: A sign located within a subdivision or planned center, intended to guide pedestrians and drivers.

(17)

Internal illumination: Illumination device or system attached to or integrated in the sign face. Includes backlit panels, neon and light boxes.

(18)

Multi-faced sign: A sign structure with more than two sign faces designed so that each face can be seen from a different direction.

(19)

Multiple message billboard: An animated type of billboard which changes the message or copy on the sign digitally by means of lights or light emitting diodes (LED), or electronically by movement or rotation of panels or slats.

(20)

Nonconforming sign: A sign lawfully existing on the effective date of this chapter that does not conform to all the standards and regulations of the adopted or amended ordinance.

(21)

Obsolete sign: A sign and/or sign structure which no longer correctly directs any person or no longer advertises a bona-fide business, product or service where such sign and/or structure is located.

(22)

Pennant and/or streamer: A sign not exceeding one square foot in sign area made of flexible material such as cloth of plastic, suspended and fastened to a stringer in combination with other such signs, and designed to move in the wind.

(23)

Portable sign: A type of temporary sign designed to be transported or that is not permanently attached to the ground or a structure. Includes commercial signs carried, worn or held by people.

(24)

Primary ground sign: A prominent ground sign which is larger than other signs on the property.

(25)

Promotional banner-flag: A type of portable sign made of fabric or similar material, attached to a pole. Includes signs commercially known as "swooper", "feather", "wing", "blade" and "sail".

(26)

Roof sign: A sign projecting over the coping of a flat roof, or wholly or partially over the ridge of a gable, hip or gambrel roof, and supported by or attached to said roof.

(27)

Sign: An object, device, display, structure, or part thereof which is used to advertise, identify, display, or direct attention to an object, person, institution, organization, business, product, service, event or location by any means, including words, letters, figures, designs, symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination, or projected images.

(28)

Sign structure: Poles, beams, columns, posts, foundation, cabinet or other means providing structural support for the sign.

(29)

Temporary sign: A sign not permanently embedded in the ground, or not permanently affixed to a building or sign structure and displayed for a finite period of time.

(30)

Vehicle sign: A sign attached to or painted on a vehicle parked and visible from the public right-of-way, unless said vehicle is used for transporting people or materials in the normal day-to-day operations of the business. A vehicle sign is a type of portable sign.

(31)

Wall sign: A sign painted on, attached to or mounted to the wall or surface of a building or structure.

(32)

Window sign: A sign installed on the interior or exterior of a window and intended to be viewed from the outside of the building. Includes signs made of perforated film and other semi-opaque materials. Window signs are distinct from wall signs.

(Ord. No. 0-2012-11, § 1, 11-27-2012)

(a)

This chapter shall apply to all properties within the unincorporated areas of Rockdale County. Signs that are not visible from a public right-of-way and are not intended to be viewed from a public right-of-way are not regulated.

(b)

Any alteration or modification of a sign structure, with the exception of minor repair and regular maintenance, shall require a permit. A change in the copy of a sign shall not constitute an alteration.

(c)

Businesses shall obtain a county business license before applying for a sign permit. Nonprofit organizations shall register with the county before applying for a sign permit. Applications shall not be processed until this requirement is fulfilled.

(d)

The standards and requirements of overlay districts, as set forth in chapter 210 of Title 2 of the Rockdale County Code of Ordinances, shall govern and supersede the standards and requirements of this chapter.

(e)

No new sign shall be allowed or permitted on a nonconforming lot of record, for a nonconforming use, or on a nonconforming building or structure.

(f)

Any sign allowed by this chapter to contain a commercial message may also contain a noncommercial message.

(Ord. No. 0-2012-11, § 1, 11-27-2012)

(a)

Applications for sign permits shall be submitted by the sign owner or their agent upon official forms furnished by the county.

(b)

It is the duty of the applicant to provide all the information listed below to process the application.

