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Schoolcraft City Zoning Code

ARTICLE XVIII

SIGNS

Sec. 62-481.- Statement of purpose.

The purpose of this article is to regulate signs in a manner which will minimize their harmful effects upon the health, safety and welfare of the general public and economic values in the community as well as the attractive appearance and natural beauty of the Village of Schoolcraft. It is not the purpose of this article to regulate the message displayed on any sign, but to achieve non-speech objectives. The village intends to accomplish the following important governmental interests as the rationale and basis of its various regulations relative to signs.

(a)

To promote the safety of persons and property by providing signs that do not create a hazard due to collapse, fire, collision, decay or abandonment, do not obstruct firefighting or police surveillance, and do not create traffic hazards by confusing or distracting motorists, or by impairing the driver's ability to see pedestrians, other vehicles, or traffic signs.

(b)

To protect property values within the village by allowing signs that perform their intended purpose while maintaining village character and supporting neighborhood stability.

(c)

To promote and improve the attractiveness and scenic beauty of the community which is considered to be important to the tourist industry and provides the economic base for the Village of Schoolcraft while creating stability and predictability of sign allowances, which promotes business success.

(d)

To encourage a concern for the visual environment which makes the village a more desirable place to live, work and visit. Blight and visual clutter create nuisance-like conditions, which are contrary to the public welfare.

(e)

To control the quality of materials, construction, electrification, and maintenance of all signs.

(Ord. No. 241, § 39, 10-18-2021)

Sec. 62-482. - Definitions.

(a)

Abandoned sign. Any sign and/or its supporting sign structure which remains without a message or whose display surface remains blank for a period of one year or more. Signs attached to a nonresidential use temporarily suspended because of a change in ownership or management shall not be deemed abandoned unless the property remains vacant for 1 year or more. Any sign remaining after the demolition of the principal structure shall also be deemed to be abandoned.

(b)

Awning. A sheet of canvas or other material stretched on a frame and used to keep the sun or rain off a storefront, window, or doorway.

(c)

Awning sign. A message painted on, printed on, or attached flat against the surface of an awning.

(d)

Balloon sign. An air or gas filled sign, at least 17 inches in height or taller, that is secured to a structure or the ground.

(e)

Banner sign. A sign intended to be hung either with or without frames, possessing message applied to paper, plastic, or fabric of any kind.

(f)

Billboard (poster panel). An off-premises sign structure typically designed for outdoor advertising.

(g)

Canopy. A structure, free of enclosing walls, that extends from a building for the purpose of providing shelter over a storefront or entryway.

(h)

Canopy sign. A message painted on, printed on, or attached flat against the surface of a canopy.

(i)

Changeable copy. That portion of a sign that is designed or used to display characters, letters, words, or illustrations that can be readily changed or rearranged by manual, mechanical, or electronic means without altering the face of the sign.

(j)

Channel letter sign. Individual custom-made letters, typically metal or plastic, that are applied to sign panels or attached to structures to convey a message. Channel letters may also be described as dimensional letters.

(k)

District. A zoning district specified in the Schoolcraft Village Zoning Ordinance.

(l)

Electronic billboard. An off-premises sign that displays digital images to convey a message that is changed every few seconds generally by a computer.

(m)

Electronic message sign. A sign with a fixed or changeable display or message composed of a series of lights that may be changed through electronic means.

(n)

Entrance way sign. A sign that designates the entrance way to a residential or nonresidential subdivision.

(o)

Feather sign. A vertically oriented sign, generally made of fabric, attached to a single pole allowing the fabric to hang loose at one or two of the four corners.

(p)

Festoons. A string of ribbons, tinsel, flags, pennants, or pinwheels used to attract attention.

(q)

Flashing sign. Any illuminated sign on which the artificial light is not maintained stationary or constant in intensity and color at all times when such sign is in use.

(r)

Freestanding sign. Any and every exterior sign or sign structure affixed to the land.

