Rome City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XXV
Signs and Billboards
§ 360-119 Purpose.
This article regulates all signs within the Town of Rome that are visible from the public right-of-way, visible from navigable waterways, or visible from another parcel. This section is designed to ensure the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan of the Town of Rome, particularly regarding the implementation of the desired overall character of the community, and its constituent zoning districts. The purposes of this section are to:
A.
Safeguard a major natural economic asset of the Town of Rome, which is the natural beauty of the land and the scenic country roads, woodlands, and waters.
B.
Protect property values and public and private investments in property.
C.
Provide area businesses effective and efficient opportunities for identification by reducing competing demands for visual attention.
D.
To restrict off-premises signage to reduce visual clutter, thereby helping to prevent unsafe traffic conditions.
E.
Provide uniform information and direction to travelers passing through the Town.
F.
Promote quality signage through the use of design review, to emphasize that attractive signage of appropriate scale and numbers is a business asset.
G.
Enable the fair and consistent enforcement of these sign regulations.
§ 360-120 Definitions.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning.
A sign, and all of its components, which no longer correctly directs or exhorts any person, advertises a bona fide business, lessor, owner, product or activity conducted, or product available.
Changes to the exterior appearance of any part of the frame, supporting structure, or lighting of a sign; including material, size, height, or location of a sign. Alteration does not include the normal maintenance of a sign or changing the face of a sign by the current sign permit holder.
A sign that uses movement or change of lighting to depict action or create a special effect or scene. An electronic variable message display shall not be considered an animated sign.
The area of the largest single face of the sign within a perimeter which forms the outside shape including any frame that forms an integral part of the display, but excluding the necessary supports or uprights on which the signs may be placed. If the sign consists of more than one section or module, all areas will be totaled. Any irregular-shaped sign area shall be computed using the actual sign-face surface. In the case of wall signs, the area of copy will be used.
Any sign of lightweight fabric or similar material that is mounted to a building or other permanent structure by its edges. National flags, state or municipal flags, or the official flag of any institution or business, shall not be considered banners.
See "off-premises sign."
That portion of a building which is parallel or nearly parallel to an abutting roadway.
Any sign displaying information relative to events relating to the community, sponsored by the Town or other organization.
A sign erected on a lot where construction is taking place and contains information regarding the construction, management, leasing, or future tenants of the building, as well as the development of a new subdivision.
The advertising message, announcement or decoration on a sign surface.
Any sign which serves to designate the location or direction of any place or area.
A sign capable of displaying words, symbols, figures or images that can be electronically or mechanically changed by remote or automatic means.
Any fabric, banner, or bunting containing distinctive colors, patterns, or symbols, used as a symbol of a government, political subdivision, or other entity
Any sign which contains an intermittent or flashing light source, or which includes the illusion of flashing, light by means of animation, or an externally mounted intermittent light source, not including electronic variable message display signs.
The length of the property line of any one premises parallel to and along each public right-of-way it borders. Said public right-of-way may be known as a "frontage road."
A sign supported by structures or supports placed on, or anchored in, the ground and that are independent from any building or other structure. The area of ground signs is calculated on one face only.
[Amended 1-19-2023 by Ord. No. 23-01]
The vertical distance measured from the grade at the street right-of-way line where the sign is located to the highest point of such sign.
A sign in which a source of light, either internal or external, is used to make the message legible.
A sign, generally informational, that has a purpose secondary to the use of the lot on which it is located, such as "no parking," "entrance," "loading only," "telephone," and other similar directives. No sign with a commercial message legible from a position off the lot on which the sign is located shall be considered incidental.
An object that is inflated with air or gas utilized to attract attention to a use or business activity being conducted.
A sign mounted on a base or platform. The base shall be constructed out of a solid material such as stone, brick or poured concrete, and its dimensions shall be proportionate to those of the sign. The bottom of the sign shall be located within six inches of the base. All other freestanding sign types not meeting the definition of a monument sign shall be either a ground sign or a pylon sign.
A sign indicating the name and/or address of the building, tenant of the unit or manager of the property that is located upon a premises where the sign is displayed.
A sign, including billboard, which advertises goods, products, facilities, or services not necessarily located on the premises, or directs persons to a different location from where the sign is located.
A temporary sign used in connection with a local, state or national election or referendum, or to represent a political or philosophical position.
Any sign designed to be moved intact or on its own trailer or carriage, including vehicle-mounted signs, and any other sign not permanently attached to the ground and designed to be moved from one location to another.
A freestanding sign in excess of eight feet in height that is detached from a building and is supported by one or more structural elements which are architecturally similar to the design of the sign.