(c)

Applications shall be complete and shall include at a minimum the following:

(1)

The street address of the property where the sign will be located. In the absence of a street address, a method of location acceptable to the department shall be used;

(2)

The name, address, phone number and email address of the business owner(s) requesting the sign;

(3)

The name, address, phone number and email address of the owner(s) of the real property upon which the sign is to be located;

(4)

Written consent of the property owner, or their agent, granting permission for the placement and/or maintenance of subject sign;

(5)

The name, address, phone number and email address of the sign installation contractor. A legible copy of the valid business and professional license of the contractor;

(6)

The type of sign(s) requested;

(7)

The sign area of each sign and the aggregate sign area for the whole property, including existing and requested signs, as described in the computation section of this chapter;

(8)

Construction details, including dimensions, materials and structure;

(9)

For existing buildings: Drawings or photographs with dimensions of all existing signs on the lot, including signs of other tenants, if any;

(10)

For new multi-tenant buildings, new planned centers, subdivisions and gasoline stations: A sign master plan, as defined in this section;

(11)

For ground signs: A site plan drawn to scale, showing the proposed location of all sign(s) on the lot. The site plan shall include, at a minimum, a survey of the property which shows the buildable area of the property, gross acreage, the proposed sign location, street right-of-way lines, public or private easements, driveway locations and parking spaces;

(12)

For wall signs: A set of building elevations, showing the proposed location of all signs and anchoring method;

(13)

For signs 50 square feet or larger and/or for signs 15 feet tall or higher: Plans shall comply with the requirements of the International Building Code, Chapter 1, and further described in Appendix H, Section H105, of the International Building Code. The plans shall be certified and stamped by a Georgia registered professional engineer.

(d)

Sign master plan.

(1)

New multi-tenant buildings, planned centers, subdivisions and gasoline stations shall submit a sign master plan with the application for a land disturbance permit or a building permit, whichever comes first.

(2)

Such master plan shall include all application materials as defined in this chapter, for the entirety of the property. A site plan shall illustrate the location of all ground signs, and building elevations shall show the allocation for wall signs for each unit in the development.

(3)

All owners and tenants of individual units within the development shall comply with the approved plan.

Any subsequent modification to the property impacting the sign master plan, including subdivision of tenant space, shall cause an update of the master plan to be reviewed by the director of [the] department for approval.

(Ord. No. 0-2012-11, § 1, 11-27-2012)

A sign permit shall not be issued until a complete application has been submitted and non-refundable fees have been paid in full, as established in the most recent fee schedule adopted by the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners.

(Ord. No. 0-2012-11, § 1, 11-27-2012)

(a)

Procedure.

(1)

The director of [the] department or his/her designee shall take action to approve or deny a sign permit within 15 business days of receipt of a complete sign permit application. Any completed sign permit application for which no action has been taken after 15 business days or more shall be deemed to be approved. An application shall be deemed complete once all the material requested by the department is provided by the applicant.

(2)

The director of [the] department or his/her designee shall deny permit applications for signs that do not comply with the provisions of this article, incomplete applications, and applications containing any false material statements. Should it be determined that a sign permit was issued pursuant to an application containing false material, or that a permit in violation of this article has been erroneously issued, the director of [the] department or his/her designee shall revoke the permit.

(3)

Should the director of [the] department or his/her designee deny a permit, the reasons for the denial are to be stated in writing and delivered by hand to the applicant, or by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the address on the permit application, postmarked within 15 business days after receipt of the complete application.

(4)

Any application denied and later resubmitted shall be deemed to have been submitted on the date of resubmission, not the date of the original submission. A permit shall not be denied or revoked except for due cause, being the violation of the provisions of this article, the submission of an incomplete application or an application containing false material statements.

(b)

Appeal. A person whose permit application has been denied or whose permit has been revoked may appeal the decision of the director of department or his/her designee to the board of adjustment pursuant to section 238-8 of Title 2 of the Rockdale County Code of Ordinances.