(s)

Human sign. Any device containing a message carried or displayed by a person, any person wearing clothing containing a message, or any person wearing a costume for advertising purposes, that are intended to attract attention.

(t)

Identification sign. A sign that identifies the business name, owner or resident and/or the street address and which sets forth no other advertisement.

(u)

Illuminated sign. A sign that provides artificial light by either emission or reflection.

(v)

Inflatable sign. An object that can be distended with a gas, usually air, and is generally made of metallic and/or cloth material for the purpose of attracting attention.

(w)

Incidental sign. A sign internal to a site which provides information, generally directional, to the public where goods, facilities, or services are available on site.

(x)

Marque. Any permanent roof-like structure that is attached to a building, generally above the building entrance, and projects beyond the wall of the building.

(y)

Marquee sign. A sign attached to a marquee.

(z)

Monument sign. A freestanding sign typically installed low to the ground, where the sign surface is attached to a proportionate solid base or structural frame.

(aa)

Nit. A measure of luminance equal to one candela per square meter.

(bb)

Nonconforming sign. A sign that was lawfully permitted at the time it was erected but is no longer permitted under current ordinance requirements.

(cc)

Off-premises commercial sign. A sign which contains a commercial message unrelated to a business or profession conducted or to a commodity, service, or activity, not sold or offered upon the premises where such sign is located.

(dd)

Pennant sign. Any lightweight plastic, fabric, or other material, whether containing a message of any kind, suspended from a rope, wire, or string, usually in series, designed to move in the wind and attract attention.

(ee)

Pole sign. A sign supported by one or more uprights, poles, or braces placed in the ground and not attached to any building.

(ff)

Portable sign. A freestanding sign not permanently anchored or secured to either a building or the ground, such as but not limited to "A" frame, poles temporarily driven into ground, T shaped, or inverted T shaped sign structures.

(gg)

Projecting sign. A sign which is affixed to any building or structure other than a marquee and projects in such a way that the message is not parallel to the wall to which it is attached.

(hh)

Roof sign. Any sign which is erected above the roof of a building.

(ii)

Sandwich board signs. A sign constructed in such a manner as to form an "A" or tent-like shape, which is moveable and not secured to the ground or surface upon which it is located.

(jj)

Setback. The required minimum horizontal distance between the property line and the sign.

(kk)

Sign display structure. A device designed or used to display, incorporate, hold, or otherwise exhibit the message of a sign.

(ll)

Snipe sign. A temporary and moveable sign made of any material that is found in unauthorized or permitted areas such as tacked, nailed, posted, pasted, glued, or otherwise attached to trees, poles, fences, or other objects, or located within the road right-of-way.

(mm)

Spinners. Signs held by a human that are used to draw attention through movements such as twisting or spinning the sign or dancing with the sign.

(nn)

Temporary sign. A sign with or without a structural frame intended for a limited period of time.

(oo)

Vehicle sign. A sign painted on, incorporated in, or attached directly to any mode of transportation, including but not limited to automobiles, trucks, boats, busses, airplanes, and trailers.

(pp)

Wall sign. A sign that is attached directly to or painted upon a building wall which does not project more than 18 inches therefrom. The exposed face of the sign must be in a plane parallel to the building wall or structure (such as a water tower).

(qq)

Window sign. A sign placed inside or upon a window facing the outside which is intended to be seen from outdoors.

(rr)

Yard sign, temporary. A removable, light weight, and portable sign that is intended to be displayed for a limited period and is not designed to be permanently affixed to the ground, building, or structure.

(Ord. No. 210, art. I, 9-17-2007; Ord. No. 241, § 39, 10-18-2021)

Sec. 62-483. - General provisions.

(a)

Permitted signs. A sign not expressly permitted by this article is prohibited. Signs shall pertain to the use or lot on which it is located, unless expressly authorized by this article.

(b)

Sign location. All signs must be placed on private property and no sign shall be located within or above any public right-of-way except for projecting signs as permitted within the CBD district.

