Rutherford College City Zoning Code
SIGN REGULATIONS
§ 152.185 PURPOSE.
The purpose of this subchapter is:
(A) To preserve the natural environment by allowing signs which are consistent with an attractive town appearance;
(B) To provide for the safety of vehicular traffic by limiting visual interference;
(C) To protect the general public from injury caused by distracting and/or improperly placed signs;
(D) To promote the general welfare of the town by providing a pleasing environmental setting; and
(E) To protect property values and to promote the economic welfare of the town by encouraging visually appealing, non-distracting forms of information transfer.
(Ord. passed 4-5-2010; Ord. passed 5-3-2021)
§ 152.186 ADMINISTRATION.
(A) No sign shall be constructed, enlarged, moved, replaced or altered until a zoning permit has been issued by the zoning enforcement officer, except for those signs specifically permitted in zoning districts without a zoning permit.
(B) All signs shall be constructed and installed in accordance with the applicable provisions of the North Carolina Building Code and North Carolina Electrical Code and shall obtain applicable permits prior to construction.
(C) The Building Inspector or Zoning Enforcement Officer shall order the immediate removal of any signs or supporting structures that are not constructed or maintained safely in good repair in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter or in accordance with the applicable provisions of the North Carolina Building Code.
(D) Unauthorized signs posted in the public right-of-way may be removed by any member of the town staff or the zoning enforcement officer without notice.
(Ord. passed 4-5-2010; Ord. passed 5-3-2021)
§ 152.187 DEFINITION.
(A) Any structure, object, device or part thereof which is used to advertise, identify, display, direct or attract attention to an object, person, institution, organization, business, product, service or location by any means, including words, letters, figures, designs, symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination or projected images.
(B) SIGNS do not include the flag or emblem of any nation, state, city or any fraternal, religious or civic organizations, works of art which in no way identify an object, person, institution, organization, business, product, service, event or location by any means, or scoreboards located on athletic fields.
(Ord. passed 4-5-2010; Ord. passed 5-3-2021)
§ 152.188 NONCONFORMING SIGNS.
Any sign existing on the effective date of this subchapter which does not conform to the requirements set forth herein will be allowed to remain if in good repair but shall not be changed to another nonconforming sign. If a nonconforming sign is altered, removed, moved or changed in any way, the sign shall be brought into compliance with the regulations of this subchapter.
(Ord. passed 4-5-2010; Ord. passed 5-3-2021)
§ 152.189 REMOVAL OF TEMPORARY OBSOLETE SIGNS.
Temporary signs shall be removed within 48 hours after the termination of the advertised events. Property owners shall be responsible for the removal of obsolete signs.
(Ord. passed 4-5-2010; Ord. passed 5-3-2021)
§ 152.190 MEASUREMENT OF SIGN AREA.
(A) The area of a sign shall be measured to include the entire sign, including its display area, frame, border, incidental decoration and foundation of any kind except a pole.
(B) Where a sign consists of letters, figures or other devices individually mounted to a building wall, the sign area shall be the smallest circle or rectangle that can be inscribed around the sign.
(C) Only one side of a double-faced sign shall be included in calculating the display area.
(Ord. passed 4-5-2010; Ord. passed 5-3-2021)
§ 152.191 SIGN LOCATION.
(A) For roadways maintained by the town the minimum setback for all new signs shall be ten feet as measured from the outer edge of the road. If an existing right-of-way is present that is equal to or exceeds ten feet, all new signs must be placed just outside of the established right-of-way area.
(B) For applicants seeking a sign permit along a state or federal road it shall be the responsibility of the applicant to obtain in writing from the State Department of Transportation information on the width of the right-of-way area.
(C) In the absence of a right-of-way determination by the State Department of Transportation on any state or federal maintained road or in the event a dedicated right-of-way does not exist on a state or local road, newly permitted signs must be placed outside or behind any existing utility pole.