(Ord. No. 0-2012-11, § 1, 11-27-2012)

A sign permit shall expire if the sign has not been erected, installed and completed within six months after the date of permit issuance. A six-month extension of the permit may be granted once, if requested in writing to the director of [the] department prior to the expiration date of the initial permit. After expiration of the permit, a new application must be processed and another fee paid in accordance with the current fee schedule.

(Ord. No. 0-2012-11, § 1, 11-27-2012)

The following principles shall control the computation of the sign area and the measurement of the sign height:

(a)

Individual sign area.

(1)

The area of a sign is computed as the surface of the smallest square, rectangle, circle, triangle or combination thereof that will encompass entirely the writing, representation, emblem or other display, together with any material or color forming an integral part of the background of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop or structure against which it is placed, such as a cabinet.

(2)

Individual sign areas shall be rounded to the nearest half square foot.

(3)

Minor appendages to a particular shape, as determined by the director or his/her designee, may be excluded from the computation. Such appendage shall not occupy more than ten percent of the individual sign area.

(b)

Double and multi-faced signs. The sign area of double and multi-faced signs is the sum of the area of all faces of the sign, excluding the area of the smallest face.

(c)

Aggregate sign area. The aggregate sign area is the sum of the individual sign area of each sign in a particular sign category on a single parcel.

(d)

Sign height.

(1)

The height of a sign is the vertical distance between the normal ground level at the base of the sign structure to the highest point of the sign structure. For signs placed on a graded mound, the normal ground level shall be considered same as the grade of the nearest pavement.

(2)

The height of a sign mounted flush to a building - such as a wall sign - or other structure used for a purpose different than signage is equal to the height of its face.

(e)

Associated façade. The length of a façade shall be measured from the centerline of the party walls.

(Ord. No. 0-2012-11, § 1, 11-27-2012)

(a)

Materials. All signs, either permanent or temporary, shall be made of wood, metal, plastic or other durable and weatherproof material, and built and installed in a professional manner. Signs on lots used for residential purposes may be made of paper.

(b)

Repair. All signs shall be maintained in good condition, so as to present a neat and orderly appearance. Neglected or dilapidated signs may exhibit any of the following: unintended rust or holes on surfaces, broken, missing, loose or bent parts, faded or flaking paint, non-operative or partially non-operative illumination or missing letters in sign copy. Neglected or dilapidated signs are deemed illegal. Refer to section 230-24, Enforcement and penalties for official removal procedures.

(Ord. No. 0-2012-11, § 1, 11-27-2012)

(a)

No sign shall give off light which glares, blinds or has any other potential adverse effect on traffic or adjacent properties. The light from an illuminated sign shall be established in such a way that adjacent properties and roadways are not adversely affected and that no direct light is cast upon adjacent properties and roadways.

(b)

Signs located within any residential zoning district may be illuminated externally only. Light fixtures shall be aimed downward, with the exception of primary ground signs located at the entrance of subdivisions or multi-family properties.

(c)

If the department finds an illuminated sign to cause glare, to impair the vision of a user of the road or to interfere in any manner with the safety of the public, the owner of the sign shall adjust the intensity of the fixture within 24 hours after notice from the director of department. Maximum brightness levels for illuminated signs shall not exceed 0.3 footcandles over ambient light conditions. Footcandles shall be measured at a height of five feet and viewing the display head-on (directly at a 90-degree angle) from the nearest adjacent property line or 100 feet, whichever is closest to the sign.

(Ord. No. 0-2012-11, § 1, 11-27-2012)

(a)

Electronic signs shall be permitted on properties abutting an arterial or collector road (as defined by the Rockdale County Department of Transportation).

(b)

No electronic sign shall include any illumination which is flashing, intermittent, scrolling or moving. For purposes of this chapter, sign faces which remain still for a minimum of ten seconds will not be considered intermittent.

(c)

Electronic signs shall have automatic dimming capability to adjust the brightness of the fixture to the ambient light at all times of day and night. If the department finds an electronic sign to cause glare, to impair the vision of a user of the road or interferes in any manner with the safety of the public, the owner of the sign shall adjust the intensity of the fixture within 24 hours after notice from the director of department.