A temporary on-site sign that advertises the sale or lease of a property.
A sign erected upon, against or above a roof.
Any identification, description, illustration, or device illuminated or nonilluminated which is visible from any public place or is located on private property and exposed to the public and which directs attention to a product, service, place, activity, person, institution, business, or solicitation, including any permanently installed or situated merchandise; or any emblem, painting, banner, pennant, placard, or temporary sign designed to advertise, identify or convey information with the exception of window displays and flags. For the purpose of removal, signs shall also include all sign structures.
Any structure or material, which supports, has supported, or is capable of supporting or helping maintain a sign in a stationary position, including decorative covers.
A collection of signs intended to be displayed for a specific event and for a restricted time frame. Examples of events include grand openings, store closings and sidewalk sales.
A sign advertising display intended to be displayed for a limited period of time. If a sign display area is permanent but the message displayed is subject to periodic changes, that sign shall not be considered as temporary.
An area, formed by any two existing or proposed intersecting street right-of-way lines and a line joining points on such lines as calculated under § 320-25, where no obstructions, including signs, shall be permitted between the height of 2.5 feet and 10 feet above the grade of the adjacent right-of-way.
A permanent sign attached to or erected against the wall of a building with the face parallel to the plane of the building wall. A wall sign shall not project more than 18 inches from the surface of the wall.
A sign designed to communicate information about an activity, business, commodity, event, sale, or service that is placed inside a window and is visible from the exterior of the premises.
A sign that is used to advertise yard, garage, rummage, estate or other similar sales.
§ 360-121 Permit required.
Except as provided in § 360-124, no person shall erect, relocate, reconstruct, alter or cause the aforementioned within the Town any signs without first having obtained a sign permit issued by the Zoning Administrator. Permits shall not be required by a change of copy on a sign under the same business, nor for repainting, cleaning, and other normal maintenance or repair of the sign or sign structure.
A.
Mobile or portable signs within the Town shall require a sign permit issued by the Zoning Administrator and shall be approved pursuant to § 360-124. Attached banners are prohibited. Portable sign use is limited to not more than 30 days at a time; nor more frequently than three times per year; nor more than once every 90 days at a given location. A new permit shall be required for each use. Portable signs shall not be used as permanent signs.
B.
Permanent subdivision signs are permitted one per subdivision entrance. The individual sign copy area is limited to 16 square feet.
C.
One multi-tenant sign per building shall be used to identify multiple tenants in a business or industrial complex. There shall be no other freestanding signs permitted on the premises. The maximum sign copy area of the multi-tenant sign shall be 10 square feet per tenant. In addition, each tenant shall be allowed one wall sign, a maximum of six square feet in area, located above or adjacent to the entrance to the tenant's space, which shall be excluded from total sign copy area calculations.
§ 360-122 Permit application.
Application for a sign permit shall be made in writing upon a form furnished by the Town.
A.
The applicant shall submit to the Zoning Administrator all information deemed necessary, including a drawing to scale showing the size, height, and location on the property where the sign is to be erected. Said drawing shall also contain a brief description of the type of materials that are to be used for the sign, color scheme, lettering or graphic style and lighting. Off-premises signs shall require proof of permission granted by the property owner submitted at time of application.
B.
A fee as set by the Town Board shall be paid to the Zoning Administrator by the applicant at the time the sign permit application is submitted.
C.
Each sign shall require a separate permit and is valid for the life of the sign.
D.
The applicant shall, upon completion of the installation, relocation, or alteration of a sign, notify the Zoning Administrator, which will inspect to ensure that the sign complies with the regulations of this chapter.
E.
The permit shall automatically become void if actual work on erecting the approved sign(s) is not commenced within 120 days from the date the permit is issued. Periods of delay that are not a result of willful acts or neglect of the contractor, owner or person obtaining the permit shall be excluded from this time limit.
F.
A sign permit issued in error or under a misrepresentation of fact by the applicant shall be null and void, and any signs erected there under shall be considered illegal signs
§ 360-123 Permit issuance or denial; appeals.
A.
A sign permit shall be issued when the application is properly made, all fees have been paid, and the proposed sign is found to be in compliance with all appropriate laws and regulations of the Town, including design requirements of this article. If the sign permit is denied, written notice of the denial shall be given to the applicant, together with a brief written statement of the reasons for the denial.
B.
The holder of a denied permit who feels their permit was incorrectly denied shall be entitled to an administrative appeal before the Town Board. Prior to consideration of the appeal of the requested permit, the Board shall forward the permit to the Plan Commission for review and recommendation as to approval or disapproval, together with reasons for such recommendation. The Plan Commission shall have 60 days in which to make such recommendation.