(c)

Area calculation. The area of a sign shall be the computed area of the background upon which lettering, insignia, or other devices are placed. Where said display area is the face of a building, the area of such sign shall be the product of the total width and the total height occupied by such lettering, devices, or insignia. For signs having two sides, the maximum display area shall be permitted on both sides and the total area of one side only shall be deemed to be the total sign area. The supporting structure shall not be included in the area computation unless utilized as part of the total display area.

(d)

Height calculation.

(1)

Freestanding sign. The height of a freestanding sign shall be measured as the vertical distance from the base of the sign at grade to the top of the highest attached component of the sign. Grade shall be interpreted as the final ground elevation after construction. Earth mounding for landscaping and/or screening is not part of the final grade for sign height calculations.

(2)

Wall sign. The height of a wall sign shall be measured as the maximum vertical distance of the lettering, insignia, or other devices utilized for the sign.

(e)

Sign illumination. Except for electronic displays as allowed by this article, signs shall be illuminated only by continuous indirect or direct lighting. All sign illumination shall be employed in such a manner so as to prevent intense or brilliant glares or rays of light from being directed at any street or any adjoining property.

(f)

Prohibited signs. The following signs are prohibited, unless expressly authorized by this article:

(1)

Any sign that gives the appearance of motion, including moving, oscillating, animated, or flashing elements, and change to illumination levels.

(2)

Exterior pennants, spinners, inflatables, feather signs, streamers, balloons, banners, and festoons.

(3)

Human signs, where a person walks, carries, holds, or in any other way, displays a sign.

(4)

Snipe signs.

(5)

Roof signs.

(6)

Signs located on a vehicle, not used during the normal course of business, which are parked or located for the primary purpose of displaying an advertisement.

(7)

Any sign, signal, marking, or device which imitates or resembles any official traffic control device or railroad sign or signal, or emergency vehicle signal, or which attempts to direct the movement of traffic, or which hides from view or interferes with the effectiveness of any official traffic-control device.

(8)

Signs painted, attached or in any other manner affixed to trees, rocks, or similar natural surfaces, or attached to public utility poles or similar public structures.

(9)

Rope light, string light, or similar lighting attached to, surrounding, or otherwise drawing attention to a sign.

(10)

Abandoned signs.

(f)

Nonconforming signs.

(1)

Unless otherwise outlined in this article, nonconforming signs lawfully constructed prior to the adoption of this article may be used, maintained, or repaired in the same form and type as existing at the time they become nonconforming.

(2)

No nonconforming sign shall be structurally altered to change the shape, type, or size unless the change brings the sign into compliance with this article; however, the sign face may be replaced as long as it does not alter the sign in any other way.

(3)

If a nonconforming sign is damaged to the extent that the cost of reconstruction is equal to or less than one-half the value of the sign prior to the damage occurrence, the nonconforming sign may be restored within 180 days of the damage.

(4)

No nonconforming sign shall be changed to another nonconforming sign.

(5)

Nonconforming signs shall be removed once abandoned.

(6)

No nonconforming sign shall be moved to a new location unless such sign shall conform or shall be made to conform to the provisions of this article.

(7)

Any nonconforming sign which is structurally repaired shall require a new permit.

(g)

Indoor signs.

(1)

A sign attached to the inside of a window or door of a nonresidential building shall not require a permit provided that the total sign area shall not exceed 25 percent of the total window or door area.

(2)

Window signs shall not exceed 25 percent of the total area of the particular window or door in which the sign is located.

(h)

Electronic message signs.

(1)

An electronic message sign may serve as one component of a permanent freestanding sign and is permitted up to a maximum of 25 percent of the total permanent sign area per sign face. This limit shall not apply to electronic billboards.