(d)

The area of a digital message shall not exceed 30 percent of the permitted maximum individual sign area as provided in the sign table of this chapter.

(e)

Each digital message shall remain fixed for at least ten seconds. When a message is changed, it shall be accomplished in two seconds or less.

(f)

No electronic sign shall emit or utilize in any manner any sound capable of being detected on the main traveled way by a person with normal hearing.

(g)

Electronic signs shall contain a default design that will freeze the sign in a fixed position if a malfunction occurs.

Maximum brightness levels for electronic or digital LED signs shall not exceed 5,000 nits during the daylight hours or 100 nits between sunset and sunrise, as those times are determined by the National Weather Service, or 0.3 footcandles over ambient light conditions, whichever is brighter. Nits shall be measured from the computer control system or directly from the sign's face. Footcandles shall be measured at a height of five feet and viewing the display head-on (directly at a 90-degree angle) from the nearest adjacent property line or 100 feet, whichever is closest to the sign.

(Ord. No. 0-2012-11, § 1, 11-27-2012)

(a)

The following types of signs or advertising devices are prohibited in all zoning districts:

(1)

Roof signs.

(2)

Portable signs, except if allowed as a temporary sign, WES or free speech sign.

(3)

Vehicle signs as described further in this chapter.

(4)

Air or gas filled devices, balloons, inflatables, and banners, except if permitted as a temporary sign, as provided by this chapter.

(5)

Animated signs, except if permitted as multiple message billboards and electronic signs as provided by this chapter, and except traditional barber poles.

(6)

Signs made of cardboard, paper or other nondurable material except window signs or signs located in residential zoning districts.

(7)

Signs placed within the public right-of-way, except publicly maintained signs.

(8)

Signs erected by painting, nailing, fastening or affixing the sign in any manner to any fence, tree, rock, post, curb, utility pole, natural feature, official street sign or marker, traffic control sign or device, or other structure except as provided in this chapter.

(9)

Signs posing a hazard to people or building due to structural deficiencies.

(10)

Signs simulating an official traffic control device, warning sign, or regulatory sign or which hide from view any traffic control device, signal or public service sign.

(11)

Signs which emit or utilize in any manner any sound capable of being detected on any traveled road or highway by a person with normal hearing abilities.

(12)

Signs interfering with road or highway visibility or obstruct or otherwise interfere with the safe and orderly movement of traffic.

(13)

Signs obstructing any fire escape, any means of egress or ventilation or preventing free passage from one part of a roof to another part thereof.

(14)

Signs which contain words, pictures, or statements which are obscene, as defined by O.C.G.A. § 16-12-80.

(Ord. No. 0-2012-11, § 1, 11-27-2012)

(a)

Vehicles, trailers or other non-motorized vehicles with the explicit purpose and intent of promotion are prohibited. Vehicle signs or advertising devices attached to any vehicle or trailer parked so as to be visible from a public right-of-way for the main purpose of providing advertisement of products, services or events or directing people to a business or activity, except for a common carrier or other vehicle as described in subsection (b) of this section, are prohibited.

(b)

Any vehicle or common carrier with a sign attached to its operational structure may park in a legal parking space associated to the business. The vehicle shall be used regularly for transportation relating to the activity advertised and shall display a valid license plate.

(c)

Permissible vehicle signs include: paint, magnets, decals and vinyl wrap. Banners, A-frame and other temporary fixtures are prohibited.

(Ord. No. 0-2012-11, § 1, 11-27-2012)

(a)

Permit.

(1)

Applications for a temporary sign permit shall be submitted by the sign owner or their agent upon official forms furnished by the department.

(2)

Temporary signs or devices shall be permitted only by issuance of a temporary sign permit. The temporary sign may be displayed for a maximum of 60 consecutive days and then shall be removed. A subsequent temporary sign permit may be issued for the same premises no earlier than 90 consecutive days after expiration of the permit, and no more than three times per calendar year.

(3)

No more than two temporary signs shall be permitted at once for a same premises.