§ 360-124 Signs not requiring a permit.
Some signs are temporary in nature, others are intended to communicate and direct, and not used to identify a business or for advertising. Still others are so small that they are not obtrusive and will not affect the public welfare. Such signs will not require a sign permit; however, those used on a temporary basis shall adhere to a specific time limit for their use. Unless indicated herein, no sign may be placed inside the right of-way for a public road.
A.
Signs with time limits. The following signs, although not needing a permit have the following restrictions:
(1)
Political signs. Signs may not be erected earlier than the beginning of an election campaign period as defined in § 12.04, Wis. Stats., In the event the sign is not tied to an election the sign shall not be in place for longer than 60 days. Signs in the road right-of-way shall not interfere with traffic, shall conform with requirements under § 320-20 and be displayed for a period not exceeding seven days prior to a primary election and 14 days prior to a general election, and must be removed within 24 hours after the election.
(2)
Real estate signs. Signs in residential and nonresidential districts are limited to one sign that shall not exceed 12 square feet and shall not be illuminated. Lots in any district with more than one frontage are permitted one additional sign of the same dimensions. All signs shall be removed within 30 days after sale, rental or lease of the property.
(3)
Construction and renovation signs. Signs shall be limited to one nonilluminated sign identifying an engineer, architect, contractor, company, or product engaged in or used in the construction of a new building or development. Said sign shall not exceed 12 square feet per face and not more than 10 feet in height. Lots with more than one frontage are permitted one additional sign of the same dimensions. Said sign shall be removed when the development is completed or upon the granting of an occupancy permit for the building or upon the completion of renovation work. In no case shall a renovation sign be in place for more than 90 days.
(4)
Yard sale and open house signs. Signs in the road right-of-way shall not interfere with traffic, shall conform with requirements under § 320-20 and be displayed for a period not exceeding 72 hours. Yard sale signs on private property may be placed no more than 14 days prior to the event and shall be removed within 24 hours after said event.
(5)
Civic event signs. Signs advertising civic events shall require written approval of the Zoning Administrator and may be placed not more than 14 days prior to an event and must be removed within 24 hours after the event. Signs in the road right-of-way shall not interfere with traffic, shall conform with requirements under § 320-20 and be displayed for a period not exceeding 14 days prior to an event and must be removed within 24 hours after the event.
(6)
New subdivision development signs. For each new residential subdivision that has been approved by the Town, two subdivision development signs are permitted to be located on some portion of the subdivision. Each sign shall not be more than 32 square feet in area, and no more than 10 feet in height. No illumination is allowed. Signs established under this subsection may remain within the subject subdivision until 80% or more of the lots in the subdivision have been sold, at which time all temporary subdivision identification signs shall be removed. Such signage shall be reviewed every six months.
(7)
Special event signs. Signs advertising special events may be placed not more than 14 days prior to an event and must be removed within 24 hours after the event.
B.
Signs without a time limit.
(1)
Signs established by, or by order of, any governmental agency, including plaques and markers identifying buildings or properties on federal, state or local historic registers.
(2)
Directional signs. Signs shall be located entirely on the property to which they pertain, and not exceed four feet in height and two square feet in area. The number of directional signs permitted per property shall be the minimum necessary to provide adequate information for safe pedestrian and vehicular movement.
(3)
Flags. Signs shall not contain a commercial message.
(4)
Address numerals, nameplate and identification signs not exceeding four square foot in area. Nameplate signs for a dwelling group of five or more units may not exceed five square feet in surface area.
(5)
Incidental and auxiliary signs. Signs shall be located entirely on the property to which they pertain and not contain a commercial message visible off of the property.
(6)
Name and activities/services identification signs for church, school, hospital, sanitarium, club, library or similar institutional uses, not to exceed 32 square feet in area and may be illuminated but not flashing.
(7)
Public notices or warnings required by a valid and applicable federal, state or local law, regulation or ordinance, or court order, or other warning signs indicating possible public hazards.
(8)
Neighborhood watch signs and related government authorized signs located within a public right-of-way.
(9)
Memorial signs and tablets displayed on public property or in cemeteries.
(10)
Signs indicating personal property protections shall be located entirely on the property in which they pertain and not exceed greater than two square feet in area.
(11)
Point-of-sale signs. Signs shall be located within 10 feet of the building entrance, or outside ordering area.
(12)
Community message boards for display of information of temporary interest to the general community regarding upcoming events or activities.
(13)
Signs or letters carved into a building that are an integral part of the building.
(14)
Decorations, buntings or pennants exhibited to commemorate national, state or local holidays.
