Rockland City Zoning Code
ARTICLE VI
Signs
§ 415-39 General regulations.
In no event shall there be more than one principal sign per building, nor more than two secondary signs per tenant for each building. Of the two secondary signs allowed for each tenant, one of these may only be a wall sign on the building and the other may only be located on a free standing pole or ground sign.
§ 415-40 Permits required.
A.
No sign shall hereafter be erected, re-erected, constructed, altered, or maintained, except as provided by this bylaw, and after a permit has been issued by the Building Inspector.
B.
Application for a sign permit shall be made in writing upon forms furnished by the Building Inspector. Such application shall contain the location by street and number of the proposed signs as well as the name and address of the owner and the sign contractor or erector. The Building Inspector may require the filing of plans or other pertinent information such as the method of construction, the method of installation or support, etc.
C.
A sign permit fee shall be paid to the Town of Rockland and collected by the Building Inspector for each permit in accordance with a schedule established by the Board of Selectmen.
D.
All signs erected under this bylaw shall be erected in the location described in the permit.
[Amended 5-2-2016 ATM, Art. 28]
E.
No permit shall be required to change the advertising copy or message on a changeable letter sign; repainting, cleaning, repair or maintenance shall not be considered an erection or alteration, which requires a permit unless a structural change is made.
§ 415-41 Appeals.
A person aggrieved by the refusal of the Building Inspector to issue a permit for the erection of a sign or by any order of the Building Inspector under the bylaw may appeal to the Zoning Board of Appeals. The provisions of the Zoning Bylaw as to the time for taking such appeal and as to the notice of hearing thereon to be held by the Zoning Board of Appeals shall apply only to appeals under this bylaw.
§ 415-42 Enforcement.
A.
The Building Inspector is hereby designated and authorized as the officer charged with the enforcement of this bylaw, and the provisions of the Zoning Bylaw, in reference to the enforcement of the Zoning Bylaw, shall also apply to the enforcement of this bylaw.
B.
Violations and penalties. Whosoever violates any provision of this bylaw shall be punished by a fine, as provided in Article XI of the Rockland Zoning Bylaw.
C.
Non-conforming signs. Signs, which were erected before the adoption of these requirements shall not be altered or relocated without conforming to the requirements of the Rockland Zoning Bylaw.
§ 415-43 Severability.
The invalidity of any section or provision of this bylaw shall not invalidate any other section or provision thereof.
§ 415-44 Definitions.
A. PRINCIPAL SIGNS SECONDARY SIGNS SIGN
General.
Principal signs are those signs, which identify the name of the building or the name of the particular plaza, center or Business Park. Each tenant may have one secondary sign located on a principal sign only if the principal sign is a free standing pole or ground sign. Principal signs may be any of the following: wall signs, free standing pole or ground sign, individual letter sign, projecting sign, awning sign, electric signs.
Secondary signs are those signs, which identify the name of a tenant. One secondary sign per tenant may be located on a free standing pole sign or ground sign and each tenant may have one other secondary sign, which may only be a wall sign.
Any device visible from a public place that displays either commercial or noncommercial messages by means of graphic presentation of alphabetic or pictorial symbols or representations. A name, identification, description, display, illustration, or any other visual display which is affixed to, painted on, or represented directly upon a building, or structure, or parcel of land which directs attention to an object, product, place, activity, person, institution, organization, or business.
[Added 5-2-2016 ATM, Art. 27]
B. AWNING SIGNS COMBINATION SIGNS DIGITAL DISPLAY/ELECTRONIC MESSAGE BOARD(1) (2) DIRECTIONAL SIGNS ELECTRIC SIGNS FREE STANDING POLE OR GROUND SIGNS INDIVIDUAL LETTER SIGNS MOVING SIGNS PROHIBITED SIGNS PROJECTING SIGNS ROOF SIGNS TEMPORARY SIGNS WALL SIGNS
Specific definitions.
Letter signs painted onto awnings.
Any sign that combines the characteristics of two or more types of signs.