(4)

The fee for one temporary sign for a special event will be waived, provided a special event permit is secured with the department. Such sign shall be removed within 24 hours of the conclusion of the event.

(b)

Types. Types of temporary signs permitted are limited to banners, self-supported signs, promotional banner-flags, air or gas filled devices as detailed in Table 16-1.

Table 16-1. Temporary Signs

(c)

Support.

(1)

Banners shall be individually attached to a building façade and shall not extend above the façade or roofline. No banner shall be attached to a light pole, freestanding pole, utility pole or similar structure.

(2)

Freestanding signs shall be supported by an integrated frame, and completely independent from any additional structure.

(3)

Promotional banner-flags shall be displayed on purpose-built, professionally fabricated pole, anchored to the ground with a spike, with brackets or with another stabilizing device;

(4)

Air filled devices shall be securely attached to the ground and shall not be placed on the roof of a building.

(d)

Specifications. Temporary signs shall be built and installed in a professional manner, with durable and weatherproof materials. All temporary signs must be maintained in good condition.

(e)

Location. Signs shall be located at least ten feet from the right-of-way, on private property with the explicit consent of the owner. At intersections, the setback shall be 15 feet.

(f)

Illumination. Illumination of temporary signs shall conform to the regulations set forth by this chapter.

(Ord. No. 0-2012-11, § 1, 11-27-2012)

(a)

Signs exempt from permitting shall abide by all other applicable dimensional and maintenance requirements included in this chapter. Signs exempt from permitting are subject to enforcement and penalties as set forth in section 230-24, Enforcement and penalties unless otherwise stated.

(b)

All signs exempt from permitting shall be made of a durable, weatherproof material if they are installed outdoor.

(c)

All freestanding signs exempt from permitting must be placed outside the right-of-way, on private property with the permission of the owner of the property.

(d)

The following types of signs are exempt from obtaining a sign permit:

(1)

Signs with the sole purpose of displaying street numbers;

(2)

Signs not visible from public thoroughfares;

(3)

Signs inside a building or totally enclosed area, including window signs. The latter shall meet the dimensional requirements set forth in the sign table as further described in this chapter;

(4)

Flags, as further described in this chapter;

(5)

Weekend signs (WES):

a.

WES shall be allowed in all zoning districts from 3:00 p.m. on Friday to 7:00 a.m. on Monday.

b.

The sign owner is responsible for removing the signs. Failure to remove WES shall constitute a litter violation, enforceable under the Rockdale County Code of Ordinances section 78-45.

c.

Dimensions. Maximum sign area: four square feet per side. Maximum height: four feet.

d.

WES shall be mounted on independent frames or stakes, and shall not be affixed in any manner to trees, natural objects, utility poles, other signs, or other sign structures.

e.

There shall be no more than two WES per lot.

(6)

Free speech signs, providing they meet the dimensional requirements set forth in tables 20-1 and 20-2 of this chapter.

a.

Function and severance. In the event that a court adjudges any part of the definition of a free speech sign a violation of the Georgia or United States Constitutions or any other provision of law, it is the specific intent of the Board of Commissioners of Rockdale County that the definition a free speech sign referencing a limitation to noncommercial speech or commercial speech that pertains to a commercial enterprise located on the property be omitted from the chapter and the remainder of the chapter stay in effect to regulate signs on property within the county. This severance section is in addition to the legislative intent of severance expressed elsewhere in this chapter.

(7)

Pennants and/or streamers, in nonresidential zoning districts, on a strand not to exceed the width of the lot at the public road.

(8)

Balloons less than 18 inches in diameter, provided they are removed within 72 hours after being installed.

(Ord. No. 0-2012-11, § 1, 11-27-2012)

(a)

Flags shall be displayed on purpose-built, professionally fabricated flagpoles, which may be vertical or mast-arm flagpoles. No permit is necessary for the erection of a flagpole.