(15)
Government-related and quasi-government-related off-premises wayfinding and directional signs to give sufficient public notice of the location of governmental facilities and individual destinations, unincorporated areas, and nonprofit facilities.
C.
Special exceptions. Subject to review and approval of the Town Board upon recommendation from the Plan Commission, the following sign types may be granted a special exception permit allowing specific and documented deviation from this section, provided such sign does not possess any of the characteristics of a prohibited sign.
§ 360-125 General signage regulations.
The regulations contained in this section shall apply to all signs in all districts.
A.
Prohibited signs. Some specific signs and classes of sign provide little value in identifying a specific business, promoting advertising for a business or communication for a business, and may only harm community aesthetics and/or the public welfare. The following signs shall be prohibited within the Town:
(1)
Signs that resemble any official marker erected by a governmental agency.
(2)
Signs that contain or are composed of pennants, ribbons, streamers, or spinners.
(3)
Inflatable or tethered-type balloon signs.
(4)
Roof signs and roof-mounted signs.
(5)
Signs containing or composed of any animated part.
(6)
Signs that are illuminated with radiating, revolving, intermittent or flashing lights, or are illuminated in such a manner as to shine or reflect into any residence or onto any highway. This does not include electronic variable message displays.
B.
Sign location restrictions.
(1)
No sign shall be erected or maintained which projects across property lines, except for official traffic control, parking, and directional signs, or as otherwise specified in this chapter.
(2)
No sign, temporary or otherwise, shall be affixed to a tree or utility pole or other natural features.
(3)
No signs shall be permitted that obstructs any window, door, fire escape, stairway, or opening intended to provide light, air, ingress or egress for any building or structure.
(4)
No sign shall be permitted that is located above buildings.
(5)
No sign shall be erected or maintained at any location where by reason of its position, proximity to the street right-of-way, wording, illumination, size, shape, or color it may obstruct, impair, obscure, interfere with the view of, or be confused with, any authorized traffic control sign, signal or device.
(6)
No sign shall be erected or maintained at any location where by reason of its position, proximity to the street right-of-way, wording, illumination, size, shape, or color creates a safety hazard for pedestrians or the operators of motor vehicles.
(7)
No sign or sign structure may be located or placed on Town-owned property or adjacent road right-of-way without written approval of the Town Administrator, after receiving an application for proposed placement of a sign. Restrictions for signs in the road right-of-way shall be as provided in § 320-20. Under no circumstances shall signs be located to obstruct the vision clearance area.
C.
Sign design standards. The intent of this section is to encourage creative, distinct and effective signs which are appropriate for the individual premises, yet meet the community design standards. Sign design review is limited to the aesthetic and appropriateness of sign appearance. The following concepts and standards will be used to review signs for design approval:
(1)
Identification of businesses from moving cars must be balanced with the visual impact of signs on the rural landscape. Restraint in sign design can aid in identification, since small simple signs identify businesses with less confusion, limit counterproductive sign competition and protect the quality of the landscape.
(2)
Every sign shall be designed so as to complement the design elements of the building and site to which it principally relates, and where appropriate to the woodlands character, and shall be compatible with signs on adjoining premises.
(3)
Simplicity is the key factor to good design and readability. An effectively designed sign utilizing bold, easily recognized symbols and clear, crisp lettering will identify a business or activity efficiently and attractively, enhance the area in which it is located, and complement the general appearance of the Town. Pictures, symbols and logos can add individuality and character to signs, in addition to making them easier to read. The most common problems in commercial areas are an overabundance of signs that are often excessively large, all of which contributes to sign overload. This creates a visually chaotic situation in which no one sign gains the advantage, since the competing signs tend to cancel each other out in an unsuccessful bid to catch the buyer's eye.
(4)
No sign shall use any word, phrase, symbol, shape, form or character in such manner as to interfere with moving traffic, including signs which incorporate typical street-type and/or traffic control-type signage designs and colors. Signs may not depict nudity, sexual activity, illegal activity or anything of an obscene nature.
D.
Sign construction and installation standards.
(1)
All signs, except those attached flat against the wall of a building, shall be constructed of weather-resistant materials to withstand wind loads in accordance to the most recent version of ASCE-7. Signs over 12 feet in height shall provide calculations signed and sealed by a licensed engineer showing compliance with ASCE-7.
(2)
All signs shall be installed and maintained in a workmanlike manner using equipment which is adequate and safe for the task. A sign permit may be denied if the sign contractor does not have or does not arrange for use of adequate equipment.
F.
Electronic variable message displays.
(1)
In general. In addition to regulations imposed by this chapter, on-site electronic variable message displays shall be permitted in business zoning districts only with a conditional use permit, and are subject to the following restrictions, and minimum standards set by Outdoor Advertising Regulations under § 84.30(4)(bm), Wis. Stats., whichever is more restrictive.