(2)

Electronic message signs shall not emit more than 5,000 nits in full daylight and 125 nits during night hours, which commence no later than one hour after sunset and extend through no earlier than sunrise. The displays shall transition smoothly at a consistent rate from the permitted daytime brightness to the permitted nighttime brightness levels. All electronic message signs shall have functioning ambient light monitors and automatic dimming equipment which shall at all times be set to automatically reduce the brightness level of the sign proportionally to any reduction in the ambient light. In order to verify compliance, the interface that programs an electronic message sign shall be indicated in the requested sign permit and made available to village staff for inspection upon request. If the interface is not or cannot be made available upon request, the sign shall cease operation until the village has been provided proof of compliance.

(3)

Changeable copy.

a.

Changeable copy shall not change more than once per every 10 seconds.

b.

Changeable copy shall not appear to flash, scroll, travel, undulate, pulse, blink, expand, contract, bounce, rotate, spin, or twist.

c.

All electronic message signs shall default to an unlit black screen when more than 50 percent of the light source fails or if the light source otherwise is not displaying properly.

(i)

Exempt signs. Signs exempt from permits:

(1)

Building and/or unit addresses.

(2)

Legal notices and government signs.

(3)

Inscriptions on buildings provided they are no larger than three square feet and the sign copy is limited to building name, construction, or establishment date and/or similar historical information.

(4)

Incidental signs located in nonresidential zoning districts, which do not exceed two square feet in area per sign and are located in the interior portions of any parcel, lot, or building site.

(5)

Temporary signs in residential districts per the requirement of section 62-491.

(6)

Signs deemed necessary or ordered by the village council.

(j)

Sign permits. All permanent signs erected, altered, or constructed in the village shall conform to the provisions of this article and shall require a sign permit from the building inspector.

(1)

Before issuing said permit, the building inspector shall determine that:

a.

The sign meets all of the requirements of this article.

b.

The construction, support, and location of said signs will in no way constitute a hazard to the safety of the public or to adjacent properties, the provisions of this article notwithstanding.

c.

Street signs conform to all the provisions of this article and if on a state highway, to any additional regulations which may be set forth by the state highway department.

d.

Projecting signs meet all the requirements of this article.

e.

Illuminated signs conform in all respects to the electrical codes of the village and the state.

f.

The illumination of building signs, merchandise, or products displayed will in no way be confused with standard traffic safety devices.

g.

Said sign or signs will not by design or arrangement simulate or imitate the size, color, lettering or design of any official traffic sign or any word, phrase, or symbol used as a traffic safety control in such a manner as to confuse traffic.

h.

The light sources will be shielded from the direct view of vehicular traffic or adjacent property.

i.

Signs using glass shall be adequately constructed and located so as to produce no safety hazard should breakage occur.

j.

Signs will not be erected in a manner or location which will obstruct passage from windows or doorways.

k.

Sign supports and construction shall be designed and built in accordance with the Michigan Building Code.

(2)

Application for sign permit. Application for sign permits shall be made upon forms provided for by the village and shall contain the following information:

a.

Name, address, and telephone number of the applicant.

b.

Location of building, structure, or lot to which the sign is to be attached or erected.

c.

Position of the sign in relation to nearby buildings, structures and property lines, or placement on the building façade.

d.

Two drawings of the sign including the dimensions, specifications, and method of construction and attachment to the building or in the ground.

e.

Name and address of the person, firm, corporation, or association erecting the structure.

f.

Such other information as the village may require showing full compliance with this and all other applicable laws of the village and the State of Michigan.

g.

Permit applications for illuminated electronic signs shall include a copy of the manufacturer's specifications for luminance.

(3)

No permit shall be required for ordinary servicing, repainting of existing sign message or cleaning of a sign.

(4)

A permit issued pursuant to this article becomes null and void if work is not commenced within 180 days of issuance. If work authorized by the permit is suspended or abandoned for more than 180 days, the permit must be renewed.

(k)

Substitution. Noncommercial messages shall be permitted on any sign constructed or erected in compliance with this article. This substitution of noncommercial speech may be made without any additional approval or permitting as long as all requirements of this article are met. The purpose of this substitution clause is to prevent any inadvertent favoring of commercial speech over noncommercial speech or favoring of any noncommercial message over any other noncommercial message. This provision prevails over any more specific provision that may be contrary within this article.