(b)

In nonresidential districts, flagpoles shall not exceed the allowed height for a structure or building in the applicable zoning district, or 50 feet, whichever is higher. In residential districts, flagpoles shall not exceed 25 feet in height or the height of the existing primary structure on the lot, whichever is less.

(c)

The maximum dimensions of any flag shall be proportional to the flagpole height. The hoist side of the flag shall not exceed 20 percent of the vertical height of the flagpole. In addition, flags are subject to the following limitations:

Table 18-1. Flag Dimensions

(d)

Each lot is allowed a maximum of two flagpoles and a maximum of three flags per flagpole.

(e)

A vertical flagpole shall be set back from all property boundaries by a distance which is at least equal to the height of the flagpole.

(f)

Flags and flagpoles shall be maintained in good repair, and shall be in compliance with the building code. Flagpoles with broken halyards shall not be used and flags which are torn or frayed shall not be displayed.

(g)

Flags not meeting the definition of a flag contained herein shall conform to the remainder of this chapter.

(Ord. No. 0-2012-11, § 1, 11-27-2012)

(a)

Gasoline stations. In addition to signs otherwise allowed in this chapter, gasoline service stations with pump islands may have signage subject to the following limitations:

(1)

One pump island canopy sign per public street frontage, each sign not to exceed six square feet;

(2)

Two signs affixed to each pump, each sign not to exceed two square feet. All other portable signs shall be prohibited, including signs installed on poles and A-frame signs;

(3)

Commercial logos and colors may be displayed on pump and valance;

(4)

If a separate drive-through carwash building is on site, one wall sign on carwash building, not to exceed six square feet;

(5)

The property owner shall provide a sign master plan.

(b)

Places of worship. Refer to UDO subsection 218-13(ccc) Standards of use and development.

(c)

Signage during construction. Two additional signs shall be allowed during construction of a building on residential or non-residential property. The signs shall not be internally illuminated.

(1)

Duration. The signs shall be allowed beginning with the issuance of a land disturbance permit and ending with the issuance of a certificate of occupancy or installation of a permanent sign at a subdivision entrance, whichever comes first.

(2)

Size. The signs shall not exceed 12 square feet and six feet in height for residential property, and 32 square feet and six feet in height for nonresidential property.

(3)

Location. Construction signs shall be posted within the buildable area of the lot.

(Ord. No. 0-2012-11, § 1, 11-27-2012)

(a)

Signs shall be permitted and regulated in accordance with the sign table in this chapter, unless otherwise regulated, prohibited or exempted as set forth in this chapter.

(b)

Location. All signs shall be entirely located a minimum of ten feet from the public right-of-way, on private property with the explicit consent of the owner. At intersections, the setback shall be 15 feet.

(c)

Non-residential subdivisions may be considered as planned center or as a collection of individual buildings for signage planning purposes. A subdivision with common parking area between two buildings or more will be automatically considered a planned center. If the subdivision is treated as a planned center, all the buildings and tenants shall share primary ground signs. If the subdivision is treated as a collection of individual buildings, each building may obtain primary ground signs, but the subdivision shall not have a shared "entrance" sign. The initial property owner shall present a master plan reflecting the preferred option.

(d)

Properties located within an overlay district are regulated under chapter 210 of the Rockdale County Code of Ordinances.

Table 20-1: Sign table for nonresidential districts

Table 20-2: Sign table for residential zoning districts

(Ord. No. 0-2012-11, § 1, 11-27-2012)

Billboards shall be permitted subject to the following restrictions:

(a)

Billboards shall be governed by the Georgia Advertising Act (O.C.G.A. § 32-6-70 et seq.).

(b)

Billboards are permitted on lots abutting the interstate in nonresidential zoning districts.

(c)

Billboards shall not be placed within 500 feet in any direction of a residential zoning district, place of worship, school, designated park or cemetery, unless the sign is not visible from those locations at any time.

(d)

No billboard shall be located closer than 500 feet from another billboard on the same side of the interstate, unless the signs are separated by buildings or other obstructions so that only one sign face located within the 500 foot zone is visible from the interstate at any time.