(D) In the event a dedicated right-of-way for a state or federal road cannot be determined and a utility pole is not present, the setback distance for new signs shall be a minimum of ten feet from the edge of the roadway pavement or outer edge of curbing.
(Ord. passed 4-5-2010; Ord. passed 5-3-2021)
§ 152.192 ILLUMINATION.
Where permitted, illuminated signs may be either directly lit from inside the sign or may have an indirect light source that shines on to the surface of the sign. Any illuminated sign shall be so designed or placed so as to prevent direct or reflected light from being cast upon adjacent properties, the public right-of-way or the night sky. Flashing, blinking or pulsating signs shall not be permitted except as part of a digital or LED (light emitting diode) sign.
(Ord. passed 4-5-2010; Ord. passed 5-3-2021)
§ 152.193 SIGN TYPES.
(A) Ground sign. A sign attached directly to the ground by means of one or more upright pillars, braces, posts, poles or foundations placed directly upon or in the ground and not attached to any part of the building. Ground signs must conform to the following provisions:
(1) The maximum area for the sign is 80 square feet.
(2) No ground sign shall be more than 16 feet tall, measured from the natural ground line to the top of the sign frame.
(3) The sign shall not be placed closer than ten feet from the right-of-way line.
(4) Only one ground sign may be erected per building, regardless of the number of tenants, except as provided for in § 152.194.
(5) The sign may be illuminated.
(B) Wall sign. A sign attached or painted directly on the building wall, generally on the facade, with the exposed display surface of the sign in a plane parallel to the wall. Wall signs must conform to the following provisions:
(1) The maximum area for the sign is one square foot per lineal foot of building frontage.
(2) No wall sign shall be mounted more than 20 feet above the natural ground line.
(3) One or more wall signs may be used on a building, as long as the total area of the signs does not exceed the maximum permitted.
(4) On multiple-occupancy buildings, each occupant with a separate outside entrance serving the public may have a separate wall sign.
(5) No part of a wall sign shall extend more than 18 inches from the wall.
(6) The sign may be illuminated.
(C) Projection sign. A hanging, suspended, shingle, blade or any other type of sign that is mounted to and projects perpendicularly from a building wall. Projection signs must conform to the following provisions:
(1) The maximum area for the sign is one square foot per lineal foot of building frontage not exceeding 40 square feet.
(2) The sign shall not project more than four feet from the building.
(3) The sign shall not extend higher than three feet above the roof of the building.
(4) The sign shall have nine or more feet of vertical clearance from the ground or sidewalk level.
(5) The sign may be illuminated.
(D) Roof sign. A sign which is attached to or painted on the roof of a building. Roof signs must conform to the following provisions:
(1) The maximum area for the sign is one square foot per lineal foot of building frontage not exceeding 40 square feet.
(2) The sign shall be placed a minimum of five feet from the edge of the roof.
(3) The sign shall not exceed six feet in height.
(4) Only one roof sign shall be permitted per business.
(5) The sign may be illuminated.
(E) Canopy sign. A sign painted or otherwise affixed directly to a canopy or awning. The signage area shall not exceed 25 square feet. The sign shall identify only the name of the business and logo and may be illuminated.
(F) Window sign. A sign directly attached to windows or doors. A business may use one or more window signs but the total sign area shall not exceed 25% of the glass area. The sign may be illuminated.
(G) Temporary sign. A sign that is not permanently installed in the ground or affixed to any structure or building and designed to be mobile or movable. This includes, but is not limited to, portable signs, sandwich boards, banners, wire-frame signs or signs on parked vehicles. Temporary signs must conform to the following provisions:
(1) The maximum area for the sign shall not exceed 25 square feet.
(2) The sign is allowed without a permit but must be located in compliance with the provisions of § 152.191.
(3) The sign must remain in good repair at all times.
(4) No sign exceeding four square feet shall be placed closer than ten feet to the right-of-way line. A sandwich board sign may be placed in on the sidewalk; however, any person erecting such a sign shall indemnify and hold harmless the town and its employees from any claims arising from the presence of the sign in the right-of-way.