(Ord. No. 210, arts. II, III, 9-17-2007; Ord. No. 216, § 10, 12-15-2008; Ord. No. 241, § 39, 10-18-2021)

Sec. 62-484. - Responsibility and removal.

All signs located in the village shall be erected, altered, and maintained at the risk of the owner who shall assume full responsibility for consequences or damage caused by the sign.

Where such signs are deemed to have become unsafe or not properly maintained, the village shall give the owner 30 days to correct this situation or have the sign removed. Upon failure to remove or correct such conditions within 30 days after notice, the building inspector shall have such sign summarily removed as a public nuisance, the cost incurred in removal to be borne by the owner of said sign.

(Ord. No. 241, § 39, 10-18-2021)

Sec. 62-485. - Signs in the R-A, R-1, R-2, R-3 and RMH districts.

In the R-A, R-1, R-2, R-3 and RMH districts only the following signs shall be permitted:

SIGN/USE TYPE PLACEMENT MAXIMUM SIGN AREA (square feet) SIGN HEIGHT (maximum) MAXIMUM NUMBER OF SIGNS
Wall signs: Permitted non-residential uses Front façade. Maximum height of 20 ft. 30 sq. ft. N/A 1 per façade, maximum of 2 signs.
Awning and/or Canopy Signs: Permitted non-residential uses Located above building entrances and sign shall be placed on the face of the awning or canopy surface. 30 sq. ft. No higher than the top of the awning or canopy 1 per business façade, maximum of 2 and if no wall sign is present.
Freestanding signs: Multiple family dwellings, subdivisions, site condominiums, and permitted non-residential uses 10 ft. from all property lines. 30 sq. ft. 5 ft. maximum 1 per major entrance, maximum of 2 signs.

 

(Ord. No. 241, § 39, 10-18-2021)

Sec. 62-486. - Signs in the RM district.

In the RM residential district, the provisions of section 62-485 shall apply, except that the customary professional sign or nameplate as regulated above in all other respects, may be increased to a total area of four square feet. An apartment or a group of apartment buildings with eight or more dwelling units may display one identification sign of not more than 24 square feet.

Sec. 62-487. - Signs in the B-1, B-2, I-1, and I-2 districts.

No sign shall be permitted which is not accessory to the principal use of the building or property. The following signs are permitted, provided all requirements are met:

SIGN TYPE SIGN PLACEMENT MAXIMUM SIGN AREA (square feet) SIGN HEIGHT (maximum) SIGN WIDTH (maximum)
Building-Mounted Signs: Maximum of two (2) signs
Wall signs Street facing façade. Minimum of 10 ft. above grade. 15% of the façade upon which the sign will be attached. Cannot project above the building roofline. 70% of the width of the façade upon which the sign will be attached.
Secondary façade. Minimum of 10 ft. above grade. 5% of the façade upon which the sign will be attached. Cannot project above the building roofline. 40% of the width of the façade upon which the sign will be attached.
Awning and canopy signs Awnings: on the awning surface, drip edge is preferred. Minimum of 10 ft. above grade. No more than 25% of the awning or canopy area. No higher than the top of awning or canopy. 70% of the width of the awning or canopy upon which the sign will be attached.
Canopies: on face of canopy. Minimum of 10 ft. above grade.
Freestanding Signs: Maximum of one (1) sign
Monument signs 10 ft. from all property lines. 60 sq. ft. 8 ft. N/A
Pole signs 10 ft. from the front property line and the height of the sign from all side yards. 60 sq. ft. 30 ft. N/A
Freestanding Interior Site Signs: Maximum of two (2) signs
Incidental signs Located interior to the development, but at least 10 ft. from any property line. 2 sq. ft. 4 ft. N/A

 

(a)

Where the second story of a building is occupied by a separate nonresidential use, one additional wall sign attached to the face of the second story wall meeting the requirements of this section shall be permitted.