(2)
Standards for electronic variable message displays.
(a)
Electronic portion size.
[1]
The electronic portion of the sign fronting the road shall not exceed 50 square feet per side and a total of 100 square feet on both sides. Sign characters must have a minimum height of six inches, with recommended character heights outlined in the following table, as established using letter height guidelines established by the USSC Foundation.
Distance from Center Line to Sign (feet) | Recommended Sign Character Height (inches) |
|---|---|
40 | 6 |
50 | 7 |
60 | 9 |
100 | 18 |
NOTES: | |
|---|---|
* | All signage intended to be viewed from State Highway 13 shall utilize characters with a minimum height of seven inches. |
(b)
Length of messages. Each message shall remain in a fixed position for a minimum of six seconds.
(c)
Transition of message. The transition time, or the time it takes to change the message, shall be accomplished in one second or less. Only frame effects of fading and dissolving shall be allowed. Any change of pictures or information shall not produce the illusion of blinking, flashing, expanding or contracting shapes.
(d)
Brightness. No electronic message unit shall be illuminated to a degree of brightness greater than necessary for adequate visibility or a maximum of 500 nits (candelas per square meter) between dusk and dawn, 5,000 nits during daylight hours, or the minimum standards set by the Federal Highway Administration, whichever is more restrictive. All electronic message units shall come equipped with automatic dimming technology that automatically adjusts the sign's brightness in direct correlation with ambient light conditions. Signs found to be too bright will be adjusted to meet these standards after notification by the Town.
(e)
Spillover light exceeding 0.2 footcandle, as measured at a residential property line, is prohibited.
(f)
Electrical regulations. All on-premises electric signs shall be manufactured and installed in compliance with NFPA 70, the National Electric Code (NEC).
(g)
Freeze of display when malfunction occurs. Such signs shall include a default designed to freeze a display in one still position if a malfunction occurs.
(h)
Prior to issuance of a conditional use permit, the applicant shall submit a signed letter from the manufacturer or retailer certifying that the sign has the ability to be programmed to comply with the above requirements to the satisfaction of the Plan Commission.
(3)
Permitted locations for electronic variable message displays.
(a)
Maximum number of electronic variable message signs per site. No more than one electronic message units is allowed per site. Two sides of such sign are considered one electronic message unit.
(b)
Distance between electronic message signs. The distance between electronic message signs shall be a minimum of 200 feet throughout the street frontage, unless the street frontage is under 200 feet, where one electronic message unit sign shall be allowed.
(c)
Granting a conditional use permit for an electronic variable message sign under this chapter may be subject, but not limited to, consideration of traffic volume, speed limit of the area, or accidents in the requested area of placement, through reference to traffic counts, if available, or police reports.
(d)
Sign messages must be directed to a state or federal highway, or a designated connecting highway, as mapped by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation in accordance with § 84.02(12), Wis. Stats.
(4)
Hazard abatement.
(a)
If the Public Works Department or designee finds that an electronic variable message sign is causing interference with the visibility or effectiveness of a traffic signal or control, the sign shall be turned off without delay.
[1]
The electronic variable message sign shall not attempt, or appear to attempt, to direct the movement of traffic or contain wording, colors, shapes or likenesses to official traffic control devices.
(b)
If the Public Works Department or designee finds that an electronic variable message sign is malfunctioning in a fashion that creates a hazardous glare or other traffic hazard, the sign shall be turned off without delay.
(c)
The Public Works Department shall be provided with the means to turn off an electronic variable message display in the case of hazardous glare, interference with the visibility or effectiveness of a traffic signal or control, or other traffic hazard caused by the sign.
[1]
In such situations, the owner of the sign must then meet with Town staff to determine how to rectify the situation, and the sign shall not be turned back on without written approval by the Town Chairperson or designee.
§ 360-126 Regulations for certain zoning districts.
[Amended 4-16-2020 by Ord. No. 20-04; 1-19-2023 by Ord. No. 23-01]
Zoning districts, by definition, encourage and allow different uses and types of development. Therefore, the requirements for permitted signs in the districts also differ as related to types of signs, their height, area of coverage and setbacks.
A.
Signs in R-1, R-IC, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, LD Districts. Residential districts normally do not require the use of signs; however, certain higher-density uses and nonresidential uses create special situations that require limited signage. No signs shall be erected except the following:
(1)
Permitted signs. Signs requiring no permits, wall sign, residential nameplate, and permanent subdivision signs.