(5) The sign may be illuminated.
(H) Off-premises sign. A sign, billboard or other permanent outdoor advertising structure that directs attention to a business, commodity or service sold, conducted or offered at a location other than the premises on which the sign is erected. Off-premises signs shall not be permitted in the town, except signs identifying the location of a church or house of worship. Such signs shall not exceed four square feet and may not be illuminated. The continued use of existing off-site outdoor advertising signs shall be allowed consistent with the provisions of division (G) above.
(I) Subdivision/group development sign. A sign used to identify the entrance to a subdivision, planned unit development, apartment or townhouse complex, or other group development. The area of the face of the sign shall not exceed 36 square feet but may be mounted on a larger masonry wall. The sign may be illuminated. There may be one sign on either side of the entrance.
(J) Home occupation sign.
(1) A sign used to identify the location of a home occupation, day care or other business permitted in a residential zoning district.
(2) Home occupation signs must conform to the following provisions:
(a) The maximum area for the sign shall not exceed ten square feet in area.
(b) The maximum height for the sign shall not exceed three feet.
(c) The sign may be ground- or wall-mounted. The sign may not be illuminated.
(Ord. passed 4-5-2010; Ord. passed 5-3-2021)
§ 152.194 NUMBER AND TYPE OF PERMITTED SIGNS IN NONRESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS.
(A) A single-occupancy building in the C-B, O-I, H-B or G-M zoning districts are permitted to choose three signs from the following list: ground, wall, projection, canopy, window, roof or temporary. The selection of more than one sign of each type is not permitted.
(B) Each business or entity in a multiple-occupancy building in the C-B, O-I, H-B or G-M zoning districts are permitted to choose three signs from the following list: ground (one per building), wall, projection, canopy, window, roof or temporary. The selection of more than one sign of each type is not permitted.
(C) In addition to the number of signs permitted in divisions (A) and (B) above, a building in the C-B, O-I, H-B or G-M zoning districts, situated on a corner lot or a lot bounded by more than one street shall be permitted to choose one additional sign per building front from the following list: ground, wall, projection, canopy, window, roof or temporary, provided that the additional sign area does not exceed the sign area permitted for the building front. Additional sign area shall be used specifically for the side or rear of the building and may be illuminated.
(Ord. passed 4-5-2010; Ord. passed 5-3-2021)
§ 152.195 NUMBER AND TYPE OF PERMITTED SIGNS IN RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS.
(A) Any church or school located in a residential zoning district is permitted to choose three signs from the following list: ground, wall, projection, canopy, window, roof or temporary. The selection of more than one sign of each type is not permitted.
(B) In addition to the number of signs permitted in division (A) above, a church or school situated on a corner lot or a lot bounded by more than one street shall be permitted to choose one additional sign per building front from the following list: ground, wall, projection, canopy, window, roof or temporary, provided that the additional sign area does not exceed the sign area permitted for the building front. Additional sign area shall be used specifically for the side or rear of the building and may be illuminated.
(C) Any business located in a residential zoning district is permitted to have one home occupation sign.
(D) A subdivision or group development is permitted one subdivision/group development sign per entrance. Subdivision or group development signs shall not be less than 800 feet apart if located on the same street.
(Ord. passed 4-5-2010; Ord. passed 5-3-2021)
§ 152.196 SIGNS PERMITTED IN ALL ZONING DISTRICTS.
The following signs are permitted in all zoning districts without a zoning permit, provided they are kept in good condition, do not obstruct the visibility of the traveling public, are not located in the public right-of-way and comply with the provisions below:
(A) Any sign erected by a government agency to convey information about a public facility or service or to regulate, control or direct vehicular or pedestrian traffic. Such signs may be illuminated, flashing or moving as necessary for public safety.
(B) Signs which warn of safety hazards. Such signs may be illuminated.
(C) One real estate sign per street frontage on property for sale, lease or rent. The sign(s) shall be a maximum of four square feet in size in residential zoning districts and 32 square feet in nonresidential zoning districts. The sign(s) shall not be illuminated.