(b)

Buildings on corner lots shall be deemed to have two street façades and one additional wall sign shall be permitted for a total of three wall signs.

(c)

Multi-unit buildings shall be allowed one wall sign for each tenant space. Sign size will be determined by the square footage of the individual unit façade.

(d)

Nonresidential properties with 400 feet or more of frontage shall be allowed one additional freestanding sign meeting the area and height requirements of this section.

(e)

Multi-unit centers shall be permitted an additional eight square feet of freestanding sign display area for each tenant space over the first two. The additional freestanding sign area shall not exceed 50 percent of the permitted sign area.

(Ord. No. 241, § 39, 10-18-2021)

Sec. 62-488. - Signs in the B-2 general business district.

In the B-2 district, all provisions of section 62-487 shall apply, but projecting signs and pylon signs are permitted as follows, provided the total number of signs shall conform to section 62-487.

(1)

Freestanding or pylon signs: One of the permitted signs may be a freestanding pylon sign located behind the front street property line; provided, however, that no such sign shall be erected on a lot of less than 150 feet in width, except that on lots abutting a marked state highway on 100 feet or more width, such signs may be erected on lots of 100-foot width. No such sign shall be erected on a lot adjoining a lot in a residential use under separate ownership where the principal residential building is less than 150 feet distant from said sign location, the provisions of this chapter notwithstanding. The following conditions must be complied with:

a.

The sign shall not be closer than five feet to the front street property line and shall be perpendicular to said line.

b.

No sign shall exceed 30 feet in height or 80 square feet in total area.

c.

The sign shall meet the side yard requirements of the principal building.

Sec. 62-489. - Signs in the CBD central business district.

In the CBD district, no sign shall be permitted that is not accessory to the principal use of the building or property. The following signs are permitted, provided all requirements are met:

SIGN TYPE SIGN PLACEMENT MAXIMUM SIGN AREA (square feet) SIGN HEIGHT (maximum) SIGN WIDTH (maximum)
Building-Mounted Signs: One (1) sign
Wall signs Street facing façade. Minimum of 8 ft. above grade. 15% of the façade upon which the sign will be attached. Cannot project above the building roofline. 70% of the width of the façade upon which the sign will be attached.
Awning and canopy signs Awnings: on the awning surface, drip edge is preferred. Minimum of 8 ft. above grade.
Canopies: on face of canopy. Minimum of 8 ft. above grade.
No more than 25% of the awning or canopy area. No higher than the top of awning or canopy. 70% of the width of the awning or canopy upon which the sign will be attached.
Marquee signs Above the entrance to the building.
Minimum of 8 ft. above grade.
50% of the marquee. No higher than the top of the marquee. 70% of the width of the marquee upon which the sign will be attached.
Projecting signs A minimum of 8 ft. above the sidewalk. Street facing façade more than 14 ft. above grade. 32 sq. ft. Shall not exceed a height of 24 ft. or project above the building roofline, whichever is less. 8 ft.
Street facing façade at or below 14 ft. above grade. 16 sq. ft. Shall not exceed a height of 24 ft. or project above the building roofline, whichever is less. 8 ft.
Portable Signs: Maximum of one (1) sign
Sandwich board signs May not be located within two feet of the curb or within an area on the sidewalk that is more than 4 feet but less than 8 feet from the front face of the building. This sign free area is provided for open passage of pedestrians on the sidewalks. 6 sq. ft. on each side. 3 ft. 3 ft.

 

(a)

Multi-unit buildings shall be allowed one wall sign for each tenant space. Sign size will be determined by the square footage of the individual unit façade.

(b)

Where a public entrance to the business is also provided at the rear or side from an adjoining parking area, the rear or side wall of the building façade facing upon such parking area shall be permitted one additional sign for a total of two wall signs.