(2)
Area restrictions. Wall signs and residential nameplates for single-family lots and lots containing four dwelling units or less (including home occupations) are limited to two square feet in area. Wall signs and residential nameplates for more than four dwelling units or other nonresidential uses are limited to 12 square feet in area.
(3)
Permanent subdivision signs are permitted one per subdivision entrance. The individual sign copy area is limited to 16 square feet and shall not be located within the setback area.
B.
Signs in the RTC District. This district encourages compact development consisting of buildings that contain both single and multitenant uses. Businesses located in this district tend to rely less on passing traffic than other commercial districts. Permanent sign designs in the RTC District shall require approval by the Plan Commission. The size, scale and materials used in signs shall be complementary to the vision, guidelines and objectives identified in the Rome Town Center Design Plan. No signs shall be erected except the following:
(1)
Permitted signs. Signs requiring no permits, wall signs, ground signs, monument signs and hanging signs. Banners may be permitted by the Zoning Administrator on a temporary basis. No off-premises signs shall be allowed in the RTC District unless approved by the Town Board upon recommendation by the Plan Commission. Municipal signs are exempt from the off-premises sign requirements. Ground signs and monument signs shall be placed to ensure a clear vision triangle/clearance area.
(2)
Area restrictions. The area of all permanent signs shall not exceed two square feet of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage, with an additional one square foot per one lineal foot of the building on a corner lot. In the case of a multitenant business, each tenant shall be allowed two square feet of sign area per lineal foot of tenant space frontage. No individual sign in any sub-district shall be greater than 48 square feet.
(a)
Area shall be calculated, generally, as the entire area of a sign on which copy may be placed, but only one side of a double-faced sign shall be included in the area calculation. Area calculations for painted or individual letter signs shall be calculated on the basis of the smallest rectangle that will enclose the entire copy area of the sign and shall include the areas between letters and lines as well as the area of any devices (whether illuminated or nonilluminated) that are intended to attract attention.
(b)
For purposes of determining frontage for buildings on corner lots, the side with the longest width shall be used.
(c)
Area restrictions for permanent signage shall not include directional or safety signs; however, the total directional and safety signage shall not exceed 50 square feet with no individual directional or safety sign greater than six square feet.
(3)
Height restrictions. Unless otherwise noted in this article, the maximum height of the following sign types shall be as follows: No wall sign shall exceed 20 feet in height and shall not project higher than the building. Hanging signs shall be no higher than the directly adjacent porch/building soffit it is attached to. Ground signs shall not exceed nine feet above the street pavement or sidewalk grade nearest to the sign.
(a)
Projections and details such as architectural appurtenances shall not be included in sign height calculations, provided the projections and details do not include a logo or advertisement.
(4)
Sign illumination. Any illuminated sign or lighting device shall employ only one light emitting a light of constant intensity, and no sign shall be illuminated by or contain flashing, intermittent, rotating or moving lights, except as an approved electronic variable message display. In no event shall an illuminated sign or lighting device be directed or beamed on a public street, highway, sidewalk or adjacent premises so as to cause glare or reflection that may constitute a traffic hazard or nuisance as determined by the Zoning Administrator.
C.
Signs in B-1 and B-2 Districts. This district encourages auto-related businesses and features properties with both single tenants as well as multiple tenants. Businesses in this district tend to rely heavily on passing traffic. No signs shall be erected except the following:
(1)
Permitted signs. Signs requiring no permits, wall signs, ground signs, special event signs monument signs, billboards, and mobile or portable signs.
(2)
Area restrictions. Unless otherwise noted in this chapter, the maximum sign area allowed per sign for any sign permitted in a business district other than billboards shall not exceed 40 square feet for single tenant signs. Multi-tenant sign area shall not exceed 60 square feet. The maximum sign area for billboards permitted in the business district shall not exceed 300 square feet.
(3)
Height restrictions. No ground sign shall project higher than 20 feet or six feet above the height of the building, whichever is less. Monument signs shall not exceed nine feet as measured above surrounding grade. No billboard shall project higher than 20 feet.
(4)
Setbacks. No ground sign, monument sign, special event sign, and mobile or portable sign shall be closer to the side or rear lot line (not inclusive of a corner side lot line) than the total height of the sign. In no case shall any portion of a ground sign, monument sign, special event sign, and mobile or portable sign be closer than five feet to any lot line. Billboards shall be placed with the closest edge of the sign within 10 feet of the right-of-way. In no case shall any portion of a billboard be closer than five feet of the right-of-way.
D.
Signs in the PSP District. These districts are designed for certain public uses and do not rely on traffic for business. No signs shall be erected except the following:
(1)
Permitted signs. Sign types in the PSP District are permitted only upon approval of the Plan Commission.