[Added 5-2-2011 ATM, Art. 40; amended 5-5-2014 ATM, Art. 46]
Any on-premises sign that uses LEDs or other similar technology capable of displaying words, symbols, figures, or images that can be electronically changed by remote or automatic means. Digital signs that are for the sole purpose to display the unit price for up to four grades of gas or diesel at an automobile service station and have a size of 12 inches height by 30 inches long or less per grade shall be allowed by right with a Sign Permit from the Building Commissioner/Zoning Enforcement Officer. Digital Display/Electronic Message Boards are only allowed by Special Permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Signs shall be located on the main sign pole for the site. There shall be only one (two sided) sign per grade and the display shall be static image only.
Directional signs are signs signifying the flow or speed of traffic such as enter, exit, yield, keep right, keep left, stop, do not enter, slow. Directional signs shall not contain any other words not related to the flow or speed of traffic. They may not contain logos, brand names or company names. No more than two directional signs indicating the direction of vehicular or pedestrian traffic shall be allowed except for uses requiring Site Plan approval, and then only as approved by the Planning Board under Site Plan review.
Any sign containing electric wiring that has characters, letters, figures, designs, faces, backgrounds or outlines illuminated by incandescent or fluorescent lamps or luminous tubes as part of the sign proper, or illuminated from an external source directed solely towards the sign. Portable electric signs and all other electric signs not covered by this definition are strictly prohibited in all districts.
A principal sign identifying the name of the building or the name of the plaza, center or business park which has its supports, wood, steel, columns, pipes, angle iron framing, or any other material or combination of materials permanently affixed to the ground and standing independent of any building or structure. These signs may contain separate information for each tenant. No tenant sign may exceed nine square feet in area.
Any sign made up of self-contained letters that are mounted on the face of a building. Provided however, that individual letter signs that are mounted on top of a Parapet or a roof edge of a building are strictly prohibited in all districts.
Swinging, flashing, or revolving signs and revolving beacons, search lights and animated signs. Moving signs are strictly prohibited in all districts.
Any sign not specifically prohibited or not specifically defined herein and not shown as permitted in the Table set forth below.
A sign other than a wall sign suspended from or supported by a building and projecting out there from.
Any sign attached to a roof framing of the building on which any part of the advertising display is above the roof level on trusses or legs. Roof signs are strictly prohibited in all districts.
Any sign of cloth or combustible material with or without a frame, that is attached to the outside of a building on a wall or store front or a free standing pole or ground sign for a limited period of time not to exceed 60 days in any calendar year and only two temporary sign permits may be issued to any property owner or tenant in any calendar year. Signs indicating properties for sale, for lease or for rent are exempt from the sixty-day time limit.
[Amended 5-4-2015 ATM, Art. 51]
Any sign attached to a wall of a building, with the exposed face of the sign in a plane parallel to the plane of said wall, provided however that wall signs shall not project more than one-foot from the face of the structure. No more than 50% of the height of the wall sign may project higher than the lowest point of the roof.
C.
HOME OCCUPATION SIGN — A Home Occupation sign shall be no more than 120 square inches, and only one is allowed per dwelling unit.
[Added 5-4-2015 ATM, Art. 52]
§ 415-45 Regulations and signs allowed in each district.
[Amended 5-13-2002 ATM, Art. 49; 5-14-2001 ATM, Art. 50; 5-17-1999 ATM, Art. 37; 5-2-2011 ATM, Art. 41]
Signs that are not listed shall be construed as being prohibited for that district. Signs for any business that is lawfully located in any residential zoning district shall be permitted to follow the provisions of these bylaws relating to the Business II Zoning District.
A.
Residential District.
(1)
Wall Sign: Sign incidental to a permitted use and not to exceeding 12 square feet in area.
(2)
Temporary Sign:
(a)
Signs one square foot or more shall require a permit.
[Amended 5-7-2012 ATM, Art. 58]
(b)
There shall be one temporary sign per site for a period of not more than 120 consecutive days per calendar year or two temporary signs per site for a period of 60 consecutive days per calendar year.