(c)

Buildings on corner lots shall be deemed to have two street façades and one additional wall sign shall be permitted.

(d)

Where the second story of a building is occupied by a separate nonresidential use, one additional wall sign attached to the face of the second story wall meeting the requirements of this section shall be permitted.

(e)

No awning, canopy, or marquee sign shall project beyond the ends of said awning, canopy, or marquee.

(f)

If projecting signs are to be internally illuminated, they shall not exceed 16 square feet in size and cut-out, or channel letters only shall be permitted. Illuminated box signs are prohibited. Externally illuminated projecting signs are preferred.

(g)

Monument, pole, or other freestanding signs are prohibited in the CBD district.

(h)

Sandwich board signs may not be illuminated.

(Ord. No. 210, arts. IV—VII, 9-17-2007; Ord. No. 241, § 39, 10-18-2021)

Sec. 62-490. - Billboards.

(a)

Permitted districts. Billboards may only be permitted within the I-1 of I-2 industrial districts.

(b)

General requirements.

(1)

Billboards may be allowed as the principal use on vacant lots and may advertise products or entities not related to the use of the property.

(2)

Any lot to be used for a billboard shall have at least 60 feet of frontage on a major thoroughfare and be at least 750 feet from a similar use on the same side of the street.

(3)

Such signs shall meet all yard requirements of its zone provided that no such sign shall be closer than ten feet to any property line nor closer than three feet to the ground, and such three feet shall be kept open and unobstructed.

(4)

Billboard illumination shall be from lighting fixtures mounted on the top of the structure and directed down and directly on said billboard. No light shall be emitted above the billboard's highest horizontal plane or onto any adjacent lot, building site, or parcel.

(5)

In no event shall any billboard have flashing or intermittent lights, nor shall the lights be permitted to rotate or oscillate.

(6)

Billboards shall not contain any visible moving parts, revolving parts, or mechanical movement of any description or other apparent visible movement, except for electronic displays as described in this section.

(c)

Sign area and height. The area of said sign shall not exceed 100 square feet and shall not exceed 20 feet in height.

(d)

Electronic billboards. Electronic billboards are subject to the same requirements as traditional billboards as outlined in this section, as well as the following:

(1)

The images and messages displayed must be static or still images. Such images and messages shall be permitted to fill the entire sign area. Animation, video streaming, moving images, or other pictures and graphics displayed in a progression of frames that give the illusion of motion or moving objects shall be prohibited. Under no circumstances shall any message or display appear to flash, undulate, pulse, move, portray flashes of light or blinking lights, or otherwise appear to move toward or away from the viewer, expand or contract, bounce, rotate, spin, twist, or make other comparable or hypnotic movements.

(2)

An electronic billboard may not allow the display or message to change more frequently than once every 10 seconds, with a transition period of one second or less.

(3)

The transition from one static image or message to another shall be instantaneous without any delay or special effects accomplished by varying the light intensity or pattern, where the first message gradually reduces intensity or appears to dissipate and lose legibility simultaneously with the gradual increase in intensity, appearance and legibility of the second message, such as, but not limited to: flashing; blinking; spinning; revolving; shaking; zooming; fading; dissolving; scrolling; dropping; traveling; chasing; exploding; or similar effects that have the appearance of movement, animation, changing in size, or being revealed incrementally rather than all at once.

(4)

Sequential messaging as part of an electronic billboard shall be prohibited. The images and messages displayed shall be complete in themselves without continuation in content to the next image or message or to any other billboard.

(5)

The maximum brightness levels shall not emit more than 5,000 nits in full daylight and 125 nits during night hours, which commence no later than one hour after sunset and extends through no earlier than sunrise. Certification must be provided to the village demonstrating that the sign has been preset to automatically adjust the brightness to these levels or lower.

(6)

An electronic billboard must have installed an ambient light monitor, which shall continuously monitor and automatically adjust the brightness level of the display based on ambient light conditions consistent with the terms of this section.