(2)
Area restrictions. No sign shall exceed 10 square feet in area unless otherwise approved by the Plan Commission.
(3)
Height restrictions. No sign shall exceed 10 feet in height unless otherwise approved by the Plan Commission.
E.
Signs in the SP District. These districts are designed for uses that tend to present a special problem or hazard to health, safety and general welfare of the public, and do not rely on traffic for business. No signs shall be erected except the following:
(1)
Permitted signs. Signs requiring no permits, wall signs, ground signs, monument signs, billboards, and mobile or portable signs.
(2)
Area restrictions. Unless otherwise noted in this chapter, the maximum sign area allowed per sign for any sign permitted in the SP District other than billboards shall not exceed 40 square feet for single tenant signs. Multitenant sign area shall not exceed 60 square feet. The maximum sign area for billboards permitted in the SP District shall not exceed 300 square feet.
(3)
Height restrictions. No ground sign shall project higher than 20 feet or six feet above the height of the building, whichever is less. Monument signs shall not exceed nine feet as measured above surrounding grade. No billboard shall project higher than 20 feet.
F.
Signs in A-1 and A-2 Agricultural Districts. This district is designed for uses which rely on signs mainly for identification and not for pulling in traffic and business. No signs shall be erected except the following:
(1)
Permitted signs. Signs requiring no permits, wall signs, ground signs and billboards.
(2)
Area restrictions. Unless otherwise noted in this chapter, the maximum sign area allowed per sign for any sign permitted in agricultural districts other than billboards shall not exceed 40 square feet for single tenant signs. Multi-tenant sign area shall not exceed 60 square feet. The maximum sign area for billboards permitted in agricultural districts shall not exceed 300 square feet.
(3)
Height restrictions. No ground sign shall project higher than 20 feet or six feet above the height of the building, whichever is less. No billboard shall project higher than 20 feet.
(4)
Setbacks. No ground sign shall be closer to the side or rear lot line (not inclusive of a corner side lot line) than the total height of the sign. In no case shall any portion of a ground sign be closer than five feet to any side and rear lot lines. Billboards shall be placed with the closest edge of the sign within 10 feet of the right-of-way. In no case shall any portion of a billboard be closer than five feet of the right-of-way.
G.
Signs in CV and FR Districts. These districts are designed for open space uses with limited commercial activity. No signs shall be erected except the following:
(1)
Permitted signs. Signs providing directions or information about natural, historic, scientific features are permitted upon approval of the Plan Commission.
(2)
Area restrictions. No sign shall exceed 10 square feet in area, unless otherwise approved by the Plan Commission.
(3)
Height restrictions. No sign shall exceed 10 feet in height unless otherwise approved by the Plan Commission.
(4)
Setbacks. No ground sign shall be closer to the side or rear lot line (not inclusive of a corner side lot line) than the total height of the sign. In no case shall any portion of a ground sign be closer than five feet to the side and rear lot lines.
H.
Signs in the Gateway Overlay District. The Gateway Overlay District is designed to maintain a higher quality of design with more restrictive sign regulations. No signs shall be erected except the following:
(1)
Permitted signs. Signs requiring no permits, wall signs, ground signs and monument signs. Only one monument sign per lot shall be permitted.
(2)
Area restrictions. The maximum sign area per business of all permanent signs in the Gateway Overlay District shall not exceed 80 square feet. No individual permanent sign in the Gateway Overlay District shall exceed: Single-tenant ground signs and monument signs shall not exceed 40 square feet and multitenant ground signs and monument signs shall not exceed 60 square feet.
(3)
Height restrictions. Ground signs and monument signs shall not exceed nine feet in height as measured from the surrounding grade.
(4)
Setbacks. No ground sign or monument sign shall be closer to the side or rear lot line (not inclusive of a corner side lot line) than the total height of the sign. In no case shall any portion of a ground sign or monument sign be closer than five feet to the side and rear lot lines.
§ 360-127 Maintenance of signage; abandonment.
All signs within the jurisdiction of this article, including but not limited to those signs for which a permit is required, shall remain in a state of proper maintenance.
A.
Proper maintenance shall include cleaning; the removal of loose materials such as peeling paint, plastic, paper or other material; the replacement of missing, damaged or defective parts; the prevention of excessive rust, the prevention of excessive vibration or shaking; and the maintenance of the original structural integrity of the sign, frame and other supports, its mounting and all components thereof.
B.
Any signs which may be or may hereafter become unsafe, unsightly, or improperly maintained shall be repaired or removed by the owner or lessee of the property upon which the sign stands upon notice of the Zoning Administrator.
C.
If the sign is damaged, the owner shall have 90 days in which to repair or remove the sign.