[Amended 5-7-2012 ATM, Art. 58]
(c)
For advertising, sale, lease or rental of premises.
(d)
For construction, remodeling, and the like to identify the contractor or architect and shall be removed within 14 days of completion of the work and shall not be more than six square feet in area. Signs larger than six square feet shall conform to the allowable size for the type of sign that it is and for that District.
B.
Business I.
(2)
Free Standing.
(a)
Pole Sign:
[1]
Maximum Height: 12 feet measured from the finished grade of the crown of the road.
[2]
Maximum Width: six feet.
[3]
Minimum Height: seven feet measured from the finished grade of the crown of the road to the bottom of the sign.
[4]
Minimum Setback: six feet from the property line that abuts the street.
(d)
Temporary Sign:
[1]
Signs one square foot or more shall require a permit.
[Amended 5-7-2012 ATM, Art. 58]
[2]
There shall be one temporary sign per site for a period of not more than 120 consecutive days per calendar year or two temporary signs per site for a period of 60 consecutive days per calendar year.
[Amended 5-7-2012 ATM, Art. 58]
[3]
For advertising, sale, lease or rental of premises.
[4]
For construction, remodeling, and the like to identify the contractor or architect and shall be removed within 14 days of completion of the work and shall be not more than six square feet in area. Signs larger that six square feet shall conform to the allowable size for the type of sign that it is and for that District.
(h)
Projection Sign:
[1]
Maximum Height: two feet.
[2]
Maximum Width: three feet.
[3]
Minimum Height above the traveled surface to the bottom of sign: eight feet.
[Amended 5-1-2017 ATM, Art. 43]
[4]
Illumination shall be self-contained within the letters by using Reverse Channel Letters with LEDs.
[5]
Internal, flood or remote spot lighting is prohibited.
[6]
No illumination between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
C.
Business II.
(2)
Free Standing.
(a)
Pole Sign:
[1]
Maximum Height: 12 feet measured from the finished grade of the crown of the road.
[2]
Maximum Width: six feet.
[3]
Minimum Height: seven feet measured from the finished grade of the crown of the road to the bottom of the sign.
[4]
Minimum Setback: six feet from the property line that abuts the street.
(d)
Temporary Sign:
[1]
Signs one square foot or more shall require a permit.
[Amended 5-7-2012 ATM, Art. 58]
[2]
There shall be one temporary sign per site for a period of not more than 120 consecutive days per calendar year or two temporary signs per site for a period of 60 consecutive days per calendar year.
[Amended 5-7-2012 ATM, Art. 58]
[3]
For advertising, sale, lease or rental of premises.
[4]
For construction, remodeling, and the like to identify the contractor or architect and shall be removed within 14 days of completion of the work and shall not be more than six square feet in area. Signs larger that six square feet shall conform to the allowable size for the type of sign that it is and for that District.
(h)
Digital Display/Electronic Message Boards:
[1]
Is allowed only by Special Permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
[2]
Maximum Height and area shall be subject to the applicable sign on which the electronic message board is placed.
[3]
Shall display Static Image only.
[4]
Static Image shall hold for a period no less than six hours.
[5]
Transitioning from one Static Image to another shall occur instantaneously without the appearance of movement.
[6]
Only one Transition shall be allowed per day.
[7]
No illumination between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. except for Police and Fire Stations or Hotels.
[8]
Automatic Dimming Technology shall be installed as to automatically adjust the board's brightness based on the natural ambient light conditions. Brightness shall not exceed 0.3 footcandle above ambient light as measured using a footcandle meter at a distance of 100 feet from the display.
[9]
Software shall be used to prohibit the use of offensive language.
[10]
Only one Digital Display/Electronic Message Board may be allowed per lot.
(i)
A Frame, Sandwich Board and the like.
[Added 5-4-2015 ATM, Art. 51]
[1]
No more than 46 inches in height overall, maximum sign area 24 inches by 36 inches.
[2]
Signs shall be placed on grade (ground).
[3]
Requires a sign permit issued by the Building Department.