(e)

Billboards shall be completely independent of any building or other structure, excluding their own structure.

(f)

All portions of billboards shall be erected within the buildable area of the lot.

(g)

Maximum dimensions: 672 square feet in sign area per face (maximum two faces), 14 feet in height, and 48 feet in length. Maximum height including structure: 48 feet.

(h)

Billboards may be illuminated indirectly from a light source pointing downwards.

(i)

Multiple message billboards shall be subject to the additional following restrictions:

(1)

Each sign shall remain fixed for at least ten seconds. If the message is changed mechanically, the transition shall be accomplished within three seconds. If the message is changed electronically, the transition shall be accomplished within two seconds;

(2)

No such sign shall be located closer than 5,000 feet to another multiple message billboard on the same side of the interstate;

(3)

Any such sign shall contain a default design that will freeze the sign in one position if a malfunction occurs;

(4)

No multiple message sign shall give off light, which glares, blinds, or has any other adverse effect on traffic or adjacent properties. The light from illuminated multiple message sign shall be established in such a way that adjacent properties and roadways are not adversely affected and that no direct light is cast upon adjacent properties and roadways, these signs shall comply with the requirements of section 230-13;

(5)

Multiple message sign shall not emit or utilize in any manner any sound capable of being detected on the main traveled way by a person with normal hearing; and

(6)

No multiple message sign shall include any illumination which is flashing, intermittent, or moving when the sign is in a fixed position.

(Ord. No. 0-2012-11, § 1, 11-27-2012)

(a)

Where a literal application of this chapter would result in an unusual hardship, as distinguished from a mere inconvenience, a variance may be granted by the board of adjustments pursuant to section 238-9. In reaching a decision, the board of adjustments shall consider the following criteria, at a minimum:

(1)

Exceptional physical conditions of the property where the sign is to be located as a result of its size, shape, or topography, which are not applicable to other lands or structures in the area;

(2)

Without a variance, the applicant would be deprived of rights that are commonly enjoyed by others similarly situated;

(3)

Granting the variance would not confer on the applicant any significant privileges which are denied to others similarly situated;

(4)

The exceptional circumstances are not the result of action by the applicant;

(5)

The requested variance is the minimum variance necessary to allow the applicant to enjoy the rights commonly enjoyed by others similarly situated;

(6)

Granting the variance would not result in allowing a sign that interferes with road or highway visibility or obstruct or otherwise interfere with the safe and orderly movement of traffic.

(b)

The board of adjustments shall have the authority to grant variances from the dimensional standards of this chapter, in accordance with the standards and procedures as set forth in section 238-9.

(c)

The authority to grant such variances shall be limited to 50 percent of any dimensional standard, with the following exceptions: No variance shall be granted from maximum aggregate sign area and maximum billboard sign areas.

(d)

No variance shall be granted from non-dimensional requirements, such as illumination, material, or number of signs.

(Ord. No. 0-2012-11, § 1, 11-27-2012; Ord. No. 0-2014-04, § 1, 4-8-2014)

(a)

Nonconforming signs.

(1)

Findings. Rockdale County finds that nonconforming signs may adversely affect the public health, safety and welfare. Such signs may adversely affect the aesthetic characteristics of Rockdale County and may adversely affect public safety due to the visual impact of these signs on motorists and pedestrians. Furthermore, nonconforming signs frustrate the purpose of adoption of this chapter as expressed in article 1.

(2)

Continuation of nonconforming signs. A nonconforming sign that is permanently affixed to the ground or to a building may continue to be used, except that the nonconforming sign:

a.

Shall not be enlarged or altered except in conformance with this chapter, but it may be repaired to the extent necessary to maintain it in a safe condition;

b.

Shall not be expanded, modified or replaced by another non-conforming sign;

c.

Shall not be allowed to be increased in height, size or relocated on the property, but may be decreased in height or size;

d.

Shall be removed if the property on which the sign is located becomes vacant, or has been unoccupied for a period of at least six months. An intent to abandon is not required as the basis for removal under this subsection;

e.