D.
The entire area located within a minimum of 10 feet of any part of any on-premises and off-premises sign shall be maintained and/or mowed as appropriate and kept free of weeds and debris.
E.
All signs shall be removed by the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is located when a business which it advertises has not been conducted for a period of four months or when, in the judgment of the Zoning Administrator, such sign is so old, dilapidated or has become so out of repair as to be dangerous or unsafe, whichever occurs first. If the owner or lessee fails to remove it, the Zoning Administrator may remove the sign at cost to the owner, following 30 days written notice.
§ 360-128 Nonconforming signs.
To maintain and enhance property values, aesthetics, and safety and to improve the uniformity of design in the Town of Rome, this section of the Zoning Ordinance is intended to eliminate all individual signs, groupings of signs and accumulations of signs that do not comply with the regulations of this article and other provisions of this chapter. To accomplish this objective, stringent requirements for the removal of nonconforming signs have been established. These regulations have been formulated with the understanding that the magnitude of hardships likely to be encountered by sign owners as a result of adherence of this article should not be great since most signs have a relatively short physical and economic lifespan.
A.
Signs lawfully existing at the time of the adoption or amendment of this article, and were previously permitted, which do not conform to the provisions of this article, may be continued although the use, size, or location does not conform to the provisions of this article. However, it shall be deemed a nonconforming use or structure and no changes may be made in number, size, copy or subject matter. Normal maintenance and repair of a nonconforming sign is permitted. Normal maintenance and repair does not include the alteration of a sign and is limited to painting and/or replacement of nonsupporting members such as the facing material or cross-bracing.
B.
The following situations shall result in the loss of nonconforming status for signs:
(1)
Placement of new signs. New signs, not to exceed the maximum allowable aggregate sign area, may be erected only upon the complete removal of all nonconforming signs of the same category existing on the property at the time of adoption of this chapter;
(2)
Alteration of signs. The sign is structurally altered in any way, except for normal maintenance or repair, which tends to or makes the sign less in compliance with the requirements of this article than it was before alteration;
(3)
Change of location. Relocation of a nonconforming sign is prohibited, except in the case of a sign which is nonconforming only in relation to a setback and the new location is more compliant with the required setbacks;
(4)
Damage to sign. In the event the nonconforming sign is damaged to such an extent that the cost to repair or reconstruct the sign exceeds 50% of the value of the sign;
(5)
Cessation or change of business or activity to which the sign pertains; and
(6)
Failure to maintain. Failure to comply with the maintenance, repair, construction standards, or abandoned sign regulations of this article.
C.
Upon the occurrence of any of the above, the sign shall be brought into compliance with this article within 30 days of receiving a written notice of noncompliance from the Town and a new permit shall be secured. Upon failure to comply with this notice, the Town may cause removal to be executed pursuant to § 360-129.
D.
Nothing in this section shall relieve the owner or user of a legal nonconforming sign or the owner of the property on which the sign is located from the provisions of this article regarding safety, maintenance, and repair of signs.
E.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, a nonconforming sign or sign structure damaged or destroyed by violent wind, vandalism, fire, flood, ice, snow, mold or infestation after March 2, 2006, may be restored to, or replaced at, the size, location, and use that it had immediately before the damage or destruction occurred, and no limits may be imposed on the costs of the repair, reconstruction, or improvement of said sign or sign structure.
[Added at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II)]
§ 360-129 Noncompliance; violations and penalties; sign removal.
A.
All signs constructed or maintained in violation of any of the provisions of this article are hereby declared public nuisances within the meaning of this Code. Any person who shall violate or cause to be violated any provision of this article shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined in accordance with § 1-3, General penalty.
B.
If, upon inspection, the Zoning Administrator finds that a sign or sign structure is in violation of this article, the Zoning Administrator shall issue a written order to the owner or operator of the premises upon which the sign or sign structure is located stating the nature of the violation and requiring repair, removal, or conform the sign or sign structure within 30 days of the date of order. The Zoning Administrator may order the immediate removal of a sign or sign structure deemed dangerous or unsafe. The Zoning Administrator may bring an action to abate a sign deemed a nuisance in the manner set forth in the Wisconsin State Statutes. When it becomes necessary for the Zoning Administrator to remove or cause to be removed, or take down a nonconforming, abandoned, obsolete, defective, unsafe or dangerous sign or sign structure, the cost thereof may be placed on the tax roll as a special assessment and become a lien against the benefitted property, unless paid sooner.
C.
Prohibited signs or sign structures in the road right-of-way or on public property may be removed and destroyed by the Zoning Administrator, Public Works Department or Police Department without notice.