[4]
Signs shall be brought in each day at the close of business or by sunset, whichever is earlier.
[5]
Signs shall not be placed on public property such as roads, sidewalks, etc.
[6]
Two sixty-day permits are allowed per calendar year.
[7]
Only one sign per lot.
D.
Industrial Districts.
(2)
Free Standing.
(a)
Pole Sign:
[1]
Maximum Height: 15 feet measured from the finished grade of the crown of the road.
[2]
Maximum Width: eight feet.
[3]
Minimum Height: seven feet measured from the finished grade of the crown of the road to the bottom of the sign.
[4]
Minimum Setback: six feet from the property line that abuts the street.
(d)
Temporary Sign:
[1]
Signs one square foot or more shall require a permit.
[Amended 5-7-2012 ATM, Art. 58]
[2]
There shall be one temporary sign per site for a period of not more than 120 consecutive days per calendar year or two temporary signs per site for a period of 60 consecutive days per calendar year.
[Amended 5-7-2012 ATM, Art. 58]
[3]
For advertising, sale, lease or rental of premises.
[4]
For construction, remodeling, and the like to identify the contractor or architect and shall be removed within 14 days of completion of the work and shall be not more than 64 square feet in area. Signs larger than six square feet shall conform to the allowable size for the Type of sign that it is and for that District.
(g)
Digital Display/Electronic Message Boards:
[1]
Is allowed only by Special Permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
[2]
Maximum Height and area shall be subject to the applicable sign on which the electronic message board is placed.
[3]
Shall display Static Image only.
[4]
Static Image shall hold for a period no less than six hours.
[5]
Transitioning from one Static Image to another shall occur instantaneously without the appearance of movement.
[6]
Only one Transition shall be allowed per day.
[7]
No illumination between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. except for Police, Fire Stations or Hotels.
[8]
Automatic Dimming Technology shall be installed as to automatically adjust the board's brightness based on the natural ambient light conditions. Brightness shall not exceed 0.3 footcandle above ambient light as measured using a footcandle meter at a distance of 100 feet from the display.
[9]
Software shall be used to prohibit the use of offensive language.
[10]
Only one Digital Display/Electronic Message Board may be allowed per lot.
(h)
A Frame, Sandwich Board and the like.
[Added 5-4-2015 ATM, Art. 51]
[1]
No more than 46 inches in height overall, maximum sign area 24 inches by 36 inches.
[2]
Signs shall be placed on grade (ground).
[3]
Requires a sign permit issued by the Building Department.
[4]
Signs shall be brought in each day at the close of business or by sunset, whichever is earlier.
[5]
Signs shall not be placed on public property such as roads, sidewalks, etc.
[6]
Two sixty-day permits are allowed per calendar year.
[7]
Only one sign per lot.
E.
Additional Regulations:
(1)
In no event shall there be more than two principal signs per building or structure regardless of the type of sign, except for up to one additional temporary sign.
(2)
Roof and Moving.
[Amended 5-4-2015 ATM, Art. 51]
(3)
Political Signs are exempt from Article VI of this bylaw except that such signs shall not be placed on public property and shall be removed within 48 hours of said election.
(4)
No sign in any zoning district shall obstruct visibility in such a way as to constitute a hazard to the safety of persons traveling upon a public way.
(5)
For safety reasons, no sign or their illumination shall not by reasons of their location, shape, size, or color interfere with traffic, sight lines or be confused with or obstruct the view or effectiveness of any official traffic sign, traffic signal or traffic markings.
(6)
All electrical signs shall be wired by a licensed electrician and are subject to local permits.
(7)
Exempt signs. Digital display/electronic message boards are allowed for municipal buildings with a permit issued by the Building Department. The "message" will be static and will not be in operation between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
[Added 5-2-2016 ATM, Art. 31]
(8)
String pennant flags, string flags or pennant strings or the like are prohibited except for the opening of a new business which shall be allowed for seven consecutive calendar days.
[Added 5-1-2017 ATM, Art. 44]