Shall be removed if there is a change in ownership of the property or the business; and

f.

Shall not be repaired or restored after having been damaged to the extent of more than percent of its value immediately prior to the event causing the damage or destruction.

g.

To the extent any portion of this chapter conflicts with O.C.G.A. § 32-6-83 or Ga. Const. Art. 3 § 6, ¶ 4(a) in application, this section shall be deemed to provide affected parties the minimum protections provided by O.C.G.A. § 32-6-83 or Ga. Const. Art. 3 § 6, ¶ 4(a), as amended from time to time. In no event is it the county's intent to obligate itself to pay any compensation related to the removal of any nonconforming sign.

h.

The owner of the real property shall be responsible for assuming the burden of proof and present sufficient facts and evidence to demonstrate the nonconforming status of the sign in question.

(b)

Discontinuation of business. If a sign advertised an activity, product, business, service or other use which has ceased or the sign user has vacated the premises, the sign shall be considered obsolete and it shall be removed or the sign text shall be covered up in such a way as to render the text unreadable. The owner of the property on which the sign is located shall be responsible for removal (or covering) of the sign within 60 days of discontinuation of the business or service.

(Ord. No. 0-2012-11, § 1, 11-27-2012)

(a)

The sign provisions of this article shall be administered and enforced by the director of department or his/her designee.

(b)

Removal of signs. The director of department or his/her designee may inspect signs regulated by this chapter at any time necessary to ensure compliance with the requirements of this chapter. In case any sign is installed, erected or constructed in violation of any of the terms of this chapter, is unsafe, is abandoned, or is obsolete, the director of department shall notify by certified mail or written notice served personally, the owner or lessee thereof to correct the deficiencies or remove the sign. If such order is not completed within ten working days from the time of notice being received, the director of department or his/her designee may have the sign removed at the expense of the owner. If the identity of the sign owner cannot be determined, the real property owner will be responsible for correction of the deficiencies or removal of the delinquent sign.

(c)

The director of department or his/her designee may issue a citation for violation of this article by any person, including, if applicable, the owner, manager or tenant of the lot on which a sign is located; for a sign erected, altered, maintained, converted, or used in violation of this article; or in violation of any other applicable ordinance, including, but not limited to, building or electrical codes.

(d)

Any person violating any provision of this article shall be guilty of an offense, and upon conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction, shall be subject to a penalty of not less than $25.00 and no more than $1,000.00, or by confinement for a total time not to exceed 180 days, or both. Each day in which a sign is in violation of this chapter shall be a separate and distinct offense and shall be punishable as such.

(e)

Failure to comply with the requirements of this chapter may result in the loss of business license pursuant to section 22-39.

(f)

The county may seek affirmative equitable relief in a court of competent jurisdiction to cause the removal or repair of any sign in violation of this article.

(g)

The director of department or his/her designee may remove any sign or structure illegally placed upon a public right-of-way without any notice and may dispose of said sign or structure. Such removal and disposal of illegally placed signs shall not preclude the prosecution of any person for illegally placing such signs in the public right-of-way.

(h)

A violation of any provision of this article will be grounds for terminating a permit granted by the county for the erection of a sign.

(Ord. No. 0-2012-11, § 1, 11-27-2012)

In the event any section, subsection, sentence, or word of this article is declared and adjudged to be invalidated or unconstitutional, such declaration or adjudication shall not affect the remaining portions of this chapter, which shall remain in full force and effect as if such portion so declared or adjudged unconstitutional were not originally part of this chapter, even if the surviving parts of the ordinance result in greater restrictions after any unconstitutional provisions are stricken. The board of commissioners declares that it would have enacted the remaining parts of this chapter if it had known that such portion thereof would be declared or adjudged invalid or unconstitutional. The board of commissioners declares its intent that should this article be declared invalid in part or in whole, signs are to be subject to regulations applicable to structures contained in other ordinances, including the zoning resolution.

(Ord. No. 0-2012-11, § 1, 11-27-2012)