Saratoga City Zoning Code
ARTICLE VI
Signs
§ 400-20 Purpose.
The purpose of this article is to promote and protect the public health, welfare and safety by regulating proposed outdoor signage. It is intended to protect property values, create an attractive economic and business climate, and enhance and protect the physical appearance of the community. It is further the purpose of this article to reduce distractions and obstructions that may contribute to traffic accidents and reduce hazards that may be caused by signs overhanging or projecting over public rights-of-way.
§ 400-21 Exceptions.
For the purposes of this article, the word "sign" does not include the flag, pennant or insignia of any nation, state or other political unit, or of any political, educational, charitable, philanthropic, civic, professional, religious or like campaign, drive, movement or event.
§ 400-22 General regulations.
The regulations contained in this section shall apply to all signs and in all districts.
A.
Any illuminated sign shall employ only lights emitting a light of constant intensity, and no sign shall be illuminated by or contain flashing, intermittent, rotating, or moving light.
B.
No sign shall be placed on the roof of any building or structure.
C.
No sign or part thereof shall contain or consist of banners, pennants, ribbons, streamers, spinners, or other similar moving, fluttering or revolving devices.
§ 400-23 Permitted signs in all districts without permit.
A.
The following signs are permitted in all districts without a permit:
(1)
Signs advertising the sale, lease or rental or the premises upon which the sign is located, which signs shall not exceed eight square feet in area.
(2)
Signs denoting the name and address and profession of the occupants of the premises, which signs shall not exceed four square feet in area.
(3)
Signs denoting the architect, engineer, or contractor on premises where construction, repair, or renovation is in progress, which signs shall not exceed 16 square feet in area.
(4)
Signs of a temporary nature, such as political posters, provided such signs are removed with seven days following the date of the activity the sign is associated with.
(5)
Signs denoting the type of agricultural pursuits conducted on the premises, which signs shall not exceed 16 square feet.
(6)
No sign authorized by this section shall be placed in or overhang the public right-of-way, nor shall any sign authorized by this section exceed six feet in height, as measured from the ground to the top of the face of the sign. No more than one sign as authorized by this section shall be placed on a lot.
§ 400-24 Permitted signs in all districts upon issuance of permit.
A.
The following signs are permitted in all districts upon issuance of a permit:
(1)
Signs or bulletin boards customarily incident to places of worship, public/private schools, professional office buildings, veterinarian offices, animal hospitals or clinics, cemeteries, libraries, museums, social clubs or societies, which signs or bulletin boards shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and shall be located on the premises of such institution.
(2)
No signs or bulletin boards authorized by this section shall be placed closer than 10 feet to the nearest lot line or public right-of-way. No more than one sign or bulletin board authorized by this section shall be placed on a lot.
(3)
No sign or bulletin board authorized by this section shall exceed six feet in height, as measured from the ground to the top of the face of the sign or bulletin board.
§ 400-25 Home occupation and home industry signs.
A.
Signs directing attention to a home occupation or home industry conducted on premises are permitted upon the issuance of a permit.
B.
Signs authorized by this section shall not exceed 12 square feet in area and shall not exceed six feet in height, as measured from the ground to the top of the face of the sign.
C.
No more than one sign authorized by this section shall be placed on the premises where the home occupation or home industry is conducted.
D.
No sign authorized by this section shall be placed closer than 10 feet to the lot line or public right-of-way.
§ 400-26 Business signs in Rural, Rural Residential, Rural District 2, Hamlet, and Conservancy Districts.
Business signs, as herein defined, may be placed, upon issuance of a permit, in the above-listed districts in accordance with this section.
A.
No business signs authorized by this section shall exceed 20 square feet in area nor exceed six feet in height, as measured from the ground to the top of the face of the sign.
B.
No signs authorized by this section shall be placed closer than 10 feet to the nearest lot line or public right-of-way.
C.
No more than two signs per business shall be allowed, including those painted on or incorporated in the composition of the exterior portion of the building in which the business is conducted.
§ 400-27 Business signs in Lake Commercial District, Lake Residential District, and Industrial Districts.
Business signs, as herein defined, may be placed, upon issuance of a permit, in the above-listed districts in accordance with this section.
A.
No business signs authorized by this section shall exceed 40 square feet in area nor exceed 16 feet in height, as measured from the ground to the top of the face of the sign.
B.
No signs authorized by this section shall be placed closer than 10 feet to the nearest lot line or public right-of-way.
C.
No more than two signs per business shall be allowed, including those painted on or incorporated in the composition of the exterior portion of the building in which the business is located.
§ 400-28 Advertising signs.
Advertising signs, as herein defined, may be established, upon issuance of a permit, in accordance with this section.
A.
Advertising signs may be established on vacant lots in the Rural, Rural Residential and Conservancy Districts.
B.
Signs authorized by this section shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and shall not exceed eight feet in height, as measured from the ground to the top of the face of the sign.
C.
No more than one sign authorized by this section shall be placed on any lot.
D.
No sign authorized by this section shall be placed closer than 25 feet to the nearest adjacent lot line nor closer than 10 feet to the public right-of-way.