(D) Signs not exceeding four square feet in area. Such signs shall not be illuminated.
(E) Construction site identification signs on active construction sites. The sign(s) shall be a maximum of four square feet in size in residential zoning districts and 32 square feet in nonresidential zoning districts. The sign(s) shall not be illuminated and shall be removed within 30 days of the completion of the project.
(F) Incidental signs not exceeding four square feet in size or three feet in height if located closer than five feet from the right-of-way line. An INCIDENTAL SIGN is defined as one which carries no advertising message, directs traffic flow, indicates the location of ingress and egress points, directs certain activities to certain areas (e.g., parking or waiting) or provides other incidental information. The sign(s) may be illuminated.
(G) Streamers, pennants, balloons and similar devices. Such devices shall not be illuminated.
(H) Political and election signs displayed on private property provided such signs shall not exceed 16 square feet in area and may not be illuminated.
(1) Such signs shall be removed within 48 hours after the election or time which the purpose of the sign ceases to exist.
(2) Political signs shall not be located on public property, except at polling places on the day of the election, or in any right-of-way.
(3) Signs that do not conform to the terms of this subchapter may be removed and discarded by the Zoning Enforcement Officer without notice.
(Ord. passed 4-5-2010; Ord. passed 5-3-2021)
§ 152.197 SIGNS PROHIBITED IN ALL DISTRICTS; TABLE OF SIGN REGULATIONS.
(A) The following signs shall be prohibited in all districts:
(1) Signs or other devices that resembles traffic signals, traffic signs, emergency vehicle flashing lights, or which are likely to be misconstrued by the traveling public as being an official governmental sign or emergency warning; and
(2) All other signs not expressly permitted by this chapter.
(B) The following chart details the sign regulations pertaining to each zoning district. See following page for sign regulations chart/table.
(Ord. passed 4-5-2010; Ord. passed 1-7-2013; Ord. passed 5-3-2021)
Table of Sign Regulations | ||||||
Zoning District | Type of Signs Permitted | Number of Signs Permitted | Maximum Area Permitted | Front Yard Requirement | Illumination Permitted | Notes |
Table of Sign Regulations | ||||||
Zoning District | Type of Signs Permitted | Number of Signs Permitted | Maximum Area Permitted | Front Yard Requirement | Illumination Permitted | Notes |
Central Business, Office/ Institutional, Highway Business and General Manufacturing (as well as schools and churches located in residential areas) | Ground sign | 1 (one of three) | 80 sq. ft. | 10’ from behind public ROW | Direct or indirect light source (see § 153.192) | Maximum height 16’ maximum length 20’ |
Wall sign | 1 (one of three) | 1 sq. ft. per lineal foot of building frontage maximum size 40 sq. | N/A | Direct or indirect light source (see § 153.192) | Maximum height 20’ maximum depth 18” | |
Projection sign | 1 (one of three) | 1 sq. ft. per lineal foot of building frontage maximum size 40 sq. | N/A | Direct or indirect light source (see § 153.192) | 9’ of vertical clearance; maximum height 4’ | |
Roof sign | 1 (one of three) | 1 sq. ft. per lineal foot of building frontage maximum size 40 sq. | N/A | Direct or indirect light source (see § 153.192) | 5’ from edge of roof; maximum height 6’ | |
Canopy sign | 1 (one of three) | 25 sq. ft. | N/A | Direct or indirect light source (See §153.192) | Only name and logo | |
Window sign | More than 1 | Not to exceed 25% of glass area | N/A | Direct or indirect light source (See §153.192) | May attach to windows or doors | |
Residential Zoning Districts | Home occupation sign | 1 ground or 1 wall-mounted | 10 sq. ft. | 10’ from behind public ROW | No illumination allowed | Maximum height 3’ |
Subdivision and group development signs | 1 on each side of entrance | 36 sq. ft. | 10’ from behind public ROW | Direct or indirect light source (See § 153.192) | May be mounted on masonry wall | |