(7)

Electronic billboards shall be designed and equipped to freeze the device in one position if a malfunction occurs. The displays must also be equipped with a means to immediately discontinue the display if it malfunctions, and the billboard owner must immediately stop the electronic display when notified by the village that it is not complying with the standards of this section. Prior to issuing any necessary permits for an electronic billboard, the applicant shall submit to the village written verification from the manufacturer that the electronic billboard is so designed and equipped.

(Ord. No. 241, § 39, 10-18-2021)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 241, § 39, adopted October 18, 2021, amended § 62-490 in its entirety to read as herein set out. Former § 62-490 pertained to signs in the I-1 light industrial and I-2 general industrial districts.

Sec. 62-491. - Temporary signs.

(a)

Permitted temporary signs. Exterior pennants, spinners, inflatables, feather signs, streamers, balloons, banners, festoons, sandwich boards, and temporary yard signs.

(b)

Temporary signs requirements.

DISTRICT PERMITTED TYPES OF SIGNS NUMBER OF SIGNS MAXIMUM SIGN AREA (square feet) SIGN HEIGHT (maximum) SIGN WIDTH (maximum)
R-A, R-1, R-2, and R-3 Freestanding N/A Total sign area shall be 36 sq. ft.
Maximum area of any one sign shall be 12 sq. ft.
5 ft. 3 ft.
RMH Freestanding N/A Total sign area shall be 36 sq. ft.
Maximum area of any one sign shall be 12 sq. ft.
5 ft. 3 ft.
Wall 1 32 sq. ft. 4 ft. 8 ft.
B-1, B-2, I-1, and I-2 Freestanding N/A 64 sq. ft. Maximum area of any one sign shall be 32 sq. ft. 10 ft. 8 ft.
Wall 1 72 sq. ft. 6 ft. 12 ft.
CBD Wall 1 60 sq. ft. 6 ft. 10 ft.

 

(c)

Display time.

(1)

The maximum display time of temporary signs is 60 days for nonresidential properties. This time period is not required to be consecutive. A temporary sign permit must be approved for each display period. At the expiration of the temporary sign permit, the sign must be removed.

(2)

Residential properties shall be permitted one additional sign 32 square feet in size from November 20 through January 5 each calendar year.

(d)

Setbacks. Freestanding temporary signs shall be setback five feet from all property lines and at no times should be located within a road right-of-way.

(e)

Wall placement. Wall signs shall be a minimum of eight feet above grade and cannot project beyond the building roof line. They must be flush to the wall. Projecting temporary wall signs are prohibited.

(f)

For sale or lease. When all or a portion of a building or land area is listed or advertised for sale or lease, the maximum display time for temporary signs shall be the duration the building, building unit, or land is actively listed or advertised for sale or lease. Once leased or sold, the sign shall be removed. In all cases, the sign area limits as outlined in subsection (b) above shall apply.

(g)

Maintenance. Temporary signs shall be subject to the maintenance standards of this article.

(h)

Illumination. Illumination of temporary signs is prohibited.

(i)

Prohibited placement. Temporary signs shall not be attached to fences, trees, utility poles, or the like; and shall not be placed in a position that will obstruct the vision of traffic or create a hazard or disturbance to the safety, health, and welfare of the public in any manner.

(j)

Temporary sign permit. Application for temporary signs on nonresidential property shall be made upon forms provided for by the village and shall contain the following information:

(1)

Name, address, and telephone number of the applicant.

(2)

Location of building, structure, or lot to which the sign is to be attached or erected.

(3)

Position of the sign in relation to nearby buildings, structures and property lines, or placement on the building façade.

(4)

A drawing or picture of the sign with size dimensions.

(5)

Such other information as the village may require showing full compliance with this and all other applicable laws of the village and the State of Michigan.

(Ord. No. 241, § 39, 10-18-2021)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 241, § 39, adopted October 18, 2021, amended § 62-491 in its entirety to read as herein set out. Former § 62-491 pertained to signs in the P